A Life Full of ADVENTURE & EXCITEMENT

                                       

Kobayashi-san of Quantum Sail is helping us with our new sails and this morning he came to measure the sizes of the head sail (the one in front) and main sail (the biggest sail) to make new ones. I was really curious to learn how they measure them so I watched carefully. In the world of high technology, one would think they have awesome tools where you measure with a laser beam or something which sends the information for digital analysis but to my surprise the procedure was relatively simple. They showed me that although the methods are simple, when a professional does it, they can get very detailed data. Kobayashi-san efficiently measured everything and got the information he needed. He then takes all the data and uses the computer to design a 2D, 3D graphic image of the sails.

While this was going on, a couple of people from the Japan Coast Guard which we visited a few days ago came to see the Aeolus because they were at the Hokko Yacht Harbor to promote sea navigation safety. Their boat was a light aluminum boat and it looked like it could go really fast. I wouldn't want to be aboard that boat because I had to be rescued but I would love to go on it to see how fast it goes. In the afternoon, I spoke with some people who research and develop products like glasses with built-in cameras, bone conduction earphones and systems with built-in microphones. Another moment of realization that technological advancement far exceeds anything I've ever imagined. It made me want to start thinking of a new revolutionary challenge. I know, a voyage across the Pacific is a big enough challenge but I want to dream and I want to chase my dreams so please bear with me. It's a great feeling when you've done something you could't do before. Let's live the life that is full of adventure and excitement!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/27/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

HAIRCUT

There were many cultural differences I experienced when I initially moved to San Diego. One of them was an experience at a barber. Back then, I found a sign for a barber near my house so I walked in to get my hair cut. I was really surprised when the barber pulled out a electrical hair clipper as soon as I was seated and just started cutting away. He didn't ask how I wanted to have my hair done or if it wasn't too tight around my neck when he put the cape on. I was really surprised! In about 10 minutes I heard "That's it. Thank you."...my cue to leave. I remember I just sat there feeling a little confused because I was used to the hour-long detailed service in Japan. When he told me that it was $10, it all made sense. For someone who was used to paying around $35, it was a bargain and I understood why it only took 10 minutes. In San Diego there are many hair salons that cater to the affluent of San Diego or the Japanese customers which offer extensive services for a higher price. Terra Hair Design located in the affluent part of San Diego known as La Jolla is owned by a Japanese hairstylist. Terra Hair Design is a sponsor for SWIS (See What I Sea) and I have had my hair cut there before. Here, haircut+tip is around $100 which may seem a bit pricey but you will experience quality service like nowhere else.

I looked for a place to get a haircut near Nishikujyo Station. If I could see, I would probably notice several barbers and hair salons in the area when I'm walking around but I only have a mental map of the places I have gotten directions to before. So, there were no barbers on my mental map. I heard that there is an iPhone and iPad app that's great for the blind but I'm not that IT savvy so I always use Google Search. I got a list of 5 places near Nishikujyo Station. I called one that was nearest the station to get directions and then started walking relying on my mental map. As soon as I reached the general location, I asked someone to tell me where it is. It was right in front of me. I got a haircut and a shave and feel refreshed!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/26/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Memories of ABALONE LIVER

Me: "Father, I can't eat this. It's too bitter."
Father: "I don't care. It's good for your eyes so hold your nose and eat it!"
This was a conversation I remember having with my father when I started to lose my sight when I was in junior high school. My parents heard somewhere that abalone liver was good for the eyes so they so they asked a fisherman they knew and got a massive amount of abalone to feed me. We weren't wealthy so I imagine it must have put a huge dent in the family budget. Despite that, back then for me, I thought abalone was too tough and bland tasting and the liver was just too bitter. I remember how I had to swallow it with water as I choked on it to try to keep it down and how much of a struggle the whole experience was. I recall how I thought squid, so tender and sweet, tasted so much better. Ironically, since I started drinking, I've acquired a taste for abalone and now I love the unique consistency and really appreciate the bitter flavor of the liver. All I can say is that it is really ironic. As an adult, now I can't have abalone even though I love it. First of all, it's so expensive. Since I left my hometown of Kumamoto and moved to Tokyo and eventually to San Diego, during this 25 years, I can probably count how many times I had abalone on one hand. I heard that there was an izakaya (a Japanese dining pub) near Nishikujo Station that offers fresh seafood for a reasonable price so I went there last night. It was right near Daikoku Station. I found abalone on the menu and it was an unbelievable 580 yen so I had to order it. The abalone was fresh and I thought about my parents and how they watched over me as I gradually lost my sight as I enjoyed each piece of abalone and the bittersweet flavor the liver. As I savored the bitterness of the liver I spoke to my father who passed away 7 years ago; "Father, I may not be able to see but you need not worry. I am a happy man."


Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/26/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Merlion CONTINUED

So, my Merlion experience that I had for the first time in a long time last weekend made me realize something. I realized that the reason I turned into a Merlion this time was much different from the reason I became a Merlion in the past. Usually when I get motion sickness, first I feel; "Oh, my head feels heavy." then "Oh, my stomach doesn't feel right." and then eventually "Oh, I'm starting to feel really sick now'" and then finally I would yell "Oh no, I'm really sick. I can't take this anymore!" and run into the bathroom or to the side of the boat and there you will see me turn into the Merlion.

  But this time, it was completely different. My first symptom was more like; "It feels like acid reflux, my stomach hurts." But what came next was that I started to feel really cold.

  Last Saturday, we had unusual weather throughout Japan where there was snow in many regions which was the latest snowfall ever recorded in the history of the meteorological observatory. In the area around the Osaka Bay was surrounded by 2 kinds of atmospheric pressure so not only was there rough weather but there was also a really drastic temperature drop. I, on top of that, I did not take the weather forecast seriously enough so instead of wearing my thicker Helly Hansen rain poncho, I had on my lighter waterproof poncho that I bought online. But in the the heavy rain, the waterproof poncho one might wear when playing golf was completely useless. Almost instantly my jeans were soaked through and "I'm cold" quickly turned into "I feel like an ice cube'" and in the end, turned into "I think I'm going to die from hypothermia." and then panic set in, I lost my ability to think straight and passed out below deck. While I was going through all this, looking back,  I never felt sick like I normally do when I get motion sickness and even though the only thing I remember feeling at the time was that it was extremely cold, all of a sudden I just got sick and turned into the Merlion. This was definitely a first for me. 

  So in order of what happened; "My stomach is starting to hurt." → "It's so cold." → "I'm freezing." → "I'm so cold I think I'm going to die." → Then all of a sudden  → "Merlion"

  So through this experience I had an epiphany. When in an "I feel sick." vs. "I'm cold." situation, the human body reacts to "I'm cold." In other words, when experiencing both at the same time, feeling cold will outweigh feeling sick so I didn't even realize how sick I really was. 

    So, with that in mind it got me thinking; for example; if you were feeling ticklish and pain at the same time, which would you react to? Your body will probably react to pain over ticklishness. Then how about pain vs funny? If you were watching a really hilarious stand-up comedian while getting a really painful foot massage, what do you think your reaction would be? Does anyone want to give it a try?

  So, that fact that I am having such ridiculous thoughts tells me how hard last weekend's experience was. Hmmm...but I will persevere.

Oh, Umatan-san, thank you for buying my book. Please get my mail magazine too! LOL     

Originally posted by Jiro Shinbo in Japanese on 4/24/2013

Translated by SWIS Project

The 'Other' HIDEAWAY Aboard the Aeolus

I went to the Hokko Yacht Harbor this morning and went into the 'other' hideaway aboard the Aeolus and studied the structure. It's called a stern hatch and it's a storage space on top of something box shaped in the back of the yacht. It's pretty deep so if I just crouch inside, only my face will stick out. Many things can be fit into this. And there are many pipes inside where you can turn the cocks on and off. There is the pipe where the engine coolant water goes out and the cock, normally the cock will be turned on so the coolant water can flow out when the engine is on. However, when the water is rough and the waves are bigger, we turn the cock off and use the sail. If we don't do that, there will be a back-flow of sea water. That will probably damage the engine. If we turn the engine on again, if we don't turn the cock on, we won't have any coolant water. If I don't learn each pipe by touch, and I don't remember which pipe runs where and for what reason, it may lead to disaster. Afterwards, I learned how to connect the iPad I use to steer the boat to the Wi-Fi and how to set the bluetooth and phone. All Apple products have a software called a voiceover installed which assist the visually challenged. So it is possible for me to read your iPhone screen if we wanted. I will talk more about that in another occasion. It's not like I'm an IT guru or anything. I barely keep up with  technology but IT allows us to maximize our potential to the fullest. Without IT, this project probably would not have seen the light of day. And perhaps with the evolution of IT, I will be able to fulfill my next adventure. What is my next adventure? Well, for the time being, I will keep it a secret.


Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/23/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Room for TWO

On Sunday, I reached Hokko Yacht Yarbor, went to the bathroom and as I was coming out of the clubhouse I heard a voice asking; "Are you Hiro-san?" To my surprise, it was someone who has been reading my blogs and came all the way to the harbor to meet me. Thank you for coming out to see me in such cold weather.

So, in my blog the other day, I talked about the importance of guiding the blind by the elbow rather than guiding by pushing us from behind. Another important thing a guide needs to remember is to make sure there is enough room for two people.

Be careful that you are not making sure you have enough space only for yourself and end up having us walk into a row of parked bicycles or telephone poles. Especially, for example when you are on a floating pier...if you're not careful for the both of you, the blind will fall right into the water. So what should you do if there is only enough room for one person at a time? Good question. Then move the arm that the person you are guiding is holding on to towards the back and let them know you are headed into a narrow space. This works even in a narrow space like a floating pier. Oh! One more thing! When you are trying to guide someone onto a boat, do not try to support them with your hands. Simply place their hand on the side stay (the wire that supports the mast) or stanchion (an upright bar or post). They will be able to get on the boat on their own. It's more stabilizing this way than having someone trying to support you with their hands. Same goes for getting in a car. Many people open the door and push our heads down but you've done plenty by just placing our hand on the door handle. By opening the door ourselves, we have a better idea which way the car is facing and how high the roof is as we sit down. It's much safer this way. I'll write more about guiding again soon.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/23/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

MERLION

First of all, I apologize for using the symbol of Singapore, the Merlion for something other than what it's meant to represent.

  I hope I don't offend anyone when I say, the other night during the overnight cruise, the director/cameraman for the documentary, Mr. Isaki and I both 'turned into' the Merlion. I don't think I have publicly humiliated myself like this since I was a student who had too much to drink at a bar in Takadababa.

  To begin with, I almost always get motion sickness. During my earlier years in elementary school, I always received 'Special Treatment' when we went on field trips because of my special ability to turn into the Merlion and the teacher would have me sit at the front of the bus just so I won't have to turn into one. By the time I started high school, I commuted to school by bus so I stopped getting motion sickness on anything on land but the sea is a different matter. However, I have been blessed with the opportunity to own my own boat so I have gotten used to the waves and thought I learned to not turn into a Merlion but my new found ability was no match for the heavy waves in the Osaka Bay.

   Wavelengths are proportionate to the distance the winds travel across the ocean so the waves in the Pacific are big but there's some time in between waves. But in Osaka Bay, the waves come from every directions in short irregular intervals. In the Pacific, the wave height could reach up to 10 meters so compared to that, even in heavy weather, the waves only get to about 1.5 meters so there's no concern of the boat capsizing. HOWEVER, these kind of waves, with the short intervals, not being able to tell from which direction the next wave will be coming from, for someone who is prone to turning into a Merlion, well, it's torture.  

   So, during this overnight training session, I was down inside the boat, asleep. I feel so ashamed. This time, 2 professional sailors and Hiro-san sailed the ship but when we set sail for San Diego, Hiro-san and I have to do this all by ourselves so for the first time since the start of this project, to be honest, I'm a little worried. But the reality is "The ship has already sailed', so for the next month and a half, I may not be able to keep myself from getting motion sickness but I can train myself to be functional despite it. I think my first I training session should be something like taking a ride on Space Mountain in Disneyland with a beautiful woman...LOL

  I am in awe at how Hiro-san can handle himself in such harsh weather conditions. Needless to say, the dark doesn't affect the blind at all. He does all the work without slowing down a bit. It is amazing to watch how quickly he can get things done on a ship in the darkness of the night.

Originally posted by Jiro Shinbo in Japanese on 4/22/2013

Translated by SWIS Project

We Made it Back SAFE & SOUND

It's freezing! It's FREEZING!

Great work Shinbo-san! Hiro maintained his positive attitude right to the end. (From Head Office)

Hello everyone! We made it safely back to Hokko Yacht Harbor around 9 am this morning. What a sharp contrast to yesterday's beautiful weather...the temperature started dropping rapidly, especailly after sunset. Golden Week (a week where April 29, May 1-3 are official holidays in Japan)  in May is coming up soon but it still feels like winter. We knew it was going to get cold so we were dressed for it but when the wind is at 13 m and it's raining, the temperature feels like 5℃. I had 4 layers of pants and 6 layers of shirts but it was COLD! The Chagayu (Japanese tea rice porridge) that Hiki-san made for a midnight snack was the BEST! With sea sickness and the cold, the director who came on board with us said he thought he was going to freeze to death and that he never wants to be on a yacht again. The thing we have to be most careful about when sailing in Japan are the fixed fishing nets. We really struggled with them. The L-shaped dots that suddenly appear on the radar, what is this? Can we get passed it? No, we have to change directions and avoid it. It was a fixed fishing net for seaweed which was about 2.7 km by 2.5 km. Once we got to Hokko Yacht Harbor we ate some warm delicious curry. This overnight training was really productive. Thank you everyone for your continuous support.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/21/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

NIGHT SAILING Begins

Hi everyone! It's Hiro again. It's 7:30 pm. We are sailing west, past Kansai Airport towards Awaji Island. The wind is picking up speed. It's about 7 m now. The wind has changed from northwest to northeast and the forecast says it will get heavier. Shikoku coast has already issued a warning so I think it will get up to 15 m around here soon. We've adjusted the sails so we're ready for the stronger winds. All 6 of us are doing great! I had some warm miso soup on rice and it was delicious. Technicians from Yomiuri TV were testing live broadcasts via satellite with Shibo-san. For me, the sailing at night isn't any different than sailing during the day but for the people who can see, it's going to be a tough time for them. I will blog again in the morning. It's my watch now. I'll be looking forward to having some warm seafood noodles when my watch is over.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/20/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

EXHILARATING!

At around 1:10 pm, we left Hokko Yacht Harbor as our friends saw us off. I can still feel the warmth of the sun so it's hard to believe the weather conditions are going to get bad. The wind is really calm, barely any or it. We cruised with the engine for a while and we all had fried chicken for lunch together. It was sooo good. We were all really happy. Hara-san, thank you for bringing us our lunch! About an hour later we started getting some wind so we hoisted the main sail and head sail and turned off the engine. The wind wasn't very strong, somewhere around 2 knots. Even now, it's 3:30 pm but wind speed is around 5 m, at a low speed around 4 or 5 knots so we hoisted the inner jib and we are sailing smoothly. Satellite connection is great and I am uploading this via satellite as we speak.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/20/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Off We GO!

Good morning everyone! It's 10:30 am, Saturday. We loaded all the food, light oil, sea charts and set the sails so we are almost ready. Right now, the wind is blowing northeast at about a speed of 5 m. The weather is nice now but it should start getting cloudy this afternoon and it is expected to start raining this evening and continue to rain through the night. We will finalize the details of our trip in our meeting right before we set sail but we are scheduled to head south on the Osaka Bay, go passed the Kii Suido and out to the Pacific then come back. The wind is telling me that it will be a great trip out but it might get a little scary on the way back. I want to test the LAN on board so I'll upload a blog during our trip. Wish us luck! Talk to you soon!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/20/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Shopping for Food for Tommorrow's OVERNIGHT TRAINING

This morning we visited the Japan Coast Guard near Osaka Port. In response to the inquiries we had made beforehand such as; approximately how many ships travel monthly between Asia and the West Coast of the U.S., the conditions of debris from the tsunami, locations of fixed fishing nets, the number of cases where ships were rescued by the coast guard last year, etc., they explained it to us and gave us the information which was a 1.5 cm thick book. It is important that we make is safely to San Diego without having to trouble the Japan Coast Guard or the U.S. Coast Guard so we are assessing and preparing for all the risks to the best of our abilities. I am very grateful that the coast guard is so cooperative.

Afterwards, Shinbo-san and I went shopping for food items to prepare for our first overnight training. The first thing Shibo-san picked up in the store was Yotchan Ika (a classic Japanese 30 yen snack which is a piece of squid marinated in vinegar). We filled the shopping cart with Gomokugohan (flavored and cooked rice usually with some chicken, carrots, burdock etc), curry, cooked rice packs, cup noodles, cookies, Calorie Mate (energy supplement cookies), coffee, chocolate bread, gum, water, carbonated juice...maybe we got a little too much for just one night. On this trip, several people in addition to Shinbo-san will be joining me like the satellite communications staff,  a director for the documentary etc. but I still think we may have bought too much. I wonder what it's going to be like when we go shopping for our actual trip across the Pacific. I will blog about it so please look forward to it!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/19/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

With the TV CREW of Ce Matin

Today we had a TV crew from the show 'Ce Matin' follow us for the day. In the morning, I showed them how I write my blogs and cook. "What? You can listen and comprehend that quickly?" asked the director. I laughed as I replied; "This is actually a bit on the slower side." What we are talking about? This was a conversation we were having when I was showing how the PC reads out what is on the screen. Yes. The blind installs a screen reader software that reads aloud what is being entered on a keyboard on a laptop which allows us to confirm what we are writing. At first it's hard to quickly comprehend what you hear but you quickly get used to it. And eventually, you start feeling it's not fast enough. I must say the capabilities and possibilities of man are incredible. You have the potential capacity to do this too. The TV crew observed us sail in the afternoon. They filmed me as I handled the ropes by finding the markers I blogged about the other day and sailed the yacht using the system that uses voice to tell me which direction the yacht is facing, wind speeds and wind directions. I've gotten used to doing things in front of the camera so I think I was able to sail well without being nervous. I was a lot more nervous this morning when I had to show them what my daily life is like. This will be aired on 'Ce Matin' on May 7th. If you live in the Kansai area, I hope you watch it! Okubo-san, a member of Kaientai; a group of volunteers that do the maintenance of the Aeolus, came from Shizuoka and  stayed for 6 days to do things like exchange the bolts around the rudder and weld the stove burner and such. He also made it possible to put more things at the tip of the boat by weaving a net with his own hands. When we travel across the Pacific, we will be storing many important food items there. Okubo-san, I thank you again. I know it's not easy and I really appreciate everything you do. 

PS from the Head Office：We will post pictures tomorrow. We forgot the camera on the yacht. We are so sorry!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/18/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Blind Guide BASICS

Thank you everyone for joining me again today by reading my blog. And I am very grateful to the people who post me messages. It really motivates me to write more. I have received messages from people I went to high school with and friends from my amateur radio days and I look forward to the day I will get the chance to see them again. Today I will write about how to be a blind guide as I promised in a previous blog. The key is to walk in front and be the leader. Quite often, people try to maneuver the blind by walking behind them and to push them in the right direction. I understand why they would want to do that. It makes them nervous if they can't see the blind person so they do that to keep them in view. But as a blind person who is being guided, we prefer to hold the elbow of the guide. By having the guide walk in front, we can feel a  lot of what is going on through the elbow like if there is a step up or step down, it allows us to walk smoothly. Exactly what you are thinking now...if the my hand that is holding the elbow goes up I know that I will be going up and if it goes down I will be going down. If you have read what I have written here now, then please be confident and give it a try. If the blind is familiar with their environment they may tell you they are fine on their own even if you offer assistance but that doesn't mean they felt insulted that you offered or anything like that so please do not feel bad. Please remember that there are many more that would be grateful that you offered your assistance.  

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/18/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Aeolus's TUMMY

After the maintenance work was done yesterday, we sailed the Aeolus back to Hokko Yacht Harbor. When the Aeolus was lifted up out of the water, I thoroughly ran my hands on the underside of the Aeolus to paint a mental picture of her. Normally, this part of the Aeolus would be underwater so I wouldn't be able to do this. By doing this I got to know her better. Like being surprised at how small the propeller that moves the 8 ton Aeolus is. And how impressively big the keel is. That's why even in heavy winds the Aeolus won't tip over and we feel safe when the waves are pretty big. Thanks to the keel, the Aeolus sails relatively straight without steering. By touching the bottom of the Aeolus, I reconfirmed that she is a reliable boat even in rough weather. Next, I carefully touched the water intake and scupper (drain). What I am touching with my left hand has a strainer so it's the water intake. Sea water is pumped to the faucet in the galley (kitchen) from here. We do most of our washing with sea water. Purified water is precious so we can't use that for washing. I'm touching the the scupper with my right hand. This doesn't have a strainer. Water intakes have strainers so that things like seaweed won't clog the pipe. There are many scuppers for different uses; i.e. some are to drain water out when a huge wave rolls into the cockpit and fills it up with water or to flush the toilet or to drain the sea water when it is used to cool the engine. I touched and memorized each one. I then carefully made my way up the step ladder and got aboard the yacht when I heard voices and sounds of machines from the direction of beneath the boat which felt so different from when the boat is in the water. I went into the cabin and I touched the pipes and tried to imagine which inlet or drain that I touched earlier it was connected to. To explain why, I did this because if I don't understand the layout of the inlets/drains, I won't be able to troubleshoot if and when the boat fills with sea water. At around 2 pm, the Aeolus was returned to the water by a crane and we cruised by engine to Hokko Yacht Harbor. We are now done with most of the major maintenance work on the Aeolus. I'm really proud of the Aeolus getting into better shape for our voyage across the Pacific.   

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/18/2013
Translated by SWIS Project     

Hiro is Just AMAZING

This just happened the other day. We had an interview for a magazine and at first the cameraman seemed a little nervous being with a blind sailor for the first time but after being together on the yacht for about 3 hours he was comfortable and at the end we all posed for a pictures inside the yacht. Well, the cameraman started using gestures as he said "Hiro-san, can you look over there?" Of course, the cameraman was only doing what he usually does, there were no bad intentions, it's easy to understand why. But to point a direction to a blind man and say "That way" or "Right there" well, how is a blind man supposed to understand which way? So why did the cameraman do that? Well, that's because after spending time on the yacht with Hiro-san for 2 hours, he completely forgot that Hiro-san is blind. That is how good Hiro-san's sailing skills are. Obviously, that is an amazing thing but for me who will be sailing with Hiro-san, but for me to forget that he is blind can be dangerous for him. For example, a rope that's just lying on the deck is no danger to us but for a man who can't see it, calling it life threatening may be exaggerating a bit but it's certainly would be a safety issue for him I really feel the need to remind myself not to rely on Hiro-san's amazing skills and really get it together. Oh! and to Teta-san who commented on my last entry, thank you for buying my book LOL. And to Seikomaru-san of Kadoma, I would love to hear more about your ocean voyages. Thank you everyone for all your support!

Sent from my iPad

Originally posted by Jiro Shinbo in Japanese on 4/16/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

Off to NISHINOMIYA Again!

We took the Aeolus to Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor for maintenance and cleaning on Sunday. We met up at Hokko Yacht Harbor at 9 am, put all the tools and stuff we needed for the maintenance into the yacht and headed out. Today the wind was blowing from the direction of Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor so we had to use the engine. Or so we thought. The wind changed direction so we hoisted the sail and shut down the engine. This is the moment I love the most. The moment I can be one with nature. The feeling of the wind against my face, the sound of the water breaking as it hits the yacht, the slight tilt of the yacht, the feel of the tiller from the helm, it's a truly incredible experience. That's why I'm so addicted to sailing. We reached Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor in around 2 hours. As you remember, we were here for the boat show to display the Aeolus last weekend. The weather was awful last weekend but it was great today. Another good thing was that the cleaning was scheduled for Monday but they agreed to do both the maintenance and cleaning today. The Aeolus was lifted up by a crane onto a trailer and was taken to the boatyard. The two main maintenance we needed to do today was the rudder and to switch out some of the screws to new ones. We pulled out each silicon bronze screw. To my surprise, the 20 year old screw looked as good as new! There was no corrosion. What a difference when it's built with great materials. We cleaned out the holes after removing the screws. And so we didn't have any time to do anything else. Maintenance takes longer than one may think. Today, members of Kaientai came to help with the maintenance. As I requested, they put a teak covering on a metal object that protrudes out right around where my eyes are inside the cockpit so I'm relieved. Thank you very much.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/15/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

The SEA ANCHOR

There was an earthquake at 5:33 am on Saturday. The seismic intensity (this is a seismic scale used in Japan and Taiwan to measure the intensity of earthquakes) was level 4 but it's been a while since I felt an earthquake so it felt bigger and it was frightening. I got a taste of what it must have been like for the people who survived the Great Hanshin and Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake. 

Today we went to the harbor to wait for Shinbo-san. Shinbo-san is on a nationwide TV show every Saturday morning called Wake Up Plus. As soon as he arrived, we started watching a DVD. You may all be thinking, "WHAT??? You're watching movies even at the harbor?" Not quite. LOL  It was a DVD for us to learn how to use a sea anchor, a device to stabilize a boat in heavy weather. It prevent the yacht from tilting for far or turning over in typhoon-like winds. We have a certified weather forecaster helping us through this voyage so we're pretty certain we will be able to avoid such conditions but you never know with mother nature. Next time we will practice how to actually use the sea anchor. After we watched the DVD, we sailed for about 3 hours. The winds were about 4 to 8 meters so training was fun and pleasant. Oe-san and Tanaka-san from a magazine called Wedge is doing a story on us so they joined us today. I heard the sound of the camera shutters, which made me nervous about making mistakes. But, we've been getting a lot of media coverage recently so I think I'm getting a little used to it. Oe-san interviewed me for about 3 hours and I think I was able to express myself thoroughly. This article will come out on May 20th, in the June issue. Hope everyone gets the issue to read it!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/15/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

The ANGEL on the Platform

What do you think is the biggest difference a blind person notices when walking about, not so much a comparison between the U.S. and Japan but between San Diego and Kansai? It is the number of bicycles we encounter. In San Diego, we very rarely bump into bicycles. But in the last month living in Osaka, I bumped into 3 moving bicycles. Once, I bumped into the handle and yelled "Ouch!", another time a bicycle tire ran over my walking cane and the third and most frightening was when my walking cane got caught between the spokes of a bicycle tire and went flying out of my hand. If I hadn't let go immediately my cane would have been completely broken. It was a good thing I let go. Nothing is as useless as a broken walking cane. For us the cane helps us feel the condition of the ground, any obstacles and uneveness like a step. When the cane breaks, we can't feel any of that. We would have to move slowly with a broken dangling cane. I remembered I used to pack an extra cane in my bag for emergencies when I lived in Tokyo. I decided to call Nippon Lighthouse's Information and Culture Center which sells assistive tools for the blind and asked for their nearest location. Praying that there will be one Nishikujo, I pulled out my mobile phone and pressed each number carefully and got through to an operator. They said the nearest one was near the No.2 exit of the subway Yotsubashi Line, Higobashi Station. A new challenge. 

I was already used to the JR Loop Line and the Hanshin Railway but the subway? I didn't know they had subways in Osaka! I'm only kidding but if it were up to me, I would have liked to have been able to avoid taking the subway. But, there is always a new encounter in any new adventure. That's because if I don't ask for directions, I will never reach my destination. Everything was fine up to getting on the JR Loop Line. I got off at JR Osaka Station and walked on the platform, heading for the subway. Walking on an unfamiliar platform always makes me nervous. I'm always afraid I may fall off onto the tracks. As I slowly made my way down the platform, I heard a voice of an angel asking me "Where are you going?". I'm not saying this person looked or sounded like an angel. This person is an angel because this person was there to rescue me. On the platform of a huge station, there's so much loud noise that it's hard to tell in which direction the trains are running. You can hear the trains approach and the sound of their horns. If I lose focus, even for a moment, I lose my sense of direction. One wrong move and I'll end up on the tracks. It's not unusual for a blind person to fall off the platform and on to the tracks. I was painfully aware of the worst case scenario so my stress level was at its peak. If I'm familiar with the station I have a mental map to rely on so I'm not as scared but being in an unfamiliar station for the first time..it was really scary. Between the exit of the ticket booth and the subway station, a few people offered me their help. By the time I finally reached the Culture Center, 5 people had stopped to help. I am so so grateful. It made me realize again that we are all a part of a bigger picture, all here to help each other and it made my day. 

So did I get my walking cane? YES! So everyone out there reading this! If you ever see a blind person navigating their way very slowly on a platform, that's your chance to be an angel! I will right about tips on how to be a good guide for the blind some other time.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/12/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

ONE MONTH has Passed Since...

Today is April 12th. It has been a month since I came to Japan. Wow. It went by so fast! On the JAL flight to Japan, I couldn't stop thinking about the press conference so I couldn't get any sleep. I enjoyed my in-flight meal, had some beer and normally I would fall asleep but I was busy reviewing what I was going to say at the press conference and anticipating questions and how I should reply so I couldn't get a wink of sleep. 

But I was with Hamada-san, the chairman of SWIS so I was saved from many of the hassles of traveling after having dinner with Hiki-san, I still had the energy to go out for a bite and drinks. Thanks to that, I was able to get some quality sleep so I was able to do my press conference, be on a live broadcast of a TV show for Fukushima Chuo TV and make it to Osaka. 

In the month that passed, I settled in nicely in my home in Nishikujo and my sailing training at Osaka Hokko Yacht Harbor has been going well. And for some reason, I know am a regular at a restaurant in Nishinomiya. You might be curious how I became a regular there but I will save that story for a later time. I know that I owe much to the people of SWIS, Project D2 and Kaientai for my stay here being so enjoyable. I especially want to thank the people invite me out out of concern that I may be feeling isolated. I sincerely hope we can continue spending time together. 

I also feel I have gotten closer to Shinbo-san since we first met in San Diego. I recall when Shinbo-san first guided me, like everyone  who guides me for the first time, I felt how nervous he was. Now, I call him one of my SUPER blind guides. 

The training on the Aeolus for the past month has been going smoothly since I was able to practice for 4 times a week for 2 months aboard the Midoshien which is the same type of yacht in San Diego before this. Furuno Electric's NavNet TZ Touch and Sail Sound which was developed by Osaka Electro-Communication University has helped me build up my confidence by giving me the technology which allows me to sail on my own. 

And last by not least, to all my blog readers out there, thank you so much for your patience in reading my less-than-perfect entries and all the support you give me in your messages. Please continue to follow me on this blog. And if you can, please post a comment. I love hearing from you!.Your comments create the force that drives me to write more despite the fact I'm not very good at writing.  

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/12/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

COOKING for the First Time on the Aeolus

When we were done marking the ropes, I cooked some spaghetti. First, I had to practice how to start a fire. What's different from using a gas burner at home is that it sways like it's on a cradle. If we affix the burner then we won't be able to use it on the yacht because the yacht will always move according to the winds and the waves. If it doesn't sway then t you'll have a hot pot falling right on your feet. This way,the boiling pot will be level even when the boat tilts. I steadied the gas burner as I turned the gas lever with my left hand and lit the candle lighter that's shaped like a pistol on with my right. I heard the sound of the flames. I cooked using the energy and water conserving techniques and made Japaneses-style clam spaghetti. Some portions of the spaghetti was still a little uncooked so I think I should have stirred it around a little more when I was boiling the spaghetti. The hardest part of the cooking was removing the sand from the clams...just kidding. It was a delicious boil-in-the-bag sauce. 

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/10/2013
Translated by SWIS Project    

Setting the MARKERS

I have been busy prepping with Hiki-san since this morning. I boarded the Aeolus saying 'It's so cold...so cold....". I helped him make a spot to put the iPad mini so I can use is while it's charging. Now we don't have to worry about having to look for the iPad. 

Then we put markers so I can identify the ropes by touch. For now, I need someone to tell me to tighten or loosen the ropes. We are weaving skinnier ropes into them. When there is a need to put several markers on the same rope, we do it in a way that I can feel the difference. A simple and effective way to allow me to do things myself. I even do this on the smooth surface of the microwave so I can adjust the cooking time. Dare you ask if I cook everyday? Well.....

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/10/2013
Translated by SWIS Project     

Practicing in HEAVY WINDS

The wind was still cold today when I reached the harbor. Southerly winds should feel warmer. As I cast off the moorings and head out to sea, the winds were at 7, 8 meters. We decided to start practice sailing with one point reefing making the main sail a little smaller. We determined how fast the Aeolus will go without using the jib. Maneuverability and how the steering feels all depend on the size of the sail. 

Eventually the wind got up to 13 meters and the waves started to roll across the deck. I secured the harness to myself to get to the mast to reef the sail again. The yacht was tilting and rolling heavily. I crouched down and practically crawled to the mast. I hugged the mast and dragged myself up. My left hand searched for the main sail as my right hand reached for the metal ring to attach the sail. I hear the waves crashing on board and was sopping wet from the waist down. The wind was getting even stronger so I hear Hiki-san saying we should let the sail down all the way. I immediately checked the halyard (the rope used to pull up sails) for tangles. Looks good. When the halyard is tangled it causes all sorts of problems. I hurriedly did everything and accomplished my mission. The experience built up my confidence that I can handle a situation in winds like these. As we dodge oncoming gravel ships and fishing boats, appearing before us was a buoy that marks our course. Hiki-san said that winds like these in the middle of the Pacific is nothing to worry about and that it's actually more dangerous in the bay because the waves are worse and you have to worry about other vessels. 

We returned safely using the engine and jib. I am so grateful. I'm starting to look forward to practicing in even heavier winds. Look forward to my update when that day comes.

Shinbo-san who was practicing with me went to take a nap to "Check out the berth"! a little before the winds started picking up speed. He joined us when the wind started calming down a bit and announced "Looks like I don't get sea sick anymore!". He seemed genuinely surprised!

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/10/2013
Translated by SWIS Project         

The PERFECT SPOT of the iPad mini

The Aeolus that was being exhibited at a boat show over the weekend couldn't be returned home to Hokko Yacht Harbor due to harsh winds. I met up with Hiki-san at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station where we headed for the harbor by bus. Contrary to what the weather was like until yesterday, the weather was clear and sunny. The Aeolus looked lonely tied there all alone. I mumbled "I'm so sorry I left you behind because of the heavy winds." We started the engine and we we reached our destination in less than an hour. Afterwards, we discussed where would be the best spot to put the iPad mini. We looked for a spot where it won't get in the way when we go in and out of the boat but will allow us to hear 'Sail Sound' without any problems. This wooden iPad mini holder is something a member of Kaientai made for me the other day. There are grooves on both sides so I can slide the iPad to fit perfectly. With this I don't have to worry about the iPad moving around when we sail the open ocean. The members of Kaientai were working on the boat even during the boat show. Thank you all very much.

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/9/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

FUND RAISING at the Boat Show

I got up early this morning to check the early weather forecast on TV and they said there will be strong winds again today. I headed out to Nishinomiya in hopes that the winds will die down. At 8:30 am I took the bus with Yoshikura-san and Hiki-san from the station to the harbor where I received the good news that the boat show will not be canceled. The test-ride events were canceled but the exhibition booths were all open. By noon, the winds were calmer and I heard the sky is looking clearer towards the west. It was freezing this morning but it's gradually getting warmer now.
Our booth was set up not only to promote our voyage across the Pacific but also to raise funds to donate a small yacht to the high school students of Fukushima Prefecture. This fund-raising project to buy a yacht is made possible by the people of SWIS (See What I Sea Project) in San Diego that has been supporting me throughout this endeavor to cross the Pacific. Shibo-san also found time in between work to come to take pictures with the people who have donated.
I thank you all for your generous donations.    

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/9/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

NAVIGATING the Aeolus to the Kansai Boat Show

We sailed to Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor on Friday afternoon to display the Aeolus for 2 days on Saturday and Sunday. The sky was clear and the weather so beautiful that it was hard to believe the weather forecast said there will be a storm tomorrow. Unlike how it was in the morning when we left Osaka Yacht Harbor, we got good winds. We were cruising with the engine at first but the wind was so nice that we hoisted the sails. Furuno Electric's NavNet sends me information via Wi-Fi to my iPad where 'Sail Sound' speaks to me so I was able to do most of the sailing and got us safely to the venue of the Kansai Boat Show. 
The boat show had already begun so I heard music playing and there were lots of yummy smells. After we secured the Aeolus, we hopped on land and walked around a bit when we found life-size photos of me and Shinbo-san. Wow. What a surprise. We posed between the pictures and got our pictures taken. Displayed inside a building in this harbor is the small yacht Little Mermaid that Kenichi Horie-san used to sail from San Francisco to Nishinomiya in 134 days back in 1989. I was so surprised to hear that the small yacht was only 2.8m. That's only about a third of the size of the Aeolus. I would love a chance to meet with Horie-san to listen to his stories about his voyage. If there's anyone out there who knows him, please let me meet him.  

Originally posted by Hiro in Japanese on 4/7/2013
Translated by SWIS Project

BAFFLED by the Media

I thank everyone of the media who was there for the press conference yesterday. 

I truly appreciate all the coverage we got this morning but...the fact that my illness seems to be discussed more than the project makes me wonder...
Perhaps, since my illness had already been covered by Weekly POST, it was easier to ease into the our story to attract more attention to the news of Hiro's feat to sail across the Pacific but as I have said at the press conference, I am making good recovery since the cancer and the shadow they found in my lungs, the doctor said "Let's run another CT just to play it safe." so I'm not worried. So imagine my huge surprise to see "Cancer Metastasized" on the news. Thanks to that, this morning I got an email from someone I haven't seen in 5 years...I'm a little baffled by all this. 
I want you all to know that there is no concern regarding my health (so far)
My bigger concern is sea sickness.

Uploaded originally in Japanese 3/14/2013
Translated by See What I Sea Project (SWIS)

Nice to Meet YOU!

Hello everyone! It’s nice to meet you all! I am the blind sailor Mitsuhiro (Hiro) Iwamoto.

Now that the press conference is over, I can relax a little. I am very grateful that I have a chance to realize the dream I’ve had for a long time in tandem with Shinbo-san.

Things that make me happy now!

Being able to eat lots of delicious thing! Taking a REAL bath in a Japanese tub! Being able to drink cold Japanese beer! Friendly encounters with the people of Osaka, getting reconnected with old friends in the Kansai area and to have the opportunity to sail on the same boat Kanpei-san and Hiki-san sailed on! That I will be able to test a new system designed for blind sailors! And that I have a chance to realize my dream with Shinbo-san.

Things that worry me!

Have I been able to master the skills I have practiced so far? Will I be able to do everything I learned to do in the galley (the kitchen inside the yacht) on a rolly yacht? How will we do when we face strong winds and high waves?  How hard is it going to be to miss our family? Will the people of Nishikujo like us? A lot of things worry me but I’m so excited!

I share my honest feelings on this blog with all of you so I truly appreciate your messages of support.

Thank you!

Hiro

Uploaded originally in Japanese on 3/13/2013

Translated by See What I Sea Project (SWIS)

Let the Project BEGIN!

Hello everyone! The project has finally taken off! I thank you for all your support.

It will be one year since I first heard about this project from Hiki-san who crossed the Pacific with Kanpei Hazama-san.

To be quite honest, the year felt really long.

Especially because some gossip magazine decided to write an article based on unreliable information and ever since that article showed up on the internet, I can’t tell you how many times I just wanted to yell out to the world “IT’S NOT TRUE!” but my staff advised me to wait until Hiro gives his press conference.

It was a very difficult time for me...to not be able clarify things, especially to the viewers of my TV shows in the Kansai region. But today, I was finally given the opportunity to tell everyone what is really going on.

This has made me happier than anything else!

We will continue to update information so please continue to follow us and give us your support as if you'll be on the yacht with us too.

Join us on this fantastic voyage!

Jiro Shinbo

Uploaded originally in Japanese on 3/13/2013

Translated by See What I Sea Project (SWIS)

Press Conference DONE!

We've just finished our press conference. 

I'm on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) now, on my way to Fukushima Chuo TV to be on a local TV show. 

I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't see NHK at the press conference. It's been a dream of mine to be on the NHK daily news for making the news (you know, obviously for doing something good not bad. LOL) So, NHK, can you help me out here? LOL

Now that the press conference is done, there is no turning back. 

Come what may, I believe that the always forward thinking Hiro will get us through.

Besides, once we are at sea, even if we don't do anything the current will eventually take us to the U.S. coast in about a year or so, so we'll see what happens.

Uploaded originally in Japanese on 3/13/2013

Translation by See What I Sea Project (SWIS)