This was one of my enjoyable do nothing days.  Seems like a waste to be in Osaka and not going to the Aquarium Kaiyukan with those whale sharks, or not visiting the Osaka Castle, but the older I get, the more I love just relaxing with no worries on my mind. Usually, when in Asia, the hotel I'm in provides a superb free breakfast buffet, then evening drinks with excellent food offerings.  The Marriott we're in I'd characterize as adequate breakfast and disappointing evening dishes.  So much so that we actually went out for lunch.  Our third eating out experience was again in our building and like the previous two, for Japanese food.   We loved each lunch, and were rather surprised at the cost.  In Hawaii, a Zippy's Zip Pack Bento box is around $16.  Simple, lot's of rice, but food that's lukewarm to cold.  These three Japanese lunches were freshly made, very tasty and, surprisingly enough, cheaper that a Zip Pack.  Also great service. Tur...

Today was a day of rest in Osaka.  We decided to walk down to Tennoji Park, located just below our building.  It was almost late for lunch, so we asked the concierge what was the best close by restaurant.  She advised  KYK for pork tonkatsu. There are three whole floors of restaurants within our building as part of Kintetsu.  Kintetsu combines  Kin ki Nippon  Tetsu do, and is a railway company, which also operates a department store. So the above exhibit is what we ordered. Perhaps the best pork tonkatsu I've ever had.  Then off to Tennoji Park, where we were met by my Blue-bar Pigeon. Saw cherry trees with some bloom left. As this was a Saturday, the outside shopping booth lane was packed.   Lots to eat. We thought it was interesting that many stalls featured Hawaii fashion and food.  Note the huli-huli above.. This was because there was an ongoing Hawaiian Festival, featuring hula groups. Tennoji Park also has a zoo, art museum an...

The population of Japan was 60 million in 1925, 73 million in 1940, 72 million after the war in 1945, 128 million in 2010, then dropped to 126 million in 2020, and further declined to 123 million in 2025. The falling birth rate has been the primary reason for the decline, but the economy, earthquake / tsunami / Fukushima nuclear disaster and COVID Pandemic also contributed.   In 2024, 60 countries/sites, yes, 60, had a drop in population.   Spain  -0.02% Thailand  -.06% South Korea  -0.08% Greenland -0.16% China  -0.22% Italy  -0.31% Germany  -.0.34% Cuba  -0.38% Taiwan  -0.43% Japan  -0.51% Russia  -.053% Greece  -1.77% Saint Martin -4.92% The U.S. population is projected to increase from 342 million in 2024 to a peak of 370 million in 2080, then drop to 366 million in 2100. The two main population centers in Japan are Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, etc.) Province with 43.7 million and Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, etc.) Provi...

 I understand that the video of the Japan Air airport lounge I inserted yesterday was on private You Tube.  So I'm doing this again, now that I know I want it to be seen. Also in the Japan Air airport lounge was Bob Nakasone, who was on his way to Okinawa. Our JAL plane. Taxi to runway. Departing Honolulu.  Some day I'll edit out my face.  I must have mistakenly pushed the wrong button. Started with champagne. Then two Japanese whiskies on ice, Hakushu and Kanosuke. My meal Watched a couple of movies.  Flight took 9 hours.  Approaching Kansai Airport. Took a taxi to the Marriott Miyako Osaka hotel. Checked in and it was time to enjoy the Club Lounge.  Good liquor selection.  Dinner buffet was fine. View from our room of Osaka Tomorrow the Osaka Expo. -