Hamamatsu

So, it does not take long for me to crave the big city, so out I embark to the closest 'big' city that I can find, which is Hamamatsu. To my great surpise, I discover that Hamamatsu is a highly cultured city, owing to the fact that several of the largest muscial instrument companies are headquatered here, most notably, Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland. This is a major piano city and I know that my piano virtuosic friends would LOVE this town. As I step out of the train station, I hear Chopin's "Polainaise" blasting out from the welcome platform (complete with water founatin works) that is in the picture above. Apparently, one can take factory tours at Yamaha and Kawai. I am somewhat of a fan of Kawai, due to the fact that so many of the school pianos were Kawai and my upright is also a Kawai. Many classical concerts take place in Hamamatsu and the upcoming event is the Piano competion.



There are live bands playing around the station area that is hub of human traffic. I enjoy the throng of humanity immensely, a wonderful contrast to the rural quietude that I have found myself in of late. What is surprising, is the number of foreigners that I are around, mostly Brazilian from my understanding. My boss told me that Hamamatsu has the highest population of Brazilians in Japan, numbering 20,000. I have been mistaken for Brazilian quite frequently, and by Brazilians themselves, who approach me in Portuguese. I am limited in communicating with them as I have found out that their Japanese is not very good, worse than mine, and they often do not speak English. Purely my experience. I would love to communicate with them to discover more of their experiences of living in Japan, as well as learning more about the Japanese diaspora living in Brazil.













As one steps out of the train station, it is hard to miss 'Act City', a landmark fixture of downtown Hamamatsu. It contains a large art exhibition area that I made my way to upon my first visit. A Brazilian exhibitian was taking place at the time, which I did not enter as closing time was near. There are many shops and a large hotel here as well. There is also a Musical Instrument Museum close by that I know I have to visit, perhaps on a rainy day, which is not happening of late. Only intense heat and humidity. I locate the closest electronic store mecca, Yamada Denki. Beautifully air conditioned, I could spend hours here, and I do, but there is an annoying repetition of the same pop song over and over again. How do the employees handle it? I think the Japanese have a higher degree of tolerance for noise. Supermarkets play repetitious music looped in a way that would drive me mad.












In addition to discovering the Yamada Denki store, I discover something strangely, unJapanese........wide streets, just like back home. It seems very out of place. I have to take a bunch of pictures of this anomoly. While there are expanses of green space, they look very unnatural.....like fake grass. It is due to the fact that it is cropped so close to the ground. I have to take a picture of the 'pick up after your dog pooping' sign, because it is so cute and Japanese. I thoroughly enjoy my sojourn in Hamamatsu and vow to return every weekend if possible since it is so close, 30 mintues by train, and therefore, affordable. I am a big city gal after all. No sticking me in a small town and expecting me to shut up and stay put. Y'Hear?












I love kimono shops and can't resist taking a picture, as this one is one is especially colourful and photogenic. I love wearing kimonos and seeing women wear kimonos about town. Japanese women look astounding in kimonos. It is a very natural look for them. I am just naturally looking Brazilian days. Next I will be wearing little sequined outfits with feathers and high heels. Not! Anyways, Brazilians are so diverse as a people, what is the stereotype anyways? Anyways, Hamamatsu is proving to be quite an interesting town. I have extended family here, so I have much to explore. Ciao