On the morning of December 30th 2003 (HK Time), I was on the internet searching Asian Entertainment websites for information for this publication. All of the Anita Mui websites were shut down except for a few that had message boards. Some of the websites had notes attached reading that they did not know what or how to write about what had just happened.
I first read a Toronto News article out of Canada about the death of Anita Mui.
I called my wife Yolanda and told her that something terrible had just happened in Hong Kong.
The loss was so great that I like others could not even talk about it. I went into music stores here in America looking of Mui cds. Each time that I found one I would become upset.
When I was in Hong Kong I could not even bring myself to look for her music. Maybe I felt that I was too close. For persons that feel the same way, I do not have to explain.
Information has now been translated into over a dozen different languages and dialects.
Still it is difficult to speak. There is a loss for words in any language.
I know someone will ask me why have Anita Mui on the Cover? I reply that there could be no one else. Like fine artwork and music, all is not fully appreciated or understood until after the artist has left us.
Born in New York City to Japanese parents with roots in music industry. Hikki is one of the top Music Entertainer, songwriter and production artist in Japan. Her debut album "First Love" is Japan's biggest selling album of all time. Above video is "Sakura Drops".
January 1, 1912 is the birthday of Asia's first democratic republic, the Republic of China.
The Founding Father Dr. Sun Yat-sen, united patriots to revolt against the China Ch'ing court.
This revolt spread rapidly from Kwangchou to other parts of southern China.
On December 29, province representatives had a meeting to elect the president of the new republic of Taiwan. Dr.Sun Yat-sen, was officially inaugurated the next year on New Year's Day..
This date marks the founding day of the Republic of China.
Families in Taiwan patriotically hang the national flag and the streets are decorated with lanterns, banners. This is done in memory of the ROC's revolutionary heroes.
Special Video Mix Tribute to the Japanese euro-pop group. Shanadoo is a Japanese Eurodance group produced in Germany. Shanadoo's music was exclusive to Germany and other European markets, such as Austria, until 2006 when they expanded into other international markets such as Japan. This is a good example of euro-pop dance audio "Heart to Heart" as a video mix tribute. Genießen Sie das Erscheinen !
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Coming of Age Day
Seijin-no-hi
January
Japan
Gempuku
This festival originates from a shinto ceremony called gempuku.
Until the 19th century this custom demanded that all 10 to 16 year old boys born of a samourai's family receive a headdress (eboshi) and an adult's name during a ceremony marking their passage from child to adulthood.
A variation of this ceremony called kanrei was observed by the aristocracy where the boys would receive a fundoshi. Similar to a Sumo loincloth.
The ceremony for the young girls called is called mogi, or “to don a dress”. They were at that time declared ready to be married at between the ages of 12 and 16.
They then received a kimono, and in some regions, the girls' eyebrows were shaved and their teeth were blackened.
Gempuku was made a Japanese national holiday in 1948.
Today there are large-scale coming-of-age ceremonies held in all parts of Japan. Young women and men gather together to hear celebratory messages from local government.
Now, at the age of twenty, young people receive the right to drink, smoke and vote. They must also at this time accept their legal responsibilities.
Gempuku rituals, as in ancient times, set an occasion for the young adults of today to formally accept the responsibilities of family, religious and modern political affairs.
Ganjitsu, is one of Japan’s most important holidays, It is customary to visit Shinto and Buddhist shrines to pray for good luck.
Ippan Sanga
Ippan Sanga, on Jan. 2, is one of only two days when the Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. The Emperor will wave to the public from behind bulletproof glass.
The Entrance to the Imperial Palace gardens is by Niju-bashi Bridge.
Ganjitsu in Japan is part of a three day festival called Oshogatsu.
On December 27 to January 4 and adjoining weekends, all government, school, public or private companies and organizations are closed.
Everyone will go home to visit family leaving very large cities like Tokyo nearly deserted.
O-sechi ryori are special dishes prepared for the first three days of the year. These special dishes are prepared in advance. No or little cooking is done during the holidays. Ingredients are chosen to ensure that all remains fresh.
Each special dish represents a wish for success and happiness for the family.
Simmered black soybeans are served in the wish that everyone will have a healthy life.
Japanese send New Year's cards called Nengajo rather than Christmas cards. Nengajo card all begin with set greetings.
You can learn to write your own cards and surprise your Japanese friends!
Kumiko Koda a J-Pop singer from Kyoto, officially debuted as a singer under the Avex Label with the single “Take Back” released December 2000. Koda’s seventh single, "Real Emotion" was the main Audio theme of the game Final Fantasy X-2.
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