Adventures in Japan

Seven Swans A Swimming

Today was kind of a free day, no real plans had we. Maybe go to a cave. Maybe go to the Anpanman museum.

Let us talk for a moment about Anpanman. Anpanman is an institution in Japan. You think Pokemon is popular? Pokemon can't even dream of grabbing Anpanman's cape in Japan.

An Pan Man. "An" means sweet bean paste. "Pan" means bread. "Man" means man. Sweet bean paste man. Anpanman has a special punch and kick for defeating bad guys. He can also tear off bits of his head to feed the hungry, sick, or sad.


Jamuojisan (Uncle Jam) was a kindly old baker. One night, a star flew in to his oven, and Anpanman was born. Whenever Anpanman is in danger, Uncle Jam just bakes him a new head.


Anpanman's nemesis is Bakinman. "Baikin" means germ. So he Baikinman is a germ who wants to destroy sweet bread. Yeah. There are many other characters. Many, many others.


Dokinchan is Baikinman's sister. She is in love with...


Shokupanman. He has toast for a head. Which is not as wierd as...


Currypanman. He has a curry filled bun for a head.

We took a train to bus to the Anpanman museum. The museum was closed. That sucked. There were a couple of other things to see, basically glorified gift shops. We took some pictures.

We will share these pictures with you soon. Right now it is New Year's Day and it is time to sleep. Happy new!