TV Debut Today @ 6:15pm

Ohhh! You've got one of those tubs! Is it an "official" one or is it just a regular tub that you found that was similar? How do you like it? We're thinking of getting one but are too cheap to spend the $$ if it's not worth it.

Tomoe found it for $10 on yahoo auctions. It is "official" (I think). I was inclined to just use a pickling bucket...

It works well. She (Mona) seems to be much more comfortable in there than if I am holding her in the larger bath. We still wash her in the large bath though, because it is easier to reach various places, then we put her in the Tummy Tub to soak while we take a nap or go for a walk.

As you were not able to see the documentary, I made a copy quickly and uploaded it to vimeo. Sorry for the poor image quality

Part I:
http://vimeo.com/9668944

Part II:
http://www.vimeo.com/9669405

Wife screwed up and didn't set to record long enough so I missed it. Will have to check out Vincent's vids when I am near a computer. Got used to iPhone video on Vimeo, forgot that nonpro accounts don't have it.

I had the honor of watching the video from link above. It was just lovely and very nicely put together.
I'm impressed: To-dai U, ditching a high-salary career, low monthly food expense, the strong bond in village, your resourcefulness, making your hopes and dreams into reality. Sooo grand!
Love your site too. It makes me happy.

I loved the documentary even though I couldn't understand the language. Great job.

Hey, that was pretty good. I ejoyed it a lot.

They spent most of the time showing what you do, how you live, the experience you provide, without spending as much time as I would expect working the "big city reporter out of her element among the bumpkins" angle. Started out with two references to Tomoe being a genius Tokyo University graduate, but didn't try to paint Kevin as the goofy gaijin.

Start puting the english subtitles in there, and upload it to the One Life Japan site. Great advertising.

Big thanks to Vincent for capturing and uploading this.

My daughters (5 and 3) and I really enjoyed your documentary. My daughters especially liked seeing the rice harvest, the mountain, all the snow and, of course, the baby!
Xana in Gifu

@bob Yes women are prone to screw up often. I hear ya...

@lovefromoregon Thnks. I am glad it makes you happy. We actually didn't wan't the "todai" part on the show, because she does not want to be defined by the university she attended, but we also understand the director's need to add drama and a catch.

@mom (a.k.a. Jan) I am working on the subtitles. Hope to have it up soon with english and some notes.

@Nils I thought they did "as good of a job as they could" in not making me look like a gaijin bafoon. I did all that work myself. Take, for example, the look on my face after jumping off the balaony. I was really nervous in front of the camera when they were asking me questions, so a lot of what I answered in Japanese probably was worthless. I was hoping for some of the more candid moments where I forgot the camera, but they took over 100 hours of film, and they put it together in just a few days. Amazing, so I can't complain.

@Xana
Come out for a visit some time. There is a "Counry Living Experiment house" that is available for 1,000 yen/night/family. I can send you information on how to reserve it. I'd be happy to show you around the area!

We may come up sometime, my older daughter REALLY wants to see all that snow! It reminds me of when I lived in the mountains in Shimane (before husband and children), but more so. We never get more than a flurry here in Gifu. When does the snow melt?