In a short time it will be 2010, a year of the tiger. I thought it appropriate to post a woodblock print of a bald guy with a tiger.(ukiyo-e, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi).I would characterize 2009 as the cow it was. Other than the US electing it's first afro-american president, I can think of nothing really outstanding.
In sports for us in Japan the top stories were about baseball. Starting in the spring with Team Japan's second victory in a row of the World Baseball Classic, followed by Ichiro Suzuki breaking an ancient record by hitting safely more than 200 times for 9 years running, and finally Hideki Matsui became yet another Japanese MVP in the World Series of American baseball.
Personally, in 2009, I developed cyber friendships with people all over the world via Twitter. I can't thank everyone who improved my life this year via links, personal messages and witticisms!
My greatest fear is that I would omit someone. So you guys know who you are! Thank you, ありがとう, Gracias, Merci, شكرا, 谢谢.
As for 2010, MMX, I hope that all will have good health and enough fortune that you will feel compelled to aid those in need. I wish you peace on one hand, but on the other hand the words of Billy Joel at the end of a concert in Gainesville, Florida, decades ago also ring true, "Don't take any shit from anyone, Gainesville!"
Sincerely,
Your hardheaded uncle(Gankojiji)
Simon O
