The 2008 Yamato Cup

The inaugural Yamato Cup was held October 11, 2008 at Amazing Square in Tokyo. Determination of who would win the coveted Golden Godzilla game down the the final seconds, when the final shot hit the post as time expired. In the end, Team Korea rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Tokyo Street Hockey Association (TSHA) 6-5. The final game was hard fought by both teams, and those in the arena were treated to fast-paced, back-and-forth ball hockey.

In the challenge for third place, and the slightly less-coveted Silver Gamera, the MHL Misconduct defeated the Boring Sponge with an impressive performance by the fast-passing, talented team. Tied at the end of the first half, the Misconduct opened up the game in the second half and cruised to victory.

Full details of this year's tournament can be found at www.yamatocup.com/2008. Information on how to be involved in next year's tournament can be found at www.yamatocup.com/2009.

German Beer and Sausages

On a brilliant autumn afternoon, the idle monkey trainer took time off from being entirely idle to indulge in the sights, sounds, food and, most importantly, brews of the German people. And as with any fine showcase of German tradition, it was held in Yokohama, Japan.

For two weeks, crowds of people, mostly Japanese, cram into long tables to eat German sausages and drink (expensive) German beer, all while polka bands, clad in lederhosen play. (In what would seem to be a break from true German tradition, however, there was also plenty of Japanese edamame, fried noodles and fried chicken.)
The final day was no exception, as the weather was perfect for an afternoon of drinking.