Takuma Sato’s Travel Log (Part 5)

Happy New Year, everyone! How did you spend your New Year’s Day? Mine was in Monaco with my Japanese friends living there. We got together with the home-made traditional Japanese New Year’s dishes, called ‘Osechi-Ryori’. Traditionally, these special meals are made by the end of the previous year so that women (well, it could be men! of course) does not need to cook and can have a good rest during the celebration period. Talking of the Japanese New Year, 2012 is the year of the Dragon. The kite which I am holding in the picture has a kanji (Chinese character) meaning “dragon.” Flying a kite is also a traditional Japanese New Year’s pastime. I very much hope I will fly high this racing season, just like this dragon.

Takuma Sato’s Travel Log

Horse racing has now become very popular in Japan. Recently, I went to the Hanshin Horse Racecourse for the Japan Cup Dirt (G1) race. Because this is one of the major races, there was a huge crowd, 50,000 spectators in front of the main straight. Thoroughbred horses are very beautiful and when galloping, they appear very powerful and graceful. The race itself was very exciting. I think Motorsports and horse racing have a lot in common, so I found it very interesting. Perhaps, because IndyCar racing has some oval circuits, I found common ground. Regarding betting, I started by losing, but I won on the main race! It was very exciting and I enjoyed it very much. If you have a chance, I highly recommend you go to horse races in Japan! [Source]

Takuma Sato is blogging for All Nippon Airways

Hello, my name is Takuma Sato and I am very pleased to be joining the ANA Travel Log. Because of my profession, I frequently travel by air, sometimes once a week. ANA is definitely my most favorite airline and I especially look forward to their in-flight Japanese meal as they serve authentic dishes with a lot of careful preparation. For example, look at their starter here and you can see how beautifully it is presented and how pleasing it is to the eyes. Of course, it is very delicious, too. Bon Appetit!!