Hiroshima Carp !! A moving story

What is Hiroshima Carp ?

Hiroshima Carp might not be so famous in the world.

But I think the team is very passionate, and recovered from many difficulties. And now, Carp is very popular among the Japanese people.

So, I would like to explain about the great points of Hiroshima Carp.

First of all, Hiroshima Carp is one of the professional baseball teams in Japan.

The team has the proficient history.

The team was born in 1950 just after the atomic bomb.

Just after the atomic bomb, Hiroshima city lost everything.

Of course, the citizens in Hiroshima were at a loss to live. 

They lost their house, family, money, friends and so on.

But some of the people in Hiroshima proposed that they established the professional baseball team in Hiroshima to make the citizens full of vigor. 

They thought that there was nothing other than the professional baseball to make them full of energy.

At that time, there were some strong teams in Japan like Yomiuri Giants, Hanshin Tigers. These teams had much funds to run the company and their teams very well.

On the other hand, Hiroshima citizens didn’t have enough money to establish the team. That’s why they came to a deadlock, but one of them came up with a good idea, the idea was to collect money from the people in Hiroshima city to make team. 

Then, they prepared the huge barrel in front of the Hiroshima station, and passerby put money into the barrel. That’s how they could collect the money to establish the team, but it was not abundant. 

However, the idea was said to be successful.

They managed to make the team, and they named the team ‘Carp’. The reason why the team was named Carp is said to be that carp is very strong fish, Hiroshima city recovered from the tragedy of atomic bomb. Of course, the city was very strong like Carp.

But it always faced many problems, especially in terms of budget.

In addition, the team was very weak, Hiroshima was always at the 5^th or 6^th place in the central league. (The League consists of 6 teams.)

In order to be the top of the league, they practiced, trained very much. The training of the team was said to be hardest in Japan at that time.

In spite of hard training, every year the team was said to be not necessary in the Central League.

But, the team had the chance to become the champion in 1975 first time, and at last, Hiroshima became the champion in the central league. It was the first time for them. 

Hiroshima Carp was the kinds of the symbol concerning recover from the atomic bomb for the people in Hiroshima. 

Almost all of the citizens in Hiroshima were greatly delighted at the first time champion.

Since then Hiroshima had become the champion 6 times until 1991.

But, after that, the team had faced the many kinds of difficulties. 

The rule concerning move of players to the other team was changed after that. The rule is that players who was registered on the list of first team more than 10 years can move to the other teams. The rule is very advantageous for the team which has abundant funds. It is the rule of “Free Agency”. When the player uses this right, the player talk with the team which he wants to move to. If the team says it is OK for him to join the team, he can move to the team.

So, many famous players went into Yomiuri Giants, as a result, the team was getting stronger very much. On the other hand, Hiroshima became not so strong again.

From 1992 to 2015, Hiroshima couldn’t become the champion. And it was always in 5^th or 6^th place.

During that, many famous players went out from Hiroshima.

Especially in 2007, after the season, two main force players left Hiroshima Carp.

Takahiro Arai　(Cleanup batter)

Hiroki Kuroda (Ace pitcher)

Hiroki Kuroda went to Major League Baseball. He couldn’t give up his dream playing in USA.

After he declared moving to USA, the fun of Carp were very sad, but they hoped his success in Major League.

At first, he started his career as the Major League baseball player in Los Angels Dodgers. Of course he got excellent results these terms, so, during the play in Dodgers, he got the offer from New York Yankees, and moved to the team.

After that, he played very well, and became one of the most important pitcher of Yankees.

But, 2014, he declared that he returned to Hiroshima in spite of huge amount of money offered by the other team(It was reported 18million dollars).

Actually he denied the other Major League’s team’s offer(18million dollars), and decided to come back to Carp 3.9million dollars.

He said that he wanted to help Carp to become the champion before he finished his career someday. Kuroda said that “Because of Carp, I have been able to be successful as the professional baseball player.”

In addition to Kuroda, Takahiro Arai returned to Carp also from Hanshin Tigers this year.

The fun of the team were very delighted and moved by his decision.

10^th September 2016, Hiroshima Carp won the Yomiuri Giants and became the champion of the Central League in Japan at last, of course because of two great players, Kuroda and Arai. After the game, they moved to cry. Their tears were very beautiful.

It was the first time in 25 years for Hiroshima to be the top of the League.  

In my opinion, it is very great for the regional team to become the champion beating many strong teams, without getting good players from the other teams.

Wernigerode, Harz Germany (EU countries) 2016. Famous for witch

First of all, I’d like to thank you for paying attention to my blog today. I always feel happiness when you read my blog and send E-mail to me. I make an effort to keep on giving you many kinds of useful information. One of my hobbies is to support people by giving them useful information. If you think the information is useful for you after reading my blog, I’d be very happy. But I’m not a native English speaker, so you might feel my English is strange. If you think it, I’m very sorry. I keep on making an effort to improve my English skill.

Today I’d like to show you some information about Wernigerode, Harz, Germany. Some of you have not heard the name of the city so far. But the city is very beautiful, so, it worth visiting absolutely, in my opinion. Especially the scenery of the city is amazing as the pictures as follows.
In addition, the city "Wernigerode" is very famous for witch. You can often see witches in the city. 

1  Transportation from Berlin to Wernigerode

If you go to Wernigerode from Berlin by train, it takes about 3 hours. But you need to transfer 2 times (at the Braunschweig station and at the Vienenburg station). On the other hand, it takes about 3 hours by car.

↓　These are the ticket information about “Deutche Bahn/DB ”.

a  Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket

  

You can get on the DB trains (second class car) as many times as you want within 1 day (on Saturday or Sunday from 0 AM to 3 AM on next day) with the ticket.

It costs around 40 Euro per 1 pers. But 2 pers →44 Euro, 3 pers →48 Euro.(Max.5 pers)

Under 14 years old free of charge. Before you go to travel, to make sure, I recommend you to take a look at the HP of DB.

b  Quer-Durchs-Land-Ticket

You can get on the DB trains (second class car) as many times as you want within 1 day (①you can choose 1 day from Monday to Friday) from 9 AM to 3 AM on Next day,②Saturday or Sunday from 0 AM to 3 AM on next day) with the ticket.

It costs around 44 Euro per 1 pers. But 2 pers →52 Euro, 3 pers →60 Euro. (Max.5 pers)

Under 14 years old free of charge. Before you go to travel, to make sure, I recommend you to take a look at the HP of DB.

c  ICE Train ticket

If you buy the ICE ticket about 3 months before you go to travel, you can get about 60％ discount from the regular price. The discount depends on the time you make a reservation. If you decide to go somewhere in Germany by train, it is better to buy it as soon as possible.

2  Sightseeing spots

①    The city hall

The design of the building is very nice. It was first time for me to look at such a nice city hall.

The design is very nice in my opinion.

There are many this kinds of buildings around there.

②    SL-Train

Wernigerode is very famous for SL. You can get on it. I was very surprised to see the train. You can go to Brocken mountain by this train.

③    The Wernigerode Castle

If you go to Wernigerode, Harz, I recommend you to visit the Wernigerode Castle. Especially the scenery from the castle is very nice. And it’s not so difficult to go there from the center of the city. You can go there by bus. The return ticket costs 6 Euro for adults.

The Warnigerode Castle

  

 
  

The scenery from the Wernigerode Castle 1

The scenery from the Wernigerode Castle 2

  

You can go to the Castle by this bus. You can buy ticket in the bus.

     

Every 30 minutes the bus comes

3  Hotel

There are many hotels in the city. But the hotel I stayed was very convenient and very nice. The name of the hotel is "Altora". Because the price was not so expensive, and the service was very good.And the hotel gave us the coupon ticket for many kinds of activity and restaurants. About 160 Euro for 4 pers (incl.2 kids) with breakfast. And the access to the station is very good. 

This hotel is near the station. If you get on the SL-train, it's very convenient.

The scenery from the window of the hotel.

4    The landscape of the city

These are the picture of the city. I hope you could make good memories in this city.

  

I think you can see the Wernigerode Castle on the top of mountain.

 

This is the letter for you.Thank you !!

Berlin,Germany 5 Sightseeing spots to visit 2016

I think Germany is one of the safest countries in EU, so,today I‘d like to write about the travel information in Berlin again, actually last time I was not able to give you enough information, so I’d like to give you as much information as possible today. I love EU countries, especially Berlin, Germany is nice place !!

1      Sightseeing spots in Berlin

①    Deutscher Bundestag (Parliament building)

This is one of the most famous spots in Berlin. You can go there on foot from the Brandenburg Gate. Or it takes about 5 minutes walk from the Bundestag station. The building was established in 1884~94. But it was destroyed in 1933, because of WW2. You can go into the building, but the online-registration is necessary. When you enter the building, you have to take security check. I heard it’s a little bit difficult to make reservation, because of many people. If you are interested in it, please take a look at the HP for further detail.

　➁　Tiergarten

　　This is the park and garden in the central Berlin. In summer season, the garden is very 　　beautiful. In spite of the center of capital city, you can take very fresh air in the 　　　　　garden. But it is very huge, so, don’t get lost. It is very comfortable, so, you can take 　　rest in the garden during your trip.

In summer, many people spend their time in the garden. It is very comfortable and beautiful.

 

③    Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedachtnis-Kirche (Church)

           It was established in 19th century for the Kaiser-Wilhelm. 

           During the WW2, some parts of it was destroyed. 

           You can visit the church easily from the Zoologischer Garten station on foot. 

           It takes only 5minutes.

          

This is the Kaiser-Wilhelm Church in Berlin

      

④    Haupt Bahn-hof Berlin (Central station Berin)

As I wrote in my blog, the station is very convenient. You can go there from the Tegel airport by bus “TXL”. It takes about 20 minutes. In spite of Sunday, you can buy some food, coffee, and enjoy shopping for souvenir in Berlin. It is very rare for supermarket to be opened in Germany on Sunday. I think you can enjoy that. Sometimes I go to the station, it is very convenient. You can buy many kinds of souvenir in the station.

And you can enjoy the Spree river cruise near the south part of the station. It is very easy to go there. It costs 13 Euro (1 hour cruise). Foods and Bier on the ship are amazing especially in summer season. The cruise company is “Reederei-Riedel”. You can find the exact time on the HP. I enjoyed it last year in April. I felt a little bit cold.

There are many shops and restaurant in the station.

         

 

⑤    Zoologischer Garten

The big Station “Zoologischer Garten” and the bus terminal are there. So, this place is very convenient for travelers. You can go there from the Tegel Airport by the bus “X9” only 20 mins. Of course, you can go back to the Tegel airport from the Zoologischer Garten by the bus “X9” easily. Around there, you can enjoy shopping like souvenir and foods, go to the other sightseeing spots very easily, and go to many nice hotels. I recommend you to try “Curry wurst 36”. It is the name of the shop of “Curry wurst”. It means grilled sausage with curry powder. The taste is nice. You can buy it around there easily. 

And the zoo is near the station. The aquarium is in the zoo too. If you have time, you may enjoy it. I think you can take many interesting pictures in the zoo and the aquarium.

          I like turtles very much.

          

Bus has second floor.The scenery from 2nd floor is nice !! You can see great scenery.

             

Many people made a line. But I made a line to buy it !! Taste good.

                 

It is "Curry Wurst mit Darm". 2 Euro. Taste good !!! The bread was good also.

               

2      Basic information about transportation ticket

I think one of the most important thing when you travel is transportation. So, I show you the fee of bus, train in Berlin. First of all, Berlin is divided into 3 zones, in terms of the transportation area: A, B and C. When you buy the ticket, you have to check where you go in Berlin. And don’t forget to stamp the date on the ticket, before you get on the train. There are stamp machines on the plat home. As for bus , stamp machine is in bus. You can have the zone information brochure in most of the stations and airports. I show you the fee of that as follows.

①   Short distance ticket (Kurzstrecke) 1.40 Euro

  If you get off the S-Bahn or U-Bahn within 3 stations from the station you get on, you can get on them with this ticket. In case of bus, within 6 bus stop effective. It costs only 1.40 Euro. You can spare money.

②   A B ticket (A B Karte) 2.70 Euro and B C ticket (B C Karte) 3.00 Euro

         It is kinds of standard ticket. These are effective 2 hours, but it can’t be used as return ticket. You can go for the same direction with this ticket.

③   A B C ticket (A B C karte) 3.30 Euro

You can go from A zone to C zone with this ticket.

④   A B ticket set (4 tickets), 4-Fahrten-Karte 9.00 Euro

It is more reasonable than you buy A B tickets one by one.

⑤   One day ticket (Tageskarte)

You can use it until 3 AM on the next day.

One day ticket for A B zone costs 7.00 Euro.

One day ticket for B C zone costs 7.30 Euro.

One day ticket for A B C zone costs 7.60 Euro.

⑥   One day ticket for small group (until 5 persons)

You can use it until 3 AM on the next day.

One day ticket for small group for A B zone costs 17.30 Euro.

One day ticket for small group for B C zone costs 17.60 Euro.

One day ticket for small group for A B C zone costs 17.80 Euro.

⑦   ７days ticket

You can use it 7 days in a row. This is effective until the 7^th day 24:00.

7 days ticket for A B zone costs 30 Euro.

7 days ticket for B C zone costs 31.10 Euro.

7 days ticket for A B C zone costs 37.20 Euro.

⑧   Berlin Welcome card

This card is very convenient, if you visit the center of Berlin several days. You can get discount with this card in some museums, cruise, etc.

48   hours effective card for A B zone costs 18.50 Euro.

48 hours effective card for A B C zone costs 20.50 Euro.

 72 hours effective card for A B zone costs 25.50 Euro.

 72 hours effective card for A B C zone costs 27.50 Euro.

5 days effective card for A B zone costs 32.50 Euro.

     5 days effective card for A B C zone costs 37.50 Euro.

➈ City Tour Card

            This card is very convenient, if you visit the center of Berlin several days. You can get discount with this card in some museums, cruise, etc.

48   hours effective card for A B zone costs 17.50 Euro.

48 hours effective card for A B C zone costs 19.50 Euro.

72 hours effective card for A B zone costs 25.50 Euro.

72   hours effective card for A B C zone costs 26.50 Euro.

5 days effective card for A B zone costs 33.50 Euro.

5 days effective card for A B C zone costs 38.50 Euro.

If you want to visit mainly famous museums, it is better to buy the Museumspass Berlin. With this pass, you can visit about 50 museums 3 days. 

When you use the ticket, don’t forget to stamp the date on the ticket with the machine. If ticket control person find that you don’t stamp the date in train or bus, you have to pay penalty fee.

3       Shopping information

Today I’d like to show you the kinds of shopping mall “Arkaden” around the “Potsdamer Platz”. The mall is near the “Sony center”. You can find it very easily. There are many reasonable restaurants on the basement floor. You can enjoy Italian foods, Sushi, hamburger, Kebab, and buy some foods in the supermarket reasonable. Actually there is few supermarket around “Potsdamer Platz”. That’s why it is convenient for you, I think.  

It is very convenient for travelers, I think. 

      

4   Other information

           If you go somewhere far from Berlin by express train, you can buy ticket and get information in “Reise Zentrum” in the Zoologischer Garten station. It is usually in the station building, but now, it is under reconstruction, so, the temporary office is outside of the station building. If you have some questions about express ticket, you would be cleared, I think. In summer, many people make a line for train ticket. In my case, the staff could not speak English, it took much time to make her understood what I wanted to say. Please help me to study German（HAHAHA）.

 

           

This is the temporary office.

 Thank you for reading my blog. I welcome your comment. 
Other than the information above, I show you more information in the other page of my blog.
If you have time, please take a look at it.