Kath and Karen judging and teaching in Japan
19th - 28th of November 2008

Karen and Kath would like to thank Michiko for inviting us to Japan.
We have very happy memories of very friendly people and a well organised competition.

The bathroom of the first hotel -
The Manhattan on the 17th Floor with a view towards Mount Fuji.

Whoops - the shower didn't drain away!!

The second room of the Manhattan Hotel 16th Floor - nice and dry!


Karen and Kath were upgraded to even more luxury!


Morning in Chiba - a new town

Karen outside the Japanese Garden

The competition was held at a special Dog Training Venue

A fabulous place with lots of space for exercising the dogs.


The training hall where both the competition and training took place.

The carpet tiles were quickly laid

The scene was set for the competition.

The members of Wan2Wan Dog Club who hosted the competition.
It had been two years since the last Dog Dancing Competition in Japan!

The venue had very good seminar rooms

The training days were well attended -
lots more smaller sized dogs than seen doing HTM in the UK.

Assessing the ability of the group for training.
And noticing how well groomed every dog was.

More happy handlers.

And more small dogs.

Deep concentration by a handler

A carved tree trunk in the grounds - there was a family of bears.


Michico and friends at the hotel where Kath and Karen stayed during the competition.
This was a Dog Hotel - drink bowls everywhere, hoses to wash them off,
towels for drying dogs and stays to secure your dog in the dining room.

Time to say Goodbye to Michiko after five unforgettable days of fun and making new friends


A typical Japanese Dinner - lots of fish - most of it raw.

After leaving Michiko and the Wan2 Wan Dog Club,
Kath and Karen were treated to sightseeing at Mount Fuji
by Emiko and her students.

Emiko met Karen and Kath on day 6 and took them to see Mount Fuji - what a fabulous site.


This was their first visit to a true Japanese Restaurant - no shoes allowed and seated on the floor!


K's Point - a Dog Cafe!!! All dogs made very welcome.

Emiko's students and their beautifully groomed dogs.


Breakfast near Mount Fuji - lots of small dishes of food -
including Cold Rice with Raw Egg.


Kath and Karen were very honoured to meet Andy Shimada - the famous Dog Trainer from Japan

Yes, K&K were asked to autograph clothing!

After a day and night at Mount Fuji, they returned to Toykyo City.

The last day in Toykyo - shopping :-)

And more photos with their new friends

The last night in Toykyo and Emiko and friends took Karen and Kath to a Shabu Shabu restaurant.
Emiko explains the Shabu-Shabu meal.
Raw beef which is then dipped into boiling water and vegetables.

The men all took turns to cook for everyone.

Emiko and her friends after the meal.

Thank you Michiko and Emiko for making Karen and Kath's first visit to Japan
one to remember for its friendliness and good times!