If we don't do it, who fuckin' will? (off the album Dead FM)

Pretend this post is from Wednesday. Oh, and since most of you are way behind us in time, it is technically still Wednesday in America, that totally counts. I'm workind at my least favorite place this week until next Tuesday, which means, I have almost no internet access and Sarah is working a lot this week too. But don't worry, we'll still post and it's both of our birthdays this weekend, which should lead to some good vegan food posts!

Anyway, on Tuesday one of my favorite bands came to Japan. Strike Anywhere! I've seen them all three of the times they've played in Japan. Seriously, their shows are awesome! I love this band.

Last time, I saw them I wasn't vegan yet, but was very interested in it. Half of the band's flight was delayed and while they waited for them to arrive, Thomas, the vocalist was just hanging out in the venue along with the opening band and some other people. So anyway, I talked to him about veganism and he told me it was hard for them to eat in Japan and that they live off energy bars.

So I thought it would be cool to bring them food this time! I wasn't sure who was vegan, besides Thomas. But it turns out the bassist, drummer, and manager also are (I believe). I made them the roasted red pepper and almond hummus from Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan, a salad style quinoa from Vive le Vegan, and apple pecan muffins from the Joy of Vegan Baking. Then I through in some cut veggies and Japanese packaged foods that you can put on rice, since you can at least get rice at every restaurant. So I added some kinds of seaweed to put on the rice for more flavor and nutrition. Anyway, after the show, it was pretty easy to talk to them (one of the advantages of being the only native speaker in the entire crowd).

He was very appreciative of the food and kept asking me if it was really ok. And that it would really help them out. He said they basically eat one meal a day in Japan and then get convience store rice balls for the rest of the day. The Japanese staff with them try to explain things for them to restaurant staff, but having gauranteed vegan food was hopefully a relief for them. I was glad I could help a fellow vegan out.

Really he and his band are an inspiration. If you don't know them, you should really check them out. Their songs are all political in nature and on stage he talked about lots of different issues. It was refreshing to hear (I don't get much of that in Japan). He even asked me what I think about the political situation and if I plan on going back or want to go back to the states. Anyway, he's a really cool, really nice guy. I hope all my food was good and nothing went bad or anything.

Like a total tool, in all my cooking excitement I forgot to take a picture of any of the food. But you can imagine how awesome it was.

However, we did get a picture with Thomas.

I'm the uh, girl. Then Thomas, Ume (my boy) in the back, and Yuji (Sarah's boy) in yellow.

--Pamela