JO Fellowship
It is no secret that the over 100 international players that have now arrived here at Nasu Highlands mean business. And the business is FUN! Some of this years attendees planned early and came to Japan as early as June 1st. Whether for practice and preparation, or for a chance to soak up more of what they missed in a previous visit, there is an abundant positive energy buzzing through the pines here at the Towa Pure Cottages. The last game of catch ended around 1:30 AM last night, and the arrival party which met each shuttle bus of players from Narita was the perfect match to light the fires of fellowship that will burn for a lifetime here in Nasu, Tochigi, Japan.
Nighttime Catch
With record attendance as the main buzz here thus far, and the Asahi Super Dry sponsorship, the stars of the sport have assembled here in this fantastical hideaway at the base of Mount Chausu, Tochigi prefectures only active volcano. Arriving to 10 foot tall banners of HERO Disc orange waving in the streets just before midnight, and a welcoming committee of staffers here at Towa Pure Cottages, there is no doubt that the festivities had officially begun with a bang for this years event.
As you check in to your cottage, or disc golf mansion as we like to refer to them, you are immediately taken by the many personalized signs of preparation for your arrival. Custom welcome notes and a welcome package. with a warm box of mixed sandwiches and locally prepared chicken snacks. Hero Disc signage is everywhere giving an immense personal touch to the many travelers as they roll in group after group, nation after nation. There are a number of conversations going on simultaneously in the forest that some 70 different cottages sit and serve as home to players for their weeks stay.
Waking up on Tuesday morning was really a shocker when you still think its Monday and youre willing to argue with someone that LIVES here about the date. Just taking a chair on your porch will alert you to a variety of languages and laughter that rings through the trees as players mingle throughout the day coming and going at their leisure which is a prime goal of Hero Discs event design.
You might be tempted to stop by the “ohnsen” or traditional Japanese spa/bath at any time during the day. The lobby is available for assistance 24 hours a day as you could find yourself wandering up to the towa welcome house and request an appointment with the healing waters. Your taste buds can have a tough time with the word “favorite” and “best ever” if you’re not careful, as the foods and colors and methods of presentation here can put you in a spin during any meal.
Its after dinner now and the sounds and sights take on a totally different meaning. The voices are louder and more sincere. The sights are humbling as you watch history place its hand on each and every shoulder in the field. As we welcome the final super-shuttle from Narita at midnight tonight, I can guarantee you this. I have heard it more than a dozen times today alone. “I am so glad I came here this year… p.s. I was the first on the list.
One more thing… The masterminds at Hero Disc and Innova made a bold and quite remarkable move in the 90’s. It is apparent now that the move to 150 class discs has left a permanent mark on the pro end of the game. By incorporating the 150 class element, the players have now not only embraced the concept with open arms, but its obvious that the JO veterans (and other 150 class events and lifestyles) have now raised the level of proficiency throughout the field. Playing with 150 class plastic has improved the overall experience for so many of our current and returning guests. That’s right! less is MORE for some.
It’s a good idea to push yourself towards an early bedtime your second and third nights here by most’s experience, so I will part with a word about travel. It has been my experience that Frisbee players are most available to “breakthrough” when there is an element of unfamiliarity. This is a major factor here at the Nasu Highlands every two years. The contest is now to prove to most that the most fun really does win. With all in consideration, the best is yet to come. If you are not in Japan right now and reading this entry, please remember one thing… there will ALWAYS be a place here for you, no matter where you come from, what hand you throw with, what language you speak, what your background is and so forth. If you want a “breakthrough” experience that IS actually cost-effective and guaranteed to please… then come to the land of the rising sun for one of professional sports’ greatest entities. The Japan Open Disc Golf tournament.
Signing off by the light of my last Asahi Super Dry, I wish you all a good night and a terrific day tomorrow of sport, spirit and spectacular spontaneity. O yasu mi nasai. (good night).
