Kath was lucky enough to be invited back to Japan for two days helping the HTM and Freestylers and for one day of judging in the shadow of Mount Fuji.
The beautiful Mount Fuji.
Asako, Kath's host, took her sightseeing on her arrival day directly after the 20 hour day of travel. This brown snake was weaving its way through the lava from Mount Fuji.
A typical garden in Japan - so manicured and very pretty.
And a visit into the Ice Caves which kept Kath alert at less than Zero Degrees!
The organisers were busy setting up the wonderful facilities for the busy three days. The performance area was 25m x 20m, with room for crating areas down one side of the hall.
and 5 or 6 warm up rings for the handlers to spend time before their training time or before competing.
A friend from last year and her pretty Papillon.
Beautifully groomed Standard Poodles - so full of character!!
Asako checking the Trophies and all the prizes for competition day. There were 17 HTM Entries and 34 Freestyle entries.
The HTM and Freestyle Winner's Trophies! Huge!!!!
Another friend from last year who was the winner one of the three "Kath Special Trophies" - this one was awarded for Best Costume which she wore for "Diamonds Are Forever".
After judging, Kath was asked to explain HTM in a 5 minute television interview which stretched to 30 minutes!
The venue was part of a Dog Resort Hotel where many people brought their dogs over the weekend to enjoy the facilities. This was a very sociable lunchtime gathering of Long Haired Weirmaraners!
This lady is known to Kath too with her attentive Shiba Inu!
And Kath met this lady for the first time with her very talented labrador balancing a tub of treats on its nose!
And more helping time - this time a Toy Poodle
Translation took time and it was sometimes hard for Kath to keep the thread of what she wanted to say, but her interpreter, Hiroshi, was excellent.
Helping a Borzoi!!! A beautiful dog and gentle handler.
Finding the right words!
An Australian Labradoodle dancing to "The Little Mermaid"
Attentive spectators! Always good to see!
An eight month old Maltese Terrier - learning moves well under her handler's gentle care.
Emiko - Kath first met her at Crufts in 2001 and found time in the evening to meet up with her.
And her translator Hiroshi with his wife Akiko. He did work hard over several days, but he enjoyed learning all about HTM.
The resort's pool where Asako's dog Pepper was treated to a good morning swimming session after the competition and training days.
And of course superb grooming facilities for drying off.
Asako then took Kath on an amphibian bus for a drive around and on Lake Yamanakako
More sightseeing before the drive to Tokyo - passing the fishermen on Lake Yamanakako
Time to say Goodbye to everyone.
And then a 2.5 hour drive back to Tokyo passing paddy fields and solar panels!
Tokyo City with the main Government Building straight ahead.
Kath's last overnight stay in Japan at the Airport Hotel Nikko.
The departure board for busy Narita Airport - all these flights were taking off within 40 minutes of each other!
Kath's trip home with an upgraded seat giving her a chance to sleep before arriving home after another 23 hours of travel!
Thank you to Asako for arranging and inviting Kath to Japan once again on a very memorable visit.
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