Shift from Ham to Computers
In 1964 (A year of Tokyo Olympic), when I was a high school student, I began operating Ham radio network. I was quite interested in building my own Ham radio tool before. I remember I was pretty shocked listening radio from a Jewelry radio, when I was a junior high school. After earning some casual work money, I bought some parts to build my own Ham radio system, a large antenna and a 10m high communication tower.
You can spot a part of my Ham system on my desk in the picture on right. They must be a TX88A transmitter and a 9R59 receiver by Torio. You can spot a vinyl record player too. I used to be listening folk songs by Takuro Yoshida.
Ham Radio License
In 1965 (Showa 40), I obtained a telephone and telegraphic communication licenses, and then obtained an advanced level licenses in 1977 (Showa 52). I tried pursuing the highest license level, however, I was late for an exam and gave it up afterwards.
By Ham Radio
The Ham Radio was the start of our long friendship. Radio antenna was a sign of someone who was operating a Ham radio, and I spotted Jim's during my paper delivery.
I remember Jim was using a special signal band which was dedicated for the US air force at that time, so he could not communicate with a general public. That's way we never exchanged each other.
Shift from Ham to Microcomputer, then Personal Computer
After realizing that Ham radio signal often interfered with general TV and Radio signals around neighborhood, I hesitated to keep calling 'CQCQ'. Passed my early 30s, my interest had shifted from the Ham radio to microcomputers and then personal computers.
Studying computer and building Personal Computer
When I was around 32, I started studying a microcomputer (TK85) myself, and bought a PC8001 NEC in 1979. I upgraded to dearer models PC88, PC89 and IMB PC Compatibles later. I think I have built more than 30 desktop computers already.
CAD & Unix
I used to measure automatically using microcomputers and personal computers, and launched an Artwork CAD at work. Perhaps, my boldness around 40s was closely related to these work related projects. I also studied Unix myself from a scratch for my ex-work.
Handmade antenna
I built antenna by myself and 10m high tower, but it was regularly damaged by typhoons and storms.
CQ Magazine after 40 years
An email from Jim made me buying a CQ magazine in 40years. It is 960yen now. I couldn't wait reading a new edition every month at that time. I particularly liked an article of antenna modeling, and mocked up my own often.
Electronics quarter Akihabara
Akihabara Total Transformation
At Akihabara about 40 years ago, there were no computer shops, but were many shops where you could find tiny electric parts, wires and radios. Now, the town, Akihabara, has been transformed into a Mecca of Japanese animation and computer games.
There are mobile phones and accessories, computer accessories, some electric parts, and junk stores. Big named electronics retailers have already been disappeared from Akihabara due to many electric franchised stores outside of Tokyo.
Small Shops Still Exists
There are still quite few small stores where you can find electric parts. Particularly, there are few shops which are only 3m? in area still exist. You can even find a resister, a condenser, a transistor and more small electric parts there. I wish these shops will last here much longer.
Vacuum Tube on Sale
A vacuum tube was supposed to be superseded by a semiconductor about 40 years ago, but there are still round vacuum tubes sold at Akihabara.
A few Ham Shops Still There
There used to be many Ham radio shops in Akihabara 40 years ago. As far as I know now there are only a few shops left there. Although, these days, the way to communicate with others has been drastically transformed due to the development of the mobile phone, I still believe that old fashioned radio communication is quite beneficial and of course 'free of charge'.
Anime Shops Everywhere
The shops such as the animated cartoon which there was not at all, a game, the doll increased 40 years ago. The elderly do not understand it well?
'Maids'
There are a lot of Anime, computer games and figure shops which were not there at 40 years ago. My generation may not understand the latest trend of these shops at all. You often see some young girls who wear a maid costume, handing fliers out. They meant provide a comfort to customers. To me, these young girls are too cute to have even a conversation.
AKB48
AKB, a pop singer group has been launched at the AKB theatre in Akihabara. A total of 48 members perform on stage together. It is hard to understand for my generation, but many move to tears after seeing their performance.
Still my favorite spot
I've liked Akihabara since my high school era, and I do still like the place. I go there twice a month, and look for some unique items. I often ride my push bike there taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (distance is 30km one way), of course, wearing a racer pants and a helmet. It saves 860yen of train fare and is a good exercise.