Linda Hair Hi Jean and Craig, Pleased to see and read that you are both enjoying Japan. Archie would like to know is it hard to learn the Japanese language? We are researching into the Japanese Royal Family and hope to be able to answer your questions next by next week. Peter wonders have you seen in Japan vending machines that can sell you comics and DSs? Kyle wonders how many prisons there are in Japan. That's a tough one! The class is also learning about World War 2 and Eoghan would like to know why did Japan join Hitler as an ally during the Second World War? Cairn asks did you enjoy Mount Fiji? We have to go now because the bell is about to ring for home time.

LEANNE MURPHY Hi Jean and Craig. Hope you are both well. Bet you are having a fantastic time in Hokkaido. My post today is going to be quite sedate given that my sidekick Muriel isn't with me so here goes. Are you going to Hong Kong? I went there when I was 16 just after the end of British rule and it had begun to change quite a lot. I was pretty scared though at that age because it was so busy with people everywhere and trying to work out the directions for the Underground was impossible. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it. I looked at your photographs of New York, they are fab but it definitely is difficult to get photographs because the buildings are that tall. It is currently freezing here and frost is expected for Saturday so you should wrap up warm for the journey home. Have fun!!! Leanne (your Lawyer)

Jean Nisbet Hey Ochiltree this is Craig. I'll answer the first 1 before I leave you in the hands of my aunt. To Archie - In a word - Yes! It is very difficult to learn Japanese as there are almost no similiarities to the English language or other European languages I have learned. I've been trying to speak it since arriving here but it's proving tricky as they speak very fast and slur their words. But the sound of Japanese is quite musical and beautiful so I really wish I had prepared better so I could converse more with the locals. Also, reading Japanese is ridiculously hard as they don't use romanji (roman lettering) and use their own symbols which read right to left and bottom to top. Guys - it's a challenge! Jean here: Peter - we've seen vending machines selling loads of stuff. We haven't seen them selling comics or DS stuff but they are probably out there. Kyle - we really don't know how many prisons there are here. There are 2 things we can tell you: Japan still has the death penalty and uses it; and this has to be one of the most honest and safest societies in the world - crime levels are very, very low here: there's a very high work ethic, people are proud of what they achieve by themselves, the Japanese are proud (no tipping allowed!) and this is a very calm community all in. Eoghan: we've no idea why Japan joined the Hitler group. Japan had strong links with the USA and the British Empire before WW2 - maybe you can find out and tell us? Did the Japanese want their own empire? Mount Fuji was brilliant - outstanding! Although we were disappointed as our prime vantage point (top of the cable car) showed us nothing but cloud! What is impressive is how many Japanese people were visiting Mount Fuji. They love their country! By the way, guys, Craig says your questions are getting a bit tricky. He's currently lying down recovering from this lot! LOL!

Marian Macintyre Just home from 10 days on mainland and delighted to see your photos and read your blogs. What a trip!! I was also amazed to see the very very European looking Hokkaido. I had no idea - just shows how little we really know about a place until we actually go there. I just somehow imagined all Japan looking the same!! Enjoy the rest of the trip.......