"31 Months in Japan--the Building of a Theme Park" is the story of two Southern Californians embarking on the adventure of a lifetime--moving to Japan to participate in the construction of the Universal Studios Japan(R) theme park.

Join authors Larry K. & Lorna Collins on an odyssey into a foreign culture where they are often misunderstood and frequently confused. Discover the challenges and frustrations of building a world-class entertainment venue outside the United States. Enjoy the adventure as they discover the beauty and the people of Japan. Share their laughter, tears, surprise and final triumph as the park is completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Meet fascinating characters like Jurassic Jack, the Nihon Cowboy and Dote-san through their eyes.

"31 Months in Japan--the Building of a Theme Park" combines interesting details and behind-the-scenes descriptions of how magic is made in the entertainment industry with funny and touching personal remembrances. The stories will be of particular interest to those visiting or intending to live or work in Japan, people doing business with the Japanese, theme park aficionados and anyone with a sense of adventure.

The Memory Keeper is the story of Tomas Romero, a native of the Acjachemen band, whom the Spanish renamed Juaneno. Born in 1820 in San Juan Capistrano, Tomas attends the mission school where, in addition to the catechism, he learns to read, write, and cipher-uncommon for the Indians in San Juan at the time. Because Tomas assists the padres, he becomes aware of the world outside the small religious community. During his lifetime, he experiences the rule of Spain, Mexico, and finally, the United States. He survives drought, floods, plagues, the secularization of the mission property, and its return to the church. He also marries, raises two children, makes many friends, and provides assistance to the priests. He becomes co-owner of a mercantile. Although his story is rich with local history, it is, in the end, an engaging family saga with characters who come alive on the pages."

31 Months in Japan - the Building of a Theme Park is the story of two Southern Californians embarking on the adventure of a lifetime - moving to Japan to participate in the construction of the Universal Studios Japan theme park. Join authors Larry K. & Lorna Collins on an odyssey into a foreign culture where they are often misunderstood and frequently confused. Discover the challenges and frustrations of building a world-class entertainment venue outside the United States. Enjoy the adventure as they discover the beauty and the people of Japan. Share their laughter, tears, surprise and final triumph as the park is completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Meet fascinating characters like Jurassic Jack, the Nihon Cowboy and Dote-san through their eyes. 31 Months in Japan - the Building of a Theme Park combines interesting details and behind-the-scenes descriptions of how magic is made in the entertainment industry with funny and touching personal remembrances. The stories will be of particular interest to those visiting or intending to live or work in Japan, people doing business with the Japanese, theme park aficionados and anyone with a sense of adventure.