Taking inspiration from the #1 vanity site on the Internet, WEBmikey.com, I started this website in July 2000. I wanted to have a place where I could post pictures, writings, video clips, whatever!

I chose the name "takoyaki" because it is one of my favorite foods. You can click on the links in the box on the right if you'd like to find out more about takoyaki. I actually like okonomiyaki better, but the domain name was taken... such is life. Also, make sure to post a question (you have to register, but it's free!) about takoyaki on the forums I made.

So, who am I? My name is Barron, and if you are reading this, you probably know me already. In case you don't (and if you are interested) I live in Austin, Texas, and work for a company doing interface design, a lot of html/css, graphic design, digital video, and photography. In my non-existent spare time (two small kids!), I like to work on my photography. And of course spend time on the Internet. :) If you want to see a pretty complete listing of my Internet "presence", just head on over to www.barronfujimoto.com. I also like video/computer games. I currently spend lots of time playing my Nintendo DS Phat and Nintendo Wii.

I was born and grew up in Southern California. After college and several years of working, I moved to Japan for about three years. While there, I lived in Kawasaki, then Kichijoji (Tokyo), and then Yokohama. In 1998, my wife, Mariko, got a job offer in Austin, TX so we moved and have been here ever since.

We now have two great kids, Bay and Koa, and two cats, Miki (the angel) and Amo (the cat from hell). The six of us enjoy hanging out watching Food Network (if Mariko gets her way), Baseball (if I get my way), or Anpanman (if Bay and Koa get their way, which is 90% of the time). We also spend a good amount of time cooking. Actually, Mariko cooks a lot, and Bay, Koa and I get to eat like kings.

To create and maintain this site, I use Dreamweaver, Textpad, pMachine Pro, and Photoshop. I use DreamHost for my web hosting. I am proud to say that I own all of those programs! For the original pictures, I use a Konica-Minolta Maxxum 7D, an Olympus XA, a Minolta a507si, and a Canon S200. I also have lots of other film cameras. Probably too many, if you ask Mariko.

Some randomness: I like the Dodgers, and hate the Giants. I guess that is typical. I like burgers, yakiniku, donburi, and sushi. I love spicy foods, often adding jalapenos or sriracha (or both). Not a big fan a Tabasco. The car I want is a 4-door VW Rabbit. The car I have is a 4-door Nissan Sentra. I like watching Japanese dorama, but mostly offbeat types. I enjoy most types of music except Country. I am an otaku about some things, like cameras. I am not an anime-freak, though!

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