15 years have passed since I used Narita airport. I had to use Narita this time for the approach route to Chicago. Everthing looks changed in Narita. I'll be able to use San Francisco->KIX route for return.

Minneapolis. It has sounded like 'apple' to me for a couple of days :) I find their phonetic symbols share the same part, indeed. Now my interpreter seems improved to cope with this difficulty :)

Jet lag. I haven't had a chance to overcome jet lag in US for a short stay (;_;) My postdoc and and student are in the same state with me.