I too am a big fan of Anno-Sensei's and hope he's doing well. When Hikitsuchi-Sensei's health was off, either Anno-Sensei or Clint would teach the class. I'm sure the school will be in good hands with him.
Thanks for the gaijin update. I've been in contact with Jurg and Clint in the last couple of years, and it was they who told me of Sensei's passing. When I left Shingu, Tim and his wife were planning on moving to Seatle, so I guess that never happened. Do they still live in that great old house between the train station and the river?
I don't really know the other gaijin on your list, except for Smantha. She was my AET replacement. According to Jurg, she talked a lot of smack about me, which I can't really understand, since I only met her once.
It must have been my winning personality.
There were three other gaijin while I was studying there, as well. An Israeli, and Basque (Charlie) and an Australian. My mind is drawing a blank right now on their names. I'm sure if I go have some gyoza, karage and Sapporo ala the Rion, my memory may be jogged. Unfortunately, I don't know of any good robata in Austin.
Did you also practice karate with the Aoyama-sensei in the Shingu-Koko Karate Club? I was pretty tight with Aoyama-sensei and Kamei-sensei.