tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47514649406495082922024-03-13T20:24:12.243-07:00Tokyo Survival TipsOne stop for Cultural Notes, How-to's, and interesting arbitrary crap. Enjoy!The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-22826263445378200162009-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:002009-08-12T23:39:15.636-07:00How To's #20: Get a Prepaid Cellphone<span style="font-size:180%;">Please visit my new site: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.TokyoSurvival.com">www.TokyoSurvival.com</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.TokyoSurvival.com"><br /></a><br /><hr /><br />They finally have a relatively tourist and short stay friendly system for prepaid phones. It is darn reasonable too! Before getting a cell was a crazy ordeal; You had to sign a contract and pay crazy rates for only 30 minutes a month!<strong></strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpsGFsae25XpT6z8CMSkwFzSX3TONRwaX12Renlb-JdE8-KwQWJXokRz_dt4PINOzICWLcRYeNshBwnWflCak15LVhF15A-iXOCg1OdgCCBwU0XIWOg0hRz_vqR8RuHeFpPW6Jx8ehCU/s1600-h/prepaidcell.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpsGFsae25XpT6z8CMSkwFzSX3TONRwaX12Renlb-JdE8-KwQWJXokRz_dt4PINOzICWLcRYeNshBwnWflCak15LVhF15A-iXOCg1OdgCCBwU0XIWOg0hRz_vqR8RuHeFpPW6Jx8ehCU/s320/prepaidcell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369332102514585762" border="0" /></a>Visiting friends for a <strong>sho</strong><strong>rt </strong><strong>period of time</strong> is a pain without the coordination convenience of a phone. The only <strong>prepaid phon</strong><strong>es</strong> that were available were the ones for rent at <strong>the airport.</strong> THEY WERE AND STILL ARE TERRIBLE! <strong> The Rates are horrible</strong> and the phone is incredibly old. Worst is the LACK OF E-MAIL! If you have friends in Japan, this is a necessity.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:16;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Introducing</span> </strong></span>the new<strong> <a href="http://mb.softbank.jp/en/prepaid_service/">softbank prepaid</a> phone</strong></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><strong>.</strong> It's only 4000yen for the cellphone and prepaid phone cards. The rates are still pretty bad at <strong>9 yen per 6 seconds</strong>. However, they don't over charge you for short conversations, which I greatly appreciate. These <strong>prepaid cards can be purchased</strong> at local convenient stores if you run out o</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">f minutes. </span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>Now the best part:</strong></span><br /><strong>Unlimited e-mails for 300yen a month!</strong> isn't that insane!?!<br />My old cellphone charged be 1000yen for every 10,000 e-mails... which seem like a lot... but you can blast thought it pretty quickly if you are using it like instant messaging.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>Notes and the Catch:</strong></span><ul><li>The phone only lasts for a year.</li></ul><ul><li>You can only have e-mail only and emergency calls only up to 90 days. Otherwise you need to add more money to your prepaid minutes.</li></ul><ul><li>Choosing you own e-mail is possible, but difficult to figure it out. I had to use a crazy looking one.</li><br /><li>You need to get a Japanese person to handle the contract for you or have an alien registration card (my friend was able to do it without it... but that is a pretty big inconsistency... so assume that you need a Japanese person).</li><br /><li>Go to <strong>Flagship Softbank Stores!!! </strong>The one in Shibuya is the one I went to. Locations that sell softbank phones like yodabashi and akiba do NOT have prepaid cells. The large one in Harajuku might have it, but I have not confirmed.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>PUSH PUSH PUSH! </strong></span>I hiked all over the city trying to get this damn phone. I called to make sure they had it, only for them to tell me that they didn't. When I insisted that someone confirmed that they did have it, than they were able to sell me the phone (not before disappearing for 15 minutes to check with their manager of course). It was frustrating needless to say.</li></ul><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>Finding a Softbank Store:</strong></span><ul><br /><li><a href="http://mb.softbank.jp/en/customer_support/shops.html">Maps of Flagship Stores!</a></li><br /><li>Harajuku: Shibuya:</li><li style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR8NEXG6gI4OgJhRyumNWpjkI1PHYOWA46rkALGh-PDHJeNAG3wphsJV4xdLJm6xVKyKqw0cuiQrc-EDoKYs0YCyglMuUdwZDqXif2epd7NJt7q5UEeZWJ0zkSWvybeg_5Mq-hYkSBNw/s1600-h/shops_map_omotesando.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR8NEXG6gI4OgJhRyumNWpjkI1PHYOWA46rkALGh-PDHJeNAG3wphsJV4xdLJm6xVKyKqw0cuiQrc-EDoKYs0YCyglMuUdwZDqXif2epd7NJt7q5UEeZWJ0zkSWvybeg_5Mq-hYkSBNw/s320/shops_map_omotesando.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369333778650142994" border="0" /></a></li><li>Shibuya:</li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOf0gFsFAjOkohhMFozlQvvNlcx3JoMLeRnh5BuZuxGMeEo4eBvhyf97o2w_8_HscO4vPMELLC8CKzy-iJkZbWubnLJ_ssHw6zlXiwRDX2ObW0GKYvpLGEw2Bn65KMzUt0-wejvXyREI/s1600-h/shops_map_shibuya.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOf0gFsFAjOkohhMFozlQvvNlcx3JoMLeRnh5BuZuxGMeEo4eBvhyf97o2w_8_HscO4vPMELLC8CKzy-iJkZbWubnLJ_ssHw6zlXiwRDX2ObW0GKYvpLGEw2Bn65KMzUt0-wejvXyREI/s320/shops_map_shibuya.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369334086079683474" border="0" /></a></li><br /></ul><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">So getting the phone was still a little painful and infuriating, but in the end I was infinitely satisfied with my phone. After everything, it cost me a little over 8000 yen to get me set up. Of course, I am not counting the cost of training around the damn city >_<! I got the 730SC - I was satisfied with the screen, functionality, and buttons (if they are to flat its hard to type). However, I never figured out how to get infrared to work.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><strong>If you are indeed staying a longer time in Japan: Please check out my older posts on my overview of cellphone carriers <a href="http://www.tokyosurvival.com/tokyo-how-tos-3-getting-a-cellphone-j-phone/"><strong>How To's#3: Getting a Cellphone(j-phone)</strong></a></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"><strong><br /></strong></span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-83581049581361782142009-07-25T21:40:00.000-07:002009-07-25T21:52:37.378-07:00How to #19: Find a Hotel (People keep asking!)My blog has moved to www.Tokyosurvival.com.<br /><br />Please look at the new post at http://www.tokyosurvival.com/how-to-19-find-a-hotel-people-keep-asking/<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" >Here is an excerpt on How to find a hotel in Japan:</span><br />So your options are as such:<br /><ul style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends homes:</span> I had host families and made lots of friends over the years. (Not everyone has a spare room, or as open to share their home… just a heads up)</li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hostels: </span>are good but still a little unsafe. (Your stuff can still get stolen!)</li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ryokan (旅館): </span>Japanese style hotels are expensive but super nice! You get to wear the yukatas and eat japanese billion course meal ^_^</li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minshuku (民宿):</span> Japanese style bed and breakfast. Usually owned by families. Food is usually mediocre and AC is limited.</li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotels:</span> I stayed at Daichi in Kichijoji, nice but expensive. Loved the brunch buffet!</li></ul>If you are unfamiliar with Japanese customs (bathing, cuisine, squatting toilets), I suggest you stay at a hotel. Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Kichijoji have Airport Limousines (If I am not mistaken). Those are far more convenient than taking the train. With luggage and such, it’s going to be a pain to navigate through the crowded stations. Especially, if you are going to Shinjuku!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Warning: Do not book a hotel near the airport. Narita is 2 hours away from Tokyo and it is not a cheap train ride!</span><br /><br />There are Japanese websites that aggregate hotel rates, but alas, they are in Japanese…and chances are, if you reading this post, you cannot read Japanese. However, I do have a solution!<br /><br />I love sites like these, I mean I like saving money…but my time is also worth something as well. So you’ll know you’ll get a good deal if you use one of these sites:<br /><br /><ul><li> Hotelscombined.com : It’s searches a over 30 hotel booking website, so it’s a pretty good resource.</li><li> Booking.com: Similar…If you select the hotel, it will tell you which rooms they have available those days.</li></ul><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Must Packs:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * Comfortable shoes</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * Dufflebag (you are gonna have tons of stuff to bring home^_^)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * Simple phrasebook</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * Camera</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * Medicine (Ibuprofen, stomach medicine)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> * CASH (The country mostly operates in cash on a day to day basis; credit cards are only for large purchases)</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-29252166414145712342009-06-15T22:21:00.000-07:002009-06-15T22:28:51.905-07:00How to#18: Find something cheap to do in Tokyo’s greatest spot!Sorry for the delay my friends... been caught up graduating and getting a job. As well as making the long transition to Tokyosurvival.com...wordpress is proving to be far more difficult to me than I had initially anticipated.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Anyways here is the long awaited post:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tokyosurvival.com/how-to18-find-something-cheap-to-do-in-tokyos-greatest-spot/"> http://www.tokyosurvival.com/how-to18-find-something-cheap-to-do-in-tokyos-greatest-spot/</a><br /><br />Please read the full post at the link above. I have step by step photographic instructions.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EXCERPT:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-rt9S0aO31-Bo3HzAHsOaMlaXSOcgwL71pNj-KlZUUGDNz1vSiuj6LAOU9kzAkyTtpiMDQq3lkVHZ44VAAvTdnYn58g9C5MUemdwT4tFOLtqjeX52eJQWWOMCUtCg526OHGAhK1VorU/s1600-h/shisha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-rt9S0aO31-Bo3HzAHsOaMlaXSOcgwL71pNj-KlZUUGDNz1vSiuj6LAOU9kzAkyTtpiMDQq3lkVHZ44VAAvTdnYn58g9C5MUemdwT4tFOLtqjeX52eJQWWOMCUtCg526OHGAhK1VorU/s320/shisha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347792495480034770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span>"</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Yes…I do indeed speak of hookah or the water tobacco. Guess what… it is dirt cheap and good. You get your own hookah for 400 yen and you are expected to buy a drink from around 200 yen. All in all, it’s a really cheap way to spend a couple hours. I used to go here about once a week. They also </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >offer free mixes. My personal favorite flavors are: Honey and Rose/Vanilla mix. This place is literally a hole in the wall and super tiny. Still a great place with great people though.</span> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Warning: whoever said hookah is better for you than cigarettes was lying. I am telling you up front that it is like smoking 100 cigarettes. You have been warned…Also, water tobacco isn’t legal in Japan…but they get away with calling themselves something herbal. Just an FYI.. You aren’t going to get deported or anything, so no worries)</span></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It is located in a place very close to my heart… <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><strong>Shimokitazawa(<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">下北沢</span></span><span class="t_nihongo_comma" style="display: none;">,</span><em><span class="t_nihongo_romaji">) </span></em></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_romaji"><strong>Shimokitazawa</strong> is a great spot for cheap dining and shopping and very much has a culture of it’s own. It reminded me of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco. In fact, there is a store called Haight Ashbury! This is not covered in a lot of tourist books so it’s tourist free. Only people who have stayed in Tokyo for a while know of this place. It’s also a great place to meet other cool international people."</span></span></span></p>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-2368158761255288342009-05-04T17:25:00.000-07:002009-05-04T17:54:11.932-07:00Tokyo How To's #4: Japanese Toilets(continued...)So for all of you who have read my previous post about the<a href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/06/tokyo-how-tos-4-japanese-toilets-modern.html"> <span style="font-style: italic;">dangers</span> of Japanese toilets</a>... I wanted to share with you a good laugh from one of my fellow bloggers. I will list excerpts from the post but I<span style="font-weight: bold;"> highly recommend</span> reading the whole thing!<br /><br /><a href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/06/tokyo-how-tos-4-japanese-toilets-modern.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Reannon of Taken by the Wind wrote:</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">"The 999th reason why I hate kanji"</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRVp4y_c5YE1Q_kWfk7X8w6cysZ0NsC74QSNYVuKaZa1wcodZUEFsSo-eL6rfMha19y-4On2txBOVXY_uy6HuSisqKkG7duP0MFdxTFDBsZtyV5nZHWxACDcMRQVCIChr_3QC82XrJ1I/s1600-h/shower+instructions.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRVp4y_c5YE1Q_kWfk7X8w6cysZ0NsC74QSNYVuKaZa1wcodZUEFsSo-eL6rfMha19y-4On2txBOVXY_uy6HuSisqKkG7duP0MFdxTFDBsZtyV5nZHWxACDcMRQVCIChr_3QC82XrJ1I/s320/shower+instructions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332136489898684146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"I woke up this morning at seven, stepped into the shower</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">, </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">and sleepily pushed the button th</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">at turns on</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">hot water heater</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">....Or so I thought."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"Suddenly the bathroom </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">erupted into chaos.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Sirens blared, an automated computer voice started shouting instructions at me through the vent over the bathtub and </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">I screamed in terror. "</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"Apparently the button located near the hot water heater wasn't outlined in pink because it symbolized 'heat', but because it was the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">emergency call button.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> I'd just unwittingly notified the doorman, the receptionist and possibly the police, that I was having a </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">heart attack </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">in the bathtub."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"I could hear the intercom buzzing so I grabbed a towel and dashed towards the front door...I punched every button, pausing for a second after each one to shout: 'moshi moshi!' into the microphone."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"...Yes, I set off the</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> fire alarm.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"</span><em style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Damn.</em><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> I forgot the Japanese word for mistake. "</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Misutaiku!</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">" I yelled, pronouncing the English word with a Japanese accent." </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlll_i9_v0pAUFjErZFiQt-mch7peTc0dYohDbo-g1OMr8QeHxllaF4QkXq-9AWVSZi1Br8AuR1hAKojgPfD8gJe16G14kIvrghhg47tCcl7u9bNzKOc52cXG75eTpvQxlCFM4eSV5sc/s1600-h/japanese+bathroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlll_i9_v0pAUFjErZFiQt-mch7peTc0dYohDbo-g1OMr8QeHxllaF4QkXq-9AWVSZi1Br8AuR1hAKojgPfD8gJe16G14kIvrghhg47tCcl7u9bNzKOc52cXG75eTpvQxlCFM4eSV5sc/s320/japanese+bathroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332136129197832754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"Chotto Matte (Just a moment)," came the reply....there was a knock on the door."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"I only had enough time to quickly rearrange my towel back into place before I watched in </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">horror</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> as the front door clicked open and in walked a</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> police officer</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"Not only do I have to be 'that idiot gaijin who can't read' but I have to be caught</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> wearing nothing but a towel w</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">ith sopping wet hair and </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">ugly mascara</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> tracks running down my cheeks."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">"Funnily enough, this has happened to me twice before..."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Please read the whole thing at </span><a href="http://reannon-takenbythewind.blogspot.com/2009/04/999th-reason-why-i-hate-kanji.html">http://reannon-takenbythewind.blogspot.com/2009/04/999th-reason-why-i-hate-kanji.html</a>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-23321316225354970912009-04-29T19:49:00.000-07:002009-04-29T21:13:42.857-07:00Culture Note #6: Happy Golden Week!!! ゴールデンウィーク<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt55T-3SBu3ZGQllc8QMdhPlu0ezEidWj31dU4E5HeIqwoh90i8FZV2Nx_akGPdnyqJFeqSOJUm6XE20FoMBTugqjvMefuViyedy1_nkUwU_7p4_mNkPIZIjBzTFYXD481wSBiDpenyI/s1600-h/golden-week.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt55T-3SBu3ZGQllc8QMdhPlu0ezEidWj31dU4E5HeIqwoh90i8FZV2Nx_akGPdnyqJFeqSOJUm6XE20FoMBTugqjvMefuViyedy1_nkUwU_7p4_mNkPIZIjBzTFYXD481wSBiDpenyI/s320/golden-week.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330327416363814946" border="0" /></a>If you are new to Japan, let me tell you about Golden Week. It is a glorious time when nobody works and everybody travels....and I do quite mean EVERYBODY! If you know what is good for you...<span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't leave the house!<br /><br /></span>I am giving you fair warning to let you know that Shibuya and Shinjuku will be twice as crowded...It is normally pretty crowded, but it's usually efficient at least.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWE9gc-ulV_GpKj-S9cIh6Je2pdQ-UXA03rZYIt1fNaPif7pxL8tdV-Zbc-__AvWmYtolzmfdch283nqeAltZkAe-8qkS8oUtssfb7K2MP0Pa6m8kE6UvbOGLKeIaXgEZ-4SjqHsqrB8/s1600-h/koinobori-thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWE9gc-ulV_GpKj-S9cIh6Je2pdQ-UXA03rZYIt1fNaPif7pxL8tdV-Zbc-__AvWmYtolzmfdch283nqeAltZkAe-8qkS8oUtssfb7K2MP0Pa6m8kE6UvbOGLKeIaXgEZ-4SjqHsqrB8/s320/koinobori-thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330328873661545490" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br />People book their vacations MONTHS in advance...sometimes even half</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> a year. If you are </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">planning to do an impromptu trip, it is going to cost you a lot of money. Even the cheap places mark up their prices. You can expect to spend at least 10,000 yen to travel and eat for a few </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">days during golden week.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Notes: Travel activity is anticipated to peak on May 2 with people leaving the large urban centers and on May 6 in the opposite direction. Heavy traffic can also be expected on April 29 and May 3 and 5.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />A Bit 'o' History</span></span><br />In 1948, Japan decided on holidays. They just so happened to all be concentrated into one week, end of April to early May. There is a huge spike in spending during this week and everybody makes money! In 1951, "Jiyū Gakkō" had record sales and the director of Daiei Films to coined the phrase"Golden Week" based on the Japanese radio lingo “golden time,” which denotes the period with the highest listener ratings.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">So...if you think there is some awesome ancient history about golden week....sorry to disappoint. It's kinda like how department stores in New York invented Santa and Coca Cola made him red. It's still awesome though^_^.</span><br /><br />At the time, April 29 was a national holiday celebrating the birth of the Shōwa Emperor. Upon his death in 1989, the day was renamed "Greenery Day". In 2007, Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed Shōwa Day to commemorate the late Emperor.<br /><br /><hr /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiuL8mOqBbEM8aayCWL_bf4C413UUwSyNOBJadLGKA6RUY8uQj9HtIItMrmEYUE2oxRkcfuQf33eAHVRkGwlW0E5Flmjbjb6uK0zAX5_u-2vZyRe5yfZozdle2G5a6MXnJFYZZ229PA4/s1600-h/golden-week-campaign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiuL8mOqBbEM8aayCWL_bf4C413UUwSyNOBJadLGKA6RUY8uQj9HtIItMrmEYUE2oxRkcfuQf33eAHVRkGwlW0E5Flmjbjb6uK0zAX5_u-2vZyRe5yfZozdle2G5a6MXnJFYZZ229PA4/s320/golden-week-campaign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330327789943353026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Thought this was funny... so I tried to google image some pictures for this blog post. This is the first image that comes up..it is a Japanese ad for getting a wax...I guess everyone was clicking on it..haha.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nuajapan.com/campaigns">http://www.nuajapan.com/campaigns</a></span><br /></div>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-58424264012240392852009-04-21T15:05:00.000-07:002009-04-27T23:19:38.284-07:00Culture Note #5: What is Karoshi?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4h4rloYIzngd0rpMIHHznKEjOVlCZQgXCMwXgbmqYE0siLZuyrqim4DA6Qc9Fq8vCmQhkY7tI4uzmR-0_9EU2-VwgnwuBPOv-NjuXC-EIXOZXCWfJnJ_gg03sY3JSue77huO2t6WuDE/s1600-h/karoshi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4h4rloYIzngd0rpMIHHznKEjOVlCZQgXCMwXgbmqYE0siLZuyrqim4DA6Qc9Fq8vCmQhkY7tI4uzmR-0_9EU2-VwgnwuBPOv-NjuXC-EIXOZXCWfJnJ_gg03sY3JSue77huO2t6WuDE/s320/karoshi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329618779515170050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><b>Karōshi</b> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">過労死</span></span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">is Death by Overwork</span><br /></span><br />Only in Japan does such a thing exist or is even an issue. Japan has been known for it's hustle and bustle lifestyle but not without a cost. All those who live in Japan know that when it turns night, every izakaya is filled with drunken salarymen. However, for every one of those there is one somewhere else working excessive overtime.<br /><br />Karoshi is usually a <span style="font-weight: bold;">stroke or heart attack</span>. However, suicide that was caused by stress is also considered Karoshi. This is a recognized death by insurance companies. If a family member dies of Karoshi the company that they worked for will pay out the family...not well mind you.<br /><br />This is a serious problem in Japan and they have attempted to rectify it, but after understanding the dynamics of the culture, I can say that it <span style="font-weight: bold;">won't change anytime soon.</span> The expectation from workers is intense.<br /><br />I know people who sleep a a couple hours a night to than wake up and go to work. The offices pay for dinner and taxi cab fare. I also know people who's companies have paid for hotels nearby the office so that they do not need to leave for too long.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">I will leave the topic of crazy suicide rates in Japan for another day. Now please enjoy this un-PC game based on Karoshi</span><br /><a href="http://armorgames.com/play/2407/karoshi-suicide-salaryman"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />ENJOY!</span></a><br />http://armorgames.com/play/2407/karoshi-suicide-salarymanThe Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-15342760471256779812009-04-09T15:52:00.000-07:002009-04-13T21:55:41.045-07:00How to #17: continue to hanami after hanami season! Follow the sakura!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo0SSYGqQOeioqcOvIZ47N7joJc5rh1OseOZJrHJwnw1QEyYEsKfsTfBaAubYZClTjbWTc5BlkQ9T4jagCb4LB9ves9uuJ1kZzR2MOx3MVw7cBQrfu91J0iC03F6Ltlgo-aGO0GgByCI/s1600-h/shibazakura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo0SSYGqQOeioqcOvIZ47N7joJc5rh1OseOZJrHJwnw1QEyYEsKfsTfBaAubYZClTjbWTc5BlkQ9T4jagCb4LB9ves9uuJ1kZzR2MOx3MVw7cBQrfu91J0iC03F6Ltlgo-aGO0GgByCI/s320/shibazakura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324404554117831746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shibazakura<br />"The Ground Sakura"</span><br /><br />When: Mid April - Early May<br /><br />Where:Hitsujiyama Koen in Chichibu, Saitama</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd5DSpc1-JB0EXdtpIbbLnK5j4gMjH1zLrA-Vk3ZbsyoYDkLmFr8wF-2Nh9APOU8brmvcjH_gLC9Tz2B4JrHcqgARPUx0LbGHf4Mt5wF23luEnqAjUvmsGo3vfU_yP_QxwUnf0iCJVCw/s1600-h/shibazakura2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd5DSpc1-JB0EXdtpIbbLnK5j4gMjH1zLrA-Vk3ZbsyoYDkLmFr8wF-2Nh9APOU8brmvcjH_gLC9Tz2B4JrHcqgARPUx0LbGHf4Mt5wF23luEnqAjUvmsGo3vfU_yP_QxwUnf0iCJVCw/s320/shibazakura2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324403848933884066" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">How: </span></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">F</span>rom Ueno or Tokyo station ride to Ōmiya </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">station. Reserved seat costs ¥2800, and a </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">non-reserved seat cost ¥1580. (Japan Rail Pa</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ss or JR East Rail Pass work) Do yourself a favor and get the reserved seats! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tickets sell out on the way back...so don't get stranded!</span></span><br /><p><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);font-family:georgia;" >My notes: It was great! The azaleas aren't as vast as advertised but it is still an amazing sight. Shibazakura is kind of considered and obaa-san place. There are some very decent matsuri food, like huge yaki-ika. I recommend that you leave most of your stuff in the lockers by the station. It's a very nice hike in the park so enjoy!</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >Footage I took from Shibazakura last year!</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L_d8p-soiQo&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L_d8p-soiQo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-34266522144752748942009-03-23T21:56:00.000-07:002009-03-23T23:50:52.336-07:00Culture Note #4: What is Hanami or Sakura Season?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwvEXJ07SR5bcbdmSFbYXcdKvMagkcF1mjT7uzdgsmAhZoG0v8XSbFUte6ISA1vBZL6XsPR9r6h4VYoXrB4DgIy9f7fSRDSPz7M-aPIe8h_XFh2e7TxCuCC7AHxRMnS-7kO_vz8fpiU8/s1600-h/the+bears.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwvEXJ07SR5bcbdmSFbYXcdKvMagkcF1mjT7uzdgsmAhZoG0v8XSbFUte6ISA1vBZL6XsPR9r6h4VYoXrB4DgIy9f7fSRDSPz7M-aPIe8h_XFh2e7TxCuCC7AHxRMnS-7kO_vz8fpiU8/s320/the+bears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316634798270822290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">This is by far is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">most beautiful sight</span> you will ever see. No photograph can ever do it justice. When it is that time of year, all time seems to stand still. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">endless white and pi</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"><span style="font-weight: bold;">nk pedals </span>fluttering down makes you feel blessed that you are alive. You see it in movies and you hear about it but this</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"> is a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> once in a life time</span> MUST SEE! So for all those in Japan...you should feel blessed.<br /><br />Sakura Season varies from location to locatio</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">n. For Tokyo it is blossoming right now! There is actually an adventure called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sakura Chasing</span>. Because of the change in climate from north to south, spring hits at a different time. You can thus travel from<span style="font-weight: bold;"> North to South </span>chasing </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">blossoming sakura for about a month and a half. You can imagine that it is an expensive </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">endeavor. However, I hope to one day do it myself </span></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnwMYPrKZorCBLX6p7R-jLJpiZRcAmhjvz4Q4YLf5-rI2Ryupee-_-JOgPrnTsh8t9IPnBg3-WEQ8rClFdDUyrqg9ynQn4EVKGuqTcHyI9nWFm9qIFPwtHOpM0LuASTGThbDu7XedTQ0/s1600-h/hanami.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnwMYPrKZorCBLX6p7R-jLJpiZRcAmhjvz4Q4YLf5-rI2Ryupee-_-JOgPrnTsh8t9IPnBg3-WEQ8rClFdDUyrqg9ynQn4EVKGuqTcHyI9nWFm9qIFPwtHOpM0LuASTGThbDu7XedTQ0/s320/hanami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316640178566743186" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><b>Hanami</b> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" >(</span><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" >花見) -</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"> </span>It literally </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">means "Flower Watching". It is when Sakura Season comes, and you pretty much go get drunk with your friends all day long. People will spend the n</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">ight in the cold to reserve the best hanami spots through out the park!<br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVN4Sh2ivSWaJvhKAloJAgMPw7b0-_0C1Mv59B8OLcq95qyxAsA6BVZ-9zs_BcVZcgT7VRhK2HYlIWT-cZDLgvuKNFiXtqBc-c7mmrJkmlWyIW0G7hIKoSNAiqrc6HPY8DeOB6Oi_xhs/s1600-h/hanami+drunk+guys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVN4Sh2ivSWaJvhKAloJAgMPw7b0-_0C1Mv59B8OLcq95qyxAsA6BVZ-9zs_BcVZcgT7VRhK2HYlIWT-cZDLgvuKNFiXtqBc-c7mmrJkmlWyIW0G7hIKoSNAiqrc6HPY8DeOB6Oi_xhs/s320/hanami+drunk+guys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316638618066840626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">When I say drunk..I don't mean a little tipsy... People get PLASTERED!</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">They do CRAZY things</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja">. The norm is dancing, singing songs, play</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"> instruments, doing <span style="font-weight: bold;">homoerotic dares</span>...o_O like the</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"> boys in this photo...---><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Preparation: Bring a tarp, blanket, alcohol, TONS of s</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">nacks, and a Camera!(you never know what your gonna see!) I saw some guys go swimming in the public pond!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Warning: The line to go to the bathroom is going to be enormous...so if you need to go start waiting in line early, and don't wait till that absolute LAST MINUTE!!!</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><hr /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">There are Hanami Spots Everywhere, but<br />These Were My Favorite:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">(If you aren't sure how to read maps please read my older </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);" href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/06/tokyo-how-tos-5-how-to-read-train-map.html">post</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Inokashira Park:</span> </span></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S3tW6Cdmd3RIS8b_2rXeAo_aLwluNtqMFlBgkpBK5hWTFILh2EDG7VTXjiMbMV0g5xPBcHdabThLWbaLtxzScjEsuYPz_C79kLlUW-y8u_oFbcdSSePOQVsojsCm43TwtcVjcNxphGw/s1600-h/hanami+nite+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S3tW6Cdmd3RIS8b_2rXeAo_aLwluNtqMFlBgkpBK5hWTFILh2EDG7VTXjiMbMV0g5xPBcHdabThLWbaLtxzScjEsuYPz_C79kLlUW-y8u_oFbcdSSePOQVsojsCm43TwtcVjcNxphGw/s320/hanami+nite+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316634336165580018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />5 min walk from Kichijoji (<span style="font-weight: bold;">JR Chuo Line</span>)<br />1 min walk from Inokashira Kōen (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Keio Line</span>)<br />...Just follow the signs that say Inokashira Park.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Shinjuku Gyoen National Park:</span>(<a href="http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/2_guide/access.html">MAP</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R3BXVfSzhhp6_jCiCkAG0EGxigQFfSF-JAQx37VHINI3Ug6zQZkOvpWcKvmQ7U9-DOQTOtWQpzdfHqBAKZ0ZwYpJCJQg8jiIYZDHGyz1Xls1rCjbWjrd-EMkQISWd930RoJixuUe2GI/s1600-h/shinjuku+koen2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R3BXVfSzhhp6_jCiCkAG0EGxigQFfSF-JAQx37VHINI3Ug6zQZkOvpWcKvmQ7U9-DOQTOtWQpzdfHqBAKZ0ZwYpJCJQg8jiIYZDHGyz1Xls1rCjbWjrd-EMkQISWd930RoJixuUe2GI/s320/shinjuku+koen2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316636429529945922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">JR・KEIO・ODAKYU Lines:</span>Shinjuku sta. "south exit" 10min. walk<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SEIBU SHINJUKU Line: </span>Seibu shinjuku sta. 15min. walk<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marunouchi Line(Subway</span>): Shinjuku gyoen mae sta. "Exhit1" 5min. walk<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toei Shinjuku Line(Subway): </span>Shinjuku 3 chome sta.: "C1&C5exit" 5min. walk<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEPcSGooIodwB0Iy6HBZ1rJYUrjL-ohdW8EGfMATBRn_q82zO7TGEZB8i_xVcTZWHEAfq7rbXH4jh85PZkLRqp0lZXWoV8XzZCSfWNsCfpnxMz7Cop2cHhBKkM9XiURNIE_-wOsNBSPk/s1600-h/shinjuku+koen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEPcSGooIodwB0Iy6HBZ1rJYUrjL-ohdW8EGfMATBRn_q82zO7TGEZB8i_xVcTZWHEAfq7rbXH4jh85PZkLRqp0lZXWoV8XzZCSfWNsCfpnxMz7Cop2cHhBKkM9XiURNIE_-wOsNBSPk/s320/shinjuku+koen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316635512524868738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Do</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >n't know where to go? Just follow the trail of </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Japanes</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >e</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >people! TAKE SOME </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >G</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >REAT PICTURES!<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji"><span lang="ja"><br /></span></span></span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-46950346054291284282009-03-17T19:37:00.000-07:002009-03-17T20:47:23.449-07:00Culture Note #3: What is Kanamura matsuri (aka the penis festival!)<span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Hey all,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /><br />Sorry for the delay in recent posts. It's mid-terms time, and I can't write as many posts as I would like. I will be moving this blog to tokyosurvival.com soon, so look forward to it! For now, please enjoy and attend the Kanamura festival.^_^ I attended it last year and it was great! </span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /><br />Warning: there will be 70%+ gaijin attending.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">-Claudia </span><br /><hr /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyCj8nPDVvZ1jR0xJcie1HUrXLF5Ew5KTurBK2oTFXurcxHvHaYXtHZ9FbpG5_O-Wp0M_kVGlQkGCLn7_UTvayA76jqtHFDvNVysF8ZZSNm0vNkp65VIEB8Lw0BfoarLw1CyBqZGlCTE/s1600-h/kanamura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyCj8nPDVvZ1jR0xJcie1HUrXLF5Ew5KTurBK2oTFXurcxHvHaYXtHZ9FbpG5_O-Wp0M_kVGlQkGCLn7_UTvayA76jqtHFDvNVysF8ZZSNm0vNkp65VIEB8Lw0BfoarLw1CyBqZGlCTE/s320/kanamura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314362608198615682" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What:</span> Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span>April 5 (Sunday)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: </span>Kawasaki, Kanagawa</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start time</span>: 10:30AM</span>(it is best to go earlier)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">End time:</span> 4:30PM</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Nearest station:</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"> Kawasakidaishi (Keikyu line)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Direction: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Take the south exit and follow the Gaijin crowd. Kanayama shrine is just a minute walk from the station.</span><br /><br /><br />The Kanamara Matsuri, also called Festival of the Steel Phallus, or in layman's term "Penis festival", is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki, Japan in spring. The penis is the central theme of the event, and it decorated in every aspect of the festival; in illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decoration, a parade of mikoshis, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaV8Hr4mvNycBWnxHN3QLZCDaQFHV8eSa2OSrmVb3aK_VPAjs3WRvrbR4-FZc-ulrS6YrlKJVlQ9MMMpbzaxJo9ciyM4wht2tWOWfkV3WpkPi-11ATpoH7Le3vmcMAgthUQ9PcsAd-TE/s1600-h/kanamura2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaV8Hr4mvNycBWnxHN3QLZCDaQFHV8eSa2OSrmVb3aK_VPAjs3WRvrbR4-FZc-ulrS6YrlKJVlQ9MMMpbzaxJo9ciyM4wht2tWOWfkV3WpkPi-11ATpoH7Le3vmcMAgthUQ9PcsAd-TE/s320/kanamura2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314364729433306562" border="0" /></a><br />There is a huge 4 foot tall penis permanently at the shrine year round.<br /><br />The best part about this festival is that it is right next to a kindergarten school o_o<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Note: Not too many Japanese people know about this festival, it is more popular in foreign countries, so be careful who you speak to this about this wild festival. You might still get odd looks if you flaunt your pictures. ENJOY!</span><br /><br />Check URL's for:<br />* <a href="http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/">Train times & connections</a><br />* <a href="http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/14/4610/14131.html">Weather forecast</a><br />* <a href="http://tomuraya.co.jp/wakamiya-10.htm">Kanamara festival</a><br />* <a href="http://www.deadhippo.com/photo_albums/kanamara/kanamara.htm">Photos</a><br /><br />(some of this information was copied from a Tokyo Gaijin e-mail)The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-45966351703565761722009-02-21T15:06:00.000-08:002009-02-21T15:06:27.939-08:00How to #16: follow train etiquette (with funny Metro Posters!)These are educational for Gaijin and Tokyoites alike... If you are ever on riding a Metro subway train you will see these posters up. <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Most of these don't-do's are committed by drunk people at night.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">ENJOY!!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Please also enjoy:</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-tos-13-understand-eerie-quietness.html">How to Understanding the Eerie Quietness of a Tokyo Train</a></li><li><a href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-tos-6-survive-rush-hour-train.html">How to Survive a Rush Hour Train</a></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS78L8acn2MAnEDLlZ127IYSV1UaYy3tGkoHc2nNy6u_Pnkx0jZeg8tXIw0OXMkIV1yWQ-DbS_EYrhhfNyxzqY1Yjl375mlCixehmdgRTJWwa8JpWhvSpKlaZbpDGAKKIHKtDCqj-HWl8/s1600-h/MetroPoster10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS78L8acn2MAnEDLlZ127IYSV1UaYy3tGkoHc2nNy6u_Pnkx0jZeg8tXIw0OXMkIV1yWQ-DbS_EYrhhfNyxzqY1Yjl375mlCixehmdgRTJWwa8JpWhvSpKlaZbpDGAKKIHKtDCqj-HWl8/s320/MetroPoster10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278543349644338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rPeivjoJXaTdvQdcheGUtkdWKw4Pm6ZUYAYHkEe5OPilDneiePHSvw5I62x0wBV5jNsZYyDWWIU33zBTcNMOUVSJTPyjMtfsQoh_cfx3ickuTX7Swq3RQpQQFCoO70lxFknHk16vJYw/s1600-h/MetroPoster11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rPeivjoJXaTdvQdcheGUtkdWKw4Pm6ZUYAYHkEe5OPilDneiePHSvw5I62x0wBV5jNsZYyDWWIU33zBTcNMOUVSJTPyjMtfsQoh_cfx3ickuTX7Swq3RQpQQFCoO70lxFknHk16vJYw/s320/MetroPoster11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278620754408594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0q6hF7xE8XDl8fY4AKMmVouTedsZscitVjC35dXk6S8H7P3YBYtaUPK2lwsF1ZIQwDcQ_yWA0IgsrSBaSPT7jbIEPv_eABRt01AB_hCtu6h7icxSOEL7oMK9-Sm2YkLiGps0X4W45sM/s1600-h/MetroPoster9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; 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float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm17UWiOmgqKJ0fQIR5Wls2ep7u9cilwKO6nNFaT6uUSmKZu-CVhVLNyVo3v-jXFlLAFFs_VmtMOd-AVg9RSu0RQ5z1VLzTEjZ9DDiMOnsw9lEii-1mNHGDtPAoWb4a5zGnD7VJhSBhCw/s320/MetroPoster7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278534074100002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9EpvlWDI_MkByRgCTDTAzWHCBQBvS9knN29KncPRTD-TJQJ9015ROzmFlPliMraFeOGtmCc437zxasYScXph4lGjfUiAKXTud1PLdS9d7vdCP32XL6wsDVbkYFhirlSiXdha7vxg-8c/s1600-h/MetroPoster6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9EpvlWDI_MkByRgCTDTAzWHCBQBvS9knN29KncPRTD-TJQJ9015ROzmFlPliMraFeOGtmCc437zxasYScXph4lGjfUiAKXTud1PLdS9d7vdCP32XL6wsDVbkYFhirlSiXdha7vxg-8c/s320/MetroPoster6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278530631042066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasKzQLHdctY-awC8Ff_oh2ydiCGFjR5WPtJJbPOLzVZmeA0li3fvjd_VYh80Ti01P-tFWckhEpBLFEDZ6ItCD4Vojvx4fUOe21kiBLD_dbkGRpqj_hcFoGVG4LYfnCZP67Q29SzN-y_w/s1600-h/MetroPoster5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasKzQLHdctY-awC8Ff_oh2ydiCGFjR5WPtJJbPOLzVZmeA0li3fvjd_VYh80Ti01P-tFWckhEpBLFEDZ6ItCD4Vojvx4fUOe21kiBLD_dbkGRpqj_hcFoGVG4LYfnCZP67Q29SzN-y_w/s320/MetroPoster5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278266721941474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7QfgpoAw5YHFx4eFA2kyaov88byWygu72EfY3xjEo3LXtZmPmikFzBlB3cZaNVYBndUpz2BDK7yiqfXKXdvXc-__I0zmpzB6oKugNM3zKH1RSCX966ThO_UVRhatOwq9o5VD2qzGNos/s1600-h/MetroPoster4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7QfgpoAw5YHFx4eFA2kyaov88byWygu72EfY3xjEo3LXtZmPmikFzBlB3cZaNVYBndUpz2BDK7yiqfXKXdvXc-__I0zmpzB6oKugNM3zKH1RSCX966ThO_UVRhatOwq9o5VD2qzGNos/s320/MetroPoster4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278259477429442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNOSsyau2oklhHrBFsJ5q_5ZfKtDRQdGh4Mm_okB0gMdtNM9HB-w2qprknj5ZMB9LeW7uTfh0aVdw5bCx_gIdwaBkYseFbxQ7_c-2OY5sTfTud3jDXjNBanPOWC1nUXqRGPVA7btdGuM/s1600-h/MetroPoster3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNOSsyau2oklhHrBFsJ5q_5ZfKtDRQdGh4Mm_okB0gMdtNM9HB-w2qprknj5ZMB9LeW7uTfh0aVdw5bCx_gIdwaBkYseFbxQ7_c-2OY5sTfTud3jDXjNBanPOWC1nUXqRGPVA7btdGuM/s320/MetroPoster3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278258462471330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRm9Lk4yVWtGia2RixRuCHG35s9yh58Zay1i_s_izG0KBWJt0T-GB_qF5FdYZYwG57yxkUekB0VjSIqfaIqOQ-dTvftmbjXT8rtiS5V9fCgo5fY9SEGF_rf2w0vmUVO5Va61bwK-Ie8/s1600-h/MetroPoster2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRm9Lk4yVWtGia2RixRuCHG35s9yh58Zay1i_s_izG0KBWJt0T-GB_qF5FdYZYwG57yxkUekB0VjSIqfaIqOQ-dTvftmbjXT8rtiS5V9fCgo5fY9SEGF_rf2w0vmUVO5Va61bwK-Ie8/s320/MetroPoster2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278260858142450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi52zP-ubZgYGK-GE9WL0Mujs-86_gcs432gJKOJCJVgPnXvKzc4x0z-yAK96qlWG0iwl_uosOZKewUwcZFlllvEZl9IA4wFMAZt-d7v6IvQ2Bvat96BOv_yeveHUrMvmLWXcGphEN74/s1600-h/MetroPoster1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi52zP-ubZgYGK-GE9WL0Mujs-86_gcs432gJKOJCJVgPnXvKzc4x0z-yAK96qlWG0iwl_uosOZKewUwcZFlllvEZl9IA4wFMAZt-d7v6IvQ2Bvat96BOv_yeveHUrMvmLWXcGphEN74/s320/MetroPoster1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304278255543262770" border="0" /></a>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-26625114259113859042009-02-18T14:27:00.000-08:002009-04-17T11:20:16.985-07:00Culture Note #2: What is KY and why is it important?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9NOsaO3CxLMp1TW2Ug64CQfjk7IFKj7e5twryJlbvrTaE5wm8hUoZXooPDY3tcjPnktZwdXZ7muadyTzs_62r_lKc3TcrsVZNxh83IkIfj4S4fAmjIm_sBOg24V_HCwwhpKcZ6SCotE/s1600-h/Last+few+weeks+in+Japan+08+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9NOsaO3CxLMp1TW2Ug64CQfjk7IFKj7e5twryJlbvrTaE5wm8hUoZXooPDY3tcjPnktZwdXZ7muadyTzs_62r_lKc3TcrsVZNxh83IkIfj4S4fAmjIm_sBOg24V_HCwwhpKcZ6SCotE/s320/Last+few+weeks+in+Japan+08+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304273385397234434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:180%;" >空気読めない</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Kuuki Yomenai = K.Y.(Adj,,n.)</span><br /><br />When I first heard it I thought of something dirty. Don't lie, you know you did too!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />It literally means "cannot read the air"<br /></span><br />While you are living in Japan you will find this is a commonly used phrase. It is NOT ONLY used by young people. It is referring to a person who is oblivious to his current surrounding, and may say or do something insensitive or inappropriate.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This has a negative connotation of ignorance.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Synonymous words would be : Dense or Thick-headed.</span><br />Another variation is C.K.Y.<br />C is for Chou = super, really, extremely<br /></span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-80723135454322377922009-02-17T17:35:00.000-08:002009-02-17T00:05:43.607-08:00Culture note #1: What is Aizuchi and why does everyone look like a bogglehead?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.custombobble.com/images/imagecache/Bobblehead_Infront_of_Japanese_house.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="http://www.custombobble.com/images/imagecache/Bobblehead_Infront_of_Japanese_house.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Aizuchi</b> (相槌 or あいづち)</span><br /><br />It is the act of nodding your head an uttering something to reassure the speaker that you are listening. This is <span style="font-weight: bold;">VITAL</span> to communicating in Japan.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">The noise that is often used is:</span> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><li>"un"</li><li>"ee"(pronounced "eh")</li><li>"hai"</li><li>"soune"<br /></li><li>"sou desuka"</li><li>"sou desune"</li><li>more variations of "sou"(haha)</li><li>variations of "hontou"</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">To be safe, just stick with the top 3.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span>when any Japanese person is talking, regardless of status.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How: </span>constantly nod your head(like a boggle head), and say "un" every 4-6 nods.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why: </span>To be polite, and further integrated in the culture that is Japan.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">I actually participated in a study on how Gaijin learn or pick up Aizuchi. They recorded me speaking Japanese and English. If you live their long enough and you converse enough in Japanese you WILL pick it up. It's only when you go back to your country that people ask you why you keep constantly </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">nodding and interrupting them</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">, that you realize that you subconsciously picked it up.</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-42250106446813014422009-02-12T13:56:00.000-08:002009-02-12T19:35:03.240-08:00How to: #15: eat out in Japan (must know words!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.acbj.com.br/alianca/img_palavras/washoku%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 249px;" src="http://www.acbj.com.br/alianca/img_palavras/washoku%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is a list of things/words you need to know:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Kinen-Seki and Kitsuen-Seki:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7igXesbPaKu-QwiqnFrQOU5ZOwGUnsnKEl_yPuFA7UvMDJabjlg_MnrFK820OHp5gDo-5oK8c0kF6BGm7NRXG6b1uUa9ZRsD6W37NLK1vmfIArhP_VisOqzYpP5aUdJPe0pvIrOeJqY/s1600-h/smoking.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7igXesbPaKu-QwiqnFrQOU5ZOwGUnsnKEl_yPuFA7UvMDJabjlg_MnrFK820OHp5gDo-5oK8c0kF6BGm7NRXG6b1uUa9ZRsD6W37NLK1vmfIArhP_VisOqzYpP5aUdJPe0pvIrOeJqY/s320/smoking.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302027857657907874" border="0" /></a>These will be the first thing your hear when you enter a restaurant. It means non-smoking and smoking. In Japan, smoking is still allowed in doors. This was a bit of a culture shock to me, since I grew up in San Francisco. We haven't had smoking sections since I was a child.<br /><br />If you wand non-smoking you say <em>"kinen-seki</em> onegaishimasu".<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Note: their little dividers will do little to block the smoke from wafting into your nostrils. Also, if you have sensitive eyes like I do...invest in some eyedrops...o_o</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshibori">Oshibori</a>(</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">おしぼり or お絞り)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">:<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Oshibori.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 130px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Oshibori.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Wherever, you eat you will have a wet towelette to clean your hands. You will have this regardless of whether or not you will be eating with your hands.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Note: hot in the winter, cold in the summer</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WARNING: DO NOT WIPE YOUR FACE WITH THIS (I've seen some salarymen do it. but it's a no-no)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">Osusume(おすすめ or お勧め):<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kyosyoku.com/img/food_osusume01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 160px;" src="http://www.kyosyoku.com/img/food_osusume01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It means recommendation. Most places will have a recommendation written on the menu. So learn the kanji well...because you will be seeing it. Also, sometimes you won't be able to read the menu. It is very useful to ask your waitor/waitress what is their recommendation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Osusume ha.."</span> is acceptable... or<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Anata no osusume ha nan desuka"</span> if you are determined to speak in whole sentences.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teishoku:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lokalni.pl/aaakaligrafia/58-teishoku.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 169px;" src="http://www.lokalni.pl/aaakaligrafia/58-teishoku.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>LEARN THIS KANJI, IT WILL BE YOUR SAVIOR!<br /><br />I love love...LOVE Teishoku! It is <span style="font-weight: bold;">set meals</span>! Considering that I was hungry for the first 4 months in Japan, I looked forward to these reasonably prices filling meals. Lunch time is of course cheaper, and it always comes with delicious miso(even at Denny's)<br /><br />I find that the family owned <span style="font-weight: bold;">hole-in-the-wall</span> spots can be pretty darn delicious...so start looking! And share you favorite spots with your friends.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">Omochikaeri:</span></span><br /><br />It means <span style="font-weight: bold;">"to go"</span>. If you go to fast food restaurants they will ask you for here or to go.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Note: There are no such things as doggie bags in Japan. People will just look at you funny.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Betsu-Betsu:</span></span><br /><br />Whenever you eat at a restaurant you will almost always pay at the door. Before you pay, just say the <span style="font-weight: bold;">magic words "betsu betsu"</span> and they will very easily SPLIT THE CHECK. Each person will pay only for their own meal, and since gratuity is included it just makes it easier.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Note: I'm more impressed because I am American...Because if you ask an American waitor/waitress to split the check, they look at you as if you asked them to do advanced quantum physics.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" >"Gochisou sama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした):</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Thank you for a wonderful meal"</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/images/2008/03/07/20080307_i08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 281px;" src="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/images/2008/03/07/20080307_i08.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is very useful for relationship building...and it's pretty standard for politeness.<br /><br />Whether you live in a dorm or go to you favorite sushi place. You should say that as your are leaving. Say it loud and proudly, to further emphasize how delicious the meal was! It will make them happy, and make you happy for feeling like you are a part of the culture.<br /><br />I had Kaiten-sushi(revolving sushi) way to often... so I used it regularly. The preparers will remember you, and it will help your cultural immersion in Japan!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gan Batte!</span></span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-15894163353153799932009-01-09T11:23:00.000-08:002009-01-09T11:34:58.939-08:00How to # 14: Deal with losing your Wallet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/129/8/AAAAApzJZvIAAAAAASmMAw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/129/8/AAAAApzJZvIAAAAAASmMAw.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Call me clumsy... but<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I've lost my wallet 3 times</span> in Japan... It happens... you walk around a lot..things go in and out of your bag..it's bound to happen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">However, each time I lost it, it was not only returned but had ALL THE CASH! This would happen ONLY in Japan!</span><br /><br />Mind you that I'd carry about 30,000yen at minimum ($300USD) You live in Japan long enough, you know...that you <span style="font-weight: bold;">ALWAYS need to have cash!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">In either case, this is possibly my favorite attribute to why Japanese people are so great! They are so considerate.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> In America, the best you could hope for...in the case of a lost wallet is...is your empty wallet with all your ID's and credit cards. </span>Not in Japan..my experience has been phenomenal. If it was at school I got it in the lost and found. College students are poor...I would not have been surprised to find my money missin</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">g.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2080784424_0c6e5bb11a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2080784424_0c6e5bb11a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The other occasions I lost my wallet, I was called by the cops. They found like bank card which had my cellphone number on it.(talk about service!) They called to inform me where it was, and I was able to pick it up within a couple hours of loosing it. Luckily I had some change for the train...or it would have been<span style="font-weight: bold;"> yabai...</span>(no good)<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">So in Japan here is the</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"> protocol</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"> for receiving all your money back! This is not mentioned in textbooks or anything of that sort. So yes...japanese people are considerate...but it is also assumed that you will be grateful...and thus be </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">osewaninatta(in debted to)</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><br /><br />Rule of thumb</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"> is about 20-30% of the cash that was in the wallet. Wherever your wallet was returned to, they will often leave contact information...it is up to you to contact them and give them thank you money.</span> <ol style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><li>Lose wallet</li><li>Get wallet back with all the cash</li><li>Give Thanks in the form of 20-30% of wallet content</li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;">you got it? and it doesn't hurt to ask a Japanese friend for help on this matter.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">So pay it forward!</span></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1598/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1598R-227011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 256px;" src="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1598/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1598R-227011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-29115598725744129562009-01-01T23:29:00.000-08:002009-02-18T15:25:42.702-08:00How to's #13: Understand the eerie quietness of a Tokyo Train<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/jjue89/SBGTqbb6fpI/AAAAAAAAAc4/dPlqZ977HiU/20080414_0390_crowded.jpg%20"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 189px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/jjue89/SBGTqbb6fpI/AAAAAAAAAc4/dPlqZ977HiU/20080414_0390_crowded.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">World's most populated city, along with the most advanced rail systems....</span><br /><br />Tokyo is famous for their crowded trains. Now, combine the idea your average encounter with Asians(likely to be Chinese, and loud) except multiply that by thousands... and you will probably have an image that it is <span style="font-weight: bold;">unbearably NOISY!</span><br /><br />However, Japan is quite the opposite.<br /><br />When I say eerily quiet, I do mean it. You will never have heard such intense silence in your life (Except possibly a Japanese movie theater before a film starts...I'll explain in a future post)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://greggman.com/japan/jpics/jp17/psn00003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 228px;" src="http://greggman.com/japan/jpics/jp17/psn00003.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">There is generally some minimal noise created by living beings.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);"> Such as: coughin</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">g, shuffling, breathing... In the trains though, you are left with only the sounds of: the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">tra</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">cks, cellphone button clicking (e-mails), PSP's, tapping of a DS, or a rude person with earphones too loud. I mean..you can honestly hear a sneeze practically in the next car over.</span><br /><br />Now for people who live in Japan for longer periods of time, you will likely have your handy iPod or mp3 player on hand all the time.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> But one of these days, you will forget to charge it or you didn't plug it in correctly...and BAM! </span>It's your morning commute and you are deprived of your music and/or podcasts for the remainder of your journey. It is at that moment, when you realize that it's quiet....scary quiet.<br /><br />To make things clear, the only time that it is not quiet is during the late evenings....which are usually <span style="font-weight: bold;">loaded with drunken salary men and rowdy young people </span>who are trying to catch the last train home.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">In most countries, trains will be noisy...but why....is it in Japa</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/1435289700_72edd9d4d0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 369px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/1435289700_72edd9d4d0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">n it is the norm to be near silent?</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 153);"><br /><br />Well when I asked a number of my Japanese friends as well as students, the best understanding i can provide is it's historical context...</span> </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />When trains were first introduced, it was a luxurious form of transportation. People would dress up, and exhibit a "proper" image. During that time, it would be rude and inappropriate to be boisterous. It is only over time, that the train system evolved to span the entirety of Japan...and grow into one of the world's most efficient systems. It may no longer be considered and a upper-class luxury anymore, but the importance of caring for others is still very much there</span><br /><br />In addition, considering that you are often<span style="font-weight: bold;"> face-deep in somebody's armpit </span>during a rush hour train...don't you think it's nicer that nobody is talking and yapping away letting their morning breath into the already stuffy train?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> Although this is a generalized statement, Japanese people are very much the type to care for others. It is both a positive and negative attribute...But if you are to live or stay in Japan, it is one of the core understanding that is needed to understand Japanese culture... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">So next time you are in the train...</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">understand hat by being loud and inconsiderate of others, you would be infringing on another persons overall comfort and experience</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">...Thus, it is important as foreigners that we respect and abide by this social rule of in train silence. Many foreigners feel it is stupid to abide by this rule..and that Japanese people simply care too much...but in the end...if </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">you are in THEIR country, you should abide by THEIR rules.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-size:130%;" >So please....Don't be a BAD foreigner, and be courteous in the train. (don't eat on the train either!)<br /><a href="http://wanderingabc.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-tos-6-survive-rush-hour-train.html"><br />Please also read How to Survive a Rush Hour Train!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Suggestion on how to endure the silence:<br /></span></span></span><ul><li>keep you Ipod charged!</li><li>Podcast are your friend</li><li>Go to Kinokuniya to buy some books (hard to read in a rush hour train though)</li><li>Nintendo DS/PSP is a godsend! (i advise nintendo DS for it's more casual games...racing games and realtime games are ill advised)</li><li>Learn to sleep standing up (I did it...so can you)</li><li>Cellphone e-mails ( I use to text my friends at home..it's usually the number#@thecarrieremail.com)</li><li>meditate</li></ul>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-66782209562243582932008-12-11T12:39:00.001-08:002008-12-11T12:56:02.184-08:00I'm Back!!! and ready to Blog!<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Sorry folks!</span><br /><br />I've been M.I.A. for the sake of school. I realize i haven't blogged in a couple months now, so I'm going to make up for it this winter. Please let me know if there are any specific articles you want me to write about first.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I have lined up:</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><li>How to survive and understand the eerie silence of a train</li><li>How to deal with losing your Wallet</li><li>How to deal with Credit Card/ Debit cardless nation</li><li>What is Aizuchi and why do people look like boggleheads<br /></li><li>How to get a Taxi</li><li>How to enjoy the wonders of seperate checks</li><li>What is KY and why is it important</li><li>What is Koban and do they actually do anything<br /></li><li>How to find a pay phone</li><li>How to find a bathroom </li></ul><br />If you have any additional suggestions you would like to make I would be more than happy to write about them! Please e-mail me at<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">ClaudiaJMNg@gmail.com</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please check back for posts soon to come!!!! ^_^</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-48177238951285840052008-09-20T21:04:00.001-07:002008-09-22T23:05:23.169-07:00How to's #12: Understand the difference between Tabehodai and Viking♦♠♦If you have lived in Japan, you are likely to be familiar with that fact that the portions are smaller. However, that does not mean you can not have a full stomach! Believe it or not, there are quite a few of these places all around! Introducing the two forms of all-you can eat in Japan!:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Ta</span></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hansokuya.jp/nobori/images/l/tabehodai.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 93px; height: 269px;" src="http://hansokuya.jp/nobori/images/l/tabehodai.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">behodai:</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The best translation for "all you can eat". What this means is that you are sitting at a table and you can place as many orders as your would like. At izakayas (drinking places), this usually goes along with nomihodai, which is all you can drink! From a select menu you can call as many plates as you want.</span><br /><br />My personal favorites are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shakey's Pizza</span> and Guts Soul. These are two chains, that are scattered around different stations in Tokyo. Shakey's (easily located in Harajuku and Shibuya) is all you can eat pizza! There are different set you can purchase, that allow you to have more of a selection with pizza, sides, and drink! I suggest you avoid the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> corn and tuna</span> one. Sounds interesting at first...but it's really not that appetizing especially when they <span style="font-weight: bold;">provide the entirety of a 12 inch </span>pizza.o_O<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_PVIgKdgCt_U/R53vFRL85WI/AAAAAAAADP8/9PDgFwuDFHM/CIMG3646.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 159px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_PVIgKdgCt_U/R53vFRL85WI/AAAAAAAADP8/9PDgFwuDFHM/CIMG3646.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Guts Soul</span> how I love thee... This is superiorly cheap <span style="font-weight: bold;">korean BBQ.</span> During lunch hours I believe they offer a better deal, but the evening prices are not bad either! <span style="font-weight: bold;">The cheapest one is 980yen and it ranges to 1500yen</span>. The difference is only in the selection of meet. The cheapest one is limited only to pork and some lower cut beef. The more expensive ones, give you the option to eat better cuts. Personally, it all goes down good. The ones I ate at was located at yoyogi and nakano. Try to mix in some veggies...for the sake of nutrition.^_^<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">OH! and for the sushi connoisseur, there is a all you can eat<span style="font-weight: bold;"> tsukiji tabehodai</span> place at the kinshichyou station! It's amazing! A little bit expensive, I believe it was 2500yen a head but it was worth it! You can eat all ootoro(fatty tuna) the whole night if you so choose.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Viking:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tca2000.co.uk/hagar.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 151px;" src="http://www.tca2000.co.uk/hagar.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alright...this was pretty confusing to me, too. So Viking means buffet...Took me a while to figure that one out. I think its because there is a stereotype that Vikings ate a lot. Also, it is easier to pronounce that "buffet" for Japanese people.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The difference is that you must walk up to get your food. </span>Viking is less tasty in my opinion. It is about the same price as tabehodai more or less. The less enjoyable features is that all the good stuff gets gobbled immediately and the remaining dregs is not very enjoyable. The temperatures of everything is not quite right, and new trays always take a while to come out>_<. I've had indian food Viking, which wasn't half bad. My worse experience was with a Thai Viking in shinjuku that caused me and my friends to have an upset stomach. o_O <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">I will however recommend a place in Harajuku, across from the Daiso called "Dessert Paradise". There is a plethora of amazing cakes and pies to choose from! There is also a very enjoyable pasta/soup bar where you can fill up on actual sustenance before you hovel sweets into your face for 30 minutes. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />With all this in mind, enjoy a night out with your friends and your full stomach! Be careful though, you are probably not accustomed to overeating and you will have negative effects. Full stomach = Happy points. Falling asleep from food coma/bloated stomach pains = -Happy points. So consume with caution!</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-43193573991891345062008-08-05T23:48:00.001-07:002008-08-06T01:10:50.992-07:00How to's #11: attend University/college with English Courses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sophia_Univ_Logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sophia_Univ_Logo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >I want to begin with the fact that I went to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.fla.sophia.ac.jp/">Sophia University </a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >(</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">上智大学</span><span class="t_nihongo_comma" style="display: none;">,</span> <i><span class="t_nihongo_romaji">Jōchi daigaku</span></i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">)</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >for a year.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Choosing a school:</span><br /></span><br />With Sophia it was a good school and there is definitely some prestige to the name. In my experience, when I let Japanese people know what school I attended,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> it was like saying I attended Stanford or Berkeley</span>. The FLA(faculty of the liberal arts) program is all in English. They have an decent selection of classes. Sophia is one of the top schools with the largest English program. FLA students make up about 10% of the entire Sophia school student body. It may have risen since I was there.<br /><br />Other schools you may want to consider is <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Temple, ICU, and Waseda. and Keio University. Tokyo University</span>, aka Todai, I believe only has specialty courses and graduate programs in english. All these schools are all in Tokyo area.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Applying and getting into these schools as a degree student is not difficult. The requirements for a foreigner are not NEARLY as strict as they are for Japanese.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Things you sho</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" >uld know before choosing a school in Tokyo:</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOCvdghrS4D2ylc5ZzBIyj0ywcw7wq3O5EqNDo9vgpVb3ag0lxUBEkDVH2qo6oPhc1Z_R4NW0_yYL5Dw037I-hXI1Th67tl8JMXiyOJ-nnYGItnz4L8_s823Fy1c_eIS5vFrNB7F5kDQ/s1600-h/shibazakura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOCvdghrS4D2ylc5ZzBIyj0ywcw7wq3O5EqNDo9vgpVb3ag0lxUBEkDVH2qo6oPhc1Z_R4NW0_yYL5Dw037I-hXI1Th67tl8JMXiyOJ-nnYGItnz4L8_s823Fy1c_eIS5vFrNB7F5kDQ/s400/shibazakura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231309725892606658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tokyo people are notorious for being a little distant,</span> so you may not be able to make as many super japanese friends. Instead, you'll meet a lot of quasi-americanized japanese that are friendly, and chill but likely speak a lot of english. I went to Tokyo with determination to make Japanese friends. I joined clubs, and tried really hard(more than I should have really...) I tried to speak completely in Japanese, be more japanese...but in the end...I didn't succeed to the extent I wanted to.(This was a consensus among many of the exchange students)<br /><br />You will however be able to meet a lot of other students around the world, which was great experience for making multicultural friendships. European, Australian, Taiwanese...you name it... it's all good.^_^ <span style="font-weight: bold;">I made a lot of everlasting friendships</span> and I wouldn't trade them for the world.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Information about My Sophia experience:</span></span><br /><br />Sophia is one stop away from Shinjuku, and is in central tokyo. Extremely convenient location, but if you live out in the sticks, the commute can be rough.<br /><br />Sophia has contracts with many schools, so you might consider a year long study abroad, instead of signing on as a degree student. That is what I did, My home school is Univers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6a/Sophia_Univ_Logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 146px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6a/Sophia_Univ_Logo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>ity of San Francisco.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">My personal opinions of the Sophia are not that great. I loved the people at th school, but I honestly wasn't that impressed. It could be possible I maybe more accustomed to American style of teaching, thus giving me a biased opinion. I like the more challenging ,"hit the ground running" kind of learning in American schools. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">School in Japan are by FAR much more laid back than American Universities.</span><br /><br />In the end, <span style="font-weight: bold;">1 year was enough for me</span>... it also didn't help that I was paying 17k+ of my schools tuition per semester. (Note: directly applying to Sophia is a much better idea, tuition is significantly cheaper) Even with the direct contract, many of my units couldn't transfer...that could be faulted on my own homeschool though.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-style: italic;">I wasn't impressed, however, I met a few people who decided to transfer to Sophia. Their reasoning still evades me, since a Japanese Degree isn't worth diddly in the states. So not only have you squandered your "education", but you are completely ill fit to go beyond office grunt in the American world. Only those with severe ambitions can really take a lot</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-style: italic;"> more out of their Japanese experience outside of school. I maybe being a little critical, but I feel that many of the exchange students squander their experience more than cherish it. So I see no point in wasting your time,money, and energy if you aren't bettering yourself or the world with it. Alright..cathartic sequence...over...my apologies...</span><br /><br />Anywho... Sophia is one of the better programs you can choose from.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Personal Suggestions:</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.naganuma-school.or.jp/school_2/images/photos/home.index.01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.naganuma-school.or.jp/school_2/images/photos/home.index.01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">If it is more about learning Japanese,</span> I would recommend a place closer to the outskirts like ICU. Where people are more friendly and likely to chat it up with you. If you are severely determined about japanese...skip the program and opt for language school. I attended <a href="http://www.naganuma-school.or.jp/school_2/en/home/index.html">Naganuma</a> my last 4 months in Tokyo. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I learned more in those 4 months thanthe 12 months </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">before.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">If you want to pursue your desired major</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">,</span> than your best plan is to go to an American university, and spend some time abroad. Because many of the programs don't have as wide of a selection in your major and an American school would. So be sure to find a school that is contracted, and just try to take your general requirement courses at the Japanese University.(Literature, History, English, that kinda thing) Sophia's FLA website isnt googlable...so be sure to go to <a href="http://www.fcc.sophia.ac.jp/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.fcc.sophia.ac.jp/index.html</a> . They have a class catalog you can look at also.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Additional options:</span> You can also do the <a href="http://www.ciee.org/">CIEE program</a> to Sophia, but I think it's ridiculously expensive. The benefit are the liaisons, and cultural field trips. In my 15 months in Tokyo I have met many students in CIEE, trust me when I say you would prefer to go outside of the program, and keep your freedom.The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-30051194019416161172008-07-22T20:07:00.000-07:002008-07-22T20:57:38.833-07:00How To's #10: Find a Doctor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stippy.com/wp/wp-content/zuploads/2007/04/japanese-doctors.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.stippy.com/wp/wp-content/zuploads/2007/04/japanese-doctors.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />If you can't read Kanji, finding a doctor maybe difficult. However, they are absolutely everywhere.<br /><br />In Japan, they have large general hospitals and small clinics. There are specialized clinics all over the place. Your don't really need to make and appointment most the time, and you can show up day of...it's quite convenient.<br /><br />And to my female readers, the OBGYN is referred to as "Ladies Clinics". Also,oddly enough they automatically use curtains so you can't see the doctor...Personally, I think that just makes me more uncomfortable...(sorry guys...if that was too much information)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your best resource is the Himawari Clinic Hotline: <span style="font-size:180%;">03-5285-8181</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq/qq13enmnlt.asp">This is there website</a></span><br /><br />The operator will ask you what language you speak and find a proper translator. So this is a good resources to give to your non-english speaking friends,too. You tell them what you need, and which stations you are willing to travel to.<br /><br />They will ask you to call back in 15 minutes. In that time they will have prepared a lovely list of doctor's that meet your criteria. Rather it be English-speaking...male...female... you name it...they'll help you find one.<br /><br />They will even give you details instructions on how to get there. So if you are living in Tokyo, I highly recommend that you have this plugged into your phone.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" >Information worth noting:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">So...in my personal opinion...Japanese doctors are not that great. I am not saying Japan is not a great country....but... my American body needs stronger and more thorough meds. Your appointment consists of you listing out your bodily discomforts...and them giving a prescription for everything you just listed...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">There is no taking of temperatures...checking of heart rate...and everything else your use to with an American doctor(that is if you are American...)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">I had a horribly case of bronchitis throughout the winter. It was so bad that I pulled a muscle in my side. I was in a great deal of pain, and could barely walk. All they gave me was a minor cough suppressant, and nothing for the pain. In situations like these...I wanted my Codeine and Ibuprofen!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">I was also like to note that this is a nation that would not tell you if your dying. They'll tell your family but not you directly. I guess I'm too American...to appreciate that it's more of a polite gesture than them denying my right to know...</span><br /><br />And since it is relevant, I will dabble a little bit in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wonderful Japanese National Health Insurance</span>. Something that as an American, a mythical concept, is a godsend as an alien in Japan. The health insurance<span style="font-weight: bold;"> covers up to 70% </span>on everything! From the appointment cost to the lesser drugs they give you (it's better than nothing), it will only cost you 30%.<br /><br />All foreigners in Japan have an <span style="font-weight: bold;">alien registration(toryoukushou)</span>. Depending on your location, you will register with an assigned ward. At the time you do that, you can apply for your <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hokkenshou</span>, which is your national health insurance card. It is as simple as that.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Note: It is cheaper to get your wisdom teeth pulled in Japan. However, it is ill advise...since they give you weaker pain reliever 0_O</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" >BRING YOUR OWN MEDICINE! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">my list to bring from my own country includes: Ibuprofen, nyquil, dayquil, Vitamin C tablets, and Allergy medicine</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-84240158368658434712008-07-15T21:34:00.000-07:002008-07-14T20:52:05.278-07:00How To's #9: Enjoy the Wonders of Suica / Pasmo and Commuter Passes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/plazahomes1/imgs/5/d/5d523b7e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 217px;" src="http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/plazahomes1/imgs/5/d/5d523b7e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>How do you manage to have millions of people traveling via train in a crowded city like Tokyo?<br /><br />The answer: Suica/Pasmo<br /><br />These are cards that cost about 500yen($5) and can work as prepaid tickets. You scan it over the ticketing sensor and it automatically deducts yours fare amount from your card. The sensors can go through wallets and even small purses. You can use these for all ticketing booths that have a scanner.(Metro, JR, Keio, Odakyu)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.schaft.net/n00bs/diary_img/pasmo_re.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.schaft.net/n00bs/diary_img/pasmo_re.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Be careful not to go too quickly otherwise it won't scan and than at the next station you will have to speak with the counter person to fix your card.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I would like to state that SUICA is better than PASMO. Suica is with the JR system and Pasmo is with Keio and Metro. Suica is more than just prepaid tickets for trains and buses.</span><br /><br />Suica can be used at vending machines, convenient stores and electronic stores. For example, at Akihabara, you can pay for many of your purchases using Suica. Thinking about buying a new laptop? got two grand on your Suica?... why not...<br /><br />Granted thats an excessive example...It is still pretty convenient. In fact, many cellphones have allow you to use your cellphone as a Suica. However adding money is kind of a pain, and it might scratch up your ridiculously aesthetic j-phone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">TEIKI (定期) - Commuter Pass</span></span><br /><br />The commuter pass is a must for anybody living in Japan for longer than a month. You pay a set amount for a pass that lets you unlimitedly travel between one station and another. Students gets discounts, and companies will sponsor work passes(Note: for student discount you must show your school ID). If you are neither, you should buy one anyways if you find yourself traveling to one big station all the time.<br /><br />Good ones to have are ones going to Shinjuku. Since that is a big station, you will likely depart from there all the time. Having one of these allows you to freely travel back and forth between your home and wherever. So you don't have to worry about the cost if you forget your cell or something.<br /><br />You can buy your commuter pass and have it as a card or you can have it directly printed onto your Suica. You can do it via machines, or speak with and attendant and "midorimadoguichi" (Translation: Green Window). You may purchase it for 1,3, or 6 months. The costs of the commuter pass will vary on distance and time frame.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">It's rare... but I've heard of people getting commuter passes with the Shinkansen!(bullet trains) 0_O</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What to do if you lose your Suica and thus your Commuter Pass?</span></span><br /><br />I love the Japanese system! So this has happened to me once, but I was fortunate enough to have someone explain to me the system before I spent a hundred dollars on another commuter pass.<br /><br />If you lose your Suica or Pasmo, go to the train office. Tell them that you dropped it (suica/pasmo wo Otoshita)... than ask what should you do..(dou sureba ii desuka?)... They should hear your accented Japanese, and proceed to help you by speaking bad English or extremely slow Japanese.<br /><br />They will ask you for 500yen to buy a new card, and print the new commuter pass on it at no additional charge! How great is that!<br /><br />And when you go back to your country or whatever, you can sell your Suica back to the station and return your 500yen!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Additional Information: Suica works in the Kansai area. However, it goes by ICOcard. So use any of the JR machines to add money. However, these do not work on the Hankyu line.</span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-31470310923362251912008-07-08T21:44:00.000-07:002008-07-08T14:25:06.792-07:00Tokyo How To's #8: Start Teaching English(Earn far more than Money than Minimum Wage!)This entry is not how to get into a English teaching program like <a href="http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/index.html">JET</a>. This is for individuals already in Japan who want to some pocket money.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">There are two ways:</span></span><br /><br />1. Get a work permit and work for a company<br /><br /><ul><li style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">PRO: legitimate, back to back students, set schedule, and company provides materials</li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CON: Pay is less, hours aren't flexible, and teaching method is restricted</span><br /></li></ul>2. Find your own students through networking websites<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">PRO: flexible schedule, casual, over coffee or food, and much better pay</span><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CON: Higher chance of encountering "creepies", commute time is costly, and inconsistent</span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Getting a Permit and work for a company</span></span><br />From what I know, you can get this only as a student. With the school, you can apply for up to <span style="font-weight: bold;">28 hours part-time.</span> After you attain the permit, you can apply to various English teaching schools. Large companies like Gaba are very popular. However, one should only expect to see only a little over 1000yen ($10)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Finding your own student through networking websites</span></span><br />There are many websites that can be found for this specific purpose. I used both <a href="http://www.findateacher.net/">findateacher.net</a> and <a href="http://www.findstudents.net/">findstudent.net</a>. I personally liked <a href="http://www.findateacher.net/">findateacher.net</a> more, simply because I got better responses.<br /><br /><br />There are some necessary notes that need to be taken when making a profile:<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><li>blood type O is best (its like horoscopes in Japan)</li><li>Scorpios have a bad image<br /></li><li>You <span style="font-weight: bold;">will </span>get much better responses if you are a girl</li><li>If you are a girl, be sure to use really cute pictures of yourself</li><li>The first lesson should never be free(fishes out the wierdos, and covers train cost)</li><li>Always meet in public areas (like Cafe's, there are LOTS)</li><li>Students that want to meet you outside of lessons should be immediately dropped</li><li>Prepare a inquiry response. This was mine (in Romaji):</li></ul> "<span style="font-style: italic;">Watashi <span name="st"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>wa</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Claudia Desu.Eigo o benkyoushitai desune. itsu ni aimashouka? doko de iideshouka? watashi no keitai meiru <span style="font-style: italic;" name="st"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>wa</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> *******@ezweb.ne.jp</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. henji suru toki ni kono meiru tsukatte kudasai. yoroshiku -Claudia"</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pricing?</span></span><br />It depends on your Japanese skill level, and if you are male or female. I started off with a sample lesson of 500yen($5) and regular lesson of 2500yen($25). After a few month, I had regular students at <span style="font-weight: bold;">3500yen($35) an hour.</span> I wasn't strict on overtime, because I was receiving a good amount of money. I also often time received meals,too. Many of my student could only have the lessons after work on weekdays.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />How to teach</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><br />children:</span> You definitely need to get some learning material. Do not bother explaining to them grammar. Just start practicing how to say things. Try to teach 6 year old and above, and individually.(Otherwise, they go nuts)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Adults: </span> I tailored my lesson to each student. The first lesson is getting to know them, their level, and what they would like to achieve. I emphasized conversational ability and pronunciation. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A useful learning material was the free magazine Metropolis.</span> You can get it in any Tower records. They had interesting summarized news. That would be discussion topic. Very easy, light hearted, and just all around good time. Many of them have studied English before, they just are not confident with it.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >SPECIAL NOTES:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">How to get rid of creepos?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">It's easy! just say " I am sorry, but I have to go back to my country. Best of Luck"</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">It is kind of bad, but it is the best way. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">You can make a lot of money, and learn quite a lot about Japanese culture. Be safe and Good luck!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-29846837064722604152008-06-30T02:10:00.000-07:002008-07-22T21:01:59.530-07:00How To's #7: Lose weight in Japan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0b7W5SjeyubeU/610x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 210px;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0b7W5SjeyubeU/610x.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It is a pretty commonly known that many people lose weight whilst in Japan. If you were raised in a <span style="font-weight: bold;">fat country such America</span>, you will spend the first 3 months or so hungry. ALL THE TIME! I shall elaborate.<br /><br />Before, Due to a couple of Judo related injuries I was on crutches for a total of 13 months over a course of 2 years. What does that result in? Massive weight gain! Especially when your staple food in Lengua Super burritos....::drool:: (by the way; Lengua is beef tongue). <span style="font-weight: bold;">My heaviest point was 162lbs, and I am 5'6".</span> I was noticeably fatter, since my body likes to store all of it in my face. (good bye jawline)<br /><br />Now that I have lived in Japan for approximately 15 months, <span style="font-weight: bold;"> I have lost approximately 24lbs total.</span> This is not counting the 10 lbs I lost before I came to Japan. I set a goal for myself, and had a lifestyle change. For those looking for a quick cheat to lose weight, I'm sorry you won't find the answer here. When it comes right down to it, its healthy eating, exercise, and building good habits. The following is small changes I have made, that can be implemented to those not in Japan. They are in order of what I believe really was most effective.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">LOSING WEIGHT Factors!:</span><br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Walking: </span></span>believe it or not, it makes a huge difference! In Japan, you walk EVERYWHERE. In order to do anything you must walk. <span style="font-weight: bold;">My legs were sore</span> for the first month. Ever heard of "<a href="http://10000steps.org.au/?page=lifestyles/why10kaday">10,000 steps a day"</a>? Use a <span style="font-weight: bold;">pedometer</span> to keep track. It's great because it feels like a video game. You want to get a higher score so you opt to <span style="font-weight: bold;">take the stairs</span>. In fact, small options like that burn a good amount of calories compared to walking. In Japan, when I felt my <span style="font-style: italic;">score</span> was low, I wandered in a nearby shopping street for about 15 minutes. <span style="font-weight: bold;">15 minutes</span> there and than 15 minutes back equals about<span style="font-weight: bold;"> a third of how much I need for the day.</span> After a while I didn't need it anymore.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Portion Size:</span> It is noticeably different in Japan. I would say about 20% to 40% less, depending on the type of meal. Everyone jokes about it, but after 15 months...I realize that how much I overate in the past. Like I said before, I was hungry ALL THE TIME for the first 3 months. What changed?...my stomach size. It shrank by half within 8 months. My unit of measurement was a burrito. I use to be able to finish an enormous 11 inch super burrito. Now, if I attempt to eat half, I am on the verge of death. It doesn't matter what you eat as long as you control your portions!</li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Calorie Counting:</span></span> It depends on each person, but we all burn about 1600 to 2200 calories per day. You can go <a href="http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm">here</a> to find yours. There are forms of dieting where you keep a log of your daily intake. It is very effective I hear, but I was too lazy. However, I did keep a mental log. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Japan makes calorie counting so much easier!</span> Many of the restaurants let you know the amount of calories, as well as grams of fat, in your meal. You'd be surprised to find that some salads have almost the same calories as sandwiches. In either case,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> keep concisous and make healthier choices. </span></li></ol><br />There are many other contributers, such as:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> green tea, less greasy methods of cooking, and no fridge or cupboard to raid. </span> When comes right down it is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">LIFESTYLE CHANGE.</span> I just used my stay in Japan to push off of. I plan to continue my healthy habits upon my return, and maintain the my weight. I am now at my normal weight, absent of injuries and crutches.<br /><br /><br />Also, I have decided to only eat burritos once a month. And opt for the "sourcream, guacaomole, and excess everything" -less options.(this is just a personal choice, burritos are my weakness)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES AND EXERCISE!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Good luck to all</span>. Additionally, I will post before and after photos of my weightloss journey.The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-36532987510787299562008-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:002008-06-26T10:16:31.057-07:00Guitar Hero...Eat You Heart Out!<p class="MsoNormal">The anticipated Guitar hero on tour is seems pretty impressive, but come July 28<sup>th,</sup> <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region> is selling their mega awesome rhythm/ synthesizer/ karaoke/ interactive rock band game.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 51);font-size:130%;" >Introducing...</span> <o:p></o:p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:220%;" >Daigasso! Band Brothers DX</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">It’s bigger and better than the first Daigasso in 2004!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ntC_DqHcrN8&hl=ja"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ntC_DqHcrN8&hl=ja" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">The video is in Japanese, but here is a run down of it’s AWESOMENESS!<o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">The <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">first</span> feature starts with implementing the mic.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> You sing into your DS mic</span>, whilst the lyrics scroll on the bottom. It counts your accuracy, and you get ranking and scores. However, for the Japanese gamers, I guess playing this part of the game in train is out of the question.<u1:p> </u1:p><o:p></o:p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Second</span>, we have the normal <span style="font-weight: bold;">rhythm based game using the D-pad and the ‘a’ ‘b’ buttons. </span>Once the song is chosen, you can <span style="font-weight: bold;">pick from various instruments</span>. The examples given in the commercial are the: Flute, Guitar, Percussions, Shamisen, and Electric Guitar. Of course, it would not be complete, if you can’t stroke the strings of your digital guitar.<u1:p> </u1:p><o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Third</span> feature is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">vast collection of songs. </span>Built into the game you can choose anything from classics to J-pop. What the Japanese consider “classics”?...I have no idea. However, you can use your wifi connection and <span style="font-weight: bold;">download and store up to 100 songs</span> of your liking!<o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Fourth</span> is that <span style="font-weight: bold;">synthesizer!</span> You can use the digital piano to create notes on your music sheet, or you can move them around yourself. This is midi-based composing, so you can choose the instruments and create your own songs.<o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Fourth</span> is my personal favorite, you have many ways of<span style="font-weight: bold;"> interacting with your friends!</span> All the music that you have, rather downloaded or personally composed can be <span style="font-weight: bold;">shared with friends.</span> And for the rhythm game, you can link <span style="font-weight: bold;">up to 8 people</span> and have your own digital rock out! Best part, is you <span style="font-weight: bold;">only need one copy of the game.</span><o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Lastly,</span> you can connect via Nintendo wifi to your wii and have all the <span style="font-weight: bold;">music played on your TV Stereo</span>,instead of you dinky DS Speakers. House party via DS? Uh…yes!<o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">If we are to compare, Guitar hero has completely different game play and an enormous cult following. Moreover, this game is at the moment only playable by those who understand Japanese. If and when will be introduced in the states? Unknown.<o:p></o:p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">But all in all, you have to admit….<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Daigasso! Band Brothers DX is pretty awesome!</span><o:p></o:p></p>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-87234593478953872442008-06-18T07:35:00.000-07:002009-03-17T23:18:41.443-07:00How To's #6: Survive a Rush Hour Train(((((>_<))))!!!Tokyo is THE most populated city on the Planet. With a population over 12 million people, they have designed one of the world's most efficient train systems. Thus, creating a society where commuting via train is better than by car. So what happens when everybody travels at the same time to school and work?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaz9b7rA0ynHgr1okU7Zf_TGrxeMO9PPL0G6kePJ9ZYLvWrKYrpSfnyC5o5198gJjp-5765FMCVJml9B3Maae1-vMHMSN2sI1SXDPhYuOYpQPXGiAqjYodW0cnu4WeKwprgVZ55nnmJU/s1600-h/P1000667.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaz9b7rA0ynHgr1okU7Zf_TGrxeMO9PPL0G6kePJ9ZYLvWrKYrpSfnyC5o5198gJjp-5765FMCVJml9B3Maae1-vMHMSN2sI1SXDPhYuOYpQPXGiAqjYodW0cnu4WeKwprgVZ55nnmJU/s320/P1000667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213232929299981186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">ABSOLUTE HELL!<br /></span></span><br />After experiencing it first hand, you feel a closer understanding as to why the suicide rate is three times higher in Japan than in America. <span style="font-weight: bold;">You truly want to kill yourself.</span><br />Some would describe it as sardines in a can. However, I believe it's much closer to trying to close your luggage, after you've over packed. You have to sit on it and have a friend hold the edges together as you move the zipper inch by inch...and you are the travel size tooth paste.<br /><br />Yes, I think that would be a much more accurate description. Especially since there are platform workers who's only job is to push you into the train, so that the doors can shut.<br /><br />Being inside of a rush hour Tokyo train can truly be dangerous. It is not unheard of to <span style="font-weight: bold;">dislocate something, or break a rib</span>(or two).<br /><br />If you are traveling at the hours of 7:00-9:00, both AM and PM, it is unavoidable. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The last train is as bad as rush hour, if not worse. </span>People are pissed drunk and reek of various foul odors.<br /><br />Thus I provide you with tips on how to survive...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">SCENARIO 1: You are first in the train</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_viqVXlN1gXh9gV8eWdC1G0O9MSBGESHbLBuNGkYitfHOmM3As0ZVI-EPHqWZV0QVq7CPHyCa1XlCfkCkFSMS4yeraLfzGrTBJMz5_bBEGsmwdyY9KvqCukVM6m15Gi5XhJ9bnQzR4f8/s1600-h/bestspots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_viqVXlN1gXh9gV8eWdC1G0O9MSBGESHbLBuNGkYitfHOmM3As0ZVI-EPHqWZV0QVq7CPHyCa1XlCfkCkFSMS4yeraLfzGrTBJMz5_bBEGsmwdyY9KvqCukVM6m15Gi5XhJ9bnQzR4f8/s400/bestspots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213235668833015810" border="0" /></a>Highlighted are the desired positions. You want the <span style="font-weight: bold;">corner between the door and seats</span>, and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">center isle</span>. You are less likely to get squished...these are prime locations. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid walls</span>, if the train makes and abrupt stop or turn, you will be in a serious amount of pain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Note: </span> If you are not getting of at a big station or transfer platform, be ready to push for you life. If you are commuting, try to memorize, which side the doors open on to help you strategically move to these locations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">SCENARIO 2:You are the last to get in.</span><br /><br />If you are last in, getting a strategic position is not possible(you are screwed). The train will be packed...and I mean...scary packed. But remember... "IF THERE IS NO ROOM, MAKE ROOM". Only on occasion will you encounter a situation where it is physically impossible to get in.<br /><br />Since there are no strategic points, I will provide tips.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyKpnzus5ew7OG82jQUdF4OJ7hlx7ajTtV7Gv5tvGHYugEOStmzopkgdmtlsVD06QNg0FvZ5NKNfERtLrTuynbw3pfBqPIhFhb2Uh1NGILnBAsgjBmqXFg4Q6nbkfoWnHPlj9tnfQmg/s1600-h/train+entering.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 511px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyKpnzus5ew7OG82jQUdF4OJ7hlx7ajTtV7Gv5tvGHYugEOStmzopkgdmtlsVD06QNg0FvZ5NKNfERtLrTuynbw3pfBqPIhFhb2Uh1NGILnBAsgjBmqXFg4Q6nbkfoWnHPlj9tnfQmg/s400/train+entering.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213238113568315602" border="0" /></a> Go in Backwards--------Watch your Foot----------Use you arm as leverage<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">NECESSARY NOTES:</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamfGTwDIt1HXOhIx6m1M6nzQLrbDZ2D-1Gj0dY_SwG4aYVncthxKiaUJtAaDpT_V6V_wX8IDdGGPivjINCgzsPO1aSoojuOWqefiyJZDEck5t7vb2ZUz8egTd9zZzYzKBlXChH8RmXC4/s1600-h/train+entering2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamfGTwDIt1HXOhIx6m1M6nzQLrbDZ2D-1Gj0dY_SwG4aYVncthxKiaUJtAaDpT_V6V_wX8IDdGGPivjINCgzsPO1aSoojuOWqefiyJZDEck5t7vb2ZUz8egTd9zZzYzKBlXChH8RmXC4/s400/train+entering2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213246027078209506" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Diagram 1-----------------------Diagram 2<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Diagram 1:</span><br />You will encounter people resisting your efforts to get into the train. SCREW THEM! They are being assholes and they should know better. Tuck in our elbows and Push HARDER!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Diagram 2:</span><br />For those individual with a low tolerance for pain, AVOID OPEN TOE SHOES! Opt for <span style="font-weight: bold;">steel toe combat boots</span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*be wary of the enormous gaps between the train and the platform*<br />(people fall in between all the time!)<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Saikyou, Chuo and Yamanote line are notoriously the worst.</span><br /></div></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751464940649508292.post-14575291166015396542008-06-16T01:32:00.000-07:002008-06-16T07:30:10.875-07:00Tokyo How To's #5: How to read a Train Map<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxLy9C_N6kgZqfO48pJebbc6DPOTyemuIDMtNSfkwh8mK1HiYEEkAXot1ybkmoqMdnxzKvs10NoEGBq7vTZDQfFTonsPK8t7Zo5lirN1EPdmz8D4XgmP47jt1M3xXBDWOZQVtXkEJXe0/s1600-h/rosen_eng.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxLy9C_N6kgZqfO48pJebbc6DPOTyemuIDMtNSfkwh8mK1HiYEEkAXot1ybkmoqMdnxzKvs10NoEGBq7vTZDQfFTonsPK8t7Zo5lirN1EPdmz8D4XgmP47jt1M3xXBDWOZQVtXkEJXe0/s400/rosen_eng.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212484116298918802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Japan is famous for efficient railway system. You can travel almost the entirety of Japan by train.<br /><br />It's unfortunate that they couldn't come up with an easier way to read train maps...<br /><br />In the big stations they may have two maps; one in Japanese, one in English. However, most of the time you will not be that fortunate. For those traveling short term and long term in Tokyo, I highly advise having the following train maps printed out and with you at all times.(Especially if you cannot read Kanji)<br /><br />Listed are the 4 rail systems used in Tokyo:(the link goes to the English train maps)<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://fudosan.yoursnet.com/images/30222/jr.gif">JR</a>:</span> Japan Railways is the oldest of all. And has rails going up and down all of Japan</li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.keio.co.jp/english/railwaymap/map.pdf">Keio</a>:</span> Travels from central Tokyo to the far West of Tokyo prefecture.</li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.odakyu.jp/english/route/railmap/index.html">Odakyu</a>:</span> Famous for it "romance" series of cars...(Whatever that means)<br /></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.tokyometro.jp/rosen/rosenzu/pdf/rosen_eng.pdf">Metro</a>: </span>The subway, it's so easy to get lost...and the map is the worst...</li></ul><br />If you are riding anything other than the Metro, you need to know what train you are about to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P0eMAqnktgf1uPzrjxKRRVFe6kKC78GBbGO4ySxATyCUbwziwL1yhOdCcuqyJeiCB1uaitfd_RJkvtmMt-MhDtPxUw5Gr2uTyfkndRJJTp9IZekD84zDvnqJy_9wvp6nh2dodIEz9Io/s1600-h/jr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P0eMAqnktgf1uPzrjxKRRVFe6kKC78GBbGO4ySxATyCUbwziwL1yhOdCcuqyJeiCB1uaitfd_RJkvtmMt-MhDtPxUw5Gr2uTyfkndRJJTp9IZekD84zDvnqJy_9wvp6nh2dodIEz9Io/s200/jr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212480822717311314" border="0" /></a> ride on. You need to know if it's Local, Rapid, Special Express, or whatever. You follow that line on the map, and wherever there is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">white dot</span>, it stops. On the JR and Keio map, the big stations have <span style="font-weight: bold;">highlighted names</span>, the trains definitely stop there no matter what.<br /><br />For the Metro, since they are underground they don't really have a rapid. The map looks absolutely insane, but if you just look at it for a little longer, it will begin to make sense. Every station list which line also runs through there. Fortunately, you can ride the JR instead to the more popular places, except for roppongi.<br /><br />The new F line(fukotoshin)that just opened will not be in many guidebooks. It hits Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya it appears extremely convenient, however I do not have first hand knowledge.The Wandering ABChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162982915770984590noreply@blogger.com0