Wednesday, 30 May 2007

Aussie Aussie Aussie.... and masterbating

I know I haven't posted much. Hope this makes up for it! Found this on Desi Baba. Great to see Kangaroos keeping the Aussie spirit alive! (Email and Feeders click HERE)

Like this site? Subscribe to my site feed or email newsletter to get our updates as soon as they're online.

Labels: Australia

Saturday, 19 May 2007

Phone Phoney

Man, they should show this at schools!

Feed and Newsletter readers click HERE.

Like this site? Subscribe to my site feed or email newsletter to get our updates as soon as they're online.

Moon Costumes

The following is my very first sponsored site review!

During my stay in Japan, several images I had had of the country and it's people prior to my coming here have been shattered: Most polite people in the world? "Sure push me some more on the street, in public, wherever you want." Cleanest people in the world? "No that's okay. I don't need soap to wash my hands." Everyone speaks English! "Wakanai!"

There has been a few stereotypes of Japan that ring true almost every day though. One of which is the fact that quite a few people do dress up in cosplay (Engrish for "costume role-play") just like you see on tv. Whether it's the girls in "sexy" French maid outfits handing out flyers or serving tables or even the 50 year old man selling his body in the streets of Shinjuku in a full body Pikachu getup, cosplay is truly a part of Japanese culture (whether the Japanese like to admit it or not) and this doesn't include the massive anime and manga conventions that take place throughout the year.

The cater to this craze, numerous shops have popped up throughout Japan to sell costumes and supplies for cosplayers looking to perfect their look.

For those people unfortunate enough to live outside Japan, several great websites are available to take care of your cosplay needs. One such site is Moon Costumes.

The site is very easy to navigate with the surfing style designed around the anime and manga series and characters rather than the individual items of the costume you want (which would have been stressful to say the least).

There's a huge selection of costumes to choose from, ranging from classics such as Sailor Moon (if only I was a girl, though maybe if I....) to some modern popular series like Bleach and Kingdom Hearts 2 with even a few non-anime characters thrown in such as that crazy schoolgirl, Gogo from Kill Bill and even the ghost twins from the Matrix Reloaded.

There's something for everyone here and even if there's not the Cosplay & Anime section is part of a much larger site with movie costumes and your average Halloween and other holiday costumes and decorations.

The prices are very cheap (well cheaper or on par with what these costumes sell for in Tokyo anyway) and your item is shipped within 24 hours of purchase.

The only negative I could really find on the site would be that some of the anime information is incorrect. A prime example would be the mixing of the Sailor Moon character's English and Japanese character names, something that reminds me of Sailor Moon sites from the late 90s. (What can I say? I'm a fan of the show). It's even stranger that they call them by their civilian names instead of the much better known "Sailor" codenames such as "Sailor Mercury", "Sailor Jupiter", etc.

But I guess if you're visiting this site, you're after costumes and not anime series information, though only a Sailor Moon fan would buy a Sailor Moon costume and a fan would be able to tell what information is a little off and what's not.

As a whole though, Moon Costumes is one amazing cosplay online store! The selection of costumes alone places it above the competition.

Next time you're going to a costume party (or handing out flyers). Give Moon Costumes a go.

Like this site? Subscribe to my site feed or email newsletter to get our updates as soon as they're online.

Labels: Cartoons, japan, Review Me

Friday, 11 May 2007

Getting a 3 Year Japanese Visa Extension

Funny thing happened about a month ago. I was working with Ivy doing demo lessons and through a combination of the students not showing up and the Japanese staff's completely anal policy of teachers not being allowed to leave the school because we're still on the clock despite the fact there was no one to teach we were both bored out of our minds and showing each other the photos on our Alien Registration Cards for a laugh.

Funnily enough, Ivy noticed that my Visa's expiration date was in two days time. I had completely forgotten to apply for a renewal! Crap!

So I rang the office and they got the paperwork ready but not until 24 hours later so I had to apply for my renewal at Immigration on the day of expiry. Not exactly the most impressive way to apply for a three year renewal, eh?

The thing with the Japanese Visa is that you can get one for different amounts of time. Most people get given a One Year Visa though some lucky bastards get a Three Year and on some exceptional cases a Ten Year Visa.

Going to Tokyo Immigration is Hell. Last year I (and I'm not exaggerating!) waited for seven hours just to hand in my papers and then realised by looking at the number they had given me and the rate they were serving people that I wouldn't be called for another three to four hours so I just went home and came back the next day to get there a little earlier and only having to wait four hours.

As with most businesses in Japan, Immigration uses dated office systems of physical papers instead of computers, filing cabinets, and the good ol' hanko (stamp) approval system and one month processing method that just makes you want to slit your wrists in frustration. They also use the modern (cough!crap!cough!) number ticker system that makes you feel like you're there to purchase some sausages and devon instead of participating inside a part of a Japanese government facility.

Basically, Immigration is Hell.

Which is why anyone in a sane state of mind should apply for a Three Year Visa when renewing themselves. Just because you have a One Year Visa now, doesn't mean you have to get one again. The space is blank on the form. Ever time you apply you should write "3 Year". If they reject you, they'll simply give you a One Year. no biggie. But there's also a chance that they could give you a Three Year which means you don't have to come back to Immigration for another few years and you can change jobs in Japan without having to worry about looking for a job that will sponsor you. Freedom!

To get a Three Year Visa there are several factors involved. The main one being that you appear to be a responsible person that will be here for a while. They only have a limited amount of Three Year Visas available each year so the better you look the better. You have a higher chance of getting one the longer you've been here. I've applied for a Three Year Visa every year I've been here and I've only gotten one this year (starting my fourth year in Japan). It also depends on what company is currently sponsoring you. I've been told from several sources (including people working at Immigration) that NOVA is losing more and more respect at Immigration so you may have a better chance getting one if you work at a different company (like I am now). Another major factor is how long you've been working at your current job. I'm starting my second year at my company this year which shows that I'm dedicated to being here for a while instead of a "quick fresh off the boat year of fun". This is probably the biggest reason I got the Visa this year.

I've also been told that different nationalities have different odds. I've been told the Japanese government gives more Three Years to people from the UK than Australia for example. Am not sure about the details though I've met a LOT of Brits who got Three Years when they came to Japan and only one Australian who managed to get one on his second year.

Something to make sure you don't forget though is when you're at Immigration to grab a Multiple Re-Entry Permit so you can go on holiday and get back into the country. If you don't have one of these and you go home for the holidays, no matter how long your Visa you'll be stopped at Narita and sent back to your home country. Don't forget!

2010, huh? The future just seems that much more open. It's amazing how restrictive a One Year Visa can be.

Like this site? Subscribe to my site feed or email newsletter to get our updates as soon as they're online.

Labels: japan, Visa and Passport Issues