Friday, 3 April 2009

It's alive! ALIVE!!!

Hey there! I know I haven't posted any non-mug content lately and I'm way behind in writing about my Yoga Training (part 2!) so I just wanted to expain why:

I'm lazy

That and this time of year in Japan a lot of language schools enter "sales period" where they try to enroll students for the new school year. This is when I actually miss NOVA who had a set schedule for the entire year. My current job though forces us to work several 6 day work weeks around this time which saps any will to live right out of it's employees.

On top of this my laptop of 6 years that my generous Dad got me before I came to Japan decided to die on me two weeks ago! The Hard Drive (one word? two?) died and took all my photos to the other side.

Thank God for Facebook and Youtube where I uploaded heaps of videos and photos. Still quite a few missing though but it is refreshing to have a clean slate.

[For reference I went to "Andy's Computer Repair" in Hamamatsucho to try and recover my HD. 5000 Yen just for diagnostic and I was reminded very quickly how rude some people can be in a non-Japanese business: "We know what we're doing man!" I don't recommend them.]

You may have noticed that I've started using my Twitter account again which I've embedded on the right hand side menu of this blog. Will try to Twitter daily so you'll have something to read between more substantial posts.

Hope you're all well!

Oo Roo!

Labels: Computer, internet, japan

Monday, 16 March 2009

New Yokohama Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 9 March 2009

Yokohama Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 2 March 2009

Tokyo Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 23 February 2009

Roppongi Hills Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 16 February 2009

Okinawa Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Okinawa, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 9 February 2009

Kyoto Starbucks Mug

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 2 February 2009

Chiba Starbucks Mug

My friend, Katie got me this mug as a present. Normally I don't like Starbucks mugs as presents but I'd been to Chiba several times and just never seen the mug for sale so gladly accepted it (and love it!).

Chiba Starbucks Mug

Notice the Ferris Wheel and the surfers. Chiba is a very popular surfing destination.

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 26 January 2009

Saitama Starbucks Mug

Bought this mug several years ago, in my first year in Japan when I was working at the NOVA in Shin Koshigaya, Saitama.

Saitama Starbucks Mug

Upon closer inspection you can see the Saitama Super Arena and some butterflies as well as the Starbucks siren.

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 19 January 2009

Japan 2007 Starbucks Mug

Well I wrote about this year's new Starbucks mug but I never got around to writing about 2007's! Here's a photo of my mug here:

Japan 2007 Starbucks Mug

Not the most interesting design but I do like the Japanese artwork (commissioned by Starbucks).

Strangely this mug seems to be made out of a different material from the other mugs.

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Monday, 12 January 2009

Japan 2009 Starbucks Mug

Not wanting to miss out on the special yearly Starbucks Mug for 2009 (like I did in the great "forgot to buy the mug" instance in 2006) I once more headed out to the Southern Terrace Starbucks in Shinjuku on Boxing Day to grab one before they sold out.

The design really surprised me. 2008 and 2007's mugs had been very Japanese in style. 2008 even had Japanese characters for "2008".

Japan 2009 Starbucks Mug

As you can see, 2009's mug is also very Japanese, featuring a computer rendering of a a traditional Japanese panorama. Very unusual to have a black colour scheme for a Starbucks mug, though the Starbucks 2009 Tumblers came in two designs, the one on the mug and a bright blue daytime variant. I wonder why they didn't make a mug variant as well?

Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Thursday, 6 November 2008

Japanese Toilet Break

Before I continue with my Yoga Adventure, let's stop for a Japanese commercial break.

I've always been shocked how Japanese children (and their parents!) will scream out "I HAVE TO PISS!!!" when they have to go to the toilet. Strangely in a country that constantly likes to tell everyone that it's the most politest country there is, some things are strangely acceptable such as mentioning out loud in public exactly what's going on in your pants in as blatant a way as possible.

Ironically English is a lot more indirect (something normally said of the Japanese language) when it comes to toilet conversation. We would normally say for example "I have to got to the toilet" or "I have to powder my nose", etc.

This bizarre Japanese educational video is a little too close to reality for comfort.

Labels: japan

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

My Japan Travels

This year I've decided to really travel and see more of Japan and just do more "Japanese things" that I should have done years ago.

It's so easy to get stuck doing the same thing again and again, especially if you're working for a Japanese company that you could easily find yourself (like me) having lived in the country for four and a half years and only really been to Tokyo (where I live), Kyoto (only a day trip), Mt Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea (in Chiba).

When I first came to Japan I was planning to do a big trip every three months or so to another major Japanese city or location but saving the money and getting significant time off (was at NOVA at the time) was really difficult and when I did get time off, I needed it to re-energise myself from teaching like a machine all week.

Hopefully I'll be able to break that pattern this year. With three weeks off in August (it pays to negotiate in your contract negotiation each year, trust me) and Betty, a friend of mine who I used to work with at Starbucks in Sydney coming to visit, I'm going to buy some cheap airline tickets (I don't have the patience for overnight bus trips when a one hour flight can get you to the other side of the country) and head down to Osaka, Fukuoka and possibly Sendai (where I wanted to live when I first came to Japan but have yet to actually go there!).

It'll be great to see these other cities (especially Fukuoka which I've heard so much about) and continue my Pokemon Journey and complete my Japanese Starbucks Mug Collection.

I've used several different travel websites before to make my bookings and have posted about them (it's always good to be informed of better options). A rather unique site I just found was LowFares.com which lets you type your trip into it's search engine and when you click search it opens up three different agencies of your choice in different windows at the same time so you can compare straight away! Pretty convenient, though when I searched for a trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka most of the windows only gave me one response. Hmmm... Ah, my bad, I clicked on hotels and flight combination. Haha.

Searching again this time for a flight from Narita to Osaka I'm really surprised how cheap a flight can be! About US$200! I still can't wrap my head around how much cheaper a domestic flight is in Japan compared to rail.

Are you planning any trips this year in Japan? What do you recommend? Personally I love Nikko and would love to go there again but really want to see some places I haven't been to yet first.

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Labels: japan

Saturday, 28 June 2008

Tokyo 2016 Olympic Candidate City

Something that's been a little bit of a joke with me for the past few months has been all the publicity in Tokyo about it being a "Candidate City" for the 2016 Olympics.

Train stations are full of flags and signs promoting the fact that Tokyo is a "Candidate" and press conferences and PR sessions are held on a very regular basis. If you didn't know otherwise you'd think Tokyo is actually hosting the Olympics. The thing is they're not. They're just a "Candidate".

When I was living in Australia back in the 90s I had no idea Sydney was a Candidate. There was no promotion for that at all really. Of course when we actually won the right to hold the 2000 games in Sydney, the media pretty much went crazy but for simply applying... I don't remember any promotion of that fact at all really.

Doing a web search I found a small site for Chicago celebrating their candidacy. But it's literally one page.

The Tokyo 2016 Website on the other hand is massive! It offers photos, up to date news on Tokyo's progress, maps of their venues (proposed venues anyway) and even a copy of their application!

What's more, the site is in four different languages! Japanese, English, Spanish and French! When a Japanese anything offers a real English version of itself, that really raises eyebrows. But when it offers Spanish and French as well... I'm very impressed.

If I had never been to Tokyo and had just been to this site I would definitely think it's a lot more international than previously thought. But since I live in Tokyo, I do have to wonder if Tokyo does win the hosting rights if there'll be an attempt to internationalise Tokyo more.

As it is today, there are three things keeping Tokyo back from being International:

One is the simply practicality of living in the city. Most signs are still in Japanese kanji, and when English is used, only half of the sign seems to have been translated. Take a walk around Shinjuku or Ikebukuro station (two major stations) and you'll see what I mean.
Add to this the fact that the majority of non-Japanese residents in Japan are actually Chinese or Korean, one really begins to understand how incompetent city planers and businesses are here.

The second is the law and government officials attitudes towards "non-Japanese". Currently any policeman can stop you in the street and ask for your passport simply because you may be up to no good or a possible illegal immigrant. Businesses of any kind can refuse you service simply on the basis of your race and despite Japan being a part of the UN, all of this racist and offensive laws are completely legal in Japan and aren't likely to change.

The third is simply public attitude. Most Japanese people don't want the Olympics held in Tokyo. There is massive fear of Foreign Crime that's supported simply by xenophobia. There's also blind racist hatred which I can confidently say most non-Japanese (and Japanese of non-Japanese appearance) friends of mine have faced.

This third fact actually makes me wonder if all of this massive PR for the 2016 Olympics isn't so much to advertise it to other countries but to sell the idea to Japanese people within Japan in an attempt to change their attitudes.

If this is the case the PR people will need all the help they can get. Everyone I've asked about the Olympics who lives in Tokyo thinks the whole concept is just impossible for one basic reason: Tokyo is too small.

While the Tokyo 2016 Website promotes the fact that the trains run on time, it fails to mention that the trains are almost always dangerously overloaded with passengers. There's just no way the current public transport system would work with the massive amount of officials and tourists the Olympics would attract.

Tokyo would need to revamp ALL the trains to be at least dual storied (like Sydney trains) and make them wider, but due to space restrictions there's actually no way they can do that with the current train lines.

Come the Olympics (if Tokyo gets them), Tokyo's going to be screwed.

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Labels: japan

Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Cheap Hotel Bookings and Reservations

You know when you give family and friends really good advice that could save them hundreds of dollars and they thank you for telling them but in the end never really listen to you? Maybe it's telling your mum that she won't be able to take money out of Japanese ATMs with her Australian bank card only to be frustrated when she arrives at Narita with no money in her wallet and bitches for the next week about not having enough money on her.

Or maybe it's telling your friends that they should make a hotel reservation when they arrive at Shanghai airport as they could be staying in a 4/5 star hotel for what they're budgeting only to be shocked when they decide to stay in a dingy backpackers while you're in a 4.5 star double room overlooking the central park for the same price.

Despite the fact that I'm actually living in Japan, my mum (despite her best intentions) refused to change her mindset that Japan was as international as the travel shows lead her to believe and while I had been to China before and researched travelling in the country immensely, my friends were fixated on staying in a backpackers because logically that should be cheaper.

I'm sure everyone's (especially if you've ever had friends or family visit you in in a foreign country) had a similar experience.

A recurring cause of frustration for me is when I tell almost everyone that when travelling in most countries (with the exception of China. Seriously make a booking when you arrive at the hotel desks. You may get a 70% discount!) it's almost always cheaper to make your hotel reservations through an online system such as HotelCombined.com, Expedia or Hotel Club.

The sites (and numerous others) are a fast (especially HotelCombined.com) convenient way to make a booking. Most offer customer reviews of each hotel or service and provide photos of the hotel rooms. Also as mentioned before, making a booking online can end up saving you hundreds of dollars as these services don't charge extra like a travel agency would (or at least not as much).

If you're intimidated by using the internet for making purchases, try doing a Google search for information on the site you want use to see if any users have had a negative experience with it before you use it.

Everyone likes to do things their own way, but when someone with experience gives you advice, it's always good to consider it.

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Labels: Australia, Cambodia, China, japan

Friday, 2 May 2008

2008 New Years Resolutions (Finally!)

Yeah, I think my New Years Resolution will be 1024 x 768. Budaboom!

Sorry, bad graphic designer joke.

Seriously though I have made several New Years Resolutions but just haven't really been in the mood to write about them. Before I share though, let's reflect on my 2007 resolutions.

Get to a conversational level in Japanese. Failed though I'm getting closer!
Work out at the gym six days a week. NA I quit the gym but am kicking arse with my next resolution, Make Yoga Today a part of my daily regime. Success! Have been doing Yoga Today almost daily and my body is so different than it was when I started. Seriously I can't recommend this program enough!
Work to live. Don't live to work. 50 / 50 Had a better year. Pass-ish.
Get my sites to a point where I can make at least US$300 a month. Failed Have increased my earnings slightly, especially within the last few months but not exactly in the US$300 a month range. ;)
Relax more. SUCCESS! Just in general I feel a lot more relaxed and pleased with myself since this time last year.

Oooo... didn't do that well did I? Well let's see how I do with my New Years Resolutions for 2008!!!

Get to conversational level in Japan and learn the 2000 or so basic kanji.

Take the Level 2 Japanese Fluency Test. I don't expect to pass it but I'm determined to try to at least see what it's like.

Continue to do Yoga Today daily.

Learn how to surf! Have been wanting to do this for years but have just been putting it off! 2008 is the year!

Learn how to dance! Was really inspired by the swing dance party in Hyde Park in Sydney during the Sydney Festival in January and have decided to start taking lessons! Even found a school in Tokyo! Will start next month sometime.

Learn the shamisen! Am determined to learn how to play this Japanese guitar! Really want to learn the Okinawan sanshin but the odds of finding a teacher in Tokyo is pretty rare.

Learn capoeria! Dance and martial arts! A school near where I live! Sounds good to me!

Save money! Currently I'm aiming to save about 50,000 yen a month (about 500 dollars). I'll really need luck with this one!

More domestic travel! Am determined to get to Osaka, Fukuoka and Sendai!

Quite a few resolutions, huh? This is the year of self improvement. I wonder how I'll do?

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Labels: Capoeria in Japan, fitness, japan, Japanese, new year, Shamisen Lessons in Japan, Surfing in Japan, Swing Dance in Japan, Yoga Today

Monday, 21 April 2008

Stitch in Okinawa!

A few weeks ago I went to the Tokyo Big Site (it's HUGE!) to see an international anime convention. Apparently it's really famous and a must see but for some reason I'd never been there before.

It's kind of funny. Most people who know me will describe me as an anime freak but in reality I only read / watch one or two series and this became very apparent when I went with Nikki and we only recognised about 5 of the 100 series on show.

Unfortunately a lot of the shows on display looked beyond clichéd and boring and we actually found the best works on display in the University / College student areas.

There were a few official highlights, one of which (and you may think this strange) for me was the announced Lilo and Stitch Japanese spin off anime series featuring Stitch as he moves from Hawaii (where all the movies and tv episodes have been set so far) to a fictional island in Okinawa!

I'm a big fan of the Lilo and Stitch series and absolutely love everything Okinawan so I personally can't wait for this series to start later this year in October.

To help promote the series to investors and fans, Disney created a huge walk through (cardboard) Okinawan style house (notice the colour of the roof tiles and how the concrete is used to hold it together) which was decorated with pictures of the new characters and those that would be returning.

What I thought was interesting was that they're ditching the Hawaiian girl, Lilo in favour of a new Okinawan girl character and instead of an older sister they're having an old grandmother figure both of which actually look Okinawan in their features.

Stitch's alien friends seem to be following him (names escape me at the moment) as well as his rarely seen in the series but insanely popular in Japan, pink girlfriend.

Stitch was also shown playing an Okinawan guitar (sanshin) instead of his Elvis inspired guitar.

I'm loving it.

So many of the children I teach watch Lilo and Stitch and want to learn the guitar and hula because of it. While this is great, if this new Stitch series inspires interest in the lesser known Okinawan culture within Japan and Internationally I feel a lot more will have been achieved.

Currently noone even knows what Okinawa is let alone it's location or history.

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Labels: Anime and Manga, japan, Okinawa

Sunday, 13 April 2008

Half Arsed English Translations

One of the most frustrating things about being an English speaking person in Japan is encountering half arsed English translations that has been edited or adapted for "English speakers". A lot of the time in Japan instead of having an English translation available of the Japanese content (whether it be a road sign, pamphlet or newspaper) those behind the scenes seem to edit the content and actually change it depending on what they think English speakers would be interested in.

This becomes very apparent in road signs where there'll be a good 20 words in Japanese and only a 1 or 2 word "translation" in English under it.

It becomes obvious when dealing with a lot of Japanese companies who seem to think that all their customers in Japan speak and read Japanese and if they want an English version of their content they must be investors from overseas or general tourists.

Take Sumitomo Mitsui's Official Website for example. It has information on branch locations within Japan, internet banking information, contact information... basic customer service stuff. However if you look at the English Sumitomo Mitsui Page you'll find no support whatsoever for English speaking customers in Japan. While it's great that they list Sumitomo branches all around the world you have to wonder why they don't list branches within Japan where the company is based!

Today I've been after information on branches near where I work on the Denintoshi line and to get that information I had to use Google's translation tools to translate their page (a lot of which wouldn't translate due to their image use) and then call a Japanese customer support number and ask (in Japanese) for an English speaker.

All of this was completely unnecessary and has me wondering how many other non Japanese speaking bankers in Japan have been screwed over this way.

A perfect example of this "I can't be bothered spending an extra 5 minutes to translate the rest of this into English" is Japanese ATMs. The usual ATM here will show you about 20 options on the touch screen ranging from transfers, wiring, deposits, updates, etc. Hit the English translation option and you get 2, maybe three if you're lucky: Deposit & Withdrawl.

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Labels: japan

Monday, 31 March 2008

Starbucks Mug Japan 2008

My collection of Starbucks mugs has been growing quite a bit since I last posted about it. One of the mugs I've gotten this year has been the Japan 2008 Starbucks mug which I grabbed on Boxing Day (the day it came out). As usual it sold out days after it's release.

Starbucks Mug Japan 2008

It has a really nice design on it featuring some Japanese influenced artwork instead of the American pop art that's normally on a Starbucks mug. The year "2008" is also written in Japanese. Nice!

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Labels: japan, Starbucks Mugs Collection

Sunday, 30 March 2008

Working in Japan

Probably the biggest downside of working in Japan for a Japanese company is that every now and then they make you work longer hours and longer weeks by throwing contract details in your face.

For almost the past 3 weeks now I've been working six day weeks (Monday - Saturday) due to the company now being in "Sales Period". Instead of teaching classes we get to perform "Demo Lessons" all day to try and enrol new students for the next semester.

While I can see why the company does it, almost zero consideration is given to the employees at the company. The Japanese say "Customer is god" but unfortunately that also means "Employees come last".

To make matters worse most people don't get overtime pay or any compensation at all for this extra work. It seems to be "expected".

If you have any interviews for a Japanese job coming up I highly recommend asking direct questions about any extra work that will be involved in your position and what compensation (if any) you will be getting.

Another great question to ask (and one that I really regret not asking) is "How do you define success in this company?". If you want to work your way up in a Japanese company never assume that you will be. Ask how it is done and if it's even a possibility.

Do you have any questions or advice about working in Japan? Comment away!

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Labels: japan, Teaching English in Japan

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Did Japan Change YOU?

Something that I've really begun to notice lately is how much Japan changes people, though the change seems to go entirely unnoticed by the people themselves.

One such change is the evolution from "small talker" to "big talker" and visa versa. I've seen several people (friends and acquaintances) who over the first and second years of being in Japan have begun to speak increasingly louder to the point where I wonder if they're suffering from an inner ear infection.

I'm not talking about drunk loud talking, I'm talking about everyday sober conversation that now gets the reaction from myself and those around me "Why are you yelling?".

It's really kind of funny (when it's not off putting) and my theory is that because Japanese people rarely talking on trains, or anywhere else in public and when they do it's in hushed whispers some people unconsciously begin to overcompensate by raising the level of their own voice.

I've however begun to do the opposite! I've begun to realise that I'm now such a quiet speaker that people I speak to can't hear what I say! This became very apparent when I went back to Australia and spoke to "normal" people. I've also been told several times at work to speak louder during meetings and trainings. Haha.

Have you become a "small speaker" or "big talker"?

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Labels: japan

Saturday, 1 March 2008

How to Get Your Balls Grabbed in Japan

Have you ever wondered how to get a complete stranger to hold, slap or grab your genitalia in private, on a street, in a shopping centre or even on the train? Well you're in luck because I'm about to reveal exactly how to achieve this with no training required and at no cost to you!

Are you ready?

Prepare to have your testicles grabbed by Japanese strangers like never before!

The secret is...

...

...simply walk behind a Japanese man or woman! Anywhere! Any time! You see it seems that once they begin walking a lot of Japanese people seem to lose all muscle control of their arms which begin to swing in all directions at once with no thought as to what they'll hit.

Sometimes I've had my special place slapped several times within the span of 15 minutes! And just to clarify, there was no effort on my part at all. I don't go thrusting my crouch into strangers' hands. The grabbing and slapping is purely an unintentional action on the other's part.

Strange? Yes. Have you had this happen to you in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan? Certainly I'm not the only person who's been hit in such ways or at least noticed all the flapping arms in this country.

Maybe it's just me.

Maybe it's just passive aggressive Free Hugging?

Anyone know how much a box is?

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Labels: Free Hugs, japan, Japanese Social Issues

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Love in Japan

Something occurred to me yesterday while teaching a song who's every second lyric was "I love you!" and assigning homework to "Practice saying 'I love you' to your family, etc". ...English teachers sure can be full of crap sometimes.

Of course I always knew this, especially when I was teaching at Nova (R.I.P.) but the topic of "love" and teaching the word and it's "meaning in Western culture" is a great example of just how much language and culture a lot of teachers in Japan can pull out of their arse at the expense of the students' (adult and child) learning.

A lot of teachers seem to present the word "love" as having a lot more meaning and emotion attached to it than the Japanese equivalent, "Ai". They'll say how "Ai" just means to "really like something" because it's used all the time and "Japanese people don't really tell each other how they feel".

But wait a sec! Are you saying you've never "loved" a movie? Never said "I love that tv show LOST"? Saying the word "love" is only reserved for when we mean it is a load of bull. As is the assumption that "in Western countries" everyone tells everyone how much they love them.

Now I'm not saying I don't love my family. I do. But I can't remember the last time I said so in person. Quite simply, it's embarrassing and I'm as "metro" as they come. Of course it's a lot easier to write here or sign a letter "Love Brad" instead of "From Brad" but it's still not the same.

Now I do remember getting a LOT of adult students who would laugh and tell me that they haven't told their husband/wife that they love them in years and visa versa but these same people seemed to be contemplating an affair or have already had several (some with English teachers) and not ashamed to tell a complete stranger about the fact or just don't see their husband or wife due to their insane working hours.

Japan does have a lower than average divorce rate compared to other countries which is mostly due to lack of legal and financial support for divorcees and a massive cultural and peer related pressure. This means more people trapped in unhappy marriages and of course unwilling to tell their spouses how much they "love" them simply because they don't.

Making a generalisation without taking into account the variables is just ignorant.

On a whole you'll really find the same amount of love in Japan compared to other countries and saying otherwise does nothing more than support an aged stereotype that Japanese people are emotionless which is completely untrue and slightly racist.

If a Japanese person loves you, they'll tell you.

Let's try and put a stop to generalisations.

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Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues, Teaching English in Japan

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Australia / Japan Apologies

Something really amazing has been announced this past week that really surprised me. I truly thought that it was something that just wasn't going to happen: Australia will apologise for the Stolen Generation!

This is something I think the majority of Australians had been wanting to happen for a while with a lot of us wondering why it hadn't been done already. One major theory was that if the government admitted fault for the Stolen Generation they would be liable to lawsuits and expectations of funds for compensation.

Now, finally I can have conversations about apologies concerning Japan without feeling like a hypocrite, though to be fair, while Australia just refused to apologise, Japan has a history of simply refusing that events took place and even editing school text books content.

Such massive yet little known incidents include;

The Kanto Massacre which happened in the aftermath of the Great Kanto Quake in 1923 in which the Japanese military spread rumours concerning poisoning of water, rape and murder being committed by non-Japanese (mostly Koreans) and then assisted in the rounding up and murdering of 6000 (of the 30,000 Koreans in Japan at the time) Koreans, 700 Chinese as well as numerous Okinawans and Japanese people from other regions who spoke other dialects who were thought to be Koreans pretending to be Japanese.

Note: Interestingly enough the Kanto Massacre is the reason a lot of Japanese businesses including my current place of occupation include small radios in their earthquake evacuation emergency kits to prevent spreading of rumours and rely on fact reported by the media.

WWII Mass Suicides in Okinawa where the Japanese military stole food and supplies, executed those who hid theirs, used Okinawan civilians as body shields and finally spreading anti-American propaganda that compelled 10,000 Okinawans to kill themselves and their families so as to avoid capture from the Americans who they were told would rape, beat, murder and mutilate them.

The Rape of Nanking. Horrific events committed by the Japanese military and government during WWI in which they raped, mutilated, and committed unthinkable things to the citizens of the Chinese city, Nanking / Nanjing. Roughly 350,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed in the eight week period.

Thoughts?

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Labels: Australia, japan, Japanese Social Issues, Rape of Nanking

Friday, 25 January 2008

Strawberry Japanese Kit Kat

Something that's always surprised me is the popularity of strawberries in Japan... in Winter. They're out of season and I'm pretty sure they're not from Japan (or elsewhere in Asia for that matter).

I asked several Japanese people and was told that they're popular because they're almost always on top of the Japanese Christmas cake (which is normally a sponge cake or vanilla and covered in cream and strawberries). But why are strawberries on the Christmas cakes? Because they're red and white... the same colours as seen on Santa Clause!

That's the theory going around, though this wouldn't be the first time a Japanese person has told me a "fact" about Japan that was incorrect.

Anyway, to celebrate the season of Winter, I present to you the Strawberry Kit Kat and it's "little" offspring! Be afraid, be very afraid.

Japanese Kit Kat: Strawberry

I actually felt sick after eating these things. It tasted like fake strawberry but there must be something in it that's trying to make it taste as milky as possible because I felt like I was eating solidified whipped cream.

Avoid this one (as if you were going to buy it anyway).

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Labels: japan, Kit Kat Spotlight

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Sakura Kit Kat 2008

Those crazy Japanese Kit Kat flavours keep on coming with yet another release of the popular sakura (cherry blossom) flavour that I saw just a few days before New Years and bought a bag load for pressies for peeps back in Australia.

Japanese Kit Kat: Sakura 2008

While it tastes the same, the box design is different than last year's sakura Kit Kat. They're also releasing a little bite size pack of Kit Kat balls that taste the same as the regular one but... well, in ball shape.

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Labels: japan, Kit Kat Spotlight

Snow in Tokyo

It's snowing this morning! First Tokyo snow of this season! (As far as I know!)

I'm kind of scared of the thought of once more dodging umbrella wielding Japanese pedestrians this morning. Lack of spacial awareness is normally bad enough but a few hundred people carrying umbrellas.... I'm surprised my eyes have lasted this long.

On a plus side, I get to watch a lot of women slip and slide all over the place. That's always good for a laugh.

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Labels: japan

Monday, 14 January 2008

10 Things: Australia and Japan

Well I just had the best last few weeks! Caught a flight from Narita to Sydney a few days after Christmas where Pam and Greg picked me up and rove me all the way to Orange to stay with my sister, Heather who was getting married on New Years Eve!

The wedding went really well and I found myself realising just how much I had not only missed Australia, but Orange as well!

A few days after New Years, Heather and her new husband, Jamie drove me to Wentworth Falls where my grandparents live to be passed over to Pam and Greg once more who drove me to Mosman, Sydney to stay for several days so I could catch up with all my friends from Sydney and also a friend of mine I had met while working in Tokyo, Christie who had just moved to Sydney with her Japanese fiance several months before.

It was a breath of fresh air to be able to actually talk about life in Japan with someone without coming across as an arrogant tosser. For some reason it's fairly hard to talk about living in another country with people back home. The slightest "In Tokyo..." sentence can seem like bragging depending on who you're talking to. While several people were generally interested I did find myself stopping myself from talking about the last four years of my life.

Ironically enough it was also great to talk to Christie and Kosuke (fiance) about how much Sydney and Australia as a whole had changed.

After a few days in Sydney I caught a flight to Melbourne which I had never been to before, to attend the wedding of Chris (who I used to work with but still hang out with in Tokyo) and Takayo.

Melbourne was great (though Sydney's still better!) and the wedding was really nice with both sides of the family being some of the friendliest people I've ever met.

After a few days in Melbourne I got on a flight from Melbourne to Cairns and then another to Narita.

Now that I've been back in Tokyo for a few days, I thought it'd be interesting to list 10 things that surprised me, shocked me or just stood out during my stay in Australia after being in Japan for 2 years and 10 things that surprised me, shocked me or just stood out about Japan after being in Australia again for a few weeks.

Australia

Everything was so expensive! Clothes, food, everything!

Genuine friendly service.

The air quality was so good no matter where I went!

Seeing a movie could once again be a relaxing experience! Half the price of seeing one in Japan, better and cleaner cinemas.

I felt healthier being in Australia.

Cleaner people. People wash their hands, no spitting as far as the eye could see.

Women who weren't annoying! Women who had a brain! Women who were in almost every way equal to their male counterparts.

I felt like I was in a country which was improving itself and it's place in the world. Very environmentally concious, and progression / awareness of human rights such as gay marriage, etc.

Friendly people. I had more conversations with complete strangers in the span of a few weeks in Australia than I had has in four years in Japan.

Australian tv is now also full of crap though Sunrise on 7 is well worth waking up for.

Japan

Rude people. Period.

Tokyo is ugly! I'd gotten so used to it but after being in Sydney and Melbourne it REALLY stood out.

Shopping is once again stressful do to being screamed at the second you walk into a store.

Everything's so CHEAP! Bought three bunches of broccoli for 80cents each. In Australia it would be about $3-4 each.

Trains are convenient!

Train system still makes no sense though. How come I can buy one ticket to go from Numabukuro to Roppongi but from Roppongi to Numabukuro I have to buy two. No common sense.

Old technology. Old ticket machines. Dirty machines. Still no EFTPOS.

Dirty people. Coughing everywhere. No covering of mouths. Sick people riding trains.

Japanese women seem VERY week both physically and emotionally. I don't want to sound racist or sexist but this is definitely the case. Japanese women in Tokyo anyway.

A lot of history and culture.

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Labels: Australia, japan

Monday, 24 December 2007

Merry Christmas 2007!

Sorry I'm too busy to post a longer post! Am getting my place ready for the big day tomorrow! Hopefully this strange video makes up for the length of this post.

During my Christmas shopping the other day in Shibuya, Tokyo I came across a hoard of Santas congregating outside Donquiote. Bizzare, but fun.

Have a great Christmas everyone whether in Japan or elsewhere!

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Labels: christmas, home movies, japan

Friday, 21 December 2007

A Hello Kitty Christmas

A few weeks ago Katie invited me down to to Chiba to a shopping mall near Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea to watch a special Hello Kitty Christmas stage show.

Normally Japanese Christmas shows are weird to say the least, normally hosted by a patronising female bimbo with a voice that could give the Chipmunks a run for their money in the voice department. This show didn't let me down there plus we got two large mascots dancing on stage while singing familiar Christmas songs in nail-on-chalkboard-Japanese.

As the show drew to a close (actually even Katie had had enough) the three crazies on stage decided to do a flag dance to Jingle Bells.... how appropriate. Huh.

Unfortunately I didn't get to take a video of the bizarre Bingo game before the show where the crazy girl screamed out "BINGO...STARTO!!!" before "BINGO...STARTO!!!" drawing "BINGO...STARTO!!!" every "BINGO...STARTO!!!" damn "BINGO...STARTO!!!" number "BINGO...STARTO!!!" for "BINGO...STARTO!!!" half "BINGO...STARTO!!!" an "BINGO...STARTO!!!" hour "BINGO...STARTO!!!". Only in Japan.

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Labels: christmas, home movies, japan

Thursday, 13 December 2007

Tears For You / Nada SouSou by Hayley Westenra

Next up in my Nada SouSou themed posts is the English version sung by Hayley Westenra called "Tears For You".

As I've said before, I first became aware of this version while shopping in the Shibuya Body Shop and heard it on the shop's sound system. I was so hyped to hear and English version but was in a rush and didn't have time to ask who the singer was. I eventually tracked it down on YouTube while doing a random search.

Apparently the song was released as a bonus track on a cd here in Japan and is not available internationally. If you have a Japanese credit card though, you can buy it on the Japanese iTunes store.

Luckily someone was kind enough to rip the song and play it over a photo of Hayley Westenra.

Here are the English for Nada SouSou / Tears for You:

Turning the pages of old photographs
I whisper thanks to each and every one
Deep in my heart you have come, come to live
Sure as the sun to see me through

Come rain or shine however the day may be
You shelter me with your smile
However far your memories may fade
Traces of you I hope to find
Then you appear and I drown in my own tears

I wish on a star, the first star of the night
You'll find me here every evening of the year
As twilight approaches I look to the sky
Seaching for you with all of my heart

In grief and joy I long for you and your smile
Hoping you feel the way I do
If only you could find me from where you are
I do believe somewhere in time
I do believe I will see you once again

Come rain or shine however the day may be
You shelter me with your smile
But as each memory of you fades away
I'm so alone longing for you
You're on my mind as I drown in my own tears

Missing you so I'm missing you so
You're on my mind as I drown in my own tears

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Labels: japan, Nada SouSou

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Kateigaho International Edition

Last week during my lunch break in Yoyogi, I decided to head on over to Kinokuniya to see if the latest edition of Kateigaho had been released. I love this magazine! It's just such good quality!

Without a doubt every other Japanese magazine aimed at the non-Japanese reader focuses on either dating, clubbing and drinking or inane observation such as how Japanese people take off their shoes before entering a house (people do that outside Japan too you know!), Japanese cleanliness (still no soap in the public toilets here!) or how "Tokyo is the best city in the world!".

This is what sets Kateigaho apart. It's not written by old English teachers who are either here trapped by their Japanese wife/husband or job or by guys fresh off the boat looking for a way to score some hot arse. It's written, edited and published by professionals who actually have experience in the journalism field!

The magazine comes out every four months and covers aspects of Japan that you'd thought you'd see here every day once you got here... but don't, such as the religion(s), fashion, culture, sub cultures, art, etc. It actually renews my faith in the country when it's cons get me down and always reminds me why I came here in the first place.

If, like a lot of people, find yourself wondering why you're still here. Grab yourself a copy of Kateigaho. It'll open up a new aspect of Japan to you that you were never aware existed.

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Labels: japan

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Japanese Service

Have just posted a reply to this post on Kirainet concerning no tipping in Japan (which actually isn't always the case) and ended up going on a bit of the rant that I might as well post here:

I remember working At Starbucks in Sydney and all the American tourists would be giving me AU$20 tips! One man gave me AU$50! I couldn’t really believe it!

Aussies in general though are tipping more and more. That’s why there are tip jars.

Concerning Japan’s service… I don’t know. The things you listed above equally annoy me. The habit of checking every bit of information with you? ANNOYING!

Me: 1 latte please.

Barista: Okay, 1 latte. Is that 1 latte?

Me: Yes, 1 latte.

Barista: 1 latte.

Me: Yes…. 1 latte!!!

It takes forever but they still do it even when there’s a line of 20 people. People always rave about the fast service in Japan but I find it about three times slower than service in Australia.

The polite Japanese also annoys me as even when I make it understood that I don’t understand keigo (polite Japanese) they refuse to speak natural common Japanese! The keigo also takes twice as long to say as regular Japanese and thus also makes the service slower than what I’d like.

Yeah, they treat you like a king… but’s it’s REALLY fake. Wherein Australia if a waiter treats you well it’s because he’s really wants to treat you well. It’s genuine. In Japan only about 30% of the time will you get genuine friendly service.

There are lots of stereotypes in Japan and the "good service" one like most of the others (most polite people in the world, everything's so clean, etc) are completely not true though appear to be so for those people who only visit Japan for a short period of time.

I remember when my Mum and brother came and visited a few years back and my Mum was raving on a daily basis how polite everyone was. I kind of thought so too but after the first 3 months or so I came to realise one big cultural difference:

In Western cultures we're raise to be polite. In Japanese culture they're raised to act polite.

What do you think?

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Labels: japan

Sunday, 25 November 2007

Smoke Free Cafe in Shibuya

Have just enjoyed a rather nice day in Harajuku and Shibuya and am now just writing a new entry on a smoke free cafe in Shibuya for my other Japan blog, SmokeFreeJapan.com.

It's been ages since I did a review for that blog and I was honestly thinking of giving it up because I wasn't sure how long I'd be in Japan for but since I've decided I've still got some Japan loving to do I think I'll begin reviewing smoke free restaurants, cafes and clubs (anyone know any good ones?) once more.

I've also been getting a few emails from people who really love the idea of a smoke free guide to Tokyo so I guess I better give the fans what they want, right? ;)

Anyway, in Yoyogi Park today, a wonderful friend of mine Koky, was doing another fundraiser for his charity, BabyTreeProjects. Shizuko from work brought her son and several of his friends to help and their sales techniques were amazing, especially considering their age! Here's a video I just had to take!

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Labels: Cambodia, home movies, japan

Sunday, 18 November 2007

Your Friendly Japanese Taxi Driver

After waking up on the other side of Tokyo near the Imperial Palace yesterday morning and realising that I was WAY too hungover to attempt the 3 transfer train trip home I decided to treat myself to a taxi ride.

Having already thrown up twice I figured it was all out of my system, but within minutes of getting into the taxi I began to feel a bit woozy again and was soon ripping out my comics and Metropolis magazine out of their plastic bag (a little shopping the day before) so I could throw up in something.

I quickly informed the driver in Japanese what I was about to do and apologised and then continued to burp, dry heave and hurl for the next few minutes.

The driver was such a nice guy that he constantly asked me if I was okay and when we had to stop at traffic lights he surprisingly ran out of the taxi to a nearby vending machine to buy me some water. Funnily enough he ended up not having the correct change on him and had to run back to the taxi for his wallet. This is when I told him I was okay as I'd already drank water and it obviously wasn't staying down.

Much to my surprise I realised that I knew the Japanese to get me through this entire conversation! I could tell him where my apartment was, that I was going to be sick, that he was a very nice and thoughtful person and that yes I'd drunk a lot the night before but it was really fun and worth it. ;)

He was such a nice guy and made the ride home all the more pleasant.

P.S. On a side note the trees on the street near the palace looked really beautiful with their golden yellow leaves.

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Labels: japan

Friday, 26 October 2007

Anti-groping phone tool a big hit in Japan

As you're probably aware, sexual harassment is a massive problem in Japan. Personally I've had my arse grabbed 3 times (by middle aged women!) and the length of my arm licked once (in one traumatic experience by one elderly man).

1,853 were arrested for groping on trains in 2005 though in reality due to Japanese men and women's paranoia of causing a scene and victim mentality the actual number of assaults could very realistically be 10 times (of not more) than that number.

While of course the perpetrators are at fault, a lot of blame should also be placed on Japanese society and it's people who almost encourage people to act this way. In almost any situation a Japanese person won't defend themselves when being harassed and even worse, noone will come to their aid.

A friend of mine unfortunately fell between the train and the platform early last year and as he held on to the platform and asked for people to help him up before the train pulled out (noone was stopping the train) not one person of the 30 or so who were standing within feet of him did a thing to pull him to safety. A woman standing right above him simply pulled out her mobile phone and muttered to herself in Japanese "Oh, what a bad situation! What should I do?"

Luckily he managed to pull himself up onto the platform.

The scary thing is this kind of thing happens a lot and it scares the Hell out of me as I know that if I'm ever attacked or in trouble in this country I'll be most likely be on my own. It really is scary!

But what's even scarier is that Japanese society isn't growing out of this but instead are becoming more removed and isolated from each other.

Because Japanese women don't like to defend themselves when they're being groped the put up with it and when they get off the train they go and complain to the station master at the next station.

Now instead of campaigns to promote self confidence and standing up for yourself and those around you, what do several train companies do? Why create women only train carriages that run certain times of the day so they can feel safe away from those nasty men (all of whom are apparently perverts). Not only does this not solve the problem but it's offensive and really just helps the gropers improve their time management.

This plan is also PR bullshit as it makes the train companies look like they're doing something but in reality they're not.

There are no video cameras on most Japanese trains.

Instead of installing security cameras they just decorate several carriages with pink flowers and kick all the men out of them for about 4 hours every afternoon.

And Japanese women actually think this is helping.

Now as if they couldn't get more retarded instead of just defending themselves Japanese women are now using a phone application that flashes text messages at the person who is groping them.

This must be a joke, right?

Basically, if your being touched by someone, instead of telling them to fuck off you load up your mobile phone application and secretly show the screen to the man (or woman!) which says "Are you groping me?" or "Shall we go to the police?".

That'll teach him a lesson! In all seriousness, if he's not drunk or mentally unstable, he may stop but if he does he will just go and grope someone else! Moving a fox to a different side of the paddock won't stop him from eating sheep. You have to get rid of the fox!

"I first downloaded this as a joke," said Spicy Soft official Michika Izumi. "But I think it could be a lifesaver if I get groped."

Riiiiiight... I can't think of any female or male friend back home in Sydney who has been groped or grabbed on a train. Why? Because most non Japanese women would raise Hell if anyone grabbed them!

If only people would defend themselves and each other.

Me and some friends of mine used to joke that we could get away with murder on the Japanese trains here. Of course we never would but last year a woman was raped on one of the famous bullet trains here in Japan. She was dragged from her seat into the toilet at the rear of the carriage where she was raped. What's just horrifying is the fact that the whole train was full of passengers and not one person tried to save her, call for help or even press the emergency button!!! Not one person! What's sad is that I'm honestly not surprised. Here's a woman's perspective on this same issue.

And now to end on a positive not, though still relevant, here's a hillarious video of another Aussie in Japan showing you how much you can get away with on the trains here. Just look at that mother defend her children and that other woman defend her dignity!

Note: This is NOT me.

Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues

Thursday, 25 October 2007

Continuing My Japanese

Since deciding to aim for the Level 2 Japanese Fluency Test, I've kicked my Japanese studying into overdrive and am finally about to finish my Teach Yourself Beginner's Japanese book which has been a godsend. If you're thinking of starting Japanese this book is brilliant. It teaches you the basics but still challenges you at the same time and by the end of the book you can get by in most basic situations using the Japanese you have learnt.

I've already purchased the follow-up book in the series, Teach Yourself Japanese book which has been sitting in my bookcase unused for over a year now and I'll finally be ripping that open the week after next as I finish Beginner's! I can't wait to get started on this one as it covers speculation and making longer, more natural sentences.

I also have the Teach Yourself Beginner's Japanese Script book and used that to teach myself the Katakana and Hiragana (only about thirty letters or so in each alphabet) but since deciding to take the Level 2 test which requires knowledge 2000 kanji I've been looking for a faster and more comprehensive approach and luckily came across this post in a blog that I just subscribed to last week!

The author is starting to study the kanji herself and has recommended James W. Heisig's Remembering the Kanji I which looked so amazing that I ordered my copy last night! The whole book will teach me the meanings and stroke order of about 2000 kanji... and that's it. It doesn't teach the sounds (Onyomi & Kunyomi) at all! Ah, but that's the charm! You see once those 2000 kanji actually mean something to me in English (after I've learnt their meanings) then I use the second book, James W. Heisig's Remembering the Kanji II to teach me the Chinese and Japanese readings and how to really use them.

This process is apparently controversial but said by a lot of people to be incredibly fast and completely possible to do within a year (or maybe less!). I'm very excited about this and can't wait to get started!

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Labels: japan, Japanese

Sunday, 14 October 2007

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test

Well that's a shock. One of my aims for the rest of this year was to take the annual Japanese Language Proficiency Test which is held every December. I knew the application deadline for the test was a few months before the actual text so I did a Google search to see if I could find out when it was. Imagine my frustration when I found out on the official site that this year the deadline was on the 11th of September! I've missed it! So now if I want to do it again I have to wait until December 2008!!!

Bugger.

On the plus side, this gives me more time to study and perhaps challenge a higher level. This year I was going to take the Level 3 test as I knew there was no way I was up to the Level 2 but now with an extra year and a half to study I might as well start studying for the Level 2. Why not, hey?

If you don't know what the test is, Wikipedia has all the basic info. It's pretty much a test to measure non-native speakers' Japanese language level.

The lowest Level is 4 (pretty basic) and the highest is 1 (higher than a native speaker).

It pretty much covers vocab, grammar, listening, and kanji. In contrast to pass Level 4 you need to know about 100 kanji but to pass Level 1 you need a whopping 2000 or so memorised.

Missing out this year is kind of a load off. Just one less thing to think about in December with my Birthday, Christmas, trip to Australia, Heather's wedding, Chris's wedding and other things I'm kind of looking on the bright side right now.

Those reading this right now that are taking the test this year, good luck!

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Labels: japan, Japanese

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Strange Busker in Harajuku

Of the things you'll see and the places you'll go when you come to Tokyo, Japan. Have a look at one of the locals I saw a few weeks ago! [Feeders & Email Readers]

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Labels: home movies, japan

Sunday, 23 September 2007

Fingerprinted at Japanese Immigration

Go watch this: http://nettv.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg1203.html

RANT TIME: Seriously, what the fuck was that?!? I've known about this for over a year now but not only does that video not explain with any logic why these new measures have been implemented but it insults our intelligence as well!!! How exactly does having our fingerprints reordered protect us more than Japanese people?

I know Japanese tv likes to treat it's viewers like children with ridiculously dated approaches to educating adults but this just takes the cake.

This just reeks of racism. Why? Because it's only non-Japanese who will be fingerprinted. If they were really concerned about national security everyone would be fingerprinted as the only major terrorist attack in Japanese history was conducted by Japanese citizens!

Statistically, Japanese people commit more crimes than non-Japanese yet the right wing propaganda continues to convince Japanese people otherwise.

Demanding non-Japanese to be fingerprinted and photographed upon entry into Japan is a slap in the face and just reflects badly on the country as a whole.

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Labels: japan, Racism

Monday, 17 September 2007

Girl's Toilet Expose!

What I do in intermission at a Tokyo opera house (email & feeders)

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Labels: home movies, japan

Sunday, 9 September 2007

A Good Teaching Experience

Teaching English in Japan it's very common to get completely anal negative "feedback" from your students ranging from "The lessons are too hard" to "The teacher is too friendly". Of course to avoid the utterly embarrassing situation of actually telling you in person, the students go straight to the management or Japanese staff and complain which gets the situation on your permanent record and really achieves nothing more than making you frustrated with the student.

Very rarely, if ever, do the students tell your school that they're happy with your work. This can really get you down.

Imagine my surprise then when during my last 30 minutes of a special holiday "Summer School" 14 day program one of the mothers began to cry out of pride as I was showing her and the other mother and father watching what I had been teaching their three sons during the school period.

At the end of the class both mothers and the one father genuinely thanked me and asked if I would be teaching at the school again. Japanese people are famous for lying when it comes to situations like this. For example, they'll thank you after the lesson but then go and file a complaint about the air conditioner not being at the government approved temp of 28 degrees celcius.

These parents were actually really thanking me though and telling me that all three boys had started using English at home now and have been having so much fun in my classes.

The next day at the office a staff member came up to me and told me that one of the mothers (the one that had been crying actually) had called the office to once more thank me for doing such a wonderful job. Just a few days ago I also got a letter which had been sent to the office from one of the other boys in the class thanking me for being such a good teacher and also a photo of the three boys and me which they had taken on the last day.

A lot of customers seem to forget how appreciated positive feedback is with workers in any industry. When I was at Starbucks in Sydney it really made my day when customers would take 10 seconds out of their schedule to come and tell me in person that the coffee I had just made was the best or that they love coming in to see my smiling face. On a hard day and especially on one where you have to deal with anal retentive customers it makes all the difference in the world and in turn gives customers a better experience as we pass the positive attitude back into our jobs.

So today, take the time to thank your language or music teacher, the guy or girl who made your coffee and sympathise with the peeps stuck behind the reg at the convenience store. It'll make their day and they'll go out of their way to make sure you get the best service possible on your next visit.

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Labels: japan, Teaching English in Japan

Monday, 13 August 2007

Tokyo People Watching

Man Tokyo people are so interesting aren't they? You never know what they could do next. They could walk forwards, backwards, maybe even turn their head (I'm waiting for the day!).

Sometimes I'm amazed at the vibrant use of the colours white and black. It's like a moving rainbow but in classic black and white. Maybe this has to do with Charlie Chaplin's popularity here.

Walking, walking, walking. This whole post is starting to sound like a first year art student's poetry but I was just going for sarcasm.

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Labels: home movies, japan

Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Hikawa Jinga Near My House

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Notice the cicadas in the background and the chime at the end which is my town's own little 6pm alarm clock. Every town has a different tune.

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Labels: home movies, japan

Sunday, 29 July 2007

Australia, Cambodia and Okinawa, oh my!

While the Obon holidays will be pretty boring with me having next to no money (thank YOU city tax and health insurance!) my end of year holidays will be packed!

As of now I'll be staying in Tokyo for another "should be white but won't be" Christmas then off to Australia for my sister's wedding in Orange on New Years Eve, then after New Years up to Cambodia to help Koky with his orphanage/ school project and then working once more in Tokyo until about June 2008 when I will hopefully move down south the the beautiful Okinawa!

That's the plan anyway.

Tokyo's grown on me but I just don't want to spend a 5th year here. It's not a terrible city but well, recently in the news there was a woman who had defected from North Korea and after a few years in Tokyo decided to return to North Korea.

Kind of says it all really.

And now enjoy this great Jpop song: Feed and Email Readers Click Here

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Labels: Australia, Cambodia, christmas, japan, new year, Okinawa

Thursday, 5 July 2007

Japanese Ricky Martin Kimono Dance

Went on my second boat trip around Tokyo Bay for a friend's bday party and saw this on deck.

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Labels: home movies, japan

Saturday, 2 June 2007

Three Ways NOT to Watch TV in Japan

After the novelty of crazy Japanese game shows, 10 year old girls being portrayed as sex symbols and mindless shows about tv personalities telling you how "oishi" or "sugoi" everything is, most people come to the realisation that there really is nothing interesting on Japanese tv and that they want to get back into watching the shows they miss from back home.

Luckily, being stuck in a country which seems to be in "Hey Hey it's Saturday" mode 24/7 the internet offers several ways to save your sanity.

The first place to check out would be TV Links. There you can watch shows from all around the world. Some old, some online to view 24 hours after they air. Want to get the latest LOST or 24 episode? TV Links is the place to go.

Sick of the Japanese gyms that sound more like a fish market at 7am? Do what I did. Quit your membership, save yourself about 100 bucks and try a free daily exercise video podcast! I found Yoga Today in December 2006 and it's changed my life. Adi, Neesha and Sarah are three professional Yoga instructors based in Wyoming, each with a unique style who offer daily 1 hour Yoga lessons which you can download of the site directly or subscribe via iTunes (which is what I do). The quality is amazing and is great for beginners and experienced Yogis. Give it a try!

The third favourite option of mine is via a new service from the makers of Skype (if you're living overseas and aren't using Skype I can't recommend it enough!) called Joost which claims, and I think it is, the very first online television service which broadcasts shows in TV quality almost instantly! It's like have Pay TV (Cable) on your computer and it's absolutely FREE! Currently it has a handful of channels, my faves being MTV, Lime, IMF Asia and IMF Australia. Warner Bros just signed a deal with them the other day and the thing's still in Beta! Unfortunately because it's in Beta it's open via invite only. Lucky for you I have plenty of invites to give away, so if you're a friend of mine feel free to reply to this post with a comment and I'll email you your Joost invite asap.

Hope people find this post useful. Just because you don't watch tv, doesn't mean you have to be bored!

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Labels: fitness, japan, Joost, tv, Yoga Today

Saturday, 19 May 2007

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.

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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.

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Labels: japan, Visa and Passport Issues

Friday, 4 May 2007

We're going to need a bigger train

My Tokyo train challenge continues...

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Labels: home movies, japan

Sunday, 29 April 2007

Karaoke

Everyone seems to be asking me why I like Japan and it's a very hard question to answer as, it honestly doesn't do that many things better than other countries around the world. Nature? Not that much and Australia has that beat. Food? Too expensive and the quality just way to different than what I'm used to. People? Very hard to get to really know them and racism and ignorance is a huge problem here. I hate to say it but up until now my answer had really been work or money related or that Japan just feels like home now. It's not that Japan is a terrible country but it's very difficult to find something that it specialises in...

...until last night when I realised what I would miss if I ever left Japan. Karaoke!

Weird huh? Who'd have thought that karaoke would be something that I would end up doing as part of a night out! Dinner, drinks and then karaoke for the next 8 hours until the first trains runs. I know this must sound strange for those who have never been to Japan but after three years of being here karaoke feels as natural as grabbing a beer down at the pub. It's something that I'm definitely going to miss when I go back to Australia for my sister's wedding in December.

I was talking to an Aussie friend the other day about what we used to do before we came here. We had to rely on conversation! It's so hard to imagine now.

Now, I'm not a good singer by any stretch of the imagination but it's just so much fun to do with a group of close friends, Hell sometimes even strangers.

I'm currently teaching myself two Japanese songs to sing at Karaoke. The first is a truly beautiful Okinawan themed song from the 90s called Shima Uta (Island Song). Here's one of many video clips I've found of it.

The second is a fun JPop one from the popular (in Japan anyway) boy band, Kat Tun called Real Face.

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Labels: japan, Karaoke

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

Is it offensive... or does the truth just hurt?

I began thinking this morning about my previous post about infidelity in Japan and what I would think if I were Japanese reading it. I would probably assume that the writer was racist or had an anti Japanese view on the subject matter and probably hasn't lived in the country very long. But if a Japanese person wrote the article, I bet I wouldn't have a problem.

It's weird that works. It's like someone bringing up the obesity level in Australia. When a non Australian says it it sounds like a jab at the country but if I said it (being Australian) it would be an intelligent conversation starter about social problems (seriously I swear Australians are getting fatter every time I go back and it's not due to me being surrounded by skinny Japanese people. A fair share of Japanese people are overweight. Almost every businessman on the Tokyo Metro is unfit and sleep deprived.)

If I was in Australia I would be blogging about becoming a republic, obesity, diabetes, AIDS, gay marriage, racism and the Stolen Generation but I'm not. I'm in Japan and this country has it's fair share of problems that affects the lives of people living here.

Since being in Japan, I've become so politically minded (who'd have thought!) that serious (even though they come across as negative sometimes) issues really interest me.

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Labels: blog, japan, Japanese Social Issues

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Japan Affairs

A great Japan themed blog which I'm currently subscribed to, Kirainet.com has posted an informative and rather hillarious article about sex in Japan and infidelity. In the article it says how Japan is second in the world with the highest rate of infidelity.

I really can't say I'm surprised and I mean that with no ill feeling towards Japan (anyone who comments with another frilling "If you don't like Japan, why are you still there?" post will get shot. Seriously if I made posts like "Japan has apples. So does Australia! Japan rulz!" I think you'd stop reading).

Anyway, the amount of people I've met who's Japanese partner has cheated on them is just incredible. Several of these partners were married (not sure about kids). When working at NOVA so many of the adults (in the age range of 27-60) who would brag about sleeping with another woman (or man, yes the housewives do it too!). Several would go to hostess bars after a lesson despite the fact they had a wife and kids waiting at home.

I remember a hillarious evening at the Peppermint House (sounds like a gay bar but it's just a Japanese pub. Seriously) in Shin Koshigaya when a woman at the table next to ours let me speak to her husband who was overseas on her mobile before asking me if I wanted to have sex with her. "Lady, I just spoke to your husband ten seconds ago!"

Good times. Good times.

Just to be clear, I'm met some amazing Japanese men and women here who I would trust completely and who are genuinely good people. Similar to groping on trains, infidelity in Japan seems to be something visitors to Japan will either deal with personally or through association.

Interestin article. Check it out.

P.S. Just for the record I have never been cheated on during my stay in Japan. Unfortunately several close friends have been.

And now for something romantic and frigging hillarious!

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Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues

Sunday, 1 April 2007

Spring is Here! ...or is it?

I didn't realise how much weather affects my general mood and feeling towards living in Tokyo. It's incredible how almost every day this week I've just been enjoying the walks to the station in the morning on my way to work and actually thinking about how nice Tokyo is. The temperature is a nice medium and the subtle scents in the air bring back memories of when I first came to Japan (March/April).

Life is good.

Am just about to head into Shibuya to meet Yuri for some freelance graphic design work and then head over to Yoyogi for a hanami (cherry blossom pissup in English). This is my one day off this week and I just can't be arsed spending it inside.

Hope everyone else is enjoying Spring as much as I am. In celebration of my good mood, here's a message from the hillarious Ask Ninja who has some important advice for those thinking about uni or college.

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Labels: japan

Thursday, 29 March 2007

English Teacher Murdered

I just read about this seconds ago and am really shocked at this. The full article can be read here and I really recommend you give it a look for all the info.

After the obvious shock and sympathy something occurred. I felt a little confused. How exactly could a man, bare foot, escape from the fourth floor of an apartment building with a police presence? Sure, I don't know all the facts but I find if hard to believe that he got away that easily. I'm actually wondering if the police actually bothered pursuing or simply stood where they were and yelled for him to stop.

It's also just a bit strange that the police are saying that they're not issuing an arrest warrant for the suspect despite the fact that they found the body in his apartment, he had been stalking her and he ran from the crime scene. Come on.

Japanese police have always been a joke for me. From their complete lack of intimidation to their dated policies and racial discrimination I simply have no respect for them. But, damn. They can give directions like nothing else.

For those wondering how safe Japan actually is... well it definitely feels safe but when you sit down and discuss things like sexual assault, stalking and racism you really have to define what "safe" is. Personally I'm a 26 year old man and I've been groped several times on the trains and experienced one of the most traumatising situations of my life; an elderly man physically restraining my arm and licking it several times before yelling racial slurs at me after I turned down his advances. This was just on my way home from work on the train when I was working in Saitama.

I've been stalked by a student who wanted to "be my friend" (I don't think he had any) and constantly emailed and rang me at all hours just to talk. Luckily he didn't know where I lived and his phone number was blockable.

From talking to friends I've heard a LOT of stories of female teachers having Japanese men follow them back to their apartments. Being groped on trains is also very common. I remember one time at NOVA and the topic came up in the staff room with around 12 teachers present. 10 of them had been sexually harassed on Japanese trains.

Don't get me started on police carding and bicycle stopping.

After all this though I still find myself thinking about how safe Japan is.

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Labels: japan, Racism, Teaching English in Japan

Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Dancing on the JR

A few weeks ago on our way to an all nighter we got a little drunk and Callie got a little dancy. As usual in Japan, noone was looking at us.

Enjoy!

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Labels: clubbing, home movies, japan

Sunday, 25 March 2007

So good for you that you won't look like a burn victim

Ever since I've been teaching in Japan I've been amazed at the ammount of kids (seriously about 60%, sometimes higher) that have serious rashes, pealing or eczema on their skin (including arms, legs and face and even sometimes all over their backs and stomachs). From what I've gathered it's due to a combination of free radicals in the air and chemicals in washing liquids.

For the most part, parents here seem to have accepted all of these skin problems as a way of life. It's not until I tell them that I've never seen a child in Australia with any of these conditions that they begin to suspect that they should be trying to stop it.

It wasn't until I developed eczema on my leg a few years ago that I began to seriously think about this problem. I became so paranoid about Japanese products having different regulations to what I was used to in Australia (don't get me started on trying to find 100% dolphin safe canned tuna here) that I pretty much decided to buy as many imported food and products as I could.

Kaldi's Coffee Farm is a great chain store that sells food from the US, Canada, Australia and Europe at just a little over the home price. Unfortunately they've stopped stocking the Aussie Berri juices but they still got lots of Vegimite and Tim Tams.

Another great place to buy imported foods is the new convenience store chain, Natural Lawson (a spin-off of the regular Lawson chain). Not only do they sell imported foods, they also stock imported kitchen and bathroom supplies.

A great product line that I found through Natural Lawson was ECOVER. They use all natural ingredients to make laundry liquids, washing up detergents as well as softeners and now some shower gels. As soon as I started using these products I began to just feel better, you know? They're a little pricey, but if you want something to make your stay in Japan a whole lot healthier ECOVER is the way to go.

In retrospect this whole post looks like a paid advertisement for ECOVER but it's honestly something that I've been telling everyone to buy and try for a while now and just the other day when I suggested it to Cordelia, she told me that she had already used it when she was back in the UK so I though, "Hey this really is a great product that I should tell everyone about in a post" and here it is.

Hope you found this useful. I don't want you to look like a burn victim like all the kids here. ;)

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Labels: japan

Saturday, 17 March 2007

The Famous Shibuya Crossing

You've probably seen that famous busy crossing in almost any movie set in Tokyo, well a few weeks ago I thought it'd be good to film a whole clip of me crossing the crossing for my home movie collection. Just something I could look back on whenever I leave Japan.

Hope you find it interesting if you've never been here or nostalgic if you have.

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Labels: home movies, japan

Sunday, 11 March 2007

Renewing My Contract

In the last week or so I signed my new contract which basically means I'm in Japan for at least another year. Figured I've got a lot more to do here before I go such as travelling a lot more and start studying the language again.

I'll be starting my fourth year in Japan next month which means another ungodly trip to Immigration, waiting 8 hours for my ticket to get called and then get told that I've filled in the wrong forms. ;)

Me up with Yuri and Blair last night in Ueno and caught a glimpse of the Sakura trees in full bloom about a month before they're supposed to. Global Warming at work.

I like seeing the trees flowering as they're so damn pretty but it means that we may miss out on a Hanami party this year as it'll be too damn cold to sit outside.

Am thinking about stealing some of those plastic Sakura flowers that are decorating the grocery store down the road and throwing them around my apartment. Is it possible to have an indoor Hanami?

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Labels: japan, MLS, work

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Got the kaze

Well yesterday started out well enough, woke up, had coffee and breakfast and headed into work but as I got off at my station I was unusually thirsty. The air's pretty dry in Japan in winter so I didn't think much of it. I bought a drink and headed into the studio and finished the bottle before my first 50 minute lesson was done.

Still nothing that unusual, but then the headaches started and my bones began to ache and my skin became massively sensitive to any movement I was doing.

As my second class started the fever hit and I felt like I was going to pass out. Luckily my assistant rocks and didn't mind singing a little louder for me. By the end of this class I knew I had caught the flu (kaze, which also means "wind" in Japanese) and called the office to tell them that I only had one more class in me.

This is when I really began to appreciate the MLS staff. When I was at NOVA, calling in sick would be such a stressful experience with noone believing you and the constant threat of losing your job as well as the massive salary fine for just one day off. But with MLS, they give you the benefit of the doubt. They actually ask you how you're feeling and what they can do to help. There's no "This might come up in your evaluation" bullshit.

So a big thank you to MLS. I may be feeling like my organs are shutting down but at least I'm not stressed about being unemployed.

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Labels: japan, MLS, NOVA

Saturday, 24 February 2007

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Note: I actually posted this on one of my other sites but thought it was relevant enough to post here.

I gave this series a go because CLAMP designed the characters and was illustrating the DVD covers, etc but I just can't watch any more. I got up to episode 6 and just had to turn it off. It's so blatantly racist and nationalistic it's offensive.

The portrayal of the British characters is over stereotypical in some respects (such as clothes and architecture. ) yet so completely off in other areas such as their blatant disregard for civilians during times of war and militaristic nature that it becomes almost a joke.

It's as if the tv station is trying to breed racism and reinforce an image of non-Japanese people that I thought was on the way out. In the first episode for crying out loud, we have a scene of a nice, gentle Japanese elderly couple who get their brains splattered all over room simply because the British army decided to kill all civilians in the area.

This show is just offensive. If the "bad guys" were, say aliens I really wouldn't have a problem but some things should be off limits, especially in children's programming and writing a story where the "bad guys" are another nation is taking things too far.

Something else I find shocking is that it seems to encourage terrorism. Not just in the general sense though, in the sense that it's every Japanese teenager's right to stand up and fight the establishment. If that means killing people, all the better.

The leader of the terrorist cell in the show is a high school girl and the main character, Lelouch actually assassinates the overly French political leader in charge of Japan within the first few episodes.

There's enough nationalistic bull in Japan as it is without an Animé series reinforcing such deluded ideals.

I must say I'm so disappointed in CLAMP for being involved in a project like this Given their history of creating stories involving mixed racial couples (a Japanese Sakura and a Chinese Syaoran for example) and Korean myth (Legend of Chun Hyang) this comes as a complete surprise. I'm hoping that they didn't realise the story content of Code Geass before signing on.

The animation and music are top notch, but simply due to it's thematic nature I can't believe so many non-Japanese anime and manga fans are following this series and even creating fan sites and listings about it.

I for one am tuning out and writing a letter of complaint HERE.

Edit: This is a copy of the email that I just sent.

"I am writing to express my complete disgust concerning the new anime series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

As an Australian, I find the series to be completely offensive and racist and something that shouldn't be on air due to the amount of influence it will have on children in Japan and other individuals.

The fact that Europeans are portrayed as villains is shocking and their portrayal inaccurate ("Yes my Lord") but the amount of racism from the main characters who are supposed to be heroes and role models for children leaves me speechless.

I also find it incredibly irresponsible, especially in a country such as Japan who has suffered at the hands of terrorists to show a series were the main characters ARE TERRORISTS who kill and assassinate people and are seen in a good light.

Until shows like this are removed from Japanese television the image of Japan being a racist one will not change in the eyes of non-Japanese both in and outside of Japan. "

I'm interested in people's opinions on this series. Feel free (as always) to comment on this post.

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Labels: Cartoons, japan, Racism

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

Oh, for fuck's sake!

I've almost had it up to here with people on the trains here. Seriously. I just don't understand how people don't even seem to think that pushing someone deliberately is rude, invasive or provocation. It just does my brain in every time someone, whether it's a teenager, a business man or an old lady, deliberately pushes me forward, out of their way or over a bit and I push them back or tell them in Japanese not to push ("Osonai de!" use it the next chance you get!) they get this complete look of shock and misunderstanding over why I pushed them and some even act as if I'm the one that has offended them!

This morning I was waiting for the train and I was the only person on this part of the platform waiting in line. When the train stopped, noone got off. The train was completely empty. In short, there was no rush to get on the train. Anyway, this was a local and I was waiting for the express so I didn't move. Suddenly someone behind me started to push me firmly with the weight of their entire body. Fed up, I thrust my elbow backwards and pushed them away.

The guy, about my age have me this offended angry look and just stared at me as he walked around me and just sat on the train continuing to stare at me in disbelief and frustration.

Seriously. There were three waiting lanes drawn on the platform, I was in one. He could have easily walked around me to get one the train, or hey, actually started a new line next to me (don't get me started on people's inability to manage lines properly). More importantly if he wanted me to hurry up and get on the train I wasn't waiting for he could have maybe tapped me on the shoulder and muttered a "Summimasen" ("Excuse me"). Instead he pushes me forward rather hard, a very dangerous thing to do as a train is pulling into a station and we're a metre from the tracks I might add, I push him back and he acts like the victim.

This kind of shit happens on a daily basis not just to me but almost everyone in Tokyo. It's seriously retarded. In any other country this kind of shameless pushing would get your head smacked in.

I almost did his head hid but was stopped from the fact that three of the fingers on my punching hand were still bleeding from falling down the station's steps on Saturday (that's another story).

My fingers are feeling a lot better tonight. Those people on the trains better not push me tomorrow.

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Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues

Sunday, 18 February 2007

Valentine's Day, White Day, Orange Day, Black Day...

Well Japan celebrated Valentine's Day last week so Japanese women everywhere were seen racing around buying their men. I still find it just so... Japanese how the culture adopted the western celebration and naturally assumed that the woman should give the man a present and the man should simple receive it.

The holiday has been further warped though by the peer pressure in Japan causing women to give Valentine's Day chocolates to all of their co-workers, friends in addition to their boyfriends or/and husband.

A truly disturbing abuse of the holiday is for socially retarded grown women to use the gift giving as a way to tell a man that she's interested in him. Fair enough, I'm sure some children do this at school in Australia, America, etc with the cliché "Be My Valentine" cards but these are children and not mature adults who most would expect to have developed at least a little social ability by the age of 18.

Seriously, think about this. In this day and age, adults only give chocolate/ flowers/ cards to people they're already in a relationship with. Confessing your love for someone for the first time over a gift exchange would be met with laughter and a possible assumption of stalker tendencies and immaturity. If you like someone, be an adult and tell them.

Luckily for those socially awkward Japanese men who find telling their special someone how much they appreciate them, a holiday called White Day is celebrated one month later on the 14th of March where they can give women an "obligation chocolate" to say thank you for the Valentine's Day gift they received a month prior.

Now, very recently Sunkist, wanting to boost orange sales, started their own holiday based on the crazy idea that a man and a woman can exchange gifts and express affection on the same day called Orange Day! It's celebrated a month after White Day on the 14th of April and has been growing in popularity with each year and also has the double name of "Partner Day" where you get to respect your partner. Pretty outrageous, huh? Reminds of a holiday we have in Australia called Valentine's Day.

I do actually like the idea of Orange Day in Japan though as it gives those in same sex relationships a chance to participate in a romantic themed holiday after being excluded from Valentine's Day and White Day for so long.

Funnily enough a holiday called Black Day (or Singles Day) which started in Korea and spread throughout China has also popped up in Japan in the few years I've been here. This day is for people who are single and/or didn't get any presents for Valentine's Day to get together and party.

Is it just me or is it strange that one fourth of the months in Japan feature a romance themed holiday?

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Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues, Orange Day, Valentines Day, White Day

Monday, 12 February 2007

What's my PIN again?

Waaaah! I've forgotten my PIN! When I got a new card after my old one got stolen in Shanghai I got a new PIN with it and can't remember it!!! Just applied for a new VISA. Damn it!

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Labels: japan

Saturday, 10 February 2007

Push It!

Took this video last week. Was so happy to catch blatant pushing of another person on camera. You see if you don't look them in the eye, you're not being rude... in Japan anyway.

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Labels: home movies, japan, Japanese Social Issues

So my power was turned off...

So I rushed home the other night after work to clean my apartment for Fin and Beau who were coming over for a cuppa at 8pmish. I unlocked my door and flicked the kitchen light switch to turn the light on.... but nothing happened. I flicked it again and still nothing. I figured, hey, it's probably just the light bulb so I tried all the other lights in my apartment but none of them worked!!!

As I headed back outside (my place was pitch black) I noticed some mail in the letterbox, one of which was from the electrical company but it didn't look that important, just a receipt. They send you receipts all the time in Japan just to let you know how much you're using gas, water and power. You can't really do anything with them, they're just for your record. As my power was out though, I decided to have a look at it. There was about 40cm of kanji and at the top in English was "Termination of Power Notice". Browsing through the Chinese characters (which I can't read) I saw the price "1436 Yen". They'd cut off my power for 1400 Yen?!?!

I called the number and asked for an English speaker. The guy on the end spent 10 minutes humming and aring (in English) about how his English isn't that good and that he'll try to find someone who can speak English better. After waiting some more, he came back and just decided to do it himself (his English was fucking fine!) and this is where the frustration starts.

I told him my name and telephone number and he looked up my details (I was actually surprised they had a computer instead of good ol' filing cabinets) and told me I didn't pay November's electricity bill. I told him I had paid December and January's and asked him why November's simply hadn't been added onto those. He told me it isn't done like that.

Fine, whatever. The thing was though, they hadn't sent me a bill to pay November's bill since, well, NOVEMBER. I asked him why not and he told me "Please pay the bill". I said "I don't have a bill" he said "Please pay the bill". I told him (blood pressure rising) "I have a receipt but NO BILL!". He tells me that "You should pay the bill.".

I remained calm and yelled at him "I... HAVE.... NO... BILL!!!". He told me to... you guessed it! "Pay the bill".

So I asked him "How? Where?". He told me to go to a convenience store and pay it (as you do in Japan) but I only had a receipt and NO BILL. I asked him if I could pay with the receipt and he said no, but "Please pay the bill."

This is where I lost it and just yelled at him and then due to Vodafone (sorry, Softbank)'s brilliant reception, my mobile cut off so I had to ring again, get put onto a different guy and do this whole 20 minute conversation all over again.

Eventually the new guys said that a man will come around to my place and I can pay him. I was really impressed with this. In a country where ATMs have a closing time I was fully expecting them to tell me to wait until after the weekend. Kudos TEPCO!

So I hung up the phone and raced inside to find some candles I had leftover from Christmas and lit them up to light the place as my friends were arriving any minute. Luckily the electrical man arrived within minutes and I paid him the money and he turned the power on. I asked him why my power had been cut off when the company didn't send me a bill to pay it with! I would have paid it had the given me a bill to pay.

"Please pay the bill."

Grrr... eventually I got out of him that if I didn't have a bill I had to ring them number on the receipt and ask for one to be sent out. Funny thing was, Fin arrived at that moment and realised he had been getting a lot of receipts and didn't know what to do with them either.

A great system you've got here electrical company!

I told the man how unhappy I was with this "service" and asked if they could change it as there are obvious faults in the system they use.

He left and I already had the feeling that despite all of my feedback they wouldn't change anything. This is Japan where the logic is that "We do it because it's like this" instead of creating a system based on practical studies and feedback.

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Labels: apartment, japan

Saturday, 3 February 2007

If only she spoke English...

This is a commercial for NOVA, the HUGE English chain school I used to work for. Pretty funny. Says more about Japanese people than their English ability though. Come on lady! What could he be trying to say?

For those that are new to Japanese she's asking him if he's okay and then apologises as she cries.

Labels: japan, NOVA

Friday, 2 February 2007

Generation Gap

I was remembering on my train trip to work this morning how funny it was last year in the Christmas parties when the the mothers and kids were taking photos of myself and each other. The company I work for gave each classroom cheap disposable cameras to take photos for our own records as well. Funny thing was, whenever I or someone else used the camera to take a photo, all the kids would gather around and demand to see how the photo turned out on the back of the camera. Some of them were so surprised to hear that not all cameras had digital viewing screens and in fact that cameras like that are a fairly new invention.

It was just such a generational gap kind of moment (and I'm only 26!) when kids assume that there will be such a thing on a camera.

Another similar thing that happened several times was when I would blow my nose in class (politely of course) and the kids would go ballistic saying that I was blowing my nose into a towel! Almost all of them had never seen anyone use a handkerchief before. They had all been brought up on tissues.

Kids nowadays.

Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues, Teaching English in Japan

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Well...crap.

Well it's happened. Japan's started to feel like "home".

A year or so ago I had this vague future goal in my head where I knew I would be going back to Australia and doing whatever I can do after moving to Japan straight out of Uni, living there for several years and then going back with zero useful work experience at all. But now I'm really starting to envision a future that includes.... Japan.

God-damn it! I've got so many fucking issues with this country (racism, hygiene, manners, disorganised businesses and government organisations, sexism, blatant stupidity and Japanese TV. Just to name a few.) but I'm actually liking it here.

Sydney would be so much easier in almost every way but Sydney wouldn't have.... uhh... well... I don't know. It's wierd when you choose to do something that even after logically deciding that you shouldn't do it, you do it anyway.

I guess Japan is like toothpaste. It's bad for you, will give you cancer and most likely kill you but you've been using it for a while and decide to stick with it anyway.

P.S. Seriously, all toothpaste and shampoos with an ingredient called "Sodium Laurel Sulphate" in it causes cancer and the companies are aware of this but choose to keep it in as it causes those bubbles that make it feel so nice. There are safe alternatives though. It pays to check the ingredients.

P.P.S. I wrote "unorganised" when writing this post but my spell check says that word doesn't exist and to write "disorganised" instead. I guess you learn something new every day.

Labels: japan, Japanese Social Issues, Racism

Monday, 29 January 2007

Kit Kat Spotlight: Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

Our second Japanese Kit Kat Spotlight is here! Presenting pink and romantiku, Sakura (Cherry Blossom in Japanese) Kit Kat!

Japanese Kit Kat: Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

Japanese Kit Kat: Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

This is kind of like those movie soundtrack cds that have "Music Inspired by the Motion Picture" on it which means that it's not actually related to the movie the cd is based on but has a similar feel to them theme of the songs that actually do. The flavour here is cherry (though I'm pretty sure cherries don't grow on cherry blossom trees, the blossoms simply hang like cherries. I could be wrong though) and it really only almost kind of tastes like cherry. It's really more the taste you'd get if you dipped a bunch of fairy floss into a tub of Milo and then blended it all together.

This flavour was actually released last year as well, and maybe the year before for Sakura Season in March / April when the sakura tress start to blossom. A bit early this year but definitely a hit with the locals (because Sakura is "cool".)

Labels: japan, Kit Kat Spotlight

Sunday, 28 January 2007

Kit Kat Spotlight: Yubari Melon

A new feature I thought would be fun for readers of this blog is a spotlight article on the latest and craziest flavours in the Japanese Kit Kat chocolate range!

As with most things in Japan, food and even brand name chocolates are seasonal themed with new (sometimes several new) flavours coming out at different points throught the year.

Japanese Kit Kat: Yubari Melon

Our first spotlight goes to the yummy Yubari Melon Kit Kit which is actually really nice! While it looks the same as a regular Kit Kat it has a strong and real rock melon taste too it. Judging by the Japanese ingredients on the back of the box it looks like there's real melon in it.

One of my favourite releases so far. If you're in Japan and see this, grab one, maybe two.

4/5 stars for this baby.

(This is the most whacked post I've every written.)

Labels: japan, Kit Kat Spotlight

It's an Australia Day Miracle!

After leaving Chris' place after a night of Australia Day drinking I realised I was more hungover than previously thought and had to stop for an hour or so on the way to the station to get rid of everything I had drunk and eaten within the last 24 hours.

What really surprised me was that on my second chunder chuck up a policeman on hid bicycle stopped next to me an asked me in genuine way (a very rare thing) if I was okay. I said I was fine and that he shouldn't worry. He asked if I had drunk too much alcohol to which I replied "Just a little." We both laughed and he told me that the koban (police box) was just around the corner if I needed help.

I just couldn't help but feel happy about this. It was in such contrast to my experience earlier last year in Soka when after coughing up blood and feeling as if I was about to pass out, went to a koban, explained my situation and they simply pointed me in the general direction of the hospital and told me it would be a 15 minute walk. It wasn't until a few minutes later on my way to that general direction and about 10 metres from the koban I collapsed did they think that they should call an ambulance and help me.

(On a side note, a taxi driver also refused to take me to the hospital because I was sick.)

Anyway, back to yesterday, over the next hour or so, several people expressed genuine concern for me and really wanted to know if I would be alright. Despite the occasional Exorcist style projectile vomit I didn't think I looked that unhealthy. But then again I did have that rolled out of bed hairstyle on me.

This experience completely renewed my faith in the Japanese people and made the prospect of staying here for a few more years all the more comforting.

Labels: japan, Japanese, Japanese Social Issues

Tuesday, 23 January 2007

Goodbye Gym, Hello Yoga

Well after finding out that I'm really behind in taxes (I'll write a longer post about how fucked up the Japanese tax system is when I have the time) and also finding and using the amazing daily Yoga programs at YogaToday.com and seeing better results than I got from going to the gym, I've decided to not renew my gym membership next month and instead use free Yoga lessons in the comfort of my own home.

I know this sounds like advertising but I'm not getting paid a cent to plug these guys. YogaToday.com is a professionally made hour tv show with a twist... it's made exclusively for the net! Download is free and convenient if you have iTunes (subscribe) and the lessons are informative, fun and give you a Hell of a workout.

It's wierd but I've actually lost weight and gained muscle mass from doing this daily and my headaches and neckpains (that I've had for a few years now) have finally gone!

I was getting a bit sick of being told "GREAT JOB!", "GOOD AFTERNOON!", "THANK YOU!" in Japanese in a high pitched fish market voice every thirty seconds anyway.

Labels: fitness, internet, japan

Sunday, 21 January 2007

SmokeFreeJapan.com

Finally got around to the first stage of SmokeFreeJapan.com's makeover. The blue is only a spaceholder for now. I have a pretty cool idea for a layout in my head.

I'f you're living in Japan or interested in the hospitality industry, check it out and subscribe to the feed. I'm going to be focusing quite a bit of my energy on that site this year to supply the non smokers in Japan with a source of sanity and also hopefully to earn me some cash so I can start blogging full time and work from home.

Again, I realise it's pretty bland right now, but I promise it'll pick up.

Labels: design, japan

FREE HUGS TOKYO

Last night on my way to catch up with Christie at the famous Hachiko exit at Shibuya I saw some guys and gals gathering together and holding a sign which read "FREE HUGS". I thought this might be some kind of project but it looked like they were setting up so didn't ask them what was going on (I was also late meeting Christie).

Funnily enough, when visiting a community member's blog I saw a little button saying "FREE HUGS". Turns out this is a worldwide campaign!

You can check out the official site at freehugscampaign.org and a cool related clip of some free hugging at Shibuya done late last year on Revver here.

Am seriously thinking of joining this campaign. If any country needs it, it's Japan.

Labels: Community, Free Hugs, home movies, japan, Japanese Social Issues

Saturday, 20 January 2007

Who Am I?

I just remembered that my archives (bottom of the page)were broken so I went and fixed them all. Now you can go back and explore my whole time in Japan and the countdown to me coming here!

I can't believe how fast these last few years have gone. Seriously. Come March, I'll be starting my fourth year in Japan! Gah!

It's interesting how much I've changed. I was talking to Lisa yesterday at work and we were saying how even though we were open minded back in Australia, being in Japan has made us so much more aware of certain issues such as racism, sexual equality and education.

A good example is how the general population in Australia thinks it's acceptable to put down American and America as if it's our God given right. Hell, I think most Australians (including myself a few years back) used to enjoy the odd American joke.

Part of this is due to several factors but the main one being that not that many Americans make their way to Australia. Some for holidays but definitly not to live.

But after being in Japan and working and even become friends with some kick arse guys and gals from the states I realised what a racist prick I had been and can seriously see myself now back in Sydney and defending Americans next time one of those jokes is thrown around at a party.

Having said that though, George Bush is still a tool.

I've also become more proactive in social issues, having seen first hand a society were only 2% seem to stand up for themselves and refuse to discuss important issues like safe sex, STDs, rape, national politics and religion out of "politeness".

Before coming to Japan I would be the last person to watch the news, let alone international news but after being exposed to the Japanese government's utter stupidity when dealing with the Yasakuni Shrine and their complete denial of the Rape on Nanking I find myself actually bringing several issues up and even starting conversations about these issues whether anyone is interested or not.

Who am I now? I guess I'm still growing.

I know it's a cliché, but it's true what they say. You don't stop growing when you grow up.

Labels: blog, japan, Japanese, Japanese Social Issues, Rape of Nanking, Yasakuni Shrine

Friday, 19 January 2007

I'll Get the Next One...

I've given myself the challenge of recording the funniest pushing and shoving in the Tokyo trains. I recorded several rather boring ones before recording this tonight on my way home. Enjoy!

Labels: home movies, japan

Thursday, 18 January 2007

That's right! The 10th Pokemon Movie!

Yup! You all laughed and said it was just a phase but Pokemon is still a massive success in Japan and this year sees the release of the 10th Pokemon movie!!! I'm a Pokefreak and proud of it and can't wait for this next movie. Last year's (animated movies from tv shows are an annual production here in Japan, not every 4 years like a Disney movie) Pokemon movie sucked serious arse. Seriously there were cliches coming out of it's ears where cuteness weemed more important that plot or character.

This year's one however gets back to good old fashioned huge arse Pokemon battling it out with the world at stake. Can't get much better than that!

Now where's my ticket... Pokemon Centre, here I come!

Labels: computer games, japan, movies, Pokemon

Saturday, 30 December 2006

Door to Nowhere

Saw this really strange door that served no purpose on the train station yesterday arvo and decided to take a video of it. Couldn't stop laughing as more and more people went through it.

Enjoy.

P.S. I love the exit sign above it.

Labels: japan, video

Thursday, 21 December 2006

It's ALIVE!

My door's been flying today.

First I got a birthday (maybe Christmas) pressie from Dad which was pretty cool. Am looking forward to trying that coffee.

Secondly I got the net connected! (which you probably figured out by the fact there's actually a post on this site.) As usual with things in Japan, it wasn't as easy as just getting the net connected and then having instant access. I had to read through several pages of Kanji and then ring the number the guy told me to ring for English support but was shocked when it was an automated fax service (fax machines are huge in Japan. Them being eco friendly and all) which tried to send me a fax to my mobile (which incidently has zero reception in my new apartment).

I then called another random number among the Kanji and was told by the operator to ring another number....

... Long story short, and hour and a half later I got connected and I didn't even have to use that retarded Japanese software CD they gave me and told me I had to use.

Ah, and thirdly.... I got my TV delivered!!! It's sitting in it's box as I type this.

After having ordered a lounge the other day (getting delivered on Christmas morning no less!) and getting the TV today my apartment is really starting to feel homey. I can't wait for my Christmas lunch I'm having here on Christmas day with several friends. Have been Christmas shopping like crazy the last few weeks.

This will be my first Christmas away from my family let alone in Japan and I'm loving it! (no offense family) It's also my first winter Christmas (If anyone says how strange it is to have a hot Christmas I... will... lose it. 50% of the world isn't like American Christmas specials. Get over it already.) so am really getting into the spirit of things.

Was kind of screwed at first because I had no idea what to eat for a cold Christmas Day lunch but am on top of things now.

Labels: apartment, birthday, christmas, internet, japan, lounge, tv