tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14614518354798119212024-03-29T06:32:12.953-07:00Sakura Panda Tea TimeNotorious Natalie and Magical Matt, along with their wonder-pets, introduce Japanese culture to you in enjoyable lemony sips that will warm your tummy Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-80790241173951295592014-04-04T03:38:00.000-07:002014-04-04T03:38:39.625-07:00How To Move House In Japan<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kLG-ZfvxQnU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<i>If you can't see the video above, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLG-ZfvxQnU" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It can be very hard to find an apartment in Japan. There are many agents about but assuming you can negotiate the Japanese language you still have to find somewhere suitable. Then you probably need a guarantor, someone who will vouch for you as a responsible person and pay for you should any money problems arise. You'll also need lots of money for the deposits, key (gift) money and the movers fee. You could be looking at well over 5 months rent in total!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that we may cover later on, but this blog is all about the actual move. What do you need to do? Read on.</span><br />
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<li><b style="font-size: x-large;">Say goodbye! </b><span style="font-size: large;">- You probably made lots of friends where you live and your work will hold parties for you even if you didn't get on that well. So enjoy some goodbye parties with friends and coworkers. At work, be prepared to make a little speech about how much you liked it there, even if you didn't. It'll be appreciated. If you are a teacher like me, you have the extra chore of saying goodbye to students. Most won't mind too much (what good is English anyway?) but some will be genuinely sad and may come to you crying. Then, of course, there are a few presents you can expect from each party. Work customarily gives money. Students may give sweets. Friends might give... anything! They are your friends, not mine. How should I know what they will get you?</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Visit city hall!</b> - Within two weeks of moving, you will need to go to city hall or your local ward office to fill in a form telling them that you are moving. They usually have an English guide but its basically just your name and address and the address you are moving to. You show that at the desk and they make up an official document for you which you must deliver in person to the city hall or ward office closest to your new address. So, yes, you even have to do this if you are staying in the same city but changing ward. While you are waiting for the document, they will tell you to inform the health insurance department too. So go do that... if you want health insurance, of course.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Packing!</b> - Well, first you have to find a moving company, unless you are lucky enough to have your own large car, a friend with a truck or no belongings. Movers are tricky devils. There are certain periods like holidays where everyone moves. If you want to move then, they will charge you an extortionate amount. Be flexible, suggest many dates, ask which is cheaper. Most of all, do not accept their first offer. We had one company try to charge us 650,000 yen for a move (about 6,300 USD). Another company, who we chose, offered a price of 192,000 but we ummed and ahhed them down to 90,000 yen. Anyway, they will give you boxes for your stuff but they will come and take your furniture as it is. They do all of the work, so don't worry about heavy lifting. Get to work packing those boxes. Each one should be completely sealed and clearly labelled with both addresses.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Clean up!</b> - It's a strong tradition in Japan not to return deposits anyway, they tend to use them for cleaning and replacing tatami, but if you want to stand any chance of getting it you need to clean like crazy. Everything of yours should be packed or thrown away. You will have a lot of garbage, and the normal collections probably won't take it, so you should check your city hall's website for the phone number of the environmental services, and you need to ask them to take away your big pile of trash. You may be charged for this. You can also get furniture and appliances taken away for a cost. If you need to replace any papou can also get furniture and appliances taken away for a cost. Then you just need to sweep the floors, mop and wipe surfaces. The whole place should be sparkling! Time to return your keys to the owner or letting agency and say goodbye.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Move yourself!</b> - You should be left with just yourself and the few valuables you will carry with you to your new destination. Time to go! Jump in that car, grab that train, stop that cat-bus or whatever it is you'll be doing to get to your new home.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unpacking!</b> - The movers will bring everything into the apartment. They'll even place things where you ask them. So all you have to do is to unpack the boxes. Sounds easy, but its the longest job really.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shopping!</b> - The Japanese have a strange tradition of taking ceiling lights with them when they move. So you may have to go and buy some from the local home centre as soon as you can. You may have to buy other things too. Anything large you can get from the home centre. Anything small you can get from a 100 yen store. See our other blog entry <a href="http://sakurapandateatime.blogspot.jp/2013/03/the-hundred-yen-store.html" target="_blank">here</a> for more information. Don't forget, you'll also need to buy some food to stock your cupboards. That calls for a trip to the local supermarket.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check your services!</b> - You'll have a leaflet, and perhaps a friendly landlord, which will tell you about things like how to sort your garbage and when to leave it out for collection. They might also enquire about contributions to a community newsletter or cleaning bills in more expensive places. This is also a good time to take your change of address document to the ward office. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enjoy!</b> - I'm sure you have plenty of things to do, but don't forget to take time out to enjoy your new place. Look around, enjoy the view, explore the local area. You did it! You moved house in Japan, and hopefully you'll never have to do it again. Am I right?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you moved house recently or are planning to move? Have any questions or tips? Leave a comment below.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-38212785206735052562014-02-01T19:29:00.000-08:002014-02-01T19:32:10.336-08:00Revamp, coming soon!<span style="font-size: large;">Hello lovely Tea Timers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is an announcement to say that at the end of March we will be moving from Sendai to Kyoto. Our live in Japan will begin anew in a bigger city, with many interesting new places to look at. As such, we are going to start up the blog and youtube channel with a focus on settling into a new life in Japan (for first timers, as well as relocaters like us) and life in Kyoto.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, you can expect lots of history, temples, castles, geisha, cuisine, but also modern shopping, city life and of course our new home and family, which will see one exciting new edition very shortly! Join us in April to find out who is joining the Sakura Panda Tea Time family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, we are always active daily on <a href="https://twitter.com/sakurapandatea" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/sakurapandateatime" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://vine.co/" target="_blank">Vine</a> with weekly posts on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sakurapandateatime" target="_blank">Facebook</a> too .</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join us!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-29961765642229225912013-09-03T14:00:00.002-07:002013-09-03T14:00:51.896-07:00Japanese High School Culture Festival (文化祭 Bunkasai)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Japanese high schools are already very different from western schools. Students are quiet, they listen, but they have to learn by rote and drill lessons. They have to clean the school themselves, which I think is a great activity for distilling in them respect, you know, that thing completely missing from Western youth. There's other things as well, but as a reward the teachers let the students take control of the school for a weekend in summer. The result is the Culture festival, commonly referred to in Japan as the bunkasai. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'Culture festival' is a very vague translation. The event covers the variety of games, shops and events that each school club and individual classes want to do.Then there are bands and other performances in the main hall or courtyard (depending on the school) and food stalls at the gates. Click the video above to see exactly what goes on in these events.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The event is open for two days. On the first day, Saturday, they open in the afternoon and its mainly a closed event for the school and family. Then on Sunday they open in the morning until afternoon for the public. Anyone can go, but it is usually family of students, teachers and the occasional students from other schools who maybe have friends there. Though it's entirely possible they are spies planting bugs and explosive devices in strategic locations.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preparation for the event begins as early as May. Students have to think of what they want to do, confirm it with the student council, and book a room. Then, it is not uncommon at lunchtimes and after school, to find students practicing dance routines and singing in the corridors. I try to sneakily see what they are doing, but nobody wants to be labelled Pervert Teacher, so I don't take photos and sell them online or anything. The practicing continues through the holidays and then the festival is usually on the first weekend after school restarts. In the days leading up to it, some students will go to the gates of other schools and hand out leaflets for their own bunkasai, in a cheeky bit of competition. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Bunkasai haul from a previous year, minus all the food... errp!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Friday before, lessons stop at lunch time, with the afternoon set aside for preparation. On that day, students transform their classrooms into funfair attractions. They draw pictures on the chalkboards, make posters, tinsel, and whatever they need for their games. I love walking round and speaking to people. It's great to see what everyone is up to, find out their games, and see who wants me to visit. Then when I go, I usually spend a fair few coin on each of the events, but I do come away with a bag of random goodies.</span><br />
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</span> <b><span style="font-size: large;">So, does it look like fun? What stall would you hold for this festival?</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-16904882986219310522013-07-20T21:58:00.000-07:002013-07-20T22:01:37.038-07:00Import Shop<div style="text-align: justify;">
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If you can't see the video, please go here: <a href="http://youtu.be/BqPjVhszfNo">http://youtu.be/BqPjVhszfNo</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you've been in Japan for a while, or if you spend a lot of time cooking, you may find yourself craving some of the ingredients from back home, some of those things that Japan just doesn't have. You'll be very surprised at a Japanese person's reaction to beans on toast, for example. Don't despair at the differences though. There is an answer, and no, it's not smuggling canned goods back into the country or having your mum post you suspicious looking packages of baking flour. Go to the import shop!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The import shop is not a building that has been carried over from another country 'Up' stylee. No, it is in fact, a shop that is full of imports, much like a paper factory isn't made of paper either. Crazy, I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Inside, you can find allsorts of things. A lot of them will be from your home country, but most of them will be from other countries because, as much as it may shock Americans especially to hear this, there are other countries out there. Did you think you had just wandered into Chinatown or something? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Take a look at our video above to see exactly what one import shop in Sendai has for sale, but rest assured that if you want something, you can probably find it there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's actually a very good place for cross cultural communication. For example, when I was growing up I loved Pez. However, they stopped selling them in the UK long ago and so I wasn't able to get any for quite a while (though I did have some willing American friends who sent me a few). Now, in Japan, I can go to the import shop and get plenty of Pez, though they are usually Disney, Hello Kitty or Thomas the Tank Engine for some reason. I'm still searching for that monkey pez. Hint, super strong hint. So it allows us to get items from other countries. Great for lovers of real Indian curry, mexican food and gravy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are two main import chain stores in Japan. The first is <a href="http://www.jupiter-coffee.com/store/index.php?section=store&id=42" target="_blank">Jupiter</a>, shown in the video. They have a lot of snacks, sweets and cooking ingredients. The other chain is <a href="http://www.kaldi.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Kaldei Coffee</a>, which, wouldn't you know it, have a large selection of coffee. They also do gift wrapped selections for special holidays and events, and you can have a free cup of coffee to drink as you wander around the store. I often wander around just to get the free coffee, and I don't even like coffee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, don't worry too much. If you are craving something in Japan, you can get it from the right place, but it might be a little more expensive. Don't buy regular Japanese stuff here! I also still recommend that you bring as much toothpaste and deodorant from home as you can. Those are terribly weak in Japan.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-32295168912391036342013-04-26T03:28:00.001-07:002013-04-26T03:32:59.753-07:00Cherry Blossom Viewing Party (Hanami 花見)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sakura, or cherry blossom, is one of the most iconic images of Japan. It's such a big part of their culture that they have parties about it like we westerners celebrate New Years. Why is it such a big deal?</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Its beautiful: </b><span style="font-size: large;">Just look at it. Petals of soft, creamy pink are just so lovely and rarely seen in nature. So why not celebrate it? It's beauty is emphasized even more by the fact that its appearance is fleeting. The Sakura blooms for a week or two in spring and then its gone....Just dust in the wind, dude. Dust. Wind. Dude.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">It's mysterious:</b><span style="font-size: large;"> Old folklore tells of how the Japanese version of Romeo and Juliet died and were buried under a white blossom tree, but the tree took up their blood and became a pink color. Is this strange vampire plant really the origin of the beloved blossom or is it just the romantic tale that pulls at people's hearts? Because a lot of people would have had to die with seeds to make all these cherry blossoms.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the Sakura comes out people flock to every park, river and locale to have their Hanami. 'Hana' means "flower" and 'mi' is "look" so it is a flower viewing party. Essentially it is a picnic. And a great excuse to get drunk. Friends and families, students and teachers, workmates and companies, they will all arrange a Hanami and enjoy eating and drinking under the pink blossom. A common sight there is the blue plastic mat. People reserve their spot hours, perhaps days in advance by putting down their blue sheet for their party. Often junior members of companies, or whatever group, are chosen to do this because no one likes waiting around for so long and they are at their bosses' mercy. When it finally comes though, its a lot of fun and not quiet at all. In fact, you have to wonder if people are looking at the flowers because so much attention is paid to the food preparation, so much drink is had and often there is live music or music playing through a tannoy. It's a full on party. I mean, party on, dudes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, such activity is dependent on the weather, and it is notoriously unpredictable this time of year, especially lately. So many people have eyes on the weather reports, which also offer a forecast of expected dates for the cherry blossoms to bloom in different regions of Japan. It begins in the west of Japan (Fukuoka, Hiroshima) around the end of March, early April, and then the wave of pink moves across the country, hitting the far north of Hokkaido in May. Here in Sendai we get the cherry blossoms in the middle of April and so the Sakura Panda Tea Time crew headed out to our local park to join in the festivities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a great tradition, one that people fight to take part in around work or school commitments. It's also a great bonding experience for friends, as who doesn't love a party or a picnic or nature... Or pink?! Or bananas? I can't guarantee bananas, but sometimes..... </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-84330820080248799502013-03-24T01:35:00.000-07:002013-03-24T01:35:55.580-07:00The Hundred Yen Store<div style="text-align: justify;">
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If you can't see the video above, please go here: <a href="http://youtu.be/2yGp9hsp-ac">http://youtu.be/2yGp9hsp-ac</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What can I say about this blog entry that hasn't already been said? Well, pretty much everything, because I haven't said anything yet. All I need to say is very short though. If you come to Japan and there is something you need to buy, go to the hundred yen store. I'm not even going to ask you what it is you want. Just go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hundred yen store, as you can see in the video, has pretty much everything. Okay, they have been short of nuclear powered time-travelling robot maids suspiciously often, but you will not believe the range of goods this shop sells. Everything from snacks and ready meals, to party hats and money tins, from garden hoes and pet collars, to stationary and kitchen cleaners, it's there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now you might think that not every hundred yen store is as big as the one we explore in the video, and you would be right, but don't worry because even the smallest store has an amazing variety of goodies. In terms of storage, it's as close as we'll get to Doraemon's 4th dimensional pocket for at least a century. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might also be thinking that all the bargain store goods are cheap rubbish. Fear not. Although there is undoubtedly better quality goods from a brand store or specialist, the quality of these items is well beyond what a layman might need. It is also well beyond the (frankly speaking) shitty bargain stores in the west.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As such, the hundred yen store is the perfect place to go when you first move to Japan. It will have everything you need to furnish your home at a reasonable price and will save you a lot of time, energy and money. Of course, if you stay in Japan and explore your city, you will find better specialised stores with their own bargains and advantages, but until you have that time, 100 yen store it is! I visited there almost every day when I first came here and I still go there often when there is a little household knick knack I need or a cheap prize for students.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever been to a 100 yen store? What's the strangest thing you saw there?</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-40122064511982079802013-02-25T06:24:00.000-08:002013-02-25T06:27:25.874-08:00Japanese style bars / pubs: Izakaya<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pe0EMLeYH1I" width="560"></iframe><br />
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If you can't see the video, go here: http://youtu.be/pe0EMLeYH1I<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This topic wasn't on our schedule, but we found ourselves in an Izakaya on a quiet night and Nat said "Hey, we could make a video now". So we did. And there was much rejoicing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So what is an Izakaya? In short, it's the main, traditional watering holes in Japan. This country has a lot of bars and I'd be more surprised than an aeroplane pilot who finds a bunny in <i>his </i>headlights if you can go to a Japanese city and not find a British themed or styled pub. You might even find one that's a major gaijin (foreigner) hangout and make some new friends... or run from new enemies. You know, whatever your social circle. So, yes, Japanese folk can drink like the rest of us... well, at least they have the opportunity. However, it is a borrowed Western idea, just like McDonald's (except beer actually improves your health), just like baseball, just like some other cool similie I can't think of right now. Don't judge me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Izakaya are the true Japanese style establishments that primarily exist to ply the customers with alcohol just as long as they ply the owners with money. So, in it's basic principal it is also the same. However, there are many differences. So here they are in handy list format:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Greetings and shoes: </b>Don't be surprised if the waitresses bow and greet you at the door and then ask you to take off your shoes. If they don't take your shoes at the door then they will probably ask you to when you enter the private room.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Private rooms: </b>You can sit at a counter in some places (it is cheaper) and you can sit at an open table if you like, just like a regular restaurant, but Izakaya also have private areas marked out by sliding doors and in here you are in your own little drinking world. Have a look at our video to see how it works. The awesome thing is the staff can move the walls and doors around to make different sized rooms based on requirements. Confuses the hell out of drunk foreigners.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food: </b>At most, in the west, we would scoff some crisps, nuts or mini-pizzas (in those posh gaffs), but Izakaya are very close to being restaurants. They offer a full menu and often a huge variety. Though some may specialize in certain types of food. You'll have to shop around to find one with a menu you like, but be adventurous. There are some strange but fantastic foods. I swear once I picked stuff at random and I got fresh baby squid on ice. Of course they have normal food too. Also, because Japanese think it is bad to drink on an empty stomach, you will be forced to accept a small dish of snacks on your arrival, along with your towel. This is not free! But you can't refuse it either. Otherwise ninjas jump out of the walls and take you away.... no one knows what happens next.... </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Drinks: </b>They have all the usual and all the types of Japanese drinks such as sake (rice wine), shochu (potato or rice spirit), umeshu (plum wine). </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cute slave</b>: The waitress is at the mercy of you and your magic summoning button all night. Use it wisely, and be nice to the girl. She has to put up with a lot.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sharing: </b>The western man's drink time snack is his treasure, take it without permission and be at the wrath of his insatiable drunken cravings. However, in an Izakaya, the idea is to share. Some dishes will be very small and compliment one another. Others, like the chips (french fries - see the video) will be very large and meant to be shared. The idea is that people order bits of whatever they like and then you sample a different set of whatever you like on the table, while you are chatting, singing, dancing and insulting a fellow gaijin's home country and choice in women. Or something. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So now I have tempted you, how do you find them? Well, like I said, they are everywhere. If you can find any building with bars and restaurants in it, there will be an Izakaya but it can be hard to tell exactly which is which. You could keep an eye out for the kanji that says Izakaya (居酒屋).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The easiest way however, is to let someone show you. Around any meal time that isn't breakfast, but especially at night, there will be plenty of people in Izakaya uniform (or super thick winter coats, if it is winter) carrying a menu. As you walk near them they will shove the menu in your path and spout a sales pitch. That's your cue! Nod enthusiastically! Speak to them if you can. They work for the Izakaya and they will take you to their restaurant. If you want a certain something or you see something on their menu, tell the worker and they will likely call it down to the Izakaya on a secret radio and warn the others you are coming. They will probably show you to an elevator if it isn't on the ground floor, and then you can laugh as the same person sees you off and then runs all the way up (or down) the steps to greet you when you get off the elevator and show you inside. They do that sometimes. It depends how many workers there are. Feel free to discuss deals and special offers with these people. It is their job to entice people inside, and that is often why they will be girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is another type of person who wanders the street at night, looking for customers, and that is not an Izakaya worker, but karaoke. You can usually tell them apart as the karaoke name will be branded on their clothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So that's it! Take some friends, have a party, enjoy your Izakaya!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Have you ever been to one? What was the strangest or most amazing food you ate there?</b></i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-46103953960049489392013-02-17T00:54:00.000-08:002013-02-17T00:54:49.489-08:00Chinese New Year: How to Make Gyoza (dumplings)! <br />
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If you can't see the video, then please go here: http://youtu.be/-ev-gmaOKxk</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know normally we are focussed on Japan, but we can't miss talking about an important event to Chinese people. In today's blog we'll talk about the Chinese New Year ! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Chinese New Year is different from the western calendar ! The date of the Chinese new year may occur anywhere form January 21st to February 21st, as it falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. New year is important, but the happiest day is the new year 's eve ! Chinese make long preparations for the new year: shopping, cleaning house etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's a lot of traditional things we must remember : </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Must have a total bath before the new year </span></i></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because the new year is new start everything must be new, fresh body, new clothes, new age! And as tradition goes, bathing in any form on the day of Chinese New Year is considered bad luck because one would be washing away the good luck that has been bestowed and whisked upon them for the new year.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Can't cut your hair during the new year until next month (if you have maternal uncle )</span></i></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Haircuts are received before the new year begins since it is thought cutting hair during the first lunar month of the year places a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a haircut before the New Year's Eve.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">All doors and windows must be open and all light must be turn on New Year's Eve </span></i></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Open the doors and windows is to allow the old year to escape. Turn on the lights just for allow the good luck of the new year to enter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do that is scares away evil spirits while sending out the old year and welcoming the new one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Knives and scissors may not be used because they may cut off fortune.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Wear red (avoid clothes in black and white )</span></i></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Celebrants wear red to scare away evil spirits and bad fortune and ensure a bright future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There you go! I hope you had a happy Chinese New Year and that you can celebrate it properly from now on. Check out our video for full details on how to cook real Chinese dumplings; gyoza (in Japanese)! There is even a vegetarian option, since Matt is vegetarian too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had gyoza before? Do you prefer them fried or boiled? Please let us know too if you try to cook them and how they turn out! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-50478533822942352202013-02-02T04:20:00.001-08:002013-02-02T04:41:28.506-08:00What can you buy in Japanese convenience stores?<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6Wa94Rpslpo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A convenience store is probably the second or third building you will go into when you arrive in Japan. The first being the airport, the second possibly a hostel or hotel, just incase you wanted to test me. They are everywhere, so you won't have any trouble finding them, and they are reasonably priced - though a little more expensive than the shops that will end up being your locals if you stay here. The other benefit is they sell pretty much everything, and there are a few other things you can do there that you might be surprised to hear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I reel off a list that will drop your jaw faster than a naked supermodel, I just want to say that we are not endorsed nor do we support any particular brand, we are just providing information of services available. However, if any convenience company wants to give us money please get in touch we'll be glad to alleviate you of cash for advertising. Also, if any of these "surprising things" are no longer surprising because you have them in America now, or whatever, then I apologise but they don't as far as I know, and didn't when I was there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The video above shows just about everything that is in the store, but let me list the essentials. In a Japanese convenience store you can: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy Food</b>: Kinda obvious, but it's true. You can buy snack foods from potato chips to dried squid, ice cream to frozen chips, rice balls to fresh fruit. There's prepared meals which just need a minute in the microwave to get you going (they will even ask you if you want it heated in store). There's sweets like chocolates and super sour fruit gums, but be careful because the packets are very small. They also have fried food like hot dogs and meat buns (nikuman) kept warm in a glass case that is possibly fuelled by the burning souls of disrespectful customers, but Japan is pretty short of those so I guess not. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Read comics and magazines for free: </b>A convenience store is like a library. People go in there and flick through the magazines, read all the comics and then leave. They sell all sorts too. From kids manga and puzzles to study books, style mags to young adult manga complete with bikini model shots and no holds barred porn. It's all right on the shelf on the same level with a wide range of fetishes, real women and cartoon... not that I know anything about that, but if you can't find what you want, check on the shelf under the main displays. They have even more there. Ahem. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy seasonal gear: </b>Depending on the current time of year, convenience stores will have a small section devoted to surviving. In winter they sell cheap hats, gloves, scarves and pocket heaters. In summer they sell hand fans, folding fans, cooling gel and other things to get through the heat. It can be good, and I've used it when I've lost gloves on the way home. Just don't go in their expecting fashion. Your choices are normally black or black. You can always get a cheap umbrella or cover-all to protect from a sudden rainstorm too! </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy DVDs: </b>They have some older, cheap movies by the entrance, but some new, fancy ones (and Adult Video) behind the counter. Just ask the clerk! I know you won't! </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go to the toilet: </b>Yes! conbini's (conveniences stores) have public toilets that you are allowed to use without having to worry about the formality of having to buy anything in store! Genius! If you are lucky, they may even have a heated seat.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bank:</b> There will always be an ATM. They do all the things that western ATMs do and also deposits! I don't remember all western ATMs doing that. Just be careful, they will charge you for withdrawing money, about 100 yen or double that if it's a holiday. However, if you have an account with Shinsei bank, the online bank, it's completely free all the time. So guess who I have an account with. This is all extra awesome because bank's ATMs are rubbish in Japan and access is usually restricted after 7pm (defeating the whole point of having an ATM, stupid Japan) but conbinis are sometimes open 24 hours, at least until 11pm anyway.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pay Bills: </b>Through the post, for gas, water, electric, tax, health insurance, your internet and probably your mobile phone (depending on carrier) you will get a paper slip that you can take to the conbini. They will stamp it, ask you to press a button and take your money. Bill is paid! Go home and rest! Some places will not take payments for tax or insurance though. Kill them. Burn their souls and eat their children.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make online payments: </b>This is my absolute favorite! I've been trying to get a credit card in Japan since I got here 4 years ago and I have never succeeded. For why I do not know. I also refuse to use my UK card because the bank transfer fees to pay the bill are almost as much as the credit card bill. So, I was delighted to discover that in Japan you can buy something online and then choose to pay for it at a conbini. The company will email you a code, you take it to the conbini and show it to the clerk or input it into the computer like machine by the ATM and it will print a receipt. Show that to the clerk and then pay your money. Then you just wait for your delivery, or if it's tickets, the clerk will give you them on the spot. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy tickets: </b>On the same computer like machines, you can search for bus tickets, plane tickets, concert tickets, lots more and you can buy them there and then. It's really fantastic. I've used it 5 times for concert tickets (4 times for the same band) and no fails. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Photocopy/fax: </b>There is copy machine that's coin operated and it usually has fax capability and an English language option. It's great if you forget an important document after leaving work. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Japanese convenience stores are truly convenient. The only problems I have ever had with them are when they are on the other side of the road... or when Nat almost choked on some plastic in an onigiri. And oh my, how cute. My cat is playfully clawing at my fingers as I type so I want to keep typing rubbish just so she'll carry on playing with me. She is so furry! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh well, this will be boring for you guys. So I'll stop and play with my kitten properly. No that is not a euphemism Get your mind out of the gutter. There isn't room for the both of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So why don't you tell me the best thing you ever found at a convenience store. What was it?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com274tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-86935351167814446522013-01-17T01:03:00.000-08:002013-01-17T01:41:26.757-08:00The Differences between Japanese and Western Homes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qWHaenUe1Vs" width="560"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you can't see the video, go here: http://youtu.be/qWHaenUe1Vs</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, let's imagine you've just arrived in Japan, maybe to work as a teacher or for some other company, or maybe you've been lucky enough to be handed a Japanese apartment to live in for a totally different reason. No, I'm not suggesting you are accomplice to certain illegal murder/aaprtment squatting tactics.... because how the hell would you get in this country? Ok, so reasons aside, you have an aprtment in Japan. Your company has driven you to the door, shown you how the lock on the front door works (because you are foreign, maybe you don't have keys in your country) but then they have dumped you inside and left you to your own devices. This is it. Your life in Japan starts now. This is a very real situation and one I experienced myself. Though my boss was kind enough to set up my internet, but then his company tried to rape me of 20% of my wages. Evil!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You might be a bit confused. Yes, I used the word 'rape' in entirely the wrong context but just go with it. You might also be confused about some of the things in your apartment. It looks similar....but strange somehow. Let us help you.</span></span></div>
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</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u>Entrance!</u></b></span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Genkan:</b> or 'entrance' as it is known in less crazy countries. Looks like concrete and is the only place you can wear outside shoes. So take them off here. Might have a cupboard for shoes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u>Kitchen!</u></b></span></span><br />
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Mini-boiler</b>: floats mysteriously over your kitchen sink and provides undrinkable torrent of adjustably hot water through a bendy tap. Cold, drinkable water comes from a tap, but I'd recommend a tap fitting water filter anyway. Good for cleaning pots and washing hair.</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>NO oven!</b> Japanese just don't roast and bake very much! They make toast and the occasional batch of cookies. On the bright side, no hulking monstrosity taking up lots of room in your tiny kitchen.</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>NO flat surface for cutting and preparing vegetables ever! </b>Even if you buy one it will disappear! A folding table to fit into the space beside the washing machine is good though, if you cna avoid losing it.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is my house</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Bathroom(s)</b></u></span></span><br />
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Toilet: It might sing, it might dance (and open the lid for you), it might spray your bum, but highly unlikely unless you are working for a rich company. Probably it will be normal, but asian ones are just troughs that you squat over. Gives users strong legs and humility. Has psycologically sickening unusable tap on top and two options for flushing; 大 big and 小 small. Also, should have special shoes for this room only unless you like guests laughing at you.</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bath: thin and tall, no leg room, has a pathetic shower on the side that dribbles hot water and gushes ice cold water like you might actually want it (which you don't in winter); clean yourself sat under the shower on a plastic stool, then soak in the steaming bath</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No bathroom sink: except that atrocious one on top of the toilet with no hot water. Get used to cleaning teeth and washing in the kitchen sink!</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No heating: ever!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZhLcB5kqsPtI2jF-EXrPUyyXcLmVIkgWfSjugKZxamAtz3nvISLvnG9NPu7NuBlyqHhfooMcTHOyMn8d5oVFyNu2G5KZTQ89gJJoa0Ws6Us8dlPzizRJDoHfaan9koQY2VLn0x15t6s/s1600/house+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZhLcB5kqsPtI2jF-EXrPUyyXcLmVIkgWfSjugKZxamAtz3nvISLvnG9NPu7NuBlyqHhfooMcTHOyMn8d5oVFyNu2G5KZTQ89gJJoa0Ws6Us8dlPzizRJDoHfaan9koQY2VLn0x15t6s/s320/house+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally floating in my own living room. Mirror's Edge y'all</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Living Room!</b></u></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tatami: Hard, cold, expensive and difficult to replace floor covering that only seems to exist to make measuring rooms easier (1 tatami, 2 tatami... 8 tatami room, etc.). Take care of it by padding any furnitures' bases or buying a rug! Nice for pets in summer, but give me a hard wood floor any day.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sliding doors: everywhere! Fun and space saving. Don't pull too hard or your entire wall might come down. Can be rearranged easily.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Paper doors: looks very asian but not practical in any way at all ever. Make your apartment look messy until you replace them only to break them again the next day. Like Internet Explorer these shoudl be replaced as soon as you realise you have them.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Paper walls (practically): neighbours hear everything you do, you hear everything they do... everything! Plan accordingly, keep music and TV down, buy headphones. Useless for heavy pictures.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cupboards: look exactly like doors to other rooms. Be careful, it might go to the neighbour's place.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Skirting board: massive gap behind it, great for holding up pictures, photos and greetings cards.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ceilings and door frames: very very low. Tall people, beware!</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This blog is not meant to be any kind of guide to getting an apartment asshat could easily make up four or five blogs on its own. No, this is merely to orientate you on moving in, and I have deliberately kept it brief because there is no point repeating what is in the video. If I wrote about these topics it would be too long for you too read. I know because I wrote it and then I deleted it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm sure we'll cover buying and renting property on another day. All I shall say for now is to try and look after your apartment if you want to get any of your security deposit back. In some places they will always take a chunk of it for cleaning - even if you are meticulous - because its tradition, and to question tradition is to question our existence, and if we question our existence we might find out we have no reason to exist, and in knowing we have no reason to exist, we might cease to exist, and then there would be no more chocolate covered potato chips so the non-existent world would mourn. So just accept it and look after your place to get back as much money as you possibly can.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We'll see you next time with another episode, possibly outside. I don't know yet. Depends on if it stops snowing. In the meantime, all comments or questions are welcome, including any suggestions of what topics to cover? What do you think the newbie to Japan ought to know?</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-48602320697250576802013-01-08T03:38:00.002-08:002013-01-08T03:38:43.279-08:00How to Stay Warm in Japan's Winter: Kotatsu!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DW1mtWCF3zQ" width="640"></iframe></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you can't see the video, please go here: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://youtu.be/DW1mtWCF3zQ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We got our first noticable snowfall of the winter today. It has been a lot lighter this year. That's not to say it hasn't been cold this year because ooooooh boy! Even my brass monkeys think that it's brass monkeys here! That's why we decided to finally buy a kotatsu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Now, "what is a kotatsu?" you may well ask. If you're familiar with Japan at all you probably know already. Even if you aren't you have probably seen them in anime or dramas. In short, a kotatsu is a heated Japanese table, but it is so much more than that; it's dreams, it's heaven, it's a sound night's sleep and a way to avoid frostbite.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPMduwgvJDmrDG-wcK8mHZYB8Yk-3qm6ngBvw2RYWEOEmpdU0NG1vgOw9S_Ar9_vhacyurtOW3D2CCzk3GyJ69tiZQklidC8NWzWb5i1TExMuuv9Ea5qP2qQW_5HpX0TjegXPlvgBUxg0/s1600/IMG_9553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPMduwgvJDmrDG-wcK8mHZYB8Yk-3qm6ngBvw2RYWEOEmpdU0NG1vgOw9S_Ar9_vhacyurtOW3D2CCzk3GyJ69tiZQklidC8NWzWb5i1TExMuuv9Ea5qP2qQW_5HpX0TjegXPlvgBUxg0/s320/IMG_9553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I'll warn you now, whether you have already arrived in Japan or you are planning on coming here and living in the future, Japanese houses are rubbish for insulation. Absolutely rubbish. If houses were light party snacks, Japanese houses would be swiss cheese.... in the arctic. For serious. Let's say you are in a Japanese house and it's cold, so you decide to put the air conditioner on. Then after a while it gets toasty, so you turn it off again. If you do that your house will be arctic cold again in under half an hour. I am not exaggerating. So the Japanese have many useful devices for keeping warm. The kotatsu is one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">You can get many different types, just like you can any table. You could buy a coffee table kotatsu, or a study desk kotatsu, or a dining table kotatsu, the key element that makes it different is...well, the element! The heating element. Under the table top there will be some form of heating device. Cheaper kotatsus will have large clunky heaters that glow red and you will always bang your knee on the guard casing, where as the most expensive ones will have a super-thin, flat heating pad that spans the table underside from end to end. The middle of the range will be a nice compact heater that should keep you warm without too much trouble. We got the latter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOQqJRr5ARewl2YWyQMUC7ZKcsnlrISDATHdeNsUUFs-3gQdFycT5kOE0wiBqiBQy8_3zBLEgbGfboSAzct1ZDD3P_LCRfxaatdMlsJGiGSkTo6Bqk5vMZ08i8XWocgegje6e9RX-He-p/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOQqJRr5ARewl2YWyQMUC7ZKcsnlrISDATHdeNsUUFs-3gQdFycT5kOE0wiBqiBQy8_3zBLEgbGfboSAzct1ZDD3P_LCRfxaatdMlsJGiGSkTo6Bqk5vMZ08i8XWocgegje6e9RX-He-p/s320/IMG_1225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Now, "won't all this lovely heat escape?" you may also ask. After my fearful introduction I can see why you might be concerned, but worry not because kotatsu come with (or require on separate purchase) a futon (thick blanket) that forms a curtain around the table edge and keeps the heat inside. All you need do is insert your cold little legs into the warm space and experience what chocolate feels like on the tongue of a hot girl in an expensive sweet commercial. You can also buy special padded seats for sitting at the shorter kotatsu, or any seat of your choice will do. If you are worried that while your legs are warm the rest of you is cold, don't, because that warmth spreads up your body and makes you feel like you are in a dry, hot bath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">There is one more difference in your choice of price range. Cheaper kotasu will have an on/off switch, but others have a control panel attached to the electric cable. This will allow you to moderate the degree of heat required and more expensive models are fit with a timer. That allows you to safely fall asleep and not dehydrate or have your legs spontaneously combust, because there in lies the problem with the kotatsu. It's so lovely and comfortable that people fall asleep and doze, so work doesn't get done and people don't want to move at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I've also encountered the problem that sitting at the kotatsu for a long period of time gives me a bad back, but maybe I just need better seating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">You can get kotatsu from many home stores and even online at Amazon if you wish (we are in no way endorsed by Amazon). Many deliver for free and require little assembly. Though please watch our video to find out how I manage to muck up putting ours together even though it has only 6 screws and 6 separate parts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">In our next blog we'll be taking a more general look at the differences you'll first notice in Japanese homes, so stick around. In the meantime, if you have any comments or there is any topic you want us to cover, please leave a comment below. Don't forget to subscribe for future episodes!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-91457689976822678842013-01-03T07:50:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:50:50.710-08:00New Year Shopping Sales and Lucky Bags<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gh5ZuY3J484" width="480"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you cannot see the video, please go here: http://youtu.be/gh5ZuY3J484</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here we are, the new year! 13 may be unlucky for some, but only if you are religious, so why waste your time when you can pick up one of Japan's special Lucky bags! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes, Japan is no stranger to shopping sales, and on 2nd January, they have a special deal, nation-wide, that should appeal to anyone with a nose for a bargain or a wallet full of cash. That is, if anyone has any money after all the spending done for Christmas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Basically, what happens is this: for one day only just about every shop will have a selection of mystery bags for a fixed price. Many shops will have different ranges to suit the spender. You don't get to see what is inside the bag, but the general rule is that the value of the goods inside exceeds the price you pay. So, it's a good idea to head to your favorite shop early and grab a bag... or two! You'll probably get some things you don't want or like, but you're almost bound to get something interesting. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's a great way for shops to get rid of stock and it entices customers new and old. Who can resist the lure of the mystery box. There could be anything in there. It could be a boat. You know how we've always wanted one of those! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every store from the local cafe and fast food joint, to the electronics store offer one of these bags. The cafe may have special cups, boxes and snacks, but if you go to say, the Apple store, you could get an iPad and some accessories for about half price! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last year, we went late and we wandered around a few shops, but we picked a bag from our favorite variety shop, Village Vanguard, which sells a range of anime, movie, and alternative gadgets and cool house knick knacks. We got quite a good deal. We had a 50s noir cushion, a lamp that can clamp onto and surface and a host of other things for 3000円(24 GBP, 30 USD). This year we had a quick look around and picked up a bag from Natalie's favourite household store and Village Vanguard again. However, we also discovered a H&M had opened in Sendai and so we had a look around. It didn't have a lucky bag, but it did have incredible discounts. We bought a few things there too. It was as busy as previous years and I really don't like crowds! The bargains are worth it though.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we got home we checked the bags and got a good hoard of gear. Some fun toys and useful items you can see in our video. As far as we know, this is unique to Japan. It's great idea though and I hope other countries adopt it. Some of the discounts are unbelievable. Just watch the video to see how impressed our cat is, even!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then we'll see you next time. That's it for special holidays. We're going to move on to more everyday topics for our next blog entry and video. If you have any suggestions for topics or something you would like us to talk about please leave a comment below and if we can, we'll do it! But not live on camera because that's gross. And our parents would be upset.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-12686289127582305242013-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:002013-01-01T16:43:35.893-08:00New Year's Day in Japan<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v8XPQo4xESA" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1">If you can't see the video, go here: </span>http://youtu.be/v8XPQo4xESA</span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1">How are you doing there? I'm glad to see you survived Christmas. If it isn't the trials of present shopping or the overstuffed belly of turkey, turkey and more turkey, there's always some dangers around the holidays, but those who survive get to celebrate the coming of New Year's day. It's a hallowed time when cheers are cheered, beer is beered and boopily mcscooby doo. Yeah, that kinda got away from me there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2013 then, the year that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/21/end-world-live-blog"><span class="s2">"no one" thought would happen!</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">New Year can be split into two parts. The night before and the morning hangover, I mean, morning after. It's a lot like that here but with a little more emphasis on the new year itself rather than the countdown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The night before, people will go out drinking, if they are old enough. Everyone else likely stays at home and watches the TV. Every year they have a grand music show with all the country's top music acts and some foreign ones too (sometimes) and they play all their best songs. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dhaku_Uta_Gassen" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="s2"><i>Kōhaku Uta Gassen</i></span></a><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">it's called. Then at midnight, live from famous local and national temples and shrines, there is the ringing of the bells. The bells chime 108 times for the New Year to cancel out the 108 evils of the human soul, and then one more time to usher in the New Year on it's first second. Many people stay up to watch this and it's the equivalent of the ball dropping or the countdown in London. Though it is more traditional, as can be expected of such a country. The practice seems to be on the way out though. Many local residents near the temples have complained that they are trying to sleep at this time and so many places aren't allowed to ring the bells anymore! No respect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">While back out at the bars, people stagger into the streets and cheer in the New Year like any other country. </span><span class="s1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here in Sendai, they have the christmas illuminations we showed you in the previous video. As the clock counts down, they flash. Then turn off for a full second and then back on again precisely at midnight. This is accompanied by hundreds of car horns and people cheering "Akemashite Omedetou gozaimasu!</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">" which basically means "Happy New Year!" So it's not that different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3">The main difference is in the morning. On New Year's day everyone traditionally goes home, and they get together with family. The older members of the family give money to their grandchildren in a special envelope, but it's also traditional for the parents to take it and say "I'll look after that for you". And the parents look after it so well that the children never ever see it again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3">Sometime during New Year's everyone eats soba (buckwheat) noodles as they are supposed to symbolise longevity. So it's a wish for good health. It tastes ok, but it's a bit boring for a meal and I'm hungry again right after.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3">The main activity, though, is that everyone goes to a temple to make a wish for a happy new year. This sounds simple, but when you consider that <i>everyone </i>is doing this you soon discover you have to wait in a very long queue to throw money in a bucket, ring the big bell and clap three times before you make your wish. People queue for hours. So long that there are festival and snacks stalls that open up along the line and they sell their goods and food to people waiting. So, people like to get up early to try and get to the front of the queue. They also pick up a fortune on the way out. You pay a small fee to the temple and they give you a fortune on a piece of paper. It's like the fortune in a Chinese fortune cookie but it is more detailed, covering different aspects of your life. I've had at least three of these but I don't think they have ever come true. Some places will do an English one for you, but these are usually only the popular tourist destinations. Whether the fortune is good or bad, they usually take them to a fence or a tree and they tie them into a knot. This is supposed to bind the future it predicts, and stop it affecting your life, but people seem to do it with not only bad ones, but good ones too. I like to keep mine. There are also different types of fortunes. You can shake a box with sticks in and then pull one out. A mark on the stick corresponds to a fortune the clerk has and they give it to you.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3">Finally, there is one more thing they might do. At the temple, they can leave a message on a special wooden board and hang it up at the temple so that it may come true. Some people go all out with this, and it is not out of the ordinary to see some awesome manga drawings on these boards. They can also buy lucky charms to help it come true and these are specially made for different needs. They have everything from 'good health' to 'good exam results'.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3">So that's it for the day itself, but soon come the New Year's sales, which are a little special in Japan. That's for the next blog entry. In the meantime, check out our video and if you have any questions or comments, or there is anything you want us to cover in a future blog, please let us know.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-62096862540415190462012-12-26T03:08:00.000-08:002012-12-26T03:22:29.477-08:00Christmas Eve, a Day For Lovers in Japan<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's still Christmas! And there is still plenty to talk about this holiday season in Japan. Christmas Eve, for example, could hardly be any more different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Most people hate Christmas Eve right? Either you are an adult and its the day when you have to rush around doing last minute jobs like shopping for that awkward uncle, cooking cakes, and meeting long lost relatives at the train station or you are a child and you desperately want time to go faster so Santa can hurry up and bring you everything your little heart desires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, in Japan, Christmas Eve is the big holiday. On Christmas Day itself they do nothing. Little kids get presents from Santa, but that's it. No big deal is made really, and it's honestly quite depressing to go out on Christmas Day to find that everything is open as normal and the streets are busy with people. I really miss the quiet, private mystery of the world on Christmas Day, knowing that everyone else is inside their homes, spending time with family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So what happens on Christmas Eve to make it so different? It's a day for lovers. In fact. It's a better Valentine's Day than Valentine's Day, mainly because that holiday is downgraded to a cringeworthy tribute to how shy the Japanese male is, but more on that in February. On Christmas Eve, couples spend the day together. They might have a lunch, and go on a date during the day, maybe play games or take photos together if they are teenagers, or mature couples will book a meal in a restaurant and be more romantic. They exchange gifts and you might even see some hand holding. That's quite a big deal here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The only requisite is that couples should eat chicken on this day. I don't know why. Perhaps it comes from the western tradition of eating turkey and it got confused in translation a little, but that's how it is. So forget going to KFC on that day. The queues are massive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The thing is if you go outside on December 24th in Japan you will see couples everywhere. Everywhere! More than <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ6LC-olw9Q">tribbles</a>! More than hairs on a piece of sucked candy dropped on the floor of a pet salon. So it's a terrible day for those trying to escape reminders of a lost love or those who are alone. I've had students complain to me how much they hate it because they are always alone and they dread Christmas. It's quite sad really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">After the day, things calm down, children get a few presents from Santa and maybe some families go out for a meal, but it really is a normal day. In fact, I know that some high school students (and possibly others) go to school on Christmas Day! They will never know that special feeling of Christmas. I didn't have that this year, but we did have a great Christmas, we opened nice presents, had an all-you-can-eat lunch, watched a genius taiko drummer that drew a huge crowd, sang karaoke, and met Darth Vader. You really can't top that. Go Japan!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-81959278457524879832012-12-23T20:23:00.000-08:002012-12-23T23:35:35.613-08:00Sendai Starlight Pageant and Santa Parade<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YQXUKAzbmng" width="640"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you can't see the video, go here: http://youtu.be/YQXUKAzbmng</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Christmas is here, and although we have started this project a little too late to blog about our preparations for the holiday season here in Japan that doesn't mean we can't show you the celebrations. Starting today with Sendai city's Starlight Pageant and Santa Parade!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Christmas in Japan is a strange thing. As soon as Halloween is over, the shops start filling up with christmas goodies and decorations appear on the streets. It's actually really funny because a lot of the decorations openly acknowledge that Santa is fake (sorry kids) by showing the real dark hair of the character poking out from under the beard or hat. Take a look at this Buddha dressed up as Santa for a start.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/8b346a60265711e2a62d1231380fd04a_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/8b346a60265711e2a62d1231380fd04a_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They have a lot of build up with adverts and shop promotions, present buying and well... practically everything we have in the west, bar the Christmas songs. They have them, but it's like everyone has the same CD and they only play those few songs everywhere.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However, where the differences appear is in their festivals and in the day itself. Christmas Eve is the big day here. It's seen as another Valentine's Day (but more on that tomorrow). So on Christmas day itself, nothing happens. Nothing at all. Well, maybe some people take down decorations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, back to tonight. The illuminations are along Jozenji-dori, in Sendai, all through December, with the final flash calling in the new year. For this night, the show starts at 5.30 pm. The street is dark and people gather all along waiting for the moment when the lights flash on. It is actually incredible to behold. If you watch our video, you'll see that after the lights turn on the background looks like a green screen image, it's so unreal, but I swear it is true. Thousands of fairy lights wrap the trees and everyone cries out with a massive "oooh!" when they turn on. It's such an impressive moment that they stop the parade two times and repeat it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the rest of the night it feels like we are walking through a brightly lit cave. So I guess you could call it Santa's grotto. Y'know, if you were really lame or something... *ahem!* One the pavement (sidewalks), people rush to find a good position to watch the parade, but in the middle path, in the centre of the road, couples and families stroll holding hands, and occasionally pausing to take photos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then the road is blocked off to traffic. The performers line up. The parade begins. Christmas music blares out from the many Santa's playing instruments, while cheerleaders and dancing groups weave their way in entrancing patterns down the street. It's a lot of fun to watch. There's usually a fat old Santa giving out presents and even drivers of floats and cars have Santa, elf and yay sometimes even Rudolph hats and masks on. So we get a good laugh.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After an hour or so, after a couple of restarts, the parade stops for good. There is a break while the separate performing groups find a spot to set up. Then instead of them doing the walking (lazy smeggers), we have to walk around and look at them! But I jest. It is good fun. The groups dance and sing to separate songs. There's food stalls open selling drinks and snacks, everything from fried chicken and squid to noodles and rice. There's also a beer tent, which you can see in the video, and this year they had a mini ice rink in there too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lots of people come from other cities to see the event so the nearest park is filled up with buses and you can all laugh as the visitors get off and form their little tourist groups where they follow the flag. The leader always has a little flag. So one day I want to run around tourist attractions with a fake flag and see how many people I can confuse. Mwuahahaha! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, that's it really. After the performances have finished, people mill about a bit and enjoy the illuminations some more and then wander home. This year it was snowing heavily for the first time and so we didn't linger long. Natalie especially doesn't like the cold so we rushed home for warmth!</span></div><br />
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</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592344809650608655noreply@blogger.com0Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan38.268215 140.869355837.869523 140.2239088 38.666906999999995 141.51480279999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461451835479811921.post-49652249586078816202012-12-16T05:48:00.001-08:002013-01-03T07:53:06.042-08:00Hajime!<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, folks and welcome! This is the beginning of something big. No, I'm not talking about my morning trip to the toilet, rather its our new project. Through blog entries and mainly our new YouTube channel of the same name we'll be introducing the amazing fantasticalness of Japanese culture to you (since we live there... We have plans to visit and maybe live in China too so we'll do the same thing there, hence the panda). So that's perfect for anyone adjusting or anyone who plans to come to Japan to visit or live here. I recommend living. It's much better than dying. Though if you die here you will be cremated, everyone is cremated, so there is little chance of zombies causing much of a fuss. Did I mention I ramble? I'm a rambling man! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah. Check back soon. We'll post our first introduction video and then we'll get started on the whole culture thang too. If at any point you have any questions or want us to cover a subject then just raise your hand and then I'll realize that I can't see you. Then let us know with a comment or something. We'll do our best to help you out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention we have a cute cat? </span><br />
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