Japan's National Anthem: "Kimi ga yo" （君が代）
You can learn a lot about a country from its anthem.
This song is indicative of Japanese culture. And although Japan's anthem is controversial--some think it's too reminiscent of World War II, militarism and deifying the Emperor--its subtle and understated quality reflects the humility of the Japanese. Check out the lyrics:
May your reign
Continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations,
Until the pebbles
Grow into boulders
Lush with moss
...now for comparison, listen to this one:
Damn. Talk about night and day. Can I have some more cymbals to go with that hubris?
But, in all seriousness, I think the US has a kick ass anthem. Inspiriting music with meaningful lyrics that aren't corny. I can't say that for all American patriotic songs ('cause God knows we've got plenty). I'm thinking of certain cheese-fests or possible nods to manifest destiny. No wonder other countries think we're so into ourselves...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I Love Japan: #62
Sasumata （さすまた）
How does one apprehend a criminal here in Japan?
Get 'im, boys! A sasumata is a pronged stick found in corners of rooms--there's one located in the teachers' room at school. Don't really know how effective this would be against a gun, or an obese person.
How does one apprehend a criminal here in Japan?
Get 'im, boys! A sasumata is a pronged stick found in corners of rooms--there's one located in the teachers' room at school. Don't really know how effective this would be against a gun, or an obese person.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
I Love Japan: #63
Earthquakes!
Last night was my first earthquake! (I'm Makinohara-shi, Shizunami.)
Yes, precisely 24 hours ago, my entire building shook for five seconds. I thought the person above me was exercising or something, but that was clearly not the case. It only took a few more seconds for everyone's Facebook and Twitter updates to come rolling in.
My first thought was that it was Tokai. "This is it. I'm going to die in my shitty Japanese apartment, watching YouTube in my underwear." Whoa.
This morning, Christina was telling me that she read some study that predicts a 50% chance Tokai will occur by 2010. Uh oh. Sorry, but a doom-quake resulting in billions worth of damage and 5000+ deaths in Shizuoka prefecture is not the "high note" I was hoping to end Japan on.
So, I don't think I'll really "miss" the possibility of the earth swallowing me alive, but such a possibility is unique to Japan in that it's the most quake-prone country in the world. ...wait, that's a bad thing. Disregard this post, I guess. I need to go prep my survival kit.
Last night was my first earthquake! (I'm Makinohara-shi, Shizunami.)
Yes, precisely 24 hours ago, my entire building shook for five seconds. I thought the person above me was exercising or something, but that was clearly not the case. It only took a few more seconds for everyone's Facebook and Twitter updates to come rolling in.
My first thought was that it was Tokai. "This is it. I'm going to die in my shitty Japanese apartment, watching YouTube in my underwear." Whoa.
This morning, Christina was telling me that she read some study that predicts a 50% chance Tokai will occur by 2010. Uh oh. Sorry, but a doom-quake resulting in billions worth of damage and 5000+ deaths in Shizuoka prefecture is not the "high note" I was hoping to end Japan on.
So, I don't think I'll really "miss" the possibility of the earth swallowing me alive, but such a possibility is unique to Japan in that it's the most quake-prone country in the world. ...wait, that's a bad thing. Disregard this post, I guess. I need to go prep my survival kit.
I Love Japan: #64
Recycling
My recycling habits back home were abysmal. Here, I've gotten used to sorting my trash, both at home and at school:
I must admit, it was kind of frustrating at first, especially considering there are no public trash cans in this country. "What do I do with my trash?" you ask. You carry it around with you, ya putz! Gotta make yourself a "gomi bagu" (trash bag), which can be a plastic shopping bag or whatever, and then sort the crap you've accumulated during your day at home. This can be irritating to a Westerner, as we just dump whatever the hell we want into a trash can (or just litter, in some degenerates' cases).
Despite the lack of public garbage receptacles, this country is spotless. Even places like Tokyo. Reckon I'll be in for a rude awakening in August...
My recycling habits back home were abysmal. Here, I've gotten used to sorting my trash, both at home and at school:
I must admit, it was kind of frustrating at first, especially considering there are no public trash cans in this country. "What do I do with my trash?" you ask. You carry it around with you, ya putz! Gotta make yourself a "gomi bagu" (trash bag), which can be a plastic shopping bag or whatever, and then sort the crap you've accumulated during your day at home. This can be irritating to a Westerner, as we just dump whatever the hell we want into a trash can (or just litter, in some degenerates' cases).
Despite the lack of public garbage receptacles, this country is spotless. Even places like Tokyo. Reckon I'll be in for a rude awakening in August...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I Love Japan: #65
Purelet （ピュアレット）
A few spritzes of this handy antibacterial, and I can lay my bare ass on a public toilet seat without a qualm or care in the world. Thanks, Purelet!
A few spritzes of this handy antibacterial, and I can lay my bare ass on a public toilet seat without a qualm or care in the world. Thanks, Purelet!
I Love Japan: #66
Tanuki （狸）
Called "raccoon dogs" in English, these little guys are a symbol of luck and prosperity in Japanese myth.
In the high-pitched voices of my female students: Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
Raccoon dogs are found in places like Japan and China (the latter of which, unfortunately, sometimes kills them in the brutal fur trade--click here to watch the extremely graphic video I reference in this post).
Thankfully, the Japanese have laws protecting these critters, as they're a cherished part of the country's folklore. Tanuki are jolly creatures that live in the forest, and are masters in the art of shapeshifting.
Oh yeah, and they have scrotums the size of a whale calf.
Many restaurants and noodle shops will have a tanuki statue outside the entrance.
You also might find them outside temples, like these in my neighboring prefecture of Kanagawa:
Finally, as is the case with much of Japanese folklore, tanuki imagery infiltrates even pop culture, including manga, TV shows and video games.
Called "raccoon dogs" in English, these little guys are a symbol of luck and prosperity in Japanese myth.
In the high-pitched voices of my female students: Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
Raccoon dogs are found in places like Japan and China (the latter of which, unfortunately, sometimes kills them in the brutal fur trade--click here to watch the extremely graphic video I reference in this post).
Thankfully, the Japanese have laws protecting these critters, as they're a cherished part of the country's folklore. Tanuki are jolly creatures that live in the forest, and are masters in the art of shapeshifting.
Oh yeah, and they have scrotums the size of a whale calf.
Many restaurants and noodle shops will have a tanuki statue outside the entrance.
You also might find them outside temples, like these in my neighboring prefecture of Kanagawa:
Finally, as is the case with much of Japanese folklore, tanuki imagery infiltrates even pop culture, including manga, TV shows and video games.
I Love Japan: #67
The gym
Living in inaka like Haibara, amenities like a built-up, well-equipped gym just ain't in the cards. However, at only 100 yen (one buck) per visit, the price sure is right.
Allow me to paint the picture: a room the size of a Starbucks filled with machines at least 30 years old, of which there are only six different types. These include stationary bike, treadmill, and this.
Feel the burn!
Living in inaka like Haibara, amenities like a built-up, well-equipped gym just ain't in the cards. However, at only 100 yen (one buck) per visit, the price sure is right.
Allow me to paint the picture: a room the size of a Starbucks filled with machines at least 30 years old, of which there are only six different types. These include stationary bike, treadmill, and this.
Feel the burn!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I Love Japan: #68
Old women wearing oven mitts while riding bikes
Again, no, not another joke.
The mitts are affixed to the handles so little old obasaans can bike 'round town without "burning their hands."
I need to discreetly take some pictures of this phenomenon, but I'll be sure to post some when I do.
Again, no, not another joke.
The mitts are affixed to the handles so little old obasaans can bike 'round town without "burning their hands."
I need to discreetly take some pictures of this phenomenon, but I'll be sure to post some when I do.
I Love Japan: #69
Loudspeakers scattered around town
In Japan, it seems most towns have many loudspeakers that are used for special announcements. For example, every day at 3 o'clock, when school gets out, motorists are reminded to "please be safe!" and look for kids biking or walking in the street.
They also play various songs throughout the day--y'know, just so you remember what time it is. Gynt's "Morning Mood" at 7 AM, "Ode to Joy" at noon, and some song I don't recognize at 5 PM. No, not joking. It actually kind of reminds me of those big ugly clocks at IU that played songs on the hour.
Finally, all sorts of other announcements are made. One of the loudspeakers' main functions is notifying people of an emergency. Problem is, I have no idea what they're saying. Let's hope there's never a gas leak or locust plague, because I'll be the last one shutting the windows.
In Japan, it seems most towns have many loudspeakers that are used for special announcements. For example, every day at 3 o'clock, when school gets out, motorists are reminded to "please be safe!" and look for kids biking or walking in the street.
They also play various songs throughout the day--y'know, just so you remember what time it is. Gynt's "Morning Mood" at 7 AM, "Ode to Joy" at noon, and some song I don't recognize at 5 PM. No, not joking. It actually kind of reminds me of those big ugly clocks at IU that played songs on the hour.
Finally, all sorts of other announcements are made. One of the loudspeakers' main functions is notifying people of an emergency. Problem is, I have no idea what they're saying. Let's hope there's never a gas leak or locust plague, because I'll be the last one shutting the windows.
I Love Japan: #70
Kappa （河童）
Kappa is a water creature of Japanese folklore. They're scaly, usually blue or green, web-toed and live in Japan's lakes. They're also supposed to be excellent swimmers. A Japanese proverb, "Kappa no kawa nagare" ("A Kappa drowning in a river") means that even experts make mistakes.
There's a small pool of water on a Kappa's head, wherein lies his power. The trick to defeating a Kappa is by bowing to him. And, since ALL of Japan's residents, even its fictitious lake sprites, have consummate manners, Kappa will bow back to you. The water will spill out of his head, rendering him completely harmless. Or killing him. Whatever.
Some Kappa pics from the net:
A sign warning kids not to play in the lake, or else the Kappa will eat their brains.
Fellow game geeks will recognize Kappa from many video games, such as Final Fantasy VI:
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Kappa is a water creature of Japanese folklore. They're scaly, usually blue or green, web-toed and live in Japan's lakes. They're also supposed to be excellent swimmers. A Japanese proverb, "Kappa no kawa nagare" ("A Kappa drowning in a river") means that even experts make mistakes.
There's a small pool of water on a Kappa's head, wherein lies his power. The trick to defeating a Kappa is by bowing to him. And, since ALL of Japan's residents, even its fictitious lake sprites, have consummate manners, Kappa will bow back to you. The water will spill out of his head, rendering him completely harmless. Or killing him. Whatever.
Some Kappa pics from the net:
A sign warning kids not to play in the lake, or else the Kappa will eat their brains.
Fellow game geeks will recognize Kappa from many video games, such as Final Fantasy VI:
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Monday, May 18, 2009
I Love Japan: #71
Kappa Zushi
Definitely one of the cheapest conveyor belt sushi chains, Kappa Zushi serves fresh sushi for only 100 yen (1 USD) per plate. There's one on 150, so Christina and I usually go there for lunch on days when we have a lot of free time, like test weeks. We're in midterms right now, so Yamagata--a math teacher our age who speaks great English--and I got lunch there today. (He informed me that one of today's selections was a maki roll, half filled with crab meat; the other half with its brains...)
You can also get slices of cake, crepes and other desserts for 100-200 yen. Because of the cheap prices, we often see students there.
And oh yeah, like many fine establishments in Japan, Kappa Zushi has an annoying as hell theme song that plays overhead continuously, in the same vein as "It's a Small World After All."
Plus there's free green tea, which is also common in Japan.
The place's mascot is a Kappa, which leads me to my next post...
Definitely one of the cheapest conveyor belt sushi chains, Kappa Zushi serves fresh sushi for only 100 yen (1 USD) per plate. There's one on 150, so Christina and I usually go there for lunch on days when we have a lot of free time, like test weeks. We're in midterms right now, so Yamagata--a math teacher our age who speaks great English--and I got lunch there today. (He informed me that one of today's selections was a maki roll, half filled with crab meat; the other half with its brains...)
You can also get slices of cake, crepes and other desserts for 100-200 yen. Because of the cheap prices, we often see students there.
And oh yeah, like many fine establishments in Japan, Kappa Zushi has an annoying as hell theme song that plays overhead continuously, in the same vein as "It's a Small World After All."
Plus there's free green tea, which is also common in Japan.
The place's mascot is a Kappa, which leads me to my next post...
I Love Japan: #72
Kamaboko （蒲鉾）
I won't exactly miss this next thing, but it's so weird, I feel it's my gaijin duty to enlighten you. Introducing: the incredible, edible (?), kamaboko!
Now, you may be asking, "Golly Bryan, what's that colorful snack? It looks delightful. Is it sweet? Is it filled with the flavors of vanilla, marshmallow or coconut? And what of the pink part? Strawberry chantilly, or maybe tutti frutti? It's even cut into cute little shapes. I simply must try some--it looks like it'd be a party in my mouth, and everyone's invited!"
To answer your original question, I'll again defer to Wikipedia:
"Kamaboko is white fish pureed and formed into loaves."
YUM! At last, fish guts in loaf form. My search for ambrosia on Earth is finally over. Put away your caramelized dung beetles and fungus curds, for today a delectable dream has been realized. Rapture, thy name is kamaboko.
...all right, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. (Especially when I compare this stuff to some of the other delicacies I've had here...) Kamaboko is relatively tasteless, but it has a firm, spongey texture that I'm not wild about, and when I remember it's processed fish guts, it becomes even less appealing. It invariably comes packaged with bento boxes, and some of the teachers look at me weird when I pick it out every day. Hey, fish loaf just ain't my bag, okay?
And the crazy part is? This is only the tip of the vomit-inducing iceberg. More bizarre eats to come.
I won't exactly miss this next thing, but it's so weird, I feel it's my gaijin duty to enlighten you. Introducing: the incredible, edible (?), kamaboko!
Now, you may be asking, "Golly Bryan, what's that colorful snack? It looks delightful. Is it sweet? Is it filled with the flavors of vanilla, marshmallow or coconut? And what of the pink part? Strawberry chantilly, or maybe tutti frutti? It's even cut into cute little shapes. I simply must try some--it looks like it'd be a party in my mouth, and everyone's invited!"
To answer your original question, I'll again defer to Wikipedia:
"Kamaboko is white fish pureed and formed into loaves."
YUM! At last, fish guts in loaf form. My search for ambrosia on Earth is finally over. Put away your caramelized dung beetles and fungus curds, for today a delectable dream has been realized. Rapture, thy name is kamaboko.
...all right, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. (Especially when I compare this stuff to some of the other delicacies I've had here...) Kamaboko is relatively tasteless, but it has a firm, spongey texture that I'm not wild about, and when I remember it's processed fish guts, it becomes even less appealing. It invariably comes packaged with bento boxes, and some of the teachers look at me weird when I pick it out every day. Hey, fish loaf just ain't my bag, okay?
And the crazy part is? This is only the tip of the vomit-inducing iceberg. More bizarre eats to come.
I Love Japan: #73
Doraemon （ドラえもん）
I had never heard of Doraemon before I came to Japan, but apparently, it's one of the most popular, most long-running anime in the country's history.
What started as a manga in the '60s spawned an animated TV version in the '70s, and new episodes are still being made today. The toon tells of a robotic cat from the future (Doraemon) who travels back in time to help a young boy named Nobita make good decisions and learn valuable life lessons.
Where are Doraemon's ears? A mouse ate them. Duh. (Doraemon now has a phobia of mice, which I think is a running gag throughout the series.)
Taken from Wikipedia:
"A majority of Doraemon episodes are comedies with moral lessons regarding values such as integrity, perseverance, courage, family and respect for elders. Several noteworthy environmental issues are often visited, including homeless animals, endangered species, deforestation, and pollution. Topics such as dinosaurs, the flat earth theory, wormhole traveling, Gulliver's Travels, and the history of Japan are often covered."
...?
Well, I suppose a lot of American cartoons are just as eccentric.
I had never heard of Doraemon before I came to Japan, but apparently, it's one of the most popular, most long-running anime in the country's history.
What started as a manga in the '60s spawned an animated TV version in the '70s, and new episodes are still being made today. The toon tells of a robotic cat from the future (Doraemon) who travels back in time to help a young boy named Nobita make good decisions and learn valuable life lessons.
Where are Doraemon's ears? A mouse ate them. Duh. (Doraemon now has a phobia of mice, which I think is a running gag throughout the series.)
Taken from Wikipedia:
"A majority of Doraemon episodes are comedies with moral lessons regarding values such as integrity, perseverance, courage, family and respect for elders. Several noteworthy environmental issues are often visited, including homeless animals, endangered species, deforestation, and pollution. Topics such as dinosaurs, the flat earth theory, wormhole traveling, Gulliver's Travels, and the history of Japan are often covered."
...?
Well, I suppose a lot of American cartoons are just as eccentric.
I Love Japan: #74
Cainz Home
Okay. So this is probably the least cultural thing I could've included on this list, but I'm still gonna miss it. It's Yoshida's only big, soulless, monopolizing, chain department store, and so in that sense, it's served as my ad hoc Wal-Mart, giving me something that reminds me of America. (You'd be surprised how much you miss Wal-Mart and other white trash hubs when you haven't seen them in a year.)
It's also one of the few places I run into non-Japanese people. Well, I guess the only non-Japanese people I run into are the Brazilians (the second largest ethnic group in Japan), but hey, it's the closest thing to cultural diversity Christina and I can find on the ol' 150.
Okay. So this is probably the least cultural thing I could've included on this list, but I'm still gonna miss it. It's Yoshida's only big, soulless, monopolizing, chain department store, and so in that sense, it's served as my ad hoc Wal-Mart, giving me something that reminds me of America. (You'd be surprised how much you miss Wal-Mart and other white trash hubs when you haven't seen them in a year.)
It's also one of the few places I run into non-Japanese people. Well, I guess the only non-Japanese people I run into are the Brazilians (the second largest ethnic group in Japan), but hey, it's the closest thing to cultural diversity Christina and I can find on the ol' 150.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I Love Japan: #75
The safety
I have NEVER felt unsafe in this country.
Even wandering Tokyo's backstreets of Shibuya at 3 in the morning, I've always felt completely at ease, including places where I would've felt uncomfortable back home. The thing is, Japanese people never want to bring shame to their families and they never want to disrupt group harmony, so crime is almost nonexistent. If I left my wallet in the middle of the street, I wouldn't just wager that it wouldn't get stolen, but it'd probably be returned to me in fewer than 24 hours. And probably returned with a bag of candy or tea-flavored rice cakes.
I have NEVER felt unsafe in this country.
Even wandering Tokyo's backstreets of Shibuya at 3 in the morning, I've always felt completely at ease, including places where I would've felt uncomfortable back home. The thing is, Japanese people never want to bring shame to their families and they never want to disrupt group harmony, so crime is almost nonexistent. If I left my wallet in the middle of the street, I wouldn't just wager that it wouldn't get stolen, but it'd probably be returned to me in fewer than 24 hours. And probably returned with a bag of candy or tea-flavored rice cakes.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Love Japan: #76
Tsukemono （漬物）
Literally "pickled things," tsukemono are Japanese pickles and other pickled vegetables. They're not quite as sour or briny as the Vlasic or the Mt. Olive I'm used to, but they're delicious all the same.
Tsukemono are actually part of the traditional Japanese breakfast. Oh no friends, you won't find nihonjin starting their days with coffee, Kix or bear claws. Instead, many Japanese people eat miso soup, green tea, rice (of course...) and round everything off with a crunchy bunch of tsukemono.
I very rarely have "traditional" anything, but last weekend marked one of the few times I've had a traditional, good old-fashioned, Japanese breakfast. It's delicious and I should do it more often.
Kind of strange to Westerners, though. Soup and pickles for breakfast? But hey, that's how Cookie Crisp got started, right? Only a matter of time before Joe and Jane American are reading the morning paper over a bowl of Gherkin-O's. (Although, if any country would sell pickle-flavored cereal, Japan would. They already make ham-flavored Pringles and watermelon Kit Kats...)
Literally "pickled things," tsukemono are Japanese pickles and other pickled vegetables. They're not quite as sour or briny as the Vlasic or the Mt. Olive I'm used to, but they're delicious all the same.
Tsukemono are actually part of the traditional Japanese breakfast. Oh no friends, you won't find nihonjin starting their days with coffee, Kix or bear claws. Instead, many Japanese people eat miso soup, green tea, rice (of course...) and round everything off with a crunchy bunch of tsukemono.
I very rarely have "traditional" anything, but last weekend marked one of the few times I've had a traditional, good old-fashioned, Japanese breakfast. It's delicious and I should do it more often.
Kind of strange to Westerners, though. Soup and pickles for breakfast? But hey, that's how Cookie Crisp got started, right? Only a matter of time before Joe and Jane American are reading the morning paper over a bowl of Gherkin-O's. (Although, if any country would sell pickle-flavored cereal, Japan would. They already make ham-flavored Pringles and watermelon Kit Kats...)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I Love Japan: #77
Tea fields
I guess tea fields are analogous to cornfields back home, except they're everywhere, not just off the highways like in central America. Since most of Japan is mountainous, they can often be found sloping up hills or tucked in between hills and nooks. The top photo was taken from the bus back form Hamamatsu, and the bottom two are here in Haibara. Kind of reminds me of the Snapple commercial with the Thai guy:
I guess tea fields are analogous to cornfields back home, except they're everywhere, not just off the highways like in central America. Since most of Japan is mountainous, they can often be found sloping up hills or tucked in between hills and nooks. The top photo was taken from the bus back form Hamamatsu, and the bottom two are here in Haibara. Kind of reminds me of the Snapple commercial with the Thai guy:
Monday, May 11, 2009
I Love Japan: #78
Honorifics
A lot of languages use honorifics, but I think Japanese uses the most and with the greatest frequency.
The only one I'm usually called is "Bryan-sensei," since I'm a teacher. (And it's not just my students who call me this. Most of the other teachers do, too. And I call them So-and-So-sensei. It's all part of the "polite Japanese" that's spoken at the workplace.)
Some other examples:
-san (Probably the most commonly known among Westerners, it's translated as "Mister" or "Miss")
-chan (Term of endearment for close friends, especially girls and little kids)
-kun (Term of endearment for close male friends)
-sensei (Polite suffix for teachers, doctors, etc.)
-sama (Like "san," but much more formal. Stores and businesses will call you "okyaku-sama," or "honorable customer")
There're also some for royalty and prisoners (??) but I don't know many of them. I know "-hime" is "Princess," as in Miyazaki's "Mononoke-hime."
Japanese honorifics can also make for interesting translation. Some of my students translate something like "Matsuda-sensei" into "Matsuda Teacher." "Matsuda Teacher is so strict! He took away my styling gel!"
A lot of languages use honorifics, but I think Japanese uses the most and with the greatest frequency.
The only one I'm usually called is "Bryan-sensei," since I'm a teacher. (And it's not just my students who call me this. Most of the other teachers do, too. And I call them So-and-So-sensei. It's all part of the "polite Japanese" that's spoken at the workplace.)
Some other examples:
-san (Probably the most commonly known among Westerners, it's translated as "Mister" or "Miss")
-chan (Term of endearment for close friends, especially girls and little kids)
-kun (Term of endearment for close male friends)
-sensei (Polite suffix for teachers, doctors, etc.)
-sama (Like "san," but much more formal. Stores and businesses will call you "okyaku-sama," or "honorable customer")
There're also some for royalty and prisoners (??) but I don't know many of them. I know "-hime" is "Princess," as in Miyazaki's "Mononoke-hime."
Japanese honorifics can also make for interesting translation. Some of my students translate something like "Matsuda-sensei" into "Matsuda Teacher." "Matsuda Teacher is so strict! He took away my styling gel!"
I Love Japan: #79
Incense
I've always been big into incense. My dad would burn it every once and a while when I was little, so it's a nostalgic scent for me.
Here in Japan and in other Buddhist countries, you can usually find incense burning outside many of the temples. These pics are from my Kyoto trip. Visitors wait in short queues to light incense, then stand next to the giant burner for a few minutes, taking in the smells as well as the scenery. The backdrop of huge, ancient wooden temples and the heady aroma of the incense is a wonderfully disorienting combination.
It takes you back to a time before cell phones and canned coffee dispensers, that's for sure.
I've always been big into incense. My dad would burn it every once and a while when I was little, so it's a nostalgic scent for me.
Here in Japan and in other Buddhist countries, you can usually find incense burning outside many of the temples. These pics are from my Kyoto trip. Visitors wait in short queues to light incense, then stand next to the giant burner for a few minutes, taking in the smells as well as the scenery. The backdrop of huge, ancient wooden temples and the heady aroma of the incense is a wonderfully disorienting combination.
It takes you back to a time before cell phones and canned coffee dispensers, that's for sure.
I Love Japan: #80
Pocari Sweat （ポカリスエット）
This stuff has been my lifeblood in this country, especially when I first got here in the triple-digit August temperatures. Its name is probably one of Engrish's greatest examples--ever want to down a bottle of sweat to quench your thirst?--but this salty-sweet, grapefruit-y sports drink has saved my dehydrated hide more than a few times. If I had to pick a single beverage that defines my Japanese drinking habits (besides green tea and draft beer at karaoke bars), it would be Pocari Sweat.
This stuff has been my lifeblood in this country, especially when I first got here in the triple-digit August temperatures. Its name is probably one of Engrish's greatest examples--ever want to down a bottle of sweat to quench your thirst?--but this salty-sweet, grapefruit-y sports drink has saved my dehydrated hide more than a few times. If I had to pick a single beverage that defines my Japanese drinking habits (besides green tea and draft beer at karaoke bars), it would be Pocari Sweat.
I Love Japan: #81
Unrivaled Internet
Japan is the Bugatti Veyron on the information superhighway. I thought IU had great internet, but even the most rural Podunks of Japan can match it in speed, quality and reliability. Whenever I'm on Skype, people say that my face comes through crystal clear, but they always look like some crappy YouTube video. Definitely gonna miss Nihon's net gnarliness.
Japan is the Bugatti Veyron on the information superhighway. I thought IU had great internet, but even the most rural Podunks of Japan can match it in speed, quality and reliability. Whenever I'm on Skype, people say that my face comes through crystal clear, but they always look like some crappy YouTube video. Definitely gonna miss Nihon's net gnarliness.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
I Love Japan: #82
Cell phone straps
The Japanese love to accessorize their accessories. Take cell phones, for example. Almost everyone embellishes theirs with long, cute, key-chain like charms. They can range from Hello Kitty to mini taiko drums to heads of Goku from Dragon Ball Z.
Some people are subtle:
Others go for makeshift nunchaku:
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I think the "cute culture" that pervades everything in Japan is the driving force behind this trend, and don't think it's limited to just girls. Everyone has these things. Man, woman, old, young, whoever. In fact, I can't think of many times I've seen a Japanese person without a cute character dangling from their phone.
Needless to say, I have NOT outfitted my phone with these things. I mean, how would it fit into my pocket?
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The Japanese love to accessorize their accessories. Take cell phones, for example. Almost everyone embellishes theirs with long, cute, key-chain like charms. They can range from Hello Kitty to mini taiko drums to heads of Goku from Dragon Ball Z.
Some people are subtle:
Others go for makeshift nunchaku:
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I think the "cute culture" that pervades everything in Japan is the driving force behind this trend, and don't think it's limited to just girls. Everyone has these things. Man, woman, old, young, whoever. In fact, I can't think of many times I've seen a Japanese person without a cute character dangling from their phone.
Needless to say, I have NOT outfitted my phone with these things. I mean, how would it fit into my pocket?
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I Love Japan: #83
Jan-ken-pon （じゃんけんぽん）
This is basically the Japanese version of rock-paper-scissors. My students play it to determine anything. It can actually get a little irritating. It's like, please, somebody just pick a number out of a hat so we can find out who has to correct the first sentence on the board. We don't need to play a game of chance to play a game of chance.
This is basically the Japanese version of rock-paper-scissors. My students play it to determine anything. It can actually get a little irritating. It's like, please, somebody just pick a number out of a hat so we can find out who has to correct the first sentence on the board. We don't need to play a game of chance to play a game of chance.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I Love Japan: #84
Cheap doctor's fees
Since Japan has universal health care (and since I have cushy teacher's health insurance), my wide array of bizarre ailments can be treated at a puny cost. Per esempio, the other day I had to go to the dermatologist to diagnose some allergy thing, and I owed just 2000 yen (around 20 bucks). That includes co-pay, four tubes of cream for itchy allergy skin, and an ass load of Allegra. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth cleaned next month--it's probably cheaper than buying a tube of Crest.
Since Japan has universal health care (and since I have cushy teacher's health insurance), my wide array of bizarre ailments can be treated at a puny cost. Per esempio, the other day I had to go to the dermatologist to diagnose some allergy thing, and I owed just 2000 yen (around 20 bucks). That includes co-pay, four tubes of cream for itchy allergy skin, and an ass load of Allegra. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth cleaned next month--it's probably cheaper than buying a tube of Crest.
Monday, May 4, 2009
I Love Japan: #85
Japanese textiles
Fabric isn't exactly my favorite art form, but the ones from Japan definitely make me a fan. You really have to see and feel them in person to do them justice, though. In my Japanese art history class last year, somebody brought in Japanese fabric, and it was really cool. Some of the threads were iridescent and the rest of the cloth had bright, bold colors. Purrrrty.
The first two pics are from Kiyomizu at Kyoto; the rest I nabbed off the web:
Fabric isn't exactly my favorite art form, but the ones from Japan definitely make me a fan. You really have to see and feel them in person to do them justice, though. In my Japanese art history class last year, somebody brought in Japanese fabric, and it was really cool. Some of the threads were iridescent and the rest of the cloth had bright, bold colors. Purrrrty.
The first two pics are from Kiyomizu at Kyoto; the rest I nabbed off the web:
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