Well, this it. As of Monday, I am officially finished with my tenure on the JET Program and only have three weeks until I'm back home in America, inhaling all the tortilla shells and grade C beef Taco Bell has to offer.
I'm in Tokyo right now, and was able to wander around the Keio Plaza, the swanky hotel I stayed in for orientation immediately upon arriving in Japan. I was actually able to run into the new people for the 2009 intake. They were sitting in their workshops, learning how to introduce themselves in Japanese, laughing because everything was new and unfamiliar and exciting to them. But to me, that shiz is old news. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu? That's so 2008.
So as I saw all the newbs sweating in their suits, it made me realize that a year truly has passed, and while their adventure is just beginning, mine is pretty much over.
It's hard to explain how this experience has changed my life, and changed my perspective on, well, pretty much everything. So I'll save you the sentimental crock and the waxing poetic, and will just say I'll be happy to be back in the States on August 22, dragging my jet-lagged bones to a Tin Caps game less than 24 hours later.
Thanks go out to those of you who read this blog and kept up on my life in Japan. It means a lot.
Being a Japan-related journal, I thought it'd be appropriate to end with a haiku. I didn't write it--its origins are far too geeky for me to reveal--but it sums up how I'm feeling right now.
When on your way out
Be sure that you say goodbye
Then lock the door tight.
Thanks for reading!
Jaa, mata! Sayonara.
ブライアン
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
I Love Japan: #1
My students
C'mon, what else was I gonna say for number one? 'Cause it sure ain't the booze. (Friends and family, please have a keg of dark ale awaiting me, please.)
C'mon, what else was I gonna say for number one? 'Cause it sure ain't the booze. (Friends and family, please have a keg of dark ale awaiting me, please.)
I Love Japan: #3
Sakura (cherry blossoms)
A favorite time of year for the Japanese is early spring, or 'hanami' ("flower viewing"). This is when the cherry blossoms bloom, and Japanese have picnics and another excuse to drink. But you have to act fast, because they'll have shed and are gone within one week.
Another quintessentially image of Japan, they became especially popular as a national symbol during WWII, when they were used to boost nationalism--suicide bombers even painted them on the sides of their planes.
As you probably know, you can find a lot in the States around the tidal basin in DC. There's even an annual cherry blossom festival, which was temporarily suspended during WWII, for obvious reasons. Lady Bird Johnson helped plant thousands more in the '60s, and the US reciprocated by giving Japan dogwood trees (the state tree of Indiana!).
A favorite time of year for the Japanese is early spring, or 'hanami' ("flower viewing"). This is when the cherry blossoms bloom, and Japanese have picnics and another excuse to drink. But you have to act fast, because they'll have shed and are gone within one week.
Another quintessentially image of Japan, they became especially popular as a national symbol during WWII, when they were used to boost nationalism--suicide bombers even painted them on the sides of their planes.
As you probably know, you can find a lot in the States around the tidal basin in DC. There's even an annual cherry blossom festival, which was temporarily suspended during WWII, for obvious reasons. Lady Bird Johnson helped plant thousands more in the '60s, and the US reciprocated by giving Japan dogwood trees (the state tree of Indiana!).
I Love Japan: #4
Fuji-san
I still can't believe I was ever on top of this bad boy, but I was. Arguably the most famous mountain in the world, and definitely the most iconic, I'm lucky enough to be able to see the thing from the top floor of my school on a clear day.
Its status as a symbol of Japan has been known for thousands of years, not to mention it's a frequently recurring subject of art. Just ask Hokusai.
I still can't believe I was ever on top of this bad boy, but I was. Arguably the most famous mountain in the world, and definitely the most iconic, I'm lucky enough to be able to see the thing from the top floor of my school on a clear day.
Its status as a symbol of Japan has been known for thousands of years, not to mention it's a frequently recurring subject of art. Just ask Hokusai.
I Love Japan: #5
Izakayas （居酒屋）
There is where it all goes down. Sitting on the floor eating all kinds of Japanese food and binge drinking until you are no longer able to speak. What differentiates this from a Western, pub-style bar is that you typically sit with only people you know, which does not make it conducive to mingling or meeting new people. Sorry, you'll have to save your pick-up lines for the hotel lounge.
There is where it all goes down. Sitting on the floor eating all kinds of Japanese food and binge drinking until you are no longer able to speak. What differentiates this from a Western, pub-style bar is that you typically sit with only people you know, which does not make it conducive to mingling or meeting new people. Sorry, you'll have to save your pick-up lines for the hotel lounge.
I Love Japan: #6
Yakitori （やきとり）
Basically chicken shish kebabs, covered in a sweet sauce and with green onions. On random days of the week, most grocery stores have a yakitori kart set up in front of the store.
Usually yakitori is a pretty safe bet, but keep in mind Japan uses all parts of the chicken, and sometimes yakitori can be a bit dodgy... unless you enjoy eating chicken gizzards, hearts, cartilidge, talons...
Basically chicken shish kebabs, covered in a sweet sauce and with green onions. On random days of the week, most grocery stores have a yakitori kart set up in front of the store.
Usually yakitori is a pretty safe bet, but keep in mind Japan uses all parts of the chicken, and sometimes yakitori can be a bit dodgy... unless you enjoy eating chicken gizzards, hearts, cartilidge, talons...
I Love Japan: #7
Hachiko
Near Shibuya Crossing sits a nationwide famous statue of a dog named Hachiko.
Back in the '20s, some dude would always make part of his commute with his dog, Hachiko. He'd walk with Hachiko to the train station, where the dog would stop and the guy would go to work, and Hachiko always went back to the station at night to greet his master once again. The locals noticed this daily ritual and Hachiko became something of a local celebrity.
But one day the owner died, and Hachiko still went to the station every day, waiting for his master who obviously never returned. Hachiko did this until he himself died. Freaking sad right? (I'm pretty sure Futurama ripped off this story for the one episode where Fry gets his dog back.)
Anyways, a statue was erected where the dog waited every day, and now it's a popular meeting place in Shibuya. And take it from me, it's an awesome place to people watch. There's even an annual celebration in honor of Hachiko.
Not to mention a coming Richard Gere movie:
Near Shibuya Crossing sits a nationwide famous statue of a dog named Hachiko.
Back in the '20s, some dude would always make part of his commute with his dog, Hachiko. He'd walk with Hachiko to the train station, where the dog would stop and the guy would go to work, and Hachiko always went back to the station at night to greet his master once again. The locals noticed this daily ritual and Hachiko became something of a local celebrity.
But one day the owner died, and Hachiko still went to the station every day, waiting for his master who obviously never returned. Hachiko did this until he himself died. Freaking sad right? (I'm pretty sure Futurama ripped off this story for the one episode where Fry gets his dog back.)
Anyways, a statue was erected where the dog waited every day, and now it's a popular meeting place in Shibuya. And take it from me, it's an awesome place to people watch. There's even an annual celebration in honor of Hachiko.
Not to mention a coming Richard Gere movie:
I Love Japan: #8
The V Sign (ピースサイン)
The peace sign that all Japanese people throw in every picture of them.
I've heard different stories concerning this practice's origin. Some say it was picked up from Winston Churchill, but I also heard that an Olympian popularized at the Winter Games in Sapporo. Apparently she was figure skating and then fell and really ate it, but smiled and flashed the v sign. I guess the cheerfulness struck a chord with Japanese people, 'cause they've been doing it ever since.
This is another thing that will be hard to stop doing, but people will just have to deal. Sumimasen. *bows*
The peace sign that all Japanese people throw in every picture of them.
I've heard different stories concerning this practice's origin. Some say it was picked up from Winston Churchill, but I also heard that an Olympian popularized at the Winter Games in Sapporo. Apparently she was figure skating and then fell and really ate it, but smiled and flashed the v sign. I guess the cheerfulness struck a chord with Japanese people, 'cause they've been doing it ever since.
This is another thing that will be hard to stop doing, but people will just have to deal. Sumimasen. *bows*
I Love Japan: #9
Bowing
People even do it on the phone. I usually do the little half-bow when thanking someone or apologizng for something, and it's going to take a lot of weening to kick this habit. I'm thinking of taping a broomstick to my vertebrae and down my left leg to prevent any kind of lean whatsoever. Plus, my posture could use some work, so that'd be a freebie.
People even do it on the phone. I usually do the little half-bow when thanking someone or apologizng for something, and it's going to take a lot of weening to kick this habit. I'm thinking of taping a broomstick to my vertebrae and down my left leg to prevent any kind of lean whatsoever. Plus, my posture could use some work, so that'd be a freebie.
I Love Japan: #10
Mukade
ATTENTION! This is not something I will miss. In fact, I really really hate these things. I had a real problem with them during the rainy season and it sucked. My vice principal told me he's only seen five of them in his life, I saw five of them in a week. Introducing mukade:
These things would crawl on my ceiling, lose their grip and fall on me as I slept. One woke me up by scurrying up my leg. And yes, they're poisonous--as in, put one of my students on crutches.
It felt like the first Passover when I outlined my apartment in a powdered repellent that seemed to keep them at bay. They were by far the biggest (and most frightening) nuisance in the menagerie of bugs that was my house. Worse than the cockroaches, gigantic spiders, slugs, mosquitoes, etc. It was the like the scary version of the cast of James and the Giant Peach. Thank God these things are out of my life forever.
ATTENTION! This is not something I will miss. In fact, I really really hate these things. I had a real problem with them during the rainy season and it sucked. My vice principal told me he's only seen five of them in his life, I saw five of them in a week. Introducing mukade:
These things would crawl on my ceiling, lose their grip and fall on me as I slept. One woke me up by scurrying up my leg. And yes, they're poisonous--as in, put one of my students on crutches.
It felt like the first Passover when I outlined my apartment in a powdered repellent that seemed to keep them at bay. They were by far the biggest (and most frightening) nuisance in the menagerie of bugs that was my house. Worse than the cockroaches, gigantic spiders, slugs, mosquitoes, etc. It was the like the scary version of the cast of James and the Giant Peach. Thank God these things are out of my life forever.
I Love Japan: #11
Drunk Japanese people
First off, most of them are real lightweights, and then they all start to turn red in the face.
In places like Tokyo, it's common to be on the train at 7 PM and see a group of five businessmen stumble onto the train drunk as hell. As soon as the doors open, the stench of liquor hits you from the platform like a fifth of absinthe. I never thought it was possible to get 'second hand drunk,' but these guys bring with them fumes so strong they could melt a crowbar. Good thing they're taking the train and not driving is all I can say.
First off, most of them are real lightweights, and then they all start to turn red in the face.
In places like Tokyo, it's common to be on the train at 7 PM and see a group of five businessmen stumble onto the train drunk as hell. As soon as the doors open, the stench of liquor hits you from the platform like a fifth of absinthe. I never thought it was possible to get 'second hand drunk,' but these guys bring with them fumes so strong they could melt a crowbar. Good thing they're taking the train and not driving is all I can say.
I Love Japan: #12
The writing system
Okay, maybe this isn't something I 'love,' as it's incredibly difficult, but it's at least very interesting to me.
Japanese uses a mix of three different writing styles: a phonetic syllabry called hirgana, another one for foreign loan words called katakana, and thousands of Chinese iconographic symbols called kanji.
For example, "Japanese language" is called "nihon-go," which looks like this in hiragana: にほんご. But that's too simple and only for preschoolers to use, so we use the kanji 日本語. Same pronunciation, just looks different.
Katakana is for foreign words. For example, my name in Japanese is "Buraian," which looks like this in katakana: ブライアン.
Put it all together in a sentence and it looks like this:
ブライアンは、日本語をできません。 (Bryan doesn't understand Japanese.)
Fun fact: Japan used kanji only for a time, but around 1000 AD, they began to think women were too stupid to learn them all, so they made an easier, phonetic alphabet called hiragana, which is used today.
Okay, maybe this isn't something I 'love,' as it's incredibly difficult, but it's at least very interesting to me.
Japanese uses a mix of three different writing styles: a phonetic syllabry called hirgana, another one for foreign loan words called katakana, and thousands of Chinese iconographic symbols called kanji.
For example, "Japanese language" is called "nihon-go," which looks like this in hiragana: にほんご. But that's too simple and only for preschoolers to use, so we use the kanji 日本語. Same pronunciation, just looks different.
Katakana is for foreign words. For example, my name in Japanese is "Buraian," which looks like this in katakana: ブライアン.
Put it all together in a sentence and it looks like this:
ブライアンは、日本語をできません。 (Bryan doesn't understand Japanese.)
Fun fact: Japan used kanji only for a time, but around 1000 AD, they began to think women were too stupid to learn them all, so they made an easier, phonetic alphabet called hiragana, which is used today.
I Love Japan: #13
Traditional clothing
People wear it with pride, especially at festivals, and sometimes, for no reason at all:
Unlike the sari in India, stuff like kimono and yukata retain their popularity here in Nihon. And they're expensive business too--the really nice onces can cost thousands of dollars.
It's just a pride and cultural element you don't really see in America, y'know? I mean, when's the last time you saw a guy walking around Wal-Mart in a powdered wig and pantaloons?
People wear it with pride, especially at festivals, and sometimes, for no reason at all:
Unlike the sari in India, stuff like kimono and yukata retain their popularity here in Nihon. And they're expensive business too--the really nice onces can cost thousands of dollars.
It's just a pride and cultural element you don't really see in America, y'know? I mean, when's the last time you saw a guy walking around Wal-Mart in a powdered wig and pantaloons?
I Love Japan: #14
The french fies (aka, 'fried potato') （フライドポテト）
Okay, I know this is a lame thing to miss about Japan, but they're seriously delicious. Unfailingly served with a ketchup/mayo combo dip and fried to perfection. But still, Japan lacks my favorite condiments for fries: real cheddar cheese, Tony Chachere's and ranch dressing. Soon enough, rumbling stomach, soon enough.
Okay, I know this is a lame thing to miss about Japan, but they're seriously delicious. Unfailingly served with a ketchup/mayo combo dip and fried to perfection. But still, Japan lacks my favorite condiments for fries: real cheddar cheese, Tony Chachere's and ranch dressing. Soon enough, rumbling stomach, soon enough.
I Love Japan: #15
Onsen
Nothing soothes your spirit and muscles like bathing in a communal tub with a bunch of strangers.
Just make sure you don't have any tattoos, or you won't be allowed in. They'll think your yakuza, in which case feel free to threaten cutting pinkies off.
Nothing soothes your spirit and muscles like bathing in a communal tub with a bunch of strangers.
Just make sure you don't have any tattoos, or you won't be allowed in. They'll think your yakuza, in which case feel free to threaten cutting pinkies off.
I Love Japan: #16
Festivals （祭り）
Forget the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Three Rivers--the States has got nothin' on Japan in the festival category.
Huge floats, impromptu parades, loads of takoyaki, people wearing traditional Japanese clothing that's 1000 years old, fireworks, grown men in diapers, loud drums, paper flowers, massive volumes of beer and people eating popsicles shaped like penises (yes, there's a Penis Festival).
Forget the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Three Rivers--the States has got nothin' on Japan in the festival category.
Huge floats, impromptu parades, loads of takoyaki, people wearing traditional Japanese clothing that's 1000 years old, fireworks, grown men in diapers, loud drums, paper flowers, massive volumes of beer and people eating popsicles shaped like penises (yes, there's a Penis Festival).
I Love Japan: #17
Hanko
In Japan, everyone has their own personal stamp that they carry with them and use for official documents, in lieu of a signature:
You can buy little carrying cases for them at hyaku yen shops. My hanko is a bit strange-looking, with the katakana-ized gaijin's name in place of a cool-looking kanji. Oh well, it makes me (even more) special in this country.
In Japan, everyone has their own personal stamp that they carry with them and use for official documents, in lieu of a signature:
You can buy little carrying cases for them at hyaku yen shops. My hanko is a bit strange-looking, with the katakana-ized gaijin's name in place of a cool-looking kanji. Oh well, it makes me (even more) special in this country.
I Love Japan: #18
Sashimi （さしみ）
And let me tell you, it goes far beyond the usual salmon and tuna found outside of Japan. Squid, shrimp (complete with little, black, beady eyes), horse, whale and beef tongue are all on the menu here, though none of those appeal to me. Yum, raw fish!
And let me tell you, it goes far beyond the usual salmon and tuna found outside of Japan. Squid, shrimp (complete with little, black, beady eyes), horse, whale and beef tongue are all on the menu here, though none of those appeal to me. Yum, raw fish!
I Love Japan: #19
Ramen-yas （ラーメンや）
While I don't particularly enjoy ramen itself, I enjoy the ramen restaurants.
I like the way they're set up. Small (the limited space in Japan causes most buildings to be compact) and the seating is basically a bar. They're not unlike what's found in many video games... and indeed, I've noticed a lot of Japanese architectural/cultural/historical references in video games that I probably never would have recognized had I not lived here.
While I don't particularly enjoy ramen itself, I enjoy the ramen restaurants.
I like the way they're set up. Small (the limited space in Japan causes most buildings to be compact) and the seating is basically a bar. They're not unlike what's found in many video games... and indeed, I've noticed a lot of Japanese architectural/cultural/historical references in video games that I probably never would have recognized had I not lived here.
I Love Japan: #20
The service （サービス）
Japan has the best service in the world. It isn't even a contest. It doesn't matter where you are--McDonald's, the Ritz, a gas station. People treat you like you're royalty, with their honorifics and 90-degree bows and such. Besides that, they're genuinely interested in helping you. American salespeople could learn a thing or twelve.
Japan has the best service in the world. It isn't even a contest. It doesn't matter where you are--McDonald's, the Ritz, a gas station. People treat you like you're royalty, with their honorifics and 90-degree bows and such. Besides that, they're genuinely interested in helping you. American salespeople could learn a thing or twelve.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
I Love Japan: #22
Kanpai! (かんぱい！！）
This is a custom I really like and wish America would adopt, as it certainly beats the pants off our lame, half-hearted toastings. Kanpai is basically like saying "cheers," but you must wait until everyone's drinks are served. Then, after much anticipation (?) everyone toasts and shouts "Kanpai!" I think I'll be urging people to begin this tradition every happy hour I attend in the States, so be aware.
This is a custom I really like and wish America would adopt, as it certainly beats the pants off our lame, half-hearted toastings. Kanpai is basically like saying "cheers," but you must wait until everyone's drinks are served. Then, after much anticipation (?) everyone toasts and shouts "Kanpai!" I think I'll be urging people to begin this tradition every happy hour I attend in the States, so be aware.
I Love Japan: #23
Sake
I'm actually not that crazy about the stuff, but I still enjoy drinking it, as it's quite the experience. I usually have it served in a double shot glass placed in four inch-by-four inch box, and they pour the sake so that it overflows from the glass and up to the rim of the box. And yes, the expect you to drink it all. Kanpai!
I'm actually not that crazy about the stuff, but I still enjoy drinking it, as it's quite the experience. I usually have it served in a double shot glass placed in four inch-by-four inch box, and they pour the sake so that it overflows from the glass and up to the rim of the box. And yes, the expect you to drink it all. Kanpai!
I Love Japan: #24
Hyaku yen shops! （１００円ショップ）
Japan's version of the dollar store, but way better. You can seriously buy anything, such as:
- Frying pans
- Bed linens
- Kanji flashcards
- Bubble guns
- Roach poison
- Chocolate
- Pants
- Plastic lassos
- And more!
Japan's version of the dollar store, but way better. You can seriously buy anything, such as:
- Frying pans
- Bed linens
- Kanji flashcards
- Bubble guns
- Roach poison
- Chocolate
- Pants
- Plastic lassos
- And more!
I Love Japan: #25
Nomihoudai
Meaning "all-you-can-drink," the might nomihoudai is, as you can imagine, one of the best parts about living in Japan. Usually, you pay around 4000 yen (40 USD) for two hours and you pound down as many as possible. If this doesn't get your reserved J-colleagues to open up to you, then nothing will. (Just be prepared to be ignored again the next day at work as though nothing happened.)
Meaning "all-you-can-drink," the might nomihoudai is, as you can imagine, one of the best parts about living in Japan. Usually, you pay around 4000 yen (40 USD) for two hours and you pound down as many as possible. If this doesn't get your reserved J-colleagues to open up to you, then nothing will. (Just be prepared to be ignored again the next day at work as though nothing happened.)
I Love Japan: #26
Takoyaki （たこやき）
These delicious morsels are balls of batter and octopus. It's like a creamier hush puppy--or, for you Bloomington people, imagine those blarney ball things from the Irish Lion, but with a chewy bit in the center. Tako (meaning octopus) yaki (meaning fried) are very popular street food in Japan.
These delicious morsels are balls of batter and octopus. It's like a creamier hush puppy--or, for you Bloomington people, imagine those blarney ball things from the Irish Lion, but with a chewy bit in the center. Tako (meaning octopus) yaki (meaning fried) are very popular street food in Japan.
I Love Japan: #27
Peace and quiet
I used to be weirded out by the uber polite Japanese people and the silence that comes with them on public transportation, restaurants and virtually everywhere else. But after spending a few days in Korea, I've come to really appreciate it. I think the Japanese save their rowdiness for drinking parties, after they get smashed on beer (all two of them).
I used to be weirded out by the uber polite Japanese people and the silence that comes with them on public transportation, restaurants and virtually everywhere else. But after spending a few days in Korea, I've come to really appreciate it. I think the Japanese save their rowdiness for drinking parties, after they get smashed on beer (all two of them).
I Love Japan: #28
Pimp Internet cafes
I'm in Tokyo right now, and while the fare is quite steep (four bucks an hour), I have to say, this net cafe is the most plush one I've ever surfed Digg in. You get your own private cubicle, complete with a sliding door to cover any suspect net activity, as well as a padded reclining chair and ottoman. Maybe I'll check out one in Shibuya tomorrow. I'd be expecting smoothie machines and palm fon-waving Playmates.
I'm in Tokyo right now, and while the fare is quite steep (four bucks an hour), I have to say, this net cafe is the most plush one I've ever surfed Digg in. You get your own private cubicle, complete with a sliding door to cover any suspect net activity, as well as a padded reclining chair and ottoman. Maybe I'll check out one in Shibuya tomorrow. I'd be expecting smoothie machines and palm fon-waving Playmates.
I Love Japan: #29
Little old ladies who clean the public men's restrooms while you pee
Taking a leak took an unexpected turn last summer. I was unzipping my fly when, suddenly, an elderly, petite, kerchief-wearing female custodian sidled over and began cleaning the adjacent urinal.
It was a little uncomfortable at first--relieving myself in front a very female and a very proximate audience--but now, I don't really mind. What's the big fuss over privacy while peeing anyway, and why do we have to separate the genders while doing so? Everyone's gotta do what they gotta do.
Taking a leak took an unexpected turn last summer. I was unzipping my fly when, suddenly, an elderly, petite, kerchief-wearing female custodian sidled over and began cleaning the adjacent urinal.
It was a little uncomfortable at first--relieving myself in front a very female and a very proximate audience--but now, I don't really mind. What's the big fuss over privacy while peeing anyway, and why do we have to separate the genders while doing so? Everyone's gotta do what they gotta do.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I Love Japan: #30
Shrimp in a chili sauce
Although this is actually a Chinese food, this dish is incredibly popular here and can be found at almost all grocery stores. Another Chinese food that is quite common here--ramen. Maybe you've heard of it?
Although this is actually a Chinese food, this dish is incredibly popular here and can be found at almost all grocery stores. Another Chinese food that is quite common here--ramen. Maybe you've heard of it?
I Love Japan: #31
Chigau! ちがう！
This handy word means both "different" and "incorrect." But to say someone's faulty assumptions, for example, are "different" is a much gentler way of pulling their head out of their ass. 2+2=5 isn't wrong, it's different! Chigau! We're all about preserving self-esteem here in Japan. No participation trophies here, though. Damn Generation Y.
This handy word means both "different" and "incorrect." But to say someone's faulty assumptions, for example, are "different" is a much gentler way of pulling their head out of their ass. 2+2=5 isn't wrong, it's different! Chigau! We're all about preserving self-esteem here in Japan. No participation trophies here, though. Damn Generation Y.
I Love Japan: #32
Cranes
There's a small river next to my school, and sometimes on my walk to the grocery store for lunch, I find a couple of these guys wading in the water. Then they take flight and soar above the cherry blossom trees that line the street. Tres japonais, n'est pas?
There's a small river next to my school, and sometimes on my walk to the grocery store for lunch, I find a couple of these guys wading in the water. Then they take flight and soar above the cherry blossom trees that line the street. Tres japonais, n'est pas?
I Love Japan: #33
Shoji sliding doors
I think the only door handles I touch around here are ones for bathrooms. Even the classroom doors at school are variations of shoji. Mine are kind of (really) old, so they sometimes get stuck when I try sliding them open. O, woe is me!
I think the only door handles I touch around here are ones for bathrooms. Even the classroom doors at school are variations of shoji. Mine are kind of (really) old, so they sometimes get stuck when I try sliding them open. O, woe is me!
I Love Japan: #34
Melon-pan （メロンパン）
This is usually what I have for breakfast around here. It's a popular, cheap snack for Japanese kids, and its name literally means "melon bread" ("pan" being a borrowed word from French, "pain"). While not tasting exactly like melon, per se, this sugar-coasted baked treat provides a super sweet, vaguely fruity flavor. Sometimes they have chocolate chips.
This is usually what I have for breakfast around here. It's a popular, cheap snack for Japanese kids, and its name literally means "melon bread" ("pan" being a borrowed word from French, "pain"). While not tasting exactly like melon, per se, this sugar-coasted baked treat provides a super sweet, vaguely fruity flavor. Sometimes they have chocolate chips.
I Love Japan: #35
Curry（カレー）
As a rule, I love any food that makes my nose run, so naturally, I tend to gravitate towards spicier foods like curry. And while the Japanese take on it isn't as hot as its Indian counterpart, it's still delicious and sweet, and can come in a variety of forms (e.g., as a doughnut filling).
As a rule, I love any food that makes my nose run, so naturally, I tend to gravitate towards spicier foods like curry. And while the Japanese take on it isn't as hot as its Indian counterpart, it's still delicious and sweet, and can come in a variety of forms (e.g., as a doughnut filling).
Friday, July 17, 2009
I Love Japan: #36
Morning meetings
At high schools across Japan, the daily morning meeting starts promptly at 8:20. This is when all the teachers stand up and say "Ohayou gozaimasu!" ("Good morning!") and share announcements with each other. I have no idea what's going on 99% of the time, and rely on one of my JTEs to pull me out of the dark.
Immediately following the main meeting are three separate meetings that all happen in the same room in between the three grade levels. For example, all the teachers of first years start talking, etc. It can be quite chaotic. I tune out and eating my melon bread.
At high schools across Japan, the daily morning meeting starts promptly at 8:20. This is when all the teachers stand up and say "Ohayou gozaimasu!" ("Good morning!") and share announcements with each other. I have no idea what's going on 99% of the time, and rely on one of my JTEs to pull me out of the dark.
Immediately following the main meeting are three separate meetings that all happen in the same room in between the three grade levels. For example, all the teachers of first years start talking, etc. It can be quite chaotic. I tune out and eating my melon bread.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I Love Japan: #37
Uchiwa
These traditional fans are common around here, especially around this time of year. Also expect to get handed some cheap plastic ones advertising cell phone services as you walk the streets of Akihabara.
These traditional fans are common around here, especially around this time of year. Also expect to get handed some cheap plastic ones advertising cell phone services as you walk the streets of Akihabara.
Friday, July 3, 2009
I Love Japan: #38
Rice balls （おにぎり）
O-nigiri, or rice balls, are also really common here. And also really delicious. Basically a handful of rice wrapped and seaweed and stuffed with fish, ume or anything else, they cost a buck a pop, and are supposed to be pretty low on calories. Yum.
O-nigiri, or rice balls, are also really common here. And also really delicious. Basically a handful of rice wrapped and seaweed and stuffed with fish, ume or anything else, they cost a buck a pop, and are supposed to be pretty low on calories. Yum.
I Love Japan: #39
Umbrellas （傘）
It's the rainy season here in Japan, so Japan's ubiquity of umbrellas is something I've really come to appreciate.
At most convenience stores (which are extremely common themselves--as in, four on every block), five-dollar, clear, plastic umbrellas are sold. I've had two get gutted in the wind, though, so you're paying for the availability and not the quality. But I guess that's the case with anything sold at convenience stores.
It's the rainy season here in Japan, so Japan's ubiquity of umbrellas is something I've really come to appreciate.
At most convenience stores (which are extremely common themselves--as in, four on every block), five-dollar, clear, plastic umbrellas are sold. I've had two get gutted in the wind, though, so you're paying for the availability and not the quality. But I guess that's the case with anything sold at convenience stores.
I Love Japan: #40
Pucca （プッカ）
Pucca is one of my favorite Japanese sweets. They're fish-shaped crackers filled with a soft chocolate filling. They also come in flavors like almond and "banana choco." Gotta be honest though, Petridge Farms still holds the place in my heart for fish-shaped foodstuffs.
Pucca is one of my favorite Japanese sweets. They're fish-shaped crackers filled with a soft chocolate filling. They also come in flavors like almond and "banana choco." Gotta be honest though, Petridge Farms still holds the place in my heart for fish-shaped foodstuffs.
I Love Japan: #41
People backing into parking spaces
It's just what people do here. I dunno what they're teaching kids in Japanese driver's ed, but it obviously doesn't include teaching them the joy of the pull-through. People don't pull through an empty space into the space across from it, allowing for an easy exit, as most Americans do. No, Japanese people insist on backing into every space they find. Some city parking lots even require you to back into the space, or else the timer won't be activated. Needless to say, I maintain my Western ways in this area. Anyone who's seen my parking jobs knows that this can be an area of struggle for me.
It's just what people do here. I dunno what they're teaching kids in Japanese driver's ed, but it obviously doesn't include teaching them the joy of the pull-through. People don't pull through an empty space into the space across from it, allowing for an easy exit, as most Americans do. No, Japanese people insist on backing into every space they find. Some city parking lots even require you to back into the space, or else the timer won't be activated. Needless to say, I maintain my Western ways in this area. Anyone who's seen my parking jobs knows that this can be an area of struggle for me.
I Love Japan: #42
Taiko （太鼓）
Sometimes I hear the distinct rumbling of the taiko echoing from down the street. The traditional drum is played a lot at school events or festivals. In other words, 95% of all events in Japan.
Sometimes I hear the distinct rumbling of the taiko echoing from down the street. The traditional drum is played a lot at school events or festivals. In other words, 95% of all events in Japan.
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