Multiple Layer Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a Japanese culture food which consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. It is often served with a side of white rice and shredded cabbage. However, the restaurant, Kimukatsu, does not just serve a tonkatsu you can find just anywhere. Within a size of a normal Tonkatsu, Kimukatsu’s tonkatsu has 25 layers of thinly sliced pork stacked on top of each other.
Because of the 25 layers of pork, the tonkatsu may appear to be thick and hard to digest. However, it is quite the contrary. This tonkatsu is light and soft. In fact, what makes Kimukatsu’s tonkatsu more special is that there are a variety of flavored tonkatsu that you can choose. In all there are seven different flavors: plain, garlic, black pepper, cheese, long green onion (negi shio), Japanese apricot (yuzu cosho), yuzu & red pepper (yuzu kosho). Kimukatsu is able to make these flavored tonkatsus by putting the flavors in between the 25 layers of pork inside the tonkatsu.
From my experience, ordering the tonkatsu of your choice may take a while. But, the wait is always worth it. Being able to get a taste of the tender, crunchy, and rich Kimukatsu tonkatsu only expands my hunger for more. This original dish from Kimukatsu has even spread overseas. I guess in a sense, a small yet wonderful piece of Japan has been exported. I am happy that this culinary dish has gone beyond the gates of Japan because a new taste of Japan is shared with the world. Shops have opened in all over Japan, in Korea, Waikiki, Los Angeles, and Phillipines. If you’re hungry for a juicy, delightful piece of Japan, I assure you that Kimukatsu is the place to satisfy your craving.
-A.A.
Because of the 25 layers of pork, the tonkatsu may appear to be thick and hard to digest. However, it is quite the contrary. This tonkatsu is light and soft. In fact, what makes Kimukatsu’s tonkatsu more special is that there are a variety of flavored tonkatsu that you can choose. In all there are seven different flavors: plain, garlic, black pepper, cheese, long green onion (negi shio), Japanese apricot (yuzu cosho), yuzu & red pepper (yuzu kosho). Kimukatsu is able to make these flavored tonkatsus by putting the flavors in between the 25 layers of pork inside the tonkatsu.
From my experience, ordering the tonkatsu of your choice may take a while. But, the wait is always worth it. Being able to get a taste of the tender, crunchy, and rich Kimukatsu tonkatsu only expands my hunger for more. This original dish from Kimukatsu has even spread overseas. I guess in a sense, a small yet wonderful piece of Japan has been exported. I am happy that this culinary dish has gone beyond the gates of Japan because a new taste of Japan is shared with the world. Shops have opened in all over Japan, in Korea, Waikiki, Los Angeles, and Phillipines. If you’re hungry for a juicy, delightful piece of Japan, I assure you that Kimukatsu is the place to satisfy your craving.
-A.A.
Aisatsu
Every culture has a unique form of greeting one another and Japanese culture is no exception. In fact, greeting in Japan is such an elaborate part of the culture, it is necessary to know some of these greetings if you want to get around Japan.
While different prefectures have different ways of greeting—Kyoto for example uses Oyakamassan when saying goodbye and thank you for your time—I will be focusing on the greetings people in Tokyo use (and most of Japan). The greetings people in Japan use are called Aisatsu. Within Aisatsu, there is a said greeting for nearly everything. For example, when people come back home at the end of a workday/school day or come to a place where they are physically very attached to and comfortable with (i.e. not a workplace) they will often say Tadaima in order to indicate that they have arrived. Once hearing this Tadaima, somebody else from this location will respond with an Okaerinasai, which means welcome back. Another important example is before or after eating, the Japanese always say Itadakimasu and Gochisousama respectively. There are greetings such as good morning, Ohayogozaimasu, good afternoon/evening Konbanwa, as well as hello Konichiwa that are typically used when meeting and talking to people. Another common greeting, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu can be used in many ways: it is nice to meet you, I am counting on you and I appreciate your help and kindness.
These Japanese greetings have instilled a culture that is quite polite into the Japanese population. As these greetings are expected to know and be used by the time a Japanese child is three (when they enter Japanese Kindergarten) it is unlikely you could go by a conversation in Japan without using one of these greetings. Japan’s culture of greeting and Aisatsu is one of the most important things about the country and Japan would be a very different Japan without them.
- M.P.
While different prefectures have different ways of greeting—Kyoto for example uses Oyakamassan when saying goodbye and thank you for your time—I will be focusing on the greetings people in Tokyo use (and most of Japan). The greetings people in Japan use are called Aisatsu. Within Aisatsu, there is a said greeting for nearly everything. For example, when people come back home at the end of a workday/school day or come to a place where they are physically very attached to and comfortable with (i.e. not a workplace) they will often say Tadaima in order to indicate that they have arrived. Once hearing this Tadaima, somebody else from this location will respond with an Okaerinasai, which means welcome back. Another important example is before or after eating, the Japanese always say Itadakimasu and Gochisousama respectively. There are greetings such as good morning, Ohayogozaimasu, good afternoon/evening Konbanwa, as well as hello Konichiwa that are typically used when meeting and talking to people. Another common greeting, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu can be used in many ways: it is nice to meet you, I am counting on you and I appreciate your help and kindness.
These Japanese greetings have instilled a culture that is quite polite into the Japanese population. As these greetings are expected to know and be used by the time a Japanese child is three (when they enter Japanese Kindergarten) it is unlikely you could go by a conversation in Japan without using one of these greetings. Japan’s culture of greeting and Aisatsu is one of the most important things about the country and Japan would be a very different Japan without them.
- M.P.
Better than Home Depot? Yes. Better than Target or Walmart? Sure thing. The place is called Tokyu Hands and can be found all around Tokyo. However, the main and largest store can be found in the Shibuya district. There is hardly anything that cannot be bought at this famous shop; here is the “short” list of products that Wikipedia gives: toys, games, novelty items, gift cards, gift wrap, costumes, bicycles, travel products (such as luggage and camping gear), hobby materials, household hardware, tools, do-it-yourself kits, pet supplies, office supplies and stationery; calligraphy, painting, drawing supplies, furniture, lighting, home appliances, and storage solutions. Genuinely speaking, it is hard not to find what you are looking for at this place.
Tokyu Hands skillfully accommodates foreign customers who may have a hard time choosing from the wide variety of products. Some of the items in the store are labeled with “MADE IN JAPAN” signs that guarantee the quality of the product. Furthermore, the store keeps customers excited. Each floor of Tokyu Hands exhibits its own atmosphere: one floor may sell craftwork-related products while another floor may display the newest home appliances.
FH: The kids’ sections has always been the place of excitement for me. With all sorts of toys and gadgets, I feel like I’m a little boy who is adventurous and curious to explore what’s new.
BF: I have personally been to Tokyu Hands for school science projects. This is the only place where one can buy CDs, balloons, clay molds, and wood all in the same location. Tokyu Hands is dedicated to entertain and provide for customers.
- F.H. and B.F.
Tokyu Hands skillfully accommodates foreign customers who may have a hard time choosing from the wide variety of products. Some of the items in the store are labeled with “MADE IN JAPAN” signs that guarantee the quality of the product. Furthermore, the store keeps customers excited. Each floor of Tokyu Hands exhibits its own atmosphere: one floor may sell craftwork-related products while another floor may display the newest home appliances.
FH: The kids’ sections has always been the place of excitement for me. With all sorts of toys and gadgets, I feel like I’m a little boy who is adventurous and curious to explore what’s new.
BF: I have personally been to Tokyu Hands for school science projects. This is the only place where one can buy CDs, balloons, clay molds, and wood all in the same location. Tokyu Hands is dedicated to entertain and provide for customers.
- F.H. and B.F.
Pokémon Go Craze
The iPhone app “Pokémon Go” is no less of a craze in Japan than in the U.S and has taken over the lives of people from all age groups.
Since Nintendo released “Pokémon Go” two weeks after the U.S in Japan, the Japanese are far behind many Americans who have had the game since it was released early-July. However, some Japanese have come up with innovative ideas to deal with this problem. One of the main objectives of the virtual reality game is to walk around and find Pokémon while collecting items from Poke stops and battling at gyms. As the player ambles along, he or she may collect Pokémon eggs that open based on the distance the player travels; this is where the Japanese have come up with ways to cheat. Some Japanese put their iPhones on top of toy trains, while others place their iPhones on record players to get the distance they need—the methods are posted all across the Japanese “Pokémon Go” Twitter. It’s worth checking out to get a good laugh. One of the great aspects about this game for the Japanese people is that it forces people to get out of their houses and exercise. In Japan, there many elderly, and people known as hikikomori—people who don’t leave their homes, so this game has encouraged these people to explore outside. Pokémon Go has created an incentive to exercise and stay active from day to day. One of the disadvantages of the game is that it has fostered a spate of traffic accidents. Some people have had car crashes while simultaneously playing Pokémon Go and driving and others have experienced theft while focusing on the game. Recently, thousands of people blocked the streets in Odaiba after there were reports of a rare Pokémon being spotted on Twitter. Catch them all, but be safe! - B.F. |
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The Anomaly in Tokyo
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In the metropolitan center of Tokyo there lies an anomaly: a fish market also known as Tsukiji. What makes this place so exotic? Maybe it's the daily 2-5 a.m. auctions: maybe it’s the exotic trucks that the bidders drive up and down the road; maybe it’s the fishy atmosphere in general. Whatever it is, the Tsukiji fish market is indeed a unique side of Tokyo that is worth a visit.
Every morning there are bids known in Japan as “seri” where the fish market holds auctions for freshly caught fish such as the highly prized blue fin tuna. Seeing the auctions for the first time even for a Japanese may be surprising. When the attendants in blue begin to ring a loud bell, the bidding begins. For an outsider, the bidding may seem chaotic with unrecognizable Japanese fisherman jargon and the weird hand gestures that bidders use to signal their bid.
How do bidders know which fish to choose? There are three methods in which the quality of the fish can be determined. 1: The location at which the fish was found—fish coming from waters near Ireland tend to have the richest quality of meat. 2: The color, texture, and ratio of meat to fat. 3: The taste — using rods with hooks at the end, the bidders are permitted to take small samples from the tail end of the fish.
There’s a lot ore to see at the market and the atmosphere of the congested fish market is inexplicable, but is definitely worth going as part of a tour. Unfortunately, the 40 year-old fish market will be moving from Tsukiji to Odaiba within the next year, so visit the old market before it moves!
B.F.
Every morning there are bids known in Japan as “seri” where the fish market holds auctions for freshly caught fish such as the highly prized blue fin tuna. Seeing the auctions for the first time even for a Japanese may be surprising. When the attendants in blue begin to ring a loud bell, the bidding begins. For an outsider, the bidding may seem chaotic with unrecognizable Japanese fisherman jargon and the weird hand gestures that bidders use to signal their bid.
How do bidders know which fish to choose? There are three methods in which the quality of the fish can be determined. 1: The location at which the fish was found—fish coming from waters near Ireland tend to have the richest quality of meat. 2: The color, texture, and ratio of meat to fat. 3: The taste — using rods with hooks at the end, the bidders are permitted to take small samples from the tail end of the fish.
There’s a lot ore to see at the market and the atmosphere of the congested fish market is inexplicable, but is definitely worth going as part of a tour. Unfortunately, the 40 year-old fish market will be moving from Tsukiji to Odaiba within the next year, so visit the old market before it moves!
B.F.
Hay Fever
Summer is approaching Tokyo. While some dread the upcoming heat, others celebrate the end of the spring allergy season. In Tokyo and other parts of Japan, one of the major concerns during the spring is hay fever, known as “kafunsho.” Currently, approximately 20% of the Japanese population suffers from this allergy.
Hay fever in Japan is caused by pollen from the sugi and hinoki trees. In the city area, sugi pollen is especially active during mid-February to late April, while the hinoki pollen is active during early April to mid-May. The symptoms are often very severe. They include: runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry mouth. I also have pollen allergies, and if I don’t take medicine during the allergy season, I can’t breath through my nose and my eyes are glued shut in the mornings when I wake up. I am not a doctor and I would recommend seeing your doctor before taking medication, but here is my advice in surviving the allergy season.
From my experience, medicine is the most effective treatment. Although I’ve tried a variety of allergy medication, the best one for me is Allegra. Although I don’t necessarily feel completely allergy-free, Allegra helps reduce symptoms substantially. Allegra can be purchased at some drug stores or prescribed by a doctor. My next advice is buying allergy gear. This includes masks, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Drug stores also sell masks and eyeglasses specifically created to prevent pollen from entering. This year, I discovered a new facial spray called IHADA that blocks pollen. Lastly, for very severe symptoms, nasal laser surgery could be an option. Although I haven’t tried it before, my mom and I were close to doing it. Of course, this option requires advice from your doctor. We were told, however, that the laser treatment should be done before the actual allergy season.
So before the allergy season begins, prepare yourself! For now, enjoy the upcoming summer weather.
M.S.
Hay fever in Japan is caused by pollen from the sugi and hinoki trees. In the city area, sugi pollen is especially active during mid-February to late April, while the hinoki pollen is active during early April to mid-May. The symptoms are often very severe. They include: runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry mouth. I also have pollen allergies, and if I don’t take medicine during the allergy season, I can’t breath through my nose and my eyes are glued shut in the mornings when I wake up. I am not a doctor and I would recommend seeing your doctor before taking medication, but here is my advice in surviving the allergy season.
From my experience, medicine is the most effective treatment. Although I’ve tried a variety of allergy medication, the best one for me is Allegra. Although I don’t necessarily feel completely allergy-free, Allegra helps reduce symptoms substantially. Allegra can be purchased at some drug stores or prescribed by a doctor. My next advice is buying allergy gear. This includes masks, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Drug stores also sell masks and eyeglasses specifically created to prevent pollen from entering. This year, I discovered a new facial spray called IHADA that blocks pollen. Lastly, for very severe symptoms, nasal laser surgery could be an option. Although I haven’t tried it before, my mom and I were close to doing it. Of course, this option requires advice from your doctor. We were told, however, that the laser treatment should be done before the actual allergy season.
So before the allergy season begins, prepare yourself! For now, enjoy the upcoming summer weather.
M.S.
Toshikoshi Soba
On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of Japanese line-up for the annual toshikoshi soba and celebrate the hardships of the year, health, and longevity. Soba, made of buckwheat flour, is seen in various settings has a large number of dishes that it can offer.
Soba has an omnipresent presence in Japan; it can be found in the most casual places as well as in extravagant, top-quality restaurants. Soba be found at train stations and local convenient stores and are usually cheap – typically from 400 to 1000 yen. At the convenient stores, the soba are packed into plastic packages along with tsuyu (soba sauce), wasabi, and other food enrichments depending on the type of soba one has ordered. Train stations often consist of at least one-noodle stalls. Busy businessmen who need something quick and good to eat frequently visit these train soba stores; however, others who just need a mid-afternoon snack between their long journeys also enjoy these stalls. There are five main dishes that should be on the list of every soba store. The first one is the most basic dish called the Mori/Zaru Soba – this dish consists of soba on a plate along with the dipping sauce of tsuyu on the side; Kake Soba is just the hot version of the Mori/Zaru Soba – this dish is a served in a bowl of hot, diluted soup of tsuyu; Kitsune soba's most notable component is the aburaage, a thin piece of sweet fried tofu, on top of the soba noodles; Tanuki Soba uses the leftover crunchy crumbs of tempura and puts it on top of the soba noodles. The last dish is a personal favorite. This dish is called the Tempura Soba. Tempura is a style of cooking where typically seafood or vegetables are deep fried in batter, making the outer edges very crispy. The tempura often consists of five pieces, which include the following: shrimp, eggplant, boneless fish, pumpkin, and green pepper. Japanese value highly nutritious and balanced meals to remain “kenko” or healthy. During the Tokugawa period, for example, the wealthy classes living in Edo (Tokyo) were susceptible to beriberi, a disease that impedes the bodily functions of the organs, but were saved by thymine-rich soba that prevented this from happening. Even today, soba still provides the Japanese people with a healthy, satisfying meal to eat during the hot summers and cold winters. During the months of summer, Japanese love to eat cold soba to help cool their bodies from the intense rays of sunlight; however, in the short days of winter, Japanese cherish the heart-warming soup with the tasty, nutritious buckwheat noodles. B.F. |
Exploring Tokyo's Exhibits
As one of the largest cities on the planet, Tokyo is a great place for museum-goers to explore a wide range of topics. Whether it's scientific, historical, or cultural, the museums of Tokyo have a variety of artifacts and knowledge for those interested. In addition to their own collection, each year Tokyo attracts a large collection of temporary exhibits from museums worldwide, and range from fossil records of dinosaur extinction to ancient civilizations.
Those who were in in Tokyo last summer, for example, had the opportunity to visit an exhibit that presented evidence of evolution of life on Earth. The exhibit included concept art, fossil records, and more, and explained every known step, such as the first vertebrate species, skulls of pre-human species, and the predator-prey relationship of life that continued for millions of years.
For those interested, another exhibit, one on ancient Egypt, is open today. This exhibit explains what life in this civilization was like, including female rights and religious ceremonies. It also includes artifacts such as a coffin and a gold-plated mask. This exhibit continues until the 27th of March and can be seen in Roppongi Hills.
Out of the many, there are two recommended locations in Tokyo for museum-goers. The first is Roppongi Hills, as mentioned above. Although the idea of having a museum exhibit in an office building may seem a bit unusual, the building provides a wide range of exhibits such as the ancient Egypt exhibit or one on the origins of the original Star Wars movie, the latter a previous exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the building when they are done. The second location is the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno. This museum is mostly science-oriented and additionally has its own museum, which is definitely worth visiting. A distinctive feature of this museum is the Locomotive at its front gate.
Overall, the museums that one can find in Tokyo are enough to satisfy history-lovers, science-enthusiasts, and just about anyone else. For those interested, the museums of Tokyo are worth a look.
D.F.
The exhibit on the ancient Egyptian civilization is open until March 27th at the main Roppongi Hills building.
Those who were in in Tokyo last summer, for example, had the opportunity to visit an exhibit that presented evidence of evolution of life on Earth. The exhibit included concept art, fossil records, and more, and explained every known step, such as the first vertebrate species, skulls of pre-human species, and the predator-prey relationship of life that continued for millions of years.
For those interested, another exhibit, one on ancient Egypt, is open today. This exhibit explains what life in this civilization was like, including female rights and religious ceremonies. It also includes artifacts such as a coffin and a gold-plated mask. This exhibit continues until the 27th of March and can be seen in Roppongi Hills.
Out of the many, there are two recommended locations in Tokyo for museum-goers. The first is Roppongi Hills, as mentioned above. Although the idea of having a museum exhibit in an office building may seem a bit unusual, the building provides a wide range of exhibits such as the ancient Egypt exhibit or one on the origins of the original Star Wars movie, the latter a previous exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the building when they are done. The second location is the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno. This museum is mostly science-oriented and additionally has its own museum, which is definitely worth visiting. A distinctive feature of this museum is the Locomotive at its front gate.
Overall, the museums that one can find in Tokyo are enough to satisfy history-lovers, science-enthusiasts, and just about anyone else. For those interested, the museums of Tokyo are worth a look.
D.F.
The exhibit on the ancient Egyptian civilization is open until March 27th at the main Roppongi Hills building.
The Wrong Signs
When you first visit Japan, you’ll notice the widespread use of Engrish, or incorrectly used English. Such examples include simple spelling mistakes, such as “restaurnt” instead of “restaurant”, and slight grammar errors, such as “curry of child” instead of “kid’s curry.” Sometimes these Engrish mistakes could even become incomprehensible, such as the sign I saw the other day that read: “I cannot change it into it.” After reading the Japanese, I reasoned that the store meant to say: “We do not exchange money.”
Initially, these mistakes seem rather funny. But after living in Tokyo for nine years and seeing these mistakes everywhere I go, I’ve begun to gain a greater interest in the English education in Japan. One way Japan is trying to combat the lack of English fluency is through private language schools called Eikaiwa (英会話). Eikaiwa consists of the kanji for English (英) and conversation (会話), so it directly translates to “English conversation school”. Many parents send their children to Eikaiwa schools to improve their English levels and complement their school studies. However, students can range from toddlers to the elderly, and some Japanese people attend for other reasons, such as to improve their business skills, or simply as a hobby. There are many types of Eikaiwa in Japan, including both big chains, such as ECC and Aeon, to smaller-scale conversation schools. Last year, I decided to start my own Eikaiwa with my one of my friends at our local community center. Although we are not professional educators, our lessons are free and have attracted over thirty students. Our students, who are mostly elderly, actively participate, and one woman even decided to use her new knowledge to become a tour guide for foreigners in Tokyo. It has been a wonderful experience to teach English, and it is inspirational to see how motivated the students are. As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approaches, English fluency continues to be important, and I hope to see improvements in the Japanese English education system. - M.S. |
Manga Vs. American Comic Books
How is Japanese manga different from the classic American comics such as Captain Underpants or Marvel? Why are One Piece, Naruto, and Doraimon, translated and read in more than 90 countries throughout the world?
Manga are written as a long continuous story by a single author, while multiple authors who finish a single story within one book write American comics. By having a single author write the series, the author can work on the manga passionately, which usually results in creating an emotionally profound and intellectual book that is even enjoyed by adults. Everybody knows Spiderman and Superman, but nobody knows who wrote them. Because the company that produce Marvel comics, for example, have individual roles for people who come up with the idea of the story, write the story and draw the pictures, the comics tend to be simple and profit-based. In addition to a single author, manga have no limits to how many pages the story needs to be finished in. Therefore, the protagonist's emotional feelings can be portrayed through several pages instead of a single box on a page, allowing the content of the book to go deeper and deeper. Whereas, American comics are usually limited to a specific number of pages, which restricts the amount of detail and thought that could be put in the comic. Unlike comics in other countries, the manga genre is also variegated. There are manga from medical to cooking; history to sports; everyday life of a businessman to the struggles at school; to even ninjas, which captures a wide range of audiences who can really connect with the adversaries the characters face, and sometimes even learn more about the topic such as politics in an exciting way. There are comics that are just for comedy or just action-packed, but manga contain Japanese cultural values as well as profound/heart-warming motifs/themes that are manifested throughout the novel. The protagonists in manga are also shown to have many flaws and are led toward success through the help of their friendships and community. Manga allows us to take an introspective outlook on our lives and reflect/connect with the characters. Because manga content tends to be sophisticated - such as including Japanese religious stories of Shinto or Buddhism into the manga content - many adults read it. But the fun also lies within the animation itself. The cool expressions and extreme details of the characters' face on just a single picture make you stare in awe. It's almost like reading a movie that never gets boring. - B.F |
Summer 'Omatsuri' Festivals
Exploring the rowdy streets during an ‘omatsuri’ – Japanese festival, one can experience the iconic Japanese festivity of celebration and enjoyment. Although these festivals were initially rooted within those of China’s, through the assimilation into the Japanese culture, the festivals have undergone great changes in their meanings of celebration. ‘Matsuri’ are usually held in shrines; however, over the years the definitions of festivals have changed over time to adjust to local customs. Although new forms of Matsuri have begun to develop, the classic forms of Omatsuri are still very popular today with many activities to offer including gold fish scooping and firework shows.
Among the dozens of concession tents that can be found in the streets of festivity, one can enjoy the thrilling Japanese pop culture of ‘Kingyo sukui’ or goldfish scooping. The guidelines for this game are simple: each person receives a Poi – a scooper in the shape of a magnifying glass with very delicate ‘washi’ paper in the middle for scooping – and tries to catch as many goldfish with the Poi until the ‘washi’ paper is completely torn apart. Although this game may seem to be easy, it is actually quite the contrary. Many people fail to even catch one goldfish! This game has been a part of our [Japanese] childhood memories.
Every since fireworks were first introduced to Japan, Hanabi (fireworks) became an integral piece of Japanese summer festivals. Japanese fireworks, in particular, are highly valued among the world for their natural beautiful circular shapes that light up the starry-night sky. Firework shows have such an extensive role in Japanese pop culture that regularly held Hanabi Taikai (firework competitions) every year. One unique aspect I love about Japan is that people can buy small fireworks at local convenient stores to celebrate the summer with family and friends.
The activities of Kingyo Sukui and Hanabi are just two of the plethora of Japanese Dento (tradition) that can be experienced during Japanese summer. Of course Japanese value dedication and hard work, but I think the cultural festivities offer the Japanese a period of relaxation from work.
B.F.
Among the dozens of concession tents that can be found in the streets of festivity, one can enjoy the thrilling Japanese pop culture of ‘Kingyo sukui’ or goldfish scooping. The guidelines for this game are simple: each person receives a Poi – a scooper in the shape of a magnifying glass with very delicate ‘washi’ paper in the middle for scooping – and tries to catch as many goldfish with the Poi until the ‘washi’ paper is completely torn apart. Although this game may seem to be easy, it is actually quite the contrary. Many people fail to even catch one goldfish! This game has been a part of our [Japanese] childhood memories.
Every since fireworks were first introduced to Japan, Hanabi (fireworks) became an integral piece of Japanese summer festivals. Japanese fireworks, in particular, are highly valued among the world for their natural beautiful circular shapes that light up the starry-night sky. Firework shows have such an extensive role in Japanese pop culture that regularly held Hanabi Taikai (firework competitions) every year. One unique aspect I love about Japan is that people can buy small fireworks at local convenient stores to celebrate the summer with family and friends.
The activities of Kingyo Sukui and Hanabi are just two of the plethora of Japanese Dento (tradition) that can be experienced during Japanese summer. Of course Japanese value dedication and hard work, but I think the cultural festivities offer the Japanese a period of relaxation from work.
B.F.
Shibuya: Breathing the City Life
Rumored to be the busiest and most animated area in the Tokyo, Shibuya is perceived as the center for the fusion of modern and ancient Japanese culture. If you ever stumble upon the chance of visiting this fantastic place, it is not hard to be awed by the diversity of the lifestyles carried out by the pedestrians and the central characteristics of Japanese history.
One of the most iconic symbol of Shibuya is the statue of Hachiko. The statue was built in memory of the loyal companion of human, Hachiko, who waited in front of Shibuya for its owner for many years after his death. Many years have passed, however, the respect of people never ceased and the loyalty since then have been deeply embedded into the blood of Japanese culture. This obedience and loyalty of Hachiko to his master ties back to the feudalistic relationships between the daimyo and samurai. Samurai would display absolute fidelity by even committing seppuku when their daimyo was defeated or killed in battle. Even today, this behavioral relationship can be seen through the Japanese custom of bowing and gift-giving “osewa”.
Lights emitted by the neon screen flash here and there; people cross the congested intersection and head towards their distinctive destinations, waiting to be prosecuted by the fate and endless restless nights. Shibuya is most well-known for its “scramble crossing”. It makes you feel like you’re breathing the city life - a sort of different experience from that of New York’s. Unlike New York, it’s not a place that never sleeps; however, it’s a place that gathers people from all the districts of Tokyo through the transportation systems. This is evident because if you just stand at the center of the Shibuya crossing, you will see busses, trains, and taxis all over the area.
Shibuya is the place where mainly young people tend to hang out; it’s the place to be because it offers all kinds of activities from watching movies, singing karaoke, eating food, and shopping for clothing. If Tokyo should be visited, this is one place that cannot be missed.
F.H.
One of the most iconic symbol of Shibuya is the statue of Hachiko. The statue was built in memory of the loyal companion of human, Hachiko, who waited in front of Shibuya for its owner for many years after his death. Many years have passed, however, the respect of people never ceased and the loyalty since then have been deeply embedded into the blood of Japanese culture. This obedience and loyalty of Hachiko to his master ties back to the feudalistic relationships between the daimyo and samurai. Samurai would display absolute fidelity by even committing seppuku when their daimyo was defeated or killed in battle. Even today, this behavioral relationship can be seen through the Japanese custom of bowing and gift-giving “osewa”.
Lights emitted by the neon screen flash here and there; people cross the congested intersection and head towards their distinctive destinations, waiting to be prosecuted by the fate and endless restless nights. Shibuya is most well-known for its “scramble crossing”. It makes you feel like you’re breathing the city life - a sort of different experience from that of New York’s. Unlike New York, it’s not a place that never sleeps; however, it’s a place that gathers people from all the districts of Tokyo through the transportation systems. This is evident because if you just stand at the center of the Shibuya crossing, you will see busses, trains, and taxis all over the area.
Shibuya is the place where mainly young people tend to hang out; it’s the place to be because it offers all kinds of activities from watching movies, singing karaoke, eating food, and shopping for clothing. If Tokyo should be visited, this is one place that cannot be missed.
F.H.
What's the Difference between a Yukata and Kimono?
In a simple analogy, kimonos are like tux suits while yukatas are like polo shirts.
I believe the Kimono is the better-known Japanese traditional clothing. Did you know that it used to represent a person’s social status? A person’s status during the feudalistic periods of Japan was determined by the intricacies and color of the kimono. For example, the highly elite women of the feudal ages would have their family crests embedded onto their blue or purple kimonos. One of the reasons kimono became to symbolize class was because of its exorbitant cost and its excessive time to put on.
Surprisingly even during World War ll, kimonos had an extremely significant value. World War ll brought about a famine to the streets of Japan and thus families had to sell their personal belongings in order to attain food from local farmers. Kimonos served a huge part in exchange for food.
Yukata is the more simplistic, cheap, and casual traditional clothing of Japan that was developed over 1000 years ago as a garment for the nobility to wear to and from their baths. Yukata has become the new fashion in Japan. It's super cool and trendy to wear during the summers. I think one great advantage of yukata is that a person can explore his or her own artistic clothing tastes.
Even today, kimonos typically at least cost around $1000 dollars; therefore, kimonos are only worn during special occasions such as weddings. So Instead of going for kimono, I think the yukata would be a better buy.
B.F.
I believe the Kimono is the better-known Japanese traditional clothing. Did you know that it used to represent a person’s social status? A person’s status during the feudalistic periods of Japan was determined by the intricacies and color of the kimono. For example, the highly elite women of the feudal ages would have their family crests embedded onto their blue or purple kimonos. One of the reasons kimono became to symbolize class was because of its exorbitant cost and its excessive time to put on.
Surprisingly even during World War ll, kimonos had an extremely significant value. World War ll brought about a famine to the streets of Japan and thus families had to sell their personal belongings in order to attain food from local farmers. Kimonos served a huge part in exchange for food.
Yukata is the more simplistic, cheap, and casual traditional clothing of Japan that was developed over 1000 years ago as a garment for the nobility to wear to and from their baths. Yukata has become the new fashion in Japan. It's super cool and trendy to wear during the summers. I think one great advantage of yukata is that a person can explore his or her own artistic clothing tastes.
Even today, kimonos typically at least cost around $1000 dollars; therefore, kimonos are only worn during special occasions such as weddings. So Instead of going for kimono, I think the yukata would be a better buy.
B.F.
Nippon Series
Baseball, or yakyu, is considered a passion in Japan. You can understand the strong passion from people of all ages when you are at a Japanese baseball game. Baseball is popular at all levels, from little league to high school and college level to the professionals. I will focus on the professional level of baseball in Japan, which has been around since the 1930s and is still popular today.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Japanese baseball, the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) consists of two leagues, the Central League and the Pacific League, which have six teams in each league. The season ends with a playoff with the best three teams in each league. The teams that ended the season in second and third place from each league face off in a best of 3 series at the second place team’s home field. The winner of that series plays the first place team in a first to 4 wins (or three if you are the first place team, since the first place team has an advantage win) at the home stadium of the first place team. The winner of that series plays in the Japan Series and fight for the championship. There are twelve teams in the NPB, and each team is sponsored by major corporations, such as railway companies, newspaper publishers, food production companies, auto industries, phone companies, and media related companies. Five of those twelve teams play their home games in the Greater Tokyo Area. Each stadium in the Greater Tokyo Area have a unique distinction. You can enjoy a game at Jingu Stadium, the home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, while looking on with the downtown Tokyo skyline behind or towards you, or if you prefer the Yokohama skyline at Yokohama Stadium, home of the Yokohama DeNA Baystars, you can experience that too. You can go to Tokyo Dome, the home of the Yomiuri Giants, and experience a game under the large white dome, known as the “big egg”, and feel so up high in the second deck. QVC Marine Field, home of the Chiba Lotte Marines, is located right next to the Tokyo Bay, and you can feel the gusty winds while watching the game and see the outcome of the game change with the wind blowing so hard (home runs could by flyouts and easy flyouts could be dropped). Seibu Prince Dome, the home of the Saitama Seibu Lions and one of my personal favorite stadiums, is an outdoor ballpark with a roof on top. You may ask yourself, how is that possible? Well the stadium has a big open gap between the roof and the farthest bleachers in the stadium, which lets natural air come into the stadium. This is one of my favorite stadiums because I am a huge fan of watching outdoor baseball games, and I can have that outdoor feeling despite being sheltered by a roof. I also like this stadium because you can go onto the field after the game ends. On most days after games, there are post game events, such as running the bases the professionals run on or receive a ground ball from an ex-Lions or visiting team player! The fan following of these teams are crazy! Fans of these teams are banging artificial plastic baseball bats, singing the batter’s theme songs and the team fight song accompanied by fanatic team oendan (the cheering squad for the teams who blow whistles, bang drums, and play trumpets), and doing other crazy team rituals, like blowing rubber balloons during the seventh inning stretch or twirling towels in the air. If you go to a ballgame, you might be surprised by the number of visiting team fans at the stadium. |
The seats in the stadium are divided between the home team side and the visiting team side, usually the first base/right field part of the stadium are the home team side, and the third base/left field part of the stadium are the visiting team side. In most stadiums, the left field bleachers have a large gathering of visiting team fans. In stadiums in the Greater Tokyo Area, usually the left field bleachers are filled with fans of teams who play their home games in cities far away, like Osaka or Hiroshima.
I am born in Chiba prefecture and raised in Tokyo, and I have respect for the Chiba Lotte Marines and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, but I have been lifelong fan of the Kobe-based Hanshin Tigers, due to my mother’s fixation with the team. Tigers fans are the craziest fans in all of Japanese baseball. They are the most fanatic, blue-collar, and hooligan-like fans in the world, and you can compare Tiger fans to crazy European soccer fans. They love to taunt the opposition and their own players. You can hear the taunts from so many people around the stadium, and some of those taunts maybe mean or humerous. Tigers fans fill up all the seats when they are playing, even when they are on the road. Although the seats are divided into two sides, you may spot Tigers fans on the other side. Tigers fans are known for their extremely strong hate of Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants, the NPB’s most successful and popular team. You can hear Tigers fans constantly chant “kutabare Yomiuri,” which is Japanese for “drop dead Yomiuri.” My mother raised me to hate the Yomiuri Giants, and my hatred for them has gotten a lot stronger as I have gotten older. I try to go to Tigers games whenever I can, and I am always excited to go. This season I went to 14 Tigers games, all in the Greater Tokyo Area, and the Tigers went a dismal 4-10 in the games I attended. This is the fifth straight year where the Tigers lost more games than they won at games I have attended, which gives me the appropriate nickname, “makeotoko” or “the losing guy.” At the ballgames, the crazy Tigers refer to me as “Murton,” due to people thinking that I have a strong resemblance to Matt Murton, an American outfielder on the Tigers. People might find that offensive, but I take that as a compliment because I always have a Murton impression that I am always willing to do! I have been in pictures with fans and I have even signed autographs for a bunch of crazy fans! Although the baseball season has ended, you can wait until late March of 2016 to watch a baseball game. If you are not busy, grab a hotdog or a yakitori (if you want to go Japanese) and catch an old ballgame, Japanese style. K.R. |
Capsule Hotels
What is it like living in a shell? Japan gives that unique experience. Capsule hotels were initially designed to accommodate businessmen who stayed late out during the weekdays. However, these hotels have began to change into a more of an attraction for tourists to stay.
Capsule hotels have traditionally been male targeted because when the men were too drunk or tired to return home, it offered a cheap place to rest. But recently, capsule hotels have become more of a fad or pop culture in Japan, so now there are many capsule hotels that provide rooms for women as well.
Recently I went to a capsule hotel in Tsukiji called First Cabin (third picture). It was great because it's very foreigner friendly because its new and provides extra space for people who are claustrophobic. The First Cabin room system is exactly like an airplane's seat system. The capsule hotel has 2 types of rooms: a business class room and a first class room. It's definitely worth a visit.
Just like conventional hotels, capsule hotels provide many of the common amenities including a toothbrush, pajamas, a television, wireless connection, and bath towels. The hotels often provide their guests with a public bath as part of a way to freshen up from the day’s toils and activities. Capsule rooms surprisingly have more space than you would expect; each one has a luggage-space, lockable closet right next to each bed. Some capsule hotels even have a wake-up person service. Because there are no phones in the rooms, a person from the hotel comes directly to your room to wake you up.
Is privacy a problem? Although the capsule rooms are right next to each other, there are curtains that block all sight into each room. The capsule hotels also provide separate floors for different sexes and require special keys to get to the female floors. First time hearing about them, capsule hotels may seem a a bit congested and possibly unsanitary, but truthfully speaking, Japanese capsule rooms can be roomy and are always kept constantly clean due to their constant inflow of short-term customers. So try it: it's really great!
B.F.
Capsule hotels have traditionally been male targeted because when the men were too drunk or tired to return home, it offered a cheap place to rest. But recently, capsule hotels have become more of a fad or pop culture in Japan, so now there are many capsule hotels that provide rooms for women as well.
Recently I went to a capsule hotel in Tsukiji called First Cabin (third picture). It was great because it's very foreigner friendly because its new and provides extra space for people who are claustrophobic. The First Cabin room system is exactly like an airplane's seat system. The capsule hotel has 2 types of rooms: a business class room and a first class room. It's definitely worth a visit.
Just like conventional hotels, capsule hotels provide many of the common amenities including a toothbrush, pajamas, a television, wireless connection, and bath towels. The hotels often provide their guests with a public bath as part of a way to freshen up from the day’s toils and activities. Capsule rooms surprisingly have more space than you would expect; each one has a luggage-space, lockable closet right next to each bed. Some capsule hotels even have a wake-up person service. Because there are no phones in the rooms, a person from the hotel comes directly to your room to wake you up.
Is privacy a problem? Although the capsule rooms are right next to each other, there are curtains that block all sight into each room. The capsule hotels also provide separate floors for different sexes and require special keys to get to the female floors. First time hearing about them, capsule hotels may seem a a bit congested and possibly unsanitary, but truthfully speaking, Japanese capsule rooms can be roomy and are always kept constantly clean due to their constant inflow of short-term customers. So try it: it's really great!
B.F.
How English Is Tied To Japanese
Looking at the English language, it’s interesting to note that there is a considerable amount of words that come from Japanese. Aside from words with a specified Japan-related usage, such as kimono, haiku, or sushi, the amount of everyday words that originated from Japanese is fascinating.
Take the word tycoon, for example. In its modern day usage, a tycoon refers to a wealthy person with a high amount of power, such as the owner of a successful business. This word, tycoon, originated from the word 大君, with roughly the same pronunciation, and originally referred to Japanese military leaders in the Edo Period. Because military leaders at this time in Japanese history were wealthy and did wield a significant amount of power, this definition has not changed as much. Other well-known examples include the word soy, mainly used for terms such as soybean or soy sauce, and rickshaw, two or three-wheeled manpowered vehicles. The origin of the word soy comes from 醤油, the Japanese word for soy sauce, pronounced “show you”. Rickshaw comes from part of the word 人力車, pronounced “gin ricky shaw” and literally meaning “human-powered car”. The fact that even by looking at a separate language, one can learn about Japan shows the international influence Japan had and continues to have today. As the nation continues to become an influential global power economically and culturally, it’ll be interesting to see what kinds of Japanese-originated words will slip into foreign languages and cultures. D.F. |
Roppongi Hills Doraimon Event
Doraemon here; Doraemon there; Doraemon everywhere! During late summer around July to September, close to one hundred Doraemon statues can be found gathered in the Roppongi Hills area. Doraemon is a famous manga character that has become an icon childhood; during the annually held Doraemon commemoration, thousands of people flock to Roppongi Hills to take pictures.
Why is Doraemon series such a popular manga? What makes Doraemon so lovable?
The series tells a story of Sewashi, a boy who tries to alter his present impoverished life by sending a futuristic robot that would hopefully guide his great-great grandfather, Nobita to become successful. Thus, the plot of the stories is mostly centered on the protagonist Nobita who with the help of Doraemon tries overcomes hardships that obstruct his path to success.
Doraemon is a robot from the future that malfunctioned when he got struck by lightning during the manufacturing process, causing him to lose an important screw for ideal performance. Due to this slight flaw, Doraemon occasionally misguides Nobita in the wrong direction. Unlike the manufactured cat-like robots, Doraemon is an anomaly: blue body with no ears compared to the ideal yellow body with ears. After a mouse gnawed off his ears, Doraemon underwent an extreme depression that led him to drink a potion of ‘sadness’, causing his whole body to change from yellow to blue.
The relationship between Nobita and Doraemon as well as the cool high-tech gadgets Doraemon uses to help Nobita are the two main factors that make this manga series so attractive. Like siblings, Nobita and Doraemon often get into reckless fights about their contrasting views on making the right decisions in life; however, like siblings, they also support and help each other during times of adversity and misfortunes. They cheer each other up when misfortune finds them, but rejoice in times of happiness. One significant example is when his classmates, Jyaiyan and Suneyo, bully Nobita, causing Nobita to run back home and cry about his misfortunes. Nevertheless, Doraemon is always there – a best friend that could be relied on at any time. Typically, Doraemon gives Nobita a cool-weapon to get payback on his friends without really hurting them.
Personally, I think the coolest part about the manga series is the too great to be real futuristic gadgets. The three devices I believe are the most awesome are the konyaku konyaku, takekoputa, and the dokodemo doa. The konyaku konyaku is a food that when eaten, allows the person to speak the language that is suitable to the listeners. So for example if a guy could only speak French, the konyaku konyaku would change the French into English. The takekoputa is a machine that is placed on one’s head, allowing him or her to soar across the sky. Finally the dokodemo doa is a door that takes a person wherever he or she wishes to go. These high-tech stuff are just three of the plethora of gadgets that can be found in the manga series – from a pocket that can store everything to a time blanket that can revert time to make things brand new.
In Roppongi, there are dozens of Doraemon statues with different expressions, posture, and gadgets. If one is here during the summer days of Tokyo, it is an event definitely worth investing one’s time.
B.F.
Why is Doraemon series such a popular manga? What makes Doraemon so lovable?
The series tells a story of Sewashi, a boy who tries to alter his present impoverished life by sending a futuristic robot that would hopefully guide his great-great grandfather, Nobita to become successful. Thus, the plot of the stories is mostly centered on the protagonist Nobita who with the help of Doraemon tries overcomes hardships that obstruct his path to success.
Doraemon is a robot from the future that malfunctioned when he got struck by lightning during the manufacturing process, causing him to lose an important screw for ideal performance. Due to this slight flaw, Doraemon occasionally misguides Nobita in the wrong direction. Unlike the manufactured cat-like robots, Doraemon is an anomaly: blue body with no ears compared to the ideal yellow body with ears. After a mouse gnawed off his ears, Doraemon underwent an extreme depression that led him to drink a potion of ‘sadness’, causing his whole body to change from yellow to blue.
The relationship between Nobita and Doraemon as well as the cool high-tech gadgets Doraemon uses to help Nobita are the two main factors that make this manga series so attractive. Like siblings, Nobita and Doraemon often get into reckless fights about their contrasting views on making the right decisions in life; however, like siblings, they also support and help each other during times of adversity and misfortunes. They cheer each other up when misfortune finds them, but rejoice in times of happiness. One significant example is when his classmates, Jyaiyan and Suneyo, bully Nobita, causing Nobita to run back home and cry about his misfortunes. Nevertheless, Doraemon is always there – a best friend that could be relied on at any time. Typically, Doraemon gives Nobita a cool-weapon to get payback on his friends without really hurting them.
Personally, I think the coolest part about the manga series is the too great to be real futuristic gadgets. The three devices I believe are the most awesome are the konyaku konyaku, takekoputa, and the dokodemo doa. The konyaku konyaku is a food that when eaten, allows the person to speak the language that is suitable to the listeners. So for example if a guy could only speak French, the konyaku konyaku would change the French into English. The takekoputa is a machine that is placed on one’s head, allowing him or her to soar across the sky. Finally the dokodemo doa is a door that takes a person wherever he or she wishes to go. These high-tech stuff are just three of the plethora of gadgets that can be found in the manga series – from a pocket that can store everything to a time blanket that can revert time to make things brand new.
In Roppongi, there are dozens of Doraemon statues with different expressions, posture, and gadgets. If one is here during the summer days of Tokyo, it is an event definitely worth investing one’s time.
B.F.