Big On Manga

Japan is a nation that is huge on Manga and anime - what am I talking about? Manga are actually comic like magazines that are sought after big time not only within Japan - people here in the West collects them too.  Now that manga are in English - even the Westerners who are working in japan buys them or follow their convention really closely.  Manga are not only for the young - but middle age men and women are seen reading them just about everywhere in Japan.  The Manga in Japan are quite explicit and not your friendly comic like Archie - so if you are thinking of getting your children into Manga - just be careful.   Manga is said to billions of dollars industry in Japan.

Road Trip Around Japan

Japan is quite a huge place - although this map does not do it justice - so come this summer - my friend originally from San Francisco will be taking a road trip around Japan with her hubby and new born baby boy.  They had taken a sabbatical in conjunction with having a new baby.  As soon as she told me she was going to drive around Japan - I told her about  rv repair and insurance in case the RV breaks down.  I certainly admire her but stuff like health care, travel insurance or an emergency number for the RV - she didn’t seems to know at all.  Lucky for her - I was able to give her some last minute tip before she heads out for the around Japan trip with the entrie family.

Cherry Blossom Begins

Loved the Cherry blossom season in Japan - I was in Kyoto during the Cherry blossom season in April.  During this season - Japan gets a wee bit warmer and you can see everyone trying to get in a picnic ground in the park.  The young and the old and a few generations together can be seen having a drink and a picnic and taking in the breath-taking cherry blossom.  Stalls are set up to sell food and alcohol - and everyone was extremely happy during those days.  This year - with the Tsunami in Japan - I hope that the Sakura will bring the Japanese some joy and some form of happiness.  Don’t forget to try some of their famous Sakura water and hurry if you want to see those famous cherry blossom because they don’t last long.

Mother’s Day 2011 In Japan

While the rest of the world gives roses to their mothers on Mother’s day - the Japanese gives carnations of all forms - cake, bento boxes and even candied carnations.  So what will be mothers day gifts 2011 for those in Japan - I asked the girlfriend residing in Japan now.  So this was what she said to me -  haha no hi is Mother’s Day in Japanese and she usually gives a red carnation to her mother-in-law and her spouse buys a scarf or a handbag for her.  As for me - i prefer practical gifts like a bracelet or a murano plate - you know something more substantial but flowers is a must of course - how can any mother resist flowers right?  my own mother insist we send roses to her work place during mother’s day - so that she can show off to her co-workers and friends - hahaha!

Looking Forward To Children’s Day Kodomo no hi

Children’s Day in Japan will be on the 5th of May and I’m sure everyone in Japan is looking forward to it - after all the bad news of late in Japan.  Hopefully, besides welcoming Spring  - Children’s day  also meant for a day for praying for good health, wealth and all the good stuff - lets hope it  will bring a little comfort and joy to Japan. The hanging of these carp streamers are a tradition in Japan and a lot of folks will be displaying their samurai dollies and helmets  in their home - children will be having so much fun on this day.  Here I wish Japan and its people a speedy recovery from all that they are going through and world peace and no more disaster.

Living The Green Life In Japan

In Japan most couples and family lives in very small spaces but they managed to live as green as possible and my dear friend who is in Japan was so intrigue by Muji’s new product - she was going to re-do her apartment to be more green.  Now I would love to be in a place looking like that too wouldn’t you?  With my Lecteurs MP3 , I could sit all day in the house and enjoy a good morning or reading a book.  So very simple - yet so livable.  I particularly love the 2 hanging greens - great for a sheltered patio or even the gazebo don’t you think?  As busy as the japanese are - hurried most times - getting from one point to another - they make time to do stuff like enjoying the environment - I’ve never seen any one who enjoys as much picnic as the Japanese.  I love the way they look at life itself.

Japan Keepsakes

I am a big fan of Japanese cuties - from Hello Kitty to anything Japanese and my dear friend in Japan sent me some cuties - a bear like keychain.  This pink bear and another samurai - love them  !  I think all figurines in Japan has a story but I just like cute stuff.  thank you so much 0 Ayumi San!

Washing Machine For Your Shoes In Japan

So you can’t buy your American shoes in Japan right?  so what do you do?  find a washing machine for shoe/sneakers of course!  the Japanese thinks of everything don’t they?  For 2 bucks - you can have a few of your sneakers washed at the same time and even a microwave to dry them in - hahah!!!

Arashiyama In Spring

My girlfriend Jill was in Arashiyama in Spring and sent me these picture - usually in Spring it is a lot warmer - but this year Arashiyama is colder than usual.

As you can see the flowers are blooming but the weather is extraordinary colder than usual.  But it was still a very nice visit in Kyoto - I’m so happy she shared some pictures with me.

Education In Japan

in Japan it’s well known for its high standards in education - I’ve heard so many times how a kid or a teenager would not be able to cope and seek help to graduate.  Some takes  online degree programs when they started working - to get a better job (securing their future)  and ra ecognition of their own accomplishment.  The Japanese loved to learn just about anything and everything and I wasn’t even surprised that my co-workers father-in-law was taking up another degree just to get feel useful about himself.  These day and time, one can find online program easily.