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| Oooooo, it's illumination time! |
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
26 Fun and Useful Japan Links - Nov 20
22 Japan Links Worth Reading - Oct 28
Another week, another set of links. (Some of the food ones are especially yummy.)
Have a great week! -Ashley
Living in Japan
Japan to see normal to above-average temperatures this winter | Japan Today - This gives me hope...
No takers for free legal consultants at Haneda | Japan Times - This surprised me; why wouldn't people want to take advantage of free legal advice? I get emails about stuff all the time. Or have there really been no problems at Haneda lately?
Japan falls to 101st place in gender equality rankings | Japan Times - This is just sad.
Japanese government radiation monitoring posts not showing reality: Greenpeace | Japan Times
Creating Happier Communities: 22 Local Governments in Japan Preparing a "Happiness Index" | Japan for Sustainability
Major Japanese Internet Shopping Website Launches Sale of Low-Price Solar Panels for Home Use | Japan for Sustainability
Tokyo Public Law Office opens consultancy designed for foreigners | Japan Times - So if you're in or near Tokyo and have legal questions, go! Ask real lawyers!
Gap and Banana Republic in Japan now offer online shopping. It'd be nice if they added Old Navy too...
Our daily motivational pep session [for women] | Japan Times - An interesting piece on the home obligations of Japanese women and how difficult it is to forge a different path.
22 Fun and Informative Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - Oct 7
Another two weeks, another round of Japan links! We've got mostly fun stuff today, plus a lot of foodie goodness. Must be because Fall is the season for eating...
Living in Japan
Police mull mandatory safety training for unsafe bicyclists | Japan Times - Whether for or against this, I honestly think something needs to be done about all the kids who constantly ignore the rules and cause, or nearly cause, accidents on a regular basis.
Fukushima offers free medical care for children under 18 | Japan Today
Hottest September in 110 years | Japan Times - And boy was I glad that it was!
Affordable Custom Made Shoes from KiBERA | RocketNews24 - This seems like a good service, although they only do (women's) sizes from 22 to 25 cm, unfortunately.
Travel
Random patdowns begin at 30 int'l airports in Japan | Japan Today
Japan Wheelchair Travel Journal - One person's experience getting around parts of Japan in a wheelchair.
Festival of Light: Experiencing the Nebuta Matsuri | Nippon.com
Tokyo Station celebrates major renovation through large-scale projection mapping (video below) | Spoon & Tamago - This is so cool.
29 Click-worthy Japan Links - Sep. 21
Hey all - I've had an awful lot going on lately, and realized I completely missed a links post a week ago. So I'm playing catch up. Hope you've been all been doing well! Enjoy.
Living in Japan
Tokyo the most expensive city in the world for food: UBS | Japan Times - I seriously wonder what they bought, though. A couple 10,000 yen melons, perhaps?
Kansai, Kyushu power utilities looking to hike rates | Japan Times
Seven-Eleven plans Shikoku entry | Japan Times
How To Identify A Kanji That You Don’t Know | Tofugu - This has some great ideas for anyone trying to get by reading kanji here in Japan. I also highly recommend iphone app Shinkanji
Who can guarantee you'll get your dream apartment? | Japan Times - It's interesting, though, because we didn't need a guarantor...
Foreigners barred at Haneda can get legal aid | Japan Times
Contact Lenses | Japanzine - This seems like a useful service for those who might need contact lenses while in Japan.
Tokyo firms asked to stockpile water, food just in case | Japan Times
Contact Lenses | Japanzine - This seems like a useful service for those who might need contact lenses while in Japan.
Tokyo firms asked to stockpile water, food just in case | Japan Times
25 Japan Links You Might Want to Check Out - Aug 28
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| Sulfur pits in Hakone (Owakudani) |
Howdy all! We're back with some more Japan-related links from the past couple weeks. Enjoy!
Living in Japan
Cheap Internet When Staying in Tokyo (Tokyo Cheapo)
Nine power firms to trim electricity prices in October (Japan Times) - Less money to pay, yay!
Japan yens for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups - My favorite line, "addicted expatriates accounted for some of the sales". That said, according to this article Reese's are here to stay.
Foreigners get home for elderly (Japan Times) - So, the caregivers speak languages other than Japanese. A good thing, I think.
Check with school, kids before posting videos of children online (Japan Times) - For all you teachers out there taking photos of all your school events and students and posting them on Facebook or blogs, you might want to read this.
El Nino likely to last until winter, Japan Meteorological Agency says (Japan Today) - Could we have a warmer winter? Please, and thank you. (I'm sure all you winter-lovers will be shaking your heads in disagreement at this.)
Japan fifth in Bloomberg healthiest countries rankings (Japan Times) - Not just based on diet, of course. What do you think? Does Japan deserve to be ranked so high?
31 Worthwhile Japan Links From the Past Two Weeks - Aug 12
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| He makes me want to laugh. Laughing is good! |
Hope you're all enjoying this hot summer and take care!
Living in Japan
The size of your dog could depend on your landlord (Japan Times) - Some useful info for finding an apartment if you have a pet. And just fyi that we'll have lots of "how to find an apartment" posts coming up soon!
New foreigner IDs now bear minister's signature (Japan Times) - Those who may have gotten their new resident cards right away might want to read this.
Heat victims soar to new July record (Japan Times) - It's almost surprising to me that this continues to be in news every other day...
Identity fraud cases on the increase in Tokyo, police warn (Japan Today) - I can't believe most of these happen in person.
Counterfeit 500-yen coins circulating in Tokai (Japan Today) - So be careful if you live in Aichi!
85% of Japan's schools can survive upper-6 temblor, leaving 3,545 that can't: survey (Japan Times) - This makes me glad we live in Shizuoka, but then again, we are still expecting this next "big one"...
January-June deaths in Japan expressway accidents soar (Japan Times) - I seriously hate how truck drivers often tail us when driving. Scares me. And having one of those "baby on board" stickers doesn't seem to do much either.
Seven-Eleven plans 1,500 new stores (Japan Times)
22 Cool Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - July 29
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| At a temple entrance |
Well, we're all moved into our new apartment, with some unpacking left to do still, of course. Please enjoy this latest collection of Japan links from the past two weeks, covering a wide range of topics, from 120 yen per square meter of land being sold in Hokkaido, to blue ramen and curry, to some fun summer words, to why Japan needs family doctors.
Pour yourself a glass of non-Japanese lemonade or some mugicha (or whatever your preferred cold beverage is) and relax a bit.
24 Click-Worthy Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - July 15
It suddenly got ridiculously humid here in Shizuoka, and it feels like a big choke hold. Here's another round of Japan links, including how to wear a yukata, Hokkaido's abandoned rail, how to travel cheap by train without a Japan Rail Pass, and more. Enjoy!
(And a note to those of you in Kyushu and Shikoku - reading and hearing about all that's happening is frightening. I truly hope if you're reading this that you're safe and well, but my thoughts are with everyone there right now. Please be careful.)
Living in Japan
Guys, not sure how to wear that yukata? Check out this video for some tips.
And girls, a how-to-wear-a-yukata video for you too. (Hat tip to Japan Pulse)
Got some old jeans you don't wear anymore? Bring them to Gap for a 20% off coupon and help folks out in the process. They are accepting used/old denim, whether it's Gap brand or not, and you can receive a 20% off coupon per item you bring. The project goes from July 16 to August 19 and excludes mini skirts and baby denim (unless it's Baby Gap brand). All items must be washed and need to be wearable (no holes, fraying, noticeable dirt spots, broken or missing buttons/zippers, etc.). Donations are going to the Japan Relief Clothing Center NPO to be sent to people around the world in need of these items.
Breaker, breaker: How to conserve energy without thinking too much (Yen for Living) - Useful tip if you own a home.
Complex rules in place for safety's sake, but Red Cross still wants your blood (The Japan Times) - Hopefully the last in our blood donation saga...
How to keep your health insurance when you can’t pay for it (Yen for Living) - Good to know.
Old Navy is in Japan! Who's going? (The Japan Times)
31 Worthwhile Japan Links From the Past Two Weeks - July 3
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| What's happenin' crane? |
Hello again, friends! Another gathering of links for your perusal. Not as much commentary from me this week, though. We're in the midst of moving and I've got quite a few deadlines. But no worries, lots of great content headed your way! Enjoy!
Living in Japan
The curious case of the eroding eikaiwa salary (Japan Times) - If you work for an eikaiwa here in Japan, have you found this to be true as well?How to Make a Natural Hot Spring in the Comfort of Your Own Home (RocketNews24) - Onsen water, to go?
Ministry mulls tax on overseas Net content (Japan Times) - I'm not thrilled at all about this one.
More Japanese motorists killed on expressways after exiting vehicles (The Japan Daily Press) - So be careful kids, when exiting a vehicle if you get into an accident.
Japan Ticket Association Offers Western Union Money Transfer Service (Japan Today)
New Japanese law could lead to jail time for illegal downloads (The Japan Daily Press)
Eco
Drink machine cold at night, off in day (Japan Times) - Sounds weird at first, I know, but it's not as bad as it sounds. Really.Saitama Prefecture Introduces First "Green Roof" Convenience Store Project (Japan for Sustainability)
Tokyo Suburb Starts Car & Bike Sharing Program (Japan for Sustainability)
Getting Involved
Local orphanages may be best bet for volunteers (Japan Times) - Interested in volunteering at a children's home? Here are some things you should know.Cat Café & Foster Home “Ekoneko” Perfect if You Want to Relax With Cats or Rescue Them (RocketNews24) - Sounds Purrfect to me. :)
In shift, public increasingly wants larger role for dads in child-rearing (Japan Times)
Japan’s Human Trafficking Problems Not Resolved: US State Department (Japan Subculture Research Center)
26 Japan Links You Might Want to Check Out (From the Past 2 Weeks) - June 18
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| Hakone Shrine, Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan |
Another week (or two, actually), another set of Japan-related links from around the web. A wide variety today: from the rainy season to GoLloyds being sold to saving energy to moldy Mos burgers to suicide in Japan, archery in a volcano, a Lego theme park, Expressway Service Areas, and the Oi Reactors being restarted. Enjoy!
Living in Japan
The rainy season is officially here, as it started in late April down in Okinawa and early June for most of the rest of us, aside Hokkaido, of course.Smartphones, car navigation systems may aid evacuations when next Big One strikes: Tokyo officials (Japan Times)
Foreign residents decline a third year, by 56,000 (Japan Times) - Consider too, that this still leaves 2.079 million foreign residents in Japan, according to the article.
Tokyo-area driving school offers lessons in English (Japan Times) - If you're in or near Tokyo and plan to get a driver's license (although I can't really imagine why you would need to own a car in Tokyo), you might want to check out driving lessons in English (especially if you've never driven before). Although I can attest it's possible to pass with very little practice. Take one or two hour-long practice sessions at a nearby driving school and you should be good to go. The rest is all about memorizing the course. (This all assumes that you already have a license issued in a country abroad, otherwise, you have to start from scratch anyway).
Calls made for bicycles to have number plates (Japan Today) - Some people think this is a bad idea, others, a good one. Personally I think they would be helpful, especially for reporting purposes, but I also do strongly feel parents and teachers need to do a better job teaching kids how to ride bikes safely in Japan. This comes from numerous times of children not stopping and not looking when they suddenly ride their bike across a crosswalk in front of me while driving, or not stopping or looking at any of those annoyingly small intersections on narrow roads all over the place.
Just yesterday I had to come to a skidding halt, when two junior high age girls, who had been biking straight along the sidewalk, suddenly decided they would cross the street, without looking and without stopping to check for cars. Fortunately I had been watching them as I was driving and was able to slam the brakes in time and skidded to a halt right in front of the cross walk (and fortunately the car behind me was far enough behind that they didn't rear end me). I wasn't thrilled.
Shinagawa will pay to raze quake firetraps (Japan Times) - Why? Because people's wooden houses are all built ridiculously close together, creating a potential difficult-to-put-out neighborhood fire.
Parents, you might want to read this article from Japan Healthcare Info about how to locate pediatric emergency services in Japan what to prepare in advance. (Japan Today)
You may have read our recent post on how to transfer money to and from Japan, and users of GoLloyds might be interested to know that Lloyds is selling GoLloyds to Shinsei Bank. (Financial News)
Did you see those crazy (expensive) bladeless Dyson fans last summer or this year? For hardly anything, you can get smaller, portable versions of those, although not Dyson. (RocketNews24)
26 Useful Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - June 4
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| Hakone Shrine, Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan |
City of Saitama to offer translation for foreigners' emergency calls (Japan Times) - A good idea, I think.
Japan faces a long, hot, nuclear-free summer (Japan Times) - Will we survive? So far I haven't heard anything about this summer being as hot as the last two, so maybe it won't be too bad. (This comes from someone who abhors winter and looks forward to the warm months.) At least we know now that eel prices will skyrocket.
Government doesn't plan to issue mandatory power-saving order to western Japan (Japan Times) - So far, so good.
While it's getting all hot and humid and everything, now that it's June, Super Cool Biz has started. Break out the Hawaiian shirts! (Do people actually wear those to work? I wouldn't know, since I work at home.) (Japan Times)
And this probably comes as no surprise, but gas and power utilities across Japan will raise their monthly rates in July (Japan Times)
If you're a cheapskate and you live in Tokyo, you might appreciate this newer site, Tokyo Cheapo.
Trying to navigate the hundreds of Japanese study resources? Language in Review, a new website, is trying to make things easier for you.
Aichi school's 'cyclist's license' keeping kids safe (Japan Times) - With how often kids nearly almost ride their bikes without paying attention to their surroundings (and many near collisions as a result), I honestly think this is a good idea.
Travel and Recreation
Japanese city hosts world’s largest glass-walled toilet (The Japan Daily Press) - Would you travel to a city, for the toilet? That aside, would you want to walk the distance from door to toilet when you really gotta go? (The whole area is 200 meters square.)
The Tokyo Sky Tree is now open, and you can read all about the tower's construction here. (Japan Times)
Sagami Lake's Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa is opening two family attractions this summer: a cubic maze and an obstacle course. Looks like some good ol' family fun! (RocketNews24)
Living out in the countryside? You might want to check out and contribute to this new website devoted to all things rural Japan -- The Inaka Project.
Planning your first trip to Tokyo? Here are some things to keep in mind.
Schedule of 2012 summer seasonal trains of Japan Railways from jprail.com
Like manga? Why not check out the Kyoto Manga Museum? (Nippon.com)
Savin' Electricity (and Money)
80% of the Residents Living in Homes with Photovoltaic Systems Pay No Energy Bill (Japan for Sustainability) - Ironically, one of these homes is being built next door to us right now! And solar panels going up everywhere. It'd be nice to have a house and save some money on the electricity bill...
LIXIL Launches New Shower that Reduces Water Use by 48% (Japan for Sustainability) - Let's be clear, it reduces water AND maintains water pressure. That's the important thing, right?
Food
"Miracle Apples" and Natural Cultivation (Japan for Sustainability) - The title is utterly boring, but the article fascinated me all the way through to the end, and it's difficult for me to stay focused all the way through long articles online, but this idea of "natural cultivation" is a good one. The farmer in the article has been growing apples since 1970 and started out using pesticides (which actually burned his skin if he got it on his hands), but later switched to natural cultivation. Apples aren't native to Japan and it's difficult to grow them here because of the heat and humidity during summer, so most farmers apparently use pesticides for them. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Biting into a juicy apple with pesticides all over it! And, what's that, Japan is one of the largest pesticide users in the world? Food for thought (no pun intended).
It also talks about nitrates and their potential harm:
"Plants absorb nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. That is why all fertilizers, both chemical and organic, contain a large amount of nitrogen. Nitrogen breaks down into nitrate nitrogen (nitrates) in soil, and then is absorbed by plants. Though useful to plants, nitrates can be harmful to human beings: infants have died from methemoglobinemia, a blood disease that can be caused by ingesting nitrates in drinking water, due to excessive intake of nitrates. Thus, people have become concerned about the contamination of soil, water and agricultural products by nitrates in fertilizers.
The EU has safety standards for nitrates contained in vegetables of up to about 2500ppm, although this varies depending on the season or kind of vegetable. In contrast, Japan has standards for tap water, but no regulations for vegetables. Some vegetables contain over 2500ppm of nitrates. Most vegetables grown with Kimura's natural cultivation method contain less than 500ppm of nitrates. Some contain only single digit levels."
Umeboshi: perfect in any culinary pickle (Japan Times)
Fukushima Nuclear Crisis/Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Tepco to be nationalized on July 25 with ¥1 trillion transaction (Japan Times) - This probably comes as no surprise.
Butcher serves up 'cesium beef' at rare tasting (Japan Times) - The nuclear disaster events have proved a catch-22 for those raising, selling and serving free range beef, sadly.
Researchers develop cloth that draws cesium out of toxic water (Japan Times)
WHO releases mixed Fukushima radiation report (Japan Today)
The World’s First Radiation Counter Cellphone Announced In Japan (Asiajin) - Wonder how well this actually works.
45 Japan Links and Tips to Check Out From the Past 2 Weeks - May 20
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| Wisteria and a bee at the Wisteria Festival in Fujieda, Shizuoka |
There has been a lot of information the past two weeks, so much so that I've hardly been able to share everything via Twitter or Facebook worth sharing. So today we've got 45(!) links, tips, and news about Japan. Everything from where Japan ranks as a place to be a mom; to where to find Reese's peanut butter cups in Japan; J.Crew offering free shipping to JAPAN; how to prepare to leave Japan; a guide to those crazy icons (kaomoji) that are sometimes difficult to understand; a fabulous self-cleaning, tankless toilet; Tokyu Hands now has a cafe; rainy season activities in Japan; and relevant, informative news.
Enjoy!
Living in Japan
The Lord Of Umbrellas. One かさ to rule them all. 晴雨兼用傘 (Dual Use Umbrellas A Must For The Rainy Season) (Japan Subculture Research Center) - Sun or rain, an umbrella comes in very handy.
Among developed countries, Japan ranks 30 out of the best places to be a mom, but third for the children's index, according to Save the Children.
You may have heard, already, but Reese's peanut butter cups can be found at Seiyu. They also have an online store, but you have to register to use it, and it seems that you can only register if you live in certain areas. For some reason, my neighborhood isn't on their list, so I can't register with my real address. You can also find Reese's pieces here.
Nishimatsuya (西松屋), a popular baby store chain, carries the Cherokee brand (USA) as of January this year. (Americans, you might know Cherokee from Target, etc.) Some cute, extremely cheap baby clothes.
Attention J.Crew fans! Free shipping to Japan, free returns and duty-free shopping through May 30 - no code required.
'Population clock' forecasts no children after year 3011 (Japan Times) - If things continue at the rate they've been going, that is. Hopefully policy (and systemic) changes will be made in the coming years to address this.
Declining Birthrate Changing Japan’s Schools (Nippon.com) - Did you know that, because of the birthrate, schools are closing at a rate of 400-500 a year?
Steep rise in expressway tolls likely as funds run out ahead of schedule (Japan Times) - If you enjoy the current discounts, you might want to know that it's possible they could disappear in the future.
Softbank develops blimps for floating emergency cell towers (The Japan Daily Press)
If you're planning to leave Japan anytime soon, you might want to check out The Stress Free Guide to Leaving Japan - updated for 2012-2013 - for some useful information and checklists as you prepare to leave.
Japanese Font With Stroke Order (Asiajin) - This particular font lists small numbers next to each stroke so you can see the stroke order.
Remember that tornado that spun its way through Ibaraki earlier this month, causing a lot of damage and actually injuring several, killing one? @BleuDressNJapan shared this video of it:
And speaking of tornadoes, the accuracy rate for tornado predictions lower than 10% (Japan Times)
Smartphones
SoftBank And PayPal Join Forces In Japan For Smartphone Payment Solution (Asiajin)
If you've ever wondered what exactly all those faces mean, you might want to check out this Visual guide to Japanese kaomoji (emoticons) (JapanSugoi)
KDDI offers movie and TV show streaming to smartphones (The Japan Daily Press)
Fujitsu phone tool to scan skin tone (Japan Times) - I'm wondering just how effective this might be...
Setsuden
This Automatic Door Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Electricity! (RocketNews24)
Toto Unveils Tankless Toilet that Saves Water, Power and Cleans Itself (Japan for Sustainability) - I want this toilet.
Power-saving looms again for this summer (Japan Times)
Aeon supermarkets to open earlier (Japan Times) - Aeon stores are taking advantage of the early morning hours to save electricity and allow folks to get their shopping done while it's cooler outside.
High-tech
Toyama to plant first pollen-free cedar in fall (Japan Times)
AOKI Releases Business Suits for Bicycle Commuters (Japan for Sustainability) - Seems like a cool idea to me; would you wear something like this?
Pioneer reveals new windshield display navigation system (The Japan Daily Press) - Like something out of a video game...
Food
Nikujaga Recipe (No Recipes) - One of my favorites!
Did you know that Tokyu Hands now has a cafe? Only in two stores (Shibuya and Umeda), but it looks pretty good! (Tokyo Eats)
Small fry spawn big dreams (Japan Times) - A fascinating history of salmon in Japan.
Breeding Bluefin Tuna in captivity: A recipe for success? (Ethical Nippon) - Given that Japan could very well eat the Bluefin Tuna to extinction, what do you think?
Travel and Recreation
Luxury restrooms – you’ll want to visit Shibuya Hikarie just to use the ladies’ room! (RocketNews24) - I love me a nice restroom.
JAL builds a social media campaign, one block at a time (Japan Pulse) - If you're looking for a chance to win air miles or a pair of tickets between Tokyo and Boston, check this out.
Lots of airlines launching new services: Peach is now connected to South Korea via Osaka (Japan Times); Hawaiian Airlines will start flying to Sapporo (Japan Today); and China Airlines introduces three new services from Taipei to Kagoshima, Shizuoka and Toyama (Japan Daily Press). On top of that, ANA is now more popular than JAL when counting passengers, and a new runway has been approved for Naha (Okinawa).
Also, you might want to check out The Best and Worst Airlines for Redeeming Rewards Miles (Lifehacker).
Universal Studios Japan to get Harry Potter attraction (The Japan Daily Press) - I'm sure kiddies, and adults, are excited about this one.
This presentation goes into some pretty average, run-of-the-mill Japan travel tips, but aside that, it's surprisingly fun and well-designed:
Travel Tips Learned from Japan! - EP
Here are some things to consider when riding a long-distance bus in Japan, after the awful tour bus crash that occurred during Golden Week. (Japan Times)
Will you be in Japan during the rainy season this year, and not sure what to do, especially if the weather refuses to cooperate? Check out Exploring Japan: Rainy Season Activities for some ideas (by yours truly). (Japan Daily Press)Here are some things to consider when riding a long-distance bus in Japan, after the awful tour bus crash that occurred during Golden Week. (Japan Times)
Fukushima Nuclear Crisis/Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Japan nuke-free for first time since '70 (Japan Times)
'Hot spots' detected at 20 schools [in Fukushima] (Japan Times)
Most willing to accept disaster debris (Japan Times)
Cesium spikes in Tokyo Bay samples (Japan Times)
NISA, Tepco knew in '06 of Fukushima tsunami threat (Japan Times)
31 Japan Links You Might Want to Read - May 6
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| Fuji Matsuri (Wisteria Festival) in Fujieda, Shizuoka |
Living in Japan
Time to put away the winter clothes, because Cool Biz is starting early this year! (Japan Times)
Who you buy a home from can make a big difference in price (Japan Times)
Can an expat in Japan ever fit in? Long-term Japan resident @Hikosaemon talks about it on Tokyo Podcast.
Those who've had their hair done in Japan know how nice it can be to have their hair washed and at some salons, get a massage. But what if a robot takes over the hair washing role? Panasonic’s shampoo robot begins public testing [near Osaka] (The Japan Daily Press)
Apparently local rivers might be dangerous for more than one reason... Kanagawa river yields three piranhas (Japan Times)
Children in Limbo: In Japan, what happens to children after their parents divorce? (Japan Subculture Research Center)
Law on new flu outbreaks enacted (Japan Times) - According to the article: "If a new type of flu breaks out in Japan or abroad, the central and local governments will set up task forces, quarantine people attempting to enter Japan, and order doctors to examine those suspected of being infected, according to the new law."
Foreigners to start getting notices for new registry system (Japan Times) - In case you haven't already heard, the current alien registration system will be abolished and a new system, in which foreigners will be registered in the same registry as Japanese citizens, will begin July 9. This also means no more reentry permits for trips outside of Japan if you return within a year.
Rainy season kicks off in Okinawa (Japan Times), and guess what? It's EARLY. So who else is looking forward to an early rainy season this year?
As a result of numerous accidents involving children in school zones and children's walking routes between school and home, the government and National Police Agency are looking to make some changes to make Japan's roads safer for kids. One proposal? Lower speed limits to 40km/hr on roads less than 6m wide. I don't know about you, but that still seems fast for a narrow road... (Japan Today)
Ruling party ends up back where it started with assistance for families (Yen for Living) - It makes the child assistance for families seem pointless.
Retail drug sales on Internet legal (Japan Times) - Hooray! Kenko.com can still sell their OTC drugs!
25 Fun and Helpful Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - April 22
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| Still sakura season! |
Living in Japan
Tokyo Police Department Announces Traffic Restrictions to Follow Major Earthquakes in Tokyo Metro Area (RocketNews24) - In case of a large earthquake, traffic restrictions will be enforced around the greater Tokyo area, followed by secondary restrictions. PDFs with more information are provided in several languages.
Teachers with two left feet struggling with dance classes (Japan Times) - Modern dance will also become a required subject for junior high students in Japan, and while some schools will bring in professionals to help train P.E. teachers, for everyone else it's not clear what will be done. Most gym teachers know nothing about how to teach dance.
Can I sue a former employer for not paying toward my pension? (Japan Times) - Are you in a similar situation? What are your rights?
Ikea opens outlet No. 6 in Fukuoka (Japan Times) - Ikea fans rejoice!
Japanese law: a solid reference book (Japan Times) - Translations of the law are also available online here.
Medicinal direction from both the East and West (Japan Times) - Thoughts on kanpo, or "Chinese medicine" or herbal medicine.
From the common cold to sleeping problems, kanpō can offer natural relief (Japan Times) - Some common kanpo blends, their names in kanji, and what they're good for.
Why good Wi-Fi is so hard to find in Japan (Japan Times) - The question so many ask when they come to Japan. Makes sense to me for the most part, although some might disagree. What do you think?
Retailers, restaurants turning to foreign rice (Japan Times) - California rice in Japan? Yes, it's true.
Bridgestone to recall nearly 10,000 Jobno bicycles with radioactive baskets (Japan Times) -
H&M to open second outlet in Gifu (Japan Times) - H&M just opened in Nagoya, and now heading to Gifu. Where next, I wonder?
Hulu Japan Cuts Price 2/3 To 980 Yen (Asiajin) - One way to watch some of your favorite TV shows and movies, cheaper than before.
35 Valuable Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks
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| This year's sakura! |
Living in Japan
Asia's massive fake meds industry (CNNGo) - If you order prescription meds online, beware!
What can you do if you’re involved in a traffic accident in Japan? (Metropolis Magazine) - This article goes into insurance related issues.
All about the Manaca (Nagoya International Center, via Japan Info Swap) - A travel pass and smart card for Nagoya area residents.
Osaka to keep register of released child sex offenders (Japan Today)
Good news for renters in Japan: Security deposits, key money on the demise (Japan Today)
Fukuoka offers cash rewards for hand grenades (Japan Today) - If you know about them, find them, see them, that is. You can also read more extensive information about this in this interesting article.
Nankai quake scenario menaces Pacific coast (Japan Times) - More earthquake/tsunami preparedness
30 Clickable Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks
Flowers are budding and blooming everywhere, and how refreshing it is! Spring is here folks (although I wish the weather would warm up here in Shizuoka). Here's another round of top Japan links from the past two weeks for you. Maybe enjoy it with a sakura treat or two? ;)
Living in Japan
Over 60% of early quake warnings since 3/11 false alarms (Japan Times) - At least we'll always be "prepared"?
Domino’s Pizza runs Buy 1 Get 1 Free campaign (Japan Today) - Although, unfortunately for many of us, Domino's is only available in some locations around Japan. Speaking of pizza though, did you know Sbarro exists in Japan?
Six Tokyo Starbucks Try All-You-Can-Read Offer (RocketNews24) - Enjoy your beverage and a good book at the same time. Without the price of the book.
Push to replace Tokyo's aging expressways with tunnel routes revived (Japan Times) - Will Tokyo get a facelift?
35 Useful and Entertaining Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks
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| Shed and tea bushes in rural Japan |
Hope you all enjoyed a fabulous weekend. Mine went by all too quickly, although I'm excited because we're heading out of town this coming weekend for a few days! Time for a short break and a slight change of scenery (although I'm hoping desperately for a change in temperature). The following links have been collected from the past two weeks - please enjoy!
Living in Japan
Krispy Kreme expands in Japan (Tokyo Weekender) - For more of that sickly sweet, glazed goodness, they may be popping up near you.
Ben & Jerry’s to return to Japan with Omotesando Hills store (Japan Today) - Ben & Jerry's fans? I'm still waiting for a Red Mango franchise to show up here.
Toys“R”Us/Babies“R”Us store to open in Fukutsu in April (Japan Today) - Who doesn't enjoy shopping at the toy store? I still feel nostalgic over the annual Toys"R"Us Christmas catalog my sister and I used to pore over every year, circling the things we wanted. So materialistic, I know, but we never got many toys anyway.
Support for child-rearing families (Japan Times) - This is an editorial on the new plan to combine kindergarten (yochien) and daycare (hoikuen) to make a new "kodomoen."
Tax Time Again (ACCJ Journal) - Some tips and advice for filling our your Japan tax return, if you need to file one (not everyone does, keep in mind).
Tokyo’s Crime Hotspots (Tokyo Weekender) - Though Japan is known for its lower crime rates, incidents still do occur, and sometimes more often than you think. The article includes a map of the hot spots.
Bullying, child abuse at record highs (Japan Times) - But is it at "record highs" because more people are reporting it than in the past, which has been the case in the U.S. and other places? Regardless, it's still an important issue.
Japan Post launching new, cheaper international parcel delivery for auction buyers on April 1 (Japan Times) - This seems like a good deal, although it says it's for items bought via auctions in Japan, weighing under 2kg and shipped abroad.
30 Worthwhile Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks (Feb 26)
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| A street-side shop in Fujieda, Shizuoka, Japan. |
Living in Japan
Firms have few grounds to refuse staff paid leave (Japan Times) - The helpful folks from the Tokyo Public Law Office take over the Lifelines column for the week (they answer legal questions the second week of every month) to address paid leave rights of employees. Yes, employees are entitled to paid leave, no matter what their employer says.
Gap to open 1st Old Navy store in Japan (Japan Today) - Old Navy fans rejoice! I hope they put in more than one...
Flu season has peaked nationwide, say health officials (Japan Today) - Let's hope it has peaked and this whole flu business is now over with.
Softbank to launch new high-speed mobile data service (Japan Today)
Ikea to open first Kyushu outlet (Japan Times) - Any Ikea fans in Kyushu?
Climate Model Predicts Longer Rainy Season in Future Japan (Japan for Sustainability) - A longer rainy season. Wonderful. Just what we all want...
25 Useful and Informative Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks
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| Sunset outside a train station in summer. I miss summer. Desperately. |
Living in Japan
Flu outbreak hits more than 2.11 million nationwide (Japan Today) - I'm now one of those numbers, unfortunately. Please be careful...
Depression is a national ailment that demands open recognition in Japan (Japan Times)
Police caution more than 10,000 in Tokyo for breaking bicycle rules (Japan Today) - Look out Tokyo cyclists on the 10th of each month.
Government to create new child care program in '15 (The Daily Yomiuri) - This is essentially to combine kindergartens and day care centers.
More part-timers to become eligible for health insurance, pension programs (Japan Today)
Japan takes #1 spot for most shipments from U.S. (Japan Today) - Expats living in Japan aren't the only ones ordering from abroad! Also talks about a useful company that can act as your U.S.-based address.
Tokyo, Saitama, Kagoshima enter Hay Fever season (The Daily Yomiuri) - Link is in Japanese, but if you have Springtime allergies, you may want to start your preparations...
Privacy and Net cafes — a tale of two cities (Japan Times) - I had no idea sexual assault happens in internet cafes. What do you think, how private should internet cafes be?
Immigration cuts lengthy detention for foreigners (Japan Times) - Hopefully you never find yourself in this situation, though.
On a similar note, @lkp48 said "Narita now has signs saying "you must produce your alien card" if you hold a reentry permit." - Has anyone else seen this?
KDDI's 'au Smart Pass' offers unlimited app download at flat rate (Japan Today) - Starting from March 1st.
24% of coastal municipalities lack plans for issuing evacuation alerts (Japan Times) - This is a bit disconcerting...
Japan to build tsunami warning systems in space and on the sea floor (The Daily Yomiuri)
Just for Fun
Gundam park to open in Odaiba (Japan Times) - Gundam is no longer in Shizuoka, but you can check him out now in Odaiba.
Let’s Get a Foursquare Limited Tokyo Badge! (Asiajin) - If you're on Foursquare and are or will be in Tokyo in the near future, you may want to get this special, limited-time badge.
On Finding a Rubbish Bin in Japan (This Japanese Life) - I had never thought it could possibly be related to the sarin gas attacks...
Why Japan doesn't celebrate the Lunar New Year to the extent of its Asian neighbors (JETwit) - Did you know that many of the current holidays should have been changed/moved when Japan switched from the lunar calendar? Neither did I.
Hello Kitty's Citizenship Controversy: Is She British or Japanese? (TIME) - I am most amused that they actually called Sanrio about the whole thing.
Automatic dishwashers: the square peg in the round hole of Japanese kitchens (Yen for Living) - Ever wonder why finding a "real" automatic dishwasher is so difficult in Japan? (I'm not counting those countertop things as the same, as I'm skeptical they work as well - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).
Food
Would you order curry with everything on it from CoCo Ichiban? (Rocket News 24) - This looks and sounds truly disgusting. Would you try it?
Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savory Pancake, Osaka Style (Lovely Lanvin) - Who doesn't like okonomiyaki?
Fukushima Nuclear Crisis/Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami-related
"Gov. failed to keep minutes of meetings of various units it set up to cope with March 11 earthquake and tsunami" (Japan Times) - Um, probably not a good idea...
NHK to broadcast documentary series for 9 days to mark 1st anniversary of March 11 disaster (Japan Today) - Can't believe it's almost been a year.
Survive Earthquakes, Flu, Pollen and Platforms Without Barriers While Hello Kitty Shows You Japan - Top Japan Links Jan 29
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| Kitty-chan and the black egg from Owakudani in Hakone. The egg looks surprisingly cheerful for one with a cracked head. |
Living in Japan
Number of flu patients surpasses 1.11 million as epidemic spreads (Japan Today) - Be careful!
How to direct emergency services to your house from (Tokyo Weekender) - Some useful phrases and information if you ever find yourself in (hopefully not) such a situation.
Japan’s best-selling home appliance brands of 2011 (世論 What Japan Thinks) - In case you're planning to buy a rice cooker or water purifier or some other appliance, this may give you an idea of what customers liked best last year (if you even care about that).
Health ministry aims to get smoking rate down to 10% (Japan Times) - Will they succeed? I'm doubtful. Not that I don't think it would be beneficial.
New 'Big One' forecast: four years (Japan Times) - Be prepared for the next big quake, Kanto folks! Now, what is their prediction for the Tokai quake? They keep saying it's "overdue," and that's it.
What to call baby? (Japan Times) - All about choosing names and name kanji in Japan. I find the methods and thoughts behind choosing names for children really interesting, so it's certainly worth a read if you're into that as well. (We chose a Japanese first name for our little one and a more western, though uncommon, middle name).
Meteorological Agency says pollen will come later than normal (Japan Today) - Allergy sufferers, supposedly the pollen will not only come later than usual, but is forecast to be at lower levels than last year.
Platform doors (Japan Times) - What's the point of the barriers on train platforms? Most of us might think to prevent accidental falls, and you'd be right! Aside my facetiousness, this article is an interesting read. Did you know there were 119 platform accidents in Japan last year between April and September?
Visa Worldwide (Japan) Co Ltd (Japan Today) - Boring title, yes, but some good-to-know info about getting a credit card as a foreigner in Japan.
Travel and Recreation
The Tears of a Cat: Hello Kitty’s Guide to Japan, English and Japanese / ハローティの英語で紹介する (Japan Subculture Research Center) - Kitty-chan will teach you all about Japan in this guidebook, from culture to cooking to lifestyle. It may sound childish, but the reviewer didn't think so (sounds neat to me, anyway).
Book Review: Tokyo On Foot (zonjineko!) - A nontraditional take on Tokyo guidebooks, this "graphic memoir and sketchbook" offers probably the most visual experience of any tour book. Just seeing the hand-drawn maps and handwritten type was enough to pique my interest.
Foreign tourists to get fixed-rate expressway pass (Japan Times) - In an effort to promote tourism, the Central Nippon Expressway Co. will offer a fixed rate toll pass for visitors between March 21 and June 30.
Foreign visitors log sharpest decline ever (Japan Times) - This was one of the most "retweeted" from the past two weeks. Apparently the worst decline since 1950.
7 Unique Winter Activities in Japan (BootsnAll) - Some of these you can do all year round, and some aren't unique to Japan at all (well, maybe most), but still some good ideas if you're trying to think of something else to do.
Food
Maru no Uchi Tanita Shokudo – Eating for the Patient (The Blog Side of Life) - I previously shared this article on a new restaurant that offers healthy, low-calorie meals and free nutrition advice, and asked on Facebook and Twitter if anyone do something like this. Well, fellow Japan-blogger @franeymoon visited recently and wrote a great post about it with pictures.
Fresh nabe ideas bubbling up (Japan Pulse) - Some yummy ideas if you're into nabe but tired of the same flavor(s).
Working in Japan
JET Program Application Process: How Does JET Select Candidates? (Constantine in Tokyo) - An not-so-new post from 2010, but still an informative read regarding the JET Program and how participants are chosen, the application process, among other things. Worth a read if you plan to apply for JET (although I found it interesting as a former JET).
Selling a school or eikaiwa business (Japan Today) - Obviously not applicable to everyone, but I'm sure there are quite a few people out there who own an English school or eikaiwa.
Resource
36 national universities in Japan are considering or will consider shifting undergraduate enrollment to autumn (Daily Yomiuri) - This is school-related, but would likely have some effect on the job system here.
Fukushima Nuclear Crisis/Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami-related
Fallout from Fukushima No. 1 on rise (Japan Times) - Apparently January numbers were higher than December numbers.
Photohoku Project Provides Smiles And Memories (Japan Trends) - A great project designed to "give back" photos and memories to those who lost precious photos and albums.
Dairy firms to do own fallout checks (Japan Times) - Large dairy companies plan to do their own radiation checks and disclose this information to consumers.
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