A Thursday Affair

Penguin found a Scary Kindergarten wall. With a caption right out of icanhazacheeseburger, it's a good one. Personally I think the picture is more alone the lines of "Can't sleep, Clown'll eat me."

La Fuji Mama found a slice of Japan in California. With Book Off, Beard Papa and a good Udon shop, it'll give you a taste of Japan in America. Very good if you are feeling homesick for Japan.

Tom suggests a tax on convenience stores that are open 24hours. I think this would be a bad idea as any increased taxes will simply be passed on in the form of higher prices. No thanks.

Neil found some good looking Ramen in Shinjuku. Very traditional, even with the small brown glass of water.

Are you a Japan blogger? Do you want an interview? Contact Me!

In Japan, the toilets

This is an internet classic about Japanese toilets. If you are interested, why not read my thoughts about Traditional Japanese Toilets and Electronic Toilets in Japan.

A Thursday Affair

Badaunt's man witnessed someone fainting in the supermarket. For anyone that would be quite a scary / surreal experience. But apparently it happens all the time.

Mel has given up on Summer. I agree, Summer in Japan is too humid and too cloudy. The number of mildly sunny days this Summer (by my Australian standards) can be counted on two hands. I prefer Winter in Japan and Summer in Australia.

The Penguin has been back in Japan Six Months. That also feels like the time between updates on his blog. More Posts Please!

Tom has provided us with photos of Sendai Tanabata.

And Lina likes Ultraman so much that she mentioned the Ultraman Goggles I found earlier. I link to her linking to me.

Hello Kitty Postage Stamps

Here's another one to impress a fellow blogger, Azumarisan.



We have a collectors set of ￥50 & ￥80 stamps featuring the sickeningly cute Hello Kitty / Kitty Chan.

I would have to question a guys sexuality if he used these.

Ultraman Goggles

When looking at swimming goggles recently I found these and immediately thought of Lina.



For only ￥1300 you can be the coolest kid in school with your very own pair of Ultraman Swimming Goggles!

Back to the Future, August 2007

Was it a year ago that I started using iTunes? I can't believe it!

I was very pleased with the price I got for a 4gig memory card. Now the thing is worth ￥500, maybe?

I discovered a place selling NewZealand steak. It's not ￥750 any more... Sigh...

We started moving into our new apartment and my son turned one! Has it really been a year? Really?

I moved into this domain and found Pikachu at the local Toyota.

Japan Vs China

Recently I was contacted by BBC radio about an interview to discuss my views about how the Chinese economy was about to surpass the Japanese economy to be No.2 in the world. While I didn't actually get interviewed, I gave it some thought and figured I'd publish a post about it.

The question I was asked by the show producer was "what do Japanese people think about the growth of the Chinese economy?" My answer was that they don't give a rats ass.

Japan cares more about the direction of trading partners like America and Europe more than it cares about China. Why? Because that's comparing apples with apples. Comparing China to Japan is like comparing apples and bananas. They are not the same.

Japan, Europe and America are all 1st world democracies. (Europe is a collection of democracies, but lets ride this idea out and generalise, ok?) People enjoy a fair degree of Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Movement, Access to education & a 1st world standard of living. Compare the life of the 1st world factory worker VS that of a Chinese factory worker to see the differences.

Sure the gap between the haves and have-nots in these regions are growing but nowhere are the differences so large as in China. If a worker in a 1st world country loses a limb, they can expect health care, rehabilitation and some kind of compensation. Lose a limb in China and you need to fight a corrupt legal system that favours the factory bosses.

For the time being Japanese people are concerned about Chinese militarism and Contaminated Chinese products more than their displacement as the No.2 world economy.

Interview with FujiMama

Today I'd like to introduce you to a fellow Japan blogger, Fuji Mama of lafujimama.blogspot.com

1. Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.

I'm an American that just moved back from living in Japan for the second time with my husband and little girl. I work in the legal field and am a complete Japanophile. My husband jokes that I was born in the wrong country. (me too! C.)

2. Why did you start blogging about Japan?

I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while. I read lots of blogs written by other people around the world, and decided that it was time that I share my own experience because it was selfish to keep it to myself. Not that I think I have an extraordinarily interesting life, because I don't, but I know that I am always interested to know about how people live in other countries, and to learn tidbits about those countries. So, I figured that if I was interested in learning about that kind of thing, someone out there might be interested in those things from my perspective. If nothing else, I figured it was a way to collect my thoughts on life. (I hope to see you around more on jDonuts in future C.)

3. Why have you continued blogging about Japan?

Japan continues to be a major source of my inspiration, whether it be in the kitchen, in what I decide to read, or in my crafting.

4. What Anime character are you most like and why?

Hmmmm, maybe Mei Kusakabe, the younger sister in My Neighbor Totoro, because I'm determined, imaginative, and always willing to see the magic in things. (Did you say that because I'm a Totoro Fan? C.)

5. If you only had one day in Japan and ￥10,000 what would you do and why?

I would go to a sumo tournament. I love sumo, and what better way to spend one day than to do it in the presence of giant men throwing each other around?

6. What are two of your favorite posts (on your own blog) and why?

1) Bottled Fuji: I love this post because it sums up a lot of my feelings on Japan. (the photos on this one are SUPER cute C.)

2) What is food to one is to others bitter poison: This was just a fun post to write!

7. What are two of your favorite posts (on other Japan blogs) and why?

1) Roll Call: This post is short but had me laughing so hard that I was in tears.

2) Can You Hear The Potatoes Singing: The sweet potatoes that the yakiimo vendors sell have to be one of my favorite treats in Japan, and I loved Geisha Interrupted's idea of the stages of culture shock caused by this cultural phenomenon. I myself am in the stage of potato acceptance.

8. Go crazy after this, say anything you like! (but please keep child safe)

Come on over and check out La Fuji Mama. In the near future I'll be writing a bit more on the differences I notice between Japan and the US as I try to readjust, the things I miss, and my adventures in trying to teach myself to cook Japanese food.

9. Who would you like to see interviewed next? (Max 3)

1) Blue Lotus: blue_moon.typepad.com/blue_lotus
2) Moonstitches: moonstitches.typepad.com/moonstitches
3) Obachan's Kitchen: kokonuggetyumyum.blogspot.com

And here we have the 5th in our series of Japan Blogger interviews. If you want to be interviewed, just Contact Me!

A Thursday Affair

It's time to hold another Thursday Affair.

The best of the week in Japan blogging brought to you by old Uncle Contamination.

This week BadAunt found a rather surprising wheelbarrow type figurine in a shop window. It too made me do a double take.

Mel went stellar with internet fame. She was interviewed by the Japan Times! Congratulations Mel!

See where an interview with Uncle Contamination can get you?

Tom finally got his Japanese Drivers Licence. But I already had him beat by seven months on mine. Nyaa....

EngrishMan bought a new TV. I am now waiting for an invitation to his place so we can play PS3 together on it.

A Thursday Affair

Over the past week I have found a number of really good posts about Japan, I'd like you to check them out. If you leave a comment, please say that "Uncle Contamination" sent you. :-)

Mel received some seriously sexist remarks from her students in Why I like Fridays but not Mondays. Personally I didn't think she was fat (from the photos I have seen) but some of the things that those kids said to her would make me consider corporal punishment as an acceptable option.

I have to question the border between the innocence of youth and the ignorance of adults.

Kirk brought it to my attention that Japan was No1 for blogging. But I must admit that I am not surprised. In such a technologically advanced society with mobile internet so freely available and wired internet so utterly fantastic & cheap, I'm not surprised at all that these results have come out.

Then again, just so long as many Japanese people read this blog too, then I am happy.

I couldn't go past the Test of Engrish for Offensive Communication. For anyone who teaches English or studies English in Japan, you will know about the TOEIC test (if not, do you live under a rock or something?) and this parody that incorporates the various sections of the test had me laughing quite hard.

Tom questions how green Japan is. Like him, I am concerned about the environment and Japan's impact as a country upon it. I feel the need to add my own 2￥ here. CoolBiz is a waste of time, there is NO way I am prepared to put the AC on at 28 degrees, I'm still sweating at that temperature and it's next to impossible to work. Plastic bags need a tax upon them to convince teenagers that they don't need a bag for the single drink that's in their hand, but it's true that McDonalds over bags in the way described.

And Lina shared her collection of cool stamps that her son had gathered during various Japan vacations. I must say that even though I live here, I am in complete awe of the places and things she and her family have found to do here during their brief vacations.

I am thinking of making A Thursday Affair an ongoing event to showcase posts I like on other Japan related blogs. I read many Japan blogs but special consideration will be given to those who have had an interview with me. Contact Me if you'd like to be interviewed.

And.... I'm Back!

Hi, did you miss me? :-)

Things have been taken care of and all is well once more.

I have had a chance to put a few things in order and all is well once more.

Regular postings will begin from tomorrow.

And thanks to everyone who sent messages of support!

Time Off From Blogging

This is not a test.

Due to personal time considerations, I am taking an indefinite break from blogging for the near future.

I can't say if or when I will continue writing, but for the time being I have more important matters to attend to.

Sorry.

Take Off

Right now we are on our way to the Airport. Only hours away from touching down in Okinawa for a much needed vacation.

Now I know what you are thinking, Uncle Contamination is on holiday so I don't need to read every day? Wrong!

Even if I'm not here, my blog will still update in my absence. You needn't worry about withdrawal pains for your daily life in Japan fix.

If I can, I'll post from the field but that will be separate from the daily 9am update.

Suitcase, Camera, Sunscreen? Check!

The countdown has begun.
Tomorrow I'm going to Okinawa and quite frankly, I can't wait. University classes are over for a while and I can take a short break from work.

With the way that fuel prices have been going recently we decided that a domestic trip would be cheaper than taking a longer flight to a cheaper destination. Also it meant that I don't need an exit visa and my son doesn't need a passport.

So now it's time to start packing bags, checking things off lists and getting everything ready for the big trip. We all need a vacation, so we are going to have a great time in Okinawa.

Back to the Future, July 2007

In July 2007 I bought my own Apartment. It was a very stressful period as there was a question about the home loan. But in the end I was able to get the loan in my name. W00T!

The McPork was released in Japan. Still a good burger, still ￥100.

I bought a SO903i. Considering that the life of a mobile phone is two years, I guess I'm now halfway through with this one.

Also I bought a SP510Uz digital camera. This camera is responsible for my fantastic photos of Mt Fuji. (Mt Fuji at Sunset. Mt Fuji in Daylight)

I Chose Richard from LFG as my avatar and laughed as an iPhone was blended.

Looking For Totoro

Yesterday I wrote about how we went to a local family restaurant. Here are some more pictures I took while we were there.

I love this place because of the very kitsch decor. Tonight it wasn't busy, so I was able to photograph some of the corner ornaments. As you know, I love Totoro so I was happy to be able to photograph these for you to see.



Here we have the white and blue Totoro playing on their ocarinas.



Here we have Totoro playing his, along with Chip & Dale. These were found next to a window.



And here we have a little diorama fishing science where Totoro is trying to catch some fish. This was found next to the cash register.

While I'd love to own all of these things and I've been sorely tempted when I went to Donguri Kyowakoku. But we don't really have the space for cute little things, especially with a cute little monster running loose in my apartment, so I enjoy looking at them every time we go to the restaurant.

Interview with Mel

Today I'd like to introduce you to a fellow Japan Blogger, Mel of mylifeasagaijin.blogspot.com

1 Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.

Mmm.. myself… well, I’m an Aussie living in Japan for the second time, both times I’ve taught English here. I love to create, be it with my camera, with paper or textiles. I’m completely obsessed with vintage kimono fabrics and Japanese design. I’m married to a wonderful man, who for the most part, keeps me sane and somewhat grounded.

2 Why did you start blogging about Japan?

I was actually working on a manuscript that I have to confess, is sadly neglected these days. The blog was a reminder to myself to write. I have to confess though, it was very dry in its early days.

3 Why have you continued blogging about Japan?

Because of the fabulous community I’ve met through blogging. Somedays I write to connect, others to share and some days, just to rant.

4 What Anime character are you most like and why?

When I first read that question quickly, I thought it said “What Anime character do you like most?” – well that would be Astro Boy. I’ve had a real crush on him since I was five.

As for an Anime character that I am like… umm.. that’s hard. I would love to say that I was like some fabulous female superhero with a dark, secret past who wore a fabulous black leather outfit. But I’m not. Are there any female characters who are a bit spacey, a bit of a dreamer, slightly crazy (though tries very hard to hide it), yet sometimes extremely focused, loves to create and often needs a good lie down?

5 If you only had one day in Japan and ￥10,000 what would you do and why?

Only one day in Japan? How cruel! (I know it's tough, that's why I ask it! C.) If it was me, me – I’d spend the time catching up with my dear friends over some yummy Japanese food, maybe unagi with ichigodaifuku for desert, do a spot of shopping in Tokyu Hands, Loft and a kimono flea market (of course I would have timed my trip to be here for a flea market) and spend what ever I have left in a 100 yen shop.

If it was tourist, never been to Japan me, I’d go to Kyomizudera in Kyoto soak in the atmosphere, sample lots of yummy Japanese foods that I’d never tried before, wander the streets around Kiyomizudera and buy some lovely little things for myself and friends back home.

6 What are two of your favorite posts (on your own blog) and why?

That’s another hard one.

I like Love Triangle not because of what I’ve written, but because of the funny love triangle (or rather square?) the student imagined between myself and the teachers I work with.

The other I’ve chosen is Love Hotel Letdown

Because it tells of a time I tried to check out something so uniquely Japanese, but had no way how to go about it. It didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to, but it certainly was something to write about – even my father commented on it!

7 What are two of your favorite posts (on other Japan blogs) and why?

I’m going to cheat here, and list three. (OK, but only this once. C.)

I love this one because of the humorous take on a rather strange Japanese news item
Hatch Cometh

This one because I really enjoy reading about the antics of Badaunt’s students
Salvage

And this one, because it teaches me how to make my favourite Japanese sweet
Park Adventures

8 Go crazy after this, say anything you like! (but please keep child safe)

Hehehe.. well, I could do some shameless self-promotion for my stores (sure! that's why I do these interviews. C.) That Japanese Feeling , Kimono Reincarnate and Ki creations , but I wouldn’t do that would I? Instead, I’ll just say, drop by and say hi on one of my blogs sometime, they are mylifeasagaijin.blogspot.com and kimonoreincarnate.blogspot.com


9 Who would you like to see interviewed next? (Max 3)

I picked a few people that I don’t know much about, yet regularly read their blogs

Bloggy Brad @ blue_moon.typepad.com
An Englishman in Osaka @ anenglishmaninosaka.blogspot.com
Transcendental Drifter @ transcendentaldrifter.blogspot.com

Maid Cafes

I won't ever go to a Maid Cafe.
Recently I asked my readers what they'd like me to do in Japan so I could blog about it, a suggestion from one of my favourite readers was to go to a maid cafe. Sorry, no way.

They typify a male dominated society that has sections seriously broken. I can't imagine why an educated woman would want to demean themselves by pretending to be a subservient chamber maid in a costume to serve their nerdy customers.

I could only imagine my personal horror to find out if a future daughter of mine were to be working in one of these places. Equally shocking would be to find out a son of mine were frequenting these establishments.

Japan is a great country to live in but there are some aspects I don't like. This is one of them.

Gee I Love Totoro

I must admit that I am a bit of a Totoro Fan.
I do not believe I could ever get tired of watching My Neighbour Totoro over again and again. Though maybe not more than twice in one week.

There's something about Totoro that appeals to my inner child. The idea of some friendly spirit who looks out for small children, living in the forest and getting around by NekoBus is pretty cool for me.

Of course the products I have bought from Donguri Kywakoku are also quite cool.

What do you want?

Do you know what you want?
I sometimes have to ask myself this question. Now I'm choosing to ask you, my readers, the same question. What do you want?

Living in Japan I can do many many things in this country for you arm-chair tourists to enjoy, but the question is what?

Do you want me to do a review of a Sushi-Train? Head to a flower festival? Or stake out some street festival?

I'm open and interested, leave your suggestions in the comment field below.