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!

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

Interview with Lina

Today I would like to introduce you to a fellow Japan blogger, Lina of urutoranohihi.blogspot.com

1 Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.
I'm Malaysian, born and bred. Have a wonderful husband and an adorable son, we are huge Ultraman Fan, as you can attest from my blog. I may look like and act like a grumpy old lady, but deep inside I am still the 18 year old riding a Cagiva around town. (Yep, her son is totally adorable C.)

2 Why did you start blogging about Japan?
In September 2007. I decided to blog as a way to connect with others, instead of lurking and posting insane amount of comments in their blogs.

3 Why have you continued blogging about Japan?
To keep our love affair with Japan strong! And to give me an outlet to post photos and commentaries of our previous trips to Japan, in the hope someone might find it useful. (Lina has more photos of trains than I could possibly imagine! C.)

4 What Anime character are you most like and why?
Kurosagi Ichigo of Bleach. I like cute boys with orange hair that can slash Hollow.

5 If you only had one day in Japan and ￥10,000 what would you do and why?
Just 10,000 yen? That's not much! I can barely buy that Timberland boots I saw in Karuizawa!
OK, if you insist : Ask you to accompany me eat sushi at Tsukiji. How about it? (sounds like a plan Lina! C.)

6 What are two of your favourite posts (on your own blog) and why?
Fun with Bureaucracy : made me realise bureaucracy exist even in the most efficient country.
Before I Set my Foot in Japan : my mad ramblings on when and why we visit Japan obsessively

7 What are two of your favourite posts (on other Japan blogs) and why?
Having a cat in your life by Contamination. He shows a soft side of him, and I really respect him for treating his cat with such love. (thanks! C.)
Of grave digging and knife frenzies... A sombre note of life as a Muslim in Japan and the killing spree in Akihabara

8 Go crazy after this, say anything you like! (but please keep child safe)
Please visit my blog Urutora No Hi obsessively.

Some good advice from Captain Serizawa of Ultraman Mebius :
1. To not go to school on an empty stomach
2. To air out the futon on days when the weather is good
3. To watch out for cars when walking on the street
4. To not rely on strength of others
5. To play by running around barefoot when on dirt

9 Who would you like to see interviewed next? (Max 3)
Mr Penguin @ barwick.de/japan/index.html since it's been awhile since I saw him posting anything in his blog.

Tokyo Tom Interview

Today I would like to introduce you to a fellow Japan blogger, Thomas of tokyo-tom.blogspot.com

1 Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.

I came to Japan 5 years ago. After being graduating and working in an ad agency for 2 years, my best friend from high school told me that I should get over here. I had studied in Osaka for a time during college and had always wanted to come back. When I first came to Japan I worked in a "big three" eikaiwa, moved on to computer programming, and now I'm working in an international school and studying for my masters in elementary education.


2 Why did you start blogging about Japan?

Blogging is a way for me to keep a journal. When I first came here I had the idea of keeping my friends informed of what I was doing through a blog since form emails clog up inboxes and require people to read them right away. Whereas a blog is something people can read when they have time. My current blog, Hello Mother, Hello Father was made for my parents.

3 Why have you continued blogging about Japan?

Blogging has gotten me interested in graphic arts and photography. Besides, my parents like reading about what I am doing.

4 What Anime character are you most like and why?

I'm not into anime so it took me a while to think of an answer to this one, but I'll choose Nana. It's always been a fantasy of mine to be a rock star. I'm not a Japanese girl, but I've always wanted to be a rock star.

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

I'd go and hang out in Ueno. There is so much to do in that area and it's cheap. I would go to a museum after looking around Ueno Park, go to Ueno Ichiba--my favorite izakaya there, hang out in Ameyoko, and walk around Yakata. I'd probably keep the izakaya for last since 10,000 yen goes fast there.

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

How to Eat Sushi
I posted one of the funniest videos I have ever seen here. (this is also my favorite. C.)

and

Around Sendai
This post has some interesting pictures of the new city I live in, and has a great comment from my mom.

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

Only 2? (Yes, only two. C.)

Disgusting Attitudes Towards Japanese People
This post and especially comments were interesting to me because it shows some truth, many stereotypes, and a whole lot of misconceptions all in one.

and

Harrased by Old Man on Train
This kind of thing has happened to me as well. For a long time I had thought it was just me.


8 Go crazy after this, say anything you like! (but please keep child safe)
I recently started a widget called "Blogs on Japan" to give more exposure to these kinds of blogs. It displays a random 125x125 banner. There is no point system like some other banner exchanges--it's completely random.

If you have a blog about Japan and would like to be added, please contact me at tokyotom [at] tokyo.com with a like to your site so I can review and add it.


9 Who would you like to see interviewed next? (Max 3)
Mike @ www.japanisdoomed.com
Tobias @ www.observingjapan.com
Lulu @ www.cherryblossomadventures.com

And there you have it, my 2nd Japan Blogger interview with Thomas of tokyo-tom.blogspot.com

Jamaipanese Interview

Today I would like to introduce you to a fellow Japan blogger, Kirk of www.jamaipanese.com

So we have the man, but lets get to know the blogger a little more, shall we?

1 Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.

Hey JD readers. My name is Kirk, I am from Kingston Jamaica, I am tall, slim and a very proud otaku.

2 Why did you start blogging about Japan?

Japan is the source of or plays an important role in many of my hobbies and interests. I hope to visit one day and started learning Japanese. My blog is a outlet for my Japan related interests, a place to practice my Japanese (albeit very limited) and to meet other people that share my interests.

3 Why have you continued blogging about Japan?

My blog has done well to teach me more about Japan and I have met many friends and been exposed to many things I would not have exposed to if I wasn't blogging. I am most excited about the people I will meet and the experiences I will have in the future...due to my blog.

4 What Anime character are you most like and why?

Jiraiya - respected, skilled, a rebel, powerful, jovial and free spirited. I'm not as big a pervert as him but I like how he is sincere and true to his character.

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

thats easy....Akihabara. I've read so much, watched so much on TV and read so much...I can't wait to have a first hand experience making the Akihabara pilgrimage that in my mind all otaku must do ^_^. I'd need 100 times that.

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

The three places in Japan I would love to visit - A post talks about some places in Japan I would like to visit and why.

and
Jamaipanese.com online - My first ever post on my blog that I read from to time to time to be inspired.

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

Prepare a trip to Japan in 10 steps - a recent post on one of my favourite japan related blogs that offered some insight on the steps I need to take to eventually visit Japan

and

just about any post from akihabaranews.com - a great blog that all Japan enthusiasts and technology junkies must visit.

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

If you read this far please check out my blog ^_^

(That's www.jamaipanese.com if you hadn't already figured that out by this far, Contamination)

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

Hector of Kirainet.com
R.O. of Blackjapanman.com
Neil of Neilduckett.com

And there you have it. My first ever interview with Kirk of Jamaipanese.

But please remember that Kirk isn't just a Japan blogger, he is also an avid gamer and could possibly cut down the number of hours if needed. ;-)