A Taste of Sumo Action!

There are quite a few webpages out there that deal with ways of date Japanese girls or what it is like to be dating Japanese girls from a rather insulting or culturally insensitive point of reference. Many of us, who are now dating a Japanese girl are not interested in a score with Japanese girls" guide o generalizations. While not all of these websites do that, and some definitely provide decent tips, a lot are flawed by generalizations and mostl don't give out the actual cultural and social differences that can make dating Japanese girls tough at times. I have found one such guide that has helped me, and I have been in a relationship for three years with my wife. This site is "Understanding Japanese Women" by David Radtke, a relationship expert here in Japan. The author has been with his wife for 14 years, and councelled many couples over the years. One lady stated that Radtke actually revealed too much! What's, he doesn't demean Japanese girls as some sort of special thing." There is a guide" out there that says , actually says "Asian girls are beautiful creatures", creatures? Really!? Do people actually believe they can show that guide to their wife and actually figure anything out? Shouldn't one believe that she would be insulted that the relationship site call her a "mysterious, seductive creature?" It's insulting, and not informative. David Radtke presentshis thoughts in a proper and sensitive manner, he is as objective as possible. Understanding Japanese Women is a book that you can read with your wife or girlfriend, and might actually help your relationship. If you'd actually enjoy to find out what it's like to date Japanese girls, and even a few general tips for interracial relationships you need to go to a correct authority. A lot of these sites online are created for finding and bedding" and come from a kind of a racial viewpoint. The truth of the issue is that there exists "racist love", and a site that promotes stereotypes of the quiet subservient Japanese girl may be absolutely wrongand this perception may ruin a relationship. It is not always easy to talk about matters of culture without having some basic guidelines of course, but a lot of love advice sites particularly in this niche are far too general and assumptive. Whether you are already in a relationship, or thinking about getting in a relationship the tips that I give and David gives in his E-book will hopefully help you along. If you have the true hope to make a relationship happen whether through Japanese girl dating sites, or eve travelling to Japan for work, life, or vacation the transition might not be easy. There are many definite social differences that can make dating Japanese women difficult at times, but to take the help of a lay-man or Asian fetishist you will have one foot in the grave as far as a serious relationship is concerned. In summary, some guides are either wrong, or rude, and not many people have actual advice out there. If you're actually interested in love and advice for dating Japanese girls then checkout David's guide, and also my site: Guide to Dating Japanese Girls.

A Day Trip In Tokyo's Shibuya Ward These are two wonderful spots to check out in Shibuya, kind of a mix of the historic and new for those who either have a short in Tokyo or who want to have a neat easy day trip. Both spots can be found on the convenient "Yamanote Line" which takes tourists to each important ward of Tokyo, and travels in in a circle so one will not get sidetracked. One of Tokyo's most visited travel spots for travellers who enjoy the historical spots like the Ginkuji Shrine, along with Hachiko makes a great day trip in Shibuya. Commissioned in 1912 to remember the life of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken it was built in 1920. Before the entrance of the shrine is a religous gate called a "Torii", a traditional Shinto gate. Meiji Shrine is located in a forest that covers an area of 700,000 square-meters. This area is covered by an evergreen forest that boasts 120,000 trees of 365 different types, which were supplied by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established. During WW2 the shrine was destroyed, recreated from public funds in 1958. The reestablished Meiji Shrine is as near to the first as possible. The Meiji Jingu Shrine was made to commemorate Emperor Meiji who had restructured the government from the Samurai system, due to Matthew Perry's "Black Ships" and increased trade. Japan had to end some traditions. Japan became more powerful socially and militarily after trading began and the clan wars had ceased. Emperor Meiji was one of the first leader of Japan to actually start a connection with the west and modernize Japan. He will be remembered always in this well traveled and interesting tourist spot, just outside of the Meiji Jingu Mae station. Shibuya, Tokyo is one of Japan's most traveled tourist spots, and for good reason. Shibuya is the home of not only a lot of historic sites, but many interesting and current ones as well. Almost every type of clothes, restaurant, or activity can be experienced in this "Special Ward" of Tokyo. One of these spots is, in some cities, not a major point of interest. Shibuya is one of the twenty three "special" wards of Tokyo, but most refers to just the famous shopping and entertainment area close to Shibuya Station. Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most vibrant cities and home to many of Tokyo's clothing and entertainment trends. Much of the area's huge electronics stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two of the largest department stores. A popular landmark of Shibuya is the huge TOKYU in front of the station (Hachiko Exit), being heavily decorated by neon advertisements and huge telvision screens. It is crossed by massively large crowds of pedestrians every time the light changes. It is similar to Times Square in New York. One only needs to walk a short distance from the station to see why Shibuya is a shoppers paradise. including an 8 story Shibuya 109-2, a huge PARCO, and trendy shops such as Shibuya 109. Shibuya is one of Japan's most important sightseeing spots, please take a look at Shibuya Sightseeing for even more spots to go and see.

Hikoshi Bimbo - Moving Poor in tokyo

If you think it's easy to get an apartment in Tokyo, you'd be wrong.  Japanese use the phrase hikoshi-bimbo to describe someone who recently moved into a new apartment.  Translated as 'moving poor,' hikoshi-bimbo describes the state of having to pay about six months salary for the privelege of renting a new apartment.  Between Key Money, agent fees, deposits and holding fees it adds up quite quickly.

This is the reason that many adults stay at home for many years saving money, even with respectable careers.  It seems insane to Westerners that the Key Money fee is never returned.

I'm going to be starting a new Tokyo Site

http://lifeintokyo.info will be coming out.  Basically I am going to just use it as a blog like this one is/was

Makes more sense that way.

Kebab Sandwiches - Akihabara's Treat

There are some Turkish style Kebab stands around Tokyo, but the best are definitely in Akihabara.  Though some people don't know this, Akiba is sort of famous for their Kebab wraps.  It definitely makes sense and shows.  There are three stands directly outside of the JR Akihabara station, and for good reason... Kebab rules.

You can get a wrap or a pita, even a kebab don over rice.  With normal, spicy, spinach, or "white" sauce which I have actually never tried and don't know what it's like.  I usually go for "Geki Kara" or Very Spicy.

There are some great Kebab stands in other cities as well, such as Shibuya's Ayse though Akiba has Kebabs on lock.

English Language Magazines in Japan

One of the hardest parts about adapting to life in Tokyo is the language.  There are not many english language mags but Metropolis and Coupon Land are two of the best.

Metropolis has reviews of new movies, japanese music, interesting headlines and a planner that tells about bands, DJs, clubbing etc.  They do restaurant reviews and pull out guides that help with everything from finding the best burger to playing pachinko.

The other is Coupon Land, you should be able to infer what that is all about.  Coupons to tons of restaurants, bars, etc that you wont find elsewhere.

Best part about these mags?  They're free in any major Subway/JR line station and in some cafes.