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.

The Japanese Toilet

When you first get off the plane and land in Tokyo one of the first things that you will likely do is go to the john.  Nobody really enjoys having to use the cramped airplane bathroom!  Upon entering the public facilities you'll notice a couple diffrent types of toilet.

One:  The oldschool.

This thing looks like a urinal on the ground.  You have to squat to use it unless urinating.  I highly recommend finding another toilet because we gaijin are not used to that kind of posture.  I have never and will never use one outside of a leak.

Two:  The new school.

Japan is way ahead of us in crapper technology, that I know for sure.  The Toto Washlet and all its versions are incredibly convenient.  Many westerners have heard that it sprays water in your butt, and that is a very accurate ass-esment.  Why would you want this?  It cuts wiping time down to a fraction, and also helps women clean themselves as a bidet.  If you've ever been sitting on the throne wiping all day, you'll wish you had one.

How to use:  The button with a butt is for the butt, the red button is stop, and the woman button is for women.  The one that looks like wind is a dryer.  Don't touch the other ones as that will mess with angles.

When you're done, most modern toilets have a button on the wall that you can conveniently press with your foot.  Newer and public toilets rarely have a western style flush these days.

Just a stupid little update, but it's a good thing to know when you're in Japan anyway.

Sumo Tournament

Today is the beginning of the March Sumo tournament.  Another battle awaits the Mongolian Yokozuna rank rivals Hakuho and Asashoryu.  Asashoryu is reigning grand champion, Hakuho the only man who has bested him recently and champion of 2 tournaments last year wants to take his spot.

Since moving to Japan the frequent Sumo tournaments have been one of my favorite things to watch on TV.  I mainly watch the top division, known as Makuuchi (behind the curtain due to the original usage that top ranked wrestlers sat in an area behind a curtain) because the other televised matches can get a bit stale, those with lower ranked fighters

Of course Asashoryu is steamrolling with 4 wins and no losses as of this writing.  15 wins is a perfect record, anything under 8-7 and a wrestler might get demoted.

I am especially excited to see Yamamotoyama (his name means "Mountain, REAL MOUNTAIN") he is the largest Japanese born sumo at 550 pounds.  Very fun to watch him squash a smaller opponent.

Best Program to Learn Japanese

If you are moving to Japan, or plan to be, you must learn the local language at least enough to get by.  One of the only phrases I knew upon landing in Japan was "tamonegi nashi" to be said at the counter of McDonalds (Makkudonarudo, Makku) to remove the onions!

That being said, I've tried out tons of language software since my arrival.  One of the best but most difficult to use has been Rosetta Stone.  The premise of the program is simple, click the picture or sentence that corresponds to the speaker.  The hard part honestly is sticking with it, Rosetta Stone is heavily vocabulary based, and you will learn a lot of less useful words in the beginning.  It teaches in a totally different way, similar to how children learn by context.  I liked this approach because I am not much for reading a language book.

I highly recommend that you get started months before you come to Japan, because Moving to Tokyo is not an easy thing to do.

How to Rent in Japan

Quick guide to Apartment renting:  On an advertisement you will see things such as "2LDK" or "1LKD" "1K" etcetera.  This is a kind of slang for example L= Living room, D=Dining room, K=Kitchen so a 2LDK apartment would have 2 bedrooms and the aforementioned.

Well, for one thing you need some form of residency paperwork.  Spousal/Dependant or a working visa will allow you to work which obviously you need to rent an apartment unless you have a husband or wife paying everything in which case, I envy you.  Some say it is hard for a Gaijin alone to get an apartment, and sometimes even if with a Japanese national, although this perception is changing.

Key Money/Deposit-  For a cheap apartment this is usually about 2,000 USD up front before you can rent... more based on the quality and price of the apartment.  2k seems to be the middle of the road though.  Along with RE agent fees and such this can be quite a big chunk.  Key Money and the RE Fee are non-refundable.  There is also a non refundable guarantor fee in most cases.

You need to get the documents in English or have enough proficiency in Japanese to read through a contract, (easier said than done) or use a translator.  This goes as a general caveat and SHOULD go without saying, but never sign anything before understanding it!

Utilities are generally not included, so you will have to get contracts for water, internet, heat, and electricity along with such things as Satellite or Cable.

You can also rent a furnished apartment without deposit from some companies, but they have a higher rate. (An efficency or "studio apartment" for about 1,000 USD per month in a less populated area or more)  They may also charge for cleanings and other similar things.  The main downside of this type of housing is that the rate for a larger "regular" apartment can be quite a bit less over time.

Snow today in Tokyo

Couldn't believe that it snowed today. 

Pizza is NOT the Same

In Tokyo and hungry for pizza?  Well, you're pretty much screwed.  Unless you want to take the risk of ordering from Pizza La (Pizza RA in Japanese pronounciation) or the Japanese version of Dominos you have only one choice for vaguely American style pizza at a reasonable rate.  Shakeys.  Made nationally famous by the "Kenny Dies" episode of South Park this small American chain has expanded world wide, they offer a lunch buffet (or Biew-fay in Japanese pronunciation, also Bikingu or Viking style) for about 10 bucks, but you still probably won't get what you're expecting.

When's the last time you went to your local pizzeria and asked for a Maguro (tuna) and Corn with mayonnaise sauce?  Or maybe you're in the mood for Pizza La's signature Hokkaido Crab and Gratin Pizza,  gratin being a sour cream/cream cheese tasting mixture.  As Ace Ventura would sarcastically say "Yummmay"  Also of note is the Teriyaki Chicken pizza, which replaces the standard tomato sauce with teriyaki and worchestershire sauce and slathers the whole thing in Mayo.

Ordering from a big company like Dominos or Pizza La will cost you upwards of 25 bucks for a medium, with some specialty pizzas going up to 50 dollars for a large.  

Mayonnaise, mayonnaise based sauce, gratin pizza, cookie and marshmallow pizza all appear on the Shakey's menu...  but not to be found are classic favorites like Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, or Jalapeno peppers.  If you ask for a Hawaiian Pizza, you'll get a strange look as well... Pineapple and Ham on pizza?  Apparently that is one of the few TRULY WEIRD combinations!