Arashi 嵐

After watching the series Hana Yori Dango on the net, I became familiar with the boy band Arashi 嵐. All Hana Yori Dango's theme song was sung by Arashi. The first song was entitled "Wish" from HYD 1, "Love so Sweet" from HYD 2 and "One Love" theme song of Hana Yori Dango Final The Movie. Out of the 3 songs I like Love so Sweet the most, in fact I have downloaded this song to make it as my phone's ringtone. I provided a bit info about this Japanese boy band, check it out.


Biography

嵐 means storm in Japanese, consist of five members under the management of Johnny and Associates. The group made their debut on September 15, 1999 in Honolulu Hawaii. Arashi covers a wide range of music, including R&B, hip hop and various forms of pop music. Aside from being a popular idol group in Japan, the group is widely known across Asia and to J-pop fans all over the world.
Members:
Masaki Aiba, Sho Sakurai, Satoshi Ohno, Kazunari Ninomiya and Jun Matsumoto

To date, Arashi has released ten albums (which includes eight studio albums and two compilation albums) and twenty-two singles. The group's latest single is "Beautiful Days", which is the theme song for the Japanese television drama, Ryusei no Kizuna. This is Arashi's 13th straight number one release and their 21st number one overall.

Studio albums
2001: Arashi No.1 Ichigou - Arashi wa Arashi o Yobu!
2002: Here We Go!
2003: How's It Going?
2004: Iza, Now!
2005: One
2006: Arashic
2007: Time
2008: Dream "A" live

Compilation albums
2002: Arashi Single Collection 1999-2001
2004: Arashi 5x5: The Best Selection of 2002-2004

Arashi's "Love So Sweet" music video, enjoy!!!

Japan Baseball: Giants VS. Lions

I am not a fan of baseball leagues. In the Philippines baseball is not a popular sport, I preferred basketball instead and watched NBA most often, my brothers always tune in to cable TV just to watch the NBA series. Our habit everynight is watching TV while eating dinner. My aunt's husband likes watching sports such as soccer, boxing, K1 (kickboxing) and baseball games. Recently, he always watched baseball because of the Championship series and at that point I got interested in baseball. I only knew 1 team in Japanese Baseball League and it's Chunichi Dragons. Honestly, I have knew this team because of Dragons Day SALE in the department stores with matching Dragons theme song playing over and over again. Out of curiosity, I asked my aunt about it and she explained that the Dragons is the Aichi prefecture's team in the baseball league, everytime they enter the championship series, all department stores and supermarket in Aichiken give special discounts. This season Chunichi Dragons made it to the championship series, but their battle for the championship easily ends. Yomiura Giants from Tokyo beated them. My uncle was a fan of Yomiuri Giants and as for me, though I am not an avid fan my bet is off course Chunichi Dragons. The battle continues for Yomiuri Giants as they face The Saitama Seibu Lion for the final leg of the series. Still my whole family here, were Giants, I go for Lions, why? Most players were handsome....

Seibu Lions defeat Yomiuri Giants in Game 7 to win Japan Series
TOKYO (AP) -- The Seibu Lions won their first Japan Series title since 2004 on Sunday by defeating the Yomiuri Giants 3-2 in Game 7. Former major leaguer Hiram Bocachica hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning and former New York Yankees pitcher Alex Graman recorded the final six outs for the save as the Lions won their 13th Japan Series title.

In fielder Hiroshi Hirao drove in the winning run with a single up the middle in the eighth inning at Tokyo Dome.
Seibu pitcher Takayuki Kishi, who was named series MVP, won Game 6 to set up the decisive Game 7.

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Giants, who built a 3-2 series lead before heading back to their home stadium for the final two games.The Giants signed former major leaguers Alex Ramirez and pitcher Seth Greisinger from the Yakult Swallows before the 2008 season. They also signed hard-throwing reliever Marc Kroon from the Yokohama BayStars in the offseason.

Yomiuri manager Tatsunori Hara was named manager of Japan's team for the 2009 World Baseball Classic before the start of the Japan Series but couldn't guide his team to their first championship since 2002.
(Mainichi Japan) November 10, 2008

Okazaki Castle

A friend of mine decided to give me a visit here in my place. My friend lives in Nagoya (名古屋)and compare to my place it is more rural with not so many places to go and hang out. Since my place is far from Nagoya, I told my friend to take Meitetsu (名鉄) Exp. limited via Toyohashi (豊橋), stopping at a limited stations and I will just meet him in Higashi Okazaki (東岡崎). Before we start our day trip in Okazaki, we ate first in Mc Donalds. Then from Higashi Okazaki (東岡崎) we walked all the way to Okazaki Park (岡崎公園 "Okazaki Koen"). We went to Okazaki Castle (岡崎城 "Okazaki Jyou"). The 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors of the castle tower have been converted into a museums. We decided to take a rest on top of the castle so, we can also enjoy the beautiful scenic view on top. After the castle we continued walking and decided to go to a game center near my place. From the park it took us 30 minutes to the game center. We spend our time playing video games and billiards. At the end of the day after walking for a long distance and doing activities, it's a good thing we never even felt tired.

OKAZAKI PARK (岡崎公園)

This park, spreading over 80,000 square meters around the Okazaki Castle, is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. There is a Mikawa Samurai and Ieyasu Museum, which displays historical documents. There is a flower clock, a teahouse, a noh theatre, and a replica of Ieyasu dancing the noh dance (which is actually a clock.)

●561 Kosei-cho, Okazaki　TEL:0564-24-2204　a 10-minute walk from Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station.

Okazaki Castle (岡崎城)
THE HISTORY OF THE CASTLE

Tradition has it that the 1st Okazaki Castle was constructed at the present site in Sugo, Okazaki around 1455 by the Saigo family...In the 1st half on the 16th century, the Saigo family yielded possession of Okazaki Castle to Matsudaira Kiyoyasu, the 17th lord of the Matsudaira family (and the grandfather of Iyeyasu)..that had risen into power in northern Mikawa. The prevailing belief based on recent research work, however, is that the 1st half of the 15th century, and that Matsudaira Kiyoyasu moved it over to the present site in 1531..Incidentally, the original castle was most probably a fort of the main citadel today, on a small plot of land. In 1590, Tanaka Yoshimasa, then lord of the castle, enlarged the precincts surrounded with moats and Lord Honda Yasunori built a complex castle tower well worthy of the name. For 3 centuries, Okazaki Castle, honored as the birthplace of the deified Iyeyasu and cradle of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was guarded successively by the hereditary vassal daimyos. At the same time Okazaki was valued as a strategic point along the Tokaido Highway. In the Meiji Restoration Period, the feudal clans were abolished and in 1873-1874 , Okazaki castle was demolished, leaving only its moat and stone wall. In 1959, the triple-roofed , 5 story donjon, together with the annex and wellhouse , were reconstructed according to the original model.

OPEN 9am to 5pm
CLOSE Dec. 29-Jan. 1
FEE:
Okazaki castle -- adult 200 yen. / child 100 yen
Mikawa museum-- adult 350 yen / child 200 yen
Museum and Castle (combined) -- adult 500 yen / child 270 yen
Address: 561 Kousei-cho Okazaki, Aichi prefecture.

Japan in Crisis

Before leaving the house for work this early morning, the news on TV caught my attention. Due to economic crisis we are currently facing, a lot of people lost their jobs. Here in Japan, not only Japanese but most especially Foreigners were laid off, what I saw on TV, a lot of Brazillians in Hamamatsu went to City Hall asking for jobs. The company I was working with, is located in Toyota city, where the car manufacturer mogul Toyota Motors office and its car factories were located. So, the main industry here and to its neighboring cities were auto parts supplier for Toyota. Due to economic crisis we are facing, Toyota Motors scaled-down its production to 75%, leaving a lot of employees jobless and thus also created an impact to its suppliers. The situation made me feel bad, I felt sorry for those who lost their job, I am lucky I still maintain my job and I thank God for that.

Economic Crisis of 2008

It all started when the United States' economy collapsed, the serial bursting of the housing and financial bubbles and of the pursuance of the US dollar fall, means the virtual freeze of the American economic machinery: private and public bankruptcies in large numbers, companies and public services closing down massively. Thus creating a domino effect, neither Asia nor Europe as well as all the countries/economies strongly linked to the US will suffer the roughest, the most sustainable and the most negative impact of the ongoing crisis.

In Japan exports in June declined for the first time in about five years falling by 1.7 percent. Exports to the United States and European Union fell 15.4 percent and 11.2 percent respectively. The decline in exports and increase in imports cut Japan's trade surplus $1.28 billion a decline of 90 percent from the previous year. An economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland said the decline means the Japanese economy most likely declined in the second quarter. Taro Aso, secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said he believes Japan had entered a recession. Japan's economy declined by 0.6 percent in the second quarter of 2008. This was later revised to a decline of 0.7 percent. Japanese exports grew 0.3 percent in August of 2008 compared to a year before down from 8 percent the previous month. Exports to the U.S. fell 21.8 percent, the biggest decline on record, and exports to Europe fell 3.5 percent. Two Japanese banks appeared on the list of major Lehman creditors.

October 31, The Bank of Japan cut the key interest rate to 0.3 percent from 0.5 percent. This is the first cut in seven years. The move from Japan is the first that supports rate-cutting measures in response to the global financial crisis by other central banks. Some citizens say that the cut of 0.2 percent was desultory and the meeting of the nine member bank’s policy board showed how deeply divided they were.
Japan’s central bank have come under fire lately for its reluctance to reduce the key interest rate, which is already the lowest in the industrialized world, in an attempt bolster the stock market and to control the surging yen.
The interest rate cut that many economists though would have been halved to 0.25 percent came just a day after the government announced a $51 billion (£31 billion) stimulus package. Anal lists have said that the cut that was lower than expected would give off the wrong signals about Japan’s commitment to boost the global economy. In the stock market in Tokyo the Nikkei 225 index tumbled 5 percent to 8576.

Okonomiyake and Yakisoba

For our dinner my aunt decided to have Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), though my aunt is a Filipino I can say that she is good in cooking Japanese foods. Working for almost 5 years in a Japanese restaurant where she learned how to cook. My aunt prepared the mixture and the ingredients but it was her Japanese husband who do the cooking. When I first ate okonomiyake (お好みやけ) It reminded me of pizza, well, I can say that it is a Japanese version of pizza. It has a lot of toppings and at that time, I started to like it, because it's oishii (delicious). After we ate okonomiyake, my aunt's husband started to cook yakisoba (焼きそば), a perfect partner for okonomiyake, in our frying plate, though I am full I also try to eat yakisoba. It was a nice dinner and I really enjoyed it. Gochisosama deshita (Thanks for the food!).

Okonomiyake (お好み焼き)

Okonomi means "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki means "grilled" or "cooked" thus, the name of this dish means "cook what you like". The customers choose their own ingredients and then cook up their pancakes right at the table. It is said to be originated in Osaka and continues to be most popular there.

Recipe

Ingredients for one pancake:
Cooked bacon (2-3strips, cut into small pieces)
Cabbage (3/4 cup, shredded)
A few prawns
Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
Cake flour (4 tablespoons)
Salt (1/6 teaspoon)
Chopped green onion (1/2 cup)
Water (3 tablespoons)
Egg

Okonomiyaki Sauce
Ketchup (3 tablespoons)
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon)
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
*Mix the above together

Okonomiyaki Toppings
Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon)
Aonori (dried green seaweed) and dried bonito shavings (to taste)


Procedure:

1. Mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder and sift. Gently mix in the water. Next, add all the remaining ingredients and mix them together thoroughly.
2. Heat the griddle (or frying pan) and lightly oil. Spoon the okonomiyaki mixture on the griddle and spread it into a round shape about 1.2 to 1.5 cm thick.
3. When air bubbles start to rise in the middle of the okonomiyaki, turn it over with a spatula and fry while pressing down on it slightly until done.
4. Spread the sauce over the okonomiyaki, top with mayonnaise if you like. Sprinkle on the aonori and dried bonito. The okonomiyaki is now ready to eat.

Yakisoba (焼きそば)

Yakisoba is a kind of Japanese fried noodle as yaki means fried in Japanese. Soba means noodles. Originated from China Yakisoba noodles are not made from buckwheat (soba), but like ramen noodles, are made from wheat flour.

Recipe

Steamed Yakisoba noodles (1 pack)
meat (pork or beef, 50 g (2 oz), cut into thin, small pieces)
cabbage (1/2 cup, chopped coarsely)
carrot (1/4 cup, thinly sliced)
onion (1/3 cup, thinly sliced)
Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
water (2 or 3 tablespoons

Procedure:

1. Oil the griddle (or frying pan) and fry the meat (fry pork until it turns white). Next, add the onion and carrot and fry until they soften slightly. Then add the cabbage and fry until soft.
2. Pull the noodles apart to keep them from staying in a clump, and stir them into the mixture. When everything is nicely mixed together, pour 2 or 3 tablespoons of water over it and stir-fry a little longer.
3. Add the seasoning sauce (powder or liquid) that comes with the pack of noodles, or if there is no sauce, use Japanese Worcestershire sauce. If you like, top with aonori (dried green seaweed). It's ready to eat.

* You can use any kind of meat for Yakisoba. It is also delicious with seafood, such as prawns. It tastes good with any vegetables - for example, green peppers, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, celery, and broccoli - so put more vegetables in if you like.
Just cut them to the right size and thickness for stir-frying and saute them until they soften. For bigger pieces of vegetable you might have to boil them a little to soften them up. You can also give the yakisoba a more Chinese flavor by using soy sauce or oyster sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.

Hana Yori Dango ( 花より男子 )

My friend just had he's internet connection and he always talked about Meteor Garden which he, again started to watch in YouTube. Sometimes I even heard him humming it's theme song, Meteor rain. Meteor Garden was a hit in the Philippines and to other parts of Asia. I was in 2nd year college when F4 fever hit my country. The series was dubbed in Tagalog, actually I never got the chance to watched it from the beginning, so I don't have any idea of the series story settings. Accidentally, the TV from my grandmother's room is on but nobodys watching, it caught my attention when I saw Wa ze Lei, one of the F4, a Taiwanese group, who has the lead roles in the series. I then started to watch it just wanted to see these Taiwanese hunks, knowing the story made me hooked up with this drama series. Instead of hanging out in school with my friends after my classes which I normally do, I came home early just to catch up Meteor Garden.

Meteor Garden

A Taiwanese drama that began its broadcast 12 April 2001 on CTV. It is Taiwan's attempt at a live version of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango (花より男子) which has spawned off an idol-singer group, F4. F4 members are now officially known as JVKV, after Japanese TV producers decided to use the name F4 in the live version of the anime "Hana Yori Dango". It stars Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu and Barbie Hsu. Due to the popularity of the series throughout Asia, two sequels, Meteor Garden II and Meteor Rain, were produced. Meteor Garden remains as the highest rated Asian drama overall shown in the Philippines, garnering a 57.4% peak rating with an average rating of 42.9% in mega manila and a peak of 73.0% nationwide with an average of 62.0% which was shown over ABS-CBN. The replay value was just so high, that when it was replayed again every Saturday and Sunday, it rated an amazing 42.0% on its finale.

Hana Yori Dango (花より男子)

Boys Over Flowers in English, Hana yori Dango is a Japanese shoujo manga series by Yoko Kamio and it ran in the bi-weekly shoujo manga compilation called Margaret, which is published by Shueisha. This manga is the best-selling shoujo manga in Japan of all time (54 million copies in 2005). By 2003, the story had been adapted in Japan into an anime television series, a live-action television drama, an animated movie set in a parallel universe, and a live-action movie.

Plot

The plot revolves around regular girl Makino Tsukushi, who is stuck in Eitoku High, a school for rich kids. She hates the place and wants her 2 years there to pass peacefully, and more importantly, quickly. Then she crosses the path of the F4, a foursome of beautiful boys with impressive wealth and influence. Their leader sticks red paper in lockers to show dislike for someone, and the rest of the school will do the bullying for him. This is what happens to Tsukushi, after she boldly gives these rich brats a piece of her mind. Rather than leaving the school like the other F4's victims, Tsukushi stays. But now there's another problem: she has developed feelings for two members of the F4!

The cast of Hana Yori Dango drama series

Kaki vendor

Caught in a traffic jam, on the way to work, we took a different route, along the way our driver saw a stall with kaki for sale. Since our driver wants to buy, we stopped for a while, out of curiosity I also went outside to buy. I've never seen this fruit in the Philippines. Hmm.. where is the vendor? The Kaki were placed in a table under a big umbrella, and at the side of it is a coin bank where you'll place your payment. One pack cost 300 yen. As I put, the coins in the coin bank I wonder, how I wish we can do something like this in my country.

Japanese Persimmon (Kaki Fruit)

"Kaki" means "food of the gods" from its scientific name Diospyros. DIOS means gods and SPYROS means wheat (food). Originated in China but the Japanese cultivate it by the name of kaki. The fruit resembles large, orange tomatoes but instead, they have a wide, pale brown calyx and translucent, edible skin. At their best, they have a very sweet, honeyed flavour, described as being like a combination of plum,honey, apricot, pumpkin, and mango laced with perfume. The Japanese persimmon is highly cultivated, in Japan the centers of Kaki production are the prefectures Wakayama, Nara and Fukuoka. In Eastern Asia the main harvest time for Kaki is in the months October and November.
There are two types: astringent and non-astringent. Non-astringent types can be eaten firm, as soon as the beautiful golden color appears. The astringent type will cause your lips to "pucker" if eaten before they become soft and turn color.

Okane, okane, okane

Learning Nihongo (日本語, Japanese language) is a must but knowing Japanese currency is a priority. Off course I am talking about money (お金 okane) . First, I let myself be familiarized with Japanese yen. When I did know the value of yen I was really surprised how expensive commodities in Japan. Imagine, I was really hesitated to buy something for 100 yen because in our money it's like 40 pesos. For example, a 100 yen hamburger of Mc Donalds, in the Philippines you can have a hamburger, drinks and a fries for that same amount. Every time I go for shopping I always convert the cost to Philippine peso, my aunt gave me a word, "if you are always like that, you cannot buy anything" she said. Well, she's right, now I don't regret if I bought something for 100 yen after all, it's just 100 yen.

Japanese Yen (日本円)
The Japanese monetary unit is yen. ¥ is the symbol used for International, while in Japan it is 円(En). Introduced by the Meiji government the yen ( 円 en) was established as the official unit of currency in 1871. The name en was used because it means round, as opposed to the oblong shape of previous coinage. Japanese currency is designed to facilitate easy use by people with sight impairments. All of the bills and coins are in different sizes.

Japanese Bills
1,000 yen (千円 sen en) - features world-renowned bacteriologist Noguchi Hideyo, on the reverse side is the Mt. Fuji. Original Size: 150 x 76 mm

5,000 yen ( 五千円 go sen en) - has Higuchi Ichiyo, one of Japan's earliest feminist novelist, reverse side are Irises. Original Size: 155 x 76 mm

10,000 yen ( 一万円 ichi man en) - features the Meiji Period educator Fukuzawa Yukichi. Reverse side is a Phoenix from Byodoin temple. Original Size: 160 x 76 mm.

2,000 yen ( 二千円 ni sen en) - are a rare sight today. This bank note was issued to commemorate the G-8 Economic Summit in Okinawa. Shureimon Gate in Naha, Okinawa; Scene from "Genji Monogatari" (Tale of Genji). Original Size: 154 x 76 mm.

Japanese coins
Japanese coins are dated by Emperor and the year of their reign. There are 6 denominations in Japanese coins:
1 yen (一円 ichi en) - Obverse: Young Tree. Reverse: Value, year of minting. Material: 100% Aluminum, Weight: 1g, Diameter: 20mm, Edge: Smooth, Year of First Issue: 1955

5 yen ( 五円 go en) - Obverse: Ear of rice, gear, water. Reverse: State title, year of minting. Material: Copper 60 - 70% / Zinc 40% - 30%, Weight: 3.75g, Diameter: 22mm, Center hole diameter: 5mm, Edge: Smooth, Year of First Issue: 1959

10 yen ( 十円 ju en) - Obverse: Hōōdō Temple, state title, value. Reverse: Evergreen tree, value, year of minting. Material: Copper 95% / Zinc 4 - 3% / Tin 1 - 2%,Weight: 4.5g, Diameter: 23.5mm, Edge: Milled (1951), Smooth (1959), Year of First Issue: 1951 (Bronze coin milled type), 1959 (Bronze coin plain type)

50 yen ( 五十円 go ju en) - Obverse: Chrysanthemum, state title, value. Reverse: Value, year of minting. Material: Copper 75% / Nickel 25%, Weight: 4g, Diameter: 21mm, Center hole diameter: 4mm, Edge: Milled, Year of First Issue : 1967

100 yen ( 百円 hyaku en) - Obverse: Cherry Blossom, state title, value. Reverse: Value, year of minting. Material: Copper 75% / Nickel 25%, Weight: 4.8g, Diameter: 22.6mm, Edge: Milled, Year of First Issue: 1967 .

500 yen ( 五百円 go hyaku en) - Obverse: Paulownia, state title, value. Reverse: Value, bamboo, mandarin orange, year of minting. Material : Copper 72% / Zinc 20% / Nickel 8%, Weight : 7g, Diameter : 26.5mm, Edge: Milled, Year of First Issue : 2000

The Beatles (Japanese Version)

I was about to meet a friend in Sakae unfortunately, I made the wrong exit instead of Exit 8, I went to Oasis 21. I called my friend and we decided to meet halfway. Exiting the subway, from the stairs I heard a loud song "She loves you yeah! yeah! yeah!", It's The Beatles I silently uttered. As I passed Central Park I saw that there's a mini-concert but I just ignored it for I am in a hurry to go to Louis Vuitton shop where me and my friend supposed to meet. Upon crossing the pedestrian I already saw my friend, waving his hand he said he will just go to where I am. When we met he said to me about hearing The Beatles songs, so out of curiosity we went back to Central Park. And so it is.. It's like The Beatles, Japanese version. We stopped for a while to watched the concert. The band is composed of four male Japanese maybe in their mid 40's, they have their music instruments with them, drums, guitars but there is one female playing the keyboard. All of the songs they played are from The Beatles and I can say that the band is good. Though it's a bit raining, there's a lot of audience, Japanese, foreigners, oldies and also youngsters. A lot including me took pictures from mobile phones. As I see the crowd's reaction they are enjoying the show and even sing together with the band. All of a sudden, I remember Tobita San my Japanese co-worker, everytime we request him to sing a song, he'll immediately sing "Hey Jude", then I realized how popular The Beatles are.

The Beatles in Japan

On June 29, 1966, The Beatles arrived in Tokyo for their first and only tour of Japan. Beatlemania had reached such a peak that concert tickets were oversubscribed by seven times. The band were confined to their room in the Tokyo Hilton (now the Capitol Tokyu Hotel) and with police roaming the hotel corridors, they spent their time painting and listening to acetates of what would become the ‘Revolver’ LP. The concerts were held at the Budokan, the martial arts arena built for the Tokyo Olympics two years previously. Now familiar as a music venue, the Beatles were the first rock group to perform there – their appearance at the national home for martial arts was considered almost sacrilegious by some in Japan. To keep order at each of the concerts – and to make sure that people remained seated – the 10,000 audience were overseen by 3,000 police. The Beatles visit to Japan in 1966 was the first and the last time that they played in Japan creating a social phenomenon, and having a major musical influence on generations to come. Japan holds the distinction of releasing more Beatles records than any other nation.

Reference: The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation

Happy Birthday Arisa!!!

My cousin Arisa turned 11 this October 1. "Achang" as what we used to call her is always excited about her birthday, off course what I mean is birthday presents. A week before her birthday we went to Apita, a shopping mall near our house and she dragged me to the shopping mall's toys section, Achang showed me a Pokemon Nintendo DS software which cost around 4,980 yen, she asked me if I can buy it for her as a present, I told her I will think about it. When we came home Achang rushed to my room and gave me a letter convincing me to buy the software, wanting to know my answer she also put a YES or NO choices. I placed the letter near my calendar as a reminder. When I came home one night, upon entering the door instead of greeting me "okaeri nasai"(Welcome home) as what she always do, she run to me and said "Ate, you don't need to buy me Pokemon", I was surprised so I asked her why? Achang told me that their Obaachang (Grandmother) will meet them and she will buy the Pokemon and she added that I should buy her a new present, I nodded. Last Sunday, I got the chance to go to Nagoya and so I stopped at BIC Camera (a big electronic shop in Nagoya). I planned to buy her a DS software but I change my mind when I saw the game UNO Stacko, I remember playing it when I was a kid and found the game really exciting, so I decided to bought it as a present. When I came home Achang saw the present, though I intend to give the present on the day of her birthday I handed it to her but I told her to just open it on her Birthday. So excited, Achang can't wait to see what I bought for her and so she immediately open the present, after she unwrapped it she asked me how to play it, since her brother Ayumi know how to play it, they played till night. On the day of Achang's birthday, while eating breakfast, she announced about eating dinner on her favorite restaurant "The Red Lobster", I replied with a simple "OK" then greeted her a Happy Birthday! Since her Dad and Mom came home late, our plan of eating dinner at the restaurant was cancelled, instead her mom had a take home chicken, pizza, cake and a wine for kids. Before eating, her dad lit the candles and we all sang a Happy Birthday song, her dad opened the wine and pour it on our glasses...Kampai!!! Otanjoobi omedetoo gozaimasu!!!

A year ago, I lived in Kariya

It's almost a year when we moved in Okazaki. I used to lived in Kariya, when I first came to Japan. Reminiscing, we lived in an apartment on the 2nd floor, in front of our apartment is a rice field, on the left side of it is a convenience store and on the other side is a gasoline station. On both side of our apartment are residential houses and on the back side is a small playground, where we play badminton. It's a small town with only few stores to visit, places to go and people to see but not so rural. UStore is just a 5 minutes walk from our place, we used to go there for kaimono (shopping). It's a good thing that Aichi University of Education is located within our town so, it is accessible to public transportation. The bus station is approximately 10 minutes walk from our place. I used to go to Aichi University of Education for my Nihongo class, they offer free lessons with volunteer AUE students as teacher. Aside from the free lessons, they also organize trips across Japan, off course for foreigners like me, and other activities like outdoor yakiniku (barbeque) and parties. My first sakura (cherry blossom) in Japan is in Suhara koen also located in or town, this park is very memorable for me. Our picnics were always held in this place and it has an indoor pool were we used to swim. I am really at home in Kariya, I will always remember this place wherever I may be.

Suhara Koen
■ Address: Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, Igaya-cho, Suhara 4-1
■ Details about the location: Area with tennis court, heated pool and lake boats (the use of these facilities is charged separately). The barbecue is done around the lake which has table seating, in areas identified by the administration itself. Please stay and learn about the rules for use of this venue. In case of larger groups of 20 people can use the area's homeless.
■ Value for the use:
* It's free. It is necessary to bring all the utensils for the barbecue
■ Time: All day until sunset.
* Closed on Wednesdays, but if it falls on a holiday, will operate normally and will close the following day.
■ Reservations and information concerning the location: 0566-36-8122 (in Japanese) reservations must be made at least 1 month in advance.
■ Parking: Free

Aichi University of Education(愛知教育大学, Aichi kyōiku daigaku)
Website: www.aichi-edu.ac.jp/eng/index.html

Rafting in Gifu

Summer goes on and to make it more fun, me and my Japanese friend decided to try rafting. It was my first time to do rafting and I was so excited. Saturday October 13 we went to Gifu, the weather is not that good, no clear sky, cloudy and a bit rainy. On my friend's time calculation in his car navigation, we'll be late to catch 9 am, our starting time. In a hurry, we never got the chance to stop and eat breakfast. It's a good thing that we traveled smoothly, we were 30 mins. earlier from our expected time of arrival, we quickly dropped by at a konbini, bought some foods and drinks and ate breakfast on the car, then went directly to our rafting base.
At the camp, we had a brief orientation about rafting. After that, we went to our appropriate lockers room to changed clothes and wear our rafting suits. Outside, ODSS staffs were starting to distribute rafting gears like life jackets, helmets and paddles. When we are all set, we took a bus ride to the rafting place. Along the way, one of the staff discussed some extra precautionary methods while rafting. The rubber boats were ready when we reached our destination, then we divided ourselves into groups, the boat can accommodate 8 person, each group has its own team guide. There are 7 persons in our boat including our guide Abe chan. I taught his a very serious man, but my impression on him was wrong, his a very funny, talkative guy and I like his sense of humor. At last! we are ready to paddle. All of a sudden, the weather is favourable to us, the sky is clear and the sun came out. Together with my boat mates we paddle down the river and obeyed whatever instructions our guide gave to us. As the boat flow by itself gently down the stream, I felt so relaxed seeing the beautiful green surroundings, clear water from the river, hearing the sound of nature, seeing the birds and the fishes. Off course, the intense, fun and thrill is present as I pictured rafting akin to a roller coaster with no trails. The excitement rise up every time we encounter waves, high current and even a drop. Also, plunged ourselves into the river and do diving from a cliff. We made a stop at a riverside for a homemade lunch, everyone enjoys a sweetfish (ayu アユ, 鮎 ) meal. Lunch break is over and we are off to set for our afternoon rafting tour. Finally, we have reached ODSS camp, our tour is over. We returned the gears and changed our clothes. Lastly, we had our snack and watched a photo session, photos which are taken by ODSS photographer during our rafting course. Before, heading back home, me and my friend went to an onsen to have a relaxing bath. I had a great time on that day, rafting is so much fun, it's a must try for everyone seeking thrill, fun and adventure for their summer activities.

For further details:
Visit ODSS website http://www.odss.co.jp/

Nagara River
The Nagara River (長良川, Nagara-gawa) has its source in the city of Gujo, Gifu prefecture, joining many branches, and flows into Isewan as one of the Kiso three rivers. Previously, the river was named Sunomata River (墨俣川 Sunomata-gawa). With a length of 166 km (103 mi), it drains an area of 1,985 km² in the Chubu region and empties into Ise bay. The waters of the Nagara River is chosen as "the 100th selections of clean water", and is uniquely chosen as "the 88th selections of the best beaches in Japan " as a river. Although the river flows through the center of the city, its clean water is loved by many people. When summer comes, the dry riverbed will be crowded with people enjoying water activities. The river is also a popular tourist destination because of Nagaragawa onsen, a collection of natural hot springs that are known for their high iron content.

Konbini (Japanese Convenience Store) vs Sari-sari Store

Circle K, Family Mart, Lawson, Seven Eleven, konbini everywhere. In the Philippines convenience stores were not that popular as compared to Japan, instead we have our own version of neighborhood store which is the "Sari-sari store". Here's an inside look on these two stores:

Konbini (a japanese word for convenience store)

-More than 40,000 convenience stores can be found across Japan, most of them are open 24 hours 7 days a week.
- It offers a wide variety of products and services:

• Foods including ready to eat conbini meals such as onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, bread, chips, candy, obento (lunch boxes), instant ramen, microwave meals and hot foods like fried chicken, nikuman and oden.


• Hot and cold beverages including soda, coffee, tea, water, sport drinks, juice, milk and vitamin drinks. Many convenience stores also sell alcoholic beverages including beer, happoshu, chuhai, nihonshu, shochu and wine.


• Body care products, cosmetics, batteries, blank CDs and tapes, umbrellas, newspapers, magazines and comics.

- Services Includes:

• Photocopying / fax service


• ATM


• Bill payment such as utilities, other bills and tax payment service


• Tickets reservations for concerts, theme parks, airlines, highway buses etc,


• Delivery or postal service


• Charging service for electronic money


• Digital Camera prints

Sari-sari store (the word sari-sari is Tagalog for "various kinds")- Uniquely Filipino style, they are everywhere and they pop up here and there, often side by side.
- They are privately operated, often from a window in a home, and carry small quantities of a wide variety of products. Commodities are displayed in a large screen-covered or metal barred window in front of the house. To save on space, most of the items are hanging from the ceiling.
- Basic product items are:

• Canned items (sardines, corned beef, tuna, salmon, and cooking oil)


• Drink items (bottled water, soft drinks, beer and liquors etc.)


• Sweet items (affordable chocolates and candies)


• Body Care products (shampoos, toothpaste, hair gel etc.)


• Plain food items (such as breads)


• Miscellaneous items (cigarettes)

- The sari-sari store allows members of the community easy access to basic commodities at low costs. Following the concept of "tingi", a customer can buy 'units' of the product rather than whole package. For example, instead of buying a bottle of shampoo you can buy one or two sachets of shampoos for only 4 pesos (8 yen). It is not just shampoo that you can purchase as single items, cooking oil, toothpaste, sugar, salt, charcoal, lollies, even single cigarettes can be purchased tingi.
- An integral part of every community. The stores frequently provide covered benches for people to sit on during congregation. Some men would spend some time drinking while women discuss the latest local news. Youths also use the place to hang out. Children would also rest here in the afternoon after playing and buy soft drinks and snacks.
- With rare exceptions, the Sari-Sari stores are not self service. The owner sits at a small window behind metal bars, and hands you whatever you request. The stores generally provide some credit to people who run up a bill between paydays. This "line of credit" is quite limited, perhaps 200-300 pesos (400 yen - 500 yen).

Sari-sari stores may not be as convenient compare to konbinis with its products and services, for us Filipinos it is an important economic and social location in a Filipino community. Surely, proudly Pinoy.

Toyota Oiden Matsuri

The first festival I ever attended in Japan is the Toyota Oiden Matsuri. The word "OIDEN" means "come here" in the local dialect. It is held from the last Friday to Sunday in July every year. The first day and second day are "OIDEN-SO-ODORI" (all dancing OIDEN) day held in the central shopping district of Toyota City, just off of Meitetsu Toyota Line, Toyota Station. People wearing original costumes dance in the streets all day and they play the same song, in a cheerful melody the lyrics of the song goes something like this "OIDEN MIRIN, ODORO MAI!!" (Come on here!, Let's dance together!). On the last day, is the fireworks festival held on the bank of Yahagi River. An amazing fireworks display which includes 10,000 curtain of fireworks, and melody HANABI which are co-ordinated with music.

Jologs in Japan (My First Encounter)

On board a JAL flight the first time I came to Japan I was excited yet worried. My interest in Japan is due to my aunt`s influence. My aunt is an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in Japan. Every time she returns back home, I always take a looked on her photo albums, fascinated with her pictures which where taken from Disneyland, Tokyo, Yokohama, Hokkaido and so on, and hearing her wonderful stories, I was urged to go to Japan. It was my first time to travel outside my country with only few Japanese words and phrases in my pocket and since it was my first time I was too shy that I might make myself look like a fool. Boarding the plane my mind is full of thoughts of what will I do, what will I say thing. JAL`s crew and majority of the passengers where Japanese. In English I asked one of the crew where 54K seat is, and I was thankful she understood me and pointed where it is located. I was happy that I`ll be sitting beside the window for I always wanted to see the view on top. Beside me, sitting is a Japanese guy and a bit later moved to a vacant seat. I felt so out casted, within the row I was sitting alone. Just to ease my boredom I requested for some reading materials, the crew handed to me a Japanese newspaper, browsing it, the more I felt stupid. I secretly laughed at myself, duh! how do I read these stuff? I asked myself, it was completely nonsense for me, so what I did is pretend that I was actually reading the newspaper. It was time for meals, an old attendant with his food cart came and started talking to me in Japanese, Duh! I was mentally blocked at that time and I completely can`t understand what he`s talking about, and so the easiest way to respond... is to nod my head and say hai! He then served me meals, which is a Japanese cuisine, then he continued talking, I listened keenly and recognized some words such as ocha (tea), kohi (coffee), koora (cola), juice, mizu (water), so I figured out that he`s asking what drink would I want, I replied "cola pls.". After finishing my meals, I put the tray on the table beside my seat, then I fell asleep. I was unconscious hearing some announcements from the crew since I can`t understand it, I just ignored them and kept on sleeping. We were close to take off when I woke up and found on my desk some documents to be fill out, one of the crew might put it while I was sleeping and might noticed that I am a foreigner because one of the documents is for non Japanese. Instead of filling out the forms I laid my eyes on the window though it was already dark I was fascinated on the view below. seeing the glowing lights from houses, buildings, Bridges, cars, Ferris wheel, boats and so on, I was overwhelmed with what I have been seeing that moment. Leaving the plane I still can`t take my eyes off the window as I continued to glance the view outside the plane. As I got off the plane I put my attention on my co passengers, since It was my first time I knew nothing. As I followed them for a long walk, that`s when I realized how big Chubu Airport compared to the one we have in the Philippines. I kept on following them even on doing step by step airport procedures. The good thing about the airport is that there are English captions on every signs. In front of an immigration officer I was nervous, the Japanese officer looks so strict, as she take a look on my passport she then at the same time was giving me a pierce look as she studied every part on my face. I felt so conscious and wants to melt down. I felt so relieved when I was cleared. Heading towards Customs Bureau I was hoping they will not inspect my baggage, the officer greeted me and threw me questions in English " Where are you from?", "What will you do in Japan?" with a smile I answered to his questions. It`s a good thing that the officer just let me passed without even inspecting my baggage. As I head off to the exit I was so excited, finally Japan.. here I come...

Welcome to my Blog...

Skishue here.. Thanks for visiting my blog. Japan is a very interesting country, with its unique culture, modern infrastracture, high-tech gadgets, robots, anime, JPop, Ninjas, Geisha, Mt. Fuji, sushi, ramen and off course Hello Kitty and so on... Hello!! Japan is how my life is here in Japan, anything about Japan that is my blog is all about. Konnichiwa, minna san!!! Welcome to my Blog...