Japan Vs. Cameroon

A lot of people have already given up on the Blue Samurai. With four straight losses and only one goal in that stretch, it’s understandable that the pundits have written Japan off. Japan is ranked lowest among the four group E teams and is playing some of its worst football in recent memory. Heck, even coach Okada jokingly offered to resign just a few weeks ago. But there is still hope for Japan’s supporters yet. This is the World Cup and if the opening day results proved anything, it is that once the whistle blows and the games actually mean something, FIFA rankings fly out the door and anything is possible. As we’ve been reminded time and time again by ESPN, “One game changes EVERYTHING.” For Japan a victory against Cameroon will do just that.

FIFA World Cup 2010 (Go Japan!!!)

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is the 19th and current FIFA World Cup, the premier international association football tournament. It is being held in South Africa, beginning on 11 June and scheduled to conclude on 11 July 2010. The tournament is the culmination of a qualification process that began in August 2007 and involved 204 of the 208 FIFA national teams. As such, it matches the 2008 Summer Olympics as the sports event with the most competing nations. The final is forecast to be among the most-watched events ever, possibly behind only the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Go Japan!!!!

Japan today is one of the strongest teams in Asia, having qualified for the last four World Cups. Its ascent in the last 20 years can be attributed partly to the growth of its domestic professional league, the J-League, which started play in 1992 and has groomed many of its national team players. The league's success is no small feat in a country where baseball is the national pastime.

The Blue Samuraistart their campaign against Cameroon in Bloemfontein on June 14 followed by matches against the Dutch in Durban on June 19 and Denmark in Rustenburg on June 24.

Moving In (Having your own space in Japan)

After living for a couple of years with my family here in Japan, I finally got my own place.

For a foreigner like me one of the toughest hurdle you`ll face in living in Japan is accommodation. Communication is one of the factor but other than that most landlords are naturally reluctant to rent their apartments to foreigners. There are 3 things you’ll need to get your own private apartment in Japan. They are cash, a bit of perserverence and finally a Japanese national to serve as your gurantor.

Let’s start with cash. Firstly, realize that so many foreigners start their career in Japan in “gaijin houses” or guest houses for a good reason. It takes lots to get set-up your own private apartment. Money wise, here’s what you can expect with a typical 1 year lease contract.

Real Estate Agents Fee “Chukai Tesuryo”

Because you don’t rent directly through the landlord, you have to go through a real estate agent or “fudosan.” He gets the first cut for listing the apartment, signing contracts etc. This is non-refundable and is typically 1 month of rent.

Security Deposit “Shikikin”

Next, stop on the pain train. 2 sometimes 3 months of rent is held as a security deposit. One thing to note is that leaving your apartment in pristine condition doesn’t guarantee that your deposit will come back. Often routine preventative maintenance is done with this money –i.e repainting etc.

Landlord’s gift “Reikin”

The landlord gets the next cut. This as you might have guessed is non-refundable. Typically it’s 2 months of rent. If it’s only 1, consider yourself lucky. (It’s addin' up ain’t it)! Keep in mind that setting yourself up takes some capital but if you're living in an apartment from Aeon or Geos (they paid your key-money), if you get the ax, you're on the street!) Given this, if teaching in Japan is going to be a long-term thing for you, take the financial pain bath and get yourself set-up.

Reservation Fee “Tetsukeikin”

Still another month of rent is charged for holding the apartment. It’s refunded as soon as you sign contracts. It’s the agents way of making sure you’re serious about the deal – a guarantee if you will.

Japan: Accommodations and Finding a Guarantor

Yet another hurdle in finding an apartment in Japan is the guarantor. This is basically a co-signer to the rental agreement. This person needs to be a Japanese national with a good credit history.

The Importance of Perseverance

Finding an apartment in Japan is no easy task. Landlords simply don’t want to deal with foreigners – especially foreigners who don’t speak Japanese. (After all, if you don’t speak English, how can they tell you that you threw your garbage out on the wrong day)?

It’s not the real estate company that makes this such a task it’s the landlord. The landlord stipulates the policy like “no foreigners please”. The real estate company just takes a cut of money for renting the apartment out. They serve "the man" so to speak. So this means you’ll be turned away many times before you find a landlord who will rent to you.

Nagashima Spaland

"I like roller coasters" I always uttered every time people asked me if I like amusement park (yuuenchi 遊園地). Thinking that Nagashima will be crowded during Golden Week vacation we decided to visit the park before the holiday comes. Still far from the place, at the highway, the view at Nagashima can be seen because of its famous Steel Dragon 2000, the longest and the 5th tallest roller coaster in the world. Staring at it while walking to the entrance gates gave me fear not to try it. Some of my friends insisted to make it our first ride but some including me beg to disagree, instead we took the go cart which is for kids. Because I was also challenged to ride the Steel Dragon 2000 I go for it. While waiting in line I try to hide my nervousness by laughing at my friend`s joke. At last, we are taking the seat, ready... set... and scream!!!!!!!!! Whewww! frightening but the best ride I ever had so far.

Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land in the distance
Location	Mie Prefecture, Japan,
Address	333 Urayasu Nagashima, Kuwana Mie 511-1135 Japan
Website	http://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp
Opened	1966
Rides	approximately 40 total 10 roller coasters

Happy New Year!!!!