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Wonders of Japan - Hiragana Times Archive
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Being a Foreign Bather in Japan
Onsen bathing is to winter in Japan what summer is to beer and barbecue in the West. One problem faced, however, for many foreigners in Japan when it comes to onsen is the shaking off of Western convention when getting naked in front of others. ...
The Sleepy Trains of Tokyo
As I was taking the train this morning I was dumbfounded by the fact that on my particular carriage every single person was sleeping, or at least was pretending to. Admittedly it was morning, but this was just slightly depressing. My line seems to be one of the most sleep-encouraging of any I have ever ridden in my six years in Tokyo. ...
Let’s Enjoy Japanese-English
‘Japanese-English’ is a phenomena that has invaded all levels and encompasses all walks of Japanese life, from bags and packaging to advertising, buildings, Japanese pop music, and particularly clothing. ...
The Woes of the Western Woman in Japan
The ‘western woman’ – what does that mean? I am often referred to as one although technically I am a little too antipodean to actually be named as western. New Zealand is definitely not west of Japan, in fact it couldn’t be further from it. I am also often mistaken for being American and I guess it’s the white thing. ...
A Little Mystery in a City
Soon after I came to Japan, I arranged to meet my Japanese friend at a coffee shop near a large train station. I saw a young girl distributing plastic-wrapped packs to people walking by in front of the station. I was curious as to what was inside them. ...
Japan Chronicle of European High School Students - To Them, it's Still a Wondrous Zipangu!
In a big public hall in Tokyo, high school exchange students from many European countries gave speeches. These students came to Japan to stay with host families for 5 months, and their faces still show naivety. For great occasions like this, the teachers from their schools and their peers came to cheer for them. ...
SHE CHAMELEON
While women seem to be on the lookout for “marriageable material,” men seem more interested in having a “little bit of fun.” I know I am. In fact, for that purpose I even hint that I may be interested in marriage. Also, as this true story shows, it’s not just the men who are dishonest. ...
Badges of Ignorance
English mistakes might be the cheapest form of entertainment known to gaijin in Japan. Seeing an older gentlemen board the train in Osaka wearing a "Sperman" T-shirt can overcome the worst of days - believe me. ...
International Gestures - Opening the Door to Understanding Other Cultures
In Japan, and especially in Tokyo, there are many expatriates from all over the world. I'm sure all of us find it interesting but at the same time challenging to live in a different culture. ...
What is the difference between the Emperor and the Shogun?
The history of Tenno, or the Japanese Emperor, spans more than 2000 years. Some people say the term "Emperor" is not a suitable translation for "Tenno" and it should be translated as "King" instead. ...
Tell me about Japanese characters.
Do you know a famous joke representing written characters of some nations? Just before the Titanic sunk, the captain was letting women and children get into the boats, explaining the following to the adult male passengers. ...
Why do Japanese enter onsen tubs with folded towels on their heads?
As some onsen water is drinkable, it is good etiquette for bathers to keep the water clean. Japanese bathe naked when they take an onsen or a bath. In Japan, nakedness is considered the cleanest state, so they wash off their sweat and grime with hot water before entering the tub. ...
Why can't Japanese improve their English?
It is said that Japanese and Koreans find it very difficult to improve their English. There are many reasons for this. One of the bigger reasons is that the verb order is quite different, ie: "I go to school" becomes "I school to go" in Japanese and Korean. ...
Many Japanese women carry a famous designer's brand bag. Is this trendy?
Many Japanese women like designer brand goods. Not only are handbags popular, but also watches, scarves, jewelry, accessories and shoes. ...
Why do Ryokan or Japanese-style hotels include cuisine in the price?
The purpose of most hotels is to provide a place to sleep. However ryokan provide space mainly for relaxation by offering unique baths and cuisine. Providing sleeping facilities is their secondary function. Ryokan are individual resort spots that often compete against each other to offer the best bathing experience and cuisine to guests. ...
English Teachers, Are you being Spied on?
The life I found as an English teacher in Ibaraki was shocking. The regime turned my life into sleepless nights, and was the cause of a dull pain in my stomach. ...
Japanese Parents - Minefield for Foreign Spouses?
For the benefit of readers who are either considering entering or already involved in an international relationship, Hiragana Times offers some valuable tips to help secure your relationship. ...
Angry foreigner sick of racist Japanese Journalism
Today I read a headline in the Mainichi Shinbun Online that stated ‘Shoplifting foreigner struck dead by train while escaping.' Why did they specify it was a foreigner? ...
