Shoujiki Shindoi

I'm watching you!

2012-01-29T15:55:00.000+09:00

The surveillance camera and the shop's staff is watching you!

Photo credits goes to my friend Jocelyn who took this photo at Akarenga Yokohama last November!

Getsu on #31 Ashita hareru kana

2012-01-09T20:49:00.001+09:00

Shoujiki Shindoi's very first Music Monday of the year! I present you one of my favorite song, Kuwata Keisuke's 明日晴れるかな/Ashita Hareru Kana (Will it be sunny tomorrow?)

Ashita hareru kana by Kuwata Keisuke

Translation of the lyrics can be found here.

Oshogatsu nara, osechi ryouri

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000+09:00

During Oshogatsu, the traditional food Japanese eat is known as Osechi ryouri. This tradition began during the Heian Period (794-1185) and is packed in square bento boxes known as the 'juubako'.

Osechi ryouri

The photo above was e-mailed to me from my host family in Tokyo when I ask then what do they usually eat during New Year. Basically, it contains black beans, Kobu maki (fish meat wrapped in Kombu), Vegetables, Gomame (small dried anchovies or sardines), Kurikinton (traditional Japanese confectionary made from Chesnut) and more.

What food do you usually eat during your traditional festival?

Hatsu entry- thank you!

2012-01-02T16:14:00.001+09:00

First of all, Happy New Year to all followers and readers of Shoujiki Shindoi! One day late but still, 明けましておめでとうございます！(Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!) I hope that you've spent 2011 wisely and may 2012 be a great year for you with lots of happiness and 100% health!

Secondly, thanks for all the love and support you've gave Shoujiki Shindoi last year. I am probably one of the laziest blogger ever and yet you never abandon Shoujiki Shindoi. I hope that 2012 will be a better year with lots of interesting updates from me haha.今年もよろしくお願いします！(Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!)

Next, there shouldn't be too much changes here this year and I can't promise any super interesting content but I'll try my best to bring in something worth reading once in a while. Please continue to support Shoujiki Shindoi in the future!

Should have posted this entry last year but at Shindoi, we're doing it at 'my pace' haha.

No more free air tickets to Japan

2011-12-28T09:18:00.003+09:00

Remember that "Let's Visit Japan!" entry I posted some time during October regarding an announcement by Japan Tourism Agency regarding 10,000 free air tickets for foreigners to visit Japan? Sorry to spoil your holiday mood but apparently, the budget for this proposal was declined thus, no free tickets for y'all!

“We realise that this announcement is going to disappoint thousands of people around the world, but we hope people will understand how insensitive it would appear for the Japanese Government to give people free flights to Japan when the cities, towns and villages devastated by the tsunami are still in desperate need of funding for reconstruction. We also would not want people thinking that the generous donations given from around the world to aide those affected by the disaster was being spent on giving people free flights".

source: Japan National Tourism Organization

Since there's no free air tickets, I hope that your New Year resolution is to work hard and save some money for your future Japan trip!

Christmas Card for Twitter by Francfranc

2011-12-21T23:17:00.003+09:00

For the pass few days, people have been directed to my blog when they Google for Xmas card. They probably left dissapointed because there's no Xmas card here! But this time, hopefully Shoujiki Shindoi can provide them the solution to their lack of Xmas card problem.

If you have a Twitter account, good news! Japanese home furnishing store, Francfranc is currently running a 'Greeting Card for Twitter' campaign. Using the page specially created for this campaign, you can easily send out virtual Xmas cards via Twitter.

Francfrac Greeting Card for Twitter campaign

The page is very easy to use. All you have to do is key in your name, recipient's name, recipient's Twitter id without the @ sign and then key in your message. If you wish to send it via DM, just tick that tiny box. Then choose from the 2 designs available. You can choose to preview it or send it.

You will be see something like that on your screen

Tweet it

If your friend can't read Japanese, feel free to edit the tweet and replace with a message like " Hey, I've got you an Xmas card" or something similar to that. It's alright as long as you don't remove the link or replace the Twitter id with some other people's username!

Christmas on my own

2011-12-19T23:01:00.001+09:00

Do a Google search on Christmas in Japan and you will realize that Xmas is celebrated very differently comparing to other countries. Unlike those cheesy yet we love to watch Christmas TV shows where the ‘family’ discourse was overused ~~and still being used~~, Xmas in Japan is still celebrated with their love ones, but slightly different in a way that Xmas is something very similar to the Valentines.

Christmas Eve has been portrayed by the media as a time for romantic miracles. It is seen as the time for couples to spend time with each other and also a good time to confess your affection to the person you admirer.

Christmas, of course was mentioned in Pop songs as well. In 'Ai no Katamari' by KinKi Kids, there's this lyrics that when translates briefly says, "there's so much love everyday that we don't even need Christmas, yet we'll still love each other next morning." It's like people will naturally link Christmas to romantic moments.

In other words, Xmas in Japan is all about couples, couples and more couples.Ask anyone and they'll say Christmas is Valentines #2 in Japan.

What about the single ladies and gents? Xmas is not a public holiday in Japan and they can’t be hiding all day at home. (Fortunately Xmas this year is on a Sunday) There’s also this really sarcastic joke describing single ladies above the age of 25 as unsold Xmas cakes because leftover Xmas cakes are usually seen as old or expired.No wonder this song has so much rage in it!

Christmas? What is that? Is it tasty?

single hell, single hell single all the way!

This is a submission for December 2011's J-Festa hosted by reesan at japingu with a theme of "Christmas in Japan". Click here for more information.

Keep the Faith

2011-12-14T23:22:00.001+09:00

It's funny how people put so much faith into little things like an amulet or talisman. Horse shoe? Maneki neko?Omamori? Four leaf clover? I too have a good luck charm called the 'Kei Ball'.

So what is this Kei ball I am talking about?

Kei Ball

Actually that belongs to my friend. Lazy to take a pic of mine! haha Anyway, Kei ball is an autographed tennis ball by Nishikori Kei. I had the opportunity to get his autograph when he was here for the Malaysia Open and I went on the same bus as him!

The bus incident was so hilarious and never fails to make me laugh whenever I recall that faithful day. My friends and I were talking very happily on the bus about the autographed ball and we're saying something about throwing the Kei ball to the bad guys and they'll fall bla bla bla and suddenly the both of us stunned for about say 5 seconds as a familiar face walk across the aisle of the bus.

Later on when my friends and I were at KLCC, we were talking about this tennis ball again and guess who came from the opposite direction?

From then onward, my friend and I sort off see this ball as a charm that will bring us luck. I've brought it to my media law presentation, test sites, looked at it when I need some motivation to complete assignments and so far, the result I receive was quite positive.

Whether it really brings me luck or not, it's nice to think that you have something watching over you.

Do you have a lucky charm too?

Getsu On #30 Winter Fall

2011-12-12T18:47:00.002+09:00

Winter Fall by L'Arc~en~Ciel

L'arc~en~ciel's music played a big influence in my high school days. My friends and I listened to quite a number of their songs and we actually reenacted this scene from Moon Child, starring Gackt and L'arc's HYDE. haha

Released in 1998, Winter Fall was L'arc's very first single that got into the 1st spot of the Oricon chart. Recently this song was ranked 2nd in the Top 20 favorite winter songs (1999 and earlier) by CDTV.

Very misleading Kanji characters

2011-12-09T09:30:00.000+09:00

I scheduled a post to be published on Wednesday but apparently it wasn't published and the post can't be found on blogger! Did I publish it on dreamland instead?

Anyway, this week is suppose to be Onomatopoeia Friday but I came across this 'surprisingly easily mispronounced Kanji character' article on a local Japanese paper and thought of sharing it today.

Give yourself a little Kanji test. How do you pronounce the following Kanji characters?

1. 曲者 2. 母屋 3. 戸外

4. 出納 5. 日向 6. 建立

7. 境内 8. 相殺 9.体裁

10.神酒 11.歩合 12. 山車

Answers can be found below the read more section

1. くせもの/ kusemono 2.おもや/ omoya 3.こがい/ kogai

4.すいとう / suitou 5.ひなた /hinata 6.こんりゅう /konryuu

7.けいだい/ keidai 8.そうさい/ sousai 9.ていさい/ teisai

10.みき/ miki 11.ぶあい/ buai 12.だし /dashi

So how many did you scored correctly out of 12? I scored only one point! hahaha. Which Kanji character is the most misleading one for you?

Send a Christmas card to Tohoku

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000+09:00

Came across this infamous incident between Mark Twain and Alexander Graham Bell in my Japanese text book. Decades ago back then when the telephone was just invented, Bell, like a desperate sales man was promoting his invention to Twain

Twain however finds the telephone annoying because it makes you talk to people when you don't feel like talking and it makes you listen to the ringing tone when you don't feel like listening to anything. He couldn't tolerate Bell's persistence anymore and he wrote that he would rather send everybody an Xmas card and not a single card to Bell.

A death took place in Twain's family but he couldn't attend the funeral because he was sick and here comes Bell to install the telephone for free. Thanks to Bell, Twain was able to communicate with relatives. Twain was grateful and wanted to pay the installment fee and guess what Bell said?

Just give me my Christmas card!

Although I'm not so much of a Christmas person, I still feel very happy whenever someone gives me an Xmas card. Do you feel the same as I do? If you do, there's something you can do to put a smile on a kids face this Christmas!

"A Professor Emeritus of Chuo University has started a project called “Xmas Cards from Friends Around the World". Basically, it's a project to gather Christmas cards from all over the world and bring it to the children in Tohoku. (Information from JETAAUSA)

If you're interested to participate,you can send your cards to:

c/o Mrs. Mayumi Hoshi
Shichigahama-cho Saigai-Volunteer Center
Noyama 5-9, Yoshidahama
Shichigahama-cho, Miyagi
JAPAN 985-0802
ATTN: Boys and Girls

〒985-0802
宮城県七ヶ浜町吉田浜字野山５‐９
七ヶ浜町災害ボランティアセンター
星真由美様宛
少年少女達へ

For more info in Japanese, check out this pdf file.

Best of Luck this Sunday!

2011-12-02T22:57:00.001+09:00

Finally, the long awaited JLPT is here this coming Sunday! Are you stressing yourself out for this test? If you are, maybe it's time to take a break and have a bar of Kitto Katsu (Kit-Kat)!

All the best from Shoujiki Shindoi

I agree that getting good results is important but if you're slaving yourself to study, you'll lose a lot of other things. Learning a language is suppose to be interesting, fun and intellectually stimulating. If you force yourself to study, instead of learning the language, you're learning to dislike that language.

I am not telling you to be lazy but to enjoy the process of learning. I'm sure there was this 'phase' where you feel like you just can't remember all that forms and the thought that 'maybe Japanese is not the language that you want to learn' might have crossed your mind.

Never forget your initial intention of wanting to learn Japanese. The most basic or simple reason is always the one that keeps you running.

And finally, go into the exam hall and enjoy doing the paper! You only get to do it once or twice a year! Best of luck to those taking the test this Sunday!

Number 1 in Asia

2011-11-30T09:30:00.000+09:00

Last week, I had the opportunity to witness the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s Annual Awards. I was really excited for it because of the familiar names like Honda Keisuke, Kagawa Shinji, Sawa Homare and finally, I can put all that years of a i u e o into good use (besides travelling and during class time).

The few days prior to the award, I did some research on Honda Keisuke and came across news articles quoting JFA's president Ogura Junji saying something about giving up. And then, I learned about this rule saying that if you can't attend the awards, you'll be disqualified from the AFC Player of the Year awards.

Honda has a match a day before the award and Kagawa's club is playing against Arsenal. I was prepared that they won't be able to attend this awards but still couldn't hide my disappointment when I heard the announcement.I'm such a malafide media representative! haha

I look like that during the press conference haha

Although half of my excitement was gone, half is still there for the Nadeshiko Japan! During one of the press conference with FIFA President Sebb Blatter, a reporter asked about the Nadeshiko's World Cup victory and Mr. President was full of praises of Sawa Homare. And because of that, I thought the she'll have a really high possibility of wining the Player of the Year awards.

Just hours before the awards, my friends and I went to the media center to kill some time. One thing I'm very proud of is my very sensitive sense of hearing. Sometimes even when I don't intend to eavesdrop, I tend to pick up conversations around me.

Nadeshiko Japan's World Cup Victory earlier this year

Apparently, goal keeper Kaihori Ayumi will arrive the hotel just slightly before 5pm! I told my friends about it but they didn't quite believe me because they thought that I was imagining things! Some funny long story here, so I'm just gonna skip the imagine part. I told them to trust me and I was right! The moment we step into the lobby, we saw a very familiar face!

Fast forward to the awards and being the usual 'drink lots of water' me, I have the urge to visit the washroom just before the main course is being served. Let's just say I have very good timing kidney because I bump into another Nadeshiko, Miyama Aya on the way out. I opened the door for her and she thank me! ~~fan girl much?~~

Anyway, a big congratulations to Japan for winning nine out of the seventeen nominated awards that night. I was wrong about Sawa Homare winning the AFC Women Player of the Year. She cannot make it to the ceremony thus automatically disqualified from the awards.

AFC Diamond of Asia: His Majesty Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
AFC Player of the Year: Server Djeparov (Uzbekistan)
AFC Women Player of the Year: Aya Miyama (Japan)
AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men): Hideki Ishige (Japan)
AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women): Caitlin Foord (Australia)
AFC National Team of the Year (Men): Japan
AFC National Team of the Year (Women): Japan
AFC Club of the Year: Al Sadd (Qatar)
AFC Referee of the Year (Men): Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
AFC Referee of the Year (Women): Sachiko Yamagishi (Japan)
AFC Assistant Referee of the Year (Men): Abdukhamidullo Rasulov (Uzbekistan)
AFC Assistant Referee of the Year (Women): Sarah Ho (Australia)
AFC Coach of the Year (Men): Norio Sasaki (Japan)
AFC Coach of the Year (Women): Tezuka Takako (Japan)
AFC Futsal Player of the Year: Mohammad Keshavarz (Iran)
AFC Futsal Team of the Year: Nagoya Oceans (Japan)
AFC Fair Play Association of the Year: Korea Republic
AFC Member Association of the Year: Japan

Nobita at 30 part 3

2011-11-28T22:07:00.001+09:00

Third part to the Nobita at 30 campaign by Toyota!

Using the Time TV, Nobita saw that Shizuka went for a drive with Suneo again. To cheer him up, Doraemon told him that he can use the Doko demo door to travel to any place he wants to go. Or if we wants to go for sight seeing, he can use the Take (bamboo) Copter.

And Nobita, with full of determination, decided that he's not gonna depend on Doraemon's tools anymore. He wants to drive, with his own abilities.

Fourword Friday #8 弱肉強食

2011-11-25T13:51:00.001+09:00

Another Fourword Friday to end your very last Friday of November! Phrase of the week is 弱肉強食　(じゃくにくきょうしょく/ jyaku niku kyou shoku)

弱: Weak
肉: Meat
強: Strong
食: Eat
= survival of the fittest

Literally, this idiomatic expression describes that it is hard for the weak survive because they are the prey to the strong. One scenario where this phrase can be used is when a small company is purchased by a larger company or a conglomerate.

A:この会社で成功するのは難しいですね。上の人が絶対的な権限を持っているので。。。
kono kaisha de seiko suru no wa muzukashii desu ne. Ue no hito ga zettai tekina kengen o motte irunode.
It is hard to succeed in this company as people on top have absolute authority.

B: 弱肉強食ですね。
jyaku biku kyou shoku desu ne.
Survival of the fittest.

Nobita at 30 part 2

2011-11-21T10:01:00.000+09:00

Finally the sequel to the previous Nobita at 30 commercial! This time, Nobita and Shizuka goes on a date, but.....

Let's just say it's hard to change a person's character. Nobita's still a cry baby, Suneo still so cocky and Doraemon, became a little foreign? haha

Nobita at 30

2011-11-18T10:42:00.001+09:00

Have you ever wondered how Nobita and friends of Doraemon looks like when they hit the big 3?

Toyota recently released a commercial featuring ~~my favorite~~ actor Tsumabuki Satoshi (30) as Nobita and mixed martial artist Ogawa Naoya (43) as Gian.

The commercial begin with Nobita and friends talking about their future. Gian wants to be a singer, Suneo wants to be rich and Nobita wants to go for a drive with Shizuka.

Nobita 20 years later

Recently, it was announced that international film star, Jean Reno will be playing as Doraemon, Yamashita Tomohisa as Suneo and Mizukawa Asami as Shizuka.

The second ad will be released today!

source: arama

Relax like a Rilakkuma

2011-11-16T22:00:00.001+09:00

Do you think Rilakkuma is some sort of escape-ism for people who are busy working or maybe like me, busy studying?

I find it cute because it has so many expressions. But come to think of it, maybe I like it because I can never live a lifestyle like that. If a person does that, it’s called lazy. But if it’s a really cute bear, its called relaxing?

dont Just Let Panic Triumph

2011-11-14T10:21:00.000+09:00

JLPT in less than a month and how is preparation? I am so lazy and unmotivated at the moment. So I went for a JLPT mock test on last Saturday, hopefully the results will be my wake up call and give me a really big kick so I'll start studying!

Anyway, I don't have any tips! So if you're searching for JLPT tips 101, you're at the wrong page! But here's a couple of resources that you might want to use or refer to when you're revising for your test.

1. Final JLPT dash
An entry I posted about 5 months ago just a week before the July's JLPT. It contains the link to Tofugu and Gakuu's resource page, JLPT Boot Camp as well as some other JLPT related sites.

2. JLPT Sample Questions

A little bit of this and that, good source to help you get a holf of the format of the paper.

3. The JLPT Study Page

Useful for N5 and N4. Not so much on higher levels

3. Nihongo Ichiban

Useful for N5 and more materials are still being added into this site. You can also check out their twitter, @nihongoichiban

4. JLPT Kanji Project

This is for the old format of JLPT, but it's a pretty good place to practice your Kanji

You can buy a couple of reference/text books to supplement your study. Jbox is a good place where you can look for books.

Or, another option is to download/purchase JLPT related applications from the App store!

Onomatopoeia Friday #16 Drinking

2011-11-11T21:07:00.001+09:00

It has been almost two months since I've last posted a series of onomatopoeia. Anyway, this week's theme is all about drinking.

(Insert onomatopoeia here) と飲む/ to nomu

1. ごくごく/ goku goku
That sound of water going round and round in your mouth or throat when your gargle.

2. がぶがぶ/ gabu gabu
The one mouth full, gulping down a huge amount of liquid style of drinking. Ie, Gulping down tons of water as if its the nectar of Gods after an intense work out.

3. ちびちび/ chibi chibi
Take a really small sip, just to wet the mouth way of drinking. Usually used to describe sake drinking.

4. ぐびぐび/ gubi gubi
The normal way of drinking , usually water or sake.

Dr. Noguchi Hideyo's 135th

2011-11-09T23:04:00.000+09:00

Have you checked out today's Google.jp's doodle?

Noguchi Hideyo

Noguchi Hideyo was a prominent bacteriologist who discovered the agent of syphilis as the cause of progressive paralytic disease in 1911. His last research was on yellow fever and in 1928, he passed away because of yellow fever with his last words being "I don't understand." Dr. Noguchi's contributions in bacteriology has definitely made the world a healthier and safer place.

To honor Dr. Noguchi, his portrait is being printed on 1000yen banknotes, replacing Natsume Souseki's portrait since November 1, 2004.As for Google, they're honoring Dr. Noguchi on his 135th birthday ala Google.

Getsu-On #29 もう恋なんてしない

2011-11-07T12:52:00.000+09:00

Mou Koi nante shinai by Makihara Noriyuki

One of my all time favorite song, 'Mou koi nante shinai' by Mackey. He made a name for himself with the release of this song on the 25th of May, 1992. Although its been 19 years, this song is still really popular among karaoke goers and it was remade by pop group AAA.

The Glico- Morinaga jiken

2011-11-02T11:51:00.002+09:00

Shoujiki Shindoi is back with another unsolved mystery. This time, it’s not as impressive as the 300 million yen robbery but the sound of ‘mikaiketsu jiken’ just make you all conspiracy lovers out there drool isn’t it?

About 9pm of March 18, 1984, two masked and armed men broke into Glico’s president, Ezaki Katsuhisa’s home located at the Hyogo prefecture. Initially, the Ezaki’s thought that it was an ordinary robbery and his wife tried to negotiate with the two men. However in return, Ezaki’s wife and kids were assaulted and Ezaki abducted.The following morning, the director of Glico received a disturbing phone call demanding for a ransom of 1 billion yen and 100kg of gold bullion.

Three days later, Ezaki manage to escape from the warehouse located in Osaka. But, the case doesn’t stop just right there.

April 2nd of the following month, Ezaki received a blackmail demanding for 6 million yen to be delivered on the 8th to a cafe. Including inside the letter was eye drop solution that contains hydrochloric acid and a cassette. Apparently, the recorded voice sounded exactly like the kidnapper.

On the 8th, the police standby-ed at the café but the failed to capture the master mind of the extortion and at the same time, the Hyogo police and Mainichi Shimbun received a challenging letter from the criminal.

The next month, Glico and the police starts receiving more blackmail and this time the letters were sent by the “monster with 21 faces”. In the Kansai dialect, one of the letter claims that they have tampered Glico’s candies with potassium cyanide soda. They also threaten to put these tampered products in store.

On June 26, the ‘monster’ issued a letter saying “We forgive Glico!” They also claimed that it’s too hot in Japan and they will be on a Europe tour before making a comeback next January. However, just when people assume it has ended, Morinaga, Marudai, Fujiya and House Food corporations received similar extortion letter.

Fox eyed man

During one of the ‘ransom money paying day’, the police spotted a suspicious figure described as a large, well-built man wearing glasses, his hair cut short and permed, with "eyes like those of a fox." This suspicious man was secretly observing the disguised investigator and when the police tried to tail him, they lost him.

Later that year in the House Food corporation extortion case, the police again met the fox eyed man. Wearing a golf cap and sun glasses, the fox man again manage to escape from being caught.

The following year, monster was still active and yet the police failed to capture him. As a result, the police superintendent of Shiga killed himself by self-immolation. Five days after Yamamoto’s death, ‘monster’ sent their final message to the media declaring that they have better things to do. They then disappeared and as time pass; the statute of limitation ran out of time, leaving it as an unsolved mystery.

A man named Miyazaki Manabu was suspected to be ‘Fox eyed man’ and because of that, he suffered from trial by media. He was proofed innocent and ended up writing a book about that experience. There was also unconfirmed rumors about North Korea being involved in this incident.

For a more detailed description of the story, check out the wiki page of the Glico Morinaga case. However, I believe that the dates there are not exactly accurate but the story is. So, don't worry!

When East meets West

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000+09:00

What do you get if you a put violin and a shamisen together?

Hanamas

Formed in 2009, Hanamas consist of Hanawa Chie who plays the tsugaru-shamisen and violinist Okimasu Natsumi. Both of them, who are graduates from Tokyo University of the Arts, won the Prize for Encouragement at the 1st Neo Classical International Competition in 2010. With two stringed instruments from two different region of the world, Hanamas creates a harmony of Eastern and Western sensibilities.

Here's some of their music which can be found on YouTube.

Mozart's Turkish March

Interested? Hanamas's will be performing at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall on the 12th of December. Ticket price are really cheap and for more information, check out Japan Foundation's event page right HERE.

Not in Malaysia but a fan of fusion music? Check out Hanamasu Official YouTube channel and blog if you're interested.

Fourword Friday #7 単刀直入 (tan tou choku nyuu)

2011-10-21T22:36:00.002+09:00

単: single
刀: knife
直: directly
入: in
＝stab directly with one sword, stop beating around the bush

This phrase is used when you want someone to speak directly and get to the point even though it's something hard to say.

A: いい天気ですね。花もきれいですね。あのう。。。
ii tenki desu ne. hana mo kirei desu ne, anou...
Good weather today! And the flowers are really pretty. Erm...

B: 単刀直入にお願いします。
tan tou choku nyuu ni onegaishimasu.
Please get to the point and stop beating around the bush

GQ Japan F1 Special Issue : 2nd to None

2011-10-19T14:39:00.001+09:00

If you're a fan of Formula One racing team, McLaren and so happen owns an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, you might be interested in this application called Second to None.

Second to None, Jenson and Lewis

'Second to None' is actually a supplementary section that comes along with the November 2010's issue of GQ JAPAN. Slightly out of date but it's quite informative as it provides an insight look at McLaren's business model. Text in both Japanese and English!

McLaren's MP4-12C

Besides that, you can take a sneak peak of the stunning McLaren's super sports car, MP4-12C that is set to be launch this year. As of July this year, production of the super sports car has started and McLaren's primary goal is to get test cars to all 35 dealers round the world.

If you think McLaren is all about cars and racing, this application might change your mind. It was revealed that McLaren group took advantage of their F1 technology that developed over the years and expands their ventures in different fields like health care and medical treatment.

And of course not forgetting exclusive photographs and interviews with McLaren's very own F1 drivers, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton! iPad users gets a bonus video showing the behind the scenes of the fashion shoot.

Overall, its an interesting application but its not very friendly for iPod or iPhone users. Bonus video aside, to read the articles, you will have to stretch it and constantly drag it as you read. The words are so tiny!! Nevertheless, its an application that McLaren fans would be interested to get.. and its FREE!

To download this application, you can either search for GQ Japan Formula One Special in your App Store or just click it directly from HERE.

High collar roll cakes?

2011-10-17T21:45:00.001+09:00

Swiss roll may not come from Japan but there's no doubt that Japanese has mastered the ロールケーキ(ro-ru ke-ki) making skills. Unlike the Swiss rolls in Malaysia, Japan's roll cake is full of filling inside! Back then when I was in Japan for a short trip, I would ~~force myself to~~ eat roll cakes even when I was not feeling well because the cakes there looks too cute and if I don't eat it, when will be my 'next time'?

tappuri filling inside

Fortunately, that 'next time' came really soon and I don't even have to travel all the way East for some good old roll cakes!

roll cakes from Haikara Style Japanese cafe

Haikara here doesn't stand for High color or the band HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR but a pseudo-English Japanese word derived from the phrase “high collar" during the Meiji period. It basically means something that is fashionably Westernized.

For the full story of the term', check out Neojaponisme's 'Haikara' or so happen that you're from Malaysia and want to check out this really stylish cafe, check out their Facebook page, 'Haikara Style Cafe & Bakery.'

Let's visit Japan!

2011-10-12T13:01:00.001+09:00

Great news to anyone who is interested in visiting Japan! It was announced by the Japan Tourism Agency on Tuesday that "10,000 foreigners will be given free round-trip tickets to the country in the next fiscal year as part of a campaign to reverse the plunge in tourists since the March 11 disasters"

How it works?
JTA will set up a website soon and participants will be asked some questions on postquake tourism as well as their travel goals in Japan.

Successful applicants will have to pay for their own accommodations and expenses. But will receive free round trip air tickets!

During or after the trip, the recipients will have to post on blogs or other social networking site about their experience in Japan. JTA believe that the positive feedback will bring in more tourists in the future.

Sounds to good to be true? It was reported on several newspapers yesterday,
Tourism blitz: 10,000 to get free flights to Japan (Japan Times)
Japan to offer 10,000 free trips to foreigners to boost tourism industry (Japan Today)

So how to participate?
No information about this yet. In fact, it has not been 100% confirmed yet. JTA is requesting for 10% of the fiscal 2012 budget for this project.

Once I get for information, I'll post it on the blog. So stay tune!

Japan Charity Bazaar 2011 (Malaysia)

2011-10-11T11:09:00.000+09:00

The Japan Charity Bazaar 2011 is back and this time it's all about fund raising for Malaysian Charity Homes.

I've been to the charity bazaar in 2008 and although the stuff is a little pricey, overall it's a good experience. I tried on a yukata for the very first time! Call some friends and I'm sure it will turn out really fun.

Suzuka it is!

2011-10-08T14:02:00.000+09:00

Anyway, guess what is on my 'Must Watch' list this weekend?

Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka City, Mie prefecture
image source: Formula 1

The Suzuka circuit is seen as a unique circuit because it is one of the few circuits in the world to have a "figure 8" layout with the back straight passing over the front section by means of an overpass.

The circuit ends with a chicane, known as the Casio Triangle. It's aim is to slow down F1 machines but it's also a zone where F1 machines are very prone to trip over each other.

The length of the circuit is about 5.8 kilometers and the racers are required to drive 53 laps. So it's about 307km in total. The current record holder for this circuit is Kimi Raikonen who was driving for McLaren in the year 2005. He clocked in a time of 1:31.540.

The highest G-force the racers are going to experience in the race is at turn 5 and turn 8 in the diagram above. The G-force is estimated about 2.80G. Taking into calculation that a typical racing helmet weiggs 1.25 kg, the racers would be carrying about 3.5kg of force on their neck when turning.

For a detailed analysis of the circuit, check out Viva F1's Track Notes on Suzuka.

Anyway, Suzuka is one of Vettel's favorite track and every other team seems to be waiting for Suzuka to make a bounce back. Not forgetting how much Button loves Japan, I can forsee it's going to be a dramatic race.

Fourword Friday #6 油断大敵 (yu dan tai teki)

2011-10-07T14:01:00.001+09:00

Omattase! Here's another fourword friday for you to end your week~

Anyway, the chosen expression for the week is 油断大敵 (ゆだんたいてき/ yu dan tai teki)

油断- carelessness
大敵- big enemy
= Carelessness is the greatest enemy

Although everything is going very well, a rival or an enemy might just appear out of no where and overtake you if you're not careful. Basically it's telling us to stay on our toes and be on guard at all times.

Here's an example on how to use it.
A:自信過剰ないで。
Jishin kajounai de.
Don't be overconfident.

B: ええ、油断大敵ですね。
ee, yudan taiteki desu ne.
Yes, we need to stay on our toes

Reminds me of F1 racer Sebastian Vettel who is virtually the champion of this year's season but he's still very much on guard. Something we should learn.

Getsu-On #28 愛の言霊-Spiritual Message-

2011-10-03T23:25:00.001+09:00

Ai no Kotodama ~Spiritual Message~ by Southern All Stars

Composed and written by Kuwata Keisuke, this song is over 14 years old and still a favorite song among fans of Southern All Stars. What's special about this song is the lyrics actually contains Indonesian rap lyrics. Also being Kuwata Keisuke, he makes Japanese sound like French in this song.

Lyrics can be found here.

Nishikori Kei in Starbucks, Malaysia

2011-09-27T12:20:00.000+09:00

I've been really busy running all over Kuala Lumpur to cover the Malaysian Open tennis tournament. One of the most memorable experience (so far) is definitely covering for local's favorite Nishikori Kei's event!

Had to get his autograph for my friend

It was kinda unprofessional but I've promised my friend to at least try to get his autograph. With all that skin I have, I ask him to sign the tennis ball I received earlier for covering US Open doubles champion Philipp Petzschner,Jurgen Melzer and Marcos Baghdatis's photo call. Now I standby tennis balls in my bag because it will comes in handy.

Covering all these events make me realize how humble my compact camera is! Haha I take one shot and other professional journalist takes 10 shots. Their shutter speed was crazily fast! And their camera takes up a lot of space. So you really have to fight for a nice spot.

Kei giving away an autographed racket

Starbucks!

For more photos, check out my album on FB. Monday was also another Kei day! I shall keep that for some other day.

Nishikori Kei in town

2011-09-24T12:07:00.003+09:00

From Nishikori Kei's facebook page

Nishikori Kei will be playing in the Malaysian Open which will begin today until the 2nd of October. If you so happen to be in Kuala Lumpur, come and watch the tournament. The tickets are really cheap and you might even walk away with an iPad 2. For more information, check out the Malaysian Open website.

Nishikori will also be in KLCC (Starbucks) at 5pm for a "meet the fans" and autograph session. I don't think I'll be able to interview him but I'll try to bring something back ya!

On a different note, I have to extra gold tickets for Wednesday's match. Not sure who is playing yet but if anyone's interested, please let me know =)

It's costly to be cheesy

2011-09-21T22:34:00.000+09:00

If you're a fan of all things cheesy, you might want to try this Cheeza snack by Glico.

Camembert Cheeza 51%

Introduced by my host mother, this is definitely one of the cheesiest snack I ever had, in a very good way of course! It has a very strong flavor, very tasty and I suppose, goes well with alcohol since it's considered as an 'otsumami'. But it's not the type of snack where you can finish one whole pack in one go or you'll feel very sick of cheese.

One serving bag of Cheeza weighs about 38g and for the size, the price if actually quite expensive. If not mistaken it cost about 170 yen. Over here in Malaysia, it cost RM11.90 (about $3.80). I'll only buy it when there's a promotion or redeem it using loyalty points.

Besides Camebert cheese, Cheeza also comes in 52% Cheedar Cheese and 51% Smoked cheese. I imagine the latter will be a little too strong for me and I prefer the number 51, so I always stick to Camebert all the time. ~~such a narrow minded person~~

If you're interested to read more about the Cheddar flavored Cheeza, check out Japanese Snack Reviews' 'Glico Cheeza Cheddar Cheese Crackers' entry.

Autumn and Food

2011-09-19T10:42:00.001+09:00

Have you heard of the phrase "食欲の秋" (shokuyoku no aki) and 実りの秋 (minori no aki)? In Japan, autumn is the "season of hearty appetite" and "season of harvest". Rice ripens and harvested, fruits ripens and fish tastes best at this season. As the humid summer fades, cooler weather starts kicking in. And this is the time where people will eat, eat, eat and eat to prepare for the cold winter.


haiku by me!

sanma, kuri,
kuishinbou no
shokuyoku ya

"pacific saury, chestnut,
a glutton's
appetite"

What to eat during Autumn?


sanma shoyuyaki source: Japanese Food @ Home

The Sanma fish is a must! Even the kanji character of fish "秋刀魚" (autumn knife fish) tells you that it's an autumn delicacy. It taste especially good during Autumn (around October and November) because the sanma will increase in fats(probably due to cold weather) which makes it taste better. The best way of eating it is to grill it with salt or soy sauce and keep it simple.

shimeji mushrooms
source: Wikipedia

Filled with nutrients and rich with aroma, mushrooms are another feature of autumn's appetite. The Matsutake is the king of all mushrooms but if it's a little out of budget, the Shimeji mushrooms is good enough. Eat it with rice, boil it in soup, fry it with other vegetables or you can make Japanese style, wafu pasta with it. I tried cooking my own version of ~~identity crisis~~ wafu pasta with shimeji mushroom and it tasted really good!

Japanese Persimmon tree
source: Family Tree

Fruits! Japanese pears, grapes, chesnut and persimmons... they all add some colors in your autumn dining experience. During autumn, many people visits fruit orchards and vineyards to enjoy some fruit picking session. Not only it's enjoyable, they can also bring some fruits back for their family and friends.

For more information about autumn or other seasonal food, check out this page right HERE.

Onomatopoeia Friday #15 Cooking

2011-09-15T13:55:00.001+09:00

Woah, it's been long since I've posted some onomatopoeia goodies on this blog. There's some problem with the PC that I usually use. The PC I'm using right now doesn't support Japanese fonts, so I can't create those tiny banners that I usually make for Onomatopoeia Friday. Sorry if this entry looks a little dull.

Anyway, since it's autumn already and autumn is all about food, today's post will be about cooking. Click here to check out my old entry about onomatopoeia on taste.

(Insert onomatopoeia here) とします。

1.ことこと/ koto koto

Weak fire, slow cooking, for example boiling soup.

2. ぐらぐら/ gura gura

Over boil/ strong cooking. So intense that you can feel the whole pot shaking.

3. プット/ putto

This term is used to describe the steam that comes out when boiling water.

4.ジャット/ jyatto

That sizzling sound when you mix oil, vegetable and water in a hot frying pan.

5.ざっと/ zatto

Dipping food, usually meat into the piping hot nabe but not to fully cook it.

Obento daisuki

2011-09-13T10:50:00.001+09:00

My university's cafeteria sells some really heavily, overly salted food. I think its some kind of planned conspiracy with the drinks stall. For a healthier and more enjoyable meal, I decided to pack my own lunch! Packing your own lunch can be really troublesome because you have to wake up early to prepare everything. By day 5, you'll be like ahh I'll just go for food marinated with MSG.

How to NOT say 'shoujiki shindoi' to preparing bento?

1. Choosing the right bento box
I really like the color black so I bought a black one that makes me very excited to fill it with food all the time. However, the shape is a problem because it's really narrow and you can't put too much food inside.

As you can see, the space is really limited. You're gonna need two bento box for a sufficient meal. (A better picture will be uploaded later)

I would recommend a wider bento box like this blue one here. It's just right for me hehe.

However, as this is wider, it's harder to carry it around. You have to put it in bag that has a broad base. Conversely, the former bento box is much more convenient when it comes to packing.

2.Think about colors
I used to dread bento making because my lunch is so dull looking. I don't know how to make it interesting like those I saw on tv. After coming across Jusco's petite bento, I decided to play around with vegetable to add some color to my lunch. And, vegetables are easy to cook. I just boil all of them together haha. I usually use edamame and/or broccoli for green, yellow for corn, orange for carrots.. and not forgetting eggs! I usually make ~~cheating~~ tamagoyaki. The color definitely makes the bento more appetizing.

3.Think beyond food
When you're better at it, you can make something more complicated. You can try making Kyaraben or character bento when you're super pro at it.

Domokun's bento

Or if you're not very confident it designing a character, you can start with the side dishes. Octopus sausage is an easy one. For more bento tutorials, check out sakurapop21 and KantanRyouri s youtube channel. They make bento making looks really simple!

All about bugs?

2011-09-10T09:59:00.000+09:00

Was flipping my old note book and came across some Nihongo notes I wrote down about bugs.

oshirikajirimushi

1. 虫眼鏡ーむしめがね/ mushi megane
Literally: Bug's glasses
Actual meaning: magnifying glass

2. 虫干しーむしぼし/ mushi boshi
Literally: dry out the bug
Actual meaning: Air out, to sun something usually clothes

3. 虫歯ーむしば/mushi ba
Literally: Bug's teeth
Actual meaning: Disgusting

4. 虫の居所がわるいーむしのいどころがわるい/ mushi no idokoro ga warui
Literally: The bug's whereabouts is bad
Actual meaning: To be in a bad mood

5. 弱虫ーよわむし/ yowamushi
Literally: Weak bug
Actual meaning: Coward

6.泣虫ーなきむし/ naki mushi
Literally: Cry bug
Actual meaning: Cry baby

7.虫の知らせーむしのしらせ/ mushi no shirase
Literally: Bug's news
Actual meaning: A premonition, have a feeling about something

The Japanese Film Festival is back in Malaysia!

2011-09-07T10:12:00.001+09:00

The Japanese Film Festival is back for its 8th year in Malaysia! For the past few years, this festival is usually held in June. Slightly late this year, but it’s still gonna be as good as before. Or maybe even better! I’m sure you don’t want to miss this yearly affair.

When and Where?
15th to the 20th of September 2011
Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) International Screens in Mid Valley, 1 Utama and Pavilion KL.
Screening schedule can be found HERE

22nd to 25th September 2011
GSC Gurney Plaza
Screening schedule can be found HERE

Ticket price:
RM5 per screening

Line Ups

1.About Her Brother – “Otouto” (2010)

Directed by Yamada Yoji who is a ‘national treasure’ level film director, this film is about a young widowed named Ginko who runs a pharmacy and lives with her daughter, Koharu, and her mother-in-law, Kinuyo. Koharu has plans to marry a distinguished doctor, but out of the blue, Ginko's long lost brother, Tetsuro, shows up drunk at the wedding, ruining the occasion. This show is also a tribute to Ichikawa Kon, a mega director who directed the 1960’s version of Otouto.

2.Double Trouble –“ Kanki no uta” (2008)

Directed by Matsuoka Joji of Tokyo Tower fame, starring Yasuda Narumi and Ito Atushi.

It’s December 30, and everyone is milling about. But the “incident” that rocked this small town began with a single phone call. “Hello, Mitama Cultural Center. Yes, you’re calling to confirm your concert, correct? That’s right. Mitama Chorus Girls, tomorrow evening at 7:00. All set. We’ll see you then.” Thus the cultural center’s director confidently replies to the caller. But just a moment later, he realizes that they are hardly “all set”! There’s the “Mitama Chorus Girls” and the “The Mitama Ladies’ Chorus”: two similar-sounding names were confused by this hapless director. Of all things, his mismanagement has led to a double-booking on New Year’s Eve!

3.Happy Flight (2008)

Enjoyed Water Boys and Swing Girls? You might not want to miss this film directed by Yaguchi Shinobu, starring Tanabe Seichi, Tokito Saburo and Ayase Haruka, this film talks about a co-pilot Kazuhiro Suzuki is on an assessed flight that will determine whether he gets promoted to the rank of pilot. However, an emergency situation occurs! A rookie cabin attendant Etsuko Saito also brings chaos from the strain. Will this flight safely arrive at Honolulu?

4.I just didn’t do it – Sore de mo boku wa yatte nai (2007)

Starring Kase Ryo and directed by Suo Masayuki, there are tons of awards under this show.
Kaneko Teppei had been working as a freeter, or part-time worker, and was on his way to an interview; he was running late and was preoccupied, fearing that he had forgotten his resume. He dashed onto a crowded train as the doors were closing, and his jacket got caught in the door. He struggled to free it, and apologized to the woman next to him when he bumped her. From out of the crowd a young woman’s voice cried out, but he didn’t understand what it meant. On the platform, however, she grabbed his arm and accused him of groping her.

5.Mai Mai Miracle- Mai mai shinko to sennen no mahout (2009)

Every year, there’s one animation chosen for this festival. This year’s choice seems really interesting.
An exuberant tomboy, Shinko feels completely at home in the wheat fields of the small town of Kokuga, where she races imaginary creatures and daydreams of the ancient capital city of Suo, on which Kokuga now stands. Nine-year-old Kiiko has a very different temperament -- shy, withdrawn, still mourning a mother she barely remembers. A transplant from Tokyo, Kiiko, with her exotic Western dress and pale complexion, is marked as alien to her peasant schoolmates.
6. Railways Railways- 49 sai de densha no untenshi ni natta otoko no monogatari (2010)

Directed by Nishikiori Yoshinari and starred by Nakai Kiichi, this film talks about Hajime who is in line to be the next head of a prominent electronics company. He toils day and night over his work and has no time for his family. But one day, his mother in Shimane falls ill, and his best friend dies in an accident. Grief-stricken, Hajime returns home where memories of his childhood dream come back to him. He had always wanted to be a train conductor and drive the local “bataden” Ichibata Electric Railway.
7.Sawako Decides –“Kawa no soko kara konnichiwa” (2009)

Written and directed by Ishii Yuya, the story is about Sawako who has gone through life taking a halfhearted approach to her career and her love life. One day, she unexpectedly inherits her father’s clam factory. Not only is she pushed around by the employees and her boyfriend, but the factory is also on the verge of bankruptcy.

8.The Dark Harbour- “Futoukou” (2009)

Looks like a show I would watch when I need a laugh!
Manzo is a fisherman in a small seaside community who lives and works alone, but longs for a relationship and maybe a wife. When a sign is posted advertising a matchmaking party with city women, all the men gussy themselves up and videotape themselves for the dating service. Manzo borrows a camcorder and tries his luck, but his rehearsed speech doesn't go as planned. When showing the videotape to the prospective dates, he discovers something unusual: There is a woman and her son living in one of his closets. Instead of kicking them out, he encourages them to stay and develops a relationship with them that makes the other fishermen jealous.
9.Your Friends – “Kimi no tomodachi” (2008)

A movie adaptation of Shigematsu Kiyoshi’s novel of the same name. This film is about Nakahara, a writer, visits a free school in a small city for his research on children who have problems. At the school, he meets Emi, a volunteering college student who has a lame leg. Emi is called “Ms. Puffy” by the children because she always takes pictures of clouds. Interested in this girl, Nakahara asks her to be interviewed, but in vain. However, Emi gradually changes her mind towards Nakahara when he comes to the school many times and evokes sympathetic responses from the children. Then, she answers his questions and tells him about her childhood friendship with Yuka, who was chronically ill.

10.Second chance- “Second Virgin” (2011)

Very recent movie and it's not even out yet in Japan!
Rui Nakamura, well-known throughout the publishing industry as a shrewd producer, falls madly in love with Koh Suzuki, the head of an Internet securities company, who is 17 years younger than her and already married to another woman. They had managed to overcome various obstacles, and the two of them had started living together, but then one day Koh just suddenly disappears from Rui's life. Five years later, Rui is in Malaysia for a business trip, and as if by destiny she meets Koh once again. But then Koh is shot before her very eyes! While hearing the inspirational words of the Koran in the distance, he lingers in the world between life and death. Before long, Koh's wife Marie learns of his situation, and also shows up in Malaysia.

source: JFKL and Asia Media Wiki

This entry is for Septermber 2011's J festa hosted by reesan at Japingu with the theme of "Events in Japan". Click here to read more!

Getsu-On #27 Kaede

2011-09-05T10:09:00.000+09:00

Goodbye summer and welcome Autumn! In conjunction of Aki, Shoujiki Shindoi's song of the month is lala

Kaede by Spitz

Spitz (スピッツ Supittsu?) is a Japanese rock band formed in 1987. They gained remarkable commercial success in the mid and late 1990s, and are known for their abstract and eccentric songs penned by primary singer-songwriter and guitarist Masamune Kusano.

Source: Wikipedia

Released in 1998, Kaede is Spitz's 19th single. It was also the theme song for TBS's Countdown TV(CDTV).

Lyrics can be found here

Meow

2011-08-29T09:11:00.001+09:00

No! I've not abandoned this blog. I've been terribly busy with assignments and still will be busy this week. Postings will resume by next week. I promise!

In the mean time, enjoy some cat orchestra.

~~not that anyone reads this blog~~ but I'm really sorry about this!

Fourword Friday #5 因果応報 (in ga ou hou)

2011-08-20T00:59:00.000+09:00

Sorry for the very late ‘Four word Friday’! It’s already Saturday over here actually haha. Anyway, this week’s expression is 因果応報/いんがおうほう/ in ga ou hou.

因- Cause

果-Result

応報-Retribution

= You reap what you sow

No matter what you did, good or bad, you will have to face the consequences of it later.

A:　あの人はいつも上司の悪口をしていたので、昨日やっと解雇された。
　(Ano hito wa itsumo joushi no waruguchi wo shiiteita no de, kinou yatto kaikousareta)

A: He was always bad mouthing his boss and finally, he was fired yesterday.

B: それは因果応報ですね。
(Sore wa in ga ou hou desu ne)

B: That’s reaping what you sow.

You can do it when you Furikake it

2011-08-17T10:13:00.001+09:00

Sometimes when it comes to preparing lunch, I tend to get very lazy. So if you’re lazy but hungry just like me, here’s exactly what you need.

Furikake!

Furikake is a lightly salted dry Japanese condiment that is usually sprinkled on white rice or onigiri. The name comes from the verb ‘furikakeru’ (ふりかける) which means ‘to sprinkle’. That's why it looks a little like bird food haha.

Do you know how did furikake come about? Apparently, back then during the Taisho period, Japanese people suffered from calcium deficiency. A pharmacist from Kumamoto came up with the idea of making the bones of the fish into powdered form and consumes it along with white rice. Years later during the Showa period, this idea was picked up and manufactured by ‘Gohan no Tomo’.

My bento of the day

The ingredients of the Furikake are usually made up of dried ground fish, sesame seeds, finely chopped seaweed, dried egg, powdered miso and powdered soy sauce. That’s why it will add great taste to whatever you add it to. My personal favorite is to add tarako furikake into congee. It tastes so good that you don’t need any side dishes to go with it.

Besides that, Furikake can also be very good ‘assistant’ for people who are totally lousy at cooking. Stir fry vegetable? Pan fry fish? Cha han (fried rice), Yakisoba (fried noodles). Just sprinkle some furikake and a tasty meal is ready to be served. Maybe someday, I should try adding some on French fries heh.

chahan, yakisoba mo ok!

Just one thing! Furikake contains monosodium glutamate (MSG). It might not be a good idea to consume too much of it.

This entry is for August 2011’s J.Festa hosted by reesan at japingu with the theme of “Food in Japan”. Click here for more info!

Where's the omiyage?

2011-08-15T10:36:00.001+09:00

I've only been to Japan once and definitely not the right person to suggest what would make a good souvenir. But since someone was directed to my blog after Googling for "what souvenir to buy in Japan" (and probably found nothing), I hope this entry will reduce some of your trouble on what souvenirs to get when visiting Tokyo. (I’m so sorry if you’re visiting other places)

When I was in Toyko, I had this omiyage problem too. Should I buy just for my family and close friends or should I buy in abundance in case that distant relative decided to come and visit? It’s not cheap to get everyone a token of something or what if they don’t like what you chose for them?

With all the ‘should I’ and ‘what if’s ‘, I decided to go with the ~~laziest~~ easiest omiyage, food, snack, drink...whatever that can be nom nom.

The good thing about buying snacks is that it comes in a big pack with mini packs inside. You can easily divide them and you don’t have to worry about the taste of the food. You just have to “oh, that's very famous according to xxx”

1. Tokyo Banana

If you’re in Tokyo, why not get your family or friends some No.1 best selling souvenir in Tokyo? Tokyo Banana is actually sponge cake with banana custard filling shaped like a banana. Pack of eight cost 1000 yen. There are different series of Tokyo Banana as well. (More info click here). Tokyo Banana can be purchased from both Haneda and Narita airport. Just one thing! It has to be eaten fresh so make sure that you check the expiry date before distributing it.

2. Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers)

source

This is slightly cheating because Shiroi Koibito is a Hokkaido delicacy but you actually can get it from the airports in Tokyo. Anyway, Shiroi Koibito is a must get because ~~it’s my favorite~~ it’s really good. If you’re buying for a girl, she’ll love it. A pack of eighteen cost 1110 yen. You can get it from Haneda and Narita airport or Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza.

3. Sembei (rice crackers)

Rice cracker makes a really good snack and souvenir. Some are salty and some has a sweet taste. One sembei that I would highly recommend is the Kabukiage which can be found easily in super markets or in conbini. I don’t remember how much it cost but it’s quite cheap and it comes in a pack of eleven. Or if you prefer to get some freshly prepared sembei, you might want to visit Yanesen (Yanagi, Nezu and Sendagi ) which is located in Taito-ku and Bunkyo-ku of Tokyo.

4. Kit Kat

Kit Kat in Japan comes in the move random flavors ever. There’s soy sauce flavor which tasted very much like maple syrup, Kinako (soy bean flour), sweet potato, strawberry short cake, custard pudding, fruity flavors such as Yubari Melon, apple, citrus and more. Makes the perfect gift for adventurous chocoholics out there. Check out Nihongo Up's 'Welcome to the World of Kit Kat in Japan'

5. Green Tea and Seaweed

source

The brand name Yamamotoyama has been around way longer than you. It has make a name as a tea company ever since the Edo period. With a catchphrase that goes “上から読んでも山本山。下から読んでも山本山” / “Ue kara yondemo Yamamotoyama. Shitakara yondemo Yamamotoyama”, you can show off this palindrome while drinking tea and enjoying some some seaweed with your friends. Click here to check out their shop locations.

Onomatopoeia Friday#14 Work

2011-08-12T16:32:00.000+09:00

Another Friday, another Onomatopoeia! This week's theme is all about working.

(Insert onomatopoeia here) to hataraiteru.

This is the clear cut, efficient, RoboCop style of working. Finish one and proceed to the next task. It's a very rhythmic and systematic way of working.

Kibi kibi is used to describe working very smartly, efficiently and cautiously to make sure that there's no mistakes or loss in sales or profit.

Biting your teeth, trying to finish your work with very strong will? Must be someone very hardworking or some lazy bum who does last minute work

This is my way of working. Unsystematic, inefficient and always checking the time.."Why is it not 5pm yet?"

Getsu-On #26 Sakura zaka

2011-08-08T10:14:00.000+09:00

Sakurazaka 桜坂 (Cherry blossom hill) by Fukuyama Masaharu

Released on the 26th of April 2000, Sakura Zaka is the 15th single by singer actor Fukuyama Masaharu.It sold over 2,290,000 copies and is the highest selling single by Fukuyama.

Lyrics (Kanji, Romaji and English Translation)can be found HERE.

Naoki Matsuda: Too Soon Too Young

2011-08-06T02:01:00.002+09:00

Image via ESPN/Getty Images

We know footballers who dedicated their life to football, and Naoki Matsuda is one of them, who had given everything to football, even his death. He collapsed during training earlier in the week and was sent right to the hospital. He had a heart attack and was relying on life support but didn’t regain his consciousness. He passed away yesterday at the age of just, 34. He was a former Japanese international and a big brother to everyone in a positive sense, according to Matsuda’s Japan team-mate Shunsuke Nakamura. He played for Japan in the 2002 World Cup and was playing for Matsumoto Yamaga FC.

This is definitely a sad moment to the football world and Japan especially. They are already suffering from so many difficulties after the earthquake, the women’s national team did bring joy to their country by winning the World Cup but just a few weeks later, they received this great shock.

Normally we don’t update on Friday, but this is a really sad moment and we want to dedicate this post to Naoki Matsuda. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Naoki Matsuda. R.I.P.

Written by Irene from Be The Twelfth Man
Check out her blog if you're interested in Football/Soccer.

Fourword Friday #4 Te mae miso

2011-08-05T11:40:00.000+09:00

You might heard this week's Yojijukugo before.

手前味噌/てまえみそ/te mae miso

Literally "te mae miso" means homemade miso. Back then, when someone wants to show off his culinary skills, he will make miso. But Japanese doesn't like self praises so they'll use this phrase to boast something that they are really proud off in a more humble and subtle way.

In English it would be "If I may say so myself...." or "to blown one's own trumpet"

One example:

自分でケーキを作ったよ。手前味噌ですが、おいしいですよ！

Jibun de ke-ki wo tsukutta yo. te mae miso desu ga, oishii desu yo.

I baked this cake by myself. (I don't mean to blow my own trumpet/ if I may say so), but it's delicious!

Rilakkuma loves airbags

2011-08-03T10:06:00.001+09:00

Do you think this ad works as a car commercial? It makes me wanna own a 'living' Rilakkuma and forgot that they're trying to sell cars.

Taking a stroll at Tokyo Street

2011-07-31T12:48:00.003+09:00

I won't be able to visit Tokyo anytime soon but hey! there's a second option!

Asakusa inspired Tokyo Street in Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur

Came across an article about Tokyo Street on Senyum Press, a monthly Japanese leisure magazine. Initially I was like "uh, Pavilion. So far away!"

Tokyo Street was just recently launched on Friday (29th of July)and so happened that my Saturday Japanese class was canceled. So I have all the free time on Saturday to explore the unfamiliar side of KL. Such great timing hah.

A day late for the launch but it's okay~

That's me before entering Tokyo Street

Some shops in Tokyo Street includes Ginza Cafe, Takahashi Cafe, Santouka Ramen, Tokyo Don, Mochi Sweets, Ochado, The Loaf, Zakka, Daiso, Zen Bonsai and a whole lot more.

Domo to

Guess who was there too? Haha was too excited that I didn't even notice how bad my hair was. Haha I'm not even a huge fan to begin with!

Some Japanese style accessories along the roads leading to Tokyo Street

Tanzaku without the sasa in conjunction of Tanabata

Looks more like bookmarks don't you think? haha

"The street will come alive with numerous festivals and activities such as Tanabata (summer festival), Hinamatsuri (doll festival/girls’ day) and Tango No Sekku (boys’ day)."
Quoted from NST Online

I love the sound of Taiko!

Out of topic but if you have the chance, you should check out Yamato Wadaiko's performance!

“Tokyo Street is here to stay.”

I'm hoping for a Kyoto street next haha!

Sorry for the not so high quality pictures! I was walking from one area to another so I didn't bring my compact camera along!

Onomatopoeia Friday #13 Swinging and shaking it

2011-07-29T21:15:00.002+09:00

As usual,

(insert onomatopoeia here) とします /to shimasu

Body sway naturally, can also be used to describe the movement of someone who is drunk.

You know that monkey swing from tree to tree? Yup! that's bura bura. This is also applicable to people who are walking without any destination.

I call this the plant sway. It's that movement when there's a really huge wind, the entire stem or trunk(?) of the plant sways along to the wind.

Gura gura is one intense shake. It can be used to describe the shaking of the entire building during earthquake.

Donna secret code?

2011-07-27T10:30:00.000+09:00

0840! 18782, 4649
39!

One day if your Japanese friend starts writing to you in numbers, he or she is not playing Sherlock Holmes with you. And noooo! Their computers are not taken over by some alien sending out some matrix code. This is what they call Goroawase.

“Goroawase is an especially common form of Japanese wordplay whereby homophonous words are associated with a given series of letters, numbers or symbols, in order to associate a new meaning with that series. The new words can be used to express a superstition about certain letters or numbers” (Taken from Wikipedia)

Goroawase is also used commonly in TV commercials. One good example is this insurance company that makes you dial or search 117 117 (iina iina/ good good) when you want to enquire about their service. Pretty catchy for an insurance company ey?

Amami Yuki saying ‘iina iina’

So how does numeric goriawase works?
Every number has at least three way of pronouncing it. There’s the ‘kunyomi’ (native Japanese reading), ‘onyomi’ (the Chinese sounding Japanese reading) and the English reading.

Referring to the table,what does the message above says?
“Ohayou! iyanayatsu, yoroshiku. Sankyuu!” (Good morning, please take care of that annoying guy. Thank you!”

Some examples of numeric goriawase:
893: Yakuza(Japanese mafia)
931: kusai (smelly)
889: hayaku (faster)
1564: hito koroshi (murder)
765: na mu ko Namco (game developer)

Why not try forming some sentences using numbers?

Getsu-On #25 Mr. Children: 車の中でかくれてキスをしよう

2011-07-25T11:31:00.003+09:00

Mr. Children's 車の中でかくれてキスをしよう
Kuruma no naka de kakurete kisu wo shiyou

Kuruma no naka de kakurete kisu wo shiyou (let's kiss secretly in the car)was from their 'Kind of Love' album released in 1992. This song is written by Mr. Children's Sakurai Kazutoshi who is regarded as one of the best lyricist by his peers and fans. He's also the lead singer of Mr. Children.

Lyrics in Romaji can be found here.

Fourword Friday #3 Uyo kyokusetsu

2011-07-22T10:16:00.000+09:00

This week's Yojijukugo is a pretty tough one. Picked it out from Domoto Koichi's book on F1.

紆余曲折/ うよ　きょくせつ/ Uyo kyokusetsu

That's a road, not the digestive system, in case you're wondering.

Anyway, literally, Uyo kyokusetsu means twist and turns. It can be used to describe a tough or rough process/time.

For example:
「紆余曲折ありましたが、結婚することになりました」Uyo kyokusetsu arimashita ga, kekkon suru koto ni narimashita.
The scenario is like this couple, their relationship is not very stable. They split, get together again, split, make up, split and finally got married.

or

「どんな人生でも、紆余曲折はあります」Donna jinsei demo, uyo kyokusetsu wa arimasu.
No matter who you are or what kind of life do you live, there will be times when some things just won't work out.

Rock it like BECK

2011-07-19T11:18:00.000+09:00

BECK's movie poster

The movie BECK begins with high school boy, Koyuki who thinks that his life is on repeat mode. Everyday its about buying melon pan for the bullies, being bullied and being unfriended by school mates until he meets Ryosuke, a super talented guitarist. Koyuki then began playing the guitar and with Ryosuke and three other friends, they form BECK. And the story goes on... watch it for yourself!

Generally, manga/anime adaptation live action movies are pretty much a flop. But BECK was really good, especially the casting. The cast gave out the same vibes as the anime characters. Sato Takeru did a good job portraying that a little awkward but honest ordinary kid, Mizushima Hiro, with his fluent spoken English, I can see why he was casted and Kiritani Kenta totally nailed his character (Chiba) right down.

Anime version of BECK

Besides, the story was also well developed. It doesn’t make you feel it’s being rushed and yet the manage execute the comical part from the anime into the movie. One thing! The main character in the anime is Koyuki while in the movie, they focus more on Ryosuke. I guess thats why they didn’t show too much on the process of Koyuki learning the guitar.

Lastly, BECK may be a movie on rock music but at the part where Koyuki was singing, you’re suppose to use your heart or imagination instead of your ear to hear his voice. Whenever Koyuki sings, his voice will be muted and the camera will show the spectators stop whatever they’re doing and just look at him in awe. It’s a creative idea but I feel like it’s being overused. It works for the first few times and it makes me want to hear Koyuki’s voice very badly. But, by the end of the movie, there’s still no sound of Koyuki’s voice.

BECK's trailer here!

Onomatopoeia Friday #12 Falling sick?

2011-07-15T20:20:00.005+09:00

Lately, people around me are falling ill very frequently. Thus, this week's onomatopoeia is about signs of your immune system working really hard.

(insert onomatopoeia here) とします /to shimasu

Coughing sound but not the tuberculosis-ish way of heavy cough

Also known as gohon gohon , this is used to describe some really heavy coughing that can be quite a serious health problem.

That sneezing achoooo sound.

You know sometimes when you’re having a fever, you’ll feel really cold on the outside but there’s this burning hot sensation inside your body? That’s zoku zoku.

Gara gara is used to describe a dry throat. Hmm..even the sound of it sounds very dry to me haha.

Sorry for making this a really quick entry. As I'm writing this, my tummy is goro goro to shimasu (tummy ache).

Oh Sushi!

2011-07-11T11:22:00.000+09:00

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when it comes to Japanese food? If your answer is sushi, good, you’re on the right page. If it’s some other answer, go and think about it again.

*cues Sushi Kuinee*

Do you know the Hiragana character for sushi (すし) originally means sour? It’s okay if you don’t because I just found out recently too. Anyway, here’s a list of sushi trivia that you might have not heard about. It might be useful if you’re taking part in some sushi quiz or something.

Trivia #1
Wasabi is not there to help you clear your nose when you caught the flu bug. It is actually applied on the fish to maintain the freshness by killing the bacteria on the fish. But… I am not sure if wasabi will make a good hand soap.

Trivia #2
Ocha contains Catechin that clears the fishy taste and smell after consuming sushi. So if you’re meeting someone after sushi, don’t order soda or orange juice.

Trivia #3
The Japanese word for salmon roe, ‘Ikura’ is actually a loan word from the Russia word ‘ikra’ which means caviar. That’s why it’s written in Katakana (イクラ).

Trivia #4
The conveyor belt sushi concept is 53 years old! Started in 1958 by Yoshiaki Shiraishi in Osaka, the sushi go round concept came after watching bottled beers moving on a conveyor belt in a beer factory.

Trivia #5
Before Word War II, after consuming sushi, the customers would wipe their hands at the sign curtain hung at the shop entrance. The dirtier your curtains the better your business. It shows that you serve really good sushi and many people have come to try it.

One last point! If you think eating Nigiri sushi is just about dipping it into soy sauce, you’re wrong! The main point is the rice base shouldn't touch the rice and when putting the sushi into your mouth, the neta (topping) should be facing downwards (your tongue).

You can check out CNNGO's entry on "How to eat sushi" for a clear illustration.

What's your favorite sushi?

Fourword Friday #2 Ichigo ichie

2011-07-08T20:37:00.002+09:00

Ichigo ichie

This week's Yojijukugo is quite a familiar one. Ignore the picture above. Ichigo ichie is not used to describe strawberries. If you split the four characters to half, the first half 一期 means the lifetime of a person while 一會 means meeting once. In other words, to be able to meet someone is a once in a lifetime event. And because of that, you should cherish the people around you.

Ichigo ichie is linked to the Japanese tea ceremony. Coined by tea master Sen no Rikyu, the four characters are often brushed onto scrolls and hung on tea rooms to remind participants that each tea ceremony is unique.

In a martial art context, it is used to remind people that they should train seriously and not have the 'I'll try one more time' attitude. When it comes to a do or die situation, you don't have the chance to redo it one more time.

Do you know that in Japan, 'Ichigo ichie' was actually the sub title for the movie Forrest Gump? Japan unrelated but it's definitely a great movie.

Fans or friends?

2011-07-06T21:18:00.003+09:00

Parasocial interaction: one sided interpersonal relationship in which one party knows a lot about the other but conversely, the other doesn’t know about this party. The most obvious parasocial relationship is between celebrities and fans. In other words, fans think that they are friends with their favorite celeb.

You probably can find Parasocial interaction in every fan culture but I think that it plays an especially huge role in Japanese pop fandom.

Let’s take the Johnny’s Idol as an example.

"orera wa jyanizu desu"

Founded by Mr. Johnny Kitagawa, Jyanizu Jimusho is a talent agency that specializes in training and promoting groups of male idols. With familiar names like SMAP, KinKi Kids, Arashi, KAT-TUN and more under them, they’re huge in the Japanese pop industry.

Firstly, an applicant usually about 10 years old, forced by their mum or sister, would have to go through an audition. Once he passes, he’ll be trained as a Johnny’s Jr. He will start appearing on TV as a back dancer for his seniors or if he’s the popular kid, he’ll be able to star in drama series.

1994's Ningen Shikkaku staring KinKi Kids

Fans watch them on TV, and identifies with them. It’s like hey, we’re from the same era, we grew up together, went through the same incident. A sense of togetherness, maybe? And not forgetting they’re all over the place. Switch on the TV, you’ll see them. Front page of pop magazines, train stations, food packaging…they’re so in your face.

On a different case, I strongly feel that why AKB48 is so popular is because of this parasocial interaction as well. The notion of a top star or idol used to be this superlative figure that is unreachable to the ordinary people. It’s a huge thing for a fan to be able to meet a super star.

Don't bother counting

However, that definition no longer applies on Japan’s most widespread girl group. AKB 48 was formed under the concept of “idols you can meet every day”. They perform almost every day in Akihabara and actively participate in movies, TV shows, theatres, modeling, radio, magazines and whole lot more. Ah, personal blogs! One of the most powerful weapon.

Maeda Atsuko's blog

If you think AKB 48 is a huge group, there’s also NMB48 (based in Osaka), SKE48 (based in Nagoya), SDN48 (a more adult concept group) and HKT48 (based in Fukuoka) coming soon. It won’t be a surprise if every province will have their own 48-girls group in the future.

And maybe there won’t be anymore para-social relationship. With so many people becoming celebrities, maybe one of them is your ‘real’ friend.

Otousan!

2011-07-04T10:18:00.002+09:00

A 'chabudai' is a short-legged table that can be found in traditional Japanese homes. It became a common household product during the later part of the Taisho era. The Chabudai sort of symbolize the reunion of a family during the earlier days of the Showa era. The most of important function of the chabudai is to serve as the family's dining table. It's also used as a work table or study table.

Picture source: Kuon dream

Chabudai gaeshi on the other hand is the action of flipping over the table because of anger and frustration. It's also been stereotyped as an action that traditional ganko oyaji (stubborn father) will do when they are angry.

If you want to experience throwing a chabudai, there's an app that you might be interested in.

Chabudai by Eagle Inc

Otousan is angry

Or do you prefer another Otousan character

How to play?

First, hold your device horizontally

Then, bend your knees to lower your body

Spring up and swing your device up above your head.

Apply all that, and you'll see this screen

Chabudai is also available for Androids. Just search for chabudai and you'll be able to get it for free.

PS: If you don't wanna look like a crazy person, you might want to play Chabudai when you're alone or in an big empty space heh.

Onomatopoeia Friday #11 Walk the walk

2011-07-01T13:35:00.002+09:00

(Insert Onomatopoeia here) とある/ to aruku.

It's like a baby who just learn how to walk : the very bad balance way of walking.

You might want to walk 'suta suta-ly' when you are attending a job interview. It is the confident salary man walk that might land you a job.

Not drunk! But the lazy walk when you're feeling really tired or when you're walking with slow heavy footsteps.

This is the clumsy heavy walk. Its like you put your feet on the ground in a loud heavy way as you walk...like some big bear.

Uro uro is the walking, wandering or loitering around without any purpose. Thats what many people does these days in the mall.

More than Otanjoubi Omedetou

2011-06-29T12:08:00.004+09:00

Want to wish someone a Happy Birthday in Japanese but are there anything else to say besides お誕生日おめでとう/Otanjoubi Omedetou? Here's a couple of wishes that you can consider using.

-あなたの誕生日に愛を込めて (Anata no tanjoubi ni ai wo komete)
Lots of love for your birthday.

-あなたの誕生日に幸運を祈って (Anata no tanjoubi ni kouun wo inotte)
Wishing you lots of luck and blessings on your birthday

-ステキなお誕生日になりますように。(Suteki na otanjoubi ni narimasu youni)
Wishing you a wonderful birthday.

-とっておきの誕生日になりますように！(Totte oki no tanjoubi ni narimasu youni)
Wishing you a very special birthday!

-お誕生日おめでとう！素晴らしい１年を過ごしてください。(Otanjoubi Omedetou! subarashii 1 nen wo sugoshitekudasai)
Happy Birthday! Have a great year ahead.

-誕生日おめでとう。このよき日が繰りかえされますように。(Otanjoubi Omedetou. Kono yoki hi ga kurikaesaremasu youni)
Happy Birthday and may many happy returns of the day!

-あなたに、もっと多くの幸せが訪れますように！
Wishing that many happiness comes to you

-これからの１年があなたにとって健康と幸運に恵まれたものでありますように。(Korekara no 1 nen ga anata ni totte kenko to kouun ni megumareta monodearimasu you ni)
Happy Birthday! Hope this year brings you lots of happiness and good health.

-誕生日おめでとう！親友でいてくれて本当にありがとう！(Otanjoubi omedetou! Shinyuu de ite kreta hontou ni arigatou!)
Happy Birthday!　Thanks for being a loyal friend!

-今日はあなたのためのもの。さあ、一緒に祝いましょ. (Kyou wa anata no tame no mono. Saa, isshouni iwaimashou)
Today is your day. Let's celebrate it together.

-初めて会った時も素敵だったけど、あなたは、ますます素敵になっていくのね。(Hajimete atta toki mo suteki datta kedo, anata ha masu masu suteki ni natte iku no ne.)
You were perfect the day I met you, but you just get better every year!!

-君の将来に幸あることを心から祈ってるよ。 (Kimi no shourai ni kou aru koto wo kokoro kara inotteruyo)
I pray for a good future for you from the bottom of my heart.

More can be found here, here and here!

Final JLPT dash!

2011-06-27T20:41:00.002+09:00

JLPT in less then a week time and are you ready for it? I did not sign up for N3 this July so my time will only come this December. Phew!

If you stumble upon this page via Google or other search engines, you're probably looking for last minute tips or something. I am in no position to give tips or anything but here's a couple of websites that you might want to check out.

JLPT Boot Camp

How to prepare yourself for JLPT? Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and check out "The 5 biggest mistake people make on the JLPT" eBook.

Japanese Language Proficiency Test Resource

Very easy to navigate and useful at the same time. This site will help you prepare for the new JLPT format.

Mainichi Nihongo

The format might have changed but the content is pretty much the same. Check out this site for past year questions (until 2006)

Gakuu's Resources Page

Very useful list not only for JLPT but your entire process of learning Japanese. You might want to bookmark this!

Tofugu's Japanese Language Resource Guide

Very colorful list compiled by the peeps at Tofugu. Also useful for learning Japanese. Bookmark this too!

And lastly, be humble, pay full attention especially during the listening section and enjoy the entire process! Time to show that you've worked hard!

shindoi!

2011-06-26T12:52:00.002+09:00

Sorry for the lack of updates last week. It was a terrible hectic week for me and my immune system. No other words besides this blog's name best describe my week. But... no worries! Shoujiki Shindoi is back with more action and postings will go on just like how it used to be.

In the mean time, if you've never heard about Shoujiki Shindoi's First Anniversary giveaway, feel free to check it out here! You don't wanna miss the chance to win a copy of Ryu Murakami's Audition!

The silly thing I did for You

2011-06-20T10:40:00.001+09:00

Found this video when spring cleaning my external hard disk.

About a year and a half ago, I made this video to win air tickets. The idea is to promote how easy it is to book air tickets online via the Malaysian Airline's mobile portal. I really wanted to go to Japan so I decided to make this video despite being really busy (was in the midst of relocating)

It might be a low quality video but I really put it a lot of effort in making it. Like Hitchcock,I draw out the story board, frame by frame of my video.

Haha in case anyone is wondering, I did not even walk away with the consolation prize.

Happy Monday everyone!

Fourword Friday #1 Jyuunintoiro

2011-06-17T11:18:00.006+09:00

The truth is, I don't have enough onomatopoeia to survive in the long run. To preserve it, I'm gonna do it every alternate weeks. So when there's no Onomatopoeia Friday, it's gonna be Fourword Friday! We all can't wait to fast forward to Friday don't we? It's a terrible pun I know.

Fourword Friday is all about 'Yojijukugo'

What is Yojijukugo?
Yojijukugo is a four character idiom expression. But not all Kanji characters that come in groups of four are Yojijukugo. 　堂本光一 is not considered as one ya.

"The term refers only to four-kanji compounds that have a particular (idiomatic) meaning that cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make them up."
(Taken from Wikipedia)

Anyway, the very first four character chosen to kick start Fourword Friday is

This is a very simple idiomatic expression. Literally, it means ten people, ten colors. In other words, just like our fingerprints, everyone has their own way of thinking or preferences, to each his own or it can also mean so many people, so many minds.

A sample sentence:
今年の新入社員は十人十色。個性的な人材が集まった.
(Kotoshi no shinnyuu shain wa jyuunintoiro. koseiteki na jinzai ga atsumatta)
This year's new employees come all sorts of form. A bunch of people with unique talent were gathered.

Sore ga daiji

2011-06-15T11:34:00.000+09:00

Last month, my sensei invited the whole class to join the staff of the language center to perform as a choir in a charity concert organized by Animato Music School. The aim of the concert was to raise funds and help encourage the survivor of the Tohoku earthquake. The entire mini concert was recorded and the DVD will be sent to Japan.

Nippon Ganbare!

I like the idea of singing as a choir and its for daisuki na Nihon, there’s no reason to reject this opportunity.

Nishio sensei, emcee of the day

Despite being a really small scaled concert, the standard of the performers were top notch. Lets just say that my self esteem was totally crushed by elementary school kids. When I was their age, I was still playing some Red Indian song (still remember how to play it today), and they’re playing like they’re from the Baroque era. Why didn’t I practice the piano harder?

Anyway, my favorite performance was the Jazz trio that opened the concert. They performed four songs, My Way, Misora Hibari’s Kanashii Sake, Gake no ue no Ponyo, and Shina Ringo’s Kuroi Orufe. The percussion was really good. Overheard my sensei saying that she wants that percussion box instrument hehe.

Opening act of the concert

Also, this boy, probably a high school student played the piano so so well! Honestly, I almost teared when he was performing. Piano makes me feel very sentimental haha. I did record the performance and I think I’ll upload it in audio some other day when I’m free.

Superlative piano skills

This is team A to Z performing Daijiman Brothers Band’s ‘Sore ga Daiji’. Yes, it’s the song I used for Project Hitori Jyani.

Team A to Z choir with me looking kinda crazy haha

Overall, the concert manage to collect quite a surprisingly huge amount of funds. Fingers crossed that it will be spent wisely on people who are in need.

Photo (except the first and third) credit goes to: Helmi Hasan. a fellow member of A to Z choir

Shoujiki Shindoi's 1st anniversary giveaway

2011-06-13T12:42:00.002+09:00

June marks the birth month of Shoujiki Shindoi! Although the achieve says January, the very first entry I posted on this blog is actually June 21st’s Natsu Cooling Uta for last June’s J-Blog Matsuri.

Up to date, I’ve made 113 postings. Started several projects but only one (Project Hitori Jyanai) manage to takes off. Not a very successful blog, really. I admit that 75% of my entries are very trivial and it won’t make you a more knowledgeable or better person reading it. I will work harder and make Shoujiki Shindoi a better place. If you have a suggestion, feel free to voice it!

Anyway, in conjunction of this blog’s very first anniversary, I am giving away a copy of Audition by Ryu Murakami.

Honestly, I got scared reading the synopsis online and watching the trailer of the movie adaption. It’s not a book for everybody so you might want to Google about it before participating in this giveaway heh. But, if you’re a fan of psychosexual thriller or David Lynch, you might be interested in this.

You’ve probably declared your love for Japan, so this time all you have to do is comment or write a blog entry if you have a lot to say about that side of Japan that makes you ‘Shoujiki Shindoi’ (honestly tired).

It could be about the ‘in your face’ way of promoting pop idols, the scent/sight of platform pizza or it could be your natto eating adventures. Feel free to write anything!

This giveaway will end on the 1st of July. I’m not very particular about the time and I’ll read it over the weekend and hopefully pick a winner on that same weekend!

Once again, thank you so much for all the support and comments in this year! Arigatou!

Onomatopoeia Friday #10 Clothes

2011-06-10T14:51:00.004+09:00

Whether you dress to dress or dress to kill, this week onomatopoeia is all about describing someone's outfit.

Also known as 'dabo dabo', this is used to described someone who is wearing an obviously over sized outfit. I wonder does this apply to yoyo-kei..hmm

Pretty similar to 'dabu dabu', 'buka buka' is also used to described baggy, over size. sloppy clothings.

'zuru zuru' means slippery and if someone commented that your trousers are zuru zuru, you probably want to pull it up and tighten it with a belt.

*continue from above* But don't overdo it because if its gonna look weird if it's kitsu kitsu (too tight). One way of remembering this, as mentioned by Blue Shoe, is that the 'kitsui' can mean tight.

This is used in describing trousers that are a little tad bit too short. Something like this *points down* but in a 'not so trendy' way.

Fancy a round of Hanafuda? Koi koi!

2011-06-08T11:09:00.001+09:00

Do you like card games or are you looking for a game that is not about shooting birds? If you’re answer is yes, you might want to try out this game/application.

Just search for ‘Hanafuda’ on your App store and you can download it for free.

Once you click on ‘local play’, you can choose 1 or 2 players. If you want to play against your friend, click 2 players. Make sure your friend has the app installed on their iDevice too.

After that, you will have to determine the dealer. Pick a card and whoever has the earlier month will be the dealer (Oya)

The aim of the game is to match the cards from the same month. Each month has four cards. One special card, one ribbon card and two normal cards. You collect the cards and combine them to some sort of formation. (Eg: cards with blue ribbons, a set of special cards, etc) In a way, it’s a little bit like Mahjong..I guess?

You can check out this page here on Wikipedia for more information about the cards.

In this screen cap, I’ve manage to get a set of 10 chaff cards. After completing a set, you can choose to Koi Koi (continue this round) or end this round and proceed to the next round. The list of 'Yaku' (formation) can be found here.

Talking about rounds, you can choose to play 6 months (6 rounds) or 12 months (12 rounds). The objective is to collect more points than your opponent.

If you don’t have an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad, don’t worry! You still can play the web version of Hanafuda HERE

This flash version is much more challenging compared to the application because in order to win, you need to score 50 points. If your opponent beats you, your points will be deducted. Out of the 12246478586876 times I’ve played, I only manage to win once.

Enjoy!

Lab Report: Annin Tofu/ Almond Tofu

2011-06-06T12:29:00.000+09:00

It’s a Chinese dish but I’ve never tried it. I’ve always heard about this dessert on Japanese food TV program and came across snacks that comes in ‘this’ flavor.

I knew that I will not like it but I decided to give it a go anyway. It’s just unfair to not give certain food a chance just because it looks like something that you won’t like. *cues Bieber’s Never say Never*

I mean there are a lot of foods that you have to learn to like. For instance, I used to really dislike egg plants but now, it’s my favorite vegetable ever. I can go on a meat fast for egg plants.

Anyway, what’s this dessert that I’m talking about?

Annin Tofu/ Almond Tofu pudding

The verdict:
“Why would I eat tofu for dessert when I’ve already eaten it as a dish in my main course /appetizer?” One of the tv emcee said that when everyone was shocked that he said that he has never tried Annin tofu. I don’t agree with what he said because in Malaysia, we have this tofu dessert (Tau Fu Fa) which is really suitable to end a meal.

However, almond should just stay as a nut and not some extract that is being used on puddings. It has this acquired taste that not everybody can accept. If you’re not a fan cherries, you might want to skip this.

Onomatopoeia Friday #9 Taste

2011-06-03T10:42:00.000+09:00

After a two weeks break, Onomatopoeia Friday is back to make some noise on your beautiful Friday. This week’s theme is on taste.

Kotteri is that oily, greasy, rich, heavy taste like... fried chicken. I Google image Kotteri and all I see is Ramen..so I guess it’s also used to describe to thick and oily soup broth.

Sappari is the clean no after taste- vinegar-ish feeling. Sappari can also mean not at all. Just like what Yukawa Manabu of Detective Galileo always says. “さっぱりわからない/sappari wakaranai” (I have no idea at all)

Assari on the other hand is the complete opposite of Kotteri. It is the light taste/flavor just like porridge or miso soup.

When the weather is super hot, I’m sure you’ll like that sukkiri feeling after gulping down an ice cream or icy cold soda? Sukkiri can also mean clear/neatly.

Let's play Sherlock Holmes

2011-06-01T12:17:00.000+09:00

I always tell myself that if I to write a song, I'll definitely add in some kind of hidden code or puzzle into it so the listener will do more then listening to it. I want the listener to be like "Hey, I found the answer!" and be very satisfied with it.

One of my idea was to put in a person's name or a message into the lyrics. If you read the first word of every phrase, you'll be able to patch up the puzzle.

Recently, my not so original idea was applied on a new song by KAT-TUN entitled 'Run For You'. Yup, its that 'run run run run for you' song in that commercial for Suzuki Solio.

Here goes the lyrics:

頑くななPRIDE
張り切れそうなVOICE
れん続したTENSIONに　心痛めないで
日の昇らない朝はない　夢見ること止めない
本当のCHALLENGEが今この場所で　ここで始まる

Ganbare Nippon spotted in the lyrics!

Kudos to Asakusa Diary for sharing about this information.

A future in Japan- Intercultural Institute of Japan

2011-05-30T10:07:00.001+09:00

Not sure does this apply in other countries but iin Malaysia, when you say you want to study in Japan, people always assume that you’re an engineer in the making. Such stereotype is so strong that people hardly consider attending vocational school or language school in Japan.

I am in my final year in university and it’s time to start considering what to do in the future. Should I pursue a masters degree? Should I further my Japanese studies or should I start a career? With all sorts of questions in my mind, I decided to check out this “A Future in Japan” educational presentation organized by the language center I attend for Japanese lesson.

The moment I entered the language center, it began raining really heavily. Lightning were thrown down from the sky and I was like Oh God, is that an omen of my future?

Anyway, I had the opportunity to meet Kato sensei, who is the representative of Intercultural Institute of Japan. She prepared some really interesting slides for this presentation. It has photographs of activities/curriculum of the language school and every student had this big big smile on their face. The background music was a familiar tune (One Love by Arashi) and I was like “should I sing along?” haha Very colorful presentation indeed.

Kato sensei and ~~a very haggard looking~~ me

A very brief info about the Intercultural Institute of Japan

Located in the paradise of sub cultures Akihabara, the Intercultural Institute of Japan has been around since 1977. Currently, it houses 720 students, 75 faculty staffs and a total of 20,000 graduates from 50 different countries up to date.

Statistics on short term program

Offering a variety of courses such as long term course, weekly course (short term), intensive business, part time course as well as private and company course, IIJ has the right menu for anyone who is interested to pick up the Japanese language.

Summer program

Heard of the saying “all work no play makes Jack a dull boy”? IIJ strongly believes that learning Japanese is not all about hitting those books. If you participate the summer program, they’ll organize an Onsen trip and it’s the best time for you to show off that karaoke skills you have been hiding. Besides, the location of the school already tells you that Jack is not even close to a dull boy.

I walked in with lots of questions but thanks to Kato sensei's explanation, I walked out with a mind much clearer than the sky out there. Although I'm not exactly sure whether I'll further my studies in Japan but after attending this event, I'm considering this option very seriously. If you're interested in learning Japanese like me, why not consider studying in Japan?

Yes, she just said... part 2!

2011-05-27T10:18:00.000+09:00

Time to check your answers for last week's Gesture Quiz!

Obake/Ghost

Next time if someone ask you to do the 'Thriller', you know what to do ya.

Shokuji/Eat

When you see someone doing this gesture to you, he's trying to ask whether have you eaten or would you like to join him for a meal.

Sono hanashi wa oitoite/ Lets put that subject aside

When you want to change a topic, start moving that invisible box in front of you.

Hora banashi/ Big talk

Remember to always be humble and not self praise/talk too big if you don't want people doing this gesture to you.

Manbiki/shoplift

Ahoy yer pirates! Captain Hook's in action

Kanojo/ Girlfriend

this gesture is considered as a slang gesture. It's not rude to use it but its not recommended for the ladies to use this gesture.

Kareshi/ Boyfriend

Just like the previous gesture, not rude but not recommended for the ladies to use it.

Onomatopoeia Friday will be back next week!

Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

2011-05-24T11:38:00.005+09:00

In my homestay application form, I wrote that I want to search for Edo in Tokyo. Hence, my very supportive homestay family brought me to the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum which is located in Koganei Park of Koganei-shi, Tokyo. Most of the buildings exhibited are from the Meiji period. Admission cost 400 yen. If not mistaken, you'll be able to enter at a discounted price if you have a student id.

Welcome~

Residence of Mitsui Hachirouemon (The Mitsuis were the richest family during the late Edo era)

Koide's Residence

Japanese architect Maekawa Kunio's Residence

Jisho-in mausoleum

Takahashi Korekiyo's (Japan's 20th Prime Minister) residence

This might be a familiar sight to Studio Ghibli's fans

There are a lot more things to see there. The whole visit took about three hours. But I've accidentally deleted a ~~lot~~ couple of pictures! So I only have about 20+ of it to share. To view more pictures, click here

Did someone just said.... part 2!

2011-05-20T10:17:00.000+09:00

Enjoyed the previous “did someone just said…’ entry? This week, Shoujiki Shidoi is taking a more visual approach! Taking a break from the usual Onomatopoeia Friday, we’re having our second gesture quiz!

Hang both hand downward with backs facing front

Pretend to hold a rice bowl and bring the other hand (chopstick) close to your mouth.

Pretend like you’re moving a box that is in front of you to the other side.

Open and close your hand right in front of your mouth. Push your hand forward as you open it.

Crook the upright index finger.

Point your pinkie finger upright.

Point your thumb upright.

Feel free to make a guess by leaving a comment. Answers will be revealed next Friday! And sorry, no prizes to those who got it correct!
A big thanks to Jojo and Mandy for helping out again.

Make room for the newspaper

2011-05-18T09:52:00.001+09:00

A very trivial entry today haha

Last week, my sister’s friend who just came back from Tokyo handed me a copy of ‘The Japan Times weekend scene’ newspaper. The moment I look at it, I was really amazed by the size of it. I was excitingly comparing the size of it with different newspapers I have at home and everyone in my family looked at me as if I need a new hobby.

It’s slightly wider by about five to six centimeters if you compare it to Malaysia’s broadsheet newspaper.

I began questioning the size of the newspaper. Why is it so big? At this size, it’s so hard to hold and read it.

Then, I remembered this scene where people fold their paper into half and read it when they’re on the train. Could it be that Japanese broadsheet papers are slightly bigger because it’s designed for readers to fold it to half and read it when they’re standing or sitting so that it safe space?

If you to fold both papers to half, this is what you will get.

As you can see, the articles on Japan Times are very neatly organized. You’ll still be able to read it without opening the entire newspaper. Conversely, the other newspaper obviously is not designed to be folded into half.

Not sure about other Japanese broadsheet newspapers but what about your paper?

So you think you're a dorama junkie?

2011-05-16T09:19:00.000+09:00

Think that you’re a pro when it comes to Japanese TV series? Or you’re bored from throwing angry birds? Here’s an app for your iPhone or iPod Touch that might interest you.

As this application is in Japanese, you can also practice your Japanese and pick up some catchphrase at the same time haha.

Dorama quiz!

The questions ranges from really old dramas like Tokyo Love Story (and maybe even older dramas) to more recent TV series such as Gokusen or Boss.

There are three different levels. Level 1 will reward you 10 points, Level 2 with 30 points and the toughest Level 3 with 50 points.

If you answer correctly, you will see a ‘maru’.

And if your answer is incorrect, you will see a ‘batsu’

In order to score the allocated points, you have to answer at least 8 questions (out of 10)correctly.

Not even a single point if you get 7 questions right.

To download this app, just search 'Japanese Drama' in your device's App store. Have fun!

Onomatopoeia Friday #8 I'm looking at you!

2011-05-13T10:01:00.001+09:00

This week's Onomatopoeia is all about the eyes!

(Insert Onomatopoeia here) と見る

During a test, some student might have their eyes open their eyes really big, and trying to peep at the answers of the person sitting next to them. An illustration of kyoro kyoro would be something like this:

When you see something weird, you would jitto to miru. In other words, you stare at it.

When you first meet your mother in law, she’ll probably scan you from top to toe…That’s jiro jiro.

The scenario is something like this. During a tea ceremony, a girl prepared tea for the guy that she likes. As her name was written under the tea cup, she will peep at that guy to see whether he flips over the cup to check out her name. That the chiratto way of looking at people.

Sorry for the lousy explanation ~~every~~ this week. I hope it’s not too confusing!

Ohoku: The Reversal of Gender

2011-05-11T13:38:00.001+09:00

Cast of Ohoku

Last year, I wrote about an upcoming move that I was really anticipating (Feminism in Edo). Recently, I finally had the chance to watch it and boy, it was slightly different from what I’ve expected, which is a good thing..I guess?

Ohoku explores a fictional Edo era where a strange disease has caused the populations of the males to be a quarter of the female’s population. Hence, there’s a reverse in gender roles in that era. Female is the dominant gender, while the males are just in charge of spreading their seeds. In case you’re wondering, guys are the ones that runs the brothels. Under this setting, only the most powerful woman (the head of the Tokugawa Shogunate) cam keep a harem of handome men known as ‘ohoku’ (inner chamber). Rumours said that there are 3000 men in Ohoku, but there actually only 800, which is still a lot comparing to outside of the castle.

Mizuno (Ninomiya Kazunari), a young man from a poor family decided to enter the Ohoku and compete with other men for the Shogun’s affection in order to support his family financially. Before entering Ohoku, he shaved part of his hair to a chonmage to show the true blue Samurai side of him. In Ohoku, you have to start from the lowest level (cleaning, cooking, sewing) and slowly promoted to a higher ranking consort.

The first thing you have to remember is it’s a matriarchy society. Hence, our common sense is not applicable in this movie. If you insists watching it with the values that you were brought up with, you’ll probably find this movie twisted. Some guys, they get jealous very easily and some are so bitchy. No slapping or hair pulling though. Also, when there are so many guys together, some guys tends to satisfy their sexual needs by taking it out on other guys.

Remember! Males are seen as the weaker gender so there’s not so much testerone involved. In fact, it felt like Mizuno is the only guy who displays what we call masculine characteristics in our society. He is responsible towards his family, he embraces the Samurai’s values and he doesn’t show that sour ex-girlfriend face.

Overall, the show is not so bad. I like the technical aspect of the movie like how the story develops and how the characters were introduced. It’s like they’re take their time introducing the characters and not chuck a whole bunch of them in the beginning of the movie. Also, the actors and actresses did a great job in portraying their role especially Tamaki Hiroshi. I'm not a fan of him but he nailed his character. And one last thing. Kyoto is really beautiful! Definitely one of my ‘must visit’ place the next time I visit Japan!

Teaser here~

Hai-Tenshion

2011-05-09T10:56:00.000+09:00

Earlier last year, I came across this reading passage entitled ‘それ、英語？’ (Is that English?). It's about Katakana words that sounds very English but is not proper English. Here are some of the examples given by the passage:

オートバイ / o-tobai

リモコン / rimokon

コンセント / konsento

ガソリンスタンド / gasorinsutando

コインロッカー / koinrokka-

ハンドル / handoru

Initially, like any other classmates, I felt that some words didn't really make any sense. Why is a steering wheel known as a handle? Why are power plugs known as konsento? Then I figured out that handle is something that you grab on to control something. Hmm.. it make sense. As for konsento, it's derrived from the word concentric plug. Not sure why is it called concentric plug. Maybe its because the socket share the same center?

Anyway, to a certain extend, you'll still be able to figure out the meaning of these terms. But, there is this word(?)/ adjective (?) that I find very misleading.

I often hear 'high tension' on Japanese variety program. Before knowing what it means, I was like why is it good to be in high tension? Isn't high tension operating under high voltage? Also, from a physics(?) approach, the frame of a racket will break if the tension of the string is tied too high. And when someone says that "I feel so tense!", it usually denotes anxiety or other negative emotions. So why do people want to be in 'high tension'???

The scenario is always something like this. A bunch of friends are at the karaoke and everyone is having fun in an exciting mood.."sugoku high tension desu yo!"

High + fun + excited+ happy mood = high tension? Eigo to chotto chigau ne?

Onomatopoeia #7 Crying

2011-05-06T12:22:00.000+09:00

A few weeks ago, I posted onomatopoeia on Smile/Laugh. Today, it's all about crying.

(Insert onomatopoeia here) と泣く

There's this brand of soy sauce in Malaysia that uses the sound 'en en' by the end of their commercial. Reason being, the mascot of the soy sauce is a baby. That company probably doesn't know that 'en en' in Japanese, is used to describe the way kids cry.

This can be used on both kids and adults. It basically is crying+ sound of sobbing = crying out loud.

'shiku shiku' is often heard in Animes. It's used to describe kids or young girls who weeps quietly in one corner.

This onomatopoeia is used to describe the weak and helpless cry, usually a crybaby's style of sobbing.

Kimi ni Todoke : From me to you

2011-05-04T12:31:00.000+09:00

Kimi ni Todoke

Ever since no idea when, I’ve stopped watching high school related chick flick. Some are just way to cliche and it annoys me so much. But yesterday, I decided to give ‘Kimi ni todoke’ a go ~~defeated by Miura Haruma~~ and wow, I actually kinda enjoyed it hehe.

Sawako, called Sadako by her peers due to her appearence that resembles Sadako of the ring. (That character who climbed out from the TV) Her favorite motto is "do one good thing once a day," but she cares too much about others and cannot express her thoughts. This has made her somewhat of an outcast at school.

Unlike Sawako, her classmate Kazehaya is outgoing and popular with all the students. He was polite to Sawako unlike other peers, which makes Sawako respect him and even admire him.She finds herself in a new world, trying to make friends and talking to different people and she can't thank Kazehaya enough for giving her these opportunities. Slowly, but surely, a sweet love is blossoming between the two.

This movie definitely has more aesthetic value compared to content. The storyline was quite predictable in my opinion, but the color and the background is so beautiful! I’m not sure how to explain this but the colors looked so vivid as if it was filmed using a lomo camera. The sky looks so blue and grass, so green!

I failed at making a screen cap of the movie so here’s a lousy example of vivid colors..according to me.

Also, the movie started with Spring and ended with Winter. If it’s a commercial for Yokoso Japan, it is definitely a successful one because it made someone who grew up in country with only one season, check out Airasia’s website for flights to Japan. I want the sakura petals to land on my head..and there’s the momiji too!

If you wish to watch something that is easy to absorb and light or just feel like looking at some really nice scenery, you might want to consider about watching this movie. =)

Trailer here

Quakebook: the brainchild of humanity

2011-05-02T12:51:00.002+09:00

Last week, I picked up this TV drama entitled “Shika Otoko Aoniyoshi” which reminded me of the 3.11 Earthquake.

A legend says that a gigantic catfish lives under Japan. If this catfish moves, the land of Japan will shake. In other words, this catfish is responsible for the earthquakes that took place in Japan. 1800 years ago, just before her death, shaman Queen Himiko summoned the three creatures, deer of Nara, fox of Kyoto and mouse of Osaka to protect Japan. Every 60 years, the catfish will wake up and if the three creatures fail to suppress it, Mount Fuji will erupt and it’s the end of Japan.

The only way to suppress the catfish is to pass each other the ‘eye’ that was given by Queen Himeko before the end of the 10th month of the 60th year ends. (The ‘eye’ is like a screw that tightens and prevents the fish from moving.) In present days, of course the creatures cannot take the bullet train say from Kyoto to Nara, just to pass the ‘eye’ to the next creature. Thus, they have to appoint human beings to pass it around.

It was really interesting and I finished it within two days. My dad thought that I was watching some kid’s program because in the show, the deer talks to humans. Anyway, after finishing the series, I was like “If only deer talks, the people in Japan wouldn’t have to suffer so much.”

I was wrong.

Seriously, what was I even thinking?

Why do we need talking creatures when we have something so much stronger?

It may not be Gundam robots that can prevent tremors but it is something that an 8.9 magnitude earthquake cannot break nor washed away by the tsunami.

the bond that connects you me him and her

Thank You Quakebook, for making me see what is important. Thank you for giving me the chance to feel the emotions of the survivors and cry with them.Thank you, for making me realize that there are so many things that I can do to help.

So what if talking creatures start ordering you around? Rebuilding, reconstructing and restoring Japan all starts from us human. Your contribution can help make Japan a better place and restore the spirits of the people in Japan.

It all start from your small action! If you have yet to get a copy of the Quakebook, get it now from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Or if you couldn’t get it from Amazon, you can download it from Sony instead for free. But don’t forget to donate if you are downloading it.

If you're still brain storming what to get for your mum this mother's day, the Quakebook might be the perfect present!

Onomatopoeia #6 Characters

2011-04-29T13:58:00.002+09:00

This week's set of Onomatopoeia Friday doesn't sound very onomatopoeic but they're classified under 'Gitaigo' which is used in describing people, shapes and feelings. It's a bit hard to explain this week's words. Do let me know if you don't understand any of these.

（Insert onomatopoeia here）としています。

(steadily)

If someone tells you "shikkarishitekudasai!", you might want to take things a little more seriously. I'm sure you want to be a 'shikkarishiteru' /reliable person.

EDIT:
As mentioned by Blue Shoe,'shikkari' can also mean 'hang in there!'. 'shikkarishiro' is often used in movies, animes and video games when someone is seriously injured.

(dreamily, idly)

'bon yari' is not a term to describe people who does the bon dance. Don't go and point at bon dancers and say bon yari to them during O Bon. Anyway, 'bon yari' refers to people who likes to day dream.

(carelessly, negligently)

'ukkari' can be said as the opposite of 'shikkari'. It's used to describe people who are not paying attention, not knowing what are they doing. It can be quite 'ira ira' when you have to deal with people like that.

(carefree, at leisure)

Enjoying life? You have nothing to worry about? That's what people call 'nonbiri to shiteiru'. I'm sure everyone wants a life like that once they retire.

What is Android au?

2011-04-27T12:01:00.005+09:00

Let the world record holders tell you what is Androi au.

I see that they are trying to set a world record with 60 commercials but seriously it will be a huge problem if someone needs 60 commercials to teach them what is Android au all about.

The World Records set by Arashi:
1.“Most versions of a TV commercial for the same product broadcast within 24 hours – Free-to-air (Terrestrial TV)” – 60 Android au commercials were broadcast on January 27

2.“Most versions of a TV commercial for the same product broadcast within 8 hours – non Free-to-air” – 60 Android au commercials were broadcast from 00:00 to 08:00, January 27 on Space Shower TV

3.“Most versions of a TV commercial for one product broadcast in a single 30 minute programme” – 12 Android au commercials were broadcast during “Music Lovers”, 23:30 – 24:00, January 30.

(source: aramatheydidnt)

Actually... I did spend 15 minutes watching all 60 commercials haha. And I watched it twice. I'm showing signs that I need to get a better life hahaha.

Reuse, Reduce, Recyle. Go Gantz.

2011-04-25T14:02:00.003+09:00

The two main figures of GANTZ

Based on the manga writen by Oku Hiroya, GANTZ started with Kurono Kei (Ninomiya Kazunari) who noticed his childhood friend Kato Masaru (Matsuyama Kenichi) helping a drunk man who fell into the platform of a subway. Instead of pulling his friend up, Kurono was dragged down to the platform and here comes the train.

The next moment, the two friends were transported to an apartment in Tokyo with a black sphere (named Gantz) in the living room. They talked to the people in the room and realize that all of them should have been dead.

Like a robot, the black sphere Gantz then opens up and a bald man with breathing mask can be seen inside it. Gantz then assign everyone a pair of super fitting combat suit with super human abilities and some super hi-tech futuristic looking gun.

Simply, Gantz is about recycling the life of the dead, reuse them to reduce the amount of aliens. Gantz is the new green? Once they reach 100 points, they can choose to revive someone’s life or erase his/her memories about Gantz. If they fail, they’ll just perish forever. The concept is kinda like a crossover of 2009’s Yonimo Kimyona Monogatari’s “The Law of Recycling Suicides”, Yusuke Kishii’s “The Crimson Labyrinith” and another movie that I fail to recall it’s name.

Like any manga adaptation and prequel, GANTZ felt kinda slow and rushed at the same time. It’s like they are trying to squeeze in too many things inside but the story did not really develop. Another thing that I did not really like is the way one of the female character was portrayed in the movie. I’m not sure how was the character ‘Kishimoto Kei’ like in the manga but in the movie, it felt like the only thing good about her is her figure. Maybe her character is suppose to be like that? Hmm...

And one more thing.. I don’t get the romance! It’s like a sci-fi action movie and suddenly some melodramatic scene just pops out. I guess they’re trying to satisfy the female audiences brought in by Ninomiya and Matsuyama. *shakes head* Definitely not the wisest move. There’s nothing wrong with having romance in a sci-fi movie but if you want to do it, develop it properly! Hopefully a better story telling in the sequel!

On the plus side, the teaser for the sequel looks really good.

For the prequel’s trailer, click here.

PS: If you have the choice, try to avoid the English dub.

Onomatopoeia #5 Getting angry

2011-04-22T13:21:00.000+09:00

Life is not all about being happy happy joy joy. Anger plays an important role as well. Today its all about the different types of anger!

(Onomatopoeia here) と怒っている

Gan gan is used to describe very strong anger. It usually describes one figure the Japanese fears very much. Yes, their father. If your Japanese friends told you that "お父さんがんがんと怒っている". His or her father is very very angry.

'fun fun' is the 'hmph!' sound that comes from the nose. I do that all the time when I find something annoying.

You know sometimes you just have the urge to hammer down that annoying nail that sticks out? You're probably feeling 'ira ira', the pissed off kind of anger.

The 'biri biri' type of anger is commonly seen on soap operas. It is the electric shock-whole body shaking angry. Quite dramatic but I think it does happen om real life eh?

Just like 'gan gan', 'gami gami' is usually used to describe angry people who are more superior like your boss, supervisor, those ue no hito.

Next week it's about people's character!

Sunrise Nippon in a nut shell

2011-04-19T10:01:00.003+09:00

Sunrise Nippon in a nut shell

Phew...finally coming to an end.

Did I enjoy my trip to the fullest? Honestly, no. I knew that "what can go wrong will go wrong" so I was prepared and lowered my expectations by a little tad bit. But prep was not sufficient and wrong went even..more wrong? Nevertheless, it was an eye opening experience. It wasn’t great but it was good. I actually had fun observing Japan from the television. Also it was nice that my e-mails were not controlling me during the the 9 days in Japan.

One thing that I didn’t really like was the stereotyping of people. It happened a couple of times when I was walking around the street and buying stuff, alone. Just like “you’re white, you speak English,” so if you’re a Chinese, you’re from China. I understand that China is huge and highly populated but not every Chinese is from China!

There were times when I felt like cutting short my trip and return to a sunny place where people will stare at you if you put on a pair of leather boots. My biggest problem was the weather. Not only Japan but other winter countries as well. I always fall sick. The only time I did not feel thankful for living in a warm country is when I was shopping in Shibuya 109. I want a cute poncho too!!

The best part of the trip was definitely the homestay experience. The home cooked food was on par with Japanese restaurants out there and I’ve experienced the two things Malaysia will never need, futon and kotatsu. Then there’s the tatami floor which was a little different from what I’ve imagined. I definitely want to participate in a homestay program again when I visit Japan next time. The train experience was really interesting as well. If I stay any longer, I’ll definitely turn into a densha otaku, studying all the train lines and collecting train models.

Point and Speak Phrasebook Japan

photo credits to Gakuranman

If you’re visiting Japan soon and is looking for a guide book, I recommend the “Point and Speak Phrasebook Japan”. I did not use it as a point-and-speak book but more like a dictionary. It is especially useful when it comes to name of fishes. Gindara, hamachi, tai, kanpachi etc... Also you might want to check the ‘tips on understanding Japanese people’ part section which over triumph my common sense.

Some unpublished photos:

A suspicious looking figure on someone's roof top. Santa ka?

.

The kotatsu! I've spent most of my time here

Oyasumi super warm futon.

Scenery of a park

Hmm.. I don't remember who's house was this. Will do some cross checking and post it in another entry later.

Totally not okay to do this in my country. Someone might come after you under the internal security act.

Found some really old school looking CD in Harajuku

Thats all folks!

Note to self: Next time, visit Japan during Summer.

Project Hitori Jyanai

2011-04-18T09:31:00.005+09:00

Finally,let me present you with Project Hitori Jyanai's outcome!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this project! Thank you so much for all the lovely photos, the word of mouth,tweets,blog entries etc. Arigatou!

The length of the video was doubled so that the messages can be read clearly. Because of that, there were some issues with the background music. It's not the best idea to use copyrighted music but till I found something 8 minutes long, we'll stick to this first.

There will be another video coming right up =)

Onomatopoeia #4 Way of Speaking

2011-04-15T14:17:00.005+09:00

Yay! It's Onomatopoeia Friday again! This time it's all about the way people speak! The keyword today is:

(Insert onomatopoeia here) と話す。

When three middle age ladies get together, they talk like a flowing stream of water! All that bla bla bla, that's pera pera. "pera pera to hanasu" can also mean speaking really fluently.

pecha kucha' is usually used to describe talking in a really fast speed. It's often linked to ladies but I think some guys speak really fast too. hmmm

'haki haki' means loud and clear. Probably come from the word hakkiri which means clearly/ distinctly.

'mogo mogo' on the other hand, is the opposite of haki haki. It's like you're chewing your own words. nom nom

Got a secret to tell? You better say it 'hiso hiso'-ly if you don't want that loudspeaker auntie of yours overheard your conversation.

Thats all for this week's Onomatopoeia Friday! Next week we'll take a look at different degrees of anger.

Spring and Haiku

2011-04-14T10:15:00.002+09:00

Project Hitori Jyanai is finally over. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this project. We wouldn't have done it without your help! Our video will come really soon, so stay tune! =)

Anyway, I’ve been reading some Haiku lately and honestly, I don’t quite get it. Maybe because it’s translated to English? But Haiku is actually quite interesting to read as it usually contains a seasonal references. For someone who has lived her whole life in a country which only have summer, it made me wonder what kind of scene was the poet looking at while writing the haiku? What would I write if I saw the exact same scene?

Since Spring has come knocking, here’s some spring related Haiku that I really like.

As we grow old,
Even the length of the day
Is a cause of tears
Issa

Ice and water,
Their differences resolved,
Are friends again.
Teishitsu

The snow having melted,
The Village
is full of children
Issa

To pluck its a pity,
To leave it is a pity,
Ah, this violet.
Naojo

What a strage thing,
To be thus alive
Beneath the cherry-blossom
Issa

Evening cherry-blossom:
Today also now belongs
To the past
Issa

The flowering branch of the plum
Gives its scent
To him who broke it off
Chiyo-ni

With every falling petal,
The plum branches
Grown older.
Buson

Which one is your favorite?

Also, if you are like me, unable to go for ohanami, feel free to check out Shibuya 246 and Jay Dee in Japan's photographs on the sakura and at the same time, listen to Endlicheri's Someiyoshino.

How to get #Quakebook for PC if you're in Malaysia

2011-04-07T08:12:00.002+09:00

If you have registered ‘Malaysia’ (and maybe some other countries too) under your Amazon account or tried to access Kindle for PC from Malaysia, you’ll probably get this message.

(Your name here),Kindle for PC/Mac is not currently available in Malaysia.

Tried looking for the application from your iPod Touch’s app store and couldn’t find it?

And you’re like NOOO! I wanna support the Quakebook!! How how how?

No worries! I’ve found a way to download Kindle for PC. But before that, I think it’s better for you to sign up another Amazon account. I tried logging in using my first account’s username and password after downloading Kindle for PC, but it doesn’t seem to work. Don’t forget to omit your address/country this time! ;)

After registering a new Amazon account, download your Kindle for PC from CNET. [link here]

Sign in with your new user name and password! It should be able to work fine. =)

Project Hitori Jyanai and #Quakebook

2011-04-06T18:35:00.004+09:00

Hello all! Just a gentle reminder that you have a week more to submit your photographs for Project Hitori Jyanai! If you have not send in your photos, do it soon! We are looking forward to see your participation =))
If it's your first time hearing about this project, CLICK HERE

By the way, if you're wondering how can you help the survivors of the Tohoku Kanto earthquake, The Japan Times Online has compiled a very useful list that you can refer to. Click here to check it out.

If it's your first time hearing about the #Quakebook, you should really go and check it out now. (click on the picture below)

Basically, the idea was to share the stories and experiences of people actually on the ground during the earthquake, whilst raising funds for the Red Cross. It's for a very good cause, so please support it. I've printed the Quakebook fliers to promote it. You can do it too =)

Project Hitori Jyanai updates!

2011-03-28T15:45:00.004+09:00

Hello all! Just a gentle reminder that you have about 16 days more to participate in Project Hitori Jyanai! If you haven’t submit your photos, make sure you send it to [ shoujikishindoiprojects@gmail.com ] soon! If it’s your first time hearing about this project, CLICK HERE.

So far, we’ve received 40+ photographs. Things are a moving a little slow now, hopefully it will pick up its speed ~~as the Grand Prix has started.~~

Talking about the GP, check out team Sauber and team William’s message to Japan.

(Ware ware no inori, Nihon ni todokimasuyouni/ Let our prayers reach Japan)

by team Sauber

Photo credits: ESPN F1

If you have absolutely no idea what to do for this project, you can refer to the photos below.

From Team Hitori Jyanai, to you

2011-03-22T14:54:00.003+09:00

Last night's episode of SMAP x SMAP's theme was about "いま僕たちに何ができるだろう" (What can we do right now)

See those messages behind there? Project Hitori Jyanai is doing something similar to that too. Just that we do not have SMAP with us, obviously. We may speak in a very small volume but trust me, what we're doing will definitely reach out to the people who needs it. Have some faith with the power of being a collective.

Team Hitori Jyanai's message to everyone out there who is considering to take part in this project.

その姿きっと　誰かのほほえみを作るから

You will definitely make someone smile

CLICK HERE for more information about Project Hitori Jyanai.

Project Hitori Jyanai’s latest update

2011-03-21T10:10:00.003+09:00

Hello all! I’ll be pausing all postings of Shoujiki Shindoi for the time being and dedicate every post to Project Hitori Jyanai. Yup, no good music on Monday, trivia knowledge on Wednesday and funny sounds on Friday until the project ends.

First of all, a big big thank you to everyone who has in any way help promoted this project. We really appreciate all the retweets, reposting and hyperlinking. It’s really touching to see people from all walks of life like bloggers, fans, performers, CEOs, lecturers, students, fashionistas etc give so much support to this project. Thank you!

Latest update:
1. We’re now on Twitter! Follow our twitter account at (@pjhitorijyanai). If you wish to promote this project via twitter, feel free to mention our account.

2. There’s also an event page on Facebook for this project. You don’t have to RSVP there to take part in the project. That event page was created so that it’s easier to promote on Facebook. Click here to go to the page or you can search for Project Hitori Jyanai on Facebook.

3. Nichigo Press is giving us their support for this project. They posted about this project on their online news site last Friday! (Click Here). Our video will be on their site once it’s completed! In other words, our project will definitely reach out to people.

4. Currently we've collected about 20 photographs! We're looking forward to see more photographs this week!

Facebookでも、イベントページを掲載中。 Project Hitori Jyanaiで検索、またはこちらのURLへアクセス。
Twitterのアカウントは@pjhitorijyanai。

Onomatopoeia #3 Smile/Laugh

2011-03-18T12:21:00.002+09:00

Before going on to the usual onomatopoeia of the week, let me first make a late introduction about Japanese onomatopoeia.

The Japanese language is sensitive to sound as well as environmental changes and development. Repetition of words are used to show repetition band also to emphasize continuous action. ~~obviously!~~

There are 2 types of onomatopoeia which is the ‘Giongo/ 擬音語 ‘ and ‘Gitaigo/ 擬態語 ‘. The former is sort of like a description of sound or noise and words are used to transform such description into linguistic expression (eg: ame ga zaa zaa to futteimasu). While the latter is used to describe feeling, current state/condition (eg: onaka ga peko peko).

To find out if the series of onomatopoeia I’ve posted for the week are Gitaigo or Giongo, you just have to check the ‘labels’ at the very end of the entry. In case you’re wondering, this entry is the very first Giongo entry.

This week’s Onomatopoeia Friday’s theme is ‘Smile/Laugh’.

Niko niko is used to describe a person smiling very happily, a sign of happiness. Hmmm.. maybe its like how fan girls would smile to the PC’s monitor when she’s watching a video clip of her favorite artist. ~~true story~~

You know how sometimes you can tell that someone is up to something fishy from the way he laugh? That’s a nyanya laugh. Beware of people who laughs in that manner!

One way of defining a lady is through the way she smiles. It’s totally unlady-like is she goes BWAHAHAHA *snorts* BWAHAHAHA. It’s a different story if she does the ‘hands-cover-mouth-shy-softly’ giggle, also known as kusu kusu.

If there’s one for giggling, there should be one for someone who goes BWAHAHHA. And yes, the onomatopoeia for LOL is gera gera!

At tough times like now, I really wish to help restore the smile and spirit of the people in Japan. Shoujiki Shindoi is currently working on Project Hitori Jyanai. An effort to give the people in Japan some moral support. Please check it out and support it!