Buy Japanese High School Uniforms

It can be hard to find genuine Japanese high school uniforms that are not just meant for cosplay. Whenever you go to an anime/manga store, you can find a variety of different costumes that take the appearance of high school uniforms—but they're just costumes. They're not real high school uniforms.

But if you are looking for authentic Japanese high school uniforms, you've come to the right place, because a famous Nagoya-based company called Matsukameya offers tailor-made sailor uniforms (both winter and summer versions) for foreign buyers at a very reasonable price.

» Continue reading this post...

Japan Isn't Expensive

A lot of people seem to have a misconception that Japan is expensive. Whenever I suggest my friends to travel to Japan they tend to reply with "I'd love to go, but isn't Japan really expensive?"

That's what I used to think too. But that was before. Before I actually went there to live.

When I started living there, I realized that Japan is actually pretty cheap.

» Continue reading this post...

Have a Clear Plan Before Going to Japan

I just talked to a friend of mine recently who went back to France last summer because he couldn't find a full-time job in Osaka. Now, ony after six months, he is already talking about going back there. It's a familiar feeling. Things always seem better on the other side of the fence. But if you want to make the stay worth your time, you should plan beforehand.

» Continue reading this post...

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Or as the Japanese would say:

新年明けましておめでとうごいざいます。今年も宜しくお願いします。Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.

There are at least five important things related to the Japanese New Year:

1. Oosouji. Cleaning the house thoroughly before the yearend.
2. Osechi-ryouri. A special set of dishes prepared for oshougatsu (New Year).
3. Kouhaku Utagassen. A popular TV show where guys and gals compete against each other at singing.
4. Hatsumoude. Your first visit of the year to a shrine.
5. Otoshidama. A monetary gift for children.

In the west, we're more accustomed to seeing fireworks and making New Year's resolutions. Have you already made your New Year's resolution for 2010? I've written a New Year's resolution guide for you if you're interested in successfully fulfilling your objectives this year. Good luck!