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.

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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.

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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!