Saturday, January 30, 2010

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.
Saturday, January 09, 2010

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.
Saturday, January 02, 2010

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!
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