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19 10 25 25 3

11November

2007 No. 253

390

ISSN 1348-7906

Japan Fever StirringAmong Young

Americans

University Professors Welfare InventionsHelping Disabled People

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http://www.japan-career.jp/

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I

n line with the effects of Japans aging society, the number

of people requiring care is increasing throughout Japan.

These disabled people often have wishes that many peopleliving normal lives are unaware of. For example, a wife who

has been forced to live her life in a wheelchair had a small

wish to be able to look at the outside from upstairs. However,

it is not easy for even a small wish like this to be granted for

those in wheelchairs as it is obviously very difficult for a

physically handicapped person to navigate a stairway.

But this lady badly wanted to real-

ize her wish, so she asked Professor

ISHIMATSU Takakazu of the Faculty

of Engineering at Nagasaki University

for help. Fortunately for her, Professor

Ishimatsu has devoted himself to cre-

ating inventions that will give dream

and hope to handicapped and elderlypeople. After a continual process of

trial and error, he at last created a

product that could help people like

her. The trial elevator he invented can carry a person upstairs

slowly, step by step. When the woman saw it, her eyes shone

brightly like a childs. What a great invention!

Professor ISHIMATSU Takakazu,

Nagasaki University Faculty of Engineering

As a student Professor Ishimatsu studied robotic engineer-

ing before entering the field of industrial robot development.

One day his mother died. This was the day when he was sup-

posed to make a business trip to Tokyo to attend an important

conference. Although he departed after he had seen her pass

away, on the plane he pondered what was more important

his work or her death, and this made him reconsider what he

was doing. These thoughts were the beginning of his studies

into welfare robots.

Later, he was asked by a group

of medical professionals in

Nagasaki to take part in the set-

ting up of the Nagasaki Hillside

Association. The group hoped

to make good use of the robots

that Professor Ishimatsu had

studied and designed. Nagasaki

city has many hills and flightsof stairs. Subsequently, handi-

capped people used to have a

lot of difficulty visiting their

rehabilitation facilities, and because this made them hesitant

to go out, it reduced the possibility that they would be able to

recover.

University Professors Welfare InventionsHelping Disabled People

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The devices Professor Ishimatsu has invented for welfarepurposes are not only for use on slopes he has created many

inventions for handicapped people including an automatic

device to open and shut doors and windows without the aid

of a care worker, and a device that, via a personal computer,

expresses the users intentions by the use of any part of their

bodies even those parts that can barely move. These devic-

es are adaptable even for those who have serious diseases

according to the degree of the symptoms.

For one bedridden patient who is barely

able to speak, the above-mentioned inven-

tion allowed him to show his wishes and intentions by simply

moving his fingers over a computer screen positioned beside a

bed. The device is operated by him simply pointing at a word

board, suspended over his chest, that is connected to thecomputer. This device allows him to communicate with his

care giving wife, and also allows him to call his wifes mobile

phone when she is out.

Accepting of Any Kind of Request

Professor Ishimatsu says, It is now possible to operate

e-mail and an air conditioner just by using ones fingers,

wrists, eyebrows or chin. Handicapped people express their

thanks to me and I feel that my work is very well worth doing.

However, on the other side of the coin, giving a person the

ability to express their intentions means that they can express

their complaints and problems, too. Sometimes, this may

impose a burden on families who are exhausted caring for

their loved ones. This shows that his

work does sometimes create complica-

tions.

How much are people likely to pay for such welfare devic-

es? In the case that the government recognizes and subsidizes

the invention, a patients burden is only 10%. In the case it

is not supported by the government, they will be asked topay the full cost, but that is only a small amount of money,

say, between a few thousand and tens of thousands of yen.

Sometimes, these devices are rented for students educational

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experiments. In this case, the devices are provided free of

charge.

1

I feel it is a challenge to facilitate desper-

ate calls for help from patients families, says

Professor Ishimatsu, who accepts any kind of

request. He visits patients who are unable to

move, finds a part of their body that can move,

and then creates a customized device for them.

If the patients condition gets worse, he visitsthem again and adjusts the device, and

he often encourages the patients to go

out. Professor Ishimatsu is also anxious

about patients mental health and some-

times sings songs at their bedsides.

The hardest time in my work is when any part of the patient

s body stops moving completely then my role is finished, he

says. Professor Ishimatsu also attends funerals of his patients

and mourns over their deaths. I think what defines whether a

society is good or bad depends on how easily the poorest people

can live in it, says Professor Ishimatsu heartfully.

He adds quietly, In many underdeveloped countries, elder-

ly people are respected and handicapped people are supportedby local people in the respective areas. It used to be like this

once in Japan. But Japanese have gradually come to live more

self-centered lifestyles. Once again we should strive to focus

on underprivileged people and improve their quality of life.

Furthermore, we also have to learn from underdeveloped

countries about how we should treat elderly

and handicapped people.

Professor Ish imatsu has

received many letters request-

ing consultations from not only

people in Nagasaki but from

all over Japan. I have received

such a large number of requests, my replies tend to be late

but I will never refuse their requests. Although I sometimes

ask other robotics researchers in the area for assistance, I

am doing my best to answer all of them. Through Professor

Ishimatsus achievement of these great undertakings, we can

see his humble and gentle nature!

Interview: TANIGAWA Kyoko

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Mike is known as one of the best club DJs in Japan at

the moment. Aspects of his job range from deejaying both

in and outside Japan, to coordinating music for events andcomposing remixes of club music. His original remixes are

used for software games and large scale events as well as for

promoting his business in tie-ups with major corporations.

DJ

DJ

Mike was born and raised in Stoke Newington, north of

London. When he was growing up, there were clubs for

kids, called kids discos, that he often used to go to. His

mothers inclination for music also had a great influence on

him. She gave him Ray Charless all-time hit record, Hit

the Road, Jack, which had a huge impact on him. Mike then

started to deejay using his own jazz music arrangements,

turning them into club-style music.

DJ

I

ts Saturday night in Shibuya, Tokyo. As the elevator

rises, the roaring sound of a base guitar hits you in the

stomach. Tonight will be a blast! shouts DJ MikeMcKENNA, welcoming us into the restaurant that has been

turned into a nightclub for one night only. He is not only

deejaying for tonights dance party, but he is also the main

producer of the whole event.

DJDJ

Mike glances at the dance floor and checks tonights

customers while deejaying. On his cue and with a swing of

his arms, the crowd on the floor roars and erupts in cheers,

in response to Mike. DJs must always be keen and sensitive

to the crowd on the floor and lead them, he says. We must

always be dressed in clean clothes and be happy, too! Mike is

very serious when working.

DJ

DJ

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Topics & Events

Mike McKENNA Disco Science www.discoscience.net

Mike had wanted to become a lawyer for a long time,

but after graduating from university his desire to see the

world become stronger and he decided to come to Japan.

He worked as an English teacher during his first year, but

once he began to do some DJ work, he found he wanted to

prolong his one-year stay. He then started composing music,

and his DJ activities in Japan began to widen. In fact, DJ

Mike has become increasingly recognized in the club scene

during his 13 years in the country and often flies around the

world to London, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Holland, Italy and

other countries in the course of his work.

DJ

DJ

DJ

13

DJs must compose music rather than just play music,

says Mike. I hope there will be more DJs like that inJapan. Mike composes and mixes three remixed club music

sets on average each month and uploads them onto his

website. He also says, Inspiration is very important when

you compose remixes. I feel so down when I dont feel

inspiration to do this.

DJ

DJ

3

Because I always want my customers to get the

maximum enjoyment from my performances, my mind

is always preoccupied with work, Mike says. When I

create music, I express the sounds as I feel them. But the

sounds go through various steps until they are released as aproduct. Because people have different tastes, the concept

of the sounds is not understood by everyone concerned.

After all, in the music world talented people are not always

successful.

British DJ Rocks in Japan!DJ

http://www.discoscience.net/http://www.discoscience.net/

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1

5

The 5th Performance of NOHGAKUThe Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

5

Party held twice a month. Check our website for details!

2WEB

No reservation or registration required.1,000

Free invitation for 2 couples (4 people).

2

4

T h e 5 t h S p e c i a l P e r f o r m a n c e i n

Commemora t ion of the Proc lamat ion by

UNESCO: NOHGAKU The Masterpiece ofthe Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,

will soon be held in Tokyo. The performance will

consist of performers representing current noh as

well as kyogen (comedy), and attractive plays. To

enable attendees to become more familiar with

noh, explanatory lectures will also be held. Both

noh lovers and first-time viewers will be able to

enjoy this theater and the performance will be a

good opportunity for people to experience classic

Japanese culture.

Topics & Events

Write your name, address, sex, age, nationality and the top article(s) you enjoyed in this issue and send by postcard or e-mail. Competitioncloses Oct. 25. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive presents directly.

E-

1 0

25

November 5 Starting 1:30

National Noh Theater, Tokyo

Admission: 4,000 yen

11

5

1:30

4,000

For inquiries:The Association for Japanese Noh Plays

Tel: 03-5925-371

Japanese only

www.nohgaku.or.jp/

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Topics & Events

November Issue Contents 11

Cover Story 3-5

Entertainment & Trends 6-7

Topics & Events 8-11

Clever Japanese Products

12

Services for Non-Japanese

14-15

Insight into Japan

17-24

Japanese Practices

Close Up Japan

Do as Japanese do

Japan Watching

Japanese History Makers

Working in Japan

Visa Q&A Q&A 25

Business Spotlight 26-27

The International Couple Scene

28-29

Parody Talk 30-31

My Japan 32

Japanese Pop Culture

33

Japan Viewed From Abroad

34-35

Hot Spot 36-37

Chindougu Series

38

The unauthorized reproduction, photocopying or copying of articles or photographs appearing in this magazine is strictly prohibited.

Publisher & Editor: HASEGAWA Katsuyuki Assistant Editors: Jonathon WALSH, SHIBASAKI Akemi Illustrations: YOSHIDA Shinko DTP: NAKADA Natsuko

350

11

11

16

2 0

3

4

Yoshiwara, near Asakusa in Tokyo, has been well known

as a red-light district since the Edo Period. 2007 marks 350

years since Yoshiwara came into existance. There used to be a

status system in the world of prostitution, in which oiran were

ranked top. An oiran was required to become a cultured

prostitute, and in the process she improved her skills bylearning about tea ceremony, 31-syllable Japanese poems,

calligraphy, shamisen, etc. In this performance, oirans and

samurai warriors dressed in the costumes of that period will

gather and participate in a parade. Traditional Japanese art

performances will also be held. By attending this event, you

can catch a glimpse of Japanese history and culture. Held on

November 11th from 16:00 to approximately 20:00 at 3~4

chome, Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

www.asakusa-yoshiwara.com/

Edo-Yoshiwara Oiran Festa

10

27

1 0

16

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

E-

25

: 500

Foreigners can enjoy the experience of beating a Japanese

drum on October 27th. This is a program aimed at helping

foreigners learn about an aspect of Japanese culture through

seeing and experiencing the Sukeroku Daiko (drumming).

After the drumming experience, you can take a walk in

Sensouji temple, a building filled with an Edo periodatmosphere. Those who are interested in participating are

required to send a postcard, e-mail, fax, or call the Suginami

Association for Cultural Exchange by October 16th.

Application forms must include 1) Name (written in furigana),

2) address, 3) nationality, 4) telephone and fax number, 5)

age and sex. Participants are limited to 25 foreigners only. If

more than this number applies, a lottery will be held to select

participants. Participation cost: 500 yen.

www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/suginami/

i

n

Sukeroku Daiko(drumming)

in Asakusa

http://www.asakusa-yoshiwara.com/http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/suginami/http://www.asakusa-yoshiwara.com/http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/suginami/

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Topics & Events

Please keep in mind that articles printed in Hiragana Times may be published without notice in PDF format,on the Hiragana Times website, in other media related to Hiragana Times and possibly by third party media approved by Hiragana Times.

PDF Web Hiragana Times Hiragana Times

50

CM 500

9

CM CM

CM

CM

10

27

4,000

11

23 24

1

This CM Festival, in its 9th year this year in Japan, was

born in Paris and will feature the screening of 500 masterpiece

CMs from 50 countries throughout the night. This years

recommended commercials are those that promote cigarettes,

discredit tobacco, as well as clips about making CMs producedby Japanese companies targeting overseas customers . By

watching a range of films including those that provoke you to

those that make you laugh, the event will come alive for you

and you will feel a sense of unity with other viewers. To add

to the atmosphere, live-performances by various guests will

be held. On October 27th at a Festival Hall in Nakanoshima,

Kita-ku, Osaka. Daily entry fee: 4,000 yen on the day. Also on

November 23 and 24 at Shinjuku Milano l, Tokyo.

www.cmfestival.com

CM 2007World CM Festival 2007

4

2,000

11

21

2 5

This is a theater festival that involves exchanges between

some of the worlds top level theatre groups with the aim of

overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers. Theater groups

coming from Canada, Syria, France, Korea, Singapore, America,

Venezuela, Belgium and Japan will perform over four days. Allperformances have been created to be enjoyable and easy for

families and people without knowledge of other languages to

understand. At the opening ceremony each performer will march

in wearing their national costume and carrying their countrys

flag. Visitors can also enjoy themselves at the welcome party(admission fee charged) and farewell party. Admission per

show: Adults 2,000 yen. Held from November 21 to 25 at

Yakumo-cho, Matsue city, Shimane prefecture.

www.yitf.org

3rd Yakumo International Theatre Festival

http://www.cmfestival.com/http://www.yitf.org/http://www.sakura-house.com/http://www.cmfestival.com/http://www.yitf.org/

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Tokyo Morning Fair, Earth Day Market

2006

10

2

0 2 1

10:00

17:00

At this fair, many kinds of vegetables cultivated without

using chemical fertilizers or agricultural chemicals, as well

as products made from vegetables, will be on sale. The fair

has been taking place every month since 2006 on Keyaki

street in Yoyogi Park. In the larger cities, there are very fewopportunities for producers and consumers to meet and talk

directly with one another. However, at this fair, consumers can

buy fresh vegetables directly from farmers and producers in

the Tokyo and Kanto areas. Producers will also provide you

with information about environmental issues as well as sell

related products. October 20 ~ 21 at Keyaki street in Yoyogi

Park, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Time: 10:00 ~ 17:00. Fair will

remain open in light rain, but will close if rain is heavy.

www.earthdaymoney.org/market/index.html

Topics & Events

Japan Has Hooked Me!

13

580

This is a diary written by a funny Latin man from Argentina

while living in Japan. The author happened to be selected as

an exchange student and came to Japan. He found a job with a

Japanese company and lived in Japan for more than 13 years.

He is so Japanized now that he even bows while talking

on the phone. One day when he worked as an interpreter,

he mistakenly translated a customers sentence: I would

like to export Kudamono (fruit) to Japan to He says that

he would like to sell Kedamono (wild animals) in Japan

instead. The book is filled with many essays describing his

misunderstandings, failures and incidents that will make

you laugh out loud. Written in Japanese by Fun VOLGA,

published byChukei Publishing Company. Price: 580 yen.

Present for five people

5

See page 8

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Many people have used Scotch tape or wrap-

ping tape to remove particles from their desks

or clothes. The effective principal behind this

process has been applied to COLOCOLO,

a cleaning product that is well known among

Japanese. COLOCOLO is a very useful product

that makes it possible to remove particles and dust

by simply rolling the shaft-mounted sticky roll along asurface.

The new COLOCOLO floor-clean product that

comes equipped with double stick tape (strong and

weak) can be used in all situations including cleaning

wooden floors, carpets, plastic sheet floors, and tatami

mats. In addition, COLOCOLO has other useful fea-

tures including an adjustable shaft that can be adjusted

Ruler Engraved with Japanese History

Important events that have occurred in Japan over the last

3,000 years are engraved in a 30 centimeter ruler. At first, you

may consider this as a kind ofchindougu (weird gadget), but

actually this ruler is very practical. Inscriptions about histori-

cal events are engraved on the ruler from left to right. With

each millimeter representing one decade, you will be able to

visually grasp the time between incidents. By looking over

the 3,000 year history shown on the ruler, you will feel that

the famous Sekigahara Battle of 1600 took place only very

recently.

30

1 10

1600

Whenever you look at the ruler, you will become very

aware of your place in history. This is an amusing tool and

you will be happy just owning one. Foreigners may feel

an exotic flavor while using it since historical events are

described in Japanese, and it is recommended as a souvenir.

History Ruler

1,050 yen 1,050

Hino Koubou

Tel: 042-544-5694

hinokobo.jp

to fit into the area being cleaned, and a one touch opening-

closing case that conveniently stores the COLOCOLO.

W

New COLOCOLO that can be Used for Floor Cleaning is Now on Sale

COLOCOLO floor-clean 1,680 yen

Spare tape 2 rolls 735 yen

Spare tape 3 rolls 998 yen

1,680

735

998

Clever Japanese Products

Nitoms Inc.

Tel: 03-3544-0615

www.nitoms.com/

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EN FLAT TOKYO03-3288-2355 info@mmtl.jp www.mmtl.jp

No key money, guarantor, agent fee required.

Utility expenses included in most rooms.Fully furnished and internet access.

Yotsuya (easy access to Shinjuku and Tokyo.

Waseda House (near Waseda university and Shinjuku )

Waseda Residence (near Mejiro sta. high grade apt.)

Yoga apartment (11min from Shibuya to ya sta)

We are an apartment and guesthouse agency,

providing accommodation the center of Tokyo since 2003.

Apartment: 115,000month

Guesthouse:59,000month

mailto:info@mmtl.jpmailto:info@mmtl.jphttp://www.mmtl.jp/http://hiraganatimes.com/hp/acomohttp://www.tokyo-information.com/mailto:tokyoinfo@p05.itscom.nethttp://www.gaijinhouse.net/http://hiraganatimes.com/bellhouse/mailto:info@tiger-house.comhttp://www.tiger-house.com/http://www.tgkrealty.com/http://www.mmtl.jp/mailto:info@mmtl.jphttp://yours-rent.com/http://www.applehouse.ne.jp/

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The size of Japans labor pool is decreasing. The com-

bined trends of a shrinking birthrate and an increasing

number of elderly people have now become a serious

issue. According to a survey carried out by Nikkei Shimbun

(newspaper) in 2006, 40% of Japanese companies answered

that they are short of workers. On the other hand, there are

more than 120,000 foreign students in Japan and this number

is increasing every year. The government has stated that If

there is a shortage of Japanese workers, we should consider

accepting foreign workers, and subsequently began to deal

with the issue by easing visa regulations with the aim of

securing high quality foreign workers.

2006

40

1 2

Against this background, Solver Network Co., Ltd.

launched the Japan Career Support Service in October 2007.

The company is providing job information from Japanese

companies that hire foreign students and recent graduates cur-

rently living in Japan or overseas who want to work in Japan.

Furthermore, the company provides information about job

hunters to hiring companies. In fact, the service provided by

Solver Network is a combination of a Web-based matching

service and a free job information magazine.

2007

10

J

apanC

areer

Solver Networks initial service helped connect individualcompany owners with enterprises. So, why did they also start

a business for foreigners? I went to New Zealand to investi-

gate, says President ABURAYA Koh. Half of the students

studying in the Japanese

language depar tment

at Auckland Technical

College were able to

obtain positions, how-ever, all the jobs were

assistant English teaching

posi tions at junior and

senior high schools.

In addition, although graduates of the Japanese Language

Department at Moscow University are members of the elite,

only ten percent of them obtained positions where they could

use Japanese. In Japan, only 20~30% of foreign students

find employment in spite of the fact that 80% of them want

to work in Japan. On the other hand, medium-sized Japanese

companies have for a long time experienced difficulties

obtaining high quality foreign staff no matter how badly they

have wanted them, he says.

8

2 3

Everything Including Registration toEmployment are Free of Charge

Solver Network aims to reduce the number of mismatches

14

Job Support Servicefor Non-Japanese Launched in Japan

Solver Network Co., Ltd.

President ABURAYA Koh

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in the supply and demand of foreign workers so that they

will be able to provide better matching opportunities for both

workers and companies. On an annual basis, 530,000 for-

eigners take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT),

among which 450,000 candidates take the examination over-

seas. Consequently, in 2006, 30,000 candidates passed the

Level 1 examination. There are many foreigners who would

like to work in Japan if they are given a chance.

53

45

3

2006

Dont you think we are wasting the talent of foreignerswho are interested in Japan and yet have passed the JLPT?

asks Director Aburaya about the employment mismatch situ-

ation in Japan. We want Japanese companies to become

more competitive by using foreigners like these.

The companys free magazine,

called JapanCareer, is going to

be distributed to 30 major Japanese

universities that accept foreign stu-

dents as well as 2007 universities

in 22 countries that have a Japanese

language department.

JapanCareer

30

22

2007

If you register as a member through the site, you

will be able to view job data on the site and then

apply for desired positions. Everything from regis-

tration to employment is free of charge. Members

may receive an e-mail from a company about scout-

ing, says company vice president ADACHI Tetsuo.

We are willing to consult with members about

questions regarding employment in Japan, and in

addition, we are able to discuss visas, housing, and

opening bank accounts.

We hope that candidates

will have language skills

at JLPT Level 2 or above,

says Mr. Adachi about the

preferred level of Japanese

of registrants. However,

there must be some people

who have acquired an ample amount of specialized knowl-

edge even though they are not so good at Japanese. There are

various hiring companies including those that set conditions

such as that applicants must be able to understand the Nikkei

Shimbun, and a company that allows an applicant to learn

Japanese after coming to Japan as long as he or she special-

ized in IT, merchandising, and so on.

IT

Mr. Aburaya offers the following advice to

students who want to work in Japan. One key

step to success lies in choosing a company

that will help you

achieve your goals,

instead of sticking

to a big company.

He continues, I will

be glad to hear that

pe op l e who h avealready returned to

their home countries

are considering com-

ing back to Japan to

work.

Japan Career Support Service J

apanC

areer

www.japan-career.jp/

Interviews with staff members of personnel departments of

major companies featured in the free job information magazine

JapanCareer. The magazine features stories about senior-

level foreigners working in Japan, difficult Japanese words

expressed with furigana, and some pages are also written in

English.

J

apanC

areer

Executive Vice President

ADACHI Tetsuo

http://www.japan-career.jp/http://www.japan-career.jp/

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When you go into shops and restaurants in Japan, the

staff will welcome you with the set phrase Irrasshaimase!

Overseas, staff will say Hi or Hello to a customer,

bu t th ey do no t have a se t ph ra se in su ch a sit ua ti on .

Irrasshaimase! is often translated into English as May I

help you?, but it has a different nuance. It also has a slightly

different meaning from You are welcome.

H

iH

ello

M

ay I

h

elp y

ou?

Y

ou a

re w

elcome

There are certain typical Japanese expressions that are used

in daily conversation, however there are some difficulties

when translating them into English, too. When people leave

home, they say Itte-kimasu, and those who are staying at

home will say Itte-rasshai to see them off. When people

come home, they will say Tadaima, and those in the housewill welcome them with Okaerinasai. These phrases are

often also expressed in the office.

No. 020

Set Greeting Phrases Difficult to Translate into English

Itadakimasu is a phrase used before beginning to eat

a meal, and Gochisousama is said after finishing a meal.

Generally, these phrases are spoken at home and when invited

to someones house, but few people say these phrases when

they go out for meals. Although Itadakimasu is often

translated into English as God bless you, it contains an

expression of gratitude for the person who cooked the meal,

however it does not have any religious connotations.

G

od B

less y

ou

Foreigners who are not yet familiar with Japanese culture

may be hesitant to use these phrases. However, it is a Japanese

custom and an aspect of etiquette to use them. As the proverb

Do as Romans do says, it would be better for foreigners to

say these set phrases in the appropriate situations.

stores or restaurants when entering staff irrasshaimase

as with greeting welcome in foreign countries customer

shop when enter or such as speak to (customer) but

set phrase (they) do not have irrasshaimase

as is translated often but nuance is

different also (it is) slightly different from

in English difficult to translate but daily used such

Japanese peculiar expressions some there are house when leaving

itte-kimasu saying as people who stay at home itte-rasshai

saying as see (them) off when returning home tadaima

saying as (they) enter home those in the house okaerinasai

saying as welcome also in the office same words (they) speak

often

starting meal before itadakimasu finishing meal after

gochisousama (people) say as generally at home and somebody's home

when invited say but when having meal outside few people say

itadakimasu is sometimes translated as but

person who cooked for gratitude heart contained but

religious meaning it has not

Japanese culture unfamiliar with for foreigners such phrasses

speaking out hesitant (they) may be however

this Japanese practices etiquette is also

Do as Romans do as proverb such

greetings foreigners also at respective situations

would be better to say

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18/4018

Due to a bone fracture, Yokozuna , or Sumo Grand

Champion, Asashoryu handed in notice to the Sumo Wrestling

Association of his nonparticipation in the 2007 summer

provincial tour that takes sumo wrestlers all over Japan.

However, later it was learned that he was playing soccer

in his home country of Mongolia. The Sumo Association

announced that they had banned Asashoryu from participating

in two tournaments held in September and November as a

punishment. After coming back to Japan, it was reported that

he was mentally sick and had shut himself up at home for a

long period of time. Sometime after that, he left for Mongolia

for treatment. The mass media went into an uproar.

2007

9

11

Sumo is one of Japans more well known national sports

and is very popular together with baseball and soccer. Its

roots go back more than 1,000 years. However, as Japanese

get richer, fewer young men are willing to go through the

harsh training regime to become sumo wrestlers, and in 2007

at the Nagoya tournament newcomer entry examination, for

the first time ever, no one applied. On the other hand, since

Takamiyama from Hawaii debuted in the Japanese sumo

world in the 1960s, there have been more and more foreign

wrestlers participating.

1,000

2007

60

Among these foreign wrestlers, increasing numbers of

Mongolian fighters are becoming involved. One of them,

Asashoryu, had advanced to the top rank ofYokozuna and

had 21 tournament victories until the announcement of his

nonparticipation in the summer tour. There are only five

wrestlers who have won more than 20 tournaments since the

six-tournament-a-year system was launched in 1958. This

current scandal is taking place at a time when Asashoryu

is in a position to surpass formerYokozuna Taihos historic

winning record of 32 tournaments, if he can maintain his

present form.

21

1958

20

5

32

Yokozuna has to be More than Strong

In Mongolia, people are saying that the participation ban

imposed on Asashoryu is a ruse to prevent the Mongolian a

foreigner from breaking the record. On the other hand, there

are still many people who look at the situation from a different

angle and claim the Sumo Association has spoiled Asashoryu,

since he has been the only Yokozuna for a long time until

another Mongolian, Yokozuna Hakuho, came on the scene.

It is often said that Asashoryu is strong but that he lacksdignity. Part of the criteria of promoting Yokozuna includes

the following statement: Yokozuna must be outstanding in

dignity and ability.

Asashoryu s Dignity as aYokozunahas been Questioned

Yokozuna Asashoryu bone fracture due to all over Japan round year

summer tour to non participation application the Sumo Wrestling Association to

submitted however later home country in Mongolia

soccer (he) was playing (it was) discovered the Sumo Association

to Asashoryu September tournament and November tournament of banning entry

including punishment announced Asashoryu after returning (to Japan)

mentally unstable was reported and for a long time at home

was shut himself up sometime after in Mongolia treatment

(he was) to get mass media went into an uproar

sumo is Japanese national sports andbaseball and soccer together with

(it is) popular sports the roots years more than ago

go back however Japanese get richer severe

training required sumo world entering young people year after year

have decreased years Nagoya tournament newcomer examination

entry applicants at last became zero on the other hand in the 60s

among them recent years from Mongolia applicants increased

one of them Asashoryu up to Yokozuna climbed up and till participation ban

times won in - year six-tournament-a-year system becoming

since times more than winning wrestlers Asashoryu including

people are only this power if continued former Yokozuna

Taiho's the most winning record of times even surpass

it is possible to seemed at the period it was the scandal

from Hawaii Takamiyama entered since from foreign countries

applicants have continued to increase

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19/4019

The Yokozuna is the highest position in the sumo world

and as an icon of the Sumo Association, a fighter holding

that rank is expected to behave in a decent and honorable

fashion. Asashoryu had some problems in his past and people

used to have doubts about his decency. Traditional Japanese

sports includingjudo and kendo alsosumo have a culture that

demands dignity in addition to strength.

In 1964 at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Anthonius Geesink

from Holland defeated Kaminaga from Japan in the judo

competition final. The overjoyed Dutch spectators ran up to

the ring, but Geesink kept them from entering and bowed

politely. Winners are apt to express their joy by raising their

arms, but, on the contrary, in traditional Japanese sports like

Bushido, a winner is never arrogant and contains his joy in

order to be considerate to the loser. As Geesink had learned

about this bushido-like spirit beforehand, he has since been

praised by the Japanese. However, behind the recent sumo

scandal, it will likely be pointed out that Asashoryu had not

learnt about this trait.

1964

Sushi is one of the most well known Japanese

dishes. Until a few decades ago it had been regarded

as a high class Japanese dish. Except for set sushi,

the price ofsushi was the so called current price,

or market price. Therefore, it was common thatsushi

customers did not know how much it would cost

them until they saw the bill.

However, the situation has completely changed

since kaitenzushi (revolving su sh i restaurant)

became widespread in Japan after the 70s. Now at

many kaitenzushi restaurants, customers can choose

various types ofsushi on small dishes carried by a

conveyer belt in front of them. And they can also

place an order for their favorite sushi through an

interphone. Each plate usually containing two

pieces ofsushi typically costs around 100 yen.

Due to the simple charging system and low prices,

kaitenzushi shops are thriving. As a consequence, the

number of traditionalsushi restaurants for high-class

customers is gradually decreasing.

70

2

100

RevolvingSushiRestaurants MadeSushi for Everyone

in Mongolia participation ban punishment to foreign wrestlers

the most victories to prevent is a ruse there was voice

on the other hand same Mongolian coming from Hakuho Yokozunna became

till for a long time only one Yokozuna (he) had been that Asashoryu's

selfishness has been allowed many (people) see Asashoryu is strong but

Yokozuna's dignity lacking in often it is said in Yokozuna promotion criteria

dignity ability are outstanding it is described

Yokozuna sumo's the highest position Sumo Association's icon decent and

honarable behavior is expected in Asashoryu in the past

some troubles there were anddecency has been doubted

sumo and judo kendo such as Japanese traditional sports in

strength besides high spirits are asked culture there is

year's Tokyo Olympic Game's judo competition final at from Holland

Anthonius Geesink Japan's Kaminaga competitor defeated

overjoyed Dutch spectators to ring went up but

Geesink it stopped and quietly bowed winners

hands raising joy express but bushido-like Japanese traditional

sports in even winner does not become arrogant and loser considerate and

joy save this beautiful philosophy absorbed Geesink

Japanese admiration got however in Asashoryu it

cannot be seen problem in the background there is it is pointed out

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20/40

One day, I went with Mr. A., my business client, to a newly

opened Italian restaurant, which had been recommended by

one of our female staff members. On entering the restaurant

I saw it had a fancy environment that most women would

likely love.

A

We ordered Pasta

L u n c h , a s I w a s

advised by the female

staff member that it was

very delicious. When

it was served, it indeedlooked delicious with

soup and salad served

beside the main dish.

Glancing at the seats next to us, I noticed there were fourladies, all beautiful and dressed in the uniform of a department

store, who were adding to a gay atmosphere. All of them were

having the same lunch set as ours.

4

Mr. A. was in high spirits due to the tasty meal and the nice

atmosphere of the restaurant. However, while we were having

coffee after lunch, his mood suddenly soured. Smoke from

cigarettes had begun wafting over us from the ladies at the

next table.

A

A

20

Beautiful Female Customers in aFashionable Restaurant

by Hiragana Times editor-in-chief

Having lunch is one of the more enjoyable times of the

day for many working people. In recent years, increasing

numbers of office workers have been purchasing take-out

lunches from convenience stores and eating them at their

offices.

On the other hand, there are people who go out for

lunch for a change of atmosphere and to get some fresh

air. This is because it can be fun to chat with co-workers

over lunch. At a restaurant people will be able to see the

other side of office workers that is not usually on display

at the work place.

for working people lunch of the day enjoyment one of is

recently at convenience store take-out food purchasing

at office people who eat are increasing

on the other hand for change of air people who eat out also

there are not a few with co-workers while having a meal

chatting (is) fun this is because at restaurant

at work place that can not be seen their real self (you) can see

our seat next glancing at department store uniform

wearing all beautiful people of ladies there are and gay

atmosphere they all with us same

lunch set were having

we pasta lunch ordered female staff

from delicious as I heard because served dish to

soup and salad also are accompanied and very delicious

it looked

meal also tasty and restaurant atmosphere also goodand Mr. A

were high spirits however after meal having coffee

while Mr. A suddenly bad mood became next

table ladies from cigarette smoke

to our table wafting over

one day I of business client with Mr. A newly opened

Italian restaurant went the restaurant

by female staff was advised on entering (it is) very

fancy and indeed females loving restaurant

7/29/2019 all253

21/40

While we became more irritated by the cigarette smoke, a

waiter delivered the women pudding as dessert. Under these

circumstances we thought there was no other solution except

to quickly finish our desserts and leave.

However, the waiter did not bring desserts to us. When we

asked a waiter for the desserts, he replied coldly, The dessert

is a service offered only to women.

In Japan, many restaurants like this one have begun

offering special services such as desserts for female customers

only. This is with the expectation that if there is an increase inthe number of female customers, then more male customers

would come. Dear gentlemen! Dont you agree that this is not

a service for women, but discrimination against men? Since

then, I made up my mind never to go to this restaurant again.

Mr. A. doesnt smoke and said he hates cigarette smoke.

So do I. When I looked at the women, they were smoking

heavily while enjoying their chat. You would never imagine

those ladies who bow and smile at their work place being

engaged in such an uncharacteristic act.

A

As we were offended we stared at them. But, they were

so busy chatting that they did not notice us at all. They just

continued to enjoy smoking. The more they smoked happily,

the more irritated we became.

I a s k e d t h e

passing waiter to

ask the women to

stop smoking. He

replied, Sirs, Im

sorry I cant do that.

This is not a non-smoking restaurant.

We were disgusted.

These days I often see young girls smoking and wonder

whether they think that smoking is part of being fashionable.Not smoking is becoming the norm internationally and I think

Japan is too generous to smokers.

21

Mr. A doesn't smoke and smoke hating as said

I am same when looking at them enjoying

chatting while all heavily are smoking

smiling and bowing at work place from them

(you) can never imagine unexpected act it is

we disgusted and at them stared

however they chatting busy with us do not notice

satisfactorily cigarette (they) continue to smoke

the more they smoke happily the more irritated we became

we near passing by waiter to them cigarette

stopping to say asked then waiter

said this way sirs I can't do it this

restaurant no smoking is not we were disgusted

recently smoking young women often (we) see

fashion a part of are they thinking?

no smoking now international norm has become but Japan

for smokers is too generous (I) think

by cigarette smoke we more and more irritated

waiter to them dessert's pudding served

under these circumstances we quickly dessert eat and

the restaurant leave have no choice but

however waiter to us desert did not bring

so waiter (we) asked then cooly (we) were told

dessert only for ladies is service

in Japan like this only for ladies dessert such as

serving restaurants are increasing female customers

if increased male customers also would increase it is from expectation

dear gentlemen this service for women is not but

against men it is discrimination don't you think? since then to this restaurant

I never go made up my mind

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22/4022

Until a few decades ago, if Chicago was mentioned, it

would remind many people of the infamous gangland boss,

Al Capone. Similarly in Japan, there were Japanese who were

reminded of SHIMIZU no Jirochou (1820 ~ 1893) wheneverthey heard the name of Shimizu city in Shizuoka prefecture

mentioned. In fact, although Jirochou was a yakuza boss at

the end of the Edo period, his name is still familiar to citizens

of Shimizu city even now. In Shimizu, a road Jirochou

street has been named after him and a bronze statue

has been built. The house he was born in has now become a

tourist attraction and visitors can purchase products related to

the formeryakuzakingpin.

1820 1893

When Jirochou was 20 years old, a traveling monk foretoldhis future and said his life would end at the age of 25, so

he cursed his destiny. He left home and began to live in

the yakuzaworld. Jirochou spent those days fighting and

gambling. While he was brave and strong, he had a keen

sense of duty and took good care of people. Gradually he

distinguished himself from other members and became a

big boss. He led subordinates who had unique characters

including Oomasa, Komasa and Mori no Ishimatsu.

2

0

25

The Most RespectedYakuzaBoss in Japan

SHIMIZU no Jirochou

Since his death, many tales about his brave exploits have

been passed down from generation to generation in the form

of dramas, movies and books. Among them, a Naniwabushi-

style recitation called A story of Shimizu no Jirochou

by a famous star called HIROSAWA Torazou has become

renowned among Japanese. When Jirochou was alive, Japan

was in the middle of a historical period of change called the

Meiji Restoration. This was a time when the Emperors

faction and the Shoguns faction were fighting. When he was

nearly 50, Jirochou changed himself a great deal to live for

the society and for the people.

50

Jirochous Other Life as a Humanitarian

One day, the Shoguns warship was attacked and sunk by

the Emperors faction in Shimizu harbor. Thousands of corpses

and injured soldiers from the Shoguns faction were floating

and needing rescue but barely anyone helped them for fear

that Emperors faction would keep them under surveillance.

Jirochou let the soldiers of the Shoguns faction escape secretly,

collected the corpses, held a memorial service, and buried them.

a few decades ago until Chicago if mentioned notorious gang

Al Capone name reminded similarly Shizuoka prefecture's

Shimizu city if mentioned Shimizu no Jirochou

name of remind Japanese not a few Jirochou

Edo period in the end of is gang's big boss but even now Shimizu citizen

(he) has been familiar with in the town the name named after

Jirochou street there is and statue there is also the house he was born

at present sightseeing spot is being Jirochou goods are sold

Jirochou (was) years old when traveling monk from years old till only

that (he) can not live (he) was fortoldand own destiny (he) cursed house

jumped out and gang world entered Jirochou (who) fighting and

gambling spent every day (he was) brave and strong in addition

the brave exploits after Jirochou's death many samurai dramas and

movies books etc. in today till have been passed down from generation to generation

among them naniwabushi style recitation big star Hirosawa Torazou's

excellent narration a story of Shimizu no Jirochou to all Japan has been known

in the age of Jirochou Meiji Restoration called historical period of change

in the middle of Japan Emperor's faction and Shogun's faction between

fighting it was when years nearly reaching when Jirochou

for the society for the people himself also greatly changed

very dutiful and then took good care of gradually distinguished himself

Jirochou to big boss climbed up and Oomasa Komasa

Mori no Ishimatsu etc. unique subordinates (he) lead

one day warship of Shogun's faction in the Shimizu harbor Emperor's faction

7/29/2019 all253

23/4023

This was noticed by the Emperors faction and Jirochou

was subsequently questioned about his actions. He answered

by saying, People will die and all will become like Buddha.

There will be no Emperors faction orShouguns faction in

the afterlife. If it is wrong to bury Buddha, I am willing to

be punished. This kind of remark could only be made by

someone like Jirochou who had lived in the yakuza world

where members live on the edge between life and death.

Jirochou was subsequently not punished. YAMAOKA Tesshu,

one of the heroes of the Meiji Restoration, was very moved by

Jirochous actions and became friendly with him.

Jirochou, who reciprocated the friendship with YAMAOKA

Tesshu, did various kinds of voluntary work including

cultivating wasteland at the foot of Mt. Fuji with his

subordinates. Green tea produced in Shizuoka is well known

all over Japan and Jirochou played a part in converting these

cultivated fields into green tea plantations. On the other hand,

as he had the wisdom and power to see the future, he set up an

English language class and a shipping agent for steam ships. It

is said that he spent his days when he was older giving sweets

to children, and giving money to those who were in financialdifficulties. He died at the age of 74. His real name was

YAMAMOTO Chougorou.

74

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Features

Insight into Japan:Edited & Produced by Hiragana Times. Recorded by Succeed, Inc.

Your Questions Are Welcome!

Please send us your questions regarding the Japanese text

and article content of "Insight into Japan" in English to the

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www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/question

by Emperor's faction that knew Jirochou was questioned

for that when died there is no side all (become) Buddha

Buddha burying if it is wrong any punishment willingly

(I) accept answered as when to die uncertain gang's world in

Jirochou that has lived because of can be said the words after all

(he) was not blamed Meiji Restoration's one of heroes Yamaoka Tesshu

by Jirochou's actions moved and two people association became to have

with Tesshu relationship deepened Jirochou subordinates together with

Mt. Fuji at the foot of cultivation including various social activities

did Shizuoka's tea nationwide famous is and Jirochou

cultivated land tea plantation converted into on the other hand

English language class and by steam boat shipping company establishing

as the wisdom to see the future also (he) had after (he) became old

to children sweets offering and to poor people money offering

every day it is said died at years old real name Yamamoto Chougorou

was attacked and sunk many Shogun's faction soldiers' corpses

floating and the injured people rescue were needed but

by Emperor's faction watched afraid of no one can help

Jirochou Shogun's faction's soldiers secretly letting escape and corpses

collected and held memorial service and buried

http://www.hiraganatimes.com/http://www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/questionhttp://www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/questionhttp://www.hiraganatimes.com/

7/29/2019 all253

24/40

Neatness and Tidiness will Create a Good Impressionat Interviews

24

When attending a job interview, it is important to be aware

of your clothes and hair style. In Japan, it is common for

newly graduating students to dress in so-called Recruit Suits

for job interviews. Generally, males wear black or dark blue

suits, and females wear black or grey suits. During the job

hunting period, you will likely see many young people dressed

in recruit suits around town.

Speaking of hairstyles, in order to create a good impression

with interviewers, many male students have their hair cut

short, and many women have their hair cut short or done up in

a bun. This is because Japanese company management usually

prefers their employees to look neat and smart. Students who

enjoy dressing in their own style and wearing their hair longlike they may have done during their college days will adjust

their style and dress more conservatively during this job-

hunting period. Also, many people who are looking to change

their jobs will also dress in a simple style.

Some foreigners try to wear showy clothes or sport unique

hairstyles, but here in Japan, a clean hairstyle and simple

clothes are recommended to increase your chances of success.

At the interview, your politeness will also be evaluated and in

this regard, it is important to be aware that crossing your legs

or folding your arms is not considered to be good etiquette. In

addition, since briskly answering questions will create a goodimpression with the interviewer, it is recommended that you

prepare and memorize answers to questions you expect to be

asked.

Foreign staff are expected to operate in areas where their

peculiari ties are required. Taking this point carefully into

account, it is important to prepare documentation beforehand

that clearly supports your qualifications and abilities.

Furthermore, it is also very important to note that Japanese

companies place a lot of importance on their newly hired staff

being cooperative, and that they will consider it in addition to

your abilities. In fact, they may well ask about the occupationsof your family members including your parents and siblings,

and so on. A reference from a Japanese person in a good

position would be to your advantage.

at interview what you have to be aware are clothes and hair style

in Japan newly graduating students so-called

recruit suit as said with clothes go for interviews

it is common generally male black or dark blue suit female

black or gray suit wear during job hunting season

these suits wearing young people at many places it can be seen

speaking of hair style to interviewers good impression give male

hair cut short and female hair cut short or done up in a bun

many people Japanese enterprises clean fresh outlook

are in favor of this is because during college days with long hair

free as they like wearing clothes they also during job hunting activities

show conservative outlook also when changing jobs simple

clothes wearing people many

among foreigners to show uniqueness showy clothes or

bizarre hair style there are also people but in Japan clean

hair style and simple clothes are safe at the interview

politeness also evaluated crossing legs and folding arms

doing etiquette against are taken as

you should be careful and to questions briskly precisely

it (you) answer good impression (you) can give since expected questions

answers beforehand prepare it is better to

to foreign staff what expected are foreigners' peculiarlity

can be used area this point taking carefully into account

the certifying documents preparing (it is) important

Japanese enterprises one's ability in addition to cooperativeness

is also placed importance actually parents siblings such as family's occupations also

are sometimes considered from a certain level of position Japanese

recommendation letter and etc. if provided advantageous it will be

7/29/2019 all253

25/4025

Im an American living in the United States. I have had two

children with my Japanese-American husband.His maternal

grandfather moved to Hawaii in the early 1900s. We dont

have any information about his family except the name of his

grandfather and his mother, their dates of birth and the prefec-

ture where his grandfather came from. We also dont know the

kanjicharacters for their names. We are not in contact with our

Japanese relatives and we are not sure whether they are still

alive. Please advise us about whether we can obtain visas tocome to Japan as Japanese-Americans?

In your case there are two big problems. One

is whether you can prove your husbands status

as a Japanese-American. The other is whether

it is possible for you to obtain a visa under

these circumstances considering that you do

not know your relatives in Japan who may be

able to invite you to Japan. I will explain a solution to the first

problem here, and about the second problem in the next issue.

First of all, please obtain either a copy of your grandfathers

family register or deleted family register. In order to do this,

you will need to find out the kanjicharacters of his name and

his legal domicile. Regarding the characters of his name, there

is a possibility you will be able to find them in a reference

1910

Immigration Lawyer

Overseas Law Firm Training in England and Germany for two years

Office: 3-15-14-302 Higashi Ikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo

2

3-15-14-302

TEL: 03-3985-4661 FAX: 03-3985-4662

E-mail: kurokawa-office@mbg.nifty.comwww.kurokawa-office.com

What procedure should aJapanese-American familyfollow in order to live in Japan?

KUROKAWA Koji

room in Japan stocked with data about people who immi-

grated to Hawaii. Regarding the legal domicile it may be dif-

ficult to specify this, but there is one method: investigate the

areas in the prefecture your grandfather came from and where

lots of people immigrated to Hawaii from, and inquire at each

town office. In order to ask city offices to cooperate with you,

it is recommended that you consult with an expert as suffi-

cient preparation is necessary.

mailto:kurokawa-office@mbg.nifty.comhttp://www.kurokawa-office.com/http://www.e-gaikokujin.com/http://www.geocities.jp/yoshie_hoshimoto/mailto:yoshie_hoshimoto@yahoo.co.jphttp://www.niitsu-law.jp/mailto:info@niitsu-law.jphttp://www.legal-brain.com/mailto:t.nakano@legal-brain.comhttp://www.kurokawa-office.com/mailto:kurokawa-office@mbg.nifty.com

7/29/2019 all253

26/40

It takes a lot of courage to give up a good job and follow a

dream, but that is exactly what Neil RILEY did when he

swapped his finance job in Tokyo for an entrepreneurial

life in Echigo-Yuzawa.

Riley is Managing Director and

co-founder of Japan Worldwide KK, the

company behind WeLoveSnow.com, an

online travel agency set up in 2005 that

promotes Japanese ski and snowboard

holidays to overseas markets and which

offers real-time online booking for every-

thing from trains and hotels to ski passesand equipment.

W

eLoveSnow.com

2005

Among its achievements, the company can boast being

the only Western-owned member of the Japan Association of

Travel Agents to have attained a Category 2 Travel Agents

license, while in recognition of WeLoveSnows work Riley

has been elected as a spokesperson for tourism in Niigata onbehalf of the Japanese government.

WeLoveSnow

From the 2007/8 sk i season,WeLoveSnow will be expanding its

operations to cover the Hakuba and

Nozawa onsen resorts, making it the only company of its kind

covering both Niigata and Nagano. Now that the business is

bearing fruit, does Riley think all the effort and risk has been

worth it? Without a doubt, yes, he says. Apart from the

professional experience gained, there is a great feeling of per-

sonal fulfilment in having taken a project from the planning

stages to a fully fledged company.

2007 8

WeLoveSnow

26

WeLoveSnow.com and skiing/snowboarding in Japan www.welovesnow.com

Large Leap of Faith to Set upSpecialized Ski Site

Neil RILEY,

Managing Director of Japan Worldwide K.K.

http://www.welovesnow.com/http://www.welovesnow.com/http://www.j-os.com/mailto:info@j-os.comhttp://www.japonin.com/mailto:info@japonin.com

7/29/2019 all253

27/4027

The first time I ever went skiing or snowboarding was

December 2003, whilst I was working at a bank in Tokyo,

Riley says of the New Years holiday in Yuzawa spent with

friends from his time studying at Fukuoka University. I was

hooked and went every weekend after that. By the summer

of 2004 he had bought a resort apartment in Yuzawa and was

regularly taking friends to the area.

2003

12

2004

As Riley explains, this was where the initial business idea

was born. Many friends loved Yuzawa the ski resorts,

beautiful countryside, and snow and were amazed that it

was so close to Tokyo, he says. This made us think that we

should set up a company and introduce the area to customers,

rather than just bringing friends.

Setting up a company is exactly what he and the four other

co-founders of WeLoveSnow did, but the process was not

entirely a smooth one. There is a lot of red tape involved in

setting up a business in Japan particularly if any directors

are resident abroad. It was also very difficult to navigate the

bureaucracy involved in acquiring our Travel Agents license,

Riley says. For the company establishment and licensing,

we were lucky that a co-founder could take on this part of the

business preparation I dont think that I could have done

this by myself, and certainly not on time.WeLoveSnow

4

By way of advice, Riley points to the importance of hiring

the right people and having people around you who can lend

support, and says that without the support of the other found-

ing directors and the companys hotel and ski resort partners,

WeLoveSnow would not be enjoying the success it is today.

WeLoveSnow

Text: Rob GOSS

http://www.senseisagasu.com/http://www.findateacher.net/mailto:nihongo@jp-lesson.jphttp://www.jp-lesson.jp/http://www.jp-lesson.jp/

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M

eet Philip, a New Zealander who first came to

Japan to work and study in 1990. At the end of

a season working at a pension at Kurumayama

ski resort in Nagano actually the day before I went to start

working at Tokyo Disneyland my foreign coworkers and I

all went to a party at friends house in Suwa, he recalls.

1990

Chiemi, who was working at an English

school, was also there, and the pair started

chatting, and kept chatting well into the

night. She gave me her contact informa-

tion, but as this was in the days before

e-mail, she had no way to contact me until

I found a place to settle down, Philip says. While he didnt

call Chiemi for a couple of weeks, little did he know just how

much he had entranced her. She had actually gone all the way

to Disneyland from Nagano to search for him.

E

Unfortunately, I was back-

stage so she didnt find me,

Philip says. Then, entirely bycoincidence, I called her the next

day and I was blown away to

hear she had come all the way to

Disneyland for that purpose! he

exclaims. The couples relation-

ship then began to blossom.

The International Couple Scene

After Missed Meetingat Disneyland ...

Philip & Chiemi

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Looking back over some of the bigger issues they have

faced since their marriage in 1997, Philip recalls when he and

Chiemi started their own English school. That was a chal-

lenge as is any business, but the biggest challenges have beentrying to balance work and family, says Philip, who is now a

busy father of two.

1997

This has meant having a baby bed in

the office, taking turns working while the

other looks after the kids, and other baby-

related chores. In one case, 10 days after

our second child was born, Chiemi and Iwere called in to give a presentation for

an English course at a company, which

involved heavy corseting on her part to fit

into her business suit.

1

0

29

The other main challenge was making ends meet.

Although we have managed to expand our school to 3 loca-

tions and hire 12 staff, I dont think anyone expected the

recession to go on for 14+ years, and especially since 9/11the market has been very tough. However, it has been a use-

ful experience in terms of learning the importance of trying to

stay positive, being innovative and flexible.

3

12

14

9.11

On the flipside, they say the high points have been the birthof their two children, and the realization of a dream in 2006

when the couple managed to build their own house overlook-

ing beautiful Lake Suwa. Planning and deciding everything

together was certainly

taxing at times, but the

sense of achievement

was wonderful, and it

has certainly helped

stress levels, Chiemi

says.

2006

Text: Jonathon WALSH

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CIA: We heard that you are publishing a book titled Dont go

on a Diet! soon. What is it about?

Prof.: One out of every seven people is starving somewhere

in the world. Japanese people used to be thin because there

was not enough food available after the war. Magazines

during that period contained many advertisements promoting

ways that people could gain weight. People longed to include

fat in their diets. But now everyone has successfully gained

ample amounts of fat. What happy people they are!

CIA

7

CIA: You mean dieting is not necessary? But when you get

too fat, you may risk suffering from metabolic syndrome,

right?

Prof.: Being too fat is a different story. Obesity is a kind

of disease, and people suffering from it need to be cured.

They take it seriously and usually have already started doing

something to lose weight. Most people who want to go on a

diet are only slightly overweight anyway. In fact, those people

who dont have to go on a diet are creating a diet-boom.

CIA

CIA: What do you mean by that?

Prof.: Various statistics clearly show that people tend to

by Hiragana Times CIA

TheDont Go on a Diet!Diet

Diets are again booming in Japan. In particular,

one of the more popular weightloss programs

is the army-style exercise program, Billys

Boot Camp from America. Hiragana Times

CIA interviewed Professor TAINAKA Keiko to

learn more about the reality of dieting.

Hiragana Times CIA

mailto:web@succeed.co.jphttp://www.succeed.co.jp/

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31/4031

begin dieting seriously if they have gained 10kg over the

standard weight for their height. Those who are less than 10kg

overweight usually go on diets not for health reasons, but for

beauty. Thats why they tend to select simple dieting methods.

Although they purchase many new dieting packages, they

usually do not use them to the full extent required and tend

not to last long with any of them since they dont take dieting

seriously. As a reaction, they flocked to the high impactBillys Boot Camp program, but .

CIA

10

CIA: You said that it is very difficult for dieters to stay with

the program they are using, right?

Prof.: You see, more than 30 years have passed since dieting

became an issue in Japan. If everybody had been going to

fitness clubs or had used diet-related products seriously,

there would have been very few people who would need to

be on a diet now. Those dieters were just playing with their

diet programs to get some kind of relief. Did those who had

not gone on a diet get sick? No! On the contrary, the average

Japanese life span has increased during those 30 years.

CIA

30

3 0

CIA: Well then, does it mean that we

dont have to do anything if we want to

diet?

Prof.: As you know, there is a famous

senryu (comical haiku or the shortest

poem) that reads, I will surely be on a diet

after eating this, which indicates that a

wish and a will dont always agree with

each other. Even if you make up your

mind to go on a diet, a human cannot

remain serious about losing weight as

long as they are driven by necessity. Actually, it is almost

impossible to tell whether people are on a diet or not. In fact,

most people dont have to be on a diet. Just by adopting the

following method for calculating standard body weights so

that it reflects the realities of today: Height minus 100

kilograms most people will stay within the standard body

weight for their height.

CIA

cm

100

CIA

A comment from CIACongratulations, everybody! You can now be happy with the

weight you are now. However, this standard is only for the

Japanese. Dear foreign readers, sorry, this standard does not

apply to you.

M

akiko

CIACynically Insulting Agency

You can order by

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2) Cash on delivery (only in Japan. Please pay when you receive the first

delivery)

1 99 25 252

10October2007No. 252

390

ISSN1348-7906

CreatingGreatPhotosbyTakingSlicesofDailyLife

Photo: KitTAKENAGA

EnglishFurigananowFeaturingin InsightintoJapan!

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIRAGANA TIMES

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Professor Ishimatsu, who is featured in this

months cover story, is a really wonderful per-

son, isnt he? We wanted to tell the world about

him. The interviewer, Ms. TANIGAWA Kyoko

from Nagasaki city, was so impressed by the

professor that she became a member of the

Nagasaki Hillside Association.

Starting from last months issue, new English Furigana is

being used in the Insight into Japan section. We have received

many letters welcoming this new format. However, some read-

ers have said that it is not such a good idea since the meaning of

words can be understood before the reader can guess them.

Editorial

What things do you like about Japan?

What things do you dislike about Japan?

Traditional Japanese Cultureand High-tech Culture

In Japan, one can experience both cul-

tures at same time. If you want to expe-

rience high-tech culture, you can go to

Akihabara, and if you want to experience

traditional culture, you can go to Kyoto.

CommunicationAs English is not spoken much in Japan,

it is difficult for short stay visitors to com-

municate with locals.

Name: David BEAUFAYS

Nationality: Belgium

Job: Company staff

Stay in Japan: 1 month

1

Name: FUKADA Navy

Nationality: Cambodia

Job: Housewife

Stay in Japan: 14 years

14

Japans Four SeasonsPeople are kind and polite. And I like the

four seasons since we do not have them in

Cambodia. It is also very nice that guests

can eat seafood in their rooms in ryokan.

Japanese AmbiguityJapanese do not express themselves

clearly and use many vague expressions. It

is difficult for me to deal with. I also dislike

the small houses in Japan.

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33/40

www.yukiweb.net

Text: Allan COOK

Epic Records Japan Inc.

YUKI ReleasesGreatest Hits Album,Single Collectionfive-star

YUKI is one of Japans most well known pop stars

known for her amazingly original pop videos, her

uniqueness, and her dance moves. YUKI first found

success as lead singer with the highly popular rock band

JUDY AND MARY. Her unique and attractive voice was a

prominent reason for the bands success.

Y

UKI

J

UDY A

ND M

ARY

It wasnt until 2002 that YUKI set

out to find success on her own as a

solo artist. With her first solo single

the end of shite, which was highly

provocative and sexy, she immedi-

ately assured her place as a singer in

her own right. She has everlastingpopularity across generations and her unique fashion influenc-

es not only ordinary people, but also professional entertainers.

YUKI

2002

t

he e

nd o

f s

hite

To celebrate YUKIs prolific

career, October 3rd saw the release

of her greatest hits album, single col-

lection called five-star, which is a

great way for foreigners to listen to

one of Japans most prominent pop-

stars.

5

five star 10

3

Single Collection five-star, 3,059 yenBottom two are limited editions

3,780 yen

3,059

3,780

YUKI five-star

http://www.yukiweb.net/http://www.yukiweb.net/

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Now, young American

p e o p l e a r e v e r y

interested in Japan,

says AOI Yukar i , Direc tor of

American Homestay International

in Irvine, California. Japan fever is

also high in my town. My daughter

Sarah, who was raised in the United

States, reads ONE PIECE and

Detective Conan in Japanese and

English.

Even in ordinary bookstores, young people flock to the

piles of translated Japanese manga. The other day when

I went to the manga corner of a neighborhood bookstore

with Sarah, I was spoken to by manga enthusiasts Karen

and Bob. Karen used to watch Sailor Moon and Dragon

Ball every day on TV when she was a kindergarten pupil

and subsequently came to love Japan. She is now studying

Japanese at university.

Bob loved Pikachu from the Pocket Monsters when he

was a boy and also became a big fan of Japan. He has never

been to Japan, but he learnt Japanese by himself and speaks

Japanese well now. He says he won at a Japanese speech

contest last year.

Karen and Bob, who have been raised on Japanese manga

Japan Fever Stirring AmongYoung Americans

AOI Yukari

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35/4035

www.america-homestay.com/ Tel (Japan): 03-3341-8689 YAC Planning Inc.

and animation, became Japanese lovers and have come to

respect Japan since the time they discovered that all the

popular animation was made in Japan. The number of this

type of young American is rapidly increasing. As both

want to come to a better

understanding of manga and

animation in Japanese, theyare learning Japanese every

day and planning to visit

Japan next year.

New Style of Homestay Expected to

Develop in Japan

Ms. Aoi has introduced more than 2,500 Japanese

students to American host families over 12 years.

Using the experience she has gained, she is

launching a new program to enable Americans who

are enthusiastic about Japan to experience homelife in that country. She is now looking for Japanese

host families.

12

2,500

I know the number of Japanese who want to be host

families is very limited. I believe the main purpose of

Japanese students who stay at American homes is to learn

English, and the purpose of Japanese host families is also to

have an opportunity to learn English, rather than using it to

earn an extra income. I took this into consideration when I

created the program.

In other words, it is a program that American

Japan-enthusiast can enjoy Japanese home life, while

Japanese can experience Jitaku ryuugaku (HomeEnglish), which is more advanced than Ekimae

ryuugaku(English near a train station). Of course,

it will be a good opportunity for Americans to learn

J a p a n e s e a n d a b o u t

Japanese life, Ms. Aoi

says passionately.

T h e h o m e s t a y p e r i o d i s

scheduled to be 1~3 months and

an English lesson is expected to be

given for about one hour per day.

American Homestay International

will select guests and host families,

paying most a t ten t ion to the

backgrounds of bo th . Ja panese

family members will be able to use

this opportunity to learn English

and culture from an American.

The scope of this new concept of

Japanese homestays is likely to

be expanded to include guests from other countries

including Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

1

1

1

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36/4036

Nagara-machi,Chousei-gun, Chiba-ken

Nagara-machi,Chousei-gun, Chiba-ken

Enjoying a French-born "Forest Adventure"

TARZANIA

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Admission fees: Adults (over 18) 3,500 yen,

People under 18 and above elementary school age

Adventure course (for people taller than 140 cm): 2,500 yen

Discovery course (for people taller than 110 cm): 2,000 yen

Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 18:00

(Open from 8:30 until sunset during summer)

Closed: Generally on Thursdays

During the summer (July and August) open every day,

and in winterDec, Jan, and Feb.open on Saturdays,

Sundays and national holidays.

18

3,500

18

140cm

2,500

110cm

2,000

9:00 18:00

8:30

7/1 8/

12/1 2/

Inquiries: Forest of Life Resort, 1067 Higashidai,

Mishou, Nagara-machi, Chousei-gun, Chiba prefecture

297-0202

1067

Tel: 0475-35-0071

www.tarzania.jp/

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JAPAN QUIZ Answers: October issue 10

1. NTT NTT DoCoMo Building 2.

Tokyo Gas Building

Chindougu Series(Weird Gadgets)

The

MoreyouUseit, the More Incovenient it Becomes!

The desk you can work at while moving around town. It

comes equipped with stationery and a light.

Best for Busy Businessmen

The caf where you can take a break for a cup of coffee

while staying on the move.

Portable Desk

Moving Cafe

Japan Chindougu Society

www.chindogu.net/

These sweets are familiar

to Japanese. What do you say

in Japanese?

JAPAN QUIZ

2.Azukibeans with sugar are kneadedand made into a rectangular block.

Some contain chestnuts.

1. Rice paste balls that are skeweredand then barbecued and dipped in athick soy-based sauce, or have sweetbean paste spread over them.

1

2

Since the September 2007 "Cover Story" was so popular, we will introduce more Chindougu here.

2007

9

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A trip to a region is made infinitely better if you arewith people who know the area and who can explain key

information in your language. This is one of the great ben-

efits of touring Kusatsu with a Tourist Supporters one of

a number of Kusatsu locals who are more than happy to

show off their town to foreign visitors.

Made up of housewives and people who work in the

town, the Tourist Supporters give their time to inform visi-

tors in English and guide them around their town. This

journalist was treated to a guided tour around the central

town, the play zone and the forest, and was given ample

background information about the people of the town,

local legends and even onsen tamago (eggs cooked in

onsen water).

As opposed to company tour guides who often want you

to use their services or buy products from shops they work

with, the Kusatsu Tourist Supporters are biased only in

favor of Kusatsu, so you can expect your experience to be

pressure-free. The great thing about the Tourist Supporters

is the sheer enthusiasm they have for their town. Despite

the work being unpaid, their reward is the enjoyment they

see on visitors faces and the opportunity to share informa-

tion about the town they love.

39

Wonders of Kusatsu Onsen From a Foreign Journalist s Eyes 44

Tourist Supporters Enhance Kusatsu Experience

Text: Jonathon WALSH

Inquiries: Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association

www.kusatsu-onsen.org/www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/

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