Been reading and watching a lot of raw manga and anime. Can people's actual speech flow that smoothly?

Question:

I'll admit I'm new to the Japanese language, but be that as it may, I still want to know if talking can be as smooth and effortlessly as in manga and anime? English is as clear as day to me (obviously) and doesn't require much effort to understand, but Japanese is very complex and not the easiest to grasp all meaning.

Here's an example of an expert from a manga:
戦いってのは元々
不平等と不寛容が
産み落とす怪物だ

あいつが気に喰わねえ
あいつになら勝てる
あいつが許せねえ

あらゆる理由で敵を作り
敵を作った瞬間から
呼吸一つまで戦いの内だ

A piece I've memorized as I think it's cool, even the translation I've memorized. I just don't think I could of ever figured this out on my own, let alone say it after having thought of it. How normal could a theological thing like this be made? (Not necessarily off top the head.)

Answer:

I understand exactly what you mean. I have thought a lot about this is as well, as I have been studying Japanese for about 4-4.5 years now, and still would be unable to just think of something like that in Japanese. But, I have come to realize that I likely would not be able to come up with something so succinct in English quickly, either. In either language, for me, it would take having more time than is usually allowed in any kind of normal conversation.

So, part of this is just down to the individual after a certain point. Having said that, Japanese is a bit more difficult than English, on average, in writing. Spoken... it's a toss-up - really depends on who it is you are having a conversation with. Pretty sure a Shibuya girl is not going to be thinking of things like that on the spot, but someone might.

As for just understanding (either listening or reading), after a few years you should be able to handle most anything, though holes remain for a long time. Creating is much harder than just absorbing.

Do older single Japanese women need to date foreigners to get married?

Question:

I know a Japanese woman who is 37 years old and very aggressively pursues younger (20s) foreign/white/gaijin men in Tokyo. I doubt she is truthful about her age but the wear is starting to show since she's been in the party/hostess scene since her teens. What are her chances of getting married? Is she into foreigners because it is believed they are more liberal and accepting than Japanese men? Also she is already divorced, having married a foreigner who was 10 years younger than her when she was 28 for a visa. YES he was 18!

Answer:

A difficult question but some interesting answers. so, for what it's worth, here is my answer.

Her chances of marrying are pretty slim I would think, although I'm sure some young men out there would jump at the opportunity to do so, but alas, all for the wrong reasons.
I have travelled extensively and I can tell you that the lady in question is not alone. Some women of the same age, same circumstances and of various nationalities are attracted to foreigners because they see no future in the lifestyle they have chosen and see foreigners as an easy way out as opposed to marrying their own nationality who would no doubt be aware of their background.
Some young gullible western men on holiday ( vacation ) or studying for awhile are an easy target as they still have to learn a lot about the ups and downs of life. No wonder then that many such marriages end in divorce.
I am talking specifically about the 37 year old woman in your question and doe's not in any way apply to Japanese women in general.

Cash or ATM card in Japan?

Question:

im going to Japan this summer by myself and was wondering if i should just bring all cash or mostly cash and an atm card just in case. i don't have a credit card yet, just an atm card.im only staying for 12 days (well 10 really. 2 for flying in and going home). if i bring all money it would probably be $500-$700 worth of yen.

Answer:

I think you should have both which is what i do when i travel. If you budget well, you might not spend all the cash considering your hotel is already paid for.

Are the Mix Style headphones from YESASIA the orignal & authentic ones?

Question:

I've been wanting a Pink one with a black star in the middle of it, but i wasn't so sure if they were real...
so if u did get them from yesasia or yesstyle, please tell me if real or not!!

Here's a link to spot the difference between fake and real mix style headphones
http://magnetic-rose.net/2009/12/how-to-…

Answer:

Yesasia and Yesstyle are real. They sell low and high end stuff...

For instance, they sell Shiseido skin care...which is very expensive...

They also sell Dior and stuff :)

Can someone tell me what these Japanese characters say?

Question:

The Japanese on this t-shirt pictured below:
http://i53.tinypic.com/1z30z6t.jpg

Thank you.

Answer:

It says "fall down seven times, get up eight" really...the english is a direct translation :)

Taliban.....God..... Lybia ...... Dissaster...... Japan........America tornado disaster......?

Question:

Did the title interest you,,.... Yes or no ?

Answer:

At first glance, I thought its Taliban....Gay...Lybia...Dissaster..

What are some hints that Japanese guy or gal likes you?

Question:

I used the word 'gal' because it felt cool in the moment btw...

But anyways, I mean stuff such as using the word "Chan" instead of "San." What would be some other hints? :D Thanks!

Answer:

if he/she is always agree with u. Or he/she can't look straight in to your eyes for too long when talking to u.
come on, everyone can tell if a person likes them except if you are really very insensitive :)
calling you with "chan" doesn't really mean they intimately like you. all my classmates, and even my teacher in high school calls me "Kenta-chan", hence my screen name here. They do that either to tease me (because I look like a girl when I was younger) or I don't know. Heck, I just got used to it.

Is it true Japan was hit with 6.3 earthquake again today?

Question:

how are you guys dealing with it all the time?

Answer:

I don't know exactly how big it was, but we were struck by another aftershock yesterday, and it felt pretty big. Sorry, I'm not too sure how much, because my TV is disconnected due to unrelated reasons. We get aftershocks a lot here, but I've noticed that we haven't been getting much or if we have then they have been in the early hours. Nowadays the aftershocks are either too small to notice or make a big deal out of or they are pretty big.
I live in Tokyo, and my reactions are according to how big the aftershock is and where I am/what I am doing at that moment. If the earthquake is in between small and big, I usually just keep on going with what I am doing, as I'm beginning to get used to the aftershocks. I still go under the tables/door frames when there are big aftershocks and sometimes I even scream, and I call my friends/family to see if they are alright. The aftershocks don't really affect our whole day here in Tokyo anymore since we're beginning to get used to it, but the people around me talk about them a lot when they strike big. We just want this chaos and crisis to be done and gone and over with and all of the people/damage to be fixed and okay.

What do I sound like in Japanese?

Question:

I am aspiring to become fluent in Japanese, and need some opinions as to how I sound. Please listen to one or more of the videos located at the link below and let me know what you think I need to change, what i'm doing good, and what you just don't like.

http://www.youtube.com/iveydasmarty

Answer:

Not so bad.

I would not say what you have to change only after listening to this one song.

Is Japanese useless to learn?

Question:

I know the essence of language learning should be to learn a language you find would be enjoyable to you but, living in America with Japanese language skills...I think its almost useless unless you have a nice degree in computer science and can move there. Without a good job, it is not a helpful language here is it? (Not that I mind striving for a degree in computer science).

Answer:

Learning a new language today is not just a hobby but also an investment. Some people study Mandarin because they plan on doing long term business in China. Some study Spanish for the same reason. So if you plan on studying Japanese, make sure you'll be able to make advantage of it in the future.
You see, nowadays doing things for hobby's or recreational sake is not practical anymore unless you're filthy rich. It's like I'm going to study medicine for recreation.

Can you translate from Japanese, please?

Question:

I want to know the meaning of the message that appears here:
http://mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/

Thank you!!!

Answer:

(Not exactly perfect, but here you go)

Due to the recent earthquake of eastern Japan, along with praying for good fortune in the next life of those that have lost their lives, we express our condolences from our hearts to all those affected by this disaster. Facing toward a recovery even one day sooner, even our company shall support with all of our power.

Further, even in some of our company's sales stores there have been obstacles appearing as well, and we deeply apologize for inconveniencing our customers. As we will be giving the effort of the whole of our Group so that we will be able to support everyone's automobiles even one moment closer with a perfect system, we kindly wish that you understand.

When I was in Japan on holiday, I was approached by model scouts...?

Question:

It happened twice in Tokyo, once in Harajuku and again in Shibuya. I told both that I can't join their agency because I'm a forgeigner on vacation and I can't possibly live in Japan until 2012 which is when I finish university. My Japanese is good, and I intend to go to work there after I finish university as an English teacher. Firstly is there anyone who has had a similar experience? I.e, being a westerner in Japan and having been scouted by model agencies? Is it likely to get me anywhere? Of course I'm not prepared to just give up everything and move there now to pursue a modelling career, I'm realistic about it and I know it's a very competitive industry. I'm asking because after giving me their business details and giving them my email address, they contacted me and said they would like to invite me for an interview next time I am in Japan. Can anyone with experience in this type of work give me an idea as to what it's all about? How does it work? And is it hard? Especially for someone like me who is a westerner and looks different to most of the Japanese population. I would consider it as a secondary job, but I know nothing about this sort of business. Any advice, stories, help or inspiration would be appreciated! Thank you!

Oh and just to make it clear, they are official well known model agencies, not fakes or weirdos or anything like that.

Answer:

We can't give you accurate answers unless you give us the name of agencies.

Well, some agencies are legit. But anyway, if you live in Japan, you must have some visa. Not matter which visa it is, you have some limitation as to which job you can get. So you need to think about it.

Is japan gonna sinking?

Question:

its seems like it tha more i find videos on it!

Answer:

No.

Will the people exposed to radiation become mutated (Japan)?

Question:

Will the people who were exposed to extreme amounts of radiation become mutated, what about their offspring (not yet conceived) or if a pregnant female was exposed to radiation? Or will they just develop diseases?



What made me think of this was that Hills Have eyes movie, I don't remember it that well but the people in it were all mutated &....

Answer:

If the workers are exposed to high amounts of it they might mutate at a cellular level (cancer) but visible mutations like extra limbs, lack of eyes, and underdevelopment won't happen until the next generation is conceived by those affected by the radiation. The most likely case is that some workers will develop Radiation Sickness and will have to be treated.

Is it true that many Japanese children are molested in Japan?

Question:

I have heard that this is true in Japan. Can you confirm or deny if this is true?

Answer:

there are cases, there are cases of high school girls molested on crowded trains, so whatever exists in other countries they exist in japan. but the japanese are more ashamed and will not come forward

Next step to learning Japanese.?

Question:

Ok so I'm trying to self-teach myself Japanese armed only with the Internet. I've been at it for 6 months and I've learned basic punctuation, every-day phrases, Hiragana, Katakana, and a handfull of simple kanji. What should be my next step?

Answer:

The best way to learn Japanese is through a variety of methods. You need to work on your grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Its best to think of these as separate categories and focus on each specific category as these require different methods and techniques.

Start by learning the basics through grammar. These books really helped me:

• Shin Nihongo no Kiso I & II

• Shin Nihongo no Kiso Japanese Kanji Workbook

• A Course in Modern Japanese by The University of Nagoya Press

• An Introduction to Modern Japanese by Osamu Mizutani & Nobuko Mizutani

These books cover both polite Japanese, which is extremely important to learn in order to speak Japanese effectively and causal Japanese, which is great for everyday conversations.

How to Learn Japanese http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Do I have to learn on and kun readings in Japanese?

Question:

I am studying Japanese and was wondering in Kanji if I have to learn both.
For example for one:
On-reading- ichi, itsu
Kun-reading- hito(tsu)

This doesnt make sense at all :3

Answer:

You have to learn all readings, both on and kun, to acquire Japanese.

Question for japanese people?

Question:

Have you ever eaten dolphin? Is it common?

first of all, I am not a crazy animal rights activist. I'm just trying to write a research paper and i need that information.

I have already asked two exchange students ( one from tokyo and one from okinawa) and they said " Eat dolphins?? hahaha" "lol, noooo we don't eat dolphins ^^"

I will NOT judge you for your answer, i'm just trying to collect a statistic.

Answer:

i have eaten horse meat sashimi, weird, i have eaten canned whale meat not my taste, dolphin like flipper, i never had the opportunity.

What is the age does a child must attend elementary in japan?

Question:

Answer:

If the child is 6 year-old on the fist day of April, he/she can enter in an elementary.

for example, if the child's DOB is;
Mar. 31, 2005 --> eligible for this year (2011)
Apr. 02, 2005--> not eligible

Question for Japanese people...?

Question:

Is it a big deal to ask if you can call a person by his/her first name?
(As in first name only, no "san," "chan," "kun" etc.)

There's someone who only calls me by my first name, but I always call him by his last name & "kun."

Would it be appropriate to ask him why he does that?
& if I ask him if I can call him by his first name (since he does that with me), would that be too forward of me?

Answer:

I think it would not be too forward or awkward if you ask since you are a foreigner so it's okay if you ask something about our culture that you don't understand. Some Japanese people loves it when foreigners ask.
He calls you by your first name because it sounds awkward if we say a non-Japanese name then put -san or -kun. If we put, it's like your friend is calling you Mister, doesn't that sound awkward?
You can call him with his first name without asking permission. It just means you are already comfortable with him, or are you not?
If you call him with his last name with "kun", it sounds awkward to me. It's like you see him as a child (?). Are you both 12 year old boys? lol..

good luck

What does the 'kun' and 'san' written after the names in Japanese mean?

Question:

like I watched an anime serial where a character's name was Touya-kun. I also saw another character whose name i don't remember but it had a 'san' at the last. I have seen many characters with similar surnames.. What is the meaning of it?

Answer:

They are honorifics. They are put after a name. Like Mr of Miss, but not really

~kun is given to boys (sometimes girls) generally same age or youger than you. Used amongst friends, it gives an informal touch. It is also used by higher ups when addressing younger [male] people (eg teacher to student)

~san is given to anyone that you want to give respect to. eg older people, or people you aren't familiar to.

other ones include ~ chan (like ~kun, informal, younger girls), ~sama (master) , ~sensei (teacher, professor etc), ~niisan (elder brother) and many more

My friends have invited me to an anime convention early next year, help?!?

Question:

Hello,
Well, here's my situation.
I'm British born, caucasian (very fair-skinned) and have lived in Japan perhaps 6 months. I go to an international school in Tokyo. For obvious reasons, I am currently living in the UK for a while, but we'll be going back in a few months time in temporary accomodation, as I'm not being educated here.
ANYWAY! :]
I speak a fair amount of Japanese (I'm 14) and have recently made some Japanese friends- three girls who live in my area- whilst before I only really made friends with people from my school;, they're really kind and accepting of me. They've invited me to go to a scheduled anime convemtion next February. When I lived in the UK, I was a keen cosplayer and my costumes are to a pretty high standard, but I'm quite paranoid and I really worry about the hate I'll get from doing so. I've seen all these "Westerners disgrace cosplay" stuff and, whilst I by all means realise not all people think like that, I worry that quite a few will. I'm incredibly polite and humble, I let people walk all over me, I just really don't want to offend anyone there.
Can anyone offer opinions/advice/experiences? Should I go to make my friends happy, ot should I make an excuse?
Thanks

Answer:

I Think you should go. Screw what other people think, i mean so what if your not japanese. That doesn't mean you have no right to dress up and enjoy yourself with your friends! You won't be offending anyone, i mean really, your a guest in there country and your trying to involve yourself in what they do. It's not as if your going there with plans of bombing the place, so i definetly think you should go and have fun. If you really feel worried about going, maybe it would be an idea to tell your friends this. See if they can share how they feel about it. I'm sure no one will take offence to you going to an animecon. You shouldn't let what other people feel, influence the choices you make, if they aren't hurting anyone. Just because you weren't born in japan and aren't related to any japanese people, doesn't mean you have any less of a right to be in the country, getting involved, and living like a normal person. I'm sure you won't be the only westerner there, so don't worry too much about it. I Wish you goodluck (:

What does this mean? Japanese Help!?

Question:

Sore wa hiji ~yoniyuyodatta! ￬ Sore wa hiji ~you (hijō) ni yuu yō (yūyō)datta!

Answer:

It was absolutely useful.

How long is it going to take for Japan to get back up on it's feet again?

Question:

Realistically.

Answer:

Approximately 18 months. After the Kobe earthquake, Japan was back in business in about 16 months, according to the New Yorker. How long will it take for the little villages in Fukushima next to the earthquake to get back on their feet? That's a good question, but I don't have any good answers. It may take some time.

Keep an eye on Bloomberg for Japanese news -- they'll keep an close watch on Japan's economic pulse. http://www.bloomberg.com/ (Nothing right now, though (-:.)