Do you think Japan is the best country in Asia?

Question:

Answer:

The Japanese certainly think Japan is the best country in Asia. Though we are rocked with ongoing problems ranging from typhoons, tsunami's, earthquakes, nuclear power plant disasters and an aging society. What to do? I haven't seen China first hand but I have visited Korea and found that Japan has a much better living standard than them. The Korean people seem much more friendly than the usual Japanese person. I don't know what criteria you mean by the best country but Japan is certainly one of the cleanest and social conscious countries in Asia.

Should I leave Japan? I live 90km from the damaged nuclear power plant, should I move away? If so, how far?

Question:

I have a flexible job, so I don't have to live in the north eastern side of Japan. I can live in another area or even leave the country entirely. I'm also a male in my 40's and I don't have a family. Uprooting will not be a big deal. My English is pretty good, so I can move to another country and eke out a living there as well. What should I do?

Answer:

No. You'll receive more radiation from your cellphone or microwave oven as long as you stay out of the 8 km no-entry zone. While there is a lot of FUD going around, you can check the facts at the IAEA site.

http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011…
http://www.slideshare.net/iaea/radiologi…

As far as the conspiracy hypothesis about how the Japanese government is "hiding" something, that's really stretching it. All countries that have nuclear capability also have monitoring to ensure that other countries are not "cheating". Some of those countries are not friendly to Japan. If there were any political points to be made by the anti-Japan countries they would be speaking up loudly, but they aren't. In addition, the IAEA has sent independent observers to monitor the conditions and would also speak up if there was anything significantly different.


Note that the data collected over years indicates that low level radiation is non-harmful and may be beneficial.

"The most rigorous epidemiological study of the effects of low exposure to radiation workers was the Nuclear Shipyards Workers Study initiated by the USA Department of Energy in which 71 000 workers were examined. There were two exposed groups with doses less than or greater than the equivalent of 5 years’ background radiation. These were compared with similar workers with no exposure. The higher dose group had lower cancer death rates and lower death rates from all causes. Similar findings of lower deaths from all causes were shown in the British Radiologists Study of all British radiologists between 1900 and 1980."
http://bravenewclimate.com/2011/07/21/ra…

If anything, the situation shows how safe nuclear power is. Consider that forty year old plants were hit with an earthquake five times the strength they were designed for and yet they still shut down safely. The generators came on like they were supposed to when grid power was cut. Then the tsunami hit and the generators were wiped out. However, the battery backup still worked for the designed eight hours. The problem happened when no new generators could be put in. Even so the problems have been minimal--media scare mongering for ratings not withstanding.

Here is an informative article describing the situation:
http://bravenewclimate.com/2011/03/13/fu…

And here is a chart that helps make sense of the numbers:
http://www.xkcd.com/radiation/

And here is a blog from a Japanese resident who vacationed in Fukushima:
http://www.davidchart.com/Blog/2011/09/1…

Muslim food in Kyoto,Japan?

Question:

Hi I'm travelling to Kyoto for a week for a conference. Any idea where I could get Muslim food (or restaurants that does not serve pork) near these locations: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Jr Kyoto Station? Thanks!

Answer:

here is a list of halal restaurants in Kyoto
http://www.mikansjapan.com/food/halal-ky…

My mom got orders to go to Japan and I am going with, what do i do?

Question:

I have long blonde hair, and i'm 5' 8" I've already been warned that i will be a novelty over there. I'm almost afraid because of that. Also i am a college student, but yes, i am being forced to move with my mom. What all do i need to do before the move? Should i cut and dye my hair? because if its going to cause me to be unsafe i want it gone...

Answer:

You would be a novelty because you have long blonde hair? Don't make us laugh! Nobody in Japan would give you a damn.

Don't you know the fact that approx 40,000 US military members, including their families, are stationed in Japan? Most of them are living inside their military facilities, and rarely go out of the base; because of 1) the high appreciation of yen, and 2) their language difficulties that might get them into a trouble with the Japanese.

Which USF facilities is your mom going to station? I don't think you will have many opportunities to go out of the base. Because everything in Japan is unbelievably expensive (by US standard). You ain't going nowhere. Stay inside the base and shut up your big mouth. I assure you that You ain't gonna be a novelty.

@chil_lie23
I am sure I'm more familiar with USFJ facilities than you are. You used to belong to USN a long time ago, that's OK. Unfortunately the times have changed. How much do you know about Japan-US security relations and the reality of USFJ facilities throughout Japan today? I am extensively familiar with them in connection with my job.
BTW, are you "teaching" English? Then, you'd better learn the difference between 'then' and 'than.' I read many of your answers on this YA forum. I noticed that you can never distinguish 'then' from 'than.' 99% of junior high school students in Japan can easily point out your mistake. Do you really think you are qualified to be a "teacher" of English in Japan? If you think so, I strongly suggest that you go to a mental hospital ASAP!

What is the best way to change Japan single entry visa to double entry visa (temporary visitor)?

Question:

I originally planned to travel to japan for two weeks and got a single entry japan temporary visitor visa. Now I have to travel out of Japan for a couple of days and return to Japan. How do I get back into Japan for the second time? Is there a way to change from single entry to double entry visa? is there anything I can do once I arrived in Japan to prepare for my second entry?

Thanks.

Answer:

It depends on which nationality you have and which visa you have to visit Japan.

If you are from certain countries, you do not need a visa to enter Japan as a tourist.

What does this sentence mean in English? (Japanese)?

Question:

Attoyuumada ne.

Answer:

It means that things happen in an instant. It's slang for time passes by so fast. Attoyuumade 2011 has passed by.
I hope this helps!!

Gravure Idols, need help?

Question:

I was wondering, are gravure idol allowed to date? Because I know that idols like girls from AKB48 can't have boyfriends. I was wondering if that also applies to gravure idols.

Answer:

I believe that anybody who is in show business in Japan are not allowed to date. If the Japanese stars are exposed to the public that they are dating, their management companies come under heavy fire for letting it happen.
I believe that Gravure idols are especially not allowed to date because their fan base fantasize becoming their partners. I'm pretty sure the Gravure idols start dating when they get too old for the business or too fat to model anymore.

Translate this to English for me please?

Question:

My friend wrote it and I think I know, but I'd like to make sure.

English and Romaji would be nice :)

再びその落ち着いた声を聞いてあこがれて...

Answer:

Adoring [you / her / him / them] when I hear the calm voice again...
Futatabi sono ochitsuita koe wo kiite akogarete...

Your friend's message means he or she adores sb because he or she heard sb's voice again (already heard the voice),
while Azel's translation means your friend longs to hear sb's voice again (not yet hear the voice).
If you translate Azel's,
再びその落ち着いた声を聞くことをあこがれて(聞きたいと望んで)...
Futatabi sono ochitsuita koe wo kiku koto wo akogarete[kikitai to nozonde]...

I'm a native but not 100% sure from the context which your friend adore, somebody itself or somebody's voice, also not sure he/she talk about you or some singer, though.
According to those information, translation will vary.

Is it possible to walk around all of Tokyo?

Question:

I am planning on taking my dream vacation to Tokyo. I will be spending a week there and want to see as much as I can. That said, is it possible to walk around the entire city? I will most likely be staying in Bunkyo, and wanted to walk to areas such as Akihabara and Roppongi. The host I will be staying with says it is not possible to get to these areas from Bunkyo, as the train takes 20 minutes to get to each of those stations, but the walking directions on Google maps shows Akihabara is less than 2 miles away. If its a matter of convenience and time, I do not mind walking for a few hours, as that is the point of going to Tokyo, so I can see all the sights. Or is it just physically impossible to get around everywhere on foot, i.e. no pedestrian paths or sidewalks. Please let me know so I can plan my schedule and budget with or without train fares :3 Thanks for the help!

Answer:

I think there is no problem with walking around Tokyo, especially inner Yamanote line circle.
Google map must be a good friend for you.

As you know, Bunkyo (maybe Suidobashi or somewhere) is near from Akihabara.
It takes about 0.5 hour.
For Shinjuku, it takes over 1 hour, and for Roppongi, it may take 1.5 hour.
Actually, I'm walking everyday from Shinanomachi to Roppongi. It takes about 0.5 hour.

However, I recommend you to consider to use subways or rental cycles.
Tokyo has a really good public transport system.
There are some discount tickets like below:

http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value…
coolbike
http://www.coolbike.jp/index.php/ems_en.…

Japanese videos/podcasts?

Question:

I am looking for a video or podcast in Japanese with ROMAJI subtitles. (I do not know many kanji and am practicing kana) I do not mind if they are songs or shows but I want to be able to compare the words they are saying and the way it is written in romaji at the bottom, to help with my pronunciation. I know this is a bit odd but i tend to associate and remember things better if I see and hear.

Thank you for all your help!

Answer:

Try www.japanesepod101.com, i use the podcasts on my iphone. For each lesson there is a relatively short conversation which has a pdf on the website with the conversation in kanji, kana and romaji. The romaji also comes up on the iphone as a text overlay while you are listening. You pay about $8 a month for it but it's really well done in my opinion.

Japan - No seat reservations or JR Pass?

Question:

I've been searching whether if I should or not buy the JR Pass. I already made some calculations and if I travel without any seat reservations, I would be better not to buy the JR Pass.

My question is: how useful and necessary is it to make seat reservations while traveling in Japan by train?
I've traveled a lot around Europe and seat reservations on trains were not really necessary. I wonder if it's the same in Japan considering that I'm going there in October/November.

Answer:

Phil be careful if you are using hyperdia to make your calculations. On hyperdia the "seat fee" is a combination of limited express fee and seat reservation, in reality is only a few hundred yen. You still pay a large amount because you need to pay the limited express fee, NOT just the base fare.

For example Tokyo to Kyoto by UNRESERVED seat is 12710 yen NOT 7980 yen. 7980yen is just the base fare, you still need to pay a limited express fee.

How can I get exposed to Japanese..?

Question:

Okay, learning the language is tough, but making it stick is tougher. Can anyone give me some advice on where I can read some good books online or whatnot? :D
I really need help... ; w ;
A boy in America cannot get exposed to Japanese so easily..................................…

Answer:

Go to Youtube and watch Japanese videos.

Nervous about the Transit of Japan?

Question:

So after hearing great reviews and experiences about trips to Japan, I have just about made up my mind on going. The only thing left that has me worried is the transit system. I've heard it's relatively easy to navigate, but I am pretty bad when it comes to transit system. I've probably rode a train less than 10 times my entire life (I live in the suburbs, rarely have to go into the city). Is their transit system easy to understand? So far I'm planning Tokyo -> Kyoto - > (unknown) -> Ito -> Tokyo, with a trip to Nara, possibly nikko from kyoto/tokyo.

Since I plan on getting a JR Rail pass, is it easy to notice the JR usable trains?

Answer:

Train station and signs have bilingual (Japanese and English) and now many newer signs have even four languages written on them.

For Tokyo Kyoto for example here's the signs common found on the bullet train (and stations):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwfreund/31…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slackeronli…

Nara Station:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timothydahl…

With a bit of preplanning, it isn't too difficult to get used to.

How to become a part of a Japanese community?

Question:

Once I met a group of 20 Chinese students, two of them became my friends, and we started having simmilar activities, we had dinner together, watched movies together, barbequeing...

How can I get a "life-style" with Japanese people? I want to belong to, a group of Japanese people... which love anime.

Answer:

Go to sites like http://www.vivinavi.com. There are message boards where Japanese people who live in states post messages to look for friends. You can post messages or contact them to meet up.
You can probably find some Japanese roommates who have another Japanese friends.

How much is a japan dollar bill worth?

Question:

Don't say a dollar collters would pay some I know that

Answer:

You mean the Yen dollar bill hehe seriously you don't know this by know?

Final answer: Yen is used in Japan and there is no such thing as "Japan dollar bill"

Is it difficult to get a Japanese girlfriend?

Question:

(for long lasting relationship, not a one night stand)

Answer:

Difficult, depends on the person. Speaking Japanese does increase your chances, because you are able to at least communicate, but just speaking the language is just one item. What goes on in the mind of the women you are trying to pursue and what they are looking for in a man is important too. Again, in reality its just like any other women of any other nationality in the world (Japanese women are not that magically different), depends on the person you meet, it's the individual.

How to say "please feel free to add me as a friend" in japanese?

Question:

Hiya thanks for checking this question out, I would like to know some advance phrases in japanese

1.please feel free to add me as a friend
2. about me
3. my profession (job) is..
4. my hobbies are..

if some one could please tell me what the correct way to say these sentences in japanese would be it would be most helpful thanks ^^

Answer:

1. Please add me as a friend - 友人として私を追加してください (Yūjin toshite watashi o tsuika shite kudasai)
2. About me - について 私 ( Nitsuite Watashi)
3. My profession - 私の職業は(Watashi no shokugyō wa)
4. My Hobbies - 私の趣味です (Watashi no shumidesu)

Hope I helped. :)

Could you please write my name in KANJI-(Japanese)?

Question:

Hello everybody!

Could you please write these words in Kanji-Japanese:


Alejandro

Giraldo

Castaño

Gómez

Duque



Thank you so much for your time and help.


Hope you have a good weekend!

Answer:

Foreign names are not written in kanji. They are written in katakana. I suppose if you knew kanji well enough you COULD write the name in kanji, but it would be odd. I would love to give you the katakana but I'm not really sure how at least half of those names are really pronounced in Spanish and I don't want to give you the wrong ones.

Which is better: Tokyo or Korea?

Question:

So I'm going to visit my friend in Okinawa this summer and while I'm there from mid-May to late June her mom said we could either take a plane to Korea or Tokyo. Korea is cheaper and I love the language, and Tokyo is the electronic capital of the world. But other than that I need some more pursuations. What would be funner at a reasonable cost?

Answer:

It depends on what you're into. If you like shopping then Korea might be the better stop as you can get great deals and bargains in Korea. If you're more into culture and sightseeing and travel, and a little more higher end shopping, then Tokyo might be your better bet. Keep in mind also that the time of year means warmer weather in both areas with the beginning of the rainy season approaching.

Gibson Melody Maker tuners made in Japan?

Question:

I have some open back tuners supposedly from a 1965 Gibson Melody Maker, they look right, but they are stamped "Japan" on the underside? is this correct?

Answer:

Do you know what company made that?
Maybe GOTOH's:

GOTOH
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/

How can i go in to wark in japan?

Question:

i can werk an i werk

Answer:

Troll you can't "wark" or "werk" in Japan without a job offer and visa. Try harder next time

Can I get a visa if I want to work at a maid cafe in Japan?

Question:

I am 20 years old, American, and I do not have a college degree, but I have about 2 years of college under my belt.
I speak relatively fluent Japanese (provided governmental procedures or political views do not come into the conversation) and I was in Tokyo over the summer studying abroad.

I want to work at a maid cafe (I know about them, I've been to one, please no comments about how they are viewed in US society) but I want to know if I can get a Working Visa through that kind of employer, and if so, what kind/how would I go about obtaining one?

I am going to Tokyo for the next three months, during which time I plan to search for such a job, but I'm getting all sorts of mixed answers about what I can and cannot do, most of them vastly outdated and unhelpful.

Answer:

You can get a working holiday visa or similar but they don't issue 'maid specific visas' Have a look a look into this

I want to work as a housemaid in japan but i want to learn japanese for three months in japan what should i do?

Question:

Answer:

There is no visa for housemaid because it's a job Japanese can do.

What these old Japan story boards are called?

Question:

I can't describe it well but they were horizontal and would tell a tale but have artwork along with it. Seems like they were all on one scroll. I know I am not giving much but any help would be good.

Answer:

I guess it's "Emaki mono" or "Emaki" in short
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emakimono
http://www.furin-kazan.jp/2007/10/12_000…

One story on one long scroll:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWqDwuoNv…

Do guys in Japan like girls with big eyes? If so, then why?

Question:

I've noticed in Japan that there was lot of magazines (like Popteen) that had girls with unnaturally big eyes on the covers (like, they wore contacts and false eyelashes). They look a bit like human dolls or animes. Not only that but a lot of the girls in Japan talk almost in like a baby-talk (their voice is rather high-pitched). Do most guys in Japan like these types of girls? Why is it so common? Is it because of manga?

I was just wondering. I'm not trying to generalize, I'm just trying to understand. It's strange because I only see these kind of things in Japan, you never see this in U.S or other Western countries.

Answer:

Oh, most of them did a treatment(s) for "big eyes"
Basically 70% of Japanese are said to have flat eyes (single-edged eyelid)
And they wish to get them "doubled" Most TV-talents reform before they make their debut.

Japanese Super Models like Ai Tominaga, Sayoko Yamaguchi (passed away) keep their "single-edged" eyes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ai_Tominaga
Why? She doesn't need to worry about what Japanese people/culture expect.

In Japan, being "kawaii (like anime character)" has huuuuuge value, obviously. Or they believe in that.

--------------
Western girls: wish to be sexy-looking (e.g. want "Angie's luscious lips")
Japanese girls: wish to be kawaii-looking (as explained)

Where are the longboard (skateboard) shops in tokyo?

Question:

i know the skateboard shops. im specifically looking for longboards. no online stores pls

Answer:

Do you mean like these?
http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/murasa…

If so, why don't you go to Murasaki sports.
http://www.murasaki.co.jp/shop/302.html

Or their Kanda-Ogawacho branch:
http://www.murasaki.co.jp/shop/301.html

There are a lot of sports shops around there.

Should I move to Japan or Russia?

Question:

The other section thought I was crazy for thinking this was a hard question. But the world is a weird place. There are ways in which any culture, is more civilized than any culture. But I would like your input. Should I move to Japan or Russia? I am an american

Answer:

Definitely Russia!
I like your troll and sense of humor.

Edit:
Back in the USSR, you don't know how lucky you are boys. Back in the USSR!

Where to buy hat for kid in japan?

Question:

Answer:

You will be able to find lots of places in Japan that sell kids hats. Check out OshKosh, Gap, and Uniqlo. Every department store in Japan has a kids area, so these are good places to visit.

How to apply for a part-time job in Japan?

Question:

I`m not Japanese. I have a Long-term visa. There`s only 1 week left before I graduate at Japanese language school that I`m studying at. I`m 18 and turning 19 next month.I can speak japanese, not fluent though but I can. Studying Japanese is the only thing that keeps me busy here in Japan for the past 2-years. Now since I am now graduating, my life is becoming more boring and boring. And the only way I came up with, to keep me busy, is part-time job. But, if I get lucky and find one, this will be my very first job, that I will find by myself, in my entire life. And since this is my first time, I don`t wanna blow it up.

Please tell me what I need to do. Is there any documentation require? (I know I should ask this to where I wanna work at but maybe you can too). What is the proper words to say? (Like, when I enter the shop, convenient store or 7/11 for example, how do I say that I want the job? IN JAPANESE if you may)

If there are any other details you can add that I didn`t mention would really be a great help for me. I will appreciate anything you answer. Thanks

Answer:

You might want to go to Hello Work, which is the Japanese government's job centre. You can search for jobs there. If your reading skills aren't very good, then you might want to ask a Japanese friend to help you.

You could also check out local newspapers. Sometimes people advertise jobs in those.

Of course there's the internet too. I don't know if it's still around, but there was a site, Daijobu, that listed jobs.

I've seen a few non-Japanese working at convenience stores. You could probably just drop off a resume. In Japan, resumes are easier than in the West. In the West you have to design the whole thing, and everyone's resume is different. In Japan, you can go to a stationery store and buy a blank form, then just fill it out at home. Do one of those, get a Japanese to go over it for errors and advice, then fill out a bunch and leave them at places you'd like to work.

What about the Fukushima 50?

Question:

Are they still alive? And I'm just wondering. Half a year ago, everyone was stating they'd be sure they would die within a few weeks. They all just absorbed 250 millisieverts, which is of course a lot. But apparently it also increases the lifetime risk of getting cancer with just a few percent max. How is this a certainty? Basically means there would be quite a minimal amount of victims if even they survive.

Answer:

They are fire fighters of Tokyo Fire Department. A total of 139 fire fighters were sent to Fukushima for a several days. "Fukushima 50" were their first group dispatched to the power plant. None of them were injured. All of them are now back to their usual job back in Tokyo.

We appreciate all of those 139 fire fighters who took part in the mission. So, there is no such word as "Fukushima 50" in Japanese media. In this sense, it was created and exaggerated by the foreign media.
Anyway, all of them are still alive and kicking. There is nothing to worry about.

Did the locals in japan know there was going to be an earthqauke before 11/3?

Question:

Did the locals in japan know there was going to be an Earthquake before 11/3
i need to know for an humanities assignment

Answer:

No one can see when an earthquake is going to happen.