Thursday, November 3, 2011

How popular are the gazettE in japan?

Question:

Answer:

Popular enough to have a pretty good running fan club. The concerts are usually sold out/close-to sold out.

Whenever they release singles and albums, it tops charts.

How popular are the gazettE in japan?

Question:

Answer:

Popular enough to have a pretty good running fan club. The concerts are usually sold out/close-to sold out.

Whenever they release singles and albums, it tops charts.

Why are red kimonos for men disrespectful in japan?

Question:

My teacher brought it up this morning and she didnt know why either

Answer:

Men do not wear kimonos. That is women's dress.

Men do wear yukata, a cotton, light-looking version of a kimono. I have seen sales of red yukata for men, so I am not sure what your teacher is talking about.

Why are red kimonos for men disrespectful in japan?

Question:

My teacher brought it up this morning and she didnt know why either

Answer:

Does anyone know of any good Japanese and Korean fashion online stores?

Question:

I freaking LOVE Japanese and Korean fashion. I'm looking for some online stores where I can buy mens fashion from Japan and Korea. I've been googling it but I'm having a hard time finding any good stores. Preferably, I'd like to keep it on a college student's budget but you can't always have what you want. Even Ebay stores and stuff might work.

Answer:

Yesstyle.com is the most common one.

How to get rhapsody to work in Japan?

Question:

Answer:

Unfortunately rhapsody isn't available in Japan. I don't think you can even listen to downloaded music outside of the US. All music subscription services have different locations that its available in due to legal rights. You need to physically be in US land so there is no point in having it if you live in Japan. If you don't live in japan but want to use a music service the only major service i could find was Spotify. YOU CAN'T LIVE IN JAPAN. You will be able to use their services though (at least Spotify premium) if you live in Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. I hear you can fake where you live if your not in these countries but I don't know how easy or hard that is. sorry bout Japan though

How to get rhapsody to work in Japan?

Question:

Answer:

Help learning fluent japenese?

Question:

Ok I would like to learn fluent japenese. Im 16 years old and I would like to go to japan for college to further my learning in programming. I figured if I'm going to learn the language fluently it would be better to start now since I have 2 years before college and it takes about 1 year to 1.5 years to learn a language fluently. Im currently learning chinese. I would like someone online to help me learn japenese though. Im pretty sure I'll be done learning chinese fluently before I get to college but I want to go to college in Japan. I have a headset so I can communicate online and I also have a facebook, a youtube acount, multiple yahoo acounts(of course), a gmail acount, a cell phone , and many gaming acounts. Can someone help me learn japenese please give me some way of contacting you such as email, game, phone,facebook, youtube. You can find me just about anywere because my username no matter what im doing is kjeeze (except for facebook). So please someone help me because I heard it was better to immerse yourself in the language than to try and take the acadimec route. Im taking the acadimec route for chinese but while I'm studying chinese I would like to get a head start on Japenese. So those who can help please help. :)
PS. I would prefer to have someone who either grew up in japan or went there and can communicate fluently with the locals.

Answer:

There is no quick and easy way to learn Japanese. It takes a lot of dedication and motivation to succeed.

The best way to learn Japanese is by taking a class, enrolling in a course or investing in a good textbook. If you can't take classes then the self-study method with the correct resources is a good way.

The key to learning Japanese effectively is 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
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2011…

• An Introduction to Modern Japanese by Osamu Mizutani & Nobuko Mizutani
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2011…

• Japanese Demystified by Eriko Sato a self-teaching guide
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2011…

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.

I also recommend trying to learn a certain amount of vocab or kanji each day as this helps you build up your vocab and kanji ability. I tried to learn 5 kanji per day or about 20 a week and did the same with vocab.

Watching Japanese anime or any Japanese TV program is a good idea for improving your listening skills and also your vocabulary. Keep a notebook and jot down any new words you hear. Then look them up and find out the meaning.

Websites are not always the best way to learn Japanese. Most websites are run by people with no teaching credentials and are not even native speakers of Japanese. Some of them are just interested in making money and not in helping you in what you need to be successful in learning Japanese.

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

Do you think Japan is westernising?

Question:

Stricter censorship; Japan will have its own 4kids soon.

American influence; After WWII took away samurai's bushido code and forced various American morals and ways onto Japan. Which has slightly changed things although for better or worse?

Change in diet; The Japanese diet is one of the healthiest diets in the world, tastes great and is simple to make. Burgers and Fried Chicken don't really compare.

Views on Appearance; Japanese people in Japan who believe that they are unattractive because they have traditional Japanese features. Surgery to make faces look more western, which is just sad. = (

Those things aside, I think it would be best for Japan to keep on being Japanese, I've never been to the country, and It’s not for me as a foreign person to tell them how to be, but for years I've been interested in Japan, since I was a young kid, although I discovered Japan through sushi and anime mostly Pokémon and spirited away.
As I've gotten older I've come to respect after learning more about the people and their ways although they are not perfect and they don’t claim to be or try to be; But I like that they're reserved, hard working, intelligent, quiet, interesting and they're respectful and proud of their country. I just wouldn't want to see their country turn into a westernised shadow of itself, and they have picked up some habits form America.

And also I want to go to Japan eventually (if I like it enough even live there) but a constant recurring fear is that as a foreigner from a western country who isn't rich or blond, that they might write me of as another foreigner or wapanese, and sometimes it's hard because I really respect them but they might not respect me, but I'll deal with that situation when it's time to deal with it.

Anyway I just would like to know what any of you think about what I'm saying. I would also like an answer from either a Japanese person or someone who lives/has lived in Japan, please thanks.

P.S I've always been a bit of an outsider since I've gone back and forth between the US and the UK.

P.P.S I'm learning the language.

P.P.P.S I don't hate America and Britain I like them they have a special qualities of their own and I'm sure there are some good things that the west have introduced to Japan. Nevertheless I'm really interested in Japan.

P.P.P.P.S I’m part Asian one of my great grandmother was pure Chinese.

Answer:

Frankly speaking, I think you have a fantasy view of Japan.

The Meiji restoration of the late 1800s essentially got rid of the Samuari to begin with.

>>Change in diet; The Japanese diet is one of the healthiest diets in the world, tastes great and is simple to make. Burgers and Fried Chicken don't really compare.<<

Westernization or just the convenience of city life? Japan still has the highest lifespan of any other people's on earth. Don't like KFC? DON'T EAT IT! SIMPLE isn't it?

>>Views on Appearance; Japanese people in Japan who believe that they are unattractive because they have traditional Japanese features. Surgery to make faces look more western, which is just sad. = (<<

Without having ever been to Japan how can you come to that conclusion? Again the vast majority of Japanese people don't think this way. You might be thinking of a plastic surgery country like Korea...

>>>>Those things aside, I think it would be best for Japan to keep on being Japanese, I've never been to the country, and It’s not for me as a foreign person to tell them how to be, but for years I've been interested in Japan, since I was a young kid, although I discovered Japan through sushi and anime mostly Pokémon and spirited away.
As I've gotten older I've come to respect after learning more about the people and their ways although they are not perfect and they don’t claim to be or try to be; But I like that they're reserved, hard working, intelligent, quiet, interesting and they're respectful and proud of their country. I just wouldn't want to see their country turn into a westernised shadow of itself, and they have picked up some habits form America. <<<

THAT EXPLAINS IT! You have a fantasy view of what Japan really is.

Don't confuse modernization as Americanization. Japan has been modernizing itself since the Meiji Period, if it wasn't for the industrialization of the Meiji period, Japan wouldn't be the Japan you see today. It will still be some fantasy land with Samuari and Ninjias running about.

I think Japan is a modern nation keeping up with the times but uniquely keeping it Japanese. Japan has always adopted many things from many countries and turned it into it's own unique Japanese way.

How can I get icecream imported from Japan?

Question:

At this point I'm willing to pay almost anything to get Sea Salt Icecream from Tokyo Disney Sea imported to America. I've tried the online recipe a good dozen times and it just doesn't taste the same in the least bit. How can I get a package imported? Who do I contact and how would it have to be shipped?

Answer:

Unfortunately, they are sold exclusively at Tokyo Disney Sea and one of seasonal items.

Try this (you need sing-up):
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm6634304

What do I say when somebody dies?

Question:

As in how do you offer your condolences? Im in Japan and one of my friend's relatives just passed away and I know in America you'd say something something along the lines of "I'm sorry to hear that" or "May he/she rest in peace" . I think its "Okuyami wo Moushiagemasu"(おくやみをもうしあげます） but I'm not sure and I'm too embarrassed to ask somebody about it so if anybody could tell me I'd appreciate it.

Answer:

If you are not native speaker of Japanese, it's not appropriate to use Japanese with inappropriate accent in this particular case. Somebody might be offended.
You'd better say, "I'm sorry to hear that" in English. Most Japanese can understand it, and you can express your feeling without misunderstanding.

Has japan recovered ?

Question:

Answer:

Not very well, if you mean damages from the tsunami. Thousands of people are still living in shelters. The nuke plants are leaking radioactive water into the sea. In some areas kids can't go outside and play at recess time. A few kids have been found to have higher than normal radioactive levels in their body.
The nuke plants are shut down. This affects areas as far away as Tokyo.
It will take years to recover, up to a point. Many areas will never be the same. This have changed that area for ever.

Are there any stationary stores in little Tokyo, Los Angeles?

Question:

I was looking for cute japeneese school supplies

Answer:

The Little Tokyo Shopping Center on the corner of 3rd St & Alameda St. has several stores within the mall that specialize in that kind of stuff. Don't know the names, though, but they are within feet of eah other.

What are some stores in Little Tokyo?

Question:

I am going to Little Tokyo in LA and I want cute stationary stuff. Any ideas?

Answer:

The Little Tokyo Shopping Center on the corner of 3rd St & Alameda St. has several stores within the mall that specialize in that kind of stuff.

Why can't North Korea give back Megumi Yokota!!!!?

Question:

Read this article:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Girl+a…

As you can see, she is still alive but can't be given back because she knows too many "state secrets" BS!!! That is just crap!!! Ms. Yokota deserves to be with her parents who have never given up hope! Why can't they just give her back and all the suffering? why?

Answer:

As you say, she knows "too much" about the dark side of North Korea, in particular, the top secrets of Kim Jong Ill family.
I do hope she is still alive, but the possibility may be 50-50.

Human life is oftentimes illogical and harsh, beyond our control and explanations. Her life is certainly tragical. But is that more so than 220,000+ people killed by A-bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Is she more unfortunate than 20.000+ people killed in the tsunami disaster on Mar 11 in Japan? I cannot answer.

Yokota Megumi-san was abducted by North Korean agents when she was 13 years old, and now she is 47, if she is still alive. Most probably, she has accepted her unfortunate destiny in North Korea by now. It was reported that she was married, and had a daughter in 1987, named Kim Hegyon (or, Ungyon). It was reported a few days ago that Hegyon (who is 24 years old this year) has just got married with a North Korean man.
The times, they are a-changing. I know Megumi-san knows that.

What's a good present for a Japanese baby?

Question:

My cousin(who is Japanese and lives in Japan) just had her first baby, a boy. I want to send a present but what am I expected to send? My relatives are VERY big about doing things the proper Japanese way. Preferably something lightweight because it has a long way to travel and shipping charges are outrageous.

Answer:

Soft Toys would be nice.
http://www.growingtreetoys.com/category/…

Japanese surnames i need help?

Question:

hey guys umm i was looking for a last name similar to amano because the english meaning means heavenly field and im looking for a surname similar to that oh btw im using it to make a character the japanese culture really inspires so im learning (^_^) arigato gozaimasu

Answer:

If you are talking about pronunciation by similar, there are names like

山野 yamano
川野 kawano

>oh and what does aizawa and aihara men

It depends on which kanji is used. There is no fixed answer only from this alphabet names.

One example is,,

ai: love,
zawa: I don't think this means something particular.
hara: field

How do you say 'sleep well' (to a friend) in Japanese?

Question:

Answer:

"oyasumi" - goodnight
"ii yume o" - sweet dreams

Is Japanese a hard language to learn?

Question:

I definitely am going to visit Japan some day. I love the culture & food so I was wondering how hard it is to learn Japanese?

Your opinions & personal experiences are greatly appreciated.

Answer:

I don't think it's as hard as others and certainly not as hard as English. The grammatical patterns are fairly simple and very regular with relatively few exceptions compared to English which has ten exceptions for every rule (especially for pronunciation). There are only five vowel sounds that only have one pronunciation each. If you can remember those five sounds you should be able to pronounce practically anything.

The daunting part of Japanese is, of course, their written language. 2000 kanjis to learn to be at Jr High level. And 101 simple phonetic characters.

There is also the issue of their informal/semi-formal/polite speech levels which adds completely new dimensions to the language. Most classes concentrate on semi-formal which will keep you from getting beat up or laughed at.

There's no having to remember masculine/feminine words like French or Spanish

There's no five-levels of tones that completely change words like Chinese. There are simple intonation changes but it should not keep you from being understood through the context of your conversation no matter how bad you may be.

There's no inflected vowel sounds as there are in so many European languages.

Things like Western sports (baseball, football, soccer, basketball, etc.), computer technology, and other areas that aren't traditionally of Japanese origin in the last century or so, borrow heavily from English and other languages so much that you may already know the vocabulary/terminology for a lot of things and don't even know it.

While certainly not easy, it gets my vote for easier.

What is your impression about Japan and Japanese?

Question:

Answer:

Oh gosh... well it's hard for me to generalise. Everyone everywhere is different and has their own traits and personality and beliefs. I love Japan and a lot of Japanese culture, but I don't think it's flawless.

I love the fashion in Japan. Yes it can be very label-focused or a bit gaudy, but I was amazed at how well-dressed everyone looks! I mean, everybody seemed to wear their best and take a lot of pride in their appearance, which is great. Personally speaking, I find a lot of Japanese very attractive to look at as well.

I think the work culture in Japan is awful. I could see people sitting in their offices till quite late at night, and I know a lot of this is down to cultural pressure to stay longer or until the boss leaves, and not necessarily be working hard all those hours. Everyone walking along in the same suits at rush hour... that would really grind me down.

People-wise... well, there's such a mix and I hate to paint everyone with the same brush. The politeness is good, but personally I found it a little stiff and unnerving at times. Maybe a little two-faced sometimes (I mean people come across as polite, but you think that it's forced). Some genuinely lovely people too, who go to embarrassingly extreme lengths to help out!
I would prefer bowing to shaking hands... probably more hygienic!

I think the attitude to foreigners is often at best naive and at worst unhealthy and damaging. The impression I got is that a lot of Japanese people feel foreign people are like another species... and honestly, people are not that different wherever you go. I was so embarrassed and unnerved by being stared at and photographed all the time! Sometimes it was kind of nice, because people would be very sweet but other times the attention was really horrible and I even got forced out of a cafe by this old guy once in Kyoto.... A lot of xenophobia around. I'd stress that not everyone was like this though.

Tokyo is a lot more boring than I thought it would be! A lot of this 'crazy' stuff that people outside Japan think you can buy/do there is pretty hard to find, or rather I've seen a lot of the same things here in the UK. I didn't really like Tokyo at all. The teenage girls in Harajuku are also often pretty intimidating and a lot of them seem very vain. One even bared her teeth at me!

I like a lot of the food, even natto and omochi, which I don't think a lot of foreigners would like. Some of the traditional food's a bit bland, but still pleasant to eat.

There are so many electricity lines around! When I think of Japan I think of electricity/telephone wires! I know this is because of potential damage to underground cables in earthquakes.

Hakone/Mt Fuji has a lot of tourist traps... and lots of cheesy gift shops!

Trying to think of what else... Well, basically I think Japan is a really interesting place because it can be so different to the UK. It intrigues me. The art is beautiful, as is much of the literature and history. I love reading about the Heian period, and the poems. The mix of old and new- postmodernism- in Japan is really something else.

I have a lot of impressions!

What Does This Mean in English?

Question:

じょうずにかけていますよ.

Is this saying something like you've got skill or whatnot?
I don't mean translating it to roomaji because I know Hiragana. Thank you for your help. ^^

Answer:

かけて could mean more than 1 thing. So it depends on context. It could mean drawing for 1.

>じょうずにかけていますよ.

You are drawing it well.

Searching near Kawasaki Japan ?

Question:

Answer:

searching for what?

What's the romaji for this Japanese name?

Question:

Hi I would like to know what's the romaji for this Japanese name?

琉月

Thanks!

Answer:

I would read "ryuugetsu"

琉 usually stands for Ryukyu (Okinawa)
月 Moon

But there seems to be female names that read;
Ruu
Ruuna
Runa
Ruru
http://ejje.weblio.jp/content/%E7%90%89%…
-

Can you use sunchang doenjang in the place of miso paste for Japanese recipes?

Question:

Answer:

Yes definitely. Korean doenjang is made from fermented soybeans in the same way that Japanese miso is. It may have a slightly different taste than Japanese miso, but will be very similar.

You could also try using gochujang which also contains chilli paste to make a Korean style spicy miso soup!

I recently write a recipe for Korean style spicy miso soup:
http://www.japancentre.com/recipes/225

Is there going to be a second generation for JKT48?

Question:

I wanted to audition for the first one but I was too late. My boyfriend really likes AKB48 (he knows all the members) and I really really wanted to get into JKT48!! :((

Is there any chance that they'll have a second generation?

Answer:

There is no actual plan to have its 2nd generation now. You just have to wait and see if there is.

I love you Japan I will be Patient =D?

Question:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcwcBFQGT…

Answer:

ooooh yeah ooooh yeah, you like that

Does anyone know where I can find some JLPT N3 exercises for listening?

Question:

I live in a country that doesn't have good trading relationship with Japan, so when it comes to education related books, we have to find stuff on the internet. 仕方ないね.
So please, if you know a good site that shares learning materials, I'll be very grateful.

Answer:

I don't think there is much out there. The N3 is only a few years old and the JLPT organization stopped publishing their materials. I think your only option, considering the test you want to take, is to order a book. If you can't order from Japan, can you order materials from the U.S? If so, there are tons of stores that carry them. In addition to Amazon (which does international shipping), there is my personal favorite:
http://www.thejapanshop.com/

I know the owner personally and they will probably ship to you if you contact him and explain the conditions.
Sorry, I don't think you are likely to find anything online for the N3, especially for listening.

What are Veg protien foods?

Question:

Answer:

There are lots of great Japanese food that are rich in protein. Some of my favourites are:

Seaweed - rich in protein, omega-3 fats, zinc, iron, selenium and iodine.

Miso - made from fermented soybean and a rich source of protein, fibre and B vitamins.

Tofu - low in calories with little fat. It is high in iron, calcium, magnesium and protein.

Shitake Mushrooms - provide good amounts of protein and fibre.

Healthy Japanese Food
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2011…

How much do you think it should cost to go to japan?

Question:

im from philippines . so i just want to ask how much will the ticket be for like 90 days.. ofcourse its up to me to decide for the food and the shopping . :D thanks

Answer:

Sort out the visa first before anything else (although i doubt they will give you a visa for 90 days)

MOSHI-MOSHI,Just wanted to ask and know how mr bill-gates is viewed in the wonderful country (JAPAN)?

Question:

IS HE A ROLE MODEL?HOW DO THE JAPANESE VIEW HIM?ARIGATO GOZAIMASU

Answer:

It depends on each person. But he's viewed better than many other rich people are viewed because he made fortune with a fair method (starting Microsoft). Many people are making fortune with suspicious methods.

MOSHI-MOSHI,Just wanted to ask and know how mr bill-gates is viewed in the wonderful country (JAPAN)?

Question:

IS HE A ROLE MODEL?HOW DO THE JAPANESE VIEW HIM?ARIGATO GOZAIMASU

Answer:

| - )

How do the Japanese generally view anime?

Question:

I spent a great part of my life assuming that they loved anime like their first-born child and more than the rest of the world, since, you know, it's one of their greatest cultural exports and all. But lately I've been dismayed to read that many actually disdain anime and treat people who enjoy it with contempt. I'd just like to clarify whether this is true or not. Thanks very much!

Answer:

It's like cartoons here. Some like it, some don't. Mainly kids watch it.

What is a fun thing to do in Kansai?

Question:

Japan.
Not just go to Kyoto. Been there, done that.

Answer:

Have you had the chance to visit Nara, which is close to Kyoto. Nara is an ancient capital of Japan and full of history and old temples.

I also highly recommend Kobe, which is a great International city famous for its food (kobe beef) and entertainment.

Is this grammar correct in japanese?

Question:

あなたは日本人でわありませんか？

Answer:

yeah, it is perfectly fine.
just to check, it means something like "do you happen to be Japanese?"
is this what you trying to say?

Fluent speakers please translate this to japanese?

Question:

i want to go to either uni A or uni B. I want to study property development but our teacher said it's going to be really difficult getting into uni's next year because alot of people are applying. if i can't study property development i'll do technology for 1 year and change to business the next year

*uni=university

Answer:

大学は、AかBのどちらかに行きたいと思っています。不動産学を勉強（専攻）
したいのですが、先生からは｢来年は受験者が多いから、非常に難しいだろう｣
と言われました。
不動産学がだめなら、技術系（理工系）で受験し、初年度はその科に籍を置き、
翌年経営（経営学）の方へ移るつもりです。
-

Cheap night club suggestions in Tokyo on a friday night?

Question:

Answer:

This is the club listing for Sat 5th... coz it's too late to set you up for a friday night out.

http://metropolis.co.jp/listings/clubbin…

What is a popular product or fad in Japan?

Question:

What is the new fad or craze in Japan? Toys, Gadgets, Clothing etc......

Answer:

Kigurumi is nothing innovative. It's been here for decades.

Play Station Vita, a new game machine, will be released in December.

What events are there in this Tokyo this month?

Question:

I arrived here last night and are here for 2 weeks, does anyone know what events are on?

Answer:

Check Tokyo tourism site. But we don't have many events in November.
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/englis…

Is there a way to transfer money from a Japanese bank account to an American credit card account?

Question:

I need to pay off my American credit card via transfer from my Japanese bank account via ATM, I think it costs like 2,500 yen, is it possible?

Answer:

The cheapest, most reliable way to send money from Japan to another country (that I've found) is through Lloyd's. Set up an account with them for free. Transfer money to your Lloyd's account in Japan from your regular Japanese account at the ATM. They will then transfer that money to whatever financial institute you've got on record with them. You might be able to get them to send it directly to your credit card account, or you could just get them to send it to your bank account in the U.S., then send a cheque to your credit card company, or if you have online banking, do it that way.

You'll probably have a small transfer charge from your Japanese account. Then Lloyd's will charge you for the transfer to the U.S. (I can't remember how much it is, but it's cheaper than the other banks in Japan). Your receiving bank in the U.S. will also charge you for the transfer.

I think in total I was paying around $50 in transfer fees for each transaction.

What does this mean (Japanese)?とこ　が　れｓつろんつ　で　おおい　で…

Question:

Answer:

Where did you get this?.....This is horribly wrong and cannot be translated.
But if you still try to connect things it goes something like this:
..this place has lots of restaurants....