I recently applied for a job with the JET Program and when I tell this to people I am often faced with a quizzical look and a question – “What’s that?” Therefore, in the interest of both these people, and perhaps those of you searching online for more information, I’d like to explain it [...]
Tags: english, exchange, Japan, JET Program, teaching
Posted December 23, 2009 by Cory under Japan
Everyone thinks Japan is such a safe country. And for the most part it, it is. The closest you ever get to guns are the ones they sell in the model shop I pass every now and then. They’re pretty good replicas, but they’re not going to allow for any killing sprees. [...]
Tags: crime, Japan, safety, tokyo
Posted June 7, 2009 by Cory under Japan
I’m in the mood for a quick post before I go to bed. Another in the “Japanese Game Center” line of posts. Before I brought you the children’s oriented Pokemon Battorio, this time it’s a rhythm game by Jubeat. Jubeat has the lineage of a fine rhythm game. Before there were the likes of Guitar [...]
Tags: dance dance revolution, ddr, Japan, jubeat, konami, rhythm game, tokyo
Posted May 14, 2009 by Cory under Gaming, Japan, Technology
So I’ll admit to it. There’s a Pikachu in my closet. I keep it there all the time and it doens’t do much. My friend Lydia has Relax-bear stuffed away in hers somewhere. We’ve been looking for a chance to try out these costumes for some time now. Full length character outfits with hoods. They’re pretty [...]
Tags: free hugs, harajuku, Japan, pikachu, tokyo
Posted May 11, 2009 by Cory under Japan
Tokyo is completely overwhelming at times, and on the flip side there are times when things just seem to fit. Today was one of those days. Nothing particularly special. Class in the morning. I ran into both of the people who I intended on seeing in the elevator out of the building. That was useful. [...]
Tags: Japan, rainbow, tokyo
Posted May 8, 2009 by Cory under Japan
While adult-oriented video games continue to dominate the market in the US, the staples here remain as cute as ever. (That’s not to say the likes of Master Chief and his buddies haven’t made it over here.) One franchise that I see every day here is Nintendo’s Pokemon. Seriously, it’s never going to die. With [...]
Tags: arcade, Japan, pokemon
Posted January 24, 2009 by Cory under Gaming, Japan
Oh, yeah – that title up there? It reads “nengajyou”. What does that mean? It’s basically a New Year postcard. There are so many fun things that you can do at New Year here, which I basically missed out on. However, I sure got in on this action. It’s essentially like a Christmas card equivalent. [...]
Tags: Japan, new year, post card
Posted January 18, 2009 by Cory under Japan
It’s just about that time. I’m leavin’ on a jet plane, only somewhat certain of when I’ll be back again. Actually, everything all packed, I have one bag to check that weighs in right under the 50 pound limit, a carry on and a sling bag for my laptop. Overall I’m impressed with how that [...]
Tags: airplane, flying, Japan, jet lag, leaving, overcome
Posted September 13, 2008 by Cory under Japan
With approximately three weeks left, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about this. I am starting to compile a list of things I think will be useful to have with me.
-About a week’s worth of clothes. (Frequent laundry should make this possible.)
-A few nice outfits.
-Warm coat.
-Tennis shoes, dress shoes, and sandals.
-Swimsuit.
-Towel(s).
-5 sticks [...]
Tags: Japan, luggage, packing, trip
Posted August 22, 2008 by Cory under Japan
