Mandatory Bills in Japan

I can't wait for salary day. After the incurring large expenses during the winter break, I am barely getting by. This situation gave me the idea to share some of the incredible bills here in Japan.

1. National and Local Taxes

Unlike in the Philippines, people working in Japan pay two types of taxes- one for the national government and one for the city they are residing. Also, it is impossible to evade taxes in Japan even if you are a foreigner. A Jamaican friend has two part-time jobs. She did not file her taxes in one of her jobs. The government ordered her company to deduct the unpaid taxes from her last salary. I also heard some stories of foreigners being held up in the airport until they pay their dues. 

2. National Health Insurance

National Health Card
photo credit: http://dental-japan.blogspot.jp/

Everyone in Japan should be enrolled in National Health Insurance even if you are a foreigner. Companies should enroll their employees to the national health insurance and pay half of the amount. To evade this, some companies (mine included) will only require their workers to work for 29.5 hours in a week. This is skirting the law which mandates companies to enroll employees working for at least 30 hours a week. In short, I have to pay the full amount of my insurance. Worse, the insurance amount doubles by the second year. And what I hate most is that I can't even find a hospital or clinic catering to foreigners. 

(How to Use the National Health Card, click here.)

3. National Pension

Japan Pension Book
photo credit: http://hoofin.wordpress.com/tag/japan-national-pension/

This is my bill that I hate the most because I know I'm just wasting my money here. For Japanese, this is great since it will ensure a comfortable life in their old age. But for foreigners like me who just plan to stay for 3 to 5 years, this national pension is irrational. ALT's in their second year will be paying as much as 20,000 Yen monthly for this pension. 20,000 Yen is not a small amount. Furthermore, I am also paying a similar thing in my country. Some countries have bilateral agreements with Japan that exempt their citizens from this. Sadly, my country doesn't have it. 

(For more on Getting Old in Japan, click here.)

4. NHK TV Broadcast Contract

NHK is Japan's National Broadcasting Company. Residents, foreigners or not, who own a TV must pay them a certain amount. For a foreigner like me, this is an unnecessary burden since I don't watch TV. It just so happens that my apartment has a TV since it was furnished when I moved in. 

When I first came here, I was puzzled why a lot of foreigners stay only for a year up to 3 years. Japan is clean and safe. Salary is okay. After several months now and lots of foreigners met, the unending bills is one of the most common reasons. I can perfectly understand why. See, how could I pay these bills when just a few additional expenses left me almost broke. 

To be fair, I understand why I have to pay taxes so I am okay with paying No. 1. But I hope that: 

1. the Japanese government can do something about companies like mine who find ways to cut their share in the health insurance

2. foreigners who only has one year visas should not be obliged to join the National Pension 

3. furnishing TV sets in apartments be optional. 

Beware of NHK's Sales People

A guy from NHK came to my apartment last night. Since I have a TV, I thought that he's going to check something about it. I only know little Japanese, I let him in. When I pointed the TV, he took my name and asked me to sign a form. I was about to complete filling the application form when he mentioned that I have to pay 2400 Yen. Internet and water utilities are included in my monthly rent so I got puzzled why I have to pay for a TV channel. I seldom watch TV shows because I cannot understand them.

photo credit: www.tailoringforwomen.com

When I asked him why do I have to pay, he said that people in Japan pay NHK. At least, this is what I've understood from what he was saying. I asked if other people in the apartment complex also pay and he said yes. He insisted that I should pay. And although he was smiling, I started being annoyed with him. He wanted me finish the form and pay him.

Unsure of what I am doing, I told him that I will go first to my company the following day and have them explain to me this NHK payment. He said I have to do it now. I slightly raise my voice and told him that I don't understand Japanese and I don't know why I have to pay. I asked him to just come back the following day. In my mind, I was shoving him out of my door. Still smiling in his annoying way, he hand me a brochure and went his way.

(See more articles on technology, here.)

The next day, (today) I asked a Japanese teacher what the brochure meant. She said that it was an optional service of NHK. I DON'T HAVE to PAY if I don't want to avail their service. I feel relieved for not completing the form and giving money to that man. The Japanese teacher even said that NHK sales people can be annoying because they just buzz randomly on people's houses and offer their products. She said that it is good that I asked first because there are some salesperson who take advantage of foreigners because they cannot understand them.

So good luck to that NHK salesman, I will not open my doors for him again. 

Bad Luck Comes in Three's plus One: One Bad Day in Japan

From bank rejections to immigration issues, from an almost-imprisonment to a money-draining situation. These made my day yesterday- a series of unfortunate events.

I filed for a half-day yesterday to process some personal documents. It was a failure and the half-day felt like a waste. To assuage my frustration, I just tried to reflect the things I have learned from yesterday's experiences. 

Here are some of them:

1. Have a hanko when opening a new bank account. 

hanko
photo credit: http://www.jun-gifts.com/personalizedgifts/hanko/hanko1/hanko1.htm

I went to three banks- Mizuho, MUFJ and SMBC. They all turned me down because I don't have a hanko. A hanko is a like a stamp with your name in Japanese characters on it. Japanese use this in place of a signature. Although I've read in the net that I can apply without a hanko, all three banks required me to have one. 

2. Call immigration for needed documents when applying for "Permission to Engage in Other Activities" visa. 

This visa "Permission to Engage in Other Activities" are for people who are planning to earn money outside the type of visa they have. I have an instructor visa- applicable to teachers for Grade School to High School. I plan to do have some Business English classes for a company which is outside the scope of my current visa. Following the instructions on the net, I filled-out a document and only brought my passport and residence card. The immigration staff said I had to present other documents. Pissed off already with bank rejections, I complained I just followed the instructions on their website. The staff just told me that I had to pass the other documents and that I should called first. Right!

3. Always park your bike on the right place. 

bike parking
photo credit: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-japan-bicycle-parking-lot-image19243044

Months ago, I had to pay 1000 Yen because my bike was parked illegally. I didn't know that the place where I parked was illegal. Several bikes are also parked there. This happened again yesterday. I was just parking my bike when a police officer approached me. I almost cried cause I don't want to pay 1000 Yen and I was already frustrated. I pointed to the other bikes and I said I really didn't know. I said sorry a lot of times. I think I really looked pitiful that he gave in and did not issue me a ticket. 

4. Make sure to have your bike registered to your name. 

To add to illegal parking, part of the reason why I was almost in tears was that I cannot produce my bike's registration. In Japan, it is illegal to ride a bicycle not your own. My bike was given to me by another ALT. It was registered in her name. So added to illegal parking, the police officer can assume I stole the bike. The punishment of that is a hefty fine and a possible imprisonment. As I have said in Number 3, the police officer was kind enough to let me go. He also advised me to remove the bike's current number, have another number and register it to my name. I will definitely do that!

5. Always make sure you follow the rules in your Sports Club

To cap off the day, I had to shell out 9000 Yen. This is to pay the monthly due of the fitness center I use. I went there last January 6 to have my membership discontinued. The staff I talked with agreed. Then 2 weeks after, I receive a payment notice so I went to the center to have it explained to me. I explained my part. The staff explained that I should have given my notice last December and then he pointed out the regulations of the center. I asked why did the other staff said it was okay already. The staff just kept on pointing on the regulation. I reasoned that I was not in the area on the two weeks that they are accepting membership wiithdrawal. The staff just said that I should have read the rule book and filed my withdrawal before I left. In short, I have no choice but to pay. I have accepted my part in the situation but I also felt that the first staff I talked to should also explain why she said it was still okay. She should have at least said sorry to me for the misinformation. 

All the events felt surreal. I can't believe all these things are happening in one day. I could hum 'I had a bad day...' But I'm glad it was just ONE day compared to other good days and the better days that are ahead of me. 

Places to Meet English-Speaking Foreigners in Japan

I met two ladies lately who are living reclusively when they came to Japan. They were sociable people back in the US but they have learned to live in 'isolation' here in Japan. One of them would always look forward to long weekends because she can go to her boyfriend in Yokohama (which is very far from Hamamatsu.) Other than that, she just stays at home on weekends on Skype. What's even more surprising for me is that the only place she has been to in Hamamatsu is the Station. She also hasn't eaten in some popular places in the area. The other girl knows some people in Japan but they are not in Hamamatsu. So, she also stays home on weekends and chat on Skype all day. She tries to hang out with some Japanese people but she feels quite frustrated in dealing with them due to language barriers.

Both ladies told me how they miss interacting with people in person who can understand English. I can feel their frustration because I have been in their situation the first two months that I was here. No friends to hang out with, no plans on the weekend, no life other than Skype .It wasn't only until I begin to take steps in knowing people that I established a social circle. 

For me, here are the best places to meet English-speaking people in Japan: 

1. Your Company

I think most companies who hire foreigners also have other employees who can speak English. Be friendly at the workplace and try to spot people who can speak English. In my case, I asked people in the office if there are other ALT's living near me. One of the staff was kind enough to introduce me to another ALT. That other ALT became my gateway to meet other English-speaking people. 

2. Starbucks 

photo credit: http://www.edgemontvillage.com/starbucks/

I only hanged out at Starbucks twice alone. In both times, I've met people who eventually became my friends. I did not plan to meet people but I did and I am grateful. In my recollection, I just stayed on a seat next to some foreigners. I smiled at them and before we knew it we're already talking. They key here is to find friendly faces who seem open to a conversation. So why in Starbucks anyway? I think it's because Starbucks is a familiar place for foreigners that a lot of them hang out there.  

3. Churches 

Hamamatsu Church of the Savior, the church I go to every Sunday
photo credit: http://hskchurch.com/

A church with an English-speaking service is the best place to meet people, I think. Half of the people that I hang out with most of the time are people whom I met in the church. What's even great is that we share the same faith. If you are an atheist or not really religious, I would still recommend to try finding a church if only for the sake of meeting other people. I think churches in Japan acknowledge how people go to church not only for spiritual reasons but also to socialize. Almost every Sunday, churches have some programs or celebrations after the mass or service. This gives them a reason to stay longer in the church and get to know others. 

4. Japanese Classes

photo credit: http://www.saultcareercentre.ca/2012/01/japanese-classes-starting-in-january/

You're certain to meet foreigners if you attend Japanese classes. Most of you are foreigners for sure. However, not everyone can speak in English. Based on experience, only few Americans and British attend Japanese classes. But even so, I'm still happy to meet other foreigners. We usually go out after the classes and practice what we have learned. 

(See Free Japanese Classes, here.)

I'm not very friendly back in my country. But the isolation I felt here stirred up the sleeping Ms. Congeniality in me. I became less suspicious and more open to people. I learned to take opportunities to make friends. I began to initiate speaking to people. I know that if I wasn't willing to take these steps, I would still be a lone ranger in Japan just like the two ladies I've met.

My Personal Bus Space: Bus Commuting in Japan

I have no qualms sitting next to a stranger. As long as he doesn't smell and seems decent, I'm okay to share seats in buses and trains. I also don't feel the need to ask permission to occupy a vacant seat. This is not so in Japan. A passenger's seat is not only the seat he is occupying but also the seat(s) next to him.

Japan bus
photo credit: http://busexplorer.com/PHP/MidPage.php?id=1671

In buses, it is common to see a lot of empty seats but also a lot of standing passengers. For me, it actually looks ridiculous. The aisle of the bus is crowded but there are empty seats. In my mind, why can't all of you who are standing just sit down and enjoy a comfortable ride? Once, a bus driver reprimanded those who are standing because passengers at the back had a hard time going off the bus. At last, someone said some sense, I thought. 

The silent protocol when riding a bus is that once a two-seater is taken by a passenger, you have to respect his space which includes the seat next to him. You have to find another seat. If all the seats are taken, either you stand or ask for permission. It's like asking the other person if it's fine to share the seat. When I first came to Japan, I would just seat anywhere and people would glance at me. I do this even now. In my mind, 'I'm also paying for my fare so I have every right to this seat.' It's not that I am trying to be disrespectful, it's more on making a point based on common sense.

Then there's the misinterpretation of Priority Seats. A teacher once asked me whether students can sit down on these priority seats. I said yes and the students were surprised by my answer. They said that those seats are just for old people, handicapped and pregnant women. I had to explain that you can sit on those seats if there are no old people, handicapped and pregnant women. I know they didn't believe me. 

Students are also the worst bus passengers for me. In bus terminals, they are the ones who would usually stick themselves in the line to get on the bus. When they find a vacant seat, they would occupy one of the two seats while their bags also occupy the seat next to them. And most of the time, they are the ones who keep on standing, blocking the aisle, when there are a lot of available seats. 

(See more on Children in Japan, here)

But besides these seemngly odd commuting behavior, riding a bus in Japan is an efficient means of transport. Buses are clean and on time with polite and helpful drivers. I cannot say that about buses in other Asian countries. 

Help Me, Please!: Being Helpful in Japan

I have been pushing a big TV along the school's hallways for a week. I needed it to project a powerpoint presentation in most of my classes. Although it's on a cart with wheels, it was still heavy to push. For a week that I have been pushing it in almost every class, no student tried to extend help. When I pass, they would just move away. Some would totally ignore me. And then there are also some students whom I need to raise my voice to move away. (With that big TV, I think it's common sense to unblock the way.)

(See more on Japanese Children here)

I find the student's unhelpful behavior puzzling. These are the same students who would fetch me at the teacher's room and carry my things, (usually just a book and some light materials). Casually, I asked a teacher who also uses the TV if students help her. She said if the students knows that the'll be using the TV, they would get it for her and set it up in the room. If not, she said she manages on her own. This behavior is odd to me. For me, it's about being helpful even if you don't know. I mean seriously who plans to open and close doors for people who have full hands? Who plans to help lift a heavy load of others? Things like this just happen. You just have to be willing to extend some little help when a need arise. But the Japanese think otherwise. 

HELP!
photo credit: http://www.illustrationsof.com/99647-royalty-free-help-clipart-illustration

A Japanese friend who lived in the US for several years explained that Japanese people tend to help when you asked them for it. This is not being 'unhelpful' for them. This is actually 'saving your face.' Japanese people are hesitant to extend help, especially to foreigners, because the person being helped might feel embarrassed. However, once you ask for their help they will do their best to help you out. I totally agree with this. Everytime I would ask someone on the street for directions, he/she would really try to find a way to show me the way or get me there. Sometimes even if they don't know the way, they would really do their best to find someone who can help me. The key is to ask for help. Once you ask for their help, it becomes their responsibility to help you. 

(More on Japanese Culture, here.)

As for the students who carry my things, they are actually class leaders who have the responsibility to help the teachers. They help me out not because they like me or because they are helpful. So their being 'helpful' and 'unhelpful' does not really mean anything. It's just part of their job. Again, it is their responsibility to help you. 

This concept of helping contrasts with how I was raised. Helping is not a responsibility. It is an option. People who help are just kind enough to lend a hand. If no one is kind enough, no one will help. But if someone is, you will just be grateful that someone is there even without you asking. On the other hand, the Japanese concept of helping focuses on the one who needs help. If you have the guts, ask for help. If not, bear your own burden. You're lucky if someone is responsible to help you. You're unlucky if someone asks for your help in difficult situation. They become your responsibility.

So as for me, the next time I'll need the TV, I'll certainly ask for help from the class leaders. I think it's a simple thing to ask with no pride at stake. Also, it's their responsibility to help. 

What Happened to Shizuka?: Doraemon's Henti Version

I didn't realize the extent of henti anime in Japan until last week. I was browsing the net in search for images of Shizuka of Doraemon. I need a picture of her for a lesson. Then came the third page of the search results. I was surprised to find a naked Shizuka smiling innocently while sitting on the edge of a tub suggestively. I got curious so I clicked the picture and voila! Right before my eyes is Shizuka's nude body in a larger frame. The  image was from a henti site. I had to close it right away cause I was in school. I don't want to be accused of browsing porn sites.

Shizuka, a young nice girl in Doraemon
photo credit: http://doraemon.wikia.com/wiki/File:Shizuka.gif

I should have stopped there but I didn't. I viewed the search results again and found more images of Shizuka as an adult with Nobita. There was even one with Doraemon. On the first glance, it looked hilarious. But I also thought what kind of people would think of turning Shizuka, a young nice girl in an anime for kids, into a porn star. I was also wondering why would they want to pair her up with Doraemon, a robot cat? I think Suneo and Gian would be more acceptable.

Nobita and Shizuka
photo credit: http://rajadankuda.blogspot.jp/2011_02_01_archive.html

I shouldn't have been really shocked. Back in high school, some of my guy classmates share henti mangas. The only henti scene I have seen is that a sexual encounter between Dennis and Vincent of Ghost Fighter. It just looked grossly funny to me that I didn't become curious of searching for more henti anime.

Doraemon main cast
photo credit: http://the-gewos.blogspot.jp/2009/06/doraemon-cat-robot-from-22d-century.html

But even with my age now, I am still surprised with what I saw. I'm not naive, just really really surprised. Without sounding condescending, I think turning young girls (and boys) into lustful objects is not good. Who in their right mind would look lustfully on young ones? More so, why would you even think about it?

Also, I think the proliferation of henti manga and anime in Japan is a manifestation of sexual problems. Could it be that in Japan's very polite society, men and women resort a lot to sexual fanstasies bordering to perversion?  I'm just guessing and trying to play psychologist.

As I have stated, I was shocked that the anime characters I grew up have henti counterparts. If I'm going to be deep and philosophical about it, I would say that a part of my childhood felt violated. At the same time, I can also commend the creator of Doraemon's henti version for being (perversely) creative. But I am still shocked and I know I would't look at Doraemon, Nobita and Shizuka the same way as before.

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Tracts of sloping sands overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a perfect view of sunrises make Nakatajima Sand Dunes worth a visit. 

There are only two places where I have seen tracts of sand- one in Ilocos, Philippines and the other one in Hamamatsu, Japan. Comparing the two sand dunes I can say without bias that the one in the Philippines is much better. It's wider, sand is whiter, slope more interesting and there are more activities. Nakatajima pales into comparison. However, I would still say that Nakatajima is still worth seeing.

Here are the reasons: 

1. It's near Hamamatsu Station. 

Nakatajima is accessible. I think that alone makes it a good sightseeing place. For someone like me who doesn't have a car, I really like it when I can go go to a place by bus or train. For less than 20 minutes from the main station, I can already enjoy a good view of the ocean and just feel one with nature. 

How to Get There:

Take the Number 4 Bus from the Bus Terminal at Hamamatsu Station.

Bus 4 is on Terminal or Pole 6. Alight at Nakatajima Sakyu and you're there!

(For Places to See Near Hamamatsu Station, click here)

2. It has a clear and perfect view of sunrise and sunset. 

Since Nakatajima is part of the Pacific Ocean shoreline, it gives a very good view of the sunrise. I went here llast January 1 to witness the first sunrise of the year. There were a lot of people even with the bone-chilling and blood-freezing wind. And I can't blame them, the view was just breathtaking. 

first sunrise at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/Hatsumode-hatsuhinode.php

(See more on the First Sunrise of the Year here.)

3. The sand changes color depending on the time of the day. 

I've been to Nakatajima three times in different times of the day. Sunset is a a good time to see the sands change colors yellowish to orange to pink to purple then black. It's like the sands mirror the colors of the sky. 

Purple sands at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

4. It got a good view of the ocean. 

I'm a water-lover so just a sight of the crashing waves of the ocean gets me excited. Practically speaking, there's really nothing to see except waters, waves and some rocks. Swimming is not allowed. Even walking on the waters is prohibited. But there's just something about the ocean that soothes and relaxes me. It just allows me to reflect. It provides a respite from life's stresses. 

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with the Pacific shoreline
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nakatajima_Sand_Dunes_6.jpg

(For another water tourist spot in Hamamatsu, Lake Hamana, click here)

5. It's across a park and a museum. 

Aside from sightseeing, there's nothing to do on Nakatajima Sand Dunes. I only know that annual kite festivals are held there. Aside from that and the New Year's first sunrise, Nakatajima is just a quiet tract of land for the most part of the year. Good thing is just across the sand dunes, a museum can be visited. There's also a park for picnics and simple relaxation. 

Festival Pavillion across Nakatajima Sakyu
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with its view of the sunset and sunrise, sunset and the ocean offers me a brief getaway from the mudane things of daily life. 

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Salt-Water of Lake Hamana

A torii in the middle of its waters, a large water area, a cycle track around it and numerous onsens around it. These and more are some of the things that characterize the tenth largest lake- Lake Hamana.

I have been to Lake Hamana for four times already- two in summer, fall and winter. I always look forward to the sunset at the lake hoping that I would witness the sunset captured in travel brochures such as the one below. So far, I haven't seen one like that but I enjoy the view nonetheless.

sunset at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/the-torii-and-the-sunset.php

On two occasions, I have rented a bike and cycled around the track- from Bentenjima to Kanzanji Onsen. It took me 3 hours back and forth. Bicycles can be rented in various sites for 500 Yen from 8 am to 4 pm. I always rented mine at Bentenjima.

The bicycle track offers various views of the lake. I passed by a camping site, a fishing site, a small jetski port, a long (and tiring) bridge, a small park, a windsurfing area. I also passed by the Flower Park just a few minutes passed the bridge. On both times, my final destination is the Kanzanji Beach just opposite of the onsen sites. The big ferris wheel at Hamanako PalPal (an amusement park) can also be seen on the track.
These sights make cycling a great experience.

bicycle track at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/inasa-town-inasa-cho-in-oku-lake-hamana-area-of-hamamatsu.html

wind surfing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.hamamatsu-daisuki.net/lan/en/enjoy/sightseeing.html

jet skiing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://jetskidoctor.blogspot.jp/2010/07/visited-hamamatsu-city-and-lake-hamana.html

Kanzanji Sun Beach
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/hamamatsu-seasonal-activities-fruit-picking-clam-digging-swimming-fishing-auto-race.html

(See more places in Japan here)

It Kanzanji, there' a temple up in the mountains. I haven't climbed it yet cause I was too tired to go trekking after cycling for that long. There's also a ropeway overlooking a part of the lake. There's a small cruise vessel  where people can have lunch or dinner while traversing the lake. I haven't tried it too yet but it looks wonderful.

After cycling, the onsens around Bentenjima and Kanzanji offer great relief from muscle pains and tired bodies. In Bentenjima, I would recommend the onsen at The Ocean (worth 1000 Yen). This is because it offers a view of the lake while hotbathing. In Kanzanji, any of the onsens there are great, I think.

The last time I went in Lake Hamana was on December 31 to witness the last sunset of the year. The wind was bone-chilling my boyfriend and I had to go back and forth in a kombini (convenience store) to keep warm. But the view was worth it and I think I won't get tired of looking at the Lake Hamana's sunset hoping I'll witness the sun set in the middle of the torii.

How to Get to Bentenjima from Hamamatsu:  

1. Take the Tokaido Line at Hamamatsu Station. 
    Take the one going to Toyohashi. 

2. Get off at Bentenjima Station. This the third station from Hamamatsu. 

3. Cross the street from the station and you'll find Bentenjima Beach. 

New Year's Wish in Japan: Kakizome

"Kakizome (書き初め, literally "first writing") is a Japanese term for the first calligraphy written at the beginning of a year, traditionally on January 2."

- Wikipedia

Kakizomes
photo credit: http://japankalligrafia.hu/book/export/html/372

After the winter break, the classrooms are decorated with white paper scrolls with Japanese characters on them. They are called kakizome. Based on how I understood the students explanation to me, their kakizomes are like personal prayers for the coming year. It is personal but applicable to a lot of people. It is not something like a Christmas wish. It's deeper than that.

(See more New Year tradtions in Japan here)

Taking advantage of the displays, I asked the students to try to translate their kakizomes in English. 

Here are some of the kakizome's of students: 

1. I wish for a clean heart and pure heart. (Special Ed. student)

2. I wish for a beautiful land. (First year student)

3. I wish for peace in the nation. (Third year student)

4. I wish for prosperity and richness to all people. (Third year student)

5. I wish for an enjoyable school life for all students. (Second year)

6. I wish for harmony and friendship among people. (Second year)

7. I wish for safety of Japan. (First year student)

8. I wish for clear mind and healthy body to all students. (Second year)

The list could go on (since there are hundreds of students in the school.) but I was just struck by the depth of these students's wishes. Even the naughty and rowdy students wrote serious kakizomes. I like this better than writing New Year`s resolutions. It seems a more positive way to start the year. It is also a very unselfish way to wish for everyone's welfare. I wished I could have written my own kakizome. How about you, what would be your kakizome this year? 

For more on Kakizome: 

1. http://japankalligrafia.hu/book/export/html/372

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakizome

3. http://traditionscustoms.com/lifestyle/kakizome

Tasks of Japanese Teachers: So Way Beyond Teaching

In the teacher's meeting yesterday, the vice-principal sounded angry. When I asked one of the teachers, she said that it was because some parents and some members of the community where the school is located complained about the students behavior. The school received a formal complaint- a letter written to the teachers and school administrators. This has happened a few times already last year.

Since I am not Japanese, I would have shrug it off. Why would parents complain about their children's behavior? And why would the community complain to the school and not to the parents? But the Japanese society  thinks differently of a teacher's role and the school`s scope of work. Japanese teachers are called "senseis" and are regarded highly because they have a lot of things on their shoulders. 

 photo credit: http://www.eltworld.net/times/2012/05/living-and-working-in-japan-a-guide-for-us-citizens/

1. Most Japanese teachers are club advisers.

Being a club adviser sounds fun and rewarding (just like how Will Schuster feels in Glee!). The thing is school clubs in Japan are stressful. They meet numerous times in a week. They have clubs on spring break, summer break and even winter break. They have clubs on Saturdays and Sundays. They just seem to have clubs all the time. I think having club meetings help in keeping the students away from the streets. But for teachers's sake, I think having clubs these often is a test to one's sanity.

(More on Establishing Rapport with Japanese Co-Workers here.)

2. Japanese teachers call parents of absent or tardy students. 

From where I studied, I had to present an excuse letter from my parents or doctor to explain why I was absent in school. In Japan, if a student is not seen during homeroom time, the class adviser would call the student's house and check. Personally, I think it's unnecessary burden to the teacher. I would understand if the teacher calls because a students has been absent for a long time. But I think it should be the parent's job to inform the school on the student's absence. 

3. Japanese teachers advisers visit students's houses. 

Japanese teachers don't only call houses, they are also required to visit. This is especially necessary for students with domestic problems This seems like a great way to show concern and to know the students but given other teacher's tasks, I would really feel burdened about it. 

4. Japanese teachers also act as counselors. 

So far with all the schools I've been to, I haven't seen a school counselor yet. Someone said that there's a counselor rounding up schools in the area but they don't talk directly to students. In effect, when students have problems, the Japanese homeroom teacher should deal with it. These include discipline problems, academic concerns, social issues and any slight thing that may be affecting the student.

(More on Gift Items for Japanese Teachers here)

5. Japanese teachers are communally and morally responsible for the students. 

This is related to number four. Because the Japanese teachers act as all-around guardian, teachers are deemed responsible in just about every aspect of a student's life. I have heard some cases where teachers blame themselves if a student commits suicide or if a student gets tangled up with the law. They think they haven't done enough to straighten up or help the child.

Being a teacher in the classroom is hard enough as it is. To be responsible to just about everything seem impossible so I really admire these Japanese teachers. They are dedicated and hardworking. But I also believe that something's has to change. At the end of the day, a teacher is just any other person who can feel exhaustion and stress. 

Affordable Hotel in Nagoya Airport: Your Money's Worth at Toyoko Inn

It was for a heartbreaking reason that I checked-in at Toyoko Inn, Nagoya Airport branch. My boyfriend`s vacation in Japan has ended and he has an early flight the following day. Instead of coming all the way from Hamamatsu in the early morning, we decided to stay in a hotel in the airport.

Toyoko Inn  at Nagoya Airport
photo credit: http://www.channels.nl/326607b.html

There are three hotels around Nagoya Airport-Toyoko Inn, Comfort Hotel and Central Hotel. Toyoko Inn and Comfort Hotel are about a few minutes from the Airport building while Central Hotel is connected to the building. The only reason we chose Toyoko Inn is that it has the cheapest price. And we're glad we did!

I booked a mini-double room worth 6458 Yen. We were assigned on the 10th floor offering us a good view of the airport and the control tower. I think the rooms on the opposite side of ours would have a better view since the hotel is beside the ocean.

double room at Toyoko Inn

The bed is spacious enough for two people- even the large-sized ones, I think. I just think that the bed is a bit short for tall people. The mattress is firm, too firm for my taste but it wasn't hard.

There's a mini-fridge in the room. A small water heater for hot drinks are also provided. There's tea with just an okay taste. There's no closet just a set of hangers. There's TV but no cable.

What I love most is the big tub really suited for two people. I've been to several hotels in Japan and so far Toyoko Inn has the most spacious tub I have seen. Toiletries are provided including a beauty kit for women.

toilet at Toyoko Inn

However there are two things that I didn't like. First was the itchy bed covers. I kept on scratching my legs throughout our stay. It was clean but it was just so itchy. Also, the room smelled like cigarette. It might have been my fault cause I booked a smoking room but I didn't expect that the room would also smell like a smoking area!

Breakfast is included. It was filling with a wide variety of bread, rice, soup and vegetables. Coffee is also free. (Yey!) Wifi is available but you have to ask for the password at the front desk. There are also computer terminals in the lobby.


The staff was courteous and they can understand English so you don't have to worry about communication.
Lastly, the hotel has free shuttle airport service. From the airport, go to Platform 8 and wait for the shuttle every 15 to 20 minutes.

Our stay at Toyoko Inn seemed like a perfect way to say farewell for the time being.

Winter Illuminations in Japan

Although Christmas is not celebrated in Japan, there are a lot of places decorated with colorful lights during the winter break. I think these places are also taking advantage of the winter break to attract tourists and visitors. They call this winter illumination.

Here are some of the places I have visited with Winter Illumination

1. Yokohama Winter Illumination

Yokohama at night

lighted port in Yokohama

This is located in Cosmo World in Yokohama just beside Minato Mirai- a well-known tourist spot. I like this place the best because aside from watching the lights, there are also other things you can do. There are also a lot of places you can see. Also the port near Cosmo World is also illuminated. Then there's a giant Christmas tree just a few steps away from the big lighted ferris wheel. The Yokohama Illumination will last until mid- February.

A tip when visiting the Yokohama area. Avail the Minato Burari Pass. It's worth 550 Yen. You can access the Blue Subway Line running along significant stations in the area. You can also ride the loop bus stopping at the tourist spots in the area.

2. Tokyo Dome Love Illumination

I think Tokyo Dome has the most beautiful lights. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. These will last until February.

walkway under the rollercoaster

3. Hamamatsu Station Illumination

From the Kanto region, I went back to Hamamatsu. The nearby areas around Hamamatsu Station have been lighted since late November. The bright lights add beauty to the streets of Hamamatsu.

in front of Zaza City 

4. Flower Park Winter Illumination

Even without the lights, a visit at the flower park can be a refreshing experience. A step in its vast garden feels like a step in paradise. With the added lights, the place looks painfully romantic.

*I'll add more pictures once I got them. ^_^

5. Nagoya Airport Skydeck Illumination

For passengers awaiting their flights, a visit at the Skydeck of Nagoya Airport can help pass time. The only thing I didn't like is the super chilly air.

Here are other places with illuminations.

1. http://www.japantravelinfo.com/news/news_item.php?newsid=533

2. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2303.html


Take advantage of this season and see the lights!

My New Year in Japan: New Year Traditions in Japan

New Year celebrations back home have always been a grand, noisy, multi-colored event. Fireworks and firecrackers are just about everywhere. This New Year's celebration was so far from what I was used to. It was solemn and quiet. Since I am already in Japan, I decided to celebrate New Year the Japanese way.

Here's how I spent my New Year in Japan:

1. Seen the last sunset at Lake Hamana

last sunset of 2012 at Lake Hamana

Japanese have this thing for nature and the environment that the last sunset of the year is significant to them. My boyfriend and I braved the bone-chilling wind and marched to Lake Hamana. There's a torii there in the middle of the water. We had hoped to see the sunset in the middle of the torii but we weren't that lucky. Nonetheless, it was a sight to see a beautiful sunset together with other Japanese people.

2. Watched a famous TV show during the night

Determined to have an authentic Japanese New Year, we also watched a famous New Year's eve program where Japanese performers sang the night away with popular songs. We didn't understand the songs, what the hosts were saying or why the people were laughing. The colorful performances were enough to hold out attention. It was also a good way to add a dose of revelry to our two-person-and-quiet-surroundings New Year's eve.

3. Ate noodles before 12:00 midnight

ramen for long life on New Year's eve

Japanese eat soba noodles during New Year. Eating noodles is a like having faith to have long life. Since I don't know how to cook noodles, we went to the nearest Ramen house. It wasn't soba that we ate but it's still noodles though.

4. Went to the temple

ringing the temple bell at New Year's eve

temple bell at daytime

temple proper at day time

At 12 midnight, the temple bells around Japan rang. We walked to the nearest temple and fell in line along with other Japanese. It was a line for people who would like to ring the bell. Before ringing the bell, I dropped a coin in the donation box and hit the bell. (It felt like hitting because the bell was so big.) I imitated the person before me by putting my hands together and saying a little wish.

Then we went to the temple proper. We saw a lot of people taking some paper like fortune cookies. I would like to get one but they were written in Japanese. We went back again to the temple in the morning just to see how the temples are different at night and at day time. Visiting temples or shrines on New Year is called Hatsumode

5. Watched the first sunrise at Nakatajima Sand Dunes

first sunrise of 2013 at Nakatajima Sand Dunes
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/Hatsumode-hatsuhinode.php

If the last sunset was significant the first sunrise of the year was even more important. Even though the temperature already felt like negative, we went with other Japanese to Nakatajima Sand Dunes to witness the first sunrise. There were a lot of people but the atmosphere was reverently quiet. II When the sun started to rise, people took out their cameras and recorded it. I felt reflective with the ocean wind touching my face, the people looking awed and the amazing view. It was actually a moving experience and I would have cried if not for the constant chill.

6. Shop! Shop! Shop!

trying on shoes on sale

I think the most fun thing about New Year in Japan is the New Year sale. Clothes, shoes and bags are slashed by 50 to 70 percent. My boyfriend had a grand time buying sports shoes. He bought four pairs of Nike for only 10,000 Yen! My aunt in Tokyo also mentioned that she bought about 10 pairs of jeans for only 50 yen each. I bough 2 bags for only 500 yen each. And they are all brand new bags.

I love how cultural New Year in Japan is. I think the best word to describe the Japanese way of celebrating New Year is reverent. Maybe it has something to do with the sunsets, sunrises and temple bells. Even without fanfare, New Year celebration in Japan felt like I was really marking the end of the past year and starting a new one. It was refreshingly solemn.