Up with Mops: School Cleaning

One of the things I like in the Japanese school system is how the schools train them to clean and look after their own space. Once or twice a week, after the day's last class period, all students and teachers will be holding rags, brushes and mops to clean the entire school.

sweeping the hallway

brushing the molds 

cleaning the classroom

... and the toilets

This system sounds pretty good to me. The students are the ones using the place anyway so they have to maintain it. Because it's the students responsibility to clean the school, they don't vandalize things, they don't make a lot of mess and they take care of school properties. They know that messing with the school's cleanliness will backfire since they'll be the one cleaning it.

Japanese Erotic Art: Shunga!

India has the Kama Sutra, the US has the Playboy (an odd analogy, I think) and Japan has shunga! I just learned about shunga today while browsing Japan Today. It's a traditional Japanese art on woodblock that depicts sex.

Here's how Wikipedia explained shunga:

Shunga (春画^?) is a Japanese term for erotic art. Most shunga are a type of ukiyo-e, usually executed in woodblock print format. While rare, there are extant erotic painted handscrolls which predate the Ukiyo-e movement.^[1] Translated literally, the Japanese word shunga means picture of spring; "spring" is a common euphemism for sex.

Following the aesthetics of everyday life, Edo period shunga varied widely in its depictions of sexuality. As a subset of ukiyo-e it was enjoyed by all social groups in the Edo period, despite being out of favour with the shogunate. Almost all ukiyo-e artists made shunga at some point in their careers, and it did not detract from their prestige as artists.^[1] Classifying shunga as a kind of medieval pornography can be misleading in this respect.^[2

I haven't seen a shunga art yet in person. I got curious so I look for images related to shunga. Here are some of the "milder"ones which means the genitalia is not shown. The others that I saw may not be appropriate for this blog. ^_^

photo credit: http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/img/prints/detail/E%2035.htm

photo credit: http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/Kitagawa-Utamaro/Two-Shunga-From-'ehon-Komachi-Biki'.html

photo credit: http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/img/prints/detail/E%2070.htm

I find it noteworthy how the people in the shunga prints are still clothed in Japanese traditional clothes. Then reading  further on Wikipedia's article, there was actually an explanation why the people are fully-clothed.

It was stated there that Japanese don't find nudity erotic in those times since communal bathing is common. It was also a way to emphasize the genitalia- which is the only part that is fully shown. It was further implied that shunga artists clothed people in their works to distinguish them from foreign erotic art. By this I presume that Japanese views foreign erotic art shows nude bodies.

(More on Japanese Art, here) 

Shunga, like some images in Kama Sutra, also show couples in impossible sexual positions which can only happen in art. I haven't learned yet why they are shown that way. (Maybe I'll add it when I have researched more on it.)

Personally, I found the existence of shunga revealing. Now I'm not surprised why henti versions of animes and mangas are surprised. Although shunga is not considered porn, as stated in Wiikipedia, I guess it shows how Japan's fascination with sex evolved culturally and historically. (But this is just my opinion, I would like to hear more sound research on this.)

And just in case you're curious, there's a Shunga Exhibition at Vermeer Center Ginza until the end of this month.

Links for more of Shunga Art:

http://www.nipponlugano.ch/en/shunga-multimedia/
http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/gallery/prints/05.htm

AEON Malls in Hamamatsu

AEON Mall is a popular chain of malls in Japan. It's a convenient place for one-stop shopping although a lot of them are located in inconvenient locations. In Hamamatsu, there are three AEON Malls- AEON Irino, Ichino and Shitoro.

This is AEON Mall Hineno. I'll update this with AEON Ichino's and Shitoro's pictures.
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AEON_MALL_Hineno4.JPG

AEON Ichino has the most number of shops. It's also nearer from Hamamatsu Station than the other big one- AEON Shitoro. This is the best AEON Mall (in Hamamatsu) to shop during New Year's Sale for it has a wide selection of goods- shoes, bags, food, cosmetics, etc. If you're also shopping for home furniture and appliances, AEON Ichino has Nittori on the second floor. It has cheaper products than AEON's own home depot. Also, more big shops are located just outside AEON Ichino so you'll have more choices just in case you have not found anything you like at the mal 

How to Get to AEON Ichino from Hamamatsu Station: 

There's a bus from Hamamatsu Station that takes you directly on the doors of AEON Ichino. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes because of the traffic. 

(I forgot the Bus Number, will be updating this once I checked.)

(More on places in Hamamatsu here)

AEON Shitoro is deceptively large. From the outside, it looks like a really big mall but half of it seems to be just parking space. Also, it is quite far from the station, almost an hour bus ride. It has a Gap store which Ichino does not have. 

How to Get to AEON Shitoro from Hamamatsu Station: 

Take the Number 20 bus from terminal Number 6 at the Hamamatsu Station. Some buses stop at AEON Shitoro's doors. Some would just stop at the nearest bus stop then you have to walk for 5 to 7 minutes. 

AEON Irino is the closest to Hamamatsu Station but it is also the smallest with no individual shops. Grocery section on the first floor, department on the second and some other goods on the third. Even if it's small, they have a good selection of ladies's shoes and clothes so it's still worth a visit.  (Not sure for men!) 

How to Get to AEON Irino from Hamamatsu Station: 

Take the Number 20 bus from terminal Number 6 at the Hamamatsu Station. (The same bus going to Shitoro.) Get off at the second bus stop just after Tsutaya and Mister Donut. Follow the AEON sign. It's a 3-minute walk. 

If you would also shop regularly at AEON, get an AEON card where you can discounts. 

Kawaii Fashion: Women in Girls' Clothing

Japan has a romance with anything cute. And it's okay, really. Cute things are nice to look at but the Japanese just don't know when to stop being cute. One of this please-stop-being-cute instance is when grown-up women dressed so cutely in ruffles, pastel colors, ribbons and laces. This is called "kawaii fashion." Kawaii means cute in Japan.

(For more of Japanese Culture, click here)

Kawaii fashion is so rampant in Japan. Women in their 20's and 30's clothed with ribbons, laces with matching ruffled parasols acting like a cute little girl are a common sight here. Even for almost a year of being here, I still want to choke everytime I see women in kawaii fashion. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate kawaii fashion as long as it it's for girls- younger girls.

photo credit: http://kerli.buzznet.com/photos/kawaiifashion/?id=68443099

I can't understand why would grown-up women wanted to look ridiculous in clothes so out of their age. What's more, the kawaii fashionistas are not contented with keeping their style in Japan. They are planning to make a kawaii fashion world invasion.

Here's an article from Japan Today:

Japanese Lolitas plan world domination

By Cara Clegg

ARTS & CULTURE MAY. 17, 2013 - 07:05AM JST ( 57 )

TOKYO —

Disconcerting news from the world of Japanese fashion: adherents to the cutesy subculture of Lolita fashion are organizing themselves into an official group. Their target: the whole world.

The Japan Lolita Association was formed in February to spread Japan’s special brand of “kawaii fashion” to the world. Aoki Misako, a well-known Lolita model who in 2009 was appointed “Kawaii Ambassador” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (an absolutely real, and possibly even serious, position), will serve as chairperson, and the society’s office will be established at Fukuoka’s Omura Beauty College.

The association’s main activities will be to report lolita news, recruit and appoint Kawaii Ambassadors to support the global lolita network, host events such as tea parties and get-togethers for association members, and encourage and nominate lolita fashion-related schools and educational institutions. It all sounds perfectly innocent, but who knows what’s really going on behind those frilly petticoats and lacy parasols.

Becoming a member gets you perks such as subscription to their email newsletter and notifications of tea-parties and events. You can sign up here at their homepage. If you sign up with your smartphone, you even get a super-extra-kawaii membership image. 

The association is also seeking information on Lolita-related events, so event promoters who want their event shared with Lolita fans should submit their information to the ‘Events & Tea parties’ page.

(More about Japanese Society, here. )

I seriously don't know whether I'll laugh or cry when I read this. However, it's their life. They're happy with being cute. I just have to look away and stop myself from howling when I see them. 

Las Chillonas Mexican Restaurant in Hamamatsu: Good Break from the Usual

It's easy to find Italian, Indian, French, Chinese, Korean and Philippine Cuisine in Hamamatsu. The area around the Hamamatsu Station is surrounded by various restos of these kind. A Mexican Restaurant is a different story. In almost a year of my stay here I only got to eat in one Mexican Restaurant- Las Chillonas.

Las Chillonas!

Las Chillonas is a family-owned little restaurant tucked in the quiet street of Motohoma-cho. It's situated on the first floor of a Hispanic family's house. It's safe to assume that the second floor is their living quarters.

The facade and interior of the restaurant are nothing fancy. You can't miss it though with it's orange walls that stands out along the neighborhood. It's reminiscent of cheap restos in Mejico and sidewalk food places. Though there's nothing grand about the place, it's clean and presentable including the toilet. 

interior of Las Chillonas

The menu is in Spanish and in Japanese. Since I have little knowledge of Spanish, I can understand most of the words. I think some food terms are common so it wouldn't be really difficult for English speakers to choose. (Eg: burrito, taco, nachos, etc.) The menu has pictures so you'll get a picture of what you can get anyway. 

My friend and I ordered some nachos for appetizer. The toppings are just okay though I wish they could have added more cheese. The nachos are also a bit stale. It's not as crispy as I would want it to be. Nonetheless, we finished them. 

Some Nacho Lovin'

I had a Chimichanga. It's a mixture of meat and vegetables wrapped in crepe. I had chicken Chimichanga but I think beef would taste better. Mine wasn't as flavorful as I hoped it would be. It's still good though especially with a small drop of hot sauce. The serving was kinda big for me I only finished 2 thirds of it. 

(More on Places in Japan, here.)

Chicken Chimichanga

My friend had tacos. They're delicious. That's it!

It's also great to note that the place has vegetable offerings so even vegetarians can dine at Las Chillonas. 

Beef taco

For drinks, I recommend trying Jamaica or Tamarind drinks. Both are uniquely tasteful and smooth I can't choose which I like better. There are also alcoholic drinks which I haven't tried. They have a small bar with various wines and liquors.  

The staff is courteous on the average. Prices are reasonable. The only downside of this place is their unpredictable opening times. They are not open regularly so check first before coming. 

Their contact number is 053-482-9484. 

How to get there: 

1. You can walk from Zaza City for 20-30 minutes. In this case, you'll be needing a Google Map. 

2. Take the Entestu Line from Hamamatsu Station. Get off at Hachiman Station, the third station from Hamamatsu. It's a five-minute walk from Hachiman Station. 

Las Chillonas
Restaurante Mexico
Address: 430-0942 Shizuoka-ken, Hamamatsu-shi, Naka-ku, Motohama-cho 290-4
Tel: 053-482-9484
Lunch hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dinner hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am

For More Review: http://mmm-fruit.com/2011/05/hola-las-chillonas/#.UZlrYqKmiAg

How to Renew Your Residence Card in Japan

So two weeks ago, I went to the Immigration Office to have my residence card renewed. Good thing that I did not wait for the last minute (like when my card will expire the day before) . It takes about two to three weeks before a new card can be released. Although I have never experienced my card being checked by the  police, I would still feel safer knowing I have an up-to-date card.

sample Residence Card in Japan

Here are the things I brought when I renewed my card.

1. Passport (Not expired of course)

2. 1 Passport-Sized Picture with focus on the head and shoulders. It shouldn't be more than 6 months.

3. Application Form for Extension of Stay. This can be downloaded or this can be filled up at the Immigration.

4. Residence Card.

5. Tax Certificate.The company I work for sent it to me last December.

6. Visa Sponsorship Letter or Certificate.

The process is fairly simple. Just prepare everything before coming to the immigration office. Submit all the documents. Once your name is called, you'll fill up a postcard that will be sent to you. This will serve as your notification when you need to return and get your new residence card.

(More on Living in Japan, here.)

Unless your application has problems, you'll be able to get your card within two to three weeks. I'm getting mine next week. Yey!

A Chikan or Not a Chikan: Molesting with Consent?

So there's this man who "molested" a woman on a train because they agreed to do it. This is one of the weirdest news I've read so I'm sharing... 

Reference: http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/man-arrested-for-molesting-woman-after-being-invited-to-do-so-online

Man arrested for molesting woman after being invited to do so online

CRIME MAY. 13, 2013 - 06:55AM JST ( 44 )

TOKYO —

Wakayama police have arrested 26-year-old Masaya Ogawa for the indecent assault of a 23-year-old woman aboard a commuter train. Adding a bizarre twist to the story, Ogawa claims that she was asking for it.

He doesn’t mean that in the lame wearing-a-mini-skirt-is-asking-for-it way that other sex offenders use. Ogawa says that this was a prearranged session of “molester-play” set up online between him and the woman.

The incident occurred on April 30 at around 7 p.m. on a train running from Kokawa Station to Wakayama Station. Ogawa was sitting next to the woman who was in the window seat when his hand began to creep toward her skirt. Eventually his hand began squeezing her stomach and thigh without restraint.

Photo Credit: http://iwasben.com/category/japan/

At this point, a second, unidentified man who was standing near the door began groping the woman from behind grabbing her breasts. The woman had said “please stop” and the standing man disembarked at the next stop. However, Ogawa continued to grab at the woman’s body. The entire train ride lasted for about 20 to 30 minutes with the groping ongoing throughout. When the train came to its final stop at Wakayama Station, the pair got up to leave. However, as they got off the train, the woman suddenly grabbed the man by the arm and took him to the station workers. They then delivered Ogawa to police.

After his arrest on May 8, Ogawa made a statement saying, “I was looking on a website for people who want to molest to meet people who want to be molested. I got the time and train car information from a woman on that website.” The woman, however, flatly denies ever using that website. Police investigated the “molester-play” website where Ogawa claimed to have met the woman and found postings such as “is there someone to molest on the Wakayama Line?” along with train times and seat locations. They were also able to find the second man who got off the train partway through the site.

The investigation is still ongoing. The woman had said that she always sat in the same seat during her commute, so police are looking into the possibility that Ogawa was catfished, meaning that someone pretending to be the woman online set him up to “molester-play” her.

The world seems to be getting stranger by the minute. 

I am Sick, Call the Doctor Very Quick!: Going to the Hospital in Japan

In the midst of the night revelry during the Hamamatsu Festival, I rushed a friend to the hospital. This is my first time to accompany a friend to a Japanese hospital. It's my first time (and hopefully my last)  in Japan. The experience was both funny and scary.

Just before I entered my apartment gate, my friend sent me a message telling me she's thinking of calling an ambulance. She has been having back pains the whole day. She can walk and sit but she cannot bend without feeling any pain. She had a hard time getting up from the bed. (The doctor later said that she has lumbargo or severe lower back pains.) 

I was honestly not in the mood to help anyone at that time (it was so late already and I was just so tired from partying) but I realized how difficult it must be for anyone to be sick alone and in a different country. Also, she was considering to call an ambulance so I thought it must be serious. 

So after a few minutes, I walked in her apartment. She called the ambulance. What should have been a less-than-five-minute call was longer because she couldn't speak Japanese. Thankfully, the person on the other side tried his best to understand her. All the while, we were looking funnily at each other. She was scared but she also doesn't know what to say. I didn't know either. I was just a comforting presence there.

Within 10 minutes after the call, the ambulance was there. The funny part was when the paramedic was trying to act out. First, the paramedic asked if my friend bumped her head. Because he cannot speak English, he pointed to his head and bump it on the wall. We simultaneously said "No! No!" while crossing our arms in an X fashion.

Japanese ambulance on the rescue!
photo credit: http://www.fire-engine-photos.com/picture/number2270.asp

Then, the paramedic acted again as if he slipped on the floor. We said "No!" again quelling our giggles. He looked funny and it felt like we were watching a pantomime. 

He acted one more time which we didn't understand. So, it was turn to explain that my friend cannot bend. I acted as I was in pain while I bend. My friend laughed along with the other two paramedics. 

After a few minutes, we gave up and called a friend who knows how to speak in Japanese. I don't know why we thought of her only at the last minute. She could have spared us from those moments. On the other hand, I was also thankful that I experienced it (without me being the sick person) because it made me realize the gravity of being sick in a foreign country.

(More on health-related articles in Japan, here.) 

After our Japanese-speaking friend talked to the paramedic, my friend-in-pain was placed in the ambulance.The paramedic who was with us kept on browsing an English book translator so he can check other symptoms. If I were alone, I would feel more depressed. I am already sick then I also have to find ways to explain my sickness. I wouldn't be surprised if I'll just break down and cry. More so, what if my friend's case was really an emergency like a serious injury and serious accident. It would be more difficult to explain. 

Inside an Ambulance
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ambulance-interior.jpg

I guess the best way to avoid this complication is to keep in check of one's health and safety. This is especially true in a foreign country. In a way, we were glad we're in Japan where people seemed to take their jobs seriously. We were grateful to the three paramedics who did their best to help us, act out and brought us to the hospital. 

PS: Just in case you can't avoid getting sick the ambulance hotline in Japan is 119.  

Happiness in Hamamatsu; The Hamamatsu Festival

The past three days have been crazily busy. It was the Golden Week last week- a week-long holiday in Japan. In Hamamatsu, it was not just a simple holiday. From Friday to Sunday, Hamamatsu has been cloaked with the spirit of revelry because of the Hamamatsu Festival.

The Hamamatsu Festival is a 3-day celebration of... Hamamatsu! In the morning, the festivities were at Nakatajima Sand Dunes. Hundreds of kites battled on the park grounds of Nakatajima from 10 am to 3 pm. While watching the kites, people also tasted the various food, roamed around the grounds and just simply took part of the constant shouting. 

kids marching with their big kite 

side show at Zaza City 

"experiencing" the lamp of these two festival participants

cheering on for the babies! Risho! Risho!

one of the floats during the festival nights

At 3 pm, the people moved their celebration to the station. For several hours, they paraded the streets around Hamamatsu Station with their floats and lamps on hand. 

(More on Hamamatsu here)

For three days, I kept on hearing the same thumping festival sound from morning to night. It wasn't annoying though cause I can also hear how happy the people were. For these usually quiet Japanese, it was a great change to see them so loose and carefree, even just for three days. Their enthusiasm and energy were infectious that one couldn't  help but also rejoice with them. 

(More Celebrations in Japan, here.)

A Disney Parade capped off the three day celebration.(Sadly with so many people, I wasn't able to take pictures of Mickey Mouse and the Disney gang.) Being in the midst of these people was so much fun. It made me feel I belong and that I can celebrate with them even if I am a foreigner. Looking forward to more festivals!