tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-239069332012-01-29T02:00:40.774-06:00Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.comBlogger6101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-26740372510748046992012-01-23T12:59:00.000-06:002012-01-23T12:59:08.560-06:00

I've stumbled upon another Japanese blogs my readers might enjoy. This guy started blogging a few months after I had left Kagoshima, so I'm sorry to say I missed out on his first entries. Nevertheless, he now has a book out on his experiences in Japan and NYC. I'm about halfway through it but so far it speaks to me. Loco in Yokohama

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-54134306482530566672012-01-20T13:08:00.000-06:002012-01-20T13:08:37.998-06:00

Ok, I lied. I just had to spread the word of this story about a Canadian resident of Japan who was detained, cheated, and deported once I read it. I wonder if I could have faced this situation when I volunteered in the Tohoku. Check it out. “Do you see this gun?” he said in Japanese, turning around to show me a weapon in its holster. “I have the legal authority to use this if you refuse to get

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-9264671000834512342012-01-09T03:45:00.002-06:002012-01-09T03:45:50.239-06:00

I know, I haven't updated in quite a while. I hesitate to say this blog may be dying. I can only promise I'll post ideas as I get them. Currently in San Francisco eating sushi and looking for jobs.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-57087676074955762202011-05-25T21:58:00.000-05:002011-05-25T21:58:55.035-05:00

Pictures of my time in Ofunato with All Hands Volunteers. Story to follow:

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-75680045154155687272011-04-23T09:48:00.002-05:002011-04-23T09:59:56.619-05:00

I had just finalized my ferry schedule from Korea to Japan when I got word that I had been accepted to volunteer with cleanup and rebuilding efforts in the Tohoku region with All Hands Volunteers. There are few volunteer organizations operating in Japan right now, and I feel fortunate they accepted me for only a week. Where will I be? Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture What will I be doing? Cleanup

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-71534225314029629402011-04-10T01:34:00.000-05:002011-04-10T01:34:19.573-05:00

I'm not afraid, and I'm not ignorant. I know I'm not going to get lethally irradiated and die from spending a week in Japan. By the same token, I know there are still risks involved being in close proximity to a damaged nuclear reactor. I know the country has not completely recovered, economically or emotionally. I know there are some people who haven't had their livelihood affected in the

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-84559718399558785672011-03-31T10:09:00.000-05:002011-03-31T10:09:23.837-05:00

www.Tripbase.com I don't know exactly why this blog was nominated for another Tripbase award, as I haven't been updating it often at all... perhaps for my previous work? In any case, I received this email recently: I am pleased to inform you that your site has been chosen to receive a Tripbase 2011 Blog Award. This year our panel of judges reviewed hundreds of sites from across the Internet

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-78042940954960873702011-03-13T10:54:00.000-05:002011-03-13T10:54:47.534-05:00

Obviously there's very little I can add to what you've already seen and heard. My thoughts are with everyone in the Tōhoku region.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-32466613035108033202010-12-05T08:30:00.002-06:002010-12-05T08:30:39.785-06:00

I need a break from blogging for a while. I have wanted to post the Japanese reactions to the attack on South Korea and its relations with China, but there's been so much information coming in I just can't keep up. I'll still be around, but don't expect too much.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-54762975388034676882010-11-07T08:18:00.013-06:002010-11-07T11:35:31.705-06:00

My own contribution to the xtranormal universe (prompted by this one on being a travel writer). I didn't make one on Japan because I honestly couldn't think of as many harsh things to say about the ESL system - if anyone comes up with a good one, send it my way.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-28916722089688019192010-11-06T22:29:00.003-05:002010-11-06T22:33:01.205-05:00

A friend just forwarded this to me and I thought it was pretty funny. A cheap laugh, but still.1. Go to Google Maps 2. Click on "get directions" 3. Put Japan as the starting location .4. Put China as the destination 5. Scroll down to line #43 6. Laugh at the absurdity of it all

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-86385665594108506192010-10-13T10:26:00.000-05:002010-10-13T11:17:04.368-05:00

An interesting lecture on the science of choice. Opens with an anecdote on Japan.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-56289643700347041832010-10-12T08:14:00.004-05:002010-10-12T08:50:08.594-05:00

I'm exploring this topic the best way I know how, which is simply to sit and type until I reach some kind of revelation... or just leave a series of questions in my wake. Recently, a friend of mine told me she found my travel writing incredibly offensive, if not downright racist. I couldn't understand where she was coming from, and kept prying until she said she thought I generalized an entire

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-34859789635412272672010-10-06T14:05:00.006-05:002010-10-08T01:45:57.936-05:00

I'm sitting at one of Fukuoka city's famous yatai: a food stall lining the river, usually stocking fresh ramen or sushi. This time, as I perch myself on one of the red stools and start slurping loud enough to attract the attention of Japanese, it's as though I'm settling into a warm bath. With Japanese signs around me, Japanese speakers chattering away, and the local food settling in my stomach

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-6508931325700367252010-10-03T12:21:00.006-05:002010-10-03T12:32:42.269-05:00

I began my morning at the same time one would expect a Tokyo salaryman to rise. But he would gaze upon grey buildings and the same morning commuters ambling to Shinjuku Station, whereas I was surrounded by mist and fog. Far from Tokyo. From any large group of Japanese. There had been only one option to sleep as I stumbled down Subashiri Trail, using only the moonlight to guide me, and that

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-27716970394662194152010-10-01T13:20:00.009-05:002012-01-22T00:33:15.170-06:00

I'm walking down the Subashiri Trail on the east face well after the sun has set. Unlike knowledgeable hikers, I hold no rain gear, nor a decent flashlight; fortunately, I planned my ascent around the full moon, and, being a clear night, this light is more than enough to guide me. My feet slide across the loose volcanic surface. For some reason, I imagine a fall to be nothing worse than a

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-17331420546793409062010-09-30T23:34:00.003-05:002010-09-30T23:46:39.404-05:00

My apologies for not having the writeup of my Mt. Fuji climb (in the off season, no less) up by now. I've been very sick this week and haven't felt like doing much besides eating and sleeping... sometimes not even eating. I certainly can't focus my thoughts without a good run.This last trip, I fell back into my Japan habits as easily as slipping on an old shoe: slurping ramen noodles as loudly

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-52432491310280731272010-09-25T18:32:00.002-05:002010-09-25T18:35:08.294-05:00

If you're considering teaching English abroad, or are already there and have fallen into a nice routine, I'd recommend my latest Vagabondish article:...the first selling points are travel and “no experience required”. Well, guess what, Asia? You get what you ask for. Travelers. I doubt more than 5% of the native speakers who go abroad are committed to teaching, in that they have a reasonable

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-38195811460490355852010-09-12T11:48:00.004-05:002010-09-12T11:55:38.833-05:00

Bobby Judo over in Saga-ken posted this video a while back. I wish I could say it was something new, but I found myself empathizing with most of what he had to say:This response came from Hikosaemon, who has quite a few good Japan videos on his YouTube channel:

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-9440160761868414042010-09-07T08:46:00.003-05:002010-09-07T08:54:41.089-05:00

I had no clue there was a place to bungy jump in Gunma-ken. I had heard of skydiving jump zones, but this definitely tops. Best of all, a Kiwi runs the operation. I'd be tempted to add this to my Japan bucket list if the jump weren't a measly 42 meters... I'll just have to wait for a Nevis to open in Nippon. Bungy Japan

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-47278972567896746452010-08-31T01:01:00.001-05:002010-08-30T12:15:26.579-05:00

That's the title I'm going with, but this is more a forum on cultural sensitivity. As many Americans know, there's a raging debate going on in New York City right now, being enflamed by upcoming elections. An Islamic Community Center is being proposed, located two blocks from the World Trade Center attacks. As it stands, people are arguing:A. America is a country built on the value of freedom

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-41701642330100078772010-08-26T10:37:00.002-05:002010-08-26T10:38:41.364-05:00

My plans to visit Japan over Chuseok holiday are underway. Best of all, thanks to my quick response to a ryokan owner, I will be able to stay in Nikko and Hakone with all expenses paid for two days. So what's the plan?September 18thLeave Bugu by bus and head to Busan (부산), the second largest city in Korea. Should take about five hours and 21,900 Won. Stay in the city for two days enjoying the

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-5858678482766768902010-08-04T21:27:00.002-05:002010-08-04T21:28:45.728-05:00

I realize I haven't posted in... well, weeks, but very little Japan related has happened. Tomorrow I fly out to Bugu-ri, South Korea, for a year to teach English. I will post any and all experiences related to Japan.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-57817425690620297382010-05-18T18:59:00.007-05:002010-05-18T19:11:51.631-05:00

I've often wondered what life would have been like had I stayed in Japan for a third year, teaching students privately and making my own schedule. Here's a possible window into that life by ToLokyo (kudos to Matador for posting this first).Lessons learned: in Korea, NEVER discuss Dokdo Island, the "Sea of Japan", or Yasukuni Shrine.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-82436419160651524532010-05-15T20:52:00.001-05:002010-05-15T20:52:00.512-05:00

When I came to Japan, there were quite a few options: teach with a private language school like AEON, NOVA, GEOS, or ECC, become an assistant language teacher (ALT) with the Jet Programme, or be employed directly by the school via a dispatch company... Now NOVA is out for the count, and GEOS will be soon to follow; the language school giant recently declared bankruptcy, and many foreign

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-3988892409707399052010-05-12T14:39:00.000-05:002010-05-12T14:42:17.043-05:00

I was interviewing with one of the many Japanese English schools not too long ago. This particular one was in Nagano-ken, in a rather small town well outside the shinkansen lines. The usual questions followed regarding teaching experience, previous time in Japan, etc, when the director mentioned that he would like to have me come to Japan on a tourist visa and work in the school. Had I not

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-10241223689527650382010-04-21T23:55:00.003-05:002010-04-22T00:26:45.774-05:00

In the past, foreign residents of Japan have always made arguments like: "If we were in America, this wouldn't have happened..."; "They wouldn't treat us this way if we were Japanese!"; "Sure, Japan isn't perfect, but other countries have better policies". And not always to blow off steam - sometimes they actually have a point to these arguments. For example, the ongoing gaijin card check: a

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-1617640137257483962010-04-21T11:41:00.003-05:002010-04-21T11:43:21.884-05:00

As someone who has lived in Japan, I don't find this particularly funny, but what the Japanese guy said rang true.The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30cRobotic Voice Simulator & Foreign Accent Syndromewww.colbertnation.comColbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical HumorFox News

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-12170777741046830102010-04-08T09:17:00.004-05:002010-04-08T10:03:52.191-05:00

Long time, no write. Entirely my fault. Let's just say for the months of February and March, I held a job which sucked my inspiration completely dry. Fortunately, I was able to get a few articles out: Fire, Flowers and Phalluses: Ten Festivals in Japan.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-43192062546183512332010-02-06T02:50:00.009-06:002011-06-29T07:52:05.961-05:00

"We're just watching you; this is better than Survivor." The two men and single woman sitting at the end of the bar to my right had a point, I thought. After all, I had eaten many strange things in my line of travel work - semi-poisonous blowfish, octopus with mayonnaise and fried batter, the smelly durian of Thailand - but had yet to encounter one of the true tests for the seafood connoisseur:

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-34947978800602314892010-01-26T18:11:00.003-06:002010-01-26T18:23:17.323-06:00

I'd finally unlocked the key to karaoke's heart; it wasn't about showing off, being good or bad. It was an impersonal group activity that allowed emotional expression behind the safeguard of someone else's words. Hidden behind a song familiar to everyone, you could be as personal as you wanted. That was why it was never an issue whether someone sang or not. It wasn't about yes or no, but

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-74602019122704330202010-01-08T00:37:00.002-06:002010-01-08T00:37:00.160-06:00

I'm in Dallas for a while, and my dad loves his movies. Anything with lots of blood or lots of baseball is fair game; if Rambo had had the brilliant idea of rescuing his friend from the Russians by distracting them with a barrage of fastballs I think he'd be in heaven. Looking over his shoulder one time too many, I noticed an usual sight: Tom Selleck talking to Japanese ball players... in the

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-61812132690602632352010-01-06T23:13:00.000-06:002010-01-07T01:43:39.423-06:00

I'm stateside for a few months after spending the last of my money in New Zealand. Therefore, what else should I try to do but return to a country with a high cost of living (but probably more jobs, too)? Back to Japan and Gaijinpot job searches. Ideally, I'd like to be placed in Hokkaido or Tohoku, but something in me wants to try life in Tokyo. Maybe it wouldn't help my Japanese skills,

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-36528237475702243372010-01-01T00:52:00.000-06:002010-01-01T03:53:09.030-06:00

Happy new year! Thanks to my new Amazon kindle, I have successfully completed Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein, an American reporter who was on the police beat in Japan for nearly twenty years. Threatened by yakuza, taken into the underbelly of Japanese society, exploring the darker side of kabukicho (well, I suppose it's all pretty dark if your eyes are open), this is a great read.The Daily Show

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-43926280319328664882009-12-23T16:18:00.010-06:002009-12-24T01:19:28.321-06:00

Six weeks ago Tatsuya Ichihashi, the suspect in the brutal murder of Lindsay Hawker in 2007, was finally captured by Osaka police; he was attempting to board a ferry to Okinawa.Advance to 6:05Two years. I honestly thought they would never catch the guy. Hawker's family has been keeping the search alive with semi-frequent visits to Japan and interviews with her father, her wife, and her sister,

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-89623832417189154752009-12-12T11:18:00.001-06:002011-07-06T18:48:50.389-05:00

I remember my last few days at AEON quite clearly. I was already having issues getting my boxes shipped to Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories in Kagoshima, the luggage service still relatively unknown to me. On top of that, AEON usually has the incoming teacher occupy the outgoing teacher's apartment, meaning I had to vacate two days prior to my leaving Hiroshima. No worries, though, as they

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-51506715151721992442009-12-10T01:18:00.001-06:002009-12-10T01:18:33.862-06:00

How should I dress?I place this at the top for a reason; Japanese business standards are almost always very strict when it comes to professional dress. White and black are the standards. Full black or charcoal suit with white shirt for men, the equivalent for women. More important than knowing what you're doing is looking the part.What can I expect for the information session?Not much. Your

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-25549380946398883952009-12-05T14:40:00.001-06:002009-12-05T14:41:23.997-06:00

Will post on some of the common questions I've been asked regarding AEON interviews and training soon.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-74584124305449068282009-11-08T16:42:00.003-06:002009-11-08T16:42:39.678-06:00

I opened one of the albums on the table, and looked at photos of what must have been the tattoo master's work. One in particular caught my eye. It wasn't just a tattoo: it was a piece of art using the human body as a canvas, with delicately curving lines representing graceful koi leaping up a foaming waterfall. I'd grown up surrounded by men with tattoos, starting with my father, and I'd never

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-79847094443423731722009-11-03T13:53:00.001-06:002009-11-03T13:57:44.297-06:00

The latest episode of South Park tackles the Japanese whaling practices - absolutely hilarious. Apparently they hate whales because they believed a whale and a dolphin flew the Enola Gay to Hiroshima. Definitely check it out.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-32532143599047898552009-11-02T10:28:00.005-06:002010-09-25T18:48:21.952-05:00

I started out small in my Japanese travels: walking behind Saijou Station to the local Shinto shrine; discovering the AEON supermarket open 24-hours; only then venturing "way out" to Hiroshima City... for 35 minutes and 570 yen of travel, you'd think I'd know there was more to see. Eventually, as my language skills developed and I read more about some of the sights within ferry, train, and

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-29586069168246244042009-10-31T01:52:00.002-05:002009-10-31T01:54:48.291-05:00

Not just customs, as I wrote about last week for iloho, but rather the activities and sights that are just too cliché to even merit a visit. Check out the full story on Matador.There are many wonderful and unspoiled places in the land of the rising sun: islands with cedar trees thousands of years old; floating shrines providing the backdrop for a sea of fireworks; girls dressed up in gothic and

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-35909228827725452502009-10-27T17:29:00.000-05:002009-10-27T17:30:17.152-05:00

I once conducted the following experiment. I filled a jar with plain water from the tap at my office in Tokyo, and then I put it on my desk. Since the water came from the city water-works system and contained chlorine, attempts to make crystals from the water failed.I then asked for the help of five hundred people located throughout Japan. At the same time on the appointed day, they all sent

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-1854827213289195922009-10-17T17:21:00.000-05:002009-10-17T17:22:06.435-05:00

I got an email from Kim Nguyen over at JapanesePod101.com asking to promote their site for readers interested in continuing their Japanese studies."JapanesePod101.com is an innovative, fun, and easy to use language learning system that is designed to get you speaking Japanese from the very first lesson. Learn Japanese at your own convenience and pace with short, effective, and fun audio podcast

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-10931726618493231982009-10-10T00:53:00.001-05:002009-10-10T00:53:41.612-05:00

New article from iloho is now up. Check it out at http://blog.iloho.com/older/2009/10/7/travel_tips_10_things_you/.When you are travelling in Japan follow these simple guidelines to ensure that cultural misunderstandings (or worse) do not occur.10) Misuse Your ShoesThresholds at businesses and all homes and apartments in Japan have a convenient place for you to store your shoes and don borrowed

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-71216188717981399632009-09-26T17:42:00.002-05:002009-09-26T17:46:47.689-05:00

Ok, so maybe I'm pandering to the Trekkie crowd or just secretly hoping this will be Twittered and Stumbled Upon by the sci-fi groupies in a matter of minutes, but I'm still surprised no one, Japan expat or otherwise, has written up an entry like this.Many months ago, as I was Couchsurfing my way across Austin, Texas, I happened to stay with four self-declared geeks. Beyond geeks; they actually

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-39983287978058648552009-09-14T00:41:00.002-05:002009-09-14T00:45:02.687-05:00

My new travel website, Once A Traveler, is now up and I'm posting on New Zealand. Be sure to check out my sections on Japan: I've information on places off the beaten path, running in Japan, teaching English in Japan, and living in Japan. Not to mention my page on hot springs...

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-83763813693470607782009-09-02T14:42:00.002-05:002009-09-02T14:44:26.088-05:00

I'm heading out to New Zealand in a few hours, but will post on a few things when I get the chance. The first thing I'll do when I arrive? Eat sushi... and chocolate chip cookies. My new site, Once A Traveler will be up VERY SOON.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-76901353490688591212009-08-21T17:41:00.002-05:002009-08-21T18:04:56.220-05:00

Always keep up with your essential vocabulary.Push yourself! - ganbatte, ganbare 頑張って、頑張れJust a bit further! - ato mou sukoshi 後もう少しFight! - faito ファイトDon't give up! - akiramenaide 諦めないでCourtesy of Running in Okinawa

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-51350643751837789052009-08-19T10:41:00.000-05:002009-08-19T10:42:03.924-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cChristopher McDougallwww.thedailyshow.comDaily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorHealthcare Protests

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-58834627623383231172009-08-19T00:52:00.003-05:002009-08-19T00:55:26.432-05:00

I found a good documentary about them on YouTube:"Japanese culture is gradually dying. I deeply regret the way Japanese people are embracing anything new and are not making much of the old things."

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-75438286682634793522009-08-18T22:46:00.007-05:002009-08-18T22:57:29.243-05:00

Fugu makes the cut as I run down some of the most dangerous foods to be prepared on this planet in my latest Vagabondish article:#1: Fugu - Shimonoseki, JapanFugu Sashimi Platter, Japan © k_harunaFugu (河豚), also known as pufferfish, is a fish whose liver and internal organs contain deadly amounts of the poison tetrodotoxin, for which there is no known antidote. It might surprise many to know,

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-90703981211320105322009-08-18T00:49:00.010-05:002009-08-18T03:34:41.200-05:00

I've mentioned many times that I believe no matter how long you've been in Japan, how much Japanese you know, how many Japanese friends you have... you will never be considered a Japanese unless you were born in Japan to an ethically Japanese family. That's the cold hard truth.However, after discussing websites with a friend in Austin recently, she reminded me of an old episode of Nip/Tuck that

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-2051508726181028762009-08-12T14:53:00.001-05:002009-08-12T14:54:44.049-05:00

...but I run like a Kenyan.私は外国人のように話すがケニア人のように走る。

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-39673804768153678122009-08-06T12:17:00.002-05:002009-08-06T12:27:13.641-05:00

Yes, the favorite buzz word of many Japanese. I was recently reading over a book on the early years of the JET Program, and found this quote rather succinct. Although the information is slightly dated, it's still fascinating to learn about the birthing pains of the program: contract disputes, sexual harassment "accidents", team teaching, being a foreign pet...The Japanese tendency to assume

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-8430642723858861372009-08-06T08:15:00.000-05:002009-08-05T18:24:49.165-05:00

The 64th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima is today. I'm still a little unnerved at the idea of honoring the dead by reenacting a "die-in" in the park.Will be blogging on plastic surgery soon, you'll see...

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-2512520072813291932009-07-23T00:02:00.001-05:002009-07-23T00:02:50.478-05:00

Footage from NHK on board the cruise in southern Japan:

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-2780465168832903922009-07-22T10:10:00.004-05:002009-07-22T10:15:42.656-05:00

Shoganai is far from the only expression that sums up a culture in ten words or less. Take a look at how cultures from around the world define themselves in my latest article.Shoganai (しょうがない), Japan“It can’t be helped.” Japan is for the most part a very non-confrontational culture. Shoganai epitomizes this tendency because by encouraging people not to complain or try to “fight the power”.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-88959547249980943282009-07-21T12:43:00.002-05:002009-07-21T12:48:20.389-05:00

My most recent read is Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. In it, he explores the phenomenon of ultra-long distance runners, running races most renowned track coaches consider "somewhere between competitive eating and recreational S&M". Cute but fair. I admit I'm one of the many to poke fun at these ultramarathon athletes; not so much disparaging their abilities, but their sanity. I can run

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-68154758740563169302009-07-21T10:57:00.002-05:002009-07-21T11:00:32.771-05:00

World Hum has just released a great article on a foreigner living in Japan and the "contradictions" that result. Here's a sample:...the Japanese tend, I believe, to think in images rather than in ideas, and where ideas need to be consistent, images can sit side by side, belonging to different worlds, like parallel lines in a haiku. It’s not uncommon, near where I live, to see a Zen abbot

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-5942936466724085632009-07-15T15:57:00.006-05:002009-07-16T15:33:24.508-05:00

Koizumi with Joseph Deiss (source)I meet all kinds of people on the road and in my line of work. Most recently, I was introduced to a Swiss citizen living in America. As we started talking, I slowly took command of the conversation and switched the focus to Japan (naturally). To my surprise, however, her impressions of Switzerland seemed to me as if its culture and that of Japan were one and

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-88096813894926114662009-07-15T10:28:00.004-05:002009-07-15T10:37:55.222-05:00

I just received this email from a representative of the website Tripbase:After careful consideration, we have elected to give your blog an award for providing one of the best Japan/Travel-related blogs out there. You have emerged in 10th place for this category.We feel your blog is an excellent example of what a blog should be and trust that you feel proud in this respect. We congratulate you on

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-57050679317902878392009-07-13T12:18:00.002-05:002009-07-15T20:30:32.557-05:00

I've been considering looking at employment in Taiwan following my adventures in New Zealand. Why, you might reasonably ask?Pros- Japanese hot springs are available (due to the occupation)- Chance to learn Japanese history from the other side of the equation- Island nation- (Hopefully) access to really remote Japanese islands- A quasi-Japanese culture (effects of occupation, similar Chinese

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-58843588190903006582009-07-08T10:58:00.003-05:002009-07-08T11:01:26.158-05:00

I haven't been posting Japan-related blogs nearly as often due to my hectic schedule in getting my new website, Once A Traveler, up and running. I will depart for New Zealand in September to spend another summer there, and hopefully find a job in northern Honshu or Hokkaido beginning January or February 2010. In the meantime, if you have any ideas about what you'd like to see in a travel blog/

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-49784279951578698362009-07-02T01:18:00.004-05:002009-07-02T10:15:28.237-05:00

I never realized just to how much of a degree my Japanese language skills have fallen until this evening. I was doing my usual search of the best domestic Japanese restaurants based on the quality of their otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri; this took me to Koi Sushi Japanese Grill and Aki, the sushi chef from Tokyo, who three months ago was working at a Benihana in San Diego. Aki-san and I went through

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-62921456831905121242009-06-24T19:16:00.003-05:002009-06-24T19:20:56.953-05:00

Brentwood Elementary School, Austin, Texas

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-71956247888175818602009-06-23T10:42:00.003-05:002009-06-23T11:01:31.753-05:00

Here at last was someplace venerable, a place hidden in a high valley in Yunnan, far away from the destructive gaze of Beijing. Until recently, that is. The moment Lijiang was declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gold rush was on as thousands of Han Chinese made their way to this corner of Yunnan Province to earn their living as proprietors of tick-tacky souvenir emporiums.- J.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-73498916093747681972009-06-21T22:50:00.004-05:002009-06-21T23:03:13.163-05:00

This is significant news. According to the Japan Times...The Lower House, by a 263-167 vote Thursday, passed a bill to (1) recognize brain death as actual death and (2) allow organ transplants from a brain-dead person of any age if his or her family members approve and if the person had not openly rejected the possibility of becoming a donor.The bill would revise the 1997 Organ Transplant Law,

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-16045297691058814872009-06-19T21:21:00.003-05:002009-06-19T21:26:28.762-05:00

A film has just been posted to Hulu about the way Japanese play baseball. Check it out. And remember, read You Gotta Have Wa.(My apologies to my Japan readers, but Hulu is only available in the states)

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-14429655346888989852009-06-18T15:12:00.003-05:002009-06-18T16:01:33.084-05:00

If you've been monitoring my Tweets, you may have noticed I've been searching the Twittersphere (tell me I didn't make that up) for information on the eclipse ceremony on Akusekijima (悪石島).Akusekijima is one of the really small islands in the Tokara chain, south of Kagoshima city and easily reached by several hours on a ferry. I had the fortune of visiting Nakanoshima (中之島) two years ago, and

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-51793983036416176092009-06-18T09:50:00.002-05:002009-06-18T10:38:09.229-05:00

Inspired by the parody on The Tonight Show, I've decided to occasionally post a few selected tweets from my Japan followers, especially if there's any interesting news going on that warrants extra attention. For example...W7VOAJapan's TV Asahi in major faux pas admits photo aired of DPRK heir apparent Kim Jong-un was a South Korean construction worker.Remember, add me on Twitter for the latest

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-32670321064709339482009-06-16T01:37:00.001-05:002009-06-16T02:07:57.070-05:00

I've pretty much backed off my coverage of Debito over the past year. This is not just due to the fact that I've left Japan, but also because I started to disagree with his tactics. True, I think he makes a valid case for the rights of foreigners in many cases:- Children born to international couples, i.e. what are their rights, will they experience discrimination as a Japanese born in Japan

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-12034504828162013292009-06-16T00:03:00.000-05:002009-06-16T00:03:00.259-05:00

Old news, but still pretty cool. These rice field designs can be seen over Inakadate, Aomori.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-2472792368146324342009-06-15T17:11:00.002-05:002009-06-15T17:12:24.336-05:00

Apparently, I've been declared an "expert" on Japan by the Matador Network. I respectfully disagree; so much more to learn.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-25605487381461281702009-06-10T23:59:00.000-05:002009-06-11T00:31:16.134-05:00

I love this. It's been months since I reported on a huge billboard the National Unification Advisory Council had placed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area concerning the island of Dokdo, east of Korea and west of Japan. Unsurprisingly, it is claimed by both nations in their attempts to prove their commitment to equal opportunity towards territories: "We don't discriminate; we'll lay claim to the

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-57103946835438058712009-06-06T00:20:00.002-05:002009-06-06T00:22:54.754-05:00

In addition to Japan Discovered's Tweetchat, Lonely Planet's own Thorn Tree Travel Forum is a great place to get quick Q&As on Japan.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-51662968889805068942009-06-04T23:58:00.001-05:002009-06-05T01:21:32.783-05:00

...it doesn't mean that China doesn't have an outlet to display some good, old-fashioned nationalist fervor. And the country that currently finds itself the target for this vehemence is Japan. It's an anger that the Chinese government has learned to finely calibrate. On most days, newspapers will carry stories highlighting the villainy and treacherousness of the Japanese. Indeed, these

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-7005601938098894212009-06-03T19:58:00.002-05:002009-06-03T20:02:42.952-05:00

Discovering Japan One Tweet at a TimeThe first ever Twitter chat about travel in and around Japan will be hosted by Shane Sakata of The Nihon Sun and Honor Dargan of Tokyotopia on Friday, June 5, 2009at 12 noon Japan Standard Time.Have questions? We call Japan home and want to help you plan the trip of a lifetime and we'll help you find that special something to add to your itinerary.Check it out

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-27321762439483766522009-06-02T16:23:00.001-05:002009-06-02T16:28:22.080-05:00

Let's take a look back, shall we?In May 2005, I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. I was dating an all-American girl. I ran my first marathon in 3:00:57. I celebrated graduation with an overpriced dinner, mounds of chocolate cake, and a night on 6th Street in Austin. Job prospects were many. Life was good.In June 2006, I

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-12610992578340530702009-06-01T03:30:00.000-05:002009-06-01T03:30:01.132-05:00

My experience "losing my travel virginity", so to speak, is now published on The Traveler's Notebook. I really attribute this moment to the start of a better experience for me in Japan. Check it out if you have a moment.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-31736766846777823252009-05-31T15:54:00.002-05:002009-05-31T16:11:30.148-05:00

Suddenly, from behind, I was struck hard."WHAT THE F*#@!" I yelled. Pain seared across my ear. I whirled around to face this man. My ear was ringing mightily."What the F$#% are you doing?" I demanded.He began yelling at me, smiling, leering. He was with others, young men with cruel expressions. A crowd had stopped to watch. They stood silently, just watching. I didn't like this. None of

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-21251903127128420862009-05-27T01:20:00.004-05:002009-05-28T01:54:00.133-05:00

Finally had the chance to see the film Fear and Trembling, based on the book by Amélie Nothomb.Although I still am of the opinion Miss Fubuki Mori is a demon of pure unadulterated evil and must be crushed flat with a shoe from a giant salaryman, seeing (rather than reading) her reactions as portrayed by Kaori Tsuji did give me a minute amount of empathy to a woman in her situation - I honestly

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-33712903239220547212009-05-26T10:32:00.001-05:002009-05-26T10:34:00.538-05:00

With a classic song from Adam and Joe Go Tokyo:

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-27200706163567523562009-05-26T04:17:00.005-05:002009-05-26T04:33:09.004-05:00

I haven't been blogging on the Japanese "swine flu epidemic" because... well, it's stupid. Swine flu is only slightly more likely to kill you than the regular flu viruses, and it's been over-hyped and used by the media far too often to solicit fear:Thanks to Japan ProbeNevertheless, there is international news in the vicinity of Japan, as North Korea follows up its second nuclear test with the

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-7059015607604908812009-05-26T03:57:00.004-05:002009-05-26T10:32:51.703-05:00

This one comes courtesy of the Matador Network's own Tim Patterson, who wrote a great roundup of ten Japanese phrases for travelers:1. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu"Please favor me." Used in greetings and when exchanging business cards.2. Yosh. Ganbarimas."OK, I'll do my best." Yosh is also a common word to exhale during particularly strenuous activity, like lifting heavy objects or standing up after

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-43191788633619849292009-05-25T00:16:00.002-05:002009-05-25T00:43:23.624-05:00

Applicants to the position of ALT must:1. Be interested in Japan, and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of that interest after arrival.2. Be both mentally and physically healthy.3. Have the ability to adapt to living and office conditions in Japan.4. Obey all Japanese laws.5. Applicants with a suspended jail term must have finished their period of probation by the time they

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-29311333076979944772009-05-20T00:14:00.004-05:002009-05-20T08:51:47.382-05:00

(Courtesy of CNN)CNN recently reported on a record fall in the Japanese economy: a 4% drop in the last quarter, and similar statistics all very impressive to get the point across. Apparently, from reading this article, Japan is doomed. But when facts and numbers just won't suffice, why not throw in a picture?In this case, CNN chose one of the least likely scenes one would see in Japan: a

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-44836585682381060162009-05-19T18:11:00.004-05:002009-05-19T18:34:05.785-05:00

For those of you who don't live in Japan, let me clarify: all residents must be enrolled in either the National Health Insurance program (kenko kokumin hoken), the Social Insurance program (shakai hoken, for companies with 5+ employees), or a private plan. Many foreigners have found ways to circumnavigate this "requirement", however, as when you first register for a gaijin card, the desk clerk

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-20197267350958239992009-05-18T01:11:00.002-05:002009-05-18T01:14:07.541-05:00

Apparently the city of Austin, Texas may be more influenced by Japanese culture than I had originally given it credit for. 9% of nearby Houston's population is Asian and Asian-American (and it shows through the quality of food), and even though Austin has its fair share of sushi bars and exchange students at the University of Texas, it doesn't exactly exude "Japaneseness" (Japanese population

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-31551533788628187472009-05-17T20:47:00.002-05:002009-05-17T20:48:03.569-05:00

I've added KPIJ to the NetWorked Blogs application on Facebook. Click here to follow along with your friends' updates.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-43803523441362567332009-05-13T13:05:00.002-05:002009-05-13T13:09:28.253-05:00

Fatty tuna sushi nigiri by AdactioEver felt lost sitting down at a sushi bar? Want to be able to act like an expert to impress your less-than-enthused date? Now you can! Check out these tips on ordering sushi to ensure your place as a charismatic, cultured sushi-goer.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-13358679847995951672009-05-13T02:11:00.000-05:002009-05-13T02:13:32.468-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/manuelsagra/It was almost two years ago that I first blogged about where I thought my instincts about Japan had arisen. The search is ongoing, and what inspired me to write 5 Cartoons That Taught Us The Meaning Of Wanderlust. Although I have no doubt The Legend of Zelda played a significant roll in my Japanophilia, another contender has entered the ring: Teenage

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-92230014495955321932009-05-13T01:53:00.000-05:002009-05-13T01:54:03.675-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10cTom Hanksthedailyshow.comDaily Show Full EpisodesEconomic CrisisPolitical Humor

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-92100989472420405882009-05-12T22:21:00.005-05:002009-06-12T09:52:49.344-05:00

UPDATE 6/12/2009WinBe has been ignoring my emails, and they just keep being vague when I call them. I rescinded my interest via email, and will look for other opportunities.As many of you are aware, I've been looking for employment in northern Honshu and Hokkaido for a few months now. After extensive online searches, I came across an opportunity to teach at the WinBe English School in Nemuro,

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-7194282468613549512009-05-12T14:06:00.003-05:002009-05-12T14:09:26.620-05:00

If any readers are logged in right now, they may have noticed that the template and text of KPIJ are fluctuating rapidly. I'm finally taking the time to update the blog for Blogger Beta, which should make it better for site feeds and networking sites - just wait for my Twitter, Facebook, Stumble Upon, and Digg links.I'd also welcome any suggestions as to improving the layout or accessibility -

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-54559720921993345242009-05-10T11:03:00.000-05:002009-05-10T11:27:30.180-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/changwenpei/268501627/If you've shopped in Japan, then you've also most likely seen some of these small drinks resembling energy shots, though with a more yogurt-like texture. In fact, Yakult is a popular probiotic beverage.What are probiotics?Think of antibiotics - drugs designed to kill or lessen the effects of harmful bacteria on the body. Probiotics are

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-45946324970711059232009-05-09T13:29:00.005-05:002009-05-12T14:36:23.632-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninpou_kobanashi/3273778904/A Japanese girl sent me an email not too long ago asking if I would offer a foreigner's perspective on this trend. Yaeba, 八重歯, literally meaning "double tooth", occurs in many Japanese due to smaller jaw bones; instead of the front molars falling in line with the rest of the row, they tend to crown out, producing the look you see

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-30233649516335467162009-05-05T21:28:00.002-05:002009-05-05T21:30:22.989-05:00

How did I learn Japanese? It's quite simple, really: I WAS HUNGRY. Check out these tips to discover that the way to a foreigner's brain... is through his stomach.

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-37172448991477654852009-04-27T02:04:00.000-05:002009-04-27T02:07:08.501-05:00

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23906933.post-6730075549914517442009-04-25T01:54:00.004-05:002009-04-25T01:59:25.984-05:00

A story exploring the intricacies and faults of the Japanese legal system. A 26-year-old man is pushed on board a crowded train in Tokyo, and upon being released, finds a 15-year-old girl accusing him of groping. Scary and disheartening. I suppose there's a lesson here: if you're accused of any crime in Japan, guilty or not, run. Run before anyone can identify you. The truth will not set you

Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10372867185647178937noreply@blogger.com3