News items from Neil Duckett

Japan Is Convenient #3

Tue, 2009-01-06 19:50

It’s been a while since i remarked how convenient Japan can be at times and the other day while walking about in Shinjuku i was reminded. Take for example this locker system for storing your phone in and charging it kerb side.

You’d have to agree, there’s little more frustrating and useless than having a dead mobile phone and for units of 20 minutes to 100 minutes you can pop your phone in, plus a few yen, and get some gas in it.

The concept really needs no further explanation, the process for using it may on the other hand.

From what i can tell, provided there’s a spare box it’s just a matter of selection the make and or type of phone, then the box you put it in and press #

This particular set of phone charging locker things was outside of Yodobashi near West Exit.

For other examples of what i think makes Japan convenient you can check out the Glasses Cleaner and Fare Adjustment Machines.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Japan Is Convenient #3

Fine Dining In Tokyo

Mon, 2009-01-05 17:51

Continuing on with a food based theme ….. Something i haven’t done much of since moving to Japan is eating at decent restaurants. As much as the local restaurants i frequent satisfy your hunger on a daily basis they lack the fine dining experience Luke Mangans “Salt” offers and indeed provides.

Luke Mangan also happens to be an Australian so what better place to go for a great dining experience on Xmas day than his Modern Australian cuisine inspired “Salt Restaurant” in the Shin Marunouchi building in Tokyo.

Our small party of 3 started off with a few drinks next door at Luke’s Word Wine bar that has an extensive international wine and beverage list all reasonably priced.

Then it was time to enter Salt, just next door on the 6th Floor.

On Xmas night the usual A la carte menu was replaced with a 6 course holiday special.

The 6 courses consisted of;

Amuse Bouche - Poached Quail egg with ginger oil
Tasmanian Ocean Trout Confit - Lemongrass, Salmon Roe and Cucumber
Quail Tempura - Carrot, Daikon and Sesame with Wasabi dressing
Vanilla Butter Poached Western Australian Lobster - with Australian Mango
Grilled Daikoku Sirloin - Blue Cheese Polenta, Shiitake, Grilled White Asparagus and Truffle Oil
Maple & Almond Pannacotta - compressed Nashi, Sautemes Jelly and Almond Nougatine

All washed down with some fine Australian Red Wine. You’ll have to take my word for it the meal was good, the pics i took came out pretty ordinary due to low light. I strongly recommend you give it a try, it’s definitely number 1 on the list for me when Friends from OS come to town looking for a decent place to go.

It was a great change from the usual crowded and loud restaurants i visit, to be able to sit back and relax and appreciate something a bit more fine tuned … including the amenities.

Unfortunately Luke wasn’t working that day, a spiel well rehearsed by the staff that work there as i have no doubt they’re often asked that question, nevertheless a good time was had by all.

Check out the official site for Luke Mangans Salt, they don’t do a coupon but they do take credit card. Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Fine Dining In Tokyo

Motsunabe In Shinjuku

Sun, 2009-01-04 13:11

After a long day of drinking and eating yesterday, which i will cover later, we finished the night off with Motsunabe in Shinjuku (もつ鍋博多おっしょい山笠新宿)

On the back of my new eating regime and on such a cold night Motsunabe really hits the spot. One again, the bulk of the decisions on what to have were removed from my jurisdiction which is probably a good thing, i ended up trying stuff i ordinarily wouldn’t have and loved it.

It was pretty cheap too considering how much we’d had, working out to about 4000 yen per head.

Motsunabe is made from beef or pork offal. It’s prepared in a hot pot and after it’s boiled for a bit you can add all sorts to it, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, tofu and whatever else takes your fancy.

Thanks to those people that suggested foods, places to eat and even the diet of celebrities and sports stars! I can feel myself being healthier already.

If you’re in and around Shinjuku and looking for a bit to eat i suggest you give this place a go, it’s only 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku station.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Motsunabe In Shinjuku

New Social Security Agreement Between Japan & Australia

Fri, 2009-01-02 15:51

One of my buddies i still keep in contact with from my early 20’s days alerted me to the new social security agreement between Japan and Australia that actually came into effect on January 1 2009, thanks Garry.

Doing a little research i’ve come up with the following, i suggest you dig deeper and see how it affects you as everyone’s situation differs;

“Where Australians have made contributions to Japan’s social security system, but not enough to qualify for a benefit, they would be able to count relevant periods worked in Australia to help them get a Japanese pension.”

This was the sentence that interests me most, being able to take into account my years in the workforce in Australia, because in all honesty, i don’t see myself working here for another 23 yrs to be eligible to claim the money i have contributed. The press release also goes on to say ….

The Australian age pension and Japanese old-age pension are covered under the Agreement.

The Agreement also includes provisions to avoid double superannuation coverage of workers sent temporarily between Australia and Japan. Double superannuation coverage arises where an employee is sent from one country to work temporarily in the other country and superannuation contributions are required to be made in both countries for the employee.

The Australia-Japan Social Security Agreement is expected to come into effect on 1 January 2009.

At the end of the day i’m not going to rely on the superannuation i’ve contributed in either country to fund my retirement, it would be nice to know i can get my grubby little hands on both amounts at some stage down the track though.

For more info i suggest you check out the detail agreement in English and in Japanese. I’m yet to really establish exactly what this means to me but the fact that agreements like this are on the table must be a positive thing. Other useful links can be found here and here.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

New Social Security Agreement Between Japan & Australia

明けましておめでとうございます

Thu, 2009-01-01 16:05

今年もよろしくお願いします。

As another year ends and the new one begins there’s lots of things out of my control ….. one thing firmly in my control is developing healthier eating habits.

The new “diet” for the want of a better word isn’t a New Years Resolution, it’s a necessity. I’ve smartened my eating habits up considerably in the last few weeks and will continue to refine going forward into 2009.

I don’t think Japan is an overly easy place to eat healthily, not when you love Ramen and eating out every day as much as i do, but stocking the pantry and fridge with some healthy options is a good start.

I’m all ears if you have any suggestions for places to eat and specifically types of food that can be easily bought in Japan that fall into a semi healthy category.

All the best for a happy and healthy 2009 and whatever else you’re striving to achieve.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

明けましておめでとうございます

メリークリスマス (Merry Christmas)

Thu, 2008-12-25 13:09

I hope you’re having a Merry Christmas wherever you’re reading this from!

As for me, i’m working all the days i can over this festive season but i do intend having a break from the site until we’re back in the New Year …. that would make it about the 4th of January. Enjoy whatever you have planned and see you online in 2009.

I can’t bid farewell to 2008 and Christmas Day without one last picture of a J-Babe wishing for something grand ….. keep looking princess, you’ll find me

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Post from: Neil Duckett

メリークリスマス (Merry Christmas)

Xmas Tree Is Up

Wed, 2008-12-24 10:29

Better late than never, and with some help from one of Santas’ little helpers, i got it up last night.

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Post from: Neil Duckett

Xmas Tree Is Up

Signs In Japan #2

Tue, 2008-12-23 14:03

Keeping in line with the lazy day i`m having on the couch, courtesy of the Emperors Birthday today, is an equally lazy post of this sign i reccently saw.

Just to clarifiy, when i say i saw the sign, i mean i saw it on the internet, not actually out at the rope way.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Signs In Japan #2

Japanese Pottery Class

Sun, 2008-12-21 20:18

Not so sure this is what the instructor wanted when he said he make something that holds liquid.

Via Lee at Tokyo Times from NetaSimilar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Japanese Pottery Class

J-Babe Of The Week #13 Ako Masuki

Fri, 2008-12-19 11:07

This week i give you Ako Masuki (あこますき) who hails from Shimane Prefecture. Ako, who’s birthname is Masuki Ako, is a member of the avex girl-group and futsal team carezza.

Born in 1987 Ako is approximately 15 years younger than me …. and she looks it too.

Her hobbies include agriculture, cleaning, washing, and origami. Yes you read it right, cleaning and washing …. we are soooo suited it’s not funny.

LOVE the traditional look.

She has a washboard stomach … Snap … so do I.

Don’t even start me on this look she’s got going on with her hair ….. gorgeous.

She’s a keen sportswoman and handy at any ball game.

Ako is also a handy pianist, having tickled the ivories for 10 years so far.

I have a few good suggestions for future J-Babes of the Week that i’m wading through now but keep them coming in if there’s someone you want to see more of.

As we head into the festive season i may very well slow the posting down a little, it’s all dependant on my movements over the next few weeks.

Unlike last year, this year i’m working pretty much right through Xmas, although the work schedule will be a bit more relaxed compared to usual and also i’m sure there’ll be a few nights out on the turns which always hampers the web work …. time will tell.

Anyone interested in the update on the Letter Drop the other day ….. as i pretty much expected, still no word …. でもだいじょうぶです!Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

J-Babe Of The Week #13 Ako Masuki

Ganguro Street Fashion

Thu, 2008-12-18 09:47

This look intrigues me and it’s a great example of the extremes Japan has to offer. The look is called Ganguro (ガングロ) and it’s an alternative fashion trend made popular by Japanese girls since about 2000.

Currently,as far as i’ve seen, Shibuya and Ikebukuro are the best spots to see chicks wearing this get up. I tried to get a photo with a few of these girls about 18 months ago but was promptly told to “get the fark out” to put it politely.

Ganguro starts at school for some which certainly adds some colour to sports day.

Hanging out in groups is a big thing for these girls, it also makes the effect that much greater.

The white make up with the heavy tan is a great contrast …. i actually find these girls quite attractive.

All images pulled from Widelec via Tumblr which has a heap more too by the way … pics of all different types aswell so be sure to visit Widelec

Like i said, i like the look, not sure whether the girls sporting it and i would hit it off socially but i do like the look, how about you?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Ganguro Street Fashion

Who Gives A F*CK?

Wed, 2008-12-17 07:21

Post updated to include the T-Shirt raised in the comments.

Obviously this chick does, spotted at Burger King in Hon-Atsugi the other morning.

On the back of the comment from Altair i had an email from long time reader Donald who had not only seen the t-shirt in question, but he had an image saved on his PC from months ago, thanks Donald.

I guess in all seriousness this may be an example of people wearing t-shirts with slogans they don’t necessarily know the meaning of … maybe that’s the same case with the bag, maybe not.

Thanks again for sending the picture in Donald.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Who Gives A F*CK?

Reverse Kanga

Mon, 2008-12-15 20:23

I got the kit for my upcoming health check in the post last Friday, i knew what to expect so there were no real surprises. The survey on my health history came in English too which helped a great deal.

Upon opening this ’sample’ collection part of the kit i did have to laugh. I was pretty much OK with what had to be done, i mean there’s only so much room for error, it came with a few pics should i have any doubt.

I had to take a closer look at the pics showing me how to use the toilet, i wish i’d seen the Japanese instruction 2 yrs ago … the Western one was what made me laugh.

I wonder if this is the norm and following suit with using a Japanese style toilet they face the wrong way?? … or whether they’re actually suggesting the “Reverse Kanga” is the best method for grabbing the sample??

If you’re still unsure of what the “Reverse Kanga” is you might want to consult the Urban Dictionary.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Reverse Kanga

Isoji Ramen Yoyogi

Sat, 2008-12-13 16:07

On route to pick up my dry cleaning this morning i suddenly remembered a Ramen shop i was told about the other night. Isoji Ramen does a mean 味噌ラーメン from all acounts and it doesn`t take much to twist my arm and get in there for a try.

Whoa! was my first reaction as i reared the corner, deep in the back streets of Yoyogi, to see a line usually only found in a much higher traffic area. Line or not, i was going in for a bowl of ramen.

I`m a Miso man myself but there are a few other options on the menu all reasonably priced.

The ramen was good but i`ve had better ….. having said that i`ll probably go back there and try something else on the menu.

Isoji Ramen are open for lunch and early dinner, up until 7pm, 6 days a week .. closed on Sundays. I`ll update the post with a map on Monday so if you`re in Yoyogi and hungry you might want to give it a try.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Isoji Ramen Yoyogi

J-Babe Of The Week #12 Chinatsu Wakatsuki

Fri, 2008-12-12 08:56

Chinatsu Wakatsuki (若槻千夏) is a popular Japanese Gravure idol, actress, former race queen and singer. She is not to be confused with the AV star of the same name and spelling.

Chinatsu who’s real name is Kurihara Chiharu (栗原千春) was born on May 28th, 1984 Yoshimimachi, in Hiki-gun, Saitama, Japan

After a few early setbacks, namely auditioning for Morning Musume in 2000 but did not make it, Chinatsu went on to make her official debut in 2001 in magazines, variety programs and Gravure websites … this is when she went the name change.

Chinatsu loves to cook. She has been cooking since her fourth year of elementary while her mother took care of the household chores

Chinatsu has that girl next door look …. she’s not THE girl next door though.

She has said if she wasn’t a Gravure idol, she would be employed by Toyo Seikan, a local canning factory.

I Love both of these bikini’s.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Chinatsu loves manga. She liked NANA before its popularity explosion and claims the manga to be her bible.

She is Friends with Yasuda Misako, Anzu Sayuri and Kumada Yoko, all of whom are also popular Gravure idols.

Speaking of Lingerie ….. long time reader of this site Emily has a competition she needs a hand with. If you get the time can you slip over to this site and vote for her other site, LingerieXpert.

And one more request that ended up in my inbox is from Shane who has a competition running to win Arcade Mania! so check out the details here.

Suggestions for J-Babe of the Week are still being accepted, i have a few in line for coming weeks but always keen to hear about more so send me an email or leave a comment below with your suggestion for J-Babe.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

J-Babe Of The Week #12 Chinatsu Wakatsuki

日本語をなんぱで勉強しています

Thu, 2008-12-11 09:52

“Nanpa For Learning Japanese” is the title and theme of the post.

Recently i realised i needed to step up my Japanese learning and it was highlighted by a few people that conversation with the opposite sex is a great means to do that. This i already knew and it’s something i practice as often as possible but i knew i could do more.

Over several painstaking hours i crafted a letter to a girl in my building, we’ve passed each other several times and she’s always cheerful enough to see me but to date our exchanges have been brief to say the least.

I ran the first cut of my letter past my buddy JT who is a master of the Japanese language and also a dab hand with the ladies i might add.

Without rewriting the letter totally, JT gave me some grammatical instruction and helped me massage the message into a readable format which you can see below. Thanks man, I went the Hiragana option and removed any Kanji i didn`t understand.

Once printed off the letter was promptly put in an envelope ready for it’s delivery last night. After a few hours at the local karaoke bar i managed to snap off a picture of the actual drop.

I’m sure for the benefit of those that can’t read Japanese, the contents of the letter will be dissected in great detail in the comments including the mistakes it contains …. Happy to hear them too and any suggestions for improvement.

Let’s see how it goes in the coming days.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

日本語をなんぱで勉強しています

Christmas In Japan

Tue, 2008-12-09 19:31

As another Christmas quickly approaches us there’s no chance it’s going to slip by unnoticed in Japan, everyone seems to get in on the Christmas spirit … or commercial spirit depending on which way you look at it.

Like anywhere in the world Santa comes in all shapes and Japan has its fair share of variations and i had a bit of a gander through flickr to find some examples.

Ginza Santa.

Santa busting out the all too familiar peace sign, something very synonymous with life in Japan like a mentioned here.

Nampa Santa.

Master Santa.

Free Hugs Santa. I’m sure this is the same guy.

Diving Santa.

Extremely poorly made Santa.

Retro Santa.

Colonel Santa.

A Nagoya Santa.

Osaka Love Hotel Santa

Tai Chi Santa.

Unfortunately in Japan, Christmas is a working day so it will go pretty much unnoticed by me this year, unlike last year where i went home to Australia and caught up with the family.Similar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

Christmas In Japan

Learning Japanese

Mon, 2008-12-08 13:17

Over the last 12 months I’ve bought no less than 7 books relating to learning various components of the Japanese Language and I’ve learnt one major lesson, just having them in the same room as me isn’t enough.

Hoping the “learning” will magically jump from the books into my head was a nice thought but all these books really need to be opened, read and studied ….. easier said than done.

I guess I’m disappointed in my current level of Japanese and can easily highlight the reason why, my own laziness, i`m sure this will reflect in the JLPT results from this year.

The thought of coming home from a long day and opening up a book just doesn’t appeal to me and it probably never will. Of the books i own and know Friends use, these are pretty much a good place to start.

I also know my own strengths in learning and this isn’t the most effective for me, i can read it all day long but if i don’t get it i just don’t get it.

I haven’t given up and won’t give up either. Currently the methods I’m actively employing for learning Japanese are the use of some great apps on my iPhone and my habit of eating out every night

Eating out puts me in real world speaking and listening situations ultimately improving my skills that are definitely helping me in day to day life … and it’s fun.

The beauty about learning Japanese using your iPhone is it’s generally always accessable. Whether i’m on the train, in a meeting, on the couch, in bed or during time spent in the “small office” i have my phone with me and i can flick through some varioius learning options.

From left to right here are the links to the Japanese apps i use, some learning some more for just practice and information;

Kanji as the name suggests, for learning Kanji aligned with JLPT levels 1 through 4. You can add additional Kanji 1 by 1 from other levels to increase your Kanji count without jumping too quick.

Kanji Flip which is a little different and gives you a percentage correct after each session. There’s also the ability to test Kana and ass Kanji as required.

Wisdom Japanese and English Dictionary great for plugging in a word in either language and getting the result required. Very comprehensive and requires some level of Kanji to understand many meanings, it also sets you back $30.

Japanese is a pretty lightweight “useful words and phrases” app that i don’t use and will probably remove and i can no longer find it in the app store.

iJisho is another dictionary, this ones only about $5 so much cheaper, you get what you pay for though.

Mixi Japanese social networking site, great for practicing reading and writing in Japanese.

Navitime is an application used for planning trips by car, train etc … all in Japanese so it’s practice once again.

Gengou Free is as the name suggests free and it provides a quick reference of the Japanese era system.

食べログ uses your current or user defined location to find restaurants of choice.

Yahoo Maps and Yahoo for iPhone which i rarely use, not sure where i got them from either, i can’t find them anymore.

Kotoba which is yet another dictionary, the difference being this one is free.

I’m sure there’s 10 more applications for everyone i’ve shown and i’m happy to hear about any you may think are worthwhile installing, free or paid is fine. At the end of the day though iPhone apps are no different to books, they still need to be used to become affective.

So with ~364 days to go until next years JLPT there’s no excuse for me failing next time round.

Lastly, and i forgot to add this first time round. Check out Koichi at Tofugu for some great free Japanese lessons, he and Brett Fyfield …… along with a few others are conducting them … get efficient in Nihongo quickly!

From what i hear this Kanji course is absolutely fantastic if you want to learn to read Japanese Kanji quickly and would be a great help if you`re taking the JLPT this year.

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Post from: Neil Duckett

Learning Japanese

J-Babe Of The Week #11 Yuriko Shiratori

Fri, 2008-12-05 09:49

When i started J-Babe Of The Week i had no idea i’d be uncovering so many beautiful women and this week, thanks to JT, is no different at all.

Yuriko Shiratori 白鳥百合子 born April 29, 1983 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture is a Japanese Gravure idol, who would have known?!

In 2005 she started taking acting and sword fighting lessons two or three times a week. *Insert lewd predictable joke here*

Her hobbies include, Cooking, Calligraphy, Illustrations, Knitting, Short Distance Running, Walking, Badminton … fancy that, same as me.

If you want to see more of Yuriko Shiratori you can check out her blog here or if that’s enough come back next week where i’m sure i’ll be able to russle up another well deserving winner of J-Babe Of The WeekSimilar Posts:

Post from: Neil Duckett

J-Babe Of The Week #11 Yuriko Shiratori

McDonalds Menu #3

Thu, 2008-12-04 09:36

About a month ago the McDonalds Menu experience in Japan was turned upside down when they launched 2 Quarter Pounder specific shops, unbranded and hoping to generate lines like Krispy Kreme experienced.

Although it was popular for the first few weeks i think it’s pretty much died in the arse against their expectations.

One good thing to come out of it though, and i’m not sure whether this was the plan all along or not, is that the Quarter Pounder has now been introduced to the regular McDonalds restaurants across Japan.