Archive for Japan
April 28, 2008 at 11:53 am · Filed under Japan
Showa day is celebrated in Japan as a day to commemorate the Era of Showa (1926-1989), where the Japanese worked hard to rebuild the country, and wishing for a bright future. It is the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), and after his death in 1989 it became known as the Greenery Day or Nature Day for the late emperor was a keen marine biologist. In 2007, it returned to its original name – Showa Day, whereas the Greenery Day is now being celebrated every 4th of April as a separate event and as part of the Golden Week celebrations.
Golden Week is actually from May 3-6, which specified as May 3 as the Kenpou-kinen-bi (Constitution Memorial Day); May 4 as the Midori-no-hi (Greenery Day) and; May 5 : Kodomo-no-hi (Children’s Day). Well, I don’t know but this is just my judgment and I’m not sure about this… but I think Japanese consider Golden Week from April 29 up to May 6 since there many national holidays during this period and many businesses and/or corporate establishments are close for about 6-10 days depending on the calendar ( Well our company’s principal in Japan will be having a break from April 29 - May 6, then office will resume May 7… thank’s for the Ms. Cheryl 
). This week is one of the three biggest holidays in Japan, (along with New Year and O-Bon Festival) and during this time many people are taking a vacation or travel abroad or around the country. Well, since it is a celebrated season for Japanese for sure the sights and amusement places are jam-packed, and it is expected that airports and train stations are overflowing so if you want to avoid the trauma for mass travel better seek and have the best Travel News and Booking Engine for your festival participation. It is better to get yourself a hotel booking engine or arrange your accommodations way ahead of time because it is very difficult to get hotel reservations and transportation during this period.
February 21, 2008 at 3:47 am · Filed under Japan, S. Korea
The surfacing of Valentines Day in Korea and Japan emerged through the credits of various marketing strategies. In most countries, the men are usually give gifts to the ladies, like for instance or the most common thing given are chocolates and flowers to their girlfriends or lovers. But in Korea and Japan have quite a different practice huh?! As the day on, women are the ones giving candy to the men they like. And guess what’s more?!? Women who particularly works in the offices makes it up an obligation rather than voluntary to give chocolates to all of their male officemates. (Geezzz!! what if you’re the only girl in your company?!? don’t you think it’s so unfair and such a great disaster in your finances??!!) This kind of chocolate in Japan is known as giri-choco, came from Japanese words giri which means obligation, and choco which obviously stands for chocolate. Don’t worry girls, there is a day (to get even hehehe) that they will return the favor on you – it is called the “White Day”. Held every 14th day of March wherein men are supposed to return the favor by giving something to those who gave them chocolates on Valentines Day. However, most men only give present to their girlfriends. Actually, this so-called “return gift” is supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows, thus in commemoration for the name itself “White Day” but maybe because of the modern age, men have taken the name to a different meaning and the common gift are given these days are lingerie. In Korea, there is an added event aside from White Day – the Black Day. Held every 14th day of April, this is the occasion for all the men who receive nothing on Valentines Day. They all gather together, and eat Jajangmyun, a Chinese style noodles in black sauce. (hhmm I love Jajangmyun..yummy!)
“Businessmen are indeed so, so, clever… why? They made-up all these occasions for their gain. Inventing Valentines Day, and then White Day… and then Black Day! oh c’mon! So now, speculate no more as to why we have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teacher’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, and so on.. blah..blah.. blah… I will not be surprise anymore if there will come a time to have occasions such as Pet’s Day, Nanny’s Day, Best friend’s Day, etc.”
February 15, 2008 at 6:20 am · Filed under Japan, Philippines
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that combines aspect of Chinese acupuncture and philosophy with body massage. I’m not really sure about the benefits and difference of other kinds of massage such as Thai and Swedish massage but what I’m certain about Shiatsu is that it will restore or maintain the proper flow and balance of vital energy in our body. Of all the types of massage, Shiatsu is my most preferred one and if I were to recommend a massage, of course this is the one I would suggest because unlike any other ordinary or shall I say normal whole-body massage, Shiatsu focuses on specific points, which are similar to the acupoints of acupuncture… and I can really feel the recovery deep inside me.. and I would never give-p my time to a spa and have a relaxing massage. I think I’m getting addicted to massage therapy now and I can say or if I may call this a vice of mine that I cannot avoid… then this is it! It is indeed my weakness! I noticed that my body is really longing to have a massage once or twice a month. I have tried seven of these massage services here in Davao: Asian Massage, Hair Zone Massage Spa, Blind Massage (I’m not sure what’s their name), Body Excellence, Spa 101, Touch N Heal and Body Bliss. Although Touch N Heal’s massage techniques are good enough plus they have excellent place and setting I still have my most preferred one – The Bodyexcellence. Though their setting is not as good as Touch N Heal’s or like that of in Hair Zone, their beads don’t even have holes (hahaha!). but still the way of their massage is what I’m after of. They actually do Shiatsu massage just like in others but I don’t know why only in Bodyexcellence I don’t feel any tickles hahaha. Hhhmm I just hope that I will feel better everyday and achieve healthier body since I’m having Shiatsu massage every month.
December 14, 2007 at 2:32 pm · Filed under Japan
This is what I’m busy for tonight… 
after going off very early from the office this afternoon, i hit my bed right away the moment i got home. After having enough rest and sleep I woke up aroung 11 pm. I took my dinner then face my pc again 
After watching the skies to witness the meteor shower and Mars, Unnie played this new DVD borrowed from Irish - Hana Kimi.. so this is my flavor of the month (i think) hhehehe. Oguri Shun is so cute here.. He’s a lot more cute here than in Hanayori Dango. I browse the net to see his picture.. check them out 
and then an up-close pic 
grabeeehh! may bago na naman akong fafah ngayon hihihihi…
November 20, 2007 at 12:45 am · Filed under Japan
I badly want to go to Japan now.. wanna go there and have a job…. maybe settle there for a very long time, then marry my man of my dreams. What if my soulmate is Japanese? gosh i don’t know if it is true that Japanese are cruel… Nah i don’t think so.. ‘coz i have heard from friends that many Japanese are very kind and gentle. Hhmm what if i will end-up having a Japanese husband??!?! I’m thinking what am i going to name our kids?? KIDS??? so it means it means it is more than one?! hahahaha.. I like these names:
- Yoshi - which means “better/best”
- Kazumi - “beautiful harmony”
- Kin - which means “Quiet” —> (quiet?!?! I’m not that type! hahaha )
- Akira - means “anchor —>( anchor?!?! related na naman sa barko?!??? utang na loob!)
- Sachi - “bliss-child”
… … of course my most liked name is Yuri which means Lily or Yuriko which means child of Yuri
September 30, 2007 at 2:42 pm · Filed under Japan
Japanese or not, if you have the passion for eating Sushi.. Here are the 6 tips for you, so that going to a Sushi Restaurant need not to be daunting:
1. Try practicing with chopsticks at home – but if you can’t master it, it’s not the worst thing to abandon them and use your fingers.
2. Pour soy sauce into the saucer provided. Mix in a pea-size amount of Wasabi, and add more according to your taste.
3. Pickled ginger is a palate cleanser, not a garnish. Eat a slice between different types of Sushi.
4. When eating a Nigiri (rice topped with fish, meat or vegetables) dip the topping side into the soy. Rice soaks up too much soy, which can over power the other subtle flavours.
5. Sushi should land in the mouth fish-side down for maximum taste – your tongue warms the fish so you don’t just taste the rice.
6. Do eat a whole piece in one go – breaking it apart tends to end in a messy collapse.
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REMEMBER that Sushi is a raw food. Before eating them, you should know first the PROS and CONS. There are many reports of medical cases about people obsessed in eating Sushi. So if you think that you have overfed yourself eating Sushi, go to a hospital, not in Los Angeles nursing homes for they are two medical institutions. Hospital will treat all of your medical complaints and disorder while Los Angeles nursing homes is only senior care services and facilities.
itadakimasu!
September 28, 2007 at 11:58 pm · Filed under Japan
Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries as it sits atop four tectonic plates, slabs of land that move across the earth’s surface. In fact, two earthquakes struck almost simultaneously off Japan’s central coast late Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No tsunami warning was issued and no damage was reported.
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 jolted an island in southern Japan on Thursday afternoon, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The quake was centered about 30 miles under the seabed near Miyakojima, an island 1,150 miles, southwest of Tokyo, the Meteorological Agency is quoted by Associated Press as saying. Police said no damage or injuries were reported from the 2:41 p.m. tremor. The island has a population of about 50,000. A tremor of magnitude 5 can damage homes. There was no fear of tsunami, or seismic waves caused by undersea disturbances such as volcanic activities or undersea earthquakes, the agency said. Separately, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake shook parts southwestern Japan about 320 miles southwest of Tokyo. That quake was centered about 12 miles underground in the southern part of Tokushima state and struck at 2:12 p.m. Police reported no damage or injuries. The agency said the two quakes were not related.
Too bad for the Japanese that successive calamities hit their country recently. After the typhoon that whacked some areas of Japan, earthquake took place just now. Isn’t it ironic that when Japanese are worrying about the calamities happened in their country, some people are just worrying about their vanity – problematic with their surgeries, like face lift, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, etc… oh what a life hahaaha!
September 28, 2007 at 1:31 am · Filed under Japan
The word Geisha means “artist” in Japanese. Geisha are professional hostesses who entertain guests through various performing arts in tea houses called O-chaya. They are trained in a number of traditional skills such as Japanese ancient dance, singing, playing instruments such as the Shamisen, flower arrangement, wearing kimo no, tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more. Geisha continue to study and perfect these skills throughout their careers as geisha. A successful geisha must demonstrate beauty, grace, artistic talent, charm, impeccable etiquette, and refinement. Only guests with a long time connection with the tea house are allowed and tea houses generally don’t take on new clients without an introduction. The profession of a geisha is a very expensive business and a geisha party can easily cost thousands of US dollars. The total number of geisha in the 1920’s was 80,000, but today the number of geisha has dropped to 10,000 due to the westernizing of Japanese culture.We often misinterpret the role of Geisha in the society. Geisha must train themselves in various traditional arts such as classical dancing, playing the Shamisen, and several styles of singing in the hanamachi (geisha community). Today, geisha women may also be models or go on international tours, for example. Geisha work by entertaining guests at expensive tea houses, you cannot find them in La Jolla restaurants because it is an Italian restaurant with a Meditteranean setting. , Geisha’s role in this place only serve drinks, talk with the guests, and perform. Geisha do not prepare or serve food. They also never have a one-night stand. Geisha women maintain many different relationships with men. They are not prostitutes. It is appropriate for geisha to have a patron (danna), whom she is involved with emotionally, economically, and sexually, however it is up to the geisha whether she wants one or not. Geisha wear their hair in a bun or a uniform style with a single comb and two pins. They also wear elegant kimonos and beautiful white make-up. Geisha also entertain at business banquets or parties for a considerable amount of money. There they engage in conversation, and perform for the guests. Geisha will either perform “Tachikata” which mainly does traditional Japanese dance or “Jikata” which mainly sings or plays an instrument. Tachikata are usually the maiko girls while Jikata are older geisha women. They also pay greater attention to the guest of honor. Geisha also do not discuss anything that was said at a party or business meeting outside.
September 27, 2007 at 1:08 am · Filed under Japan
This is the famous hotel in Japan for its unusual architecture design, inspired by the traditional temples in Japan. It has over 72 rooms, 11 suites with 3 non-smoking floors, and 5 meeting rooms include high-tech boardrooms. All of 83 the rooms are spacious, well decorated and most have magnificent view of the park. It occupies the best location in Tokyo, and is adjacent to famous Ueno Park and world-class shopping, and only 6 minutes from the financial district. The Hotel has successfully undergone a complete refurbishment in 2000 and is one of the most distinctive hotels in Japan.
HOTEL FACILITIES:
- Business centre
- Cocktail bar
- Concierge
- Gymnasium
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Parking facilities
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Safe deposit box
ROOM FACILITIES:
- Cable / Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
- In-room safe
- Iron and ironing board
- Mini bar
- Modem/data port connection
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Tokyo Sofitel Hotel is the best place to stay if you’re planning for a luxurious holiday in Japan, but if you are up to holiday vacation to the West a there’s a good place where you can unwind and have absolute fun – San Diego bars is one of the famous place for your nightlife. All your favorite drinks are available for you from rhum to Scotch, whiskey, and tequila. The perfect place and services where you can have a great time!
Please realize that you have to sell your soul in order to step foot inside this amazing
August 10, 2007 at 4:56 am · Filed under Japan
SUMO WRESTLING is the national sport of Japan. I don’t know what’s really into this fight game that even non-Japanese are so hooked into this sport. I mean as for me, well, I love about Japan but with regards to my opinion in Sumo Wrestling, actually, it’s kinda enjoyable to watch it but I’d rather watch the wrestling of western people - you know WWF ( I’m a big fan of Hulk Hogan 
). Actually, the thing that made me irked to sumo is that it has very, very long introduction, I mean, I have seen once a whole fight in TV - NHK Channel and despite of the language barrier (you know everything I heard are all Nihonggo words) still I continued to watch. Before the two wrestlers will fight and bump into each others bodies, there were so many formal procedures they are doing; ceremony, ritual and everything that made me bored, but nevertheless once the real fight is going on, and the two big, fat wrestlers are pushing each other, that’s the time I am getting really fun and entertained… can’t help myself but shout and cheer too, even though I don’t know them at all hahaha. For the year 2007, there were a number of SUMO WRESTLING TOURNAMENTS in Japan. Last March, was in Osaka, and just recently for the month of July happened in Nagoya. Tokyo will hold 3 tournaments: January, May, and September. The last tournament will be in Fukuoka on my birth month – November. Each tournament will start and end on a Sunday and will last for 15 days.
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