You need Rikaichan

Rikaichan. If you want to read text on Japanese websites but can't figure out the kanji or meaning of some of the words then you need this. It is a simple Firefox add-on that displays the kanji, hiragana/katakana and meaning in English or other select languages.

Watch the flash video on how it works:
http://polarcloud.com/v/rcpv.htm

Get that Rikaichan add-on from Polarcloud.com
(About) http://polarcloud.com/rikaichan
(Versions) http://polarcloud.com/japanese

iKnow! Japanese Learning Site

I enjoy learning Japanese. After giving up on trying to be ready for the JLPT this year, I found this website. Let me tell you, it is awesome. It is a simple program to use yet you cover many levels of the Japanese language in an easy to understand format. Also, through this site, you can become friends with Japanese who are on the Japanese version of this site. They use iKnow to learn English and through messages, photos, and journals you can communicate and share language tips.

The website is totally free and is continuing to morph into something wonderful. Users can create their own vocabulary lists and share them with others. Maybe you want to learn some of the Osaka dialect. There is a list just for that. Perhaps you need help with listening skills. This site has you covered. There are other features at iKnow available for Japanese language learners...and the pictures used are of excellent quality. Also, if you have feedback the admins are there to listen and will reply back promptly.

Don't worry about Japanese input or Japanese font to use the learning part of the site. If you want to type in Japanese in the journals or forum you will need your own input program however.

Give it a shot and report back here to your findings. I haven't found anything better (that is free) just yet.

Note: This site uses flash. Other than that no downloading required to use this excellent website.

Nihongo de Care-navi

I recently came across a very useful Japanese<>English dictionary website that contains medical & care terms. "Nihongo de Care-navi" has a fresh, clean interface and easy to understand navigation that is great for learners of Japanese. There aren't too many frills but you will find cultural instances listed. Searches can be done via English, Japanese kanji or romaji. There are charts available in roma-ji, too, for beginners. Also, check out the Verbal Contact section and the Basic Expressions. Look for their conversation markers, too, as it indicates how phrases can be used between people.

Vending Machines of Japan

PhotoMann Travel Photgraphy - Images of Japanese Vending Machines

*has great pix!

I came across this page while browsing at Blogs on Japan. This vending machine photo page shows off the quirky things you can purchase from these contraption. The infamous panty machines that Japan is known for is featured on this site as well as the hefty price of wanting such a thing. I am acquainted with the honor system ones as they tend to line the roads of the country mountains I lived in. Lemme know which ones you have seen before or which one blows your mine. I am sure one of each is featured on this page.

Photo credit: Zina Boyd

* Japan Today Vending machine users & opinions

Only In Japan

Only In Japan would this fly...only in Japan.
*Correction: Only in Asia!! But Japan is quirky enough to do it, too!

Oddball Story

I figured I'd post this peculiar story I found on the wires...

Dog owners 'fleeced' in poodle scam | Metro.co.uk

Dog owners 'fleeced' in poodle scam
Thursday, April 26, 2007

Is it a lamb? Is it a poodle? Can you spot the difference?Thousands of people have been 'fleeced' into buying neatly coiffured lambs they thought were poodles. Entire flocks of lambs were shipped over from the UK and Australia to Japan by an internet company and marketed as the latest 'must have' accessory. {More}

Everybody (just about) Loves Pocky!

I find it strange that there is like this snack cult about Pocky. To put it in the most plain terms: it is icing on a stick. I like Pocky. It is good. I do not covet it though or claim allegiance to Glico for making it. HOWEVER, in saying all that, I won't hesitate to cater to the whims of All pocky lovers everywhere. I love you guys.

Pocky on Wikipedia Pocky Shrine Pocky for your siggy!

You Are Banana Pocky

Your attitude: fun and lighthearted Unique and unforgettable You are cutie everyone falls for

What Flavor Pocky Are You?

Toyama Koichi

Japanese election campaign speeches: subtitled for your enjoyment (Video) » Japan Probe

I found this site after watching the Toyama Koichi video. If you do know who he is then don't bother watching the video. If you DON'T know who he is then you should know that he is a mad man and probably wouldn't last a night in western countries. Anyway, anyone preaching anarchy isn't in their right mind in my opinion but everyone is entitled to their opinions. Also included in the linked site are other odd politician/candidate type peoples.