Japan Wave

You need Rikaichan

2008-10-02T18:29:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-02T17:28:00.004-04:00

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

2007-09-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

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.

Only In Japan

2007-05-03T23:36:00.001-04:00

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

Oddball Story

2007-05-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-04-14T01:47:00.001-04:00

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

2007-04-06T21:57:00.001-04:00

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.

Cherry Blossom Season!

2007-04-05T21:29:00.001-04:00

It is cherry blossom season in Japan. The entire country explodes with these gentle flowering trees. The blue sky seems to rain down sweet cherry blossom petals and for once spring is gorgeous and alluring. When looking down a row of Sakura trees it is as if God has released pink snow to only be caught by these trees.

The word for cherry blossoms in Japanese is Sakura. This is also a popular girls name. I do not think there could be a sweeter word to describe these delicate and precious trees and wonderful girls.

According to Wikipedia, there are over 305 species in Japan alone! Other sites have it listed as being slightly over 100 species. Also, the most famous and cherished specie is the Somei Yoshino. It is the snow white- yet tinged pink variety that basically the world knows.

Cherry Blossoms are so loved that there are viewing parties called Hanami. At these viewing parties groups of people spread blankets or so and sit under the trees enjoying the view that surrounds them. This is done mostly during the day but in many places lights are strung through the trees for night viewings and social gatherings in parks and such. There tends to be a lot of good food and flowing alcohol shared among friends. To me, it is one way that the country gets together and celebrates the birth of spring.

Sakura Facts

~ It is said that in the Gifu Prefecture there is a famous tree that is over 1500 years old

~A National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each year in Washington D.C.

~ Flickr.com has over 76,605 pictures labeled as 'Sakura' for your viewing pleasure! Okay it isn't a fact but it is a way to see these gorgeous trees.

Links

Official Website of the National Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington D.C.

Spring Flowers of Japan

Cherry Blossom Princess Headquarters

A Beginner's Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing: Cherry Tree Varieties
*has great pictures!

She Who Eats blog
*great pictures of Japanese tea snacks and yes, cherry trees!

How much would you pay?

2006-12-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

So in browsing Japanese news I came across an interesting article about Hello Kitty. It seems that our lovely Japanese have made a one of a kind Hello Kitty item and I do mean one of a kind. So one of a kind that only one person will own it--but for a unique price. Check it out here at Mainichi Daily News.

For complete info on the history of Hello Kitty go to Wikipedia.org.

Also, you can visit the Sanrio Company to see more Hello Kitty and her friends. Enjoy!

Obon

2006-08-14T01:48:00.000-04:00

OBON

Obon is an experience and a festival usually held August 13th or so of every year. Japanese return to their home towns to gather with family and remember their ancestors. For some it is a time to remember those who have passed recently. For others it is a time to reconnect with their place of birth and to commune once more with old friends. While in Japan, I was able to participate in 3 Obon festivals. I wore yukata, danced with my students and learned group dances. And everyone danced. From preschoolers to the elderly of the community, everyone danced. I enjoyed this festival because of the traditional importance it holds. The older generations can teach the younger generations.

In 2004 I attended my last Obon in Japan. At this event white lanterns with the named of loved ones who had passed away since the last Obon where strung up side by side. These lanterns were very ornate. All were white and trimmed with gold. All were made of paper and held small candles in them. After the dances were done and an announcer stated it as time for the lanterns, everyone gathered around. Women began to chant prayers from their buddhist faith and the lanterns were all cut down and layed in a pile. Someone lit the lanterns and quickly they all began to burn. I stood near mesmorized by the sight. My japanese friends and families were releasing their ancestors to the other side and I was there to share this time with them.

In the US I don't think we have anything quite close to the intensity of Obon yet we too remember our ancestors and loved ones gone from us. I encourage you if ever the opportunity arises, go to an Obon event in a local Japanese community center or establishment. It is quite an awakening to see the beautiful Japanese people pay tribute to those they hold dear and to experience a deep tradition that occurs yearly.

Rikai.com

2006-07-08T04:23:00.001-04:00

Edit: Visit http://polarcloud.com/rikaichan to download Rikaichan

For those of you who enjoy perusing Japanese websites but cant (or don't) fully understand what the site is talking about, I present to you RIKAI.COM. This genius site is a godsend for many of us who know no Japanese or are learning but haven't quite got the kanji down yet.

At Rikai.com plug in the website you want translated and watch the magic as you go through the site and have kanji broken down for you in English, its meaning and hiragana/katakana for us learners.

Please take a look below!

Also, for Firefox users there is a plugin to where you don't have to access the site to get the Japanese goodness you can get it straight from your browser. Check here for it:

RikaiXUL
http://rikaixul.mozdev.org/installation.html

Happy studying!

Gyōza!!

2006-07-07T02:28:00.000-04:00

Photo by David Vasquez

Gyōza or, Jiaozi in Chinese, is a pan-friend dumpling that is served in Japanese & Chinese restaurants in Japan. Let's not forget that they're in the grocery stores too. You probably have seen them on menus as potstickers as well. Recently, I have been craving these dumplings like none other. Stuffed with pork, chicken or veggies, these things are fantastic with a sweet chili sauce or a light soy sauce. I have seen them devoured with a spicy mustard too. What is so great about these dumplings? The flavor. The pan-seared crisp outside. The amazing veggie to meat combination. I am trying not to drool as I type. I actually have pictures of these dumplings on my screensaver to remind me of the goodness Japan has to offer. I didn't discover gyōza until I arrived in Japan and a friend ordered them. They are bliss and I want about 12 of them to eat right now!

If you want to read up more about gyōza check out the sites below. Let me know if you make them. I WILL be right over!

Wikipedia: Jiaozi/Gyoza

Random blog: Is My Blog Burning? Gyoza dumplings

Thank you

2006-07-03T13:04:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your interest in Japan. I hope to post information and links that will help you discover a passion for Japan, her people, the food and the language. Please have a look around and find something new about glorious Japan!