Indian restaurants: Is Japan moving toward a multi-ethnic future?The spread of ethnic restaurants can tell us much about a country and immigration. Looking at Japan, we can see Indian restaurants run by Indians spreading across the country. The Japanese are torn between wanting immigrants to work in Japan and wanting to keep their 'homogenous' society. The Indian restaurants may be a hint that Japan will one day be a vibrant and energized multi-ethnic country.
Language abuse: for those who want to participateThis article details the travails of Fred as he suffers through a Canadian woman abusing the Japanese language and discusses how Westerners abuse Japanese, Japanese abuse English, and people like to announce the languages they can speak.
Honda man: Are you the night janitor?While Americans generally identify the most strongly with what they do, many Japanese tend to identify more with the organization they work for. This article discusses an American, meeting with a Japanese, who tries to ask what the Japanese does.
Child fatalities and gambling in JapanEvery year in Japan, gambling parents leave their children in the car or home alone while they go to play pachinko, a modified pinball game. A few of the children die.
Visit America, misunderstand English and dieLooking for a Halloween party, Japanese exchange student Yoshihiro Hattori went to the wrong home. He rang the bell only to be greeted by a Dirty Harry wannabe with a .44 magnum revolver with a laser sight. Hattori became yet another victim of American gun culture.
My friend who eats fermented soybeansMy friend Fred eats natto, which is fermented soybeans, just as he does other things for his health. He tries to avoid talking about it with Japanese as natto is just a food, not a topic worthy of such great interest and discussion. Fred's perspective differs from that of many Japanese.
Black, green, or wasp tea: Which is healthier?This article looks at teas around the world: black, green, and wasp. Black and green teas both offer many health benefits although research is still in its infancy. For Japanese, green tea is important for cultural reasons too. Americans are interested in tea as a drink and for health benefits, but tea is only a drink to most Americans.
Diet Fads in Japan: Bananas, Natto, and AgarThis article examines three Japanese diet fads in recent years: bananas, natto, and agar. The Japanese population now faces problems with metabolic syndrome and obesity due to prosperity and lack of exercise. More and more Japanese are interested in diets every year. When diet fads appear, millions of people try to lose weight with yet another diet scheme. None of the diets have yet provided the magic answer though.
The killing jellyThe September 2008 death of a 1-year-old Japanese boy from choking to death on devil's tongue jelly brought the death toll to 17 victims since 1995. Devil's tongue jelly, unlike other jellies, does not melt in the mouth. The Japanese government moved to pressure the manufacturers of devil's tongue jelly to prevent additional deaths. Yet, the government has not taken steps concerning food products with far higher fatality counts.
Chekhov and improving your writing: Show the glint of light on broken glassAnton Chekhov tells us not to say that the moon is shining, but to show him the glint of light on broken glass. Showing, not telling, is one way to improve your writing. This article will provide examples of showing instead of telling and suggestions to help you improve your writing.
Live and Work in JapanThis article examines the qualifications for becoming an English teacher in Japan, and discusses job hunting and pay. Finally, the article looks at the adventures that you can have overseas, including carrying a shrine and eating grasshoppers.
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