Tranquil Kyushu Island; 1. Aso Volcano, the world largest caldera !

October 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm by akko@hakata in Others  

After exciting Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, why not visiting tranquil Kyushu, where you can experience magic of nature, and what it bring out, such as onsen (hot spring) , beautiful nature, fresh local food, good sake, and friendly people!

Aso mountain is the general term referring to 5 mountains.
Nakadake (1592m) is one of them, and [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Oita Power Spot (Sacred Place) “USA Jingu Shrine” [宇佐神宮・大分県]

August 13, 2008 - 2:10 pm by katchaman in Others  

Usa Jingu Shrine is the main home for all(44,000) Hachiman-gu shrines around Japan. I can recommend USA Jingu Shrine as one of the best sacred place in Japan.
Usa jingu Shrine, constructed in the 6th century, is dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu - both of whom are legendary - and his deified [...]

Fukuoka, introduced as the World Best Shopping City @ MONOCLE

June 26, 2008 - 2:03 pm by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

Fukuoka, which already has a very good reputation among residents,
business people (especially Tanshin-Funin people* !), domestic tourists,
and also oversea visitors, first appeared in the latest MONOCLE magazine,
and introduced as the best shopping city, and the 16th livable place.

As a resident, Fukuoka is;
-Gourmet! Especially recommendable is ramen noodle, seafood, local shochu (distilled spirit).
-Friendly! People show [...]

Try Maiko Makeup @ Yoji-ya

June 3, 2008 - 3:42 pm by akko@hakata in Culture, Product, Travel  

If you are interested in trying Maiko makeup, not in a heavy, authentic way, but in a casual, easy way, Yoji-ya would be the best solution.

These are colors for your eyes and lips. Each is from Japanese traditional natural colors of flowers, fruits, snow, etc.
They may look unusual, but once you put them, you’ll find [...]

Japanese Body Language - 頭の回転が遅い

April 17, 2008 - 7:47 am by Bill Belew in Culture  

Japanese Body Language -
頭の回転が遅い[あたまのかいてんがおそい, atama no kaiten ga osoi] be slow; be slow on the uptake; be dull or dimwitted
This expression is quite similar to atama ga warui except in my opinion, it’s a bit more colorful.
kaiten is spinning or turning. And in the case of a dull person, [...]

Japanese Body Language - 頭が悪い

April 14, 2008 - 7:42 am by Bill Belew in Culture  

Japanese body language -
頭が悪い[あたまがわるい, atama ga warui] be dumb; be slow
Yup, the Japanese can insult with the best of them.
When a person just doesn’t get it, can’t figure it out, can’t be taught, or is just plain slow to come around..s/he is said to have a bad (warui) head.
It’s [...]

Things Japanese/Americans Can Say With Their Feet

April 9, 2008 - 9:48 am by Bill Belew in Culture  

A look at a dictionary and one will find these 10 other things (in addition to the ones I have already written about) that Japanese can say with their feet/legs.
It might be more of a testimony to what I don’t know than what I do, but these ten expressions never made it into any conversation [...]

Japanese Body Language - 足が遅い

April 4, 2008 - 4:49 am by Bill Belew in Culture  

I spent a long time in Japan - nearly 20 years.  To be sure, a lot got by me. On the other hand, I picked up quite a bit, too. Including the language.
I ran a business, fought with the auditors from the Tokyo Tax Bureau (IRS-types) and taught Japanese people about Japan in Japanese among [...]

Shinto Shrine, Graceful Monthly Event @ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

April 2, 2008 - 3:32 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

Shinto Priest is getting the evel spirit away from the people.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most popular Shinto Shrine, especially for those who want to pass the entrance exam.
For many Japanese students, entrance exam of high schools and universities is a big challenge, so they make special wish at Shinto Shrines.
By the way, Shinto [...]

Want to pass School Entrance Exam? Visit Michizane-kou @ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine!

January 15, 2008 - 6:33 pm by akko@hakata in Food, Others, Travel  

This is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where Michizane Sugawara, God of Academy, is worshipped.

People from all over Japan visit Michizane-kou (it’s a way to call him friendly and with respect), and pray `Please let me (or let my son/ daughter) pass the entrance exam!’.
(If you know something about Japanese educational system, to enter good [...]