Music This has been a big one for me. A prime example of how living abroad has affected , is in the genres of music that I listen to. For example, one genre of music that I really enjoy is the hip-hop/rap genre. I live in Tsukuba, and I remember during my first year, wondering […]
Being transplanted into Japanese society, adhering to Japanese customs and being able to hold your own, thousands of miles away from family and hometown friends is sometimes no small feat. My sincerest kudos to all of those teachers, businessmen, entertainers, and other expats who do it everyday. When I talk about those times that aren’t […]
Ha ha ha…fooled ya! Well, sort of. I wasn’t in a TV commercial for Domino’s but I was in a Domino’s Pizza Web commercial. In this commerical, three friends are at the park talking, when this voluptuous woman (and I do mean voluptuous…sorry…but she was) comes walking by. In the commercial I’m talking on the […]
By Donald Ash | Articles
I found this toy at a Japnese second a shop quite some time ago. I won’t say it was for babies, but maybe for toddlers. It was in perfect working condition and I thought I would be a great way to practice hiragana. For some people studying Japanese, they feel insulted or belittled if they […]
By Donald Ash | Foreigners In Japan
Now let’s look at how to get a Suica Card. Essentially the processes to get a Pasmo and a Suica are exactly the same. Even the names of the buttons you have to touch in order to complete the process are nearly identical. What’s going to be different about this particular post is that I’m […]
By Donald Ash | Articles
If you’re a foreigner in Japan, even if you have an international driver’s license* , you will take a train at some point while you’re here. Having a car is cool, but there are times when riding a train is faster and more convenient. I actually don’t have an international license and the majority of […]
I have a short, money-matter post for your today. But why would it be short when it’s a finance-related post? Well, the reason this a shorter money-matters post is because it’s SUPER EASY to pay your bills in Japan. From Japanese utility bills to internet to tax payments, taking care of those recurring Japanese bills […]