Today, I had my second "I'm in Japan" feeling. The first was the time I was able to see Mount Fuji from the 26th floor of my university building, which, oddly enough, wasn't the one that declared itself to be the one that you could see Fuji from. The second time was being overtaken by the Shinkansen while on a local commuter train that was filled with salarymen.
This was on the way to Shinagawa, for the purpose of applying for a work permit, a process I should have perhaps began a while ago. It was a very simple process, only taking about fifteen minutes overall, but featured a slightly odd exchange, which is also the second of two things.
While being given instructions in Japanese for part of my application, there was an instance where I didn't quite pick up on what the lady was telling me, prompting her to instantly switch from polite Japanese to a rather thick Southern American drawl. It almost sounded like a completely different woman, which is not something I expected in the slightest. I felt rather envious, in fact. I left the place feeling that I hope I can easily switch between languages so simply, rather than being able to work.
The other odd exchange occured on Wednesday, which was a holiday. Having the day off, I decided that, having received some money for an early joint birthday/Christmas present from my mother, I was going to make a trip to Akihabara to replace what is now an almost ten year old digital camera. I did have my mind on one already, but before purchasing that, I found one that had superior specs for a lower price. So, naturally, I went for that, and had to explain to the attendant that, as I was in Japan for a year, five year insurance would not be necessary, which is an excuse I wish I could use back home. Interestling, upon saying that I was living in Japan, I made myself eligible for a loyalty card, which offered further discounts and was free to sign up for.
As I was heading to the register and feeling proud for negotiating in Japanese, I was greeted by a lady on the register who simply pointed at the till and declared in English "This is price", and then opened the box to say "this is camera, this is battery". Those two people seem to sum up Japan for me at the moment, the person who speaks to me in simple Japanese and is ever so polite, and then the person who simply doesn't check to see if I can speak and then just uses even simpler English.
While pondering that, I may have picked up a figure with the saving I made on that camera.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Yeah, but I'm taller
Since my last post, I have since discovered that cats treat people of all creed with disdain.
I know this as I recently made a visit to a cat cafe in Ikebukuro. I'd been well aware of them for a while, and I'd been eager to go for just as long, but it's taken me this long to actually go to one. The basic deal is, it's a cafe, with cats in it. You might be able to guess what the emphasis is on. This particular one asked for 1000円 for an hour's time, with as many biscuits as you'd like, and unlimited use of the vending machines. I assumed that was within reason, so I only had one biscuit and some awful tea.
But as I hinted, that feature wasn't really the point. There were about fifteen cats there, all of whom seemed all too used to attention, and never sought people out, they merely lounged around and put up with all manner of people lavishing attention upon them. My particular favourite was one that had it's hair styled to resemble a lion, and went by the name Krillin. It spent about half an hour asleep, but that didn't deter me from finding him wonderful. After typing that sentence I realise that I'm potentially a little too keen on cats, though.
To save myself from rambling about the wonders of cats, I'll instead shift onto how wonderful I find Book Off. I'd been told to find one as soon as possible, and I have visited a number of times since my arrival. Book Off specialises in second hand books, but also have videogames, movies, music, and so on. The thing is, they're almost as good as new, and most books go for a mere 100円.
While I had picked up a videogame from there, and spent a lot of time merely browsing, today I found something that I could not resist. It turns out, there is a section dedicated to translated adaptations of western films and TV shows. Among them, I found Star Wars, Love Actually, 24 and so on, but once I found Speed, I knew that was the one I had to buy.
It was made worth it when I discovered that Keanu Reeves speaks like a very macho badass. That's what keeps me giggling whenever I try reading it.
I know this as I recently made a visit to a cat cafe in Ikebukuro. I'd been well aware of them for a while, and I'd been eager to go for just as long, but it's taken me this long to actually go to one. The basic deal is, it's a cafe, with cats in it. You might be able to guess what the emphasis is on. This particular one asked for 1000円 for an hour's time, with as many biscuits as you'd like, and unlimited use of the vending machines. I assumed that was within reason, so I only had one biscuit and some awful tea.
But as I hinted, that feature wasn't really the point. There were about fifteen cats there, all of whom seemed all too used to attention, and never sought people out, they merely lounged around and put up with all manner of people lavishing attention upon them. My particular favourite was one that had it's hair styled to resemble a lion, and went by the name Krillin. It spent about half an hour asleep, but that didn't deter me from finding him wonderful. After typing that sentence I realise that I'm potentially a little too keen on cats, though.
To save myself from rambling about the wonders of cats, I'll instead shift onto how wonderful I find Book Off. I'd been told to find one as soon as possible, and I have visited a number of times since my arrival. Book Off specialises in second hand books, but also have videogames, movies, music, and so on. The thing is, they're almost as good as new, and most books go for a mere 100円.
While I had picked up a videogame from there, and spent a lot of time merely browsing, today I found something that I could not resist. It turns out, there is a section dedicated to translated adaptations of western films and TV shows. Among them, I found Star Wars, Love Actually, 24 and so on, but once I found Speed, I knew that was the one I had to buy.
It was made worth it when I discovered that Keanu Reeves speaks like a very macho badass. That's what keeps me giggling whenever I try reading it.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Observations
It's been... a somewhat busy week. Nothing particularly major has happened, but I've been noticing a few things. It's also had a lot of ups and downs. There was a chart that was shown to students in Sheffield last year for what sort of experience we should expect to have, and the first month was supposedly going to be very enjoyable, while the second was much less so. I think I've begun to feel that, but it's being countered by sheer determination to enjoy what I'm doing and not wallow around in pity and end up wasting my time. It's an odd feeling.
Before I get properly rolling with a variety of topics, I'm going to summarise last weekend, as that seems to be my style at the moment. I went to Meiji Jingu, a temple located between Harajuku and Shibuya, and therefore in the metropolitan part of Tokyo. Despite that, the vast majority of it is in a forest. It's quite surreal to exit a train, cross a bridge and then find yourself in dense woodland. It didn't feel like Tokyo. I went there with Hiromi, an Intercultural Studies student who I met at a baseball game a few weeks prior. Therefore, about 90% of the day was carried out in Japanese, with a few stumbles here and there, but I felt quite proud of myself. I'm finding that there's quite a substantial amount of things I know how to say, but due to the absolute lack of confidence I had from my Japanese classes at Sheffield, I'm not at all used to saying them without some form of guidance.
I also made a visit to a museum there dedicated to the life of Emperor Meiji. The attention to detail stood out for me, and I ended up remembering one key part of the exhibit. Apparently, during the time of World War II, Emperor Meiji wanted to remain devoted to studying, but had some need to be frugal, and limited himself to using pencils. If this year doesn't go as intended, at least I've learnt one thing I didn't know before. I rounded that day off with having my first experience with purikura. A nice mix of old and new culture, I reckon. I can't seem to access the photo that was mailed to my phone, which is potentially to do with using a prepaid model, but I've got a sheet of photos at least.
Onto the little observations though. Last week, I was finally introduced to some grammar that I have not seen previously at Sheffield, but at that point, I realised something about how the classes are taught here. We're introduced to something, and then somehow expected to just understand how it works. Looking back, most of the grammar had a very basic description, and then we get homework to complete for the following lesson regarding that grammar. If I hadn't already seen the majority of the grammar we've covered here previously, I'm sure I'd be having an incredibly different experience overall.
Next up, money. Every time I pay my monthly rent, I seem to find myself slipping into some kind of panic about expenditures. I'm fairly sure that, if I live somewhat frugally, I should be okay for the year, but with every little thing being more expensive, there is pressure to think about each and every purchase I'm making. Unfortunately, due to that constant pressure, I ended up feeling the need for some retail therapy, and picked up a videogame. A case of shooting myself in the foot there, perhaps.
This week is the Hosei School Festival. I went briefly today, following a request to watch a street dance performance. It's not something I have much of an interest in, if at all, but I did find it reasonably enjoyable. Most of the festival seems to lean towards various clubs selling food and alcohol, or dressing up in costumes. I even learnt that Hosei University has a Pokemon group. Unfortunately due to not bringing any of those games with me, I don't see much point in me taking part, but it's not really something I expected to see.
One thing I knew to expect when I came to Japan was being ostracised somewhat for being a foreigner. I've started to notice that this has resulted in me thinking that someone has done a certain thing for the mere reason that I'm foreign, which leaves something of a bitter taste. I think I've mentioned previously that I'll ask someone something in Japanese, and have broken English shouted back at me. Yesterday though, I had someone change where they were sitting on the subway train just to move away from me, which, being a regular traveller on public transport in England, has always seemed like a very rude thing to do. Later in the same day, I was stared at by a cat while on my way home, which then abruptly turned away from me. My very first thought that whis was also because I was foreign, and then I realised how absurd I was being.
And... that's probably everything that's notable at the moment. The only other thing is that I've rediscovered an appreciation I have for an idol, but that's not important at all. Oh no.
Before I get properly rolling with a variety of topics, I'm going to summarise last weekend, as that seems to be my style at the moment. I went to Meiji Jingu, a temple located between Harajuku and Shibuya, and therefore in the metropolitan part of Tokyo. Despite that, the vast majority of it is in a forest. It's quite surreal to exit a train, cross a bridge and then find yourself in dense woodland. It didn't feel like Tokyo. I went there with Hiromi, an Intercultural Studies student who I met at a baseball game a few weeks prior. Therefore, about 90% of the day was carried out in Japanese, with a few stumbles here and there, but I felt quite proud of myself. I'm finding that there's quite a substantial amount of things I know how to say, but due to the absolute lack of confidence I had from my Japanese classes at Sheffield, I'm not at all used to saying them without some form of guidance.
I also made a visit to a museum there dedicated to the life of Emperor Meiji. The attention to detail stood out for me, and I ended up remembering one key part of the exhibit. Apparently, during the time of World War II, Emperor Meiji wanted to remain devoted to studying, but had some need to be frugal, and limited himself to using pencils. If this year doesn't go as intended, at least I've learnt one thing I didn't know before. I rounded that day off with having my first experience with purikura. A nice mix of old and new culture, I reckon. I can't seem to access the photo that was mailed to my phone, which is potentially to do with using a prepaid model, but I've got a sheet of photos at least.
Onto the little observations though. Last week, I was finally introduced to some grammar that I have not seen previously at Sheffield, but at that point, I realised something about how the classes are taught here. We're introduced to something, and then somehow expected to just understand how it works. Looking back, most of the grammar had a very basic description, and then we get homework to complete for the following lesson regarding that grammar. If I hadn't already seen the majority of the grammar we've covered here previously, I'm sure I'd be having an incredibly different experience overall.
Next up, money. Every time I pay my monthly rent, I seem to find myself slipping into some kind of panic about expenditures. I'm fairly sure that, if I live somewhat frugally, I should be okay for the year, but with every little thing being more expensive, there is pressure to think about each and every purchase I'm making. Unfortunately, due to that constant pressure, I ended up feeling the need for some retail therapy, and picked up a videogame. A case of shooting myself in the foot there, perhaps.
This week is the Hosei School Festival. I went briefly today, following a request to watch a street dance performance. It's not something I have much of an interest in, if at all, but I did find it reasonably enjoyable. Most of the festival seems to lean towards various clubs selling food and alcohol, or dressing up in costumes. I even learnt that Hosei University has a Pokemon group. Unfortunately due to not bringing any of those games with me, I don't see much point in me taking part, but it's not really something I expected to see.
One thing I knew to expect when I came to Japan was being ostracised somewhat for being a foreigner. I've started to notice that this has resulted in me thinking that someone has done a certain thing for the mere reason that I'm foreign, which leaves something of a bitter taste. I think I've mentioned previously that I'll ask someone something in Japanese, and have broken English shouted back at me. Yesterday though, I had someone change where they were sitting on the subway train just to move away from me, which, being a regular traveller on public transport in England, has always seemed like a very rude thing to do. Later in the same day, I was stared at by a cat while on my way home, which then abruptly turned away from me. My very first thought that whis was also because I was foreign, and then I realised how absurd I was being.
And... that's probably everything that's notable at the moment. The only other thing is that I've rediscovered an appreciation I have for an idol, but that's not important at all. Oh no.
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