Hiroko's Hitokoto

Do you have problems getting up in the morning? My sister who lives with me doesn't get up even after 4 alarm clocks have gone off and I've kicked her a couple of times! I've been thinking for a while about trying something else other than noise. Now there is an alternative: a vibrating mattress avilable from a major bed maker from May 1. The produce targets bed-bound older people who have difficulty healing bed sores, and/or with waking up. The vibrations get stronger and stronger over a 4-minute period, until you think you're in the middle of an earthquake. The price is JPY75,000, and the maker expects first year sales of around JPY3m.

Spring is the season that university students who will soon graduate start looking for jobs. Even LINC Media receives phone calls by students looking for job. One of the often asked questions is if certifications is an advantage towards getting hired. I usually answer yes to that question, but tell them that maybe the capability to do your work and contribute to the business will be more highly valued that just having a certification. Japanese do seem to like getting certificates. To my amusement I found what I think is the world's most un-useful certification -- an Onsen/hot spring travel exam. If you get the top mark, you will have the honor of receiving a doctorate in Onsen Travel. The certification is being planned by the Travel Certification Association, and they are expecting about 2,000 people to take part. This association also hosts a very popular Travel Exam and Train Trip Exam -- which is widely sought after by train schedule nerds and kids. If you want to add a unique c...

The cherry blossoms are in the full bloom these days. There is a tiny park near by my apartment, and they have a huge cherry tree. I don't have much chance to watch it under the sun, but when I come back home at night, it's very beautiful, shining in the moonlight. I can spend hours and hours under the tree at night. The neighbors probably think I'm insane, but the blossoms have a kind of mysterious power that catches your eyes and won't let you leave. I hope that most of you had a chance to do Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) this weekend with lots of beer and friends. But,personally I like a quiet Hanami at night better. Be sure to catch the cherry blossoms before the end of this week, or they will be gone for another year.