It's getting chillier and chillier, and the season of food and reading is on its way. In case you haven't been watching the calendar, we will have a national holiday "Cultural Day" on Friday, Nov 3. I am eagerly looking forward to this 3-day weekend -- where I'll curl up with a good book and eat some
delicacies that my husband Ren (are you reading this?) will make for me!
Monday, October 30, 2000
Monday, October 23, 2000
Korea
There have been several Korean movies showing in the theaters lately, and I noticed the recent boom compared to a situation 2-3 years ago, where we never saw a Korean movie.
In 1998, the Korean gov't decided to deregulate Japanese movies, videos, and publications: gradually allowing the Japanese pop culture back into that country after 50 years.
Korea is close geographically, but it's very far from us mentally. Of course, WWII is the biggest and the worst reason why the two countries have taken so long to come closer together, but still,
it's surprising that we haven't even exchanged pop culture until recently.
My hope is that this kind of cultural exchange will it help people to develop a better understanding of each other's countries so that we get past the stereotype of Korean people eating Yakiniku everyday, and start a meaningful interaction between our two very unique nations.
In 1998, the Korean gov't decided to deregulate Japanese movies, videos, and publications: gradually allowing the Japanese pop culture back into that country after 50 years.
Korea is close geographically, but it's very far from us mentally. Of course, WWII is the biggest and the worst reason why the two countries have taken so long to come closer together, but still,
it's surprising that we haven't even exchanged pop culture until recently.
My hope is that this kind of cultural exchange will it help people to develop a better understanding of each other's countries so that we get past the stereotype of Korean people eating Yakiniku everyday, and start a meaningful interaction between our two very unique nations.
Saturday, October 14, 2000
2000 Yen Bills
Do any of you have a JPY2,000 bill? I've seen one, but never owned or used one.
When I was on the bus, I saw a notice saying "This bus does not accept JPY2,000 bills" stuck to the ticket machine. I remember that the media made a big fuss when the MOF decided to release the new JPY2,000 bills with the picture of Okinawa, but it turned out that they're not that popular.
The MOF Printing office printed 270m notes through to the end of August, but information sources say that only 120m notes were actually transferred to public banks. The remaining 150m notes are in the Bank of Japan vaults gathering dust. Amazingly, the MOF Printing office still plans to print another 10 billion notes by the end of next March.
So now everyone has to make new machines which can read JPY2,000 bills, including: ATMs, vending machines, etc. Or maybe not. Apparently, a lot of key players have said that they'll just ignore the bill's existence altogether.
When Japan's ex-prime minister announced this great (?) idea to stimulate the economy by releasing a new note, I knew it wouldn't work. But as bureaucrats always do, the MOF has no intention to stop printing; and they'll sell the notes to the Bank of Japan for JPY16.2392 billion. This will become revenue for the MOF. I guess we should think of the whole mess as a memorial bill for the millennium Okinawa summit!
When I was on the bus, I saw a notice saying "This bus does not accept JPY2,000 bills" stuck to the ticket machine. I remember that the media made a big fuss when the MOF decided to release the new JPY2,000 bills with the picture of Okinawa, but it turned out that they're not that popular.
The MOF Printing office printed 270m notes through to the end of August, but information sources say that only 120m notes were actually transferred to public banks. The remaining 150m notes are in the Bank of Japan vaults gathering dust. Amazingly, the MOF Printing office still plans to print another 10 billion notes by the end of next March.
So now everyone has to make new machines which can read JPY2,000 bills, including: ATMs, vending machines, etc. Or maybe not. Apparently, a lot of key players have said that they'll just ignore the bill's existence altogether.
When Japan's ex-prime minister announced this great (?) idea to stimulate the economy by releasing a new note, I knew it wouldn't work. But as bureaucrats always do, the MOF has no intention to stop printing; and they'll sell the notes to the Bank of Japan for JPY16.2392 billion. This will become revenue for the MOF. I guess we should think of the whole mess as a memorial bill for the millennium Okinawa summit!
Monday, October 02, 2000
Housework
The other day, I did a personal experiment of how housewives spend their time during weekdays. I had a compensation holiday during Terrie's business trip. I did laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, fixing my bicycle, buying groceries and consumables, and cooking meals. Many of you might think that housekeeping is not a professional job, but I can tell you that it's a lot of work. It's easy to imagine that the more family members you have, the more work you have to do everyday.
A few months ago, a book that bashes housewives was published, and I read that a lot of housewives strongly reacted to the ideas covered in the book, such as that they are: lazy, have
no motivation, get 3 square meals and a nap everyday (Sanshoku Hiru-ne tsuki). I believe it's their choice to stay home and do housework, just like the other people working in the office
choose their jobs. But this doesn't give others the right to accuse housewives of having it easy.
I guess that housekeeping is an essential part of your daily life, but perhaps you don't recognize its importance and necessity. When you're young and healthy, and out all the time, this is understandable. But what about if you get old or sick -- then you will definitely need someone's
help. That's one of the reasons why home helpers and the other nursing care businesses are becoming successful business areas.
If you had the choice would you like to be a housewife or house-husband?
A few months ago, a book that bashes housewives was published, and I read that a lot of housewives strongly reacted to the ideas covered in the book, such as that they are: lazy, have
no motivation, get 3 square meals and a nap everyday (Sanshoku Hiru-ne tsuki). I believe it's their choice to stay home and do housework, just like the other people working in the office
choose their jobs. But this doesn't give others the right to accuse housewives of having it easy.
I guess that housekeeping is an essential part of your daily life, but perhaps you don't recognize its importance and necessity. When you're young and healthy, and out all the time, this is understandable. But what about if you get old or sick -- then you will definitely need someone's
help. That's one of the reasons why home helpers and the other nursing care businesses are becoming successful business areas.
If you had the choice would you like to be a housewife or house-husband?
Monday, September 25, 2000
Raw Eggs
For those of you who grew up in Japan, did you have raw eggs on rice when you were little?
The Chiba Egg Center will start selling eggs specially designed for those who like raw eggs. The new eggs are called "Kenta-kun" and come in two varieties: Red and White. The Red ones are rich in DHA (Docosa Hexaenoic Acid) which helps the performance of your brain (makes you smarter?!). Meanwhile the White ones have much less possibility of causing salmonella food poisoning.
I guess that most people from overseas have never thought about eating raw eggs for breakfast, but it's very common for Japanese. I use to eat this dish almost everyday, and for that matter for almost every meal. However, I had to stop after becoming allergic to eggs! Maybe Rocky/Sylvester Stallone will love this news and drink raw eggs to beef and brain UP. Do you want to try?
The Chiba Egg Center will start selling eggs specially designed for those who like raw eggs. The new eggs are called "Kenta-kun" and come in two varieties: Red and White. The Red ones are rich in DHA (Docosa Hexaenoic Acid) which helps the performance of your brain (makes you smarter?!). Meanwhile the White ones have much less possibility of causing salmonella food poisoning.
I guess that most people from overseas have never thought about eating raw eggs for breakfast, but it's very common for Japanese. I use to eat this dish almost everyday, and for that matter for almost every meal. However, I had to stop after becoming allergic to eggs! Maybe Rocky/Sylvester Stallone will love this news and drink raw eggs to beef and brain UP. Do you want to try?
Tuesday, September 12, 2000
Underwear
Did you know that September 14th is "Man's Valentine's Day"? As if White Day wasn't enough,
now we're faced with a marketing plot from the Japan Body Fashion Association. The day is
6 months after the real Valentine's Day, Feb 14, and is supposed to allow men to approach their
lovers and spouses and show how they feel. But what really burns me is that they are supposed
to give a present of "underwear" instead of chocolate.
This may be a good promotion for the underwear market, but could also be the source of sexual
harassment. What would you think if you got an underwear present from a secret admirer?
now we're faced with a marketing plot from the Japan Body Fashion Association. The day is
6 months after the real Valentine's Day, Feb 14, and is supposed to allow men to approach their
lovers and spouses and show how they feel. But what really burns me is that they are supposed
to give a present of "underwear" instead of chocolate.
This may be a good promotion for the underwear market, but could also be the source of sexual
harassment. What would you think if you got an underwear present from a secret admirer?
Monday, September 11, 2000
Buried Treasure
I heard on the news that due to the water shortage, an old sunken castle has re-emerged
from the waters of Biwako. This is the biggest lake in Japan, but its deepest point is only
8m in the south part. The castle is called Sakamoto Jo, which was built by Mitsuhide Akechi.
If you are familiar with Japanese history, Akechi-san killed his Shogun after doing "kireta"
(flipping out) after being bullied by his boss. Sound familiar even with the young people of
today, doesn't it?
There is one interesting story that Akechi's men hid the family gold and treasure in a temple near
the lake, after being attacked during an ensuing battle. I wonder if there will be anyone out on the
lake with a metal detector-equipped dinghy this weekend?
from the waters of Biwako. This is the biggest lake in Japan, but its deepest point is only
8m in the south part. The castle is called Sakamoto Jo, which was built by Mitsuhide Akechi.
If you are familiar with Japanese history, Akechi-san killed his Shogun after doing "kireta"
(flipping out) after being bullied by his boss. Sound familiar even with the young people of
today, doesn't it?
There is one interesting story that Akechi's men hid the family gold and treasure in a temple near
the lake, after being attacked during an ensuing battle. I wonder if there will be anyone out on the
lake with a metal detector-equipped dinghy this weekend?
Friday, September 01, 2000
Business Manners
The other day, people from a VERY major company came to LINC without an appointment. It's not so unusual for sales people to drop by without appointments, but these people looked
different: distinguished looking, aged in their mid-40's, and with gray hair.
Of course they were looking for our president, but he was out. Then they asked me to find our "Number Two". I thought that was strange for them to use that term, because it's not polite
speech and you normally wouldn't use such a term in front of customers and clients. The usual term is "vice president" or "senior manager". Anyway, I suggested that they leave their
meishi so that I could pass their message on to Terrie, and maybe arrange an appointment in the future. But, they insisted on meeting the "Number Two", even though they admitted
they were just dropping to say hello. Plus, and this is unbelievable, they forgot to bring business cards with them!
I suppose that they didn't appreciate my suggestion to come back some other time. However, at least I believe it's basic manners in Japanese business to exchange cards, and I wonder how they, with more than 20 year's work experience, forgot to bring their meishi when visiting?!
different: distinguished looking, aged in their mid-40's, and with gray hair.
Of course they were looking for our president, but he was out. Then they asked me to find our "Number Two". I thought that was strange for them to use that term, because it's not polite
speech and you normally wouldn't use such a term in front of customers and clients. The usual term is "vice president" or "senior manager". Anyway, I suggested that they leave their
meishi so that I could pass their message on to Terrie, and maybe arrange an appointment in the future. But, they insisted on meeting the "Number Two", even though they admitted
they were just dropping to say hello. Plus, and this is unbelievable, they forgot to bring business cards with them!
I suppose that they didn't appreciate my suggestion to come back some other time. However, at least I believe it's basic manners in Japanese business to exchange cards, and I wonder how they, with more than 20 year's work experience, forgot to bring their meishi when visiting?!
Friday, August 25, 2000
Uniform
Have you noticed only female employee in banks and the other large corporations wear a common uniform? Since the for Equal Employment Opportunity Law was passed, and because of the slow economy, more companies are letting female employees decide on their own clothes. It can save a company about JPY200m per year. On the other hand, those women who have to buy new work clothes spend JPY20k to JPY50k per month. This money goes to the Department stores and the apparel industry in general and is probably helping the economy. But I do feel sorry for those women who have to spend a big portion of their salary to buy new clothes.
It use to be a very typical office scene that men wore a suit and women a uniform. I think it would be much easier if I had a uniform so that I didn't have to think what I should wear every morning. Of course, in a way I do have a uniform: T-shirt and jeans. I'm seeing a lot more people dressed in such a uniform at LINC Media recently!
It use to be a very typical office scene that men wore a suit and women a uniform. I think it would be much easier if I had a uniform so that I didn't have to think what I should wear every morning. Of course, in a way I do have a uniform: T-shirt and jeans. I'm seeing a lot more people dressed in such a uniform at LINC Media recently!
Friday, August 11, 2000
Obon
The obon season is coming, and I believe many of you are taking a vacation during this period. The word "bon" came from an old Sanskrit phrase "ura bon e", originally meaning "agony". It came from India via China, and eventually reached Japan. The term came from the fact that your ancestors' spirits come back to your home town during obon, and you have to be careful not to have any accidents least the spirits try to take you back [to their] home with them...
Please take care and enjoy your vacation.
Please take care and enjoy your vacation.
Friday, August 04, 2000
Chopsticks
I found out that August 4th is the "Day of Chopsticks." Eight is "hachi," and four is "shi." Thus 8/4 can be read as "hashi" (Japanese for chopsticks). Hashi are very popular tool worldwide, and I guess that many of you may be even more comfortable using hashi than regular
cutlery.
I know that for our foreign staff, though, you must get sick of Japanese who keep asking if you can use hashi. From New York to New Delhi, Japanese and Chinese food is both popular and usually served with chopsticks. So I wonder why Japanese are stuck with the notion that
somehow they are the only nation using them.
One of my friends from US was sick of being asked over and over about his hashi handling abilities, and started responding by asking his hosts if they could use a knife and fork. Since cutlery is widely used here now, their initial reaction is to wonder why he'd ask such
a silly question... and then, they realize what he is trying to tell them.
Being at LINC Media -- where there are so many nationalities, 16 at last count, and so many non-native speakers who are fluent in other countries' languages and customs -- you soon learn to drop the stereotypes!
Happy Chopsticks Day!
cutlery.
I know that for our foreign staff, though, you must get sick of Japanese who keep asking if you can use hashi. From New York to New Delhi, Japanese and Chinese food is both popular and usually served with chopsticks. So I wonder why Japanese are stuck with the notion that
somehow they are the only nation using them.
One of my friends from US was sick of being asked over and over about his hashi handling abilities, and started responding by asking his hosts if they could use a knife and fork. Since cutlery is widely used here now, their initial reaction is to wonder why he'd ask such
a silly question... and then, they realize what he is trying to tell them.
Being at LINC Media -- where there are so many nationalities, 16 at last count, and so many non-native speakers who are fluent in other countries' languages and customs -- you soon learn to drop the stereotypes!
Happy Chopsticks Day!
Friday, July 28, 2000
Tug-of-War
Can you name the all official Olympic sports? There has been one sport which hasn't been played for over 80 years: tug-of-war. It was an official sport from the 2nd Olympics in Paris in 1890 through to the 7th in Antwerp in 1920. The rules were very simple, but when some competitors started wearing special spikes, the organizers decided to drop the sport.
Tug-of-war is still very popular at Japanese gym festivals. I recall my father use to join the tug-of-war team when I was in elementary school. I personally didn't like it because it's a very "collective effort" sport and your contribution is barely noticeable -- meaning that we always had people who pretended to pull but didn't really. And since we couldn't tell who they were, we couldn't weed them out and consequently got beaten (pulled over) a lot!
Tug-of-war is still very popular at Japanese gym festivals. I recall my father use to join the tug-of-war team when I was in elementary school. I personally didn't like it because it's a very "collective effort" sport and your contribution is barely noticeable -- meaning that we always had people who pretended to pull but didn't really. And since we couldn't tell who they were, we couldn't weed them out and consequently got beaten (pulled over) a lot!
Friday, June 30, 2000
BBQ
I'm back from the vacation this week, and thanks to all of your support, there were no major problems in the office!
During my vacation, I found some very useful tools for having BBQs, while wandering through a mall in US. One is a big Serving Fork with a built-in Thermometer. The other is a spatula which tells you when to turn the hamburger. I saw a lot of people buying groceries for BBQs, but didn't see anyone buying these tools...
It was not hard to imagine that a lot of fathers were planning BBQs during the weekend because the weather was great. Maybe I should've bought them for my father since he loves BBQs, too. Kawai-soo, I missed his Father's Day this year because I was on vacation.
During my vacation, I found some very useful tools for having BBQs, while wandering through a mall in US. One is a big Serving Fork with a built-in Thermometer. The other is a spatula which tells you when to turn the hamburger. I saw a lot of people buying groceries for BBQs, but didn't see anyone buying these tools...
It was not hard to imagine that a lot of fathers were planning BBQs during the weekend because the weather was great. Maybe I should've bought them for my father since he loves BBQs, too. Kawai-soo, I missed his Father's Day this year because I was on vacation.
Saturday, June 24, 2000
Video Games
17 years ago, Nintendo started selling Fami-con's (Family computers). I can recall the sensation it caused, because now you could play games at home instead of having to go to an arcade and slip in coins every time you wanted to kill off a few Space Invaders. It was impressive to see how in a few short months, Nintendo became very popular overseas, too.
I read an article recently that says the young generation of Japan is now used to playing with
computers (through games), by using thumb controlled mini joysticks, rather than keyboards or mice. Since DoCoMo was smart enough to include such a user interface device in the i-mode, this apparently is one major reason why the phones have been so much more successful than pen-operated devices.
Compared to the games of today, the early games look so easy and simple. The new complexity is thanks to thousands of programmers and designers who make a living by playing games. But sometimes I wish that I could go back to the old days, especially when I get stuck in my latest version of Zelda....
I read an article recently that says the young generation of Japan is now used to playing with
computers (through games), by using thumb controlled mini joysticks, rather than keyboards or mice. Since DoCoMo was smart enough to include such a user interface device in the i-mode, this apparently is one major reason why the phones have been so much more successful than pen-operated devices.
Compared to the games of today, the early games look so easy and simple. The new complexity is thanks to thousands of programmers and designers who make a living by playing games. But sometimes I wish that I could go back to the old days, especially when I get stuck in my latest version of Zelda....
Friday, June 09, 2000
RIka-chan
When I went shopping the other day, I found Rika-chan dolls with tanned, bleached hair, and in a high school uniform! Rika-chan is like Barbie here in Japan, and almost all girls of my age used to play with one. So you can imagine our surprise when we see her in a high school uniform with a short skirt, tanned face and pearl lips!
The amazing thing is that these dolls come with the correct uniform of any high school in Japan. You can even order one from a "catholic high school in Kobe". I didn't have chance to see what kind of people buy these, but it looks like the most popular one is a Rika-chan complete with cowboy hat and short pink skirt. Maybe you've seen her on the street in Shibuya?
The amazing thing is that these dolls come with the correct uniform of any high school in Japan. You can even order one from a "catholic high school in Kobe". I didn't have chance to see what kind of people buy these, but it looks like the most popular one is a Rika-chan complete with cowboy hat and short pink skirt. Maybe you've seen her on the street in Shibuya?
Friday, May 26, 2000
Keys
Have you ever locked yourself out of your apartment or lost the key late at night? Well, now there's a service that you can use by just keying in your entry code on your mobile telephone. An adaptor and electronic lock on the door will open with the right call. The company running the service is called 3D, and will start selling the electronic key and 1.2V battery-powered adaptor in June. The price is JPY4,000 for both the adapter and the key.
My problem is that if I stopped using regular keys and instead just relied on the adapter set, I'm sure that I'd forget the the cell phone, or run out battery power... What I really need is a microchip implant in the brain that can be scanned by my apartment locking systems and the TV!
My problem is that if I stopped using regular keys and instead just relied on the adapter set, I'm sure that I'd forget the the cell phone, or run out battery power... What I really need is a microchip implant in the brain that can be scanned by my apartment locking systems and the TV!
Monday, May 22, 2000
Miniatures and Memorials
Bridal season is coming and the latest trend is viewing designs as miniature wedding dresses in show cases. Now there is even a service which offers to duplicate school uniforms in miniature. Called "My Puchi," the service is offered by a uniform maker called Excell in Okayama. They
supply miniature uniforms ranging from your from your kindergarten through to high school. To have a proper replica made, you send the original uniform to them, and about 3 months later they deliver the 1/3 size replica for JPY12,000. What you'd use a miniature copy of your school
uniform for is beyond me...
Talking about "memorial goods", I saw dog dolls made from geniune dog hair taken from pets after they die. The owner's order their dolls from an elderly lady in England, purportedly to remind them of their lovely pet. But you have to wonder what kind of person would shave their dead
dog?!
supply miniature uniforms ranging from your from your kindergarten through to high school. To have a proper replica made, you send the original uniform to them, and about 3 months later they deliver the 1/3 size replica for JPY12,000. What you'd use a miniature copy of your school
uniform for is beyond me...
Talking about "memorial goods", I saw dog dolls made from geniune dog hair taken from pets after they die. The owner's order their dolls from an elderly lady in England, purportedly to remind them of their lovely pet. But you have to wonder what kind of person would shave their dead
dog?!
Monday, May 01, 2000
Golden Week
The golden week is starting (probably already started for some of you) and those who joined us recently can take a long break. Those of you who've been working for LINC Media for a while, I'm sure the break will be more than welcome.
It's a well known fact that some freshmen joining in spring to a company, tend to have negative thoughts about their job -- because they have plenty of time to think. Apparently this is
an instinctive thing, where the brain tries to protect you from danger, by simulating the worst scenario you could have in your life so that your brain can prepare. It's like gaining immunity to a disease.
Of course there are some people who have positive thoughts and seek to do what they really want to do. I hope you can re-charge your energy and enthusiasm for work, during the
holidays, and come back to LINC Media with even more energy and spirit than before..
What I'm going to do over Golden Week? Easy! Sleep, eat, relax, feel like a human being again, and just generally calm down after the craziness of the Daijob.com funding....
It's a well known fact that some freshmen joining in spring to a company, tend to have negative thoughts about their job -- because they have plenty of time to think. Apparently this is
an instinctive thing, where the brain tries to protect you from danger, by simulating the worst scenario you could have in your life so that your brain can prepare. It's like gaining immunity to a disease.
Of course there are some people who have positive thoughts and seek to do what they really want to do. I hope you can re-charge your energy and enthusiasm for work, during the
holidays, and come back to LINC Media with even more energy and spirit than before..
What I'm going to do over Golden Week? Easy! Sleep, eat, relax, feel like a human being again, and just generally calm down after the craziness of the Daijob.com funding....
Monday, April 24, 2000
Get up!
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.
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.
Monday, April 17, 2000
Certifications
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 certification to your resume, please call 03-5396-1331 and find out the detail! I don't think LINC Media will give you a pay raise for it though...
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 certification to your resume, please call 03-5396-1331 and find out the detail! I don't think LINC Media will give you a pay raise for it though...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
