I'm an American who has been living in Japan for about four years now, and so far, we've been very good to each other.
Here are some articles, links, and other information in case you want to learn more.
to see a description
(that's the name!)
My Contributions to World Peace
Why? Why?
A short piece asking some simple questions about everyday life in Japan. Examples include: Why are people amazed that, even though I wasn't born here, I can use chopsticks? Meant for anyone, but of special interest to those who've spent any time in Japan. Back to Contents
Japanese Culture 101
A simple guide to how to handle the basic things that make a visit to Japan so unnerving for Westerners. Short, practical and un- philosophical. No-nonsense advice on when to take off your shoes or how to turn down invitations. Intended for people considering a trip here. Back to Contents
Top Ten Words to BS Your Way Through
You won't be fluent after you've read this, but you will be able to make friends and influence people. Meant to get you through the first few days or weeks, properly executed they could last a whole career. These are the words that I still use all the time to pass myself off as conversant even after four years of living here. Back to Contents
Primer On Japanese History
Just a broad overview of Japan's history from about 500AD until now. About 2 pages long, with recommendations for further reading. Meant for anyone with a passing interest in this country or for thosee planning a trip who don't want to appear ignorant. Back to Contents
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Japan National Tourist Organization
As Yahoo's Internet Magazine says, "Whether you're looking for a package tour, visa and airline reservations, or sight-seeing ideas (and directions!) äJNTO has it all" http://www.jnto.go.jp/ is a good source for travel info such as festival calendars and temples that offer accomodation. Back to Contents
Japan Information
Yes, that's really the name of the site. Like the name, it's straightforward and informative. Unlike the name, it's colorful and interesting. Many links to other official sources of information and good photos of landmarks. Go to http://sunsite.sut.ac.jp/asia/japan/ to see for yourself. Back to Contents
Irasshai
Less ambitious than the others, "Irasshai" at www.ceismc.gatech.edu/irasshai/culwww/trav.htm still carries lots of useful tips, city guides, etiquette pointers, and a weather map. Back to Contents
The 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano
Learn about the event that you can't get tickets to, or someday, see the results of the event that you can't get tickets to. http://www.nagano.olympic.org *Back to Contents
Larry Stocton: Japan Links
Same idea as what you're reading here, but Japanophile Larry obviously drank lots of green tea before setting to work. The result: LOTS of links. Beware though, they don't always link to anything. http://www.lafayette.edu/~stocktoj/home/japanl.html *Back to Contents
Asahi Evening News
If you want straightforward reporting that's stuffy in a good way, then look to http://www.asahi.com/english/english.html for the online version of the Enlgish version of this Japanese newspaper. Huh? Back to Contents
Mainichi Shinbum
Also an English Version of a national Japanese newspaper, (there are four in all) the Maininchi Shimbum ("Daily News") has a more, well, Japanese flavor. Figure out what that's supposed to mean by clicking on http://www.mainichi.co.jp/index-e.html. *Back to Contents
World Karate Federation
For every brother whose death needs to be avenged in a movie, there is a different style of karate and an organization to promote it. This is one of the bigger, more unified ones. The WKF site at www.worldsport.com/sports/karate/statistics/statistics12.html won't teach you much about breathing or concentration, but it does have lots of statistics and competition dates. More of a bulletin than a dojo. Back to Contents
Cyberdojo
Cyberdojo takes a completely different approach and has a great collection of pictures and kata explanations, mostly following the Shotokan style. It pulls it off without the overwrought "snatch the grain of rice from my hand, grasshopper" style of a lot of places. http://www.ryu.com/CyberDojo/dojo.html *Back to Contents
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