一个真正的朋友明白当你们还没打过架就不叫真正的友谊。
这说法不是我说的，我只是抄而已。
我补充一两句，每个人生气的时候，失去理智，无法控制自己所说的话，往往会说出一些伤害对方的心。
真正的朋友也许就是那个回头认错的人和给予原谅的人因为他把对方放在深处的心。
May 24, 2012
朋友
一个普通的朋友在吵架后就认为友谊已经结束。
一个真正的朋友明白当你们还没打过架就不叫真正的友谊。
这说法不是我说的，我只是抄而已。
我补充一两句，每个人生气的时候，失去理智，无法控制自己所说的话，往往会说出一些伤害对方的心。
真正的朋友也许就是那个回头认错的人和给予原谅的人因为他把对方放在深处的心。
一个真正的朋友明白当你们还没打过架就不叫真正的友谊。
这说法不是我说的，我只是抄而已。
我补充一两句，每个人生气的时候，失去理智，无法控制自己所说的话，往往会说出一些伤害对方的心。
真正的朋友也许就是那个回头认错的人和给予原谅的人因为他把对方放在深处的心。
April 18, 2012
看完不哭的来找我
有一个女孩和男孩。他们喜欢两个人一起去上网。男孩和女孩正在网吧里上网。女孩困了就趴在桌子上睡了。男孩忙叫起她，说 “我们回去睡吧，在这里睡会着凉的。” 女孩闭着眼睛抬了抬头说 “不要，我睡一会就起来接着玩。”
过了一会，男孩拍拍她，说 “起来了，车在外面等呢。” 女孩慢慢的站了起来，因为很困就把头往男孩怀里倒。男孩忙推开她，说 “我身上是湿的，不能靠。回去再睡，乖哦。”
女孩一摸，他全身都湿了，再一看头发还滴水呢，说 “外面下雨了吗？” “恩，下的很大，我跑了好远才叫到车的，快走吧，别让人家等急了。”
女孩心疼的骂道 “你这个笨蛋！下这么大的雨还跑出去叫车。” 男孩嘿嘿傻笑。
半夜女孩说 “我渴了，如果有水果吃就好了。” 男孩说 “那我去买吧。”
“现在这么晚了，哪里还有卖的，算了，不吃了。” “没关系，我去看看吧，你先睡吧，把门反锁一下，我回来叫你。” 说着穿好衣服走了出去…
女孩迷迷糊糊的翻了个身，伸手去搂男孩，发现搂了个空，男孩去买水果跟本没回来。
她一惊坐了起来。这时候她的手机响了，接起电话一听，眼泪立刻掉了下来。男孩出车祸了，正在医院抢救。她发疯一样的跑了出去…
男孩昏迷了三天三夜。女孩寸补不离的守在床前。
由于太困，趴在床边睡着了。男孩醒来，看到女孩在床边睡，心疼的眼睛一下子红了。他轻轻的抚摸着女孩的头发。
女孩一下子醒了，看到男孩醒来，激动的满眼泪花。没等她开口，男孩说 “对不起，让你担心了。”
女孩擦了擦眼泪说 “你知道会让我担心，怎么还这么不小心？真是笨蛋！”
男孩笑了，女孩也笑了。
半年后女孩恶心呕吐，以为自己怀孕了，一去检查，是癌症，只有三个月的生命了。她没有告诉男孩，一个人默默的哭泣。
她想，男孩对她那么好，如果她死了，他会多伤心，于是她想了一个办法，故意对男孩冷淡，莫名其妙的乱发脾气。不管她怎样，男孩都能忍。
一个月过去了，男孩依旧对她那么好，她的努力都白费了。眼看离死亡越来越近了，她正愁无记可施，一个中学同学出现了。她把事情跟他说了，并求他帮忙，同学答应了。于是二人出双入对，故意在男孩面前表现的很亲热。男孩虽然很伤心，但还是忍了。
于是她无奈下便带着同学一起跟男孩提出了分手。男孩终于忍不住哭了，把两个月的委屈都一起哭了出来。最后擦干眼泪说 “你决定了吗？他真的比我好吗？”
女孩的眼泪在眼眶里打转，但是她不敢哭，也不能，于是她冷冷的说 “是啊，他当然比你好了，人比你长的帅，家庭条件又比好，所以我要跟他结婚了。”
男孩没有再说什么，低着头走了。看着他伤心的背影，女孩的泪夺眶而出，她咬着手不要自己哭出声。
一个月后，女孩带着遗憾离开了。男孩已经不知了去向。。。
过了一会，男孩拍拍她，说 “起来了，车在外面等呢。” 女孩慢慢的站了起来，因为很困就把头往男孩怀里倒。男孩忙推开她，说 “我身上是湿的，不能靠。回去再睡，乖哦。”
女孩一摸，他全身都湿了，再一看头发还滴水呢，说 “外面下雨了吗？” “恩，下的很大，我跑了好远才叫到车的，快走吧，别让人家等急了。”
女孩心疼的骂道 “你这个笨蛋！下这么大的雨还跑出去叫车。” 男孩嘿嘿傻笑。
半夜女孩说 “我渴了，如果有水果吃就好了。” 男孩说 “那我去买吧。”
“现在这么晚了，哪里还有卖的，算了，不吃了。” “没关系，我去看看吧，你先睡吧，把门反锁一下，我回来叫你。” 说着穿好衣服走了出去…
女孩迷迷糊糊的翻了个身，伸手去搂男孩，发现搂了个空，男孩去买水果跟本没回来。
她一惊坐了起来。这时候她的手机响了，接起电话一听，眼泪立刻掉了下来。男孩出车祸了，正在医院抢救。她发疯一样的跑了出去…
男孩昏迷了三天三夜。女孩寸补不离的守在床前。
由于太困，趴在床边睡着了。男孩醒来，看到女孩在床边睡，心疼的眼睛一下子红了。他轻轻的抚摸着女孩的头发。
女孩一下子醒了，看到男孩醒来，激动的满眼泪花。没等她开口，男孩说 “对不起，让你担心了。”
女孩擦了擦眼泪说 “你知道会让我担心，怎么还这么不小心？真是笨蛋！”
男孩笑了，女孩也笑了。
半年后女孩恶心呕吐，以为自己怀孕了，一去检查，是癌症，只有三个月的生命了。她没有告诉男孩，一个人默默的哭泣。
她想，男孩对她那么好，如果她死了，他会多伤心，于是她想了一个办法，故意对男孩冷淡，莫名其妙的乱发脾气。不管她怎样，男孩都能忍。
一个月过去了，男孩依旧对她那么好，她的努力都白费了。眼看离死亡越来越近了，她正愁无记可施，一个中学同学出现了。她把事情跟他说了，并求他帮忙，同学答应了。于是二人出双入对，故意在男孩面前表现的很亲热。男孩虽然很伤心，但还是忍了。
于是她无奈下便带着同学一起跟男孩提出了分手。男孩终于忍不住哭了，把两个月的委屈都一起哭了出来。最后擦干眼泪说 “你决定了吗？他真的比我好吗？”
女孩的眼泪在眼眶里打转，但是她不敢哭，也不能，于是她冷冷的说 “是啊，他当然比你好了，人比你长的帅，家庭条件又比好，所以我要跟他结婚了。”
男孩没有再说什么，低着头走了。看着他伤心的背影，女孩的泪夺眶而出，她咬着手不要自己哭出声。
一个月后，女孩带着遗憾离开了。男孩已经不知了去向。。。
April 8, 2012
Sakura Sweets
Did you know that you can taste SAKURA?!
In the sakura season, Sakura Sweets come onto the market!
They smell like Sakura and it lets us feel spring wind.
For example, as Japanese confectionery,
The colors are also cherry-blossom pink!
Looks very beautiful, isn't it?
And as western confectionery too,
There is macaroon of sakura! So cute :)
Actually, today I brought sakura sweet for my afternoon snack =D
In the sakura season, Sakura Sweets come onto the market!They smell like Sakura and it lets us feel spring wind.
For example, as Japanese confectionery,
The colors are also cherry-blossom pink!
Looks very beautiful, isn't it?
And as western confectionery too,
There is macaroon of sakura! So cute :)
Actually, today I brought sakura sweet for my afternoon snack =D
Sakura Roll Cake! I cannot wait for the time to eat it XD!
March 14, 2012
What is 'White Day' and Why You Should Care?
February is finally over men! We made dinner reservations weeks in advance, spent extra hours at the gym, searched for jaw-dropping gifts, and carefully selected the perfect outfit, all to impress that special someone on February 14th – Valentines’ Day. Congratulations! Ganbaremashita (頑張れました, you gave it your all)! Unless…you live in Japan, then your work has only just begun.
Valentines’ Day in Japan
Valentines’ Day in Japan works a bit differently than in the United States and Europe. Men do not give women anything for Valentines’ Day! Instead only the women hand out chocolates to their male companion(s). There are two different types of chocolates that girls give out.
First is the giri-choco (義理チョコ), “obligatory chocolate,” which are chocolates that women may give to male co-workers, superiors, and friends that they are more socially obligated to give a gift to. Second, the honmei-choco (本命チョコ), “true feeling chocolate,” is reserved for the one guy whom that woman has strong romantic feelings towards. This could be her husband or (prospective) boyfriends. These chocolates are a higher quality and more expensive than giri-choco.
White Day
In 1977, a confectionery company in Fukuoka marketed marshmallows to men as return gifts to women on March 14 and called it Marshmallow Day (マシュマロデー). Men mostly gave white gifts: marshmallows, white chocolate, and white lingerie (mostly likely for girlfriends or wives). With the idea of giving white gifts, the first official White Day was celebrated in 1978.
Today the gifts are not restricted to the color white; cookies and jewelry are common gifts as well. Similar to giri-choco, it may be more of a social obligation when a man gives a woman White Day chocolates instead of feelings of true attraction. The men get to know in advance which girl has the strongest feelings and do not have to endure the anxiety of confessing themselves.
Sounds like a good deal right men? Well…the Japanese employ the general rule of Sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し), or “triple the return,” towards White Day. With this rule, the return gift should be about two or three times the cost of the original Valentines’ Day gift. Which means if a woman spends about 2000 yen on your gift, the return gift should be in the 4000 or 6000 yen range!
What do you think? Do you think gift giving should be done on the same day or different days? As well as all other aspects of a relationship, I am sure that the men and women have different opinions on the matter.
Valentines’ Day in Japan
Valentines’ Day in Japan works a bit differently than in the United States and Europe. Men do not give women anything for Valentines’ Day! Instead only the women hand out chocolates to their male companion(s). There are two different types of chocolates that girls give out.
First is the giri-choco (義理チョコ), “obligatory chocolate,” which are chocolates that women may give to male co-workers, superiors, and friends that they are more socially obligated to give a gift to. Second, the honmei-choco (本命チョコ), “true feeling chocolate,” is reserved for the one guy whom that woman has strong romantic feelings towards. This could be her husband or (prospective) boyfriends. These chocolates are a higher quality and more expensive than giri-choco.
White Day
In 1977, a confectionery company in Fukuoka marketed marshmallows to men as return gifts to women on March 14 and called it Marshmallow Day (マシュマロデー). Men mostly gave white gifts: marshmallows, white chocolate, and white lingerie (mostly likely for girlfriends or wives). With the idea of giving white gifts, the first official White Day was celebrated in 1978.
Today the gifts are not restricted to the color white; cookies and jewelry are common gifts as well. Similar to giri-choco, it may be more of a social obligation when a man gives a woman White Day chocolates instead of feelings of true attraction. The men get to know in advance which girl has the strongest feelings and do not have to endure the anxiety of confessing themselves.
Sounds like a good deal right men? Well…the Japanese employ the general rule of Sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し), or “triple the return,” towards White Day. With this rule, the return gift should be about two or three times the cost of the original Valentines’ Day gift. Which means if a woman spends about 2000 yen on your gift, the return gift should be in the 4000 or 6000 yen range!
What do you think? Do you think gift giving should be done on the same day or different days? As well as all other aspects of a relationship, I am sure that the men and women have different opinions on the matter.
March 8, 2012
Doraemon: Gadget Cat of The Future
Doraemon is one of Japan’s best-loved characters. Everybody from little kids to grown adults watch his animation show. He’s a robot cat from the future with a magic pocket full of cool gadgets. See the appeal?
Doraemon (どらえもん) lives with a boy named Nobita Nobi (野比のび太). His wacky gadgets help Nobita deal with bullies, avoid studying and doing homework, and overcome all sorts of other problems that plague boys everywhere. The only trouble is that his gadgets always take on a life of their own, and then there’s trouble. And there’s always an important lesson in the end.
Doraemon was constructed by the Matsushiba Robot Factory on September 3rd, 2112. However, he was considered defective because of several malfunctions. He was struck by lightning and this sent him back to the present, where he first appeared to Nobita by popping out of his desk drawer at school and warning him that in 30 minutes he’d be strangled and roasted alive.
His gadgets, toys and tools come from the department stores of the 22nd century. It’s estimated that there have been around 4,500 of them since the beginning of the series (this is one of the main reasons for the show’s popularity). Whenever needed, he pulls them out of the 4-dimensional pocket on his belly (四次元ハット, yonjigen hatto). They include:
Anywhere Door
どこでもドア – dokodemo doa
This is a pink door that will take you anywhere in the universe that you want to go. Just stand in front of it, make a wish of where you’d like to go, step through and you’re there.
Time Cloth
(タイムふろしき – taimu furoshiki)
This is a red cloth with little clocks all over it. You wrap it around something and that thing becomes older or newer, depending on the side. Nobita used it to make older appliances newer and sell them in one episode.
Small Light and Big Light
(スモールライト) and (ビッグライト)
The Small Light is a flashlight that shrinks whatever object or person you shine it on. The Big Light works the same way but enlarges whatever you aim its light at. The Gulliver Tunnel (ガリバートンネル) is similar. It shrinks or enlarges you depending on which side you enter.
Memory Bread
(暗記パン – anki pan)
Images are imprinted on the bread and when someone eats it, they form false memories in their mind.
Animal Biscuits
(変身ビスケット – henshin bisuketto)
Animal crackers that turn you into the animal when you eat them.
Air Gun
(空気ピルトル – kuuki pisutoru)
This is a tube that you slip over your finger and it knocks your opponent over with a powerful blast of air when you say, ‘Bang!’
Anything Mind Gas
(強力ハイポンプガス – kyouryoku haiponpu-gasu)
When you spray something with this gas, the thing becomes attracted to you and will flee from anybody else.
Voodoo Camera
(のろいのカメラ – noroi-no-kamera)
Take a picture of someone with the Voodoo Camera and it makes a voodoo doll of them.
What If Phone Booth
(もしもボックス – moshimo-bokkusu)
Ask into the phone about some unreal condition using ‘What if…’ and you enter that world.
Fluffy Medicine
(ふわふわ薬 –fuwafuwa kusuri)
Take some of this stuff and your body weight becomes light enough that you can float in the clouds. Too much can be dangerous though.
Dream Reader
(ユメテレビ – yume terebi)
When you have trouble falling asleep, you can watch other people’s dreams using the Dream Reader.
Takecopter
(タケコプター)
The Takecopter is a propeller that you attach to any part of your body with a suction cup that lets you fly.
Although Doraemon TV shows and movies have appeared in countries outside of Japan, he has yet to make his English-speaking debut. Kids in the world’s English-speaking countries will just have to wait until the day they can experience the wonders of Doraemon’s 4-dimensional pocket.
Doraemon (どらえもん) lives with a boy named Nobita Nobi (野比のび太). His wacky gadgets help Nobita deal with bullies, avoid studying and doing homework, and overcome all sorts of other problems that plague boys everywhere. The only trouble is that his gadgets always take on a life of their own, and then there’s trouble. And there’s always an important lesson in the end.
Doraemon was constructed by the Matsushiba Robot Factory on September 3rd, 2112. However, he was considered defective because of several malfunctions. He was struck by lightning and this sent him back to the present, where he first appeared to Nobita by popping out of his desk drawer at school and warning him that in 30 minutes he’d be strangled and roasted alive.
His gadgets, toys and tools come from the department stores of the 22nd century. It’s estimated that there have been around 4,500 of them since the beginning of the series (this is one of the main reasons for the show’s popularity). Whenever needed, he pulls them out of the 4-dimensional pocket on his belly (四次元ハット, yonjigen hatto). They include:
Anywhere Door
どこでもドア – dokodemo doa
This is a pink door that will take you anywhere in the universe that you want to go. Just stand in front of it, make a wish of where you’d like to go, step through and you’re there.
Time Cloth
(タイムふろしき – taimu furoshiki)
This is a red cloth with little clocks all over it. You wrap it around something and that thing becomes older or newer, depending on the side. Nobita used it to make older appliances newer and sell them in one episode.
Small Light and Big Light
(スモールライト) and (ビッグライト)
The Small Light is a flashlight that shrinks whatever object or person you shine it on. The Big Light works the same way but enlarges whatever you aim its light at. The Gulliver Tunnel (ガリバートンネル) is similar. It shrinks or enlarges you depending on which side you enter.
Memory Bread
(暗記パン – anki pan)
Images are imprinted on the bread and when someone eats it, they form false memories in their mind.
Animal Biscuits
(変身ビスケット – henshin bisuketto)
Animal crackers that turn you into the animal when you eat them.
Air Gun
(空気ピルトル – kuuki pisutoru)
This is a tube that you slip over your finger and it knocks your opponent over with a powerful blast of air when you say, ‘Bang!’
Anything Mind Gas
(強力ハイポンプガス – kyouryoku haiponpu-gasu)
When you spray something with this gas, the thing becomes attracted to you and will flee from anybody else.
Voodoo Camera
(のろいのカメラ – noroi-no-kamera)
Take a picture of someone with the Voodoo Camera and it makes a voodoo doll of them.
(もしもボックス – moshimo-bokkusu)
Ask into the phone about some unreal condition using ‘What if…’ and you enter that world.
Fluffy Medicine
(ふわふわ薬 –fuwafuwa kusuri)
Take some of this stuff and your body weight becomes light enough that you can float in the clouds. Too much can be dangerous though.
Dream Reader
(ユメテレビ – yume terebi)
When you have trouble falling asleep, you can watch other people’s dreams using the Dream Reader.
Takecopter
(タケコプター)
The Takecopter is a propeller that you attach to any part of your body with a suction cup that lets you fly.
Although Doraemon TV shows and movies have appeared in countries outside of Japan, he has yet to make his English-speaking debut. Kids in the world’s English-speaking countries will just have to wait until the day they can experience the wonders of Doraemon’s 4-dimensional pocket.
February 9, 2012
Sweets In Japan
Strawberry Daifuku いちご大福
Daifuku is a Japanese confection consisting of a small round mochi (soft and sticky rice cake stuffed with sweet fillings, most commonly sweetened red bean paste. Daifuku comes in many varieties. The most common is white-, pale green-, or pale pink-colored mochi filled with anko. But in the Strawberry Daifuku, there's a whole strawberry inside and the taste together with the red bean paste is really great. Totally new flavour for me. Totally great! ^^ Love it! ^^ And you can get them almost everywhere!
Mitarashi Dango みたらし団子
Mitarashi Dango is a Japanese dumpling made from mochiko, rice flour, covered with a syrup made from soy sauce, sugar and starch. Three to four dango are often served on a skewer. You can't imagine, how sticky and sweet they are. You can get them everywhere, really, so you should try! They are one of the sweetest things here, I would say! :)
Taiyaki たい焼き
Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped cake and It's most common filling is - of course - red bean paste. Taiyaki is made using regular pancake or waffle batter. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold for each side. The filling is then put on one side and the mold is closed. It is then cooked on both sides until golden brown. Love them fresh and hot.
Imagawayaki 今川焼き
Almost the same as Taiyaki. You can get them at every festival! They are really yummy with vanilla cream, cheese cream, chocolate cream (that's the best!) or red bean paste fillings. Their dough is thicker than the Taiyaki ones and there's no better thing to eat, when it's cold outside, than a hot and fresh Imagawayaki at a festival! ^^
Ningyoyaki 人形焼
Ningyo-yaki are small snack cakes, made from cooking batter of flour, eggs and sugar in an iron mold. They are sold both with and without sweet bean paste. Many come in the form of the seven gods of good luck (shichifukujin 七福神) or the great lantern at the Kaminarimon gate of Asakusa temple. ^^ On festivals at Senso-ji, you can always buy them. Or just at the supermarket or combini in different, cute character forms (but of course these ones aren't as delicious as the fresh ones ^^).
Dorayaki どら焼き
Dorayaki is а red bean pancake which consists of two small pancake-like patties around a filling of sweet red bean paste. You can get them in very small to really big sizes (from 5 cm to 15 cm ^^) almost everywhere and they are very very tasty and a perfect snack, when you're hungry! ^^
Geppei 月餅
These nice little things have their origins in China, but you can get them almost everywhere here in Japan, too. They also are called mooncakes and red bean paste is the most popular filling, but other sorts of beans as well as chestnut are also used. They taste very very rich and have unbelievable much calories! ^^ For me, they taste very nutty and I love that kind of taste! ^^
Melonpan メロンパン
A "bread" with an enriched dough covered in a thin layer of crisp cookie dough. It's appearance resembles a melon. Just try one and you'll be addicted! ^^ You can buy melonpan in different flavours/with different doughs and with different fillings like strawberry cream, chocolate or vanilla cream. ^^
Baumkuchen バームクーヘン
First, yes, yes, of course I know, that Baumkuchen is from Germany! :D BUT the Baumkuchen here in Japan differs from the Baumkuchen I know from Germany. ^^ And it's one of the most popular pastries in Japan! So as I remember from the little Bavarian town where I was born, the old men, spinning around Baumkuchen over open fire on festivals and made an really crunchy caramel crust outside. The Baumkuchen here looks much more exclusive and filigree. In Germany, you can get that softy Baumkuchen often, too. But as Baumkuchen isn't that popular, too, I've often forget, to buy one...but here...no chance to escape! ^^
Toppo トッポ
Toppo, the "reverse pocky", is a chocolate and bread-based snack, which you can buy in many different flavours/with many different fillings. The best was an winter special edition filled with white chocolate and little cinnamon flavour, hihi. That was great! ^^ But I love the classical Toppo very much, too (much more than pocky, I'm sorry ^^).
Kakigori かき氷
Kakigōri (かき氷?) is a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and condensed milk and you can get it almost everywhere while the hot, Japanese summer season! It's available in many, many different flavours like strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grape, melon and colourful syrup-variations. ^^ I love cherry the most! ^^
Garigari-kun ice ガリガリ君
That's the most popular ice bought in convenience stores here in Japan. It's only 60 Yen and 70 kcal (as I remember). The taste is really hard to describe. Sweet, very refreshing, like sugar soda. Really different for me. ^^ I love it! ^^
Tadaaa, all these things let increase your body weight very fast, I think! ^^
So it's really hard to withstand these nice, tasty, yummy, delicious sweets day by day! :D
You will see it yourself, when visiting Japan! ^^
Wish you many sweet new things to explore, hehe! :)
By: Vanessa (Asakusa)
February 8, 2012
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming soon! ^^
Here, first, the girls have to do some "work"! ^^
It is said that St. Valentine's Day was imported to Japan in 1958 by a Japanese confectionery company.
In Japan, it is only the women giving presents - mainly chocolate - to men, but not the other way around.
Men are supposed to return the favours received on Valentine's Day one month later on White Day, a Japanese creation.
White Day is believed to have been introduced by a marshmallow manufacturing company in the 1960s.
But today's entry is all about Valentine's Day! ^^
So, here are some different kinds of gifts for Valentine's Day, we girls have to prepare:
1) Chocolates that women give to their sweethearts to prove that their love is true. This type of chocolate - the kind that you give to someone you really like or love - is called
本命チョコ(=honmei choco = chocolate of love).
A handmade chocolate is usually preferred by the receiver, because it is a sign that the receiving male is the girl's "only one". ^^ If you're not good in cooking or baking, so you can buy expensive, exclusive chocolate, too...I think, you know, what to do. The receiver of this kind of chocolate should have definitely the feeling of being someone special to you! :)
2) Another type is chocolate that is given without any romantic feelings attached. This type of chocolate is called 義理チョコ（=giri choco). The literal translation is "obligatory chocolate" and it's true that this chocolate is given out of a feeling of obligation. Women usually give
義理チョコ(=giri choco)
to classmates, coworkers, bosses, teachers, or clients that they are not romantically interested in. This kind of chocolate doesn't have to be outstanding in price, gift wrap or quality. Nothing special, but nice. ^^
So on that day only women are supposed to give chocolates to men. And the men can't do anything but be passive and just wait to see whether they can get chocolates or not. Many high school boys compete to see who gets the most chocolates and use this as a way to measure their popularity.
Even if they know it is just giri choco, many men still feel loved by the number of chocolates they get. ^^
At the end of January, all the department store or sweet shops start to sell fancy chocolates for Valentine' day.
In the last years, women have started to wonder why only men can get all these delicious chocolates.....
Because of that, there's a trend called,
友チョコ(=tomo choco = chocolate for friends)
women give each other chocolate. This tomo choco doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be definitely cute. You can buy normal chocolate and decorate it, until it's cute enough and let your lovely friend get a big smile. ^^
So are you prepared already?
But don't worry, there are some days left! ^^
And honestly...I am, too, not prepared...yet! :D
Waaaaah! :D
So let's give our best the next days and have much fun! ^^
By: Vanessa (Asakusa)
Here, first, the girls have to do some "work"! ^^
It is said that St. Valentine's Day was imported to Japan in 1958 by a Japanese confectionery company.
In Japan, it is only the women giving presents - mainly chocolate - to men, but not the other way around.
Men are supposed to return the favours received on Valentine's Day one month later on White Day, a Japanese creation.
White Day is believed to have been introduced by a marshmallow manufacturing company in the 1960s.
But today's entry is all about Valentine's Day! ^^
So, here are some different kinds of gifts for Valentine's Day, we girls have to prepare:
1) Chocolates that women give to their sweethearts to prove that their love is true. This type of chocolate - the kind that you give to someone you really like or love - is called
本命チョコ(=honmei choco = chocolate of love).
A handmade chocolate is usually preferred by the receiver, because it is a sign that the receiving male is the girl's "only one". ^^ If you're not good in cooking or baking, so you can buy expensive, exclusive chocolate, too...I think, you know, what to do. The receiver of this kind of chocolate should have definitely the feeling of being someone special to you! :)
2) Another type is chocolate that is given without any romantic feelings attached. This type of chocolate is called 義理チョコ（=giri choco). The literal translation is "obligatory chocolate" and it's true that this chocolate is given out of a feeling of obligation. Women usually give
義理チョコ(=giri choco)
to classmates, coworkers, bosses, teachers, or clients that they are not romantically interested in. This kind of chocolate doesn't have to be outstanding in price, gift wrap or quality. Nothing special, but nice. ^^
So on that day only women are supposed to give chocolates to men. And the men can't do anything but be passive and just wait to see whether they can get chocolates or not. Many high school boys compete to see who gets the most chocolates and use this as a way to measure their popularity.
Even if they know it is just giri choco, many men still feel loved by the number of chocolates they get. ^^
At the end of January, all the department store or sweet shops start to sell fancy chocolates for Valentine' day.
In the last years, women have started to wonder why only men can get all these delicious chocolates.....
Because of that, there's a trend called,
友チョコ(=tomo choco = chocolate for friends)
women give each other chocolate. This tomo choco doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be definitely cute. You can buy normal chocolate and decorate it, until it's cute enough and let your lovely friend get a big smile. ^^
So are you prepared already?
But don't worry, there are some days left! ^^
And honestly...I am, too, not prepared...yet! :D
Waaaaah! :D
So let's give our best the next days and have much fun! ^^
By: Vanessa (Asakusa)
January 26, 2012
Gift Giving
In Japanese culture, it’s customary to offer your host family a gift, or give a gift when coming to someone’s house for dinner or special occasions. The gift giving tradition can be intricate, and it’s necessary to have a basic grasp of this custom when interacting with the locals.
The most popular type of gift is known as the omiyage, a gift that represents a place the giver came from or travelled to recently. For instance, if you just got back from China, a nice gift that represents that place is highly appreciated. Some of the most popular omiyage items include chocolates, candies, wine, rice crackers, fruits, and other alcoholic beverages.
The same principle holds for those who travel within the country. Meibutsu refers to a prized item from a specific Japanese region. Most cities and towns in Japan have their own specialty. If you’ve been in Japan long enough, someone may ask you what your town’s meibutsu is. So when you travel within the country, be sure to pick up a meibutsu or two that you can give to your host family or friends.
Place the gift item in a shopping bag. This keeps it out of sight until you present it. But be sure to wrap your gift as well; don’t just toss it in the bag.
Present the gift in in the living room area. When you hand your friend the gift, say “Tsumaranai mono desu ga...” This means “this is boring but…,” expressing modesty. But in corporate settings, avoid such phrase, as it shows insignificance and belittles the worth of the recipient. Instead, use the phrase “Honno o shirushi de gozaimasu ga...” which means “This is a token of my appreciation, but…” as it shows gratitude to the recipient.
Do not offer gifts with the numbers 4 and 9 as they represent death. Don’t give four pieces of a thing. It’s best to go for a pair, which is considered lucky.
Do not give the same gifts to unequal individuals. Social rank is important and prominent in Japan. If you give a bottle of sake to a businessman, do not give the same gift to his boss.
Expect the recipient to reject the gift, and continue to offer it. In Japanese culture, it is polite to turn down a gift *twice* before accepting it.
Another unique Japanese custom is for ladies to offer chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. The woman may offer chocolate to a man she admires or, of course, to her partner (giri choko / 義理チョコ /, or obligation chocolate).
Whenever you visit a Japanese household, don’t forget these gift giving tips. And consider carrying over something of their essence in your life back to your country. Even a small gift—sometimes especially a small gift, if it’s heartfelt and original—can convey much thoughtfulness and good will, anywhere in the world.
Japanese Gifts: Omiyage and Meibutsu
The most popular type of gift is known as the omiyage, a gift that represents a place the giver came from or travelled to recently. For instance, if you just got back from China, a nice gift that represents that place is highly appreciated. Some of the most popular omiyage items include chocolates, candies, wine, rice crackers, fruits, and other alcoholic beverages.
The same principle holds for those who travel within the country. Meibutsu refers to a prized item from a specific Japanese region. Most cities and towns in Japan have their own specialty. If you’ve been in Japan long enough, someone may ask you what your town’s meibutsu is. So when you travel within the country, be sure to pick up a meibutsu or two that you can give to your host family or friends.
Japanese Gift Giving Tips
There are two popular gift-giving seasons: chugen (中元) and seibo. Chugen is for the winter season and seibo is for summer. The Japanese give gifts to friends, especially those who have helped in the past. Gifts don’t have to be costly. In fact, a lot of people feel embarrassed giving expensive gifts and could feel bad expecting them. The art is in the giving, not just the gift itself. The best gifts are still the meaningful ones that build a deeper connection between giver and recipient. Note these gift giving tips while in Japan.Place the gift item in a shopping bag. This keeps it out of sight until you present it. But be sure to wrap your gift as well; don’t just toss it in the bag.
Present the gift in in the living room area. When you hand your friend the gift, say “Tsumaranai mono desu ga...” This means “this is boring but…,” expressing modesty. But in corporate settings, avoid such phrase, as it shows insignificance and belittles the worth of the recipient. Instead, use the phrase “Honno o shirushi de gozaimasu ga...” which means “This is a token of my appreciation, but…” as it shows gratitude to the recipient.
Do not offer gifts with the numbers 4 and 9 as they represent death. Don’t give four pieces of a thing. It’s best to go for a pair, which is considered lucky.
Do not give the same gifts to unequal individuals. Social rank is important and prominent in Japan. If you give a bottle of sake to a businessman, do not give the same gift to his boss.
Expect the recipient to reject the gift, and continue to offer it. In Japanese culture, it is polite to turn down a gift *twice* before accepting it.
Another unique Japanese custom is for ladies to offer chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. The woman may offer chocolate to a man she admires or, of course, to her partner (giri choko / 義理チョコ /, or obligation chocolate).
Whenever you visit a Japanese household, don’t forget these gift giving tips. And consider carrying over something of their essence in your life back to your country. Even a small gift—sometimes especially a small gift, if it’s heartfelt and original—can convey much thoughtfulness and good will, anywhere in the world.
January 23, 2012
A Happy New Year In China
Do you know what day it is today (January 23rd) ?? It's Lunar New Year in China !!
It's for 1st of January in the Lunar calendar.
From 23rd to 25th, they celebrate it by shooting fireworks, beating drums, exploding firecrackers and so on.
They also have so many performances on streets wearing Chinese dress, dancing with Dragon shaped something.
Especially the fireworks are held on a much larger scales than those of Japan.
People go back to their houses and spend these days with their families.
That's the same as Japanese New Year days.
But, look at these pictures !! These are the situation people are waiting for buying train tickets.
And inside the train, people are sitting on the aisle.
Japanese rush on the platforms is also crazy, but this is more.
And even in Japan, at Yokohama Chinese town, people celebrate it, too.
Many events are held there as if there was real China !!
They will have special dishes on these days.
As we Japanese have Osechi Ryori, they have their own Osechi Ryori.
It depends on their home and where they live.
One of the important things is, rice cake, there are some kinds, triangle, stick type and etc...
But the common meanings they have are to be rich and to have good luck in the year.
These celebrations last at least for 3 days.
When you have a chance, why don't you go to China and experience their most important day ?
By: Tomoyuki (Asakusa)
It's for 1st of January in the Lunar calendar.
From 23rd to 25th, they celebrate it by shooting fireworks, beating drums, exploding firecrackers and so on.
They also have so many performances on streets wearing Chinese dress, dancing with Dragon shaped something.
Especially the fireworks are held on a much larger scales than those of Japan.
People go back to their houses and spend these days with their families.That's the same as Japanese New Year days.
But, look at these pictures !! These are the situation people are waiting for buying train tickets.
And inside the train, people are sitting on the aisle.
Japanese rush on the platforms is also crazy, but this is more.
And even in Japan, at Yokohama Chinese town, people celebrate it, too.Many events are held there as if there was real China !!
They will have special dishes on these days.As we Japanese have Osechi Ryori, they have their own Osechi Ryori.
It depends on their home and where they live.
One of the important things is, rice cake, there are some kinds, triangle, stick type and etc...
But the common meanings they have are to be rich and to have good luck in the year.
These celebrations last at least for 3 days.When you have a chance, why don't you go to China and experience their most important day ?
By: Tomoyuki (Asakusa)
January 4, 2012
Japanese Fairy Tale: Animal Competition For Eto (Chinese Astrology)
Do you know we have twelve Eto in each year ?
Eto is called Junishi (十二支), and they are all animals.
They are 子 (ne; Mouse), 丑 (ushi; Cow), 寅 (tora; Tiger), 卯 (u; Rabbit), 辰 (tatsu; Dragon), 巳 (mi; Snake), 午 (uma; Horse), 未 (hitsuji; Sheep), 申 (saru; Monkey), 酉 (tori; Hen), 戌 (inu; Dog), and 亥 (i; Wild boar).
Do you wonder why are these animals ??
We have a fairy tale for that reason.
Once upon a time, at the end of a year, The God told all of animals like this. "Come to see me in the morning of the New Year (Jan 1st), and I will let the first 12 animals be the symbol animals of the year in order."
Each animal was excited about that, but a cat forgot when he should go to see the God. He asked it to Mouse, and he lied, "You should go on the second of January." Cat trusted Mouse completely and went back home to sleep.
In the morning of 1st of Jan, Cow departed his house at midnight. "I am the slowest animal, so I have to depart much earlier than any." Mouse was listening to it on the ceiling and rode on the head of Cow slyly. When Cow arrived at the gate of the place where the God was, no one had arrived yet.
Cow was about to greeting the God, but Mouse got off from his head and greeted at first. As a result, Mouse greeted at first, then secondly Cow. And continued trot Tiger and Rabbit, Dragon, Snake who crawled on ground, Horse and Sheep. Dog and Monkey fought on the way to go, and Hen came with stopping them together. Though Wild boar came before Tiger, he couldn't stop himself and passed the gate.
Finally, the order they arrived was Mouse, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Hen, Dog, and Wild boar. The God told them to protect humans from evil things of the years.
On the other hand, Cat knew that he had been deceived by Mouse after this competition. He got really angry, and had a grudge against Mouse. It is said that this is the origin Cats chase mice now.
By: Tomoyuki (Asakusa)
Eto is called Junishi (十二支), and they are all animals.
They are 子 (ne; Mouse), 丑 (ushi; Cow), 寅 (tora; Tiger), 卯 (u; Rabbit), 辰 (tatsu; Dragon), 巳 (mi; Snake), 午 (uma; Horse), 未 (hitsuji; Sheep), 申 (saru; Monkey), 酉 (tori; Hen), 戌 (inu; Dog), and 亥 (i; Wild boar).
Do you wonder why are these animals ??
We have a fairy tale for that reason.
Once upon a time, at the end of a year, The God told all of animals like this. "Come to see me in the morning of the New Year (Jan 1st), and I will let the first 12 animals be the symbol animals of the year in order."
Each animal was excited about that, but a cat forgot when he should go to see the God. He asked it to Mouse, and he lied, "You should go on the second of January." Cat trusted Mouse completely and went back home to sleep.
In the morning of 1st of Jan, Cow departed his house at midnight. "I am the slowest animal, so I have to depart much earlier than any." Mouse was listening to it on the ceiling and rode on the head of Cow slyly. When Cow arrived at the gate of the place where the God was, no one had arrived yet.
Cow was about to greeting the God, but Mouse got off from his head and greeted at first. As a result, Mouse greeted at first, then secondly Cow. And continued trot Tiger and Rabbit, Dragon, Snake who crawled on ground, Horse and Sheep. Dog and Monkey fought on the way to go, and Hen came with stopping them together. Though Wild boar came before Tiger, he couldn't stop himself and passed the gate.
Finally, the order they arrived was Mouse, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Hen, Dog, and Wild boar. The God told them to protect humans from evil things of the years.
On the other hand, Cat knew that he had been deceived by Mouse after this competition. He got really angry, and had a grudge against Mouse. It is said that this is the origin Cats chase mice now.
By: Tomoyuki (Asakusa)
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