Italy and France not Japan :)

Okay okay, I know my blog is to be about Japan but as you all know due to the earthquake in Japan my school has changed our trip destination from Japan to ITALY and FRANCE. Yes, I will be travelling to Paris, Florence and Venice. Even though my blog is about Japan I will let you all know of my trip to Europe. In 2013 I will visit Japan for a week and will explain and give my experience right on this blog. We will go to Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto then lastly Osaka. I am already excited even though it is a year away. So stay tuned to experience my trip to Europe then later to Japan!!

NEW Layout!!!

Tell me how you like the new layout of the blog by commenting below! I want you to enjoy the blog so am up for any feedback.

El Paso Winter Con!

On Saturday December 10, 2011, El Paso Texas my home city had there very own Winter Con for the third year. I bought my ticket in advence for about $15 and awaited the day. The Winter Con began at 10 am which was a little tiring seeing as I wanted to sleep in but none the less I got up. I have a dear friend, Carina who like me is in love with Japan come with me. I wore my Yukata that I bought on the Link to the left Yukata Kimono Sakura Market (They have awesome Yukatas and Kimonos). The Winter Con was hosted in the Camino Real which seemed like a worthy place for all the action we would take part in. Instead of waitin in line (We picked up our badges early), we ran up stairs to the artists alley. There were tons of plushies and cool anime art. I saw this one picture I wanted that had a sketch of Sora and Roxas side by side which was so coll but sadly I couldnt buy it. This one table had a knitted stuffed Totoro which I really wanted but it was $40. Maybe next time.:( We decided to go to the Got Bento! Panel first which explained the basics of how to make Bentos which was neat. Next we went to see if my brother, Luis and I registered for the Street Fighter IV and Mortal Combat 9 tournament correctly which we did the night before. We hoped from room to room looking at panels and then back to the alley to see potential stuff we could by. My brother saw this Hearless hat that was so cool but was $20. We had the money but it was either the hat or dinner, we decided dinner at first. We walked around and bought some cool stuff while we waited for the tournament. WHen it began I watched my brother who lost in the first round, I did to but almost beat my opponent. Next we fought in Mortal Combat 9 which we epic failed at because the controls seemed hard. After that we decided to get the hat which was a heartless for my brother. To end our fabulous day we ate out at mine and my friend Carina's favorite Japanese restraurant, Matsuharu. This time instead of Ramen I ate Chicken Katsu which was superb. Ah, I cannot wait till the Las Cruces, New Mexico Anime Days which is two days long. I hope you El Pasoans went because it was a blast.

Japan Facts Everyone should know!

Facts About Japan

Japan Quick Facts

Flag:
Government: Parliamentary with constitutional monarchy
Prime Minister: Yoshihiko Noda (elected Aug 2011)
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127,078,679 (July 2009 est.)
Population Growth Rate: -0.191% (2009 est.), World Rank: 219th
GDP: 4.34 Trillion (2008)
Electric Power Generation: Conventional thermal (coal, oil, natural gas) 60%, Nuclear 29%, Hydroelectric 9%, Renewables 2%
Industries: Consumer electronics, motor vehicles, machine tools, steel, and nonferrous metals
Exports: Motor vehicles, semiconductors, and office machinery
Agriculture: Rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit, pork, fish
Currency: Yen
Life Expectancy: Average: 82, Male: 78.8, Female: 85.6
GDP per Capita: $33,800
Literacy Rate: 99%
Unemployment Rate: 4%
Oil imports: 5.425 million bbl/day
Internet Users: 87.5 million
Environmental Issues: Acid rain; Japan is the largest consumer of Amazon rainforest timber

Geography

Japan is located in the North Pacific off the coast of Russia and the Korean peninsula. The area of Japan is 377,873km², which makes it slightly smaller in land mass than California. Japan consists of four main larger islands and more than 4000 smaller islands. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Honshu is the largest with an area of 231,000km². A modern railroad system connects the major islands with Japan's high-speed Shinkansen connecting major urban areas.

Japan is over 70% mountainous terrain with approximately 18% of the land mass suitable for settlement. Japanese cities are typically sprawling and densely populated. Tokyo, a megalopolis and capital of Japan, is located on Honshu island. Central Tokyo has a population of 12 million people, with the population of the Greater Tokyo Area estimated at over 35 million people.

The islands of Japan are located in an area known as The Ring of Fire in the Pacific. This is an area with many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Japan is very seismically active with over 1,500 earthquakes per year. In 1923 the Great Kanto Earthquake killed more than 143,000 people in the Tokyo area. Tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are other natural destructive forces in Japan. In 1896 in Sanriku, Japan, 27,000 people were killed by a Tsunami caused by an earthquake.

Population

There are over 127,078,679 (July 2009 est.) people living in Japan. For most of Japan's history its borders were closed to foreigners. As a result, Japan's society is very homogeneous, composed of 98.5% ethnic Japanese. The remaining 1.5 percent are mostly Korean, who number around 1 million. There are also considerable numbers of Brazilians, Chinese, and Filipinos residing in Japan. There is also an ethnic minority of indigenous people, called Ainu, who live mostly in northern Hokkaido.

Language

Japanese is the official language of Japan. Many Japanese also have some ability in writing and speaking English as it is a mandatory part of the curriculum in the Japanese educational system. Japanese uses four different writing systems; Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana (phonetic alphabet for native words), Katakana (phonetic alphabet for foreign words), and Romaji (western alphabet used to write Japanese). Japanese vocabulary has been strongly influenced by loanwords from other languages, with most loanwords coming from Chinese and English.

Climate

The climate of Japan varies considerably depending on the region and season. Summer is usually very hot and humid, known to the Japanese as "mushiatsui". From mid July there is a rainy season which lasts around one month. Winters are usually mild, with the northern areas of Japan receiving more snow. Spring and autumn are usually sunny with mild temperatures.

Religion

The two major religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Religion does not play a major role in the life of the average Japanese, but people usually have religious ceremonies at births, weddings, and funerals. On New Year's Day visiting a temple or shrine is also a common custom. About 1% of the population follow Christianity, which was heavily persecuted in Japan prior to the Meiji Restoration in 1873.

Sushi may be yummy but it's not for me!

As I have said before I try to explore the Japanese culture in the landlocked city of El Paso, Texas (United States). When I say try I literally mean try. The other day I was craving sushi so I naturally went to a sushi restaurant but I was terrified. Why? Ever since I was little I have had this issue with eating fish, meaning I gag. So, I went to the restaurant called Okazuri and ordered tuna sashimi sushi first. It good and not that bad as I tried not to think about it. Then I moved on the yellow tailed tuna sashimi, a spicy tuna roll and all went well. Lastly, I ordered something called a crazy monkey roll (maki roll containing smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado and fresh mango). It was delicious until I got to the second to last bite. I threw my chair back and lost my dinner once I got to the restroom. Your probably wondering, when you go to Japan how will you survive? The answer is I won't!!!

本当にありがとう

Tell a Friend About the Blog!

There is a button on the side of the blog that allows you to share the blog to people you know on Facebook and Twitter! Share Love for Japan and help spread the knowledge and culture of Japan!!! Thank You soooo MUCH! Arigato!

Ramen!

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup. Ramen has Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth such as, the flavor of soy sauce or miso, and is served with sliced pork, dried seaweed (often called nori), kamaboko ( Kamoboko is the white thing you see with a pink swirl. It is a processed fish cake served with Ramen), and green onions. Shops/Restraunts in Japan that serve Ramen all make and have their own variation of ramen, from the tonkotsu (pork bone broth that has a creamy texture and is ymmuy) ramen of Kyushu to the miso ramen of Hokkaido. Ramen originated from China then was introduced to Japan. Later on in the years in 1958, instant ramen was invented by Momofuku Ando, the Taiwanese-Japanese founder and chairman of Nissin Foods, now run by his son Koki Ando. Instant Ramen is named the greatest Japanese invention of the 20th century in a Japanese poll. Instant ramen allowed anyone to make this dish simply by adding boiling water. Here's a few types of Ramen from Wikipedia:

• Shio ("salt") ramen is probably the oldest of the four and is a pale, clear, yellowish broth made with plenty of salt and any combination of chicken, vegetables, fish, and seaweed. Occasionally pork bones are also used, but they are not boiled as long as they are for tonkotsu ramen, so the soup remains light and clear. Chāshū is sometimes swapped for lean chicken meatballs, and pickled plums and kamaboko are popular toppings as well. Noodle texture and thickness varies among shio ramen, but they are usually straight rather than curly.

• Tonkotsu (豚骨, "pork bone"; not to be confused with tonkatsu) ramen usually has a cloudy white colored broth. It is similar to the Chinese baitang (白湯) and has a thick broth made from boiling pork bones, fat, and collagen over high heat for many hours, which suffuses the broth with a hearty pork flavor and a creamy consistency that rivals milk or melted butter or gravy (depending on the shop). Most shops, but not all, blend this pork broth with a small amount of chicken and vegetable stock and/or soy sauce. The noodles are thin and straight, and it is often served with beni shoga (pickled ginger). Currently the latest trend in tonkotsu toppings is māyu (マー油/麻油), a blackish, aromatic oil made from either charred crushed garlic or Sesame seeds. It is a specialty of Kyūshū, particularly Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (hence sometimes called "Hakata ramen").

• Shōyu ("soy sauce") ramen typically has a brown and clear color broth, based on a chicken and vegetable (or sometimes fish or beef) stock with plenty of soy sauce added resulting in a soup that’s tangy, salty, and savory yet still fairly light on the palate. Shōyu ramen usually has curly noodles rather than straight ones, but this is not always the case. It is often adorned with marinated bamboo shoots or menma, green onions, kamaboko (fish cakes), nori (seaweed), boiled eggs, bean sprouts and/or black pepper; occasionally the soup will also contain chili oil or Chinese spices, and some shops serve sliced beef instead of the usual chāshū.

• Miso ramen is a relative newcomer, having reached national prominence around 1965. This uniquely Japanese ramen, which was developed in Hokkaido, features a broth that combines copious amounts of miso and is blended with oily chicken or fish broth – and sometimes with tonkotsu or lard – to create a thick, nutty, slightly sweet and very hearty soup. Miso ramen broth tends to have a robust, tangy flavor, so it stands up to a variety of flavorful toppings: spicy bean paste or tōbanjan (豆瓣醤), butter and corn, leeks, onions, bean sprouts, ground pork, cabbage, sesame seeds, white pepper, and chopped garlic are common. The noodles are typically thick, curly, and slightly chewy.

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido is the most famous for serving Ramen, plus if your love to eat Ramen just remember that Ramen is high in carbs and calories and provide little nutrients....but who cares, eat anyway!!!

Also, for those of you who love Ramen so much and are going to visit Japan your should go see the The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum which is a food amusement park located in the Shin-Yokohama district of Kōhoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan.

IS: Infinite Stratos- Another Awesome Anime

In the near future, a Japanese scientist engineers a powered exoskeleton called "Infinite Stratos" (IS). Possessing technology and combat capabilities far more advanced than any other weapon system, the IS threatens to destabilize the world. Faced with such an overpowering weapon, the nations of the world enact the "Alaska Treaty", which states that IS will never be used for military combat and that existing IS technology must be equally distributed to all nations, to prevent any one nation from dominating the others. The introduction of the IS does however have a major effect on society. As IS can only be operated by women, the power balance between men and women is broken, with women coming to dominate society over men.Ten years after the first IS were introduced, the world has entered a new age of peace. The peace is shattered, however, by an unexpected discovery. A 15 year old Japanese boy, named Ichika Orimura, is discovered to be capable of operating an IS. Realizing the potential, Ichika is forced by the Japanese government to attend the prestigious Infinite Stratos Academy, an international academy where IS pilots from all over the world are trained. Thus his busy school life surrounded by girls begins.
This anime is hilarious with constant laughter as the girls of the academy fight for Ichika's love. It has some action but it is mainly a romance anime. It also cool because theres a mystery to one of the characters sister who built the IS. There's also the mystery on the no-man pilot IS who attacks the school. I highly recommend this anime because it's hilarious, had action and of course theres the girls in this anime that are constantly trying to fight for Ichika's love.



More than 1,000 Views!!! Thank You All Countries for your Views

I have just received 1,000 views from Japan alone today and many other countries!!! I'm so happy that Japan itself found a likeness to my blog and many other countries!!! Thank you!!! Arigato Gozaimasu!!!

[C]: Control: The Money and Soul of Possibility-Anime

The Japanese government was rescued from the brink of financial collapse by the Sovereign Wealth Fund. For its citizens, however, life has not improved, and unemployment, crime, suicide, and despair are rampant. Kimimaro, raised by his maternal grandmother after the disappearance of his father and the death of his mother, is a scholarship student whose only dream is to avoid all this and live a stable life. One day, however, he meets a man who offers him a large sum of money if he'll agree to pay it back. From then on his fate is radically altered as he's drawn into a mysterious realm known as "The Financial District." The realm is a place where Kimimaro receives an "asset" who will fight for him so we can earn money. Other people have assets and will fight Kimimaro to obtain money. Soon, Kimimaro learns that once you lose all your money and go bankrupt strange events take place and effect the real world. Watch this amazing anime to find out what will happen to Kimimaro and the world?

It is a little confusing at first but once you get the hang of it, it's an awesome anime!

Japan Trains during Rush Hour

In Japan, share of rail transportation is high and use of automobiles is restrained consequently. Rail transport accounts for 27 percent of all passenger transport in Japan. Namely, in Greater Tokyo Area and Keihanshin metropolitan area, railway has dense network and frequent service, and accounts for more than half of passenger transport, and majority of people there commute by public transport without using their cars.
Railway in Greater Tokyo Area has severe congestion. It is gradually being improved by increasing the capacity of rail and expansion of Home Liner and bi-level Green car (First-class) increases the chance to commute with comfortable sheet paying additional supplement. But it is still common in major lines of Tokyo that more than 3,000 passengers packed in a 10-car train and about 100,000 passengers are transported in an hour (Usually, maximum capacity of double-track commuter rail in Japan is 10-car trains, 2 minutes interval) and presumably one of the most congested railways in the world.
In road transport, Expressways of Japan is operated by beneficiaries-pay principle and imposes expensive toll fee, and it also has an effect to reduce road traffic. Electronic toll collection (ETC) is widespread and discount in unoccupied midnight is introduced to disperse traffic without concentrating in rush hour. Road pricing is being considered but currently not introduced, partly because expressway fee is already very high.
The expressways in Japan from 7am to 9am are usually so congested and full that people are hired to shove or stuff people who will not wait till the next train. Trains are widely used in Japan due to the small amount of land and high population. It's actually kind of weird when you go to Japan and see people pushing and squishing an already packed train car. There are videos on youtube if you feel more interested in seeing how this is done. Honestly it is perfectly normal in Japan when this is done. Hope I was informative.

The Blue Exorcist aka Ao no Exorcist: Awesome Anime and Manga

Blue Exorcist, also known as Ao no Exorcist (青の祓魔師) in Japan, is a manga written and illustrated by Kazue Kato. The fifteen-year-old protagonist of the story, Rin is the son of Satan born from a human woman and is the inheritor of Satan's powers. His powers were sealed at birth into the demon-slaying blade Kurikara, or Koumaken, by Mephisto Pheles, allowing him to live a normal human life for about 15 years. Rin became aware of his true identity after Kurikara could no longer seal the blue flames he inherited from Satan, setting off a chain of events that led to the death of his guardian, Father and Exorcist Fujimoto Shiro, at the hands of Satan, who attempted to drag Rin back to the demon realm. Exorcist Mephisto Pheles confronted Rin after Shiro's funeral with several exorcists, giving Rin the option to kill them all or die. Rin instead demanded to become an exorcist, an idea that amused Mephisto. Rin was then enrolled personally by Mephisto into the True Cross Academy Exorcist School, where he has since been pursuing his goal to become a Paladin and to defeat Satan. He is currently an Exwire and attempting to gain the title of Meister as a "Knight". Now Rin struggles as he tries to control his power of a demon while trying to train to be an exorcist. This manga has now turned into an anime that is exciting and full of adventure and action. Combat and powers are used which make this anime full of action. It comes out every Wednesday in America on Hulu.com!

My thanks to Norio Adachi

Norio Adachi is a Japanese himself living in Japan who has an inspiration to help people learn more on Japan and expand there knowledge of Japan. He has a website packed with wonderful in-depth information on about everything about Japan. You can visit his site in the Links section of my blog with his name on it or visit this link: http://travel-around-japan.com/

Hope you enjoy his website of insightful information!!!

Hey everyone SUGGEST or REQUEST

SUGGEST or REQUEST....
If you want to know something or learn something in particular or leave feedback to know if I should change anything to benefit you just leave a comment and let me know!!!

I would be HAPPY to blog about stuff you REQUEST!!!

:)

Japanese Woodblock Art

Woodblock printing in Japan (木版画, moku hanga) is a technique best known for its use in the ukiyo-e artistic genre; however, it was also used very widely for printing books in the same period. Woodblock printing had been used in China for centuries to print books, long before the advent of movable type, but was only widely adopted in Japan surprisingly late, during the Edo period (1603-1867). Although similar to Woodcut in Western printmaking in some regards, moku hanga differs greatly in that water-based inks are used (as opposed to western woodcut which uses oil-based inks), allowing for a wide range of vivid color, glazes and color transparency. Woodblock-printed books from Chinese Buddhist temples were seen in Japan as early as the eighth century. In 764 the Empress Shotuku commissioned one million small wooden pagodas, each containing a small woodblock scroll printed with a Buddhist text (Hyakumanto Darani). These were distributed to temples around the country as thanksgiving for the suppression of the Emi Rebellion of 764. These are the earliest examples of woodblock printing known, or documented, from Japan.
By the eleventh century, Buddhist temples in Japan were producing their own printed books of sutras, mandalas, and other Buddhist texts and images. For centuries, printing was restricted only to the Buddhist sphere, as it was too expensive for mass production, and did not have a receptive, literate public to which such things might be marketed. Woodblock printing, though more tedious and expensive than later methods, was far less so than the traditional method of writing out each copy of a book by hand; thus, Japan began to see something of literary mass production. While the Saga Books were printed on expensive fancy paper, and used various embellishments, being printed specifically for a small circle of literary connoisseurs, other printers in Kyoto quickly adapted the technique to producing cheaper books in large numbers, for more general consumption. The content of these books varied widely, including travel guides, advice manuals, kibyōshi (satirical novels), sharebon (books on urban culture), art books, and play scripts for the jōruri (puppet) theatre. Often, within a certain genre, such as the jōruri theatre scripts, a particular style of writing would come to be the standard for that genre; in other words, one person's personal calligraphic style was adopted as the standard style for printing plays.


The text or image would first be drawn onto washi (Japanese paper), and then glued onto a plank of wood, usually cherry. Wood would then be cut away, based on the outlines given by the drawing. A small wooden hard object called a baren would be used to press or burnish the paper against the inked woodblock, thus applying the ink onto the paper. Although this may have been done purely by hand at first, complex wooden mechanisms were soon invented and adopted to help hold the woodblock perfectly still and to apply proper pressure in the printing process. This would be especially helpful once multiple colors began to be introduced, and needed to be applied with precision atop previous ink layers. While, again, text was nearly always monochrome, as were images in books, the growth of the popularity of ukiyo-e brought with it demand for ever increasing numbers of colors and complexity of techniques.

Randoseru- Japanese Children's Backpacks

A randoseru (ランドセル) is a firm-sided backpack made of stitched firm leather or leather-like synthetic material, most commonly used in Japan by elementary schoolchildren.
 
The randoseru is the most universal and recognizable feature of the Japanese school uniform, and is considered symbolic of the virtues necessary to obtain a good education—unity, discipline, hard work and dedication. Traditionally, the randoseru is red in colour for girls, black for boys. While in more conservative schools the colour (and often the brand and design) is mandated and enforced, the backpack is available in a variety of colours, partly as a compromise for parents to retain some tradition within modernized schools which no longer require the use of traditional uniforms or of the randoseru.
Traditionally given to a child upon beginning his or her first year of school, the randoseru's materials and workmanship are designed to allow the backpack to endure the child's entire elementary education (six years). However, the care usually given to the randoseru throughout that time and afterwards can extend its life and preserve it in near-immaculate condition long after the child has reached adulthood, a testament to its utility as an accessory and the sentiment attached to it by many Japanese as symbolic of their relatively carefree childhood years.
The randoseru's durability and significance is reflected in its cost: a new randoseru made of genuine leather can carry a price tag of over 30,000 yen, almost 350 US dollars, at the May 2010 exchange rate. Clarino, a synthetic material frequently used as a substitute, reduces the cost somewhat. Often randoseru are available on auction sites, in new or used condition, at much lower prices, particularly after the start of the Japanese school year in April.

A Tokyo in Japan...Oh Yeah! This is one ride called Pooh's Hunny Hunt

Ramen Man! He is Ramen MAD

There is a man who travels around learning or studying Ramen. Ramen doesnt have to be soup, or food or an art. Try looking at this website if you are interested in learning more abou the different types of ramen, other uses of Ramen and places where Ramen has spread around the world. http://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/

Events in Japan in MAY

Japan is a land of many festivals. In cities, large and small, as well

as in rural districts, colorful rites and merrymaking—some of

religious significance and others to honor historical personages

or occasions—are held throughout the four seasons.

No matter what month of the year you may choose for your

trip to Japan, you have an opportunity of enjoying a goodly number

of these celebrations. And, joining the joyful throng, you will

actually feel the pages of Japanese history being turned back and

will experience the pleasant thrill of peeking into the nation’s

ancient culture and traditions.

MAY Events in Japan

3rd Constitution Memorial Day

(national holiday)

3rd–4th Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka,Fukuoka Pref.

3rd–5th Kite Battles in Hamamatsu,Shizuoka Pref.

Commemorated on this day is the establishment of the modern Japanese

Constitution, which came into effect in 1947. This new Constitution prohibits armament

and war.

Citizens in fancy disguises parade through the streets, masquerading as legendary gods

on horseback to the accompaniment of Shamisen, flutes and drums.

Huge kites are flown by groups of citizens, who try to cut the strings of their opponents’

kites by skillful maneuvering.

5th Children’s Day(national holiday)

3rd Fri. Takigi Noh Performance at & Sat. Kofukuji Temple, Nara

11th–Oct.15th Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River, Gifu Pref.

Sat. & Sun. Kanda Matsuri of Kanda

before 15th Myojin Shrine, Tokyo

(held every other year)

15th Aoi Matsuri or HollyhockFestival of Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines, Kyoto

17th & 18th Grand Festival of ToshoguShrine, Nikko, Tochigi Pref.

3rd Fri., Sat., Sanja Matsuri of Asakusa

and Sun. Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo

3rd Sun. Mifune Matsuri or Boat

Festival, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Ceremonies and parties are observed throughout the country in which the children

are wished happiness and prosperity. People hoist carp-shaped streamers on tall bamboo

poles outdoors, take a hot bath with iris leaves floating in it, and eat rice dumplings

wrapped in bamboo leaves called Chimaki and rice cakes stuffed with sweet bean

paste wrapped in oak leaves called Kashiwa-mochi. Some homes display a

Kabuto(ancient warrior helmet) in the hope that the boys will have a strong and

healthy warrior spirit.

Noh Plays are presented after dark to late evening, on a stage set up in the precincts

of the temple, under the light of blazing torches.

Cormorant fishing is an ancient method of catching Ayu, a trout-like fish, with trained

birds. This takes place at night under the light of blazing torches fastened to the

prows of fishing boats.

Dozens of mikoshi portable shrines are paraded in the neighboring area of the shrine.

A gala tea ceremony is also offered.

The festival features a magnificent pageant colorfully reproducing the Imperial procession

that paid homage to the shrines in ancient days.

This centuries-old festival is featured by a gala parade (on the 18th) of over 1,000

armor-clad people, who escort three shrine palanquins through the town’s streets.

Nearly 100 mikoshi portable shrines, carried by happi-coated men and women,

assemble at the shrine; afterward they parade to the respective parishioners’ areas. A

gala pageant, with 1,000 participants in traditional attire, consisting of Sanja-bayashi

festival music, Geisha, Kiyari, etc. add color to the festival.

This charming festival is held on the Oi River near Arashiyama in the suburbs of

Kyoto. It revives the atmosphere of the Heian Period (794–1192) when the Emperor

and his courtiers often went on pleasure trips on the river.

For all anime lovers...

My brother and I recently found two new awesome adventurous animes. One is called Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist) and the other is called The Money of Soul and Possibility Control. The first has to of course deal with demons, two brothers are orphans and one is an exorcist and the other a demon but the demon one wants to be an exorcist. Their father wants the demon one to rule the world together...Its still new so I'm excited about it. The second one is confusing at first but once you watch a few episodes its great. I deals with people going to a world where they battle for money to use in the real world. Lose all your money and things happen.

Check out these two awesome animes!!!

A Guide To Japanese Money

A Guide To Japanese Money

Here is some Japanese money. If you've never been to Japan before it may not seem like real money to you and you're more likely to let it pass through your hands more quickly--best to resist that temptation.
For the most current exchange rates, go to Oanda or to Xenon. Note that there are slight differences for the exchanges in New York, London, and Tokyo.

Japanese Coins

From the left, there is the aluminum one yen coin, which costs more to make than it's worth, then the 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen coins. Vending machines accept all coins except the ones and fives, as well as 1000 yen bills. However, recently some machines may have disallowed use of the 500 yen coins due to some nefarious types using altered Korean coins to trick the machines. Pay phones take only 10 and 100 yen coins, or pre-paid phone cards.



And now here is something you don't see much. In 2000 for the Okinawa Summit this 2000 yen note was introduced, along with a year 2000 special 500 yen coin.
But there wasn't much acceptance for the new bill. Vending machines won't take it and the public doesn't feel any real need for it.

I Will Continue Posting

I apologize for not posting lately. I've been trying to straighten out some facts on the trip and gather information. We ARE still going to Japan. Visit http://blog.jtbgmt.com/ for more information on the recent disaster in Japan and the opening and continuation of tourism. I will continue to provide more information of Japan for those of you who have the same interest in Japan so you can learn and I can study.

Izzy

Thank You Germany!

Seeing a country view my blog from Europe is fantastic. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my blog!

I cannot WAIT!!!

The time of a year till we go to Japan is excruciating. I want to go now and try all sorts of experiences. Most importantly I want to eat RAMEN!!! Yes RAMEN! There's a authentic Japanese Restaurant run by a Japanese Family called Matsuharu Japanese Restaurant and it has the most authentic Ramen I have ever tasted by I still want to go into one of those cute little bar looking things...ah a RAMEN SHOP!!! I will sit down order a big bowl of Ramen in Japanese, wait, say itadakimasu then SLURP my noodles really loud, drink the broth, sigh real big out of pleasure then leave once I've paid, go home, then dream about my next bowl of Ramen.

Donate to the Japan Diaster Relief If Possible

Japan is having a serious crisis from a natural disaster that left many without loved ones and homeless. If you feel the need or want to do a good deed donate to the American Red Cross at this link (http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main). Your donation can help families and children without a home or missing loved ones get through this disaster with more hope and relief. Donate today and save lives!!!

Japan - National Geographic Traveler

Shout out to Europe Trip!

Some students and Ms Aguirre are in Europe 2011 Spring Break through EF Tours and I would like to wish them a great time!!! Have Fun Everyone!!!!

Comments

Viewers who like my blog can leave comments if they like something or want to see something so I know what people would like to see and can improve on my blog!

Learn Japanese: Valentine's Day in Japan

White Day!!!

In Japan, Valentine's Day is observed by females who present chocolate gifts (either store-bought or handmade), usually to a male, as an expression of love, courtesy or social obligation. A handmade chocolate is usually preferred by the receiver, because it is a sign that the receiving male is the girl's "only one". On White Day, the converse happens: males who received a honmei-choco (本命チョコ, "chocolate of love") or giri-choco (義理チョコ, "courtesy chocolate") on Valentine's Day are expected to return the favor by giving gifts, usually more expensive. Traditionally, popular White Day gifts are cookies, jewellery, white chocolate, white lingerie and marshmallows. Sometimes the term sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し^?, literally, "triple the return") is used to describe the generally recited rule that the return gift should be two to three times the cost of the Valentine's gift.
White Day was first celebrated in 1978 in Japan. It was started by the National Confectionery Industry Association (全国飴菓子工業協同組合) as an "answer day" to Valentine's Day on the grounds that men should pay back the women who gave them chocolate and other gifts on Valentine's Day. In 1977, a Fukuoka-based confectionery company, Ishimura Manseido (石村萬盛堂), marketed marshmallows to men on March 14, calling it Marshmallow Day (マシュマロデー).

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Hot Spring and Swans in Japan - Japan's Secret Wilderness - BBC

Rin' - sakura sakura

Staying in a Ryokan

Kamen (Rin')

Rin' Murasaki no Yukari

Yoshida Brothers - Rising from Best Of Yoshida Brothers 吉田兄弟

I Have Heard Terrible News!

It seems many students have come to me saying they do not want to go or cannot because their parents are concerned for their safety due to the Earthquake that has recently happened in Japan! Our trip is in One Year  and will give Japan plenty of time to fix some damage and some think if we go to Japan and an earthquake will occur we will be in trouble. It is a fact earthquakes can strike at anytime but we will only remain in Japan for One Week and will be with EF Tours. EF Tours top priority is to ensure our safety so they must have plans if an event were to occur. Please do NOT be concerned with such a possibility and enroll so you may enjoy a Dream Vacation. If you have anymore concerns please contact Ms.Aguirre!

Our Hearts are with You Japan

Japan was hit by a 8.9 Magnitude Earthquake which caused mass destruction and tsunamis.

Japan, I hope you all make it out of this. 

Thank You Russia!

Viewers from Russia, I thank you for visiting my blog so often. I'm glad you find my blog interesting. If I may ask what did you find most interesting about my blog and would you like to see anything else on my blog? Thank You again and I hope you continue to enjoy my blog!!!

Izzy~

Why Japan? In my own words!

Why Japan you ask? Well everyone no matter what country they are from always want to travel to another country, but one everyone else wants to travel to. Yes, other countries are full of culture and what not but most cultures and countries originated from the most common places to visit such as Europe. Japan is distinct and flowing with culture people usually dismiss. Japan may be small but has a big package within the boundries of this small island country. Ask yourself this. Have you ever been to Japan? Have you ever thought of visiting it? Will you ever think to visit it? How much do you know about your worlds cultures? Will you want to seclud yourself from the world for the rest of your life? Live a little!!! Open your mind to possibilities! Open your mind to the world! Become a Global Citizen and experience life of other cultures. So why not Japan?

Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

A cherry blossom is the flower of the cherry trees known as Sakura (桜 or 櫻; さくら). In English, "sakura" refers to the Japanese flowering cherry, Prunus serrulata. Cherry fruit (桜んぼ, sakuranbo) comes from another species of tree.
"Hanami" is the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura or ume tree. The custom is said to have started during the Nara Period (710–794) when it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning. But by the Heian Period (794–1185), sakura came to attract more attention and hanami was synonymous with sakura. From then on, in tanka and haiku, "flowers" meant "sakura." The custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but soon spread to samurai society and, by the Edo period, to the common people as well. Tokugawa Yoshimune planted areas of cherry blossom trees to encourage this. Under the sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts.Japan gave 3,020 cherry blossom trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the nations' then-growing friendship, replacing an earlier gift of 2000 trees which had to be destroyed due to disease in 1910. These trees were planted in Sakura Park in Manhattan and famously line the shore of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees in 1965.The cherry blossom trees continue to be a popular tourist attraction (and the subject of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival) when they reach full bloom in early spring.

ダイアン吉日 落語 An Explanation on Rakugo Stories Episode 1

Japanese Comedy~!

My Thanks To...

Thank You to those who have visited my Blog! Thank you to those who have visited from Japan, Singapore and Mexico! I feel so happy that my information is being spread not only in the US but other countries. I hope you have all enjoyed my blog and the information on it. Just one reminder that my blog is for information on the Japanese Culture as well as helping the people interested in visiting Japan that are connected to my school or the people in it! I will be posting more about Japan and there culture so I hope you enjoy!

Did you Know...

During the time we will be visiting Japan is the time the Cherry Blossoms Bloom!!! Ohhh Yeah...That means that there will be festivals and fun stuff and it also means that we can experience the fragrance and feel of Cherry Blossoms falling on us. Hahahahaha what a beautiful sight that will be...

Hey Everyone...

Leave Comments and Feedback to get this blog really rolling! Send Pictures or a funny quote or statement! Come on! We are going to Japan together so be a part of this blog!!! You can now google the blog with the key words loveforjapan-izzy! Get going Guys because this trip will be the ride of a life time!!!

When you ENROLL....

EF Tours ask you if someone recommended you. If I did(Isabel R.) I would appreciate it if I was recognized for spreading the word of the trip. If Ms. Aguirre told you about the trip then apply her name so she may be recognized!
Thank You very much for your help!

*URGENT NEWS: DISCOUNT ON TRIP HAS BEEN EXTENDED

Ef Tours has extended the discount to March 31, 2011! REMEMBER this is also the final date to enroll or else the PRICES WILL GO UP. If you choose to do the insurance(which is a safety feature) you will have to pay $95 plus the $145 for the discount to enroll. If you did not or do not want to pay that total offhand just opt out the insurance and you will only pay $95 upfront.

Guess What!

I ordered my very own Yukata the other day! I need/want it to do a project in school but also I can take it to Japan with me!!! Did you know that the time we will be going to Japan it will be the time the CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOOM???? Yes, We can go to a SAKURA MATSURI (Cherry Blossom Festival) on our free day and wear a Yukata. Japanese usually wear Yukatas for reasons or special Occasions like this! I will be taking my yukata to Japan so why don't you get one(If YOU WANT). Visit http://www.kimono-yukata-market.com TODAY!!!

Destination Fixed!

The destination of our trip has been corrected! My family and I have already signed up so how about you? We wouldn't want to leave you behind in America as we explore the ancient and modern world of Japan. The land filled with beauty and enchantment. So enroll TODAY!

*URGENT ENROLL TO LOCK PRICE

The paper you received on the Trip Decision day that shows the price of each trip is the price that is available till MARCH 31,2011. If you do NOT ENROLL before MARCH 31,2011 the prices will increase! SO HURRY SOON! Visit eftours.com, click log in, then click enroll on a tour and enter the tour number and then follow the steps to enroll on the trip!
Note: Even if it says to Europe ENROLL ANYWAY, the company will fix this soon but it is OKAY to enroll, the intinerary will be fixed soon!

*URGENT DISCOUNT FOR TRIP ENDS SOON

 Along with the price lock comes a DISCOUNT but it only last until MONDAY FEBRAURY 28, 2011! If you enroll to the trip before FEBRAURY 28 you can get 150 OFF the LOCKED IN PRICE! When you pay the enrollment fee you lock the price that is set! When you enroll to the tour number the trip will show to Spain and whatnot but DONT NOT WORRY enroll anyway and the intinerary will be fixed soon so we all can be part of this discount!

Thank You Mario!

Thank You Mario V. for visiting my blog. I hope you found my information useful to our future trip. Comments and feedback would be appreciated to improve the blog or the information on it or if you have any questions.

Yukata Kimono Market Sakura

If anyone of any age wants to take a deeper stroll into the customs of Japan, I have found a great sight that is wonderful and helpful for people would like to take that stroll. It is by choice if you order one but the Yukata Kimono Market Sakura is a business in Japan that sells new handmade kimonos and yukatas that are authentic without the major price due to the silk of traditional kimonos and yukatas. A kimono is a Japanese traditional garment worn by women, men and children. The word "kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"),has come to denote these full-length robes.
Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial),and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). A yukata is a Japanese garment, a casual summer kimono usually made of cotton. People wearing yukata are a common sight in Japan at fireworks displays, bon-odori festivals, and other summer events. The yukata is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional Japanese inns. Though their use is not limited to after-bath wear, yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes.
Like other forms of traditional Japanese clothing yukata are made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Unlike formal kimono, which are made of silk (the site sells both silk and cotton with a major price difference between the two), yukata are typically made of cotton or synthetic fabrics, and are unlined. Wearing the customs helps people understand a deeper meaning of Japanese Culture. This site http://www.kimono-yukata-market.com/ is a great place to find newly made kimonos and yukatas made of cotton. It is a bit costly but for those who WANT to buy, I recommend this site only because the product is brand new compared to other sites and is made of cotton with a lower price than other sites. SO many selections and beautiful wear for everyone at any age.

Tour Number*URGENT*

For all those who have recieved an enrollment booklet, it was discovered today that the TOUR NUMBER is INCORRECT. If you have tried to enroll with the current tour number EF Tours will notify you that you cannot enroll because it is 35 days till the tour. This is because that enrollment number is for 2011 Europe Trip. For the correct enrollment number, Ms.Aguirre will email those who have given her their email. For all those new to this information and have not given Ms.Aguirre your email you can send me and email(isabelrivera96@gmail.com) and I will provide you with the correct tour number if you are willing to go to JAPAN! I hope you didn't get fustrated with this mistake. I hope everyone can go to Japan.

-Izzy

The Lunches that are not inlcuded in the Total Cost

The reason EF Tours does not provide the lunch cost and that we must pay from our own pocket is due to the fact that they want us to have our own choices to eat where we want to eat. Local or far we can choose where we want to go for any authentic meal. Don't you think that sounds like a fantastic idea? Freedom through a very organzied trip!!!!

Comments, Feedback and Questions

Feel free to leave comments, feedback or questions you may have to improve this trip. I will always be connected with Ms.Aguirre to ensure you have the most up to date information.

QUICKLY BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT!!!

All who are for sure intrested in Japan and want to go it is very IMPORTANT that you pay the ENROLLMENT FEE EARLY so you lock the price and it does not rise.  REMEMBER...THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!!!  To get more information stop by Ms.Aguirre's room C107 or visit the official tour website at eftours.com

PS. When will you ever say you took an awesome trip to the most modern and beautiful place on the planet with your friends...I hope you can NOW say YES!!!

Don't EVER WORRY...we have ONE WHOLE YEAR to plan and save money as a TEAM!!!

Japan WON!!!

Japan won! My knees were knocking when I saw that Italy and the South Pacific got twos and threes with very few voters. Japan was next and I shot my hand into the air along with my mother and friends. 5 votes and the election was over. Japan won the election and my throat swelled. There will be more information on the trip and the culture of Japan on my blog. I thank all the parents and students who came and voted for Japan and Lastly, I thank Ms. Aguirre for planning these exciting adventures for us. Fundraising will be very important to ensure many kids can experience Japan. No more McDonalds or Starbucks folks...we need to save our mula now. For all who couldn't or did not attend there is still much room on board. Come by Ms. Aguirre's room and ask for an Enrollment form. We are going to Japan in 2012 for 9 DAYS!!!

February 21

Today is the day folks! The Day Japan WILL BE PICKED. I will hopefully record this exciting event(exctiting for me anyway) and post it up with the GOOD NEWS. See you at 5:30PM tonight!!!

Orquesta de La Luz - Descarga de La Luz

Izzy is Puerto Rican with a pinch of Mexican whom has extremely high interests in Japan...but don't you ever think people in Japan are the same as me but opposite. Here's PROOF! They are interested in my culture as I am theirs so....both cultures can have a taste of the other!!!

High School and College Credit with EF Tours

High school credit

Students can earn an official transcript from EF when they demonstrate their increased global awareness through projects completed before, during and after their tour. Students who participate in EF's credit program will benefit from an enhanced tour experience; deeper learning takes place when an international experience is supplemented with pre-tour and post-tour projects. Upon approval, students may have this credit added to their high school transcript, or they can keep their EF transcript separate and submit it as an additional course when applying to universities.

 

College Credit is also available!

What is included in the program fee...

Program fee includes:

Airfare: Round-trip flights
Transportation: Comfortable motorcoach • Bullet train (with extension)
Accommodations: 7 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (9 with extension)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily
Tour director: Full-time EF Tour Director
Sightseeing: 2 sightseeing tours led by licensed local guides (3 with extension)

Optional excursions: Nikko • Nara

Approximate Trip Activities!

2012 itinerary, valid from 10/1/2011 to 9/30/2012

Day 1

 - Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2

 - Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo

Day 3

 - Tokyo

Take a guided tour of Tokyo:

·         Harajuku shopping district

·         Imperial Palace Plaza

Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine
Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple
Enjoy a tempura dinner

Day 4

 - Tokyo

Optional: Nikko:

·         Toshugo Shrine

·         Kegon Waterfall

·         Lake Chuzenji

Day 5

 - Kamakura • Hakone

Travel to KamakuraSee the Great Image of Buddha
Continue on to Hakone
Spend the night in a traditional Japanese ryokan

Day 6

 - Hakone • Kyoto

Tour Hakone National Park
Take a cruise on Lake Hakone
Ride a cable car up Mount Komagatake
Take a bullet train to Kyoto

Day 7

 - Kyoto

Take a guided tour of Kyoto
Visit Nijo Castle
Enjoy a Kimono Show
Visit the Gold Pavilion
Optional: Nara

·         Todaiji Temple

·         Deer Park

·         Kasuga Shrine

Day 8

 - Kyoto • Osaka

Visit Inari Taisha Shrine
Travel to Osaka Visit Osaka Castle
Enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner

Day 9

 - Depart for home

 - 2-DAY TOUR EXTENSION

Day 9

 - Osaka • Hiroshima

Take a bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima
Take an excursion to Miyajima Park
Visit Istukushima Shrine
Take a guided tour of Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Memorial Museum

Day 10

 - Osaka

Visit Himeji Castle
Return to Osaka

Day 11

 - Depart for home

News on Trip-Febraury 16

I have done much research on companies to use for fundraising and they all seem quite profitable without using a penny of our own. There are about 3 companies and 1 at which can do good for our earth at the same time. I will not reveal the companies quite yet because we must wait until the final decision at the meeting on Monday, February 21 if Japan is or WILL BE selected. I have found that we may have two or one and a half free days in Japan in Tokyo and Kyoto to Osaka.We can travel anywhere we want during these free days but at our own expense including transportation. On one of our free days I hope our fellow travelers would agree to experience the most wonderful Japanese tradition...EATING RAMEN! Also, if Japan is selected we may ask the parents or students interested if they would like to take an extension of two days in Japan to go to Hiroshima with an extra cost. You may notice there are two tour selections to Japan in EF Tours. One is longer and more educational(Hiroshima and Nagasaki) and the other is a bit shorter but more adventurous(Tokyo and Kyoto). To get the best experience we are probably going to take the shorter more fun one instead of the educational one so we don't have to constantly be visiting museums all day. The tour is called "Japan:Land of the Rising" and in my next post I will post a approximate schedule on how the trip will look like by each day and the activities we will be doing(provided by EF Tours). I will also provide what is included in the cost and what is not and some travel tips when traveling through EF Tours.
Sayonara(Goodbye)
-Izzy