2 0 7 2 5 2 6 2

Text
se
ne

NEW!

August
2008 No. 262

n ji

dE

390

ngl

Ka

an

w it h

Mult
iL

a
ap

ev
el
J

ISSN 1348-7906

is h F

u r i g a n a


JERO
American Singing
Enka from the Heart

Mt. Fuji
Spiritual and Cultural Symbol

4,000

20

100

Paid Research
e-gaikokujin.com has assisted a growing number of leading Japanese companies, and research monitors have been
involved in everything from in-house testing of websites and
mobile Internet platforms, to crash testing laptop computers.
All work is paid. Register now! There are NO sign-up fees
and registration takes only a few minutes.

www.e-gaikokujin.com

International Calls
at Domestic Rates+

Japanese-English Audio File

"Insight into Japan"

Only 500 yen a month

1 500

Cross Culture Club

Members can also download Insight into Japan audio files

recorded alternatively in English and Japanese,
to study with on your iPod (MP3) and mobile phones.
Five files monthly and 60 files annually.

PC iPodMP3

5 60
Call to 11 countries (USA, Canada, China, Singapore, England, France, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong Taiwan, Korea) at a local rate. You can call up to 5 hours per day,
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Topics & Events

Odaiba Bohkenoh Final

New Attraction at Fujikyu Highland

2003

7 4

18

19 8 31

4,800

1 D AY 1,500

Fujikyu Highland is well-known for white-knuckle attractions such as its roller coaster Eejanaika which has more
turns than any other in the world, and at the end of July a new
attraction named Nagashimasuka will be unveiled. It is a
round boat with four passengers that slides on water from a
high starting point like a roller coaster. On its way to being
drawn into a whirlpool, it goes down a swift stream starting
about 18 meters above the ground just like rafting. It is fun
not only because of its thrills, but also because of the devices
that splash passengers. Summertime is the best time to experience it. Admission fee: free pass for adults 4,800 yen.

This is a summer festival that has been put on by Fuji TV

since 2003. Each year the festival has attracted lots of visitors
to the various events related to TV programs, including popular shows recorded or broadcast live in front of public audiences. This years special-featured event is a haunted house
based on the movie GeGeGe no Kitaro. Held from July 19
until August 31 at Fuji TVs offices and also in the Odaiba
area. Admission fee: One-day passport for adults 1,500 yen
(some events require an additional fee).
www.bohken.jp/

www.fujiq.jp

Present for 1 couple (2 people) 1 2

August Issue Contents 8

Scenes of Japan Photo Gallery  30-31

Topics & Events  4-5

Hot Products  32

Entertainment & Trends  6-7

Japan Through Foreign Eyes  33-35

Japanese Pop Culture  8

My Japan  35

Insight into Japan  9-16

Visa Q&A Q&A 36

Cross-Cultural Barrier, Close Up Japan, Japan Watching, Japanese

HIRA-TAI Forum  37

History Makers, Working in Japan

Explanation of the Multi-level Hiragana Texts

 38

People in Japan  17-19

From the Editorial Desk  39

Feature  20-23

Cover Story  41-43

Growing Company  24-25

Exploring Towns  44

Business Spotlight  26-27

Japanese Cooking Class  45

Parody Talk  28-29

Chindougu Series, Japan Quiz  46

Write the present name, your name, address, sex, age, nationality and the top article(s) you enjoyed in this issue and send by postcard or
e-mail. Competition closes July 25. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive presents directly.

7 25

EIZONE 2008

Unarmed Fighting Techniques

of the Samurai

Yokohama EIZONE 2008

7 24 29

This is a big exhibition of the worlds finest films that features many events showcasing and offering experiences of
cutting edge films and digital arts. Regardless of age or gender, people can enjoy films that include popular net animation
and short movies, and furthermore, can actually make a game
using a computer. Held between July 24 and 29 at Yokohama
Bay Area. Free of charge.
www.y-eizone.jp/

21st Year!

3,675

The warrior
traditions of
Japans martial
history have long
inspired awe and
respect throughout the world. Few would be
Photos: HIRATA Minoru
able to claim more knowledge and authority on these traditions than Dr. HATSUMI
Masaaki, the most famous Ninja grandmaster alive. In this
book he explores the essence of various unarmed techniques
unique to the Japanese martial arts, known as Budo Taijutsu.
Published by Kodansha International. Written by HATSUMI
Masaaki.




No reservation or registration required.

1,000

2VDND

.\RWR
on

Check our website for details! WEB

To
ky
o H
Pa ira
rty ga
Ad na
m Ti
is m

50 sio es
0 nC
ye o
n up

2007 Scene from the 2007 exhibition

Admission fee for Tokyo parties will be 500 yen for party coupon holders.

500

Cat Caf Invites Customers to Relax

oure not in an average coffee shop when one of the

staff has to casually shift a cat sleeping on the menu
before you can order your latte. Even more so that
the cat doesnt bat an eyelid and continues to sleep with the
cafs money tray resting on its back. This is Calico Caf in
Kichijoji, Tokyo.

cushions are thrown casually on the floor inviting customers

and cats alike to kickback and relax. One customer, a young
woman in her early twenties lays on the floor, lost in her own
thoughts, stroking the soft furry back of Maruko, a Burmese.
Her friend has wandered off to follow Kanna; a cat that is trying its best to get into the cathouse to avoid the gaze of the
camera phones pointing in her direction.

20

C at C afe

Red and white sofas

line the walls of the cafe
while brightly colored

Since the coffee shop opened its doors in 2007 there are
already three other copycat cafes that have opened throughout
the city. For most customers who live in Tokyo, the chance to
interact with these moggy companions is a rare experience.
Many would like to keep their own pets but apartments where
pets are permitted come at a high cost.

2007

The most popular cat in the caf is Maruko, who reportedly likes to be tickled under her chin. Next to her was the
newest addition to the cafe, a three-month-old kitten that was
absorbed in the process of trying to catch a fake mouse being
dangled by a male customer who seemed as equally fascinated
by the game.

The pet dog and owner market has gained

in popularity over the past decade
and stores which provide clothes,
bags, accessories, and even
designer goods for mans best
friend continue to open.
Unfortunately cats have
seemingly had a much
rougher deal, with 1.16 million stray cats estimated in
Tokyo alone and 240,000
unclaimed cats gassed across
the country annually. Calico
Cafe could, however, mark the
start of a changing attitude towards
cats.

Maruko

800

One of the Calico staff explains

that on an average weekend the cafe
attracts up to 160 customers a day
who will pay 800 yen an hour
to play with the cats. Cats are
very relaxing to be around and
just watching them play together
leaves customers feeling really
good, she said. Another staff, who
after taking a tally check is searching for hidden cats, adds that each cat
is carefully selected after visiting reputable cat breeders to ensure only the friendliest and tamest of cats are chosen.

10

160

24

Cat Cafe

116

Cat Cafe Calico Cat Cafe cafecalico.com/

Text MT

MONKEY MAJIK Canadian-Japanese Band

MONKEY MAJIK

f you hear the words Monkey Magic, they may remind

you of a song by GODIEGO, a rock group who were popular in the latter half of the 70s. However, MONKEY
MAJIK is a band comprised of two Canadians and two
Japanese, who are currently grabbing headlines.

1970

MONKEY MAJIK

The band made their debut in 2000 with Canadian Maynard

(vocals and guitar), who was working as an assistant language
teacher in Aomori at the time, as their leader. The other band
members are Maynards brother Blaise (also vocals and guitar), tax from Japan (drums) and DICK from Japan (bass).
Although they live in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, they
perform all over the country.

Around the World was used as the theme song to the TV

drama Saiyuki in 2006. Their song for a Yokohama Tyre
commercial, Sora wa marude, was ranked at the top of the
cable TV request chart before the CD was released the first
time in history for that to happen. Their fourth album, which
shares its name with the single has sold over 350 thousand
copies. Their achievements also include writing songs for
some of Japans biggest artists.

4 35

They released the single Aitakute/MORNINGEVENING/goin places on June 25th. They also
made some recordings including a song for an
Asahi Beer commercial and the theme song for
the NHK Educational TV program Little Charo,

tax DICK

CD

Maynard Blaise

CM

Around The World

M aynard2000

2006 TV 2

ALT

English Conversation soaking into the body.

6 25 /

MORNING-EVENING/goin places

CM NHK TV

Their name has been well-known since their second single

MONKEY MAJIK Official Web Site MONKEY MAJIK www.monkeymajik.com/

Multi-level Hiragana Text

See page 38 for the explanations.

r
tu
ul
-C
ss
ro
C

r
rie
ar

38

B
al

No. 029

Chopsticks or Spoon for

Foreigners?

. .

foreigners

for

or

chopsticks

spoon

Foreign View.....
foreign

view

Why do Japanese always offer me a spoon or fork instead of chopsticks? / Billions of people worldwide use chopsticks, not
just Japanese! // Now when Japanese praise my chopstick skills, I tell them I studied at chopstick school, /// or when they are
using spoons I say Wow! You are good at using a spoon!

. . . . .
Japanese

why

always

me

chopsticks

instead

(a) spoon

or

fork

. / . . . . . . . .
do ~ offer

Japanese

just

not

worldwide

billions

of

people

. . // . . . . . . . .
.
chopsticks

use

Japanese

my

chopstick

skills

praise

(now) when

chopstick

. . . . . . /// .
[skills]

[teaching]

school

at

(I) studied

(I) tell (them)

or

they

. . . . . .
spoons

are using

when

wow

you

(a) spoon

using

good at

.
are

(I) say

Japanese View.....
Japanese

view

Not all Westerners can use chopsticks, / so we politely offer them a spoon or fork when they come to my restaurant. // To
offer the best possible service and consideration for customers is Japanese hospitality. /// Interestingly, when eating soup many
Westerners cant even use spoons properly.

. . . . / .
Westerners

all

chopsticks

use

not ~ can

so

my

restaurant

to

. . . . . . // . .
they

<come>

when

politely

(a) spoon

or

fork

(we) offer (them)

customers

for

. . . . . ///
(the) best possible

services

and

consideration

to offer

Japanese

hospitality

is

. . . . . . . . .
interestingly

soup

<eating>

when

many

Westerners

spoons

even

properly

.
cant use

Multi-level Hiragana Text

Japanese Nationality given by The

Change of Family Relationship

... .
family relationship

of

(the) change

given by

..
Japanese

nationality

In June 2008, Japans Supreme Court granted 10 children born between unmarried Japanese fathers and Filipino
mothers the right to Japanese nationality. / Prior to the ruling such children born out of wedlock could only claim
Japanese nationality if the father recognized them as his
own before birth.
2008 ..............

. . . . . .
two thousand eight

[year]

(in) June

(Japans) Supreme Court

. . . . .
unmarried

Japanese

. . . . .
fathers

and

Filipino

mothers

10

. . . .
between

born

children

ten

[people]

. . . . /
(the right to) Japanese

nationality

granted

. . . .
the

ruling

prior to

wedlock

out of

. . . .
born

(such) children

before birth

. . . . .
(the) father

(his) own

[children]

could only ~ if

as

Japanese

nationality

2006 ................

nationality

obtain

can

(the) two thousand six

. . . .
[year]

. . . . .
recognized (them)

. . . / . .

(published by)

the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

. . .

Dynamic statistics of the population

. .

<claim>

according to

. . . . .
out of wedlock

non-Japanese

. . .
mothers

With this judgment such children can obtain Japanese

nationality even after birth if their father recognizes them
as his children. / According to the 2006 Dynamic Statistics
of the Population published by the Ministry of Health,
Labour and Welfare, there were 2,794 children born out of
wedlock to non-Japanese mothers in Japan; // an increase of
800 children from 10 years ago.

. .
this

judgment

with

such

children

. . . . .
(their) father

his

children

as

. . . .
if ~ recognizes (them)

10

after birth

even

Japanese

<to>

Japan

in

born

2,794 ...............................................................

(there were) two thousand seven hundred ninety four

[people]

. . . . .
children

10

ten

years

ago

800 ...............

// . . . .
from

eight hundred <children>

(there is) an increase (of)

Behind this phenomenon there is a great change worldwide in peoples way of thinking about marriage. / In
Japan, the number of children born in 2006 to unmarried parents accounted for 2.1% of the total number of
newborns. // Although the number of these children is
increasing every year, it is still extremely low compared to
Western countries.

. . . .
this

phenomenon

behind

. . . . . .
worldwide

marriage

about

. . . . /
(peoples) way of thinking

in

2006 .....................

(a) great

change

(there is)

. . .
two thousand six

[year]

in

Japan

in

14 ....................
(at) fourteen

parents

<to>

children

of

(the) number

the total number of newborns

2.1 .........................

. . . //
of

two

point

one

percent

<accounted for>

these

. . . . .
children

of

(the) number

every year

is increasing

. . . .
although

Western

countries

compared to

still

. .

France

in

PACS

named

. .
. .
a law

there is ~ which

virtually married couples

and

. . . .
same sex

couples

to

. . . . . . .
tax breaks

and

social welfare allowances

such as

. . . . .
almost equivalent to

(it) is low

marriage

extremely

[is]

born

. . . . .

percent

In France, there is a law named PACSwhich grants

rights almost equivalent to marriage, such as tax breaks
and social welfare allowances, to virtually married couples
and same sex couples. / In Sweden, they also have a similar
law to protect couples. // Therefore, getting married is not
essential.

. . . .
unmarried

rights

. / .
grants

Sweden

also in

couples

. . . . . . //
to protect

(a) similar

In 2007, the number of such children exceeded 50% in

France. / According to a 2005 survey, top-ranked Sweden is
at 55.4% and was followed by Denmark at 45.7%, the U.K.
at 42.9% and the U.S.A. at 36.8%. // Even among catholic
countries the percentage is much higher than Japan. For
example, Spain at 26.6% and Italy at 14%.
2007 ...................

(in) two thousand seven

[year]

such

children

50 ..............

of

. . .
the number

France

in

2005 .........

fifty

percent

. / . . . .
.
exceeded

(a) two thousand five [year]

. . .
therefore

getting married

essential

is not

survey

according to top-ranked

As sociologist Irene Terry says,It is not marriage it is

becoming children that compose a family. / It seems the
way of thinking about family has been changing world
wide, // so it is natural that the law should be revised with
the actual conditions of the time.

55.4 ....................................................

(at)

fifty

five

point

four

.
percent

(and) was followed by

45.7 .....................................................

Denmark

percent

the U.K.

. . . . . .

. . . .
Sweden

(they) have

. . .

law

sociologist

Irene

Terry

. . . . .
a family

composes

that

marriage

. . . .

. . /

42.9 ......................................................

(at) forty

five

point

seven

(it) is not

children

(it) is becoming

as

says

. . . .

. . . . . .

36.8 .......................................................

(at) forty

two

point

percent (and )

nine

the U.S.A.

. . . . //
(at) thirty

six

point

eight

percent

is

. .
catholic

countries

even among

Japan

than

. .
much

(the percentage is) higher

26.6 ..............................................

for example

Spain

at

family

about

the way of thinking

worldwide

. // . .
has been changing

it seems

(the) law

the

. . . . .
actual conditions of the time

with

(should) be revised

that

. . .
(so ) (it) is natural

. . . .
twenty

six

point

six

percent (and)

Italy

at

11

Multi-level Hiragana Text

Mishap Caused by Japanese Consideration

..... .

by Hiragana Times editor-in-chief

Japanese

consideration

caused by

.
mishap

The Japanese have a custom of presenting gifts to show

their gratitude to certain people in summer and year-end.
The summer gift is called ochuugen, and the year-end
gift oseibo. / This is practiced not only among individuals, but also companies. // These gifts are delivered also to
the office of Hiragana Times. /// They are generally cookies
and drinks that all staff members can share.

. . . .
(the) Japanese

summer

and

year-end

in

. . . . .
certain

people

to

(their) gratitude

to show

. . . /
presenting gifts

a custom (of)

have

. . . . .

(the) summer

gift

. . . . . .
(the) year-end

gift

oseibo

this

not only ~ but

individuals

. . . ///
also

is practiced

delicious

// .
. .
tasted

(the) staff members

(the apricots were) delicious

repeatedly

.
. . . ///
said ~ and

kept eating (them)

among companies

very

. . // .
is called

sweet and

they

(and )

ochuugen

. .

(they were) so good (that)

.
.
someone

Hiragana

which

manufacturer (had made them)

asked

Times

of

(the) office

also to

these

. . .
gifts

are delivered

they

.
generally

staff members

all

(that) ~ can share

. . . .
cookies

and

drinks

One staff member saw the back of the box and shouted,
This is made in China. / The faces of all the staff changed
at once. // After that nobody ate the apricots. /// I also lost
my appetite and stopped eating them.

are

. .
staff member

of

one [person]

(the) box

of

(the) back

.
.
. .
saw ~ and

Last year-end a package of dried apricots was delivered

from company A to the office. / They tasted sweet and very
delicious. // The staff members repeatedly said the apricots
were delicious, and kept eating them. /// They were so good
that someone asked which manufacturer had made them.

. .
. . .
last year-end

company A

from

dried apricots

of

. . /
(a) package

(the) office

to

was delivered

shouted

made in China

/ . .
is

all (the staff)

of

(the) faces

. // . .
at once

changed

after that

nobody

. . ///
(the) apricots

ate

also

. .
.
(my) appetite

lost ~ and

stopped

12

this

eating (them)

Many Japanese question the safety of China-produced

food, and are very nervous of it. / The president of company A had been a Chinese branch manager for a long time,
so he may be less reluctant to present Chinese products.

Japanese

Chinese produced

.... . ....
food

of

question ~ and

(the) safety

. . . /
very

nervous (of it)

are

. . . .
company A

of

the president

for a long time

. . .
(a) Chinese

branch

manager

had been

so

. . . .
Chinese products

to present

other peoples

feeling

. . . .
in order not to harm

the truth

(they) hide

. . . . .
that

(a) Japanese

custom

and

virtue

(it) is

This summer, ochuugen arrived again and there was one

from company A. / It was dried apricots, the same as the
oseibo. Furthermore, there was twice as much as the last
time. // However, our staff has become more nervous about
Chinese products since the poisoned Chinese dumpling
incident that occurred after that, and no one wanted to
eat. /// I felt sorry for him, so I kept eating them alone for a
while.

. .
less reluctant

gave a big smile

. . . . . . .
many

/// . . . .

. . .

(he) may be

this

summer

again

company A

from

. . . . / . .
ochuugen

arrived

it

...
..
(the) oseibo

as (the) same

dried apricots

was

furthermore

. . . . .
the last time

twice as much as

there was

// . . . . .
however

after that

(that) occurred

the poisoned

. . .
Chinese dumpling

incident

since

(our) staff

. .
Chinese products

about

more

. . . .
nervous

has become

and

no one

. /// . .
wanted to eat

him

After a while, I met the president of company A. / At that

time I expressed my thanks for the oseibo and said, All
the staff had them and they were delicious. // He gave a
big smile upon hearing that. /// It is a Japanese custom and
virtue that they hide the truth in order not to harm other
peoples feelings.
A

felt ~ so

sorry for

for a while

alone

. .
(I) kept eating (them)

. . .
after a while

company A

of

the president

. / . . .
(I) met

at that time

oseibo

for

. . .
my thanks

expressed

and

all (the staff)

.
had (them)

and

(they) were delicious

. // . .
said

he

that

(upon) hearing

13

Multi-level Hiragana Text

MURASAKI Shikibu

The Author of The Tale of Genji,

a Book that Describes a Handsome Princes Love Affairs

....... .
handsome

princes

love affairs

(that) <describes>

...
(about) The Tale of Genji

of

Depicted on the back of the 2000 yen bank note are a

scene from what is said to be the oldest novel in the world,
The Tale of Genji, and the woman who wrote the novel,
MURASAKI Shikibu (about 979 ~ about 1016). / Her work
has greatly influenced Japanese culture, including Japanese
poetry, flower arrangement, crafts, and art.

. .
(the) two thousand yen (bank) note

of

(the) back

on

. .
depicted

(the) world

in

. . .
the oldest

novel

what is said to be

. . . .
The Tale of Genji

a scene from

and

. . . .
the

novel

(who) wrote

the woman

Murasaki

979 ....................................................................

. . . .
Shikibu

nine [hundred]

seventy

1016 ................................

nine

[year]

. . /
about

ten sixteen

[year]

about

are

. . . . . .

her

work

Japanese poetry

flower arrangement

. . . . .

crafts (and)

art

including

Japanese

culture

. . . . .
greatly

has influenced

Shikibu was born to a mid-ranking aristocrat and at about

the age of 27 married a nobleman who had a son older than
her. / At 28 she gave birth to a daughter, but her husband

14

author

died only three years after their marriage. // She was well
educated and had extensive knowledge of kanji, which was
considered a special skill at the time. /// She wrote The
Tale of Genji based on her own life working at the royal
court.

. . . . .
Shikibu

a mid-ranking

27 ...........................

aristocrat

was born ~ and

to

. .
twenty

seven

the age (of)

about

at

<her>

. . . . .
than

older

(a) son

(who) had

(a) nobleman

28 ...........................

. / . . . .
<married>

she

twenty eight

. . .
[age]

at

a daughter

gave birth to

but

(her) husband

. . . . . //
after (their) marriage

(only) three years

died

. . . . .
<was> well educated ~ and

she

at the time

. . . .
(a) special

skill

(which was) considered

. . . .
kanji

[about]

extensive

knowledge (of)

. ///
. .
had

the royal court

at

working

. . . .
(her) own

life

based on

. . .
The Tale of Genji

(she) wrote

The Tale of Genji is a long novel with prince Hikaru

GENJI as the central character, a man who had lost his
right to the Imperial Throne in spite of being born as a son
of the Emperor. / In short it is about the love affairs and
agony of Genji. // There are over 50 major characters in the
story and more than 400 in total.

. . . . .
The Tale of Genji

the Emperor

of

(a) son

.
being born

in spite of

. . . . . .
(his) right to the Imperial Throne

(who) had lost

prince (a man)

. . . .
Hikaru

Genji

with

(the) central character

as

(a) long

novel

is

in short

of

(the) love affairs

and

. // .
(it) is about [describing]

the story

in

. . . . .
major

characters

50 .................

fifty

over ~ and

[people]

400 .............

total

in

. .
four hundred

[people]

more than

there are

The handsome Genji had affairs with many women. /

Among them he was deeply bewitched by Fujitsubo, one of
his fathers wives. // As time passed, he committed adultery
with Fujitsubo and she gave birth to a boy that resembled
Genji. /// Even after this, Genji was torn between his wife
and other women.

. . . .
(the) handsome

Genji

many

women

. . . / .
.
with

affairs

<had>

among (them) (his) fathers

wives

. . .
of

one

Fujitsubo

by

deeply

(he) was bewitched

// . . .
as time passed

Fujitsubo

with

(he committed) adultery

and

. . .
she

Genji

(that) resembled

. . . . /// .
a boy

gave birth to

after this

even

. . . . .
Genji

(his) wife

and

other

women

. . . .
between

complicated

was torn

The states of mind of the noblemen in complicated love

affairs are well described in the story. / The Tale of Genji
has been translated into modern Japanese, and it has been
translated also into foreign languages and read by many people around the world. // It also became manga and anime,

. . . . .
love affairs

in

(the) noblemen

of

. . . . . /

well

are described

. . . . .
The Tale of Genji

modern Japanese

into

.

. .
(has been ) translated

and

foreign languages

also into

. .
. . .
the world

around

many

people

. //
manga

and

anime

also

Asaki-Yumemishi

Yamato

. .
Waki

written (by)

(a) super best seller

1,600 ...............................

. . .
sixteen million

. . .

(it) became ~ and (the) manga

in

read by

agony

the story

. . . . .
Genji

(it has been) translated ~ and

. . /

.
. .

(the) states of mind

as

and the manga Asaki-Yumemishiby YAMATO Waki

became a super best seller, selling over 16 million copies.

copies

over

.

selling

became

It is said that Murasaki Shikibu had a strong sense of

rivalry with SEISHO Nagon, another talented woman of
the time who wrote Pillow Book. / Shikibu wrote in her
diary that She proudly scribed a lot of kanji, but when you
look at them carefully you will find many errors. She is
not great. // Her common character led to the characters
portrayed in The Tale of Genji and it may have created an
immortal literary work.

. .

Murasaki

Shikibu

Pillow Book

. . . . .
(who) wrote

the time

of

another

. . . .
talented woman

Seisho

Nagon

with

(a) strong

. . . /
sense of rivalry

had

it is said that

. . . . .
proudly

a lot of

kanji

(she) scribed

. . . .
but

carefully you look (at them) when

(you will find) many errors

. .
<she is not great>

that

(her) diary

in

. // . . . . .
(Shikibu) wrote

her

common

. . . .
character

The Tale of Genji

in

. . . . .
(the) characters

portrayed

led to ~ (and)

(an) immortal

. . .
literary work

(have) created

(it) may

15

Multi-level Hiragana Text

The Japanese Place Importance

on Trust Rather Than Contract

..
contract

rather than

.. ..
trust

place importance on

..
Japanese

Before doing business a contract is made, and in Western

countries generally the written contract holds absolute
effect. / Therefore, they write even details in the contract.
// However, many Japanese think it is the same whether
you have a contract or not if one of the parties does not
respect the agreement.

. . . .
business

doing

before

. . . .
(a) contract

is made

and

. . . . .
Western countries

in

generally

. . . . . .
the written contract

absolute

. . . /
effect

holds

therefore

. . . .
the contract

in

details

even

(they) write

//
. . . .

however

(the) parties

of

the other side

without

(the) agreement

. . . .
(a) contract

whether you have ~ or not

(it is) the same

think

Japanese

many

Japan

in

(it is) common

<them>

. . . .
to be reliable

(you have) judged

once

. . . / . .
doing business (with someone)

16

(to) begin

important

contracts

. . . . .
in the case of

except

rather

is considered to be a formality

// . . .
very

detailed

articles

. . . . .
(in which) ~ are described

(a) contract

(you) prepare when

. . . .
they

are not trusted

that

. . .
take (it)

some (people) even

When a problem comes up, Japanese give priority to

continuing trading, trying to solve the problem through
discussion, rather than referring to what is written in the
contract. / So, it takes time to start business with Japanese
companies, but once trade is started you can often enjoy a
long and fruitful business relationship.

. . . . . .
Japanese

(a) problem

comes up

when

. . .
the contract

in

what is written

referring to

. . . .

even

. . . . .

In Japan it is common to begin doing business with

someone once you have judged them to be reliable. / It is
not unusual to enter into business even without a contract,
which is considered to be rather a formality except in the
case of important contracts. // Some people even take it that
they are not trusted when you prepare a contract in which
very detailed articles are described.

(it is) not unusual ~ (which)

. . . .

to enter into

. . . .

if ~ does not respect

business

. . .

. .

a contract

rather than

through discussion

. .
. .
trying to solve (the problem)

trading

. . . . /
continuing

give priority to

so

. . . . .
Japanese

companies

with

business

. . .
to start

[until]

time

it takes

but

once

. . .
trade

is started

. . . . . .
a long (and )

fruitful

.
<you can enjoy>

often

business

People in Japan

Simon PAXTON

Australian Magician
who Made his Passion into a Living

f you love magic and you love the Japanese language,

then Simon PAXTON might be doing your dream job.
You see, Simon is a bilingual Australian magician who
has made his home in Japan.

one of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 1999 and

is now working towards the kanji kentei (Japanese Kanji
Aptitude Test).

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Simon graduated with

a degree in Asian Studies and came to Japan as a university
exchange student to study Japanese. He went on to pass level

1999

His language skills have been invaluable, allowing him to

perform fluently in front of Japanese audiences and contributing to his success as a magician. But what made him want to
become a magician in the first place?

17

People in Japan

Entertaining at a wedding and school

As a professional magician Simon doesnt lead a conventional 9 to 5 work life; one night he could be performing at
a corporate function, the next day at a wedding. Being a
magician is unique in the sense that each month is very different from the next. I have performed all over Japan including
Okinawa and Hokkaido. So, there is no telling where I will
be, Simon explains. I work at a variety of different venues
such as wedding parties, kids birthdays, corporate events,
fairs, shopping malls, bars and restaurants. I even hosted a

Simon typically performs two

kinds of magic; close-up magic
and stand-up shows. With closeup magic he performs tricks right
before an audiences eyes, using
items such as cards, coins and rope
to deceive and delight. Close up
magic is just a great form of entertainment that can be done
in almost any venue. I dont require a table or anything that I
dont bring with me, he says, explaining why it has proven so
popular with Japanese audiences.

Simon will be performing at the Ginza Tobu Hotel in Tokyo from the 10th of July to the 8th of August on weeknights
Monday to Friday except for public holidays.

18

Note

I became a magician because I love magic and I love performing for people. I love making people laugh and scream,
Simon says. I was interested in
magic as a child but there were
very few magicians around where
I lived so I didnt really get into
magic seriously until I came to
Japan.

cable TV show for a while in which I incorporated magic into

the show.

7 10 8 8

Simon performing in South-east Asia

Many people have seen magic on television, but actually seeing it right before your very eyes is a totally different
and memorable experience. His stand-up show is more of
an interactive type of magic where he gets people on stage
with him. It is a lot of
fun and gets the audience
involved, Simon says.

Of course, I am also inspired by many magicians too, and

I attend magic lectures and seek advice from those I respect.
There is a lot to learn and it would be impossible to master
everything in a single lifetime.

Simons advice for anyone who would like

to follow in his footsteps is to do what they
love. And in that respect he is practicing what
he preaches. I love the Japanese language and
magic, so performing
magic in Japanese for
me is a fantastic way to
make a living. Getting
paid to play is I think
one of the secrets to a
happy life, he says.

For Simon, building the skills required to be a

good magician is an ongoing process, and there
are several ways he learns magic. I am kind of
old fashioned and prefer to learn magic from
books. Learning from books allows me to exercise my imagination and perform magic that is
unique to me, he says.

Simon's website www.aussiemagic.comwww.theweddingentertainer.com

19

JERO

American
Singing Enka
from the Heart

n American enka singer is currently in the limelight

in Japan. His name is JERO (real name Jerome
WHITE Jr.) and he was born in Pittsburgh, U.S.A.
Since his debut in February 2008, his popularity has rocketed
and he now makes frequent appearances on TV and radio, and
in magazines. Recently JERO is also appearing in TV commercials.

2008 2

TV

TV

Japanese audiences.

20

His popularity is backed by his singing voice as well as his

good looks and uniqueness. His voice is easy on to the ears
and his beautiful Japanese and singing convey the heart of the
lyrics exquisitely.

Known for its melancholic melody and deeply poetic lyrics, enka has been favored mainly by older listeners, and it
gained popularity in the Showa era. Enka is generally about
singing sentimental songs while dressed in kimono. Singing
enka in hip hop fashions though, JERO was a big surprise for

JERO was born and raised in the States, but his desire to be
an enka singer came from his Japanese grandmother, Takiko,

who was born in Yokohama. After World War II, she married
an American soldier, Leonard, in Yokohama and moved to the
U.S. Takiko used to listen to enka songs, remembering Japan
in her Pittsburgh home.

JERO loves his grandmother; he became familiar with enka

songs as Takiko listened to them when he was small. He did
not know the meaning of the lyrics, but he memorized the
words, trying to sing as authentically as possible to please
his grandmother. JERO admires legendary queen of enka, the
late MISORA Hibari. He says: She sings any songs with her
heart filled with emotions. Even without understanding the
meaning of the words, I get captivated by her singing.

Takiko placed a family alter and Japanese dolls in her

home, and shoes had to be taken off in the house, creating
a Japanese atmosphere. But from time to time, she recalled
Japan and had tears in her eyes, so JERO did not bring up
the subject of Japan so often. He was, however, interested in
knowing more about Japan and when he was a high school
student he started studying Japanese.

Right at the time, he attended a

Japanese speech contest held in Japan a
s
an American representative. JERO presented a
speech called My grandma with his freshly learnt
Japanese. It was about Takiko enduring hardships
after the war was over. At that time, JERO was practicing hip hop dance, but he was also secretly being
drawn to the dream of becoming an enka singer.
JERO in action photos by NORIGOE Takane

JERO's family: JERO (the right top) and grandma Takiko (below JERO)

JERO enrolled at Pittsburgh University, majoring in computing.

When he was a third-year student, he made his second visit to Japan as
an exchange student. Though it was just a 3-month stay in Japan, his
Japanese improved and he made lots of friends as well. At that point, his
goal in life became clear to him. I realized that all I wanted to do is in
Japan, JERO recalls of that time.

It seems as if JERO appeared out of the blue, but it took him 5 years
before he made his long-sought debut. After working as an English
teacher and computer engineer in Japan, he began to attend local karaoke festivals and TV singing programs for non-professionals, and was
scouted by a record company. Even after making his debut, he traveled
around the country, singing live and doing promotions.

2005

His debut song is called Umiyuki. The heroine sets out on a journey
to follow the man she loves. She winds up on a freezing pier by the sea.
Heavy snow pours down, disappearing into the ocean and failing to lay
on the ground. The Umiyuki single has sold more than 250,000 copies
and has been downloaded more than 500,000 times.

25

50

22

Enka is the music that expresses the soul of the Japanese. JERO is frequently asked if he understands the Japanese mind. He replies, Enka conveys sentiments that are universal to all humans. His grandmother, who
inspired him to become an enka singer, passed away in 2005. I am glad that
I could talk with her when she was well. Though I could not say good-bye to
her, I am sure she is happy to see me doing well in Japan, he says.

2005

JERO is so busy he often has sleepless nights. It has been rich and full.
I have never been happier than to be on stage singing enka with other enka
singers whom I have looked up to for a long time, he says, adding, I truly
think that the dream will come true. Elementary school kids say JERO is
cool, while older people say he seems to be mature and is impressive.

On his third visit when he began to actually live in Japan, he was discouraged by the crowded commuter trains, and had many hard times. But he says,
Japanese people are very kind and it is comfortable to live in Japan. It might
have been my grandmas influence, but Ive never been bothered by Japanese
customs. Above all, I love the culture of having respect for each other. I want
to establish a firm foundation in Japan in the future.

His favorite Japanese word is, Chinpun-kanpun, (half-assed understanding). It sounds great, he says. JERO speaks so fluently that he even
dreams in Japanese. He gives his secret to living successfully in Japan by
saying, I want people to care about Japan when they come here. They
should study Japanese even at a minimum and make friends in the
field they like. In my case it was dance. Then life here would be a
lot more fun.

(Japanese pop) classics.

Victor Entertainment, Inc.

released JERO s cover album
Covers.
It covers 7 enka and kayoukyoku

JERO Official website www.jvcmusic.co.jp/jero/

Victor Entertainment, Inc. www.jvcmusic.co.jp/

23

Growing Company

OKWave

The First and Biggest Q&A Site in Japan

Q&A

hen you want to know something, what do you

do? Have you ever had the experience of becoming confused by an overload of information
after searching for something on the Internet? In such case
OKWaves Q&A site is very useful. Anyone can easily take
advantage of the site for any problem, ranging from small
matters to life counseling. Since it was launched in 2000 they
are proud to have had 1.15 million registered members and
more than 15.5 million inquiries/answers.

Q&A

2000 115

1,550

CEO, KANEMOTO Kaneto, is a third-generation Korean

with Japanese nationality. He was weak as a child, frequently
being hospitalized. In the 1970s all foreign residents in Japan
had to register their fingerprints. One day he was seen by a
friend when he was resisting doing it at the local ward office
and from then he began to be bullied. As a result, he suffered
from autonomic ataxia. After graduating from university he
took an active role in a design group while working; however, the group was broken up. He has also experienced being
homeless.

It was when he wrote a quesCEO,

KANEMOTO Kaneto
tion in a bulletin board that

he not only couldnt get any

answer, but he also was scolded
for his incorrect style of questionining. He was disgusted, and he made up his mind to
launch a site where anyone could write questions and answers.
So OKWave was born.

1970

OKWave is rents databases and systems to companies.

Teach me! goo is one of them. Furthermore, the FAQ that
are often seen in other companies sites use their systems.
OKWave is now receiving substantial positive feedback saying that although page-viewers are increasing, inquiries to
support centers are decreasing.

24

OKWave okwave.jp/

g oo

2007

OKWorld

Q&A

We are very glad to have letters

telling us that their problem is solved,
or that they are relieved, says Mr.
TAKEMURA Taro, the man in charge of OKWorld. In April
2008, they started an English version of the service from a
subsidiary company in the U.S.A. It is their aim that to offer
Q&A solutions to 100 countries and in 10 languages by 2020.

In 2005, OKWave was given the Good Design Award

for their easy-to-use software. In 2007, they set up the site
OKWorld for foreign residents in Japan in English, Chinese
and Korean. Its Information content is full of basic information useful for living in Japan. Various questions including Where can I buy a Japanese-English bilingual Bible?,
Please advise me how to dispose of garbage and What
should I be careful about when preparing meals when inviting
a guest from Indonesia? are asked and answered every day.

100

2004

In 2004, one man wrote on the site:

This week my wife will have an affair.
Im planning to venture into the hotel
and bring it to an end. Is this the proper
way? To this question more than 100
answers were received and subsequently it became a book. Later, it is said that
he said I was reborn on this site.

2005

O KWorld

2008 4

2010 10

100 Q&A

O K Worldworld.okwave.jpOKWave Community (English )us.okwave.com

OKWorld,
TAKEMURA Taro
O K World

25

Gerry O DONNELL,
Owner, JERRY S PIES

Pie Maker
Brings British Tastes to Japan

erry ODONNELLs resume makes interesting reading. Born in Newcastle in the north of England, he
left home for London at 19 and has since traveled the
world, taking in some 40 countries. In that time
hes been a miner, a freelance writer, a lecturer, a taxi driver, and even a slaughterhouse worker among other things.

Today, Gerry is the man behind Jerrys Pies, a Kyotobased shop that sells hand-made sweet and savory pies (a
savory dish uses herbs or spices and is not sweet) and which is
helping to introduce traditional British tastes to Japan.

TOLL FREE

0120-981-862

e-mail: info@economovejapan.com
http://www.econovovejapan.com

26

As Japanese mistake Gerry as Geri , Gerry used Jerry (same pronunciation) for his shop.

Note

40

10

I started making my own pies about 10 years ago,

because I couldnt find any pies at all in Japan, and I
was going crazy for a savory meat pie, Gerry says of
his first steps towards Jerrys Pies. Pretty soon word
got around that I made pies and friends started asking
me to make some for them. So I did.

19

Gerry Jerry

Pie making remained just a hobby for a few years until the
large English language school Gerry had been working for
since the 1990s told him he was going to be transferred. That
night I went home, surfed the net for British and Irish pubs
in Japan, called them, got some orders, started making pies at
home, and started saving money for my own pie shop, Gerry
says. It took me two years to save enough money, but when I
had it I quit my job and opened the shop in January 2006.

1990

2006 1

4 800

Since then Gerry has had to overcome his fair share of

hurdles: from finding the right equipment for pie making,
to getting a license and locating a suitable place for making
his pies. The first two years in any business, Ive heard, are
the hardest. I can testify to that. I thought I was going to go
bankrupt a few times, but Im still here, he says. I have
had a million hurdles to overcome. But with the help of good
Japanese friends and really nice people I overcame them. I am
very grateful to everyone who has helped me.

(he often sells as many as 800 in four hours at a local flea market), outselling all his other flavors put together. It is because
of their popularity, Gerry says, that customers like coffee shop
owners who he once had to find are now finding him.

Gerrys apple and cinnamon pies have proved to be a big hit

On the savory side, Jerrys Pies also makes mouth-watering

British classics such as chicken and mushroom, beef and beer,
and vegetable and cheese, but convincing the Japanese public
to try them has not always been easy. The biggest problem
I face is the regrettable fact that savory pies are completely
unknown to the Japanese public. When I say I make pies,
people ask me if they are a kind of pizza. Once they try one,
however, they find they like them.

JERRY'S PIES www.jerryspies.com/

27

by Hiragana Times CIA

I AM THE SWIMMER
A Swimmer who Can be a Legend

Medals are expected in some events in the swimming at the Beijing Olympic Games. The Japanese
swimmers are now allowed to wear British
SPEEDOs LZR Racer and take part in the
Olympics. However, Mr. HAYAMIZU Susumu,
a swimming commentator, objects that Japanese
breaststroke swimmer KITAJIMA Kousuke wears
LZR Racer. Hiragana Times CIA interviewed with
him about his view.

Hiragana Times CIA

CIA: At the Japan Open held in June, Kitajima set a world

record wearing LZR Racer. Kitajima wearing the swimming
suit has a greater chance of winning gold medals. Why do you
object to it?
Commentator: With the decision he will lose the chance to
become a legend.

CIA6

28

CIA: How come? He won two gold medals at the Athens

Olympic Games. If he gets a gold medal in consecutive
Olympic Games, I think he can be a legendary swimmer.
Commentator: Do you know what kind of swimming suit
it is? With this swimming suit, a bumper crop of new world
records have been made. The swimming suit became a tool,

CIACynically Insulting Agency

not clothing to cover the body. In the golf world it is now

restricted to use a club with too much repulsive force in official events.

CIA

2 2

CIA: I wonder if it might be similar to doping?

Commentator: Exactly. It seems as if all swimmers are doping by using the swimming suit. If a swimmer wins, is he or
she really the best?

CIA

Commentator: There are lots of gold

medalists. Kitajima is only one of them.
However, if the worlds top swimmer took
the stance of objecting in this unusual situation,
his name would be remembered forever. If he
won, he would gain a greater reputation. Even if
he lost, his reputation wouldnt be damaged at all
as everyone knows that it is because of his swimJames
ming suit. Furthermore, he can leave his name in
Olympic history as a legendary man who took a challenge.
That is much more worthy than a gold medal.

CIA: However, isnt it a pity that only Kitajima swims with

another companys swimming suit?
Commentator: Being disgusted at the dispute over the
swimming suits, Kitajima appeared wearing a T-shirt in the
Japan Open that said I AM THE SWIMMER. Indeed, it is a
swimmer, not a swimming suit that swims. Thats why I want
him to prove himself.

CIA

Comment from CIA CIA

All athletes and everyone else involved are making efforts
to get medals. Dear readers, which are the words that Baron
Pierre de COUBERTIN, the founder of the modern Olympic
Games used A: The important thing is not to win, but to take
part. B: The important thing is not to take part, but to win.
For the correct answer, please ask the Olympic Committee of
your country.

CIA

CIA: Even so, if he loses in the races, he can be no longer

become a legendary swimmer.

29

Scenes of Japan Photo Gallery

In this section, we display photos that show contemporary Japan.

Photos include images of Japanese
scenery, people and other facets of
Japan. Please send any photos you
would like to be considered for
publishing in this section by mail or
e-mail (info@hiraganatimes.com).
Note that your photos will not be
returned.

E info@

hiraganatimes.com

Inawashiro Lake, Ashikaga, Fukushima Prefecture. Photographer: Takashi

Below: Junior high school students on a school excursion join a street performer
in Ueno Park, Tokyo. Photographer: Youmu

Above: Harajuku (Tokyo), filled by cosplayers. Photographer: Yuka

Left: Tokushima is known for Awaodori dancing but it can be seen also in Tokyo. The photo
was taken in Higashi-kurume City, Tokyo. Photographer: Hanbee

Right: What on earth is this? It was used to dig the Aqua Line tunnel,
across Tokyo Bay. Photographer: Susumu

31

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32

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The Sleepy
Trains of Tokyo

s I was taking the train this morning I was dumbfounded by the fact that on my particular carriage
every single person was sleeping, or at least was
pretending to. Admittedly it was morning, but this was just
slightly depressing. My line seems to be one of the most
sleep-encouraging of any I have ever ridden in my six years in
Tokyo.

On my carriage it wasnt packed, every eight-passenger seat

was occupied, and I was the only one not slumped and dozing.
What is the special ability that the Japanese have of being able
to sleep within seconds of sitting? I have had people sit right
next to me and be jiggling up and down against me in their
instant states of slumber on my poor shoulder quicker than
you can say umm excuse me, would you mind jiggling on
someone else?

If you have lived and breathed your entire life in Japan,

you have probably taken thousands of trains in your lifetime,
because lets face it Japanese people on the whole do live lon-

You will find the reason why

so many people from more than 25
countries choose J-OS.

Japan Online School Corporation - Since 2004

TEL: 0467-58-8710 MAIL: info@j-os.com

33

ger than the rest of us. And maybe there is a certain relaxed
attitude when it comes to the Japanese and their taking of
trains. For them it seems the train is simply a larger part of
themselves, as they spend as much time on it as they do in
their own living rooms.

I come from a country, New Zealand, where ones personal

space is large. We have a country that is relatively the same

34

size but with a lot fewer people (unless we counted the sheep
which would put the numbers almost on a par!). So when
it comes to that personal space we never have moments of
invading others by accident.

I am not saying that my fellow foreigners dont annoy in

other situations. Take for example a sporting event; the best
example in New Zealand being a rugby match. There certainly
the crowd in general seems to also have problems, especially
after consuming far too much beer and then trying to make it

to the toilet. The Japanese certainly dont have the same

problems at the sumo making their way to the restrooms.

Name: Andreas HUBER

Nationality: Germany

Job: Student

Stay in Japan: 2 weeks

What things do you like about Japan?

Sure the occasional ojisan here and there might have

one too many beer and get a bit boisterous, but not the
way that the young male-populace do in New Zealand,
where they get unnecessarily aggressive or even pick a
fight. The fact that in so many public spaces I can feel
completely safe and far removed from harm is one of the
many wonderful things that make up the Japan experience.

Tokyo is Easy to Walk Around

Tokyo is Japans biggest city, but it is easy to walk
around as sidewalks are separated from the roads.
Even in the cities, residential areas near stations are
quiet after 9 pm.

What things do you dislike about Japan?

Trains for better or worse are a necessary part of living and working in Tokyo, and in a way the Japanese
are smart when it comes to them. Just get on your local
Chuo or Yamanote lines and take some siesta time. In
terms of time management it makes perfect sense and
certainly kills two birds with one stone; taking care both
of commuting and stacking up on those Zzzs.

No to Fish at Breakfast
I like fish, but I do not want to have fish at breakfast.
It does not go with coffee. I do not understand why passengers stand near the train doors at rush hour, in spite
of the fact that the center of the carriage has some room.

Text: Antonia McLAUGHLIN

35

Immigration Lawyer
Overseas Law Firm Training in the U.K. and Germany for two years
Office: 3-15-14-302 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Please Give me Some

Advice About a Sponsor
for a House Maid

3-15-14-302
TEL: 03-3985-4661FAX: 03-3985-4662
E-mail: kurokawa-office@mbg.nifty.com
www.kurokawa-office.com

My friend is working as a house maid in Japan. If possible

I want to work like her, too. Please give me some advice
about who can sponsor me and how I can find such a sponsor and so on.

KUROKAWA Koji

The visa status for a house maid is that of

Designated Activities. If your sponsor applies
for a visa for you and it is approved, then you can
enter Japan after finishing the necessary procedures.

Regarding the above-mentioned conditions (4) and (5),

please be aware of the following requirements. A sponsor must be someone with a child under 13 years of age or
a spouse who cant engage in daily house work because of
some illness at the time of application. Furthermore, it is necessary that you will be paid more that 150 thousand yen per
month for your house work.

The following people can be your sponsor. (1) A diplomat

or consular staff approved by the Japanese government. (2)
An official employee working for a foreign government or
international organ approved by the Japanese government.
(3) A member of the American Army with a rank designated
according to the Japan-USA Ranking Agreement. (4) A
company president who is staying in Japan with the visa status
of Investor/Business Manager or any person equivalent to
him. (5) A company president who is staying in Japan with
the visa status of Legal/Accounting Services or any person
equivalent to him.

36

13

15

HIRA-TAI Forum
I Wanted to Kill,
No Matter who They Were

Text: KIM Pak Sa (Korea)

In Akihabara, Tokyo, the Mecca of otaku (obsessed hobbyists), a random killing spree in which seven people lost their
lives occurred last June. As his motive, the criminal said, I
wanted to kill, no matter who they were. One can not find
a reasonable motive in recent murder cases. Furthermore, in
recent cases, the victims were random and included even family members such as parents, brothers and children.

6 7

I am a great fan of detective stories. Not only in novels,

but also in the real world there is at least a motive for killing,
such as revenge, money, male and female relations, or hatred
of society. In their motives, one can sympathize to a certain
extent.

Detective novels have a surprise ending. Unexpectedly, this

exists also in real crimes. In spite of brutal murders, many
criminals will not receive the death penalty, and even more,
some are granted parole after a few years with the surprise
ending of being determined mentally deranged.

However, nowadays only a few criminals have an understandable motive. Detective stories will not be created, if the
motive is only: I wanted to kill, no matter who they were.
Fact is stranger than fiction is indeed true.

37

[Hiragana Times Method] Explanation of the Multi-level Hiragana Texts

Each sentence of Japanese consists of three lines.

[ ]

The top line (kanji , katakana , numbers are shown in red. The other marks are the below

...

. .
twenty five
v

yen

Placed for onomatopeic words.

moving busily

 dotted line is used after numbers including year,

A
age, money and percentage to the end of the word
in hiragana .

25 .......................

Used for an emphasizing word, or words used

often in conversation. Sometimes, these words
are not grammatically correct.

.
said

The middle line (the main sentences in hiragana )

Distinctive marks to show how the hiragana

matches each kanji character. It is also used for
distinguishing number and katakana readings.

. .
office

.
I

When it is easier to combine two words together

to learn them, this mark is placed between the
two words.

..
overseas

travel

When two words are combined to form a different word with a new meaning, _ (underline)
is used on the modifying word (prefix or suffix).
These words are usually not listed in a dictionary.

underline

Bold

Suffixes such asandwhich are not

translated into English are combined with the
previous word and shown in italic.

Italic

..
new

evidence

in spite of that

He said so. / However~

Used for important and useful grammar patterns

that are connected with the English texts (also highlighted).

Added after the completion of an English sentence

displayed in a separate section and a hiragana sentence, so that readers can easily refer to the sentences alteratively.//is used after the second
sentence. The rest follows in the same way.

//2

The bottom line (English translation for the hiragana word is shown in gray)

[ ]

and
but
so
< >

38

(the) desk

2008 ..................

. .

. .
book

bought and

. .
I

will <come>

..
he

if ~ comes

Words in brackets are not translated into English.

When a sentence is continuing in Japanese like

, and is shown in Italics.

When it is appropriate to translate past into

present tense or present tense into past, or to
translate differently from the original word or
sentence.

two thousand eight [year]

Words in parentheses are not translated into

Japanese.

The appropriate word or phrase appearing in the

sentence should be inserted here. In this case it
will be read If he comes.

if he comes

From the Editorial Desk

In this issue we interviewed JERO,

a singer who is very popular at the
moment. A female staff member who is
Editorial Note a great fan of JERO insisted we place

his photo on the cover. We can not do
that as this years covers features a series of photos of sightseeing spots. Sorry, JERO.

Insight into Japan Audio Series Now on Sale!

Insight into Japan section pages published between April

2005 and September 2007 are now packaged in a new audio version series (5 titles). Each title contains 3 parts and each part contains 6 articles and costs 630 yen.
For details or to order: www.febe.jp/hiraganatimes/

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This months Japanese History Makers is

MURASAKI Shikibu. This year marks the 1,000th
anniversary of The Tale of Genji. In the next
issues feature story, the plot of the story will be
introduced.

Since the last issue, the format of Insight into

Japan has been changed and we have received a

lot of feedback. Most is favorable, but some readers pointed out that it is hard to read the kanji as
they were small. So, we have made it larger from
this month. Is this OK?

Japanese Perspectives
Close up Japan

Tips for Living in Japan

Japanese History Makers

Tips for Learning Japanese

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Special Service for Subscribers

For new and renewing subscribers: Receive one of your

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39

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Utility expenses included in most rooms.
Fully furnished and internet access.
Apartment: 115,000month
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Waseda Residence (near Mejiro sta. high grade apt.)
Yoga apartment (11min from Shibuya to yoga sta.)
We are an apartment and guesthouse agency,
providing accommodation the center of Tokyo since 2003.

40

Mt. Fuji A Spiritual and Cultural Symbol

othing is as symbolic of Japan as Mt. Fuji. Standing

at 3,776 meters, the mountain that straddles the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka is by far the tallest in the country, visible even from Tokyo.

3,776

Fujis impact on Japan has been profound, inspiring countless poets and artists that include the legendary ukiyo-e
painter and printmaker KATSUSHIKA Hokusai (1760~1849).
Hokusais woodblock series 36 Views of Mount Fuji includes
the iconic Great Wave Off Kanagawa, perhaps the most
famous postcard image of Japan, which features a snowcapped Fuji in the distance as a giant foaming wave swells in
the foreground.

At the heart of Fujis influence is its spiritual power. The

summit of Fuji has long been considered sacred and there is
plenty of myth surrounding the mountain. The peak has been
worshipped as the home of a fire god and as the home of a
Shinto goddess of trees, while in Buddhism Fuji is where
Dainichi Nyorai, the Buddha of All-Illuminating Wisdom,
lives. Since the 15th century Fuji has been popular as a pilgrimage destination, but it was off-limits to women until the
Meiji Era.

1760 1849

41

Photo: NORIGOE Takane

15

Climbing Fuji

It is thought that Fuji was first climbed by an unknown

monk in 663, while the first foreigner to reach its summit was
British diplomat Sir Rutherford ALCOCK in 1860. Between
July 1st and August 26th each year, hundreds of thousands of
climbers descend on Mt. Fuji to follow in their footsteps during the official climbing season.

For anyone interested in climbing Fuji, there are several

things to bear in mind. First, the temperature difference
between the mountains base and top is around 20 degrees,
and even though summer is hot in Japan dawn temperatures at
Fujis peak in August can still be near or below freezing. The
local tourist office recommends you hike in a long-sleeved
shirt and trousers and that you bring a sweater, gloves and
thick socks for higher altitudes.

20

663

To mark the start of the season an event is held each year in

Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The event gets going
with a late-night purifying ritual at Sengen Shrines Wakutama
Pond and then continues with a declaration that the mountain
is open.

The tourist office also suggests bringing wet weather gear; although umbrellas
should be left behind as they are a hassle
to carry and can obstruct other hikers.
Good hiking boots, sunglasses and a flashlight are also advisable. Besides advice on equipment, the tourist office also has
some important rules for hikers to follow. You should climb
slowly and take frequent short rests, and if you feel sick you
should take a long rest at one of the mountain huts or abort
your climb. Finally, to protect the natural environment, dont
leave any trash behind.

1860

7 1 26

42

Unfortunately, with the way many hikers leave litter on

Fuji, it seems the mountain isnt as precious to the Japanese
as it once was. And that litter strewn across the mountain
by careless climbers is why Japans attempts at getting Fuji
designated as a Natural World Heritage Site have failed. The
mountains beauty from afar is undeniable, but its trails bear
the scars of its popularity. There are, however, plans to apply
to have Fuji listed as a Cultural World Heritage Site, which
given its importance in the Japanese psyche doesnt seem an
unreasonable claim.

tions on Fuji. To get to

the popular Kawaguchiko 5th Station (altitude
2,300m; 5 to 7 hours
from the summit) on the
Yamanashi side of the
mountain, you can take
a bus from Shinjuku
Station in Tokyo. It
takes about two and a
half hours and costs
2,600 yen. In climbing
season this service runs
six times a day.

Most people begin their climb from one of the four 5th sta-

Kawaguchik

Gotemba

Fujiyoshida

Yamanaka Lake

Otsuki

Shinjuku

2,300m 5 7

2,600 6

You can also begin climbing from the following stations

on the Shizuoka side: Subashiri 5th Station (altitude 2,000
meters; 5 to 8 hours), Gotemba 5th Station (altitude 1,400
meters; 7 to 10 hours) and Fujinomiya 5th Station (2,400
meters; 4 to 7 hours).

Getting There

Mt. Fuji

2,000m5 8
5

1,400m7 10

5
2,400m)

4 7

43

Exploring Towns

Yamanaka-ko Resort Town Overlooked by Mt. Fuji

f climbing Mt. Fuji looks too strenuous, how about relaxing in its shadow? Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako) in Yamanashi Prefecture is the
biggest of the five lakes in the vicinity
of Japans iconic peak, and its the ideal
place to get away from it all.

Over the years Yamanaka-ko has

become a popular retreat thanks to the
natural beauty that surrounds it and
outdoor activities such as tennis, fishing, water skiing and boating. Besides
sports, the lake is also known for its
natural onsen with views of Mt. Fuji.

You can get to Yamanaka-ko from

Tokyo by car or bus using the Tomei
and Chuo expressways, but be warned
that the roads can get extremely busy
on the weekends and holidays. Another
option is to take the JR Chuo Line from
Shinjuku to Ootsuki in Yamanashi
Prefecture and then change to the
Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchi-ko. From
there you can get a bus or taxi.

JR

Yamanakako Tourist Information Center www.yamanakako.gr.jp

44

Sachikos Japanese Cooking Class

Tofu, which is made from soybeans, is very nutritious and easily substituted for meat in various dishes.
It is much lower in fat than meat, and lower in calories and cholesterol, too. This dish can be made on a
stovetop or in the oven. Cooking it in the oven allows
you to simply arrange vegetables around the tofu, cutting down your time in the kitchen.

Ingredients [Serves 4] 4
2 blocks firm tofu (600g)
(A) 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground
black pepper to taste
4 tbsp flour
1 red bell pepper
8 asparagus spears
2 packs shimeji mushrooms
(200g)
2 tomatoes
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to
taste
4 tbsp olive oil
(B) 4 tbsp soy sauce, 4 tbsp
sugar

Tofu Steak

2 600g
A 1/2

4
1

Photos: SHIROTSUKA Yoshioki

2
200g

Sachiko's Japanese Cooking Lessons in English

Written by MURAKAMI Sachiko

Published by Japanbook
Distributed by Randomhouse-Kodansha

1,890 yen

To Prepare

1,890

1. Drain the tofu. To make the tofu block thinner and easier to heat
through, halve it horizontally. Then cut each piece in half again
crosswise, for a total of 4 squares.

1.
 14

2. R
 emove the cap and the seeds from the red bell pepper, and cut it
lengthwise into strips 1.5 cm wide. Cut off the ends of the asparagus spears and pare away the hard outer skin on the bottom half.
Cut away the hard bottoms from the shimeji mushrooms, and break
the shimeji into large clusters. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise.

2.  1.5cm

3. S
 prinkle (A) over the 4 tofu pieces. Next, sprinkle with flour.
Heat 2 of the tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan, add the tofu and
cook on both sides.

3. 1 A

4. P
 lace a silicone baking sheet on a metal pan, place the tofu on
it, and arrange the vegetables around the tofu. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and brush them
with olive oil.

4. 3

5. 2 00
C41520

5. Cook 15 to 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 200 C.

6. B

6. Arrange on a large serving plate. Combine and mix (B), and pour
over.

How to drain the tofu : Layer 2 paper towels on top of one another, and wrap the block of tofu inside. Place the wrapped tofu in a microwave-safe bowl.
In another bowl the same size pour 300ml water and place this on top of the first bowl, as a weight to help press out moisture from the tofu .

2 300ml

600W 6

45

Th

Mo

re you Use

it,

Since the September 2007 "Cover Story" was so popular, we will introduce more Chindougu here.

the More Inconvenient it Becomes!

Chindougu Series
(Weird Gadgets)

Hot Cool Items

2007 9

A Cover for Keeping Dry in the Bath

A Water Pillow

By putting this cover over your pajamas, you can soak in a

warm bath without getting wet.

When you have a fever, this water pillow will cool your
head. Water is circulated around it with an electric pump.

Japan Chindougu Society www.chindogu.net/

JAPAN
QUIZ
You will see these in towns.

What is this bouquet with chrysanthemums for?

What is this signboard not seen

much nowadays for?

JAPAN QUIZAnswers: July issue 7

1. O-chuugen

46

2. Shochuu-mimai

Japan Living Familiarization

One Week Tokyo Program
Japan Living Know-how and Basic Japanese will be Taught While Exploring Tokyo.

This unique program offers an

opportunity for those including expatriates and their families, foreign students newly arrived in Japan or those
who wish to practice Japanese they
have already studied, to put into practice must-know information about
daily living including that about transportation, food and shopping.

Features
J apan Living Minimum Japanese text
(with audio) provided
Tokyo Hot Spot Explorer map and
Recommended Menu guide provided
O n-the-spot Familiarization Lesson
including Japanese practice
Japan Living Advisory Lessons (essential
knowledge for living in Japan)
You will visit a Japanese home and learn
Japanese cooking
You can enjoy chatting in Japanese with
friendly Japanese conversation partners
Opportunity to meet Japanese and people
from around the world
S pots only locals visit included in the
program
Explore Tokyo by yourself after the lessons
Whenever you require assistance, you can
call our support line
Flexible program and operated year round
Details will be available at

www.japanliving.jp

Hir@gana Times 262

20 7 5 1 5 262 ( ) 162-0065 1-18TVB 4F

5 25 3
Publisher & Editor: Katsuyuki Hasegawa
Publishing Company: YAC Planning Inc. TVB Akebonobashi Bldg. 4F, 1-18, Sumiyoshi-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0065
TEL: (03) 3341-8989FAX: (03) 3341-8987E-mail: info@hiraganatimes.comURL: http://hiraganatimes.com

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