tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167940632011-10-14T12:40:18.934+09:00itsanadanoreply@blogger.comBlogger2971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-4069586017573995332010-10-17T21:24:00.001+09:002010-10-18T09:41:04.275+09:00

Previously on this blog, I said that living in Curitiba gives me a good chance to do some tour around the city. And the city has a decicated Tourism Line in double-decker buses, which makes getting around from one touristic spot to another much simpler. The ticket fare is more expensive than regular buses, though (R$20.00 for 5 tickets - R$4.00 per ticket -, while the regular bus fare is R$2.20

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-4241135011144151512010-08-15T04:44:00.001+09:002010-08-15T04:44:00.697+09:00

Good and bad news, people.Good news first, I've got a job at a Japanese company branch in Brazil as an engineer. And since the company has expansion plans, there are good opportunities if I work hard to seize them. Besides, my Japanese skills will be used; and therefore I won't forget Japanese any time soon. Also, there are possibilities that I'll go to Japan for a certain period of time for

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-53382838008895304712010-08-06T04:13:00.000+09:002010-08-06T04:13:00.308+09:00

Once again after another public service position, I went to Rio de Janeiro for an examination on July 25th.Rio de Janeiro, or just Rio for short, is the most famous Brazilian city... for the best or the worst. The most visited touristic city in the south hemisphere, it has one of the largest parties on the planet (Rio's carnival) and beautiful beaches that contribute for the image of "carnival,

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-51240810408630009882010-07-30T05:41:00.002+09:002010-07-30T05:41:00.874+09:00

It's been some time ago, but after one month 2010 Fifa World Cup has ended. Although Brazil didn't win, now there is a new champion - Spain - who represented the beautiful way of playing soccer even better than the Brazilian team this year; and won the title playing against another team that was playing by - much - force... Ouch!Ahem. So, another World Cup ends, with thrilling match moments (like

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-35060239544412872032010-07-20T12:46:00.000+09:002010-07-20T12:46:00.707+09:00

Applying for another public service examination, I went to Curitiba, capital of Paraná state, where the exam was held on July 4th.Curitiba is known worldwide for its efficient urban planning, especially regarding its public transportation system. In Brazil, it was one of the first cities to implement garbage separation for recycling, and now it recycles around two-thirds of its garbage - one of

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-84803753752655071672010-07-16T12:10:00.010+09:002010-07-17T09:29:02.239+09:00

In search for a job, I applied for a public service opening in a different state. Since I would have to go to that state for a public service examination ("concurso público"), that would be a good chance to visit a part of Brazil I've never been to.The state is Rio Grande do Sul, and the exam was held in Porto Alegre.That region is famous among Brazilians for a number of characteristics, among

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-60481807748947448272010-07-09T12:03:00.002+09:002010-07-10T11:27:04.156+09:00

So, after explaining about the "soccer frenzy" that takes over Brazil during a World Cup, it just happens that I wasn't in Brazil when Brazil played its first match against North Korea.... I was in Paraguay. Well, at least during part of the first half.There is a tripoint between Argentina, Brazil in Paraguay that is most know as "Tríplice Fronteira" ("Triple Frontier"). All three countries

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-24116884627182452222010-06-19T05:16:00.002+09:002010-07-10T11:28:47.653+09:00

Back to Brazil on time for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa I noticed that I haven't discussed about how it is to watch this competition in Brazil, where some say Soccer is a "religion".I wouldn't put it at this level... because the existence of God is still under discussion, but soccer can be "scientifically proved".Seriously now, yes, there are a lot of people who love soccer in Brazil; it is

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-640910195612075562010-06-11T10:51:00.000+09:002010-06-12T05:16:01.792+09:00

I returned to Brazil in the beginning of April. To be more precise, April 1st. My parents traveled to Japan. They returned on April 4th (because they wanted to see sakura). Can you see that something is off?Perfect occasion to fulfill a promise made to a friend and visit him. I've done this before in Florianopolis before I left to Kyoto and in Sorocaba when I returned to Brazil during my round

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-37743164306759748812010-04-27T09:14:00.000+09:002010-04-27T09:14:00.298+09:00

On the previous post, I said that my parents came to Japan to visit (and travel). I also said they can speak Japanese.We learned Japanese in different ways: I knew very little Japanese (only few words and short sentences known to most Japanese descendents) until high school. Then I studied Japanese in Japanese language schools in Brazil. I continued studying during university, but not nearly as

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-10540356279591511012010-04-20T05:26:00.002+09:002010-04-20T06:14:01.381+09:00

Well, so recently I graduated and returned to Brazil. Now it's time to talk about what happened in between.For most international students who return to their countries from Japan after grad school, the last months are never simple. There are lots of things that must be taken care of: get rid of furniture, ship things, clean the house, say goodbye to all (most) friends...In addition, students

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-65607348536834145542010-04-06T12:06:00.002+09:002010-04-06T12:12:50.085+09:00

Another month without any entry in this blog... This is becoming dangerously common...This time I had plenty of reasons, though. I am back to Brazil.Yes, I graduated and returned to Brazil. And now I am no longer the "world's hope" (student), but a "social problem" (unemployed).I still have some posts to write about Japan, and the posts in Brazil are piling up as well. I will catch up with all

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-90858353466618328492010-02-28T17:05:00.003+09:002010-02-28T17:05:00.421+09:00

A couple of months ago, I mentioned about the 1:1 scale Gundam statue in Tokyo. Well, guess Japan might be preparing itself to be invaded by Godzilla or something equivalent, because now here comes a new challenger to the Gundam!(Note: the Gundam statue was actually disassembled some time ago) Tetsujin 28-go!This statue was built by the city of Kobe as a memento of the city's revival after the

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-45417136941593772162010-02-21T23:33:00.001+09:002010-02-21T23:33:00.280+09:00

Or should I rather say M.Eng.?Yes, I finally presented my thesis. This was way crazier than years ago during my bachelor's years. Maybe it's supposed to be like this. Having problems with simulations and systems; becoming desperate that results are not exactly as expected; being pressured by deadlines...But now it's over. Or almost. I still have to submit another version with some corrections,

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-52066359357427656772010-02-14T13:41:00.002+09:002010-02-15T02:48:46.167+09:00

February 14th, 2010.Three days until I defend my Master's Thesis.I shouldn't be writing here now...But this day deserves some comment..Why?Because it is a "special day" in many points of view.It is carnival in Brazil. Arguably the most celebrated holiday in the country (although I'd place Christmas first) and one of the main images people abroad have from Brazil. From Japanese to other foreigners

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-78258683401438227362010-01-07T22:08:00.001+09:002010-01-07T22:08:00.481+09:00

Before anything else, happy new year! Feliz ano novo! 明けましておめでとうございます！ Glückliches neues Jahr! ¡Feliz año nuevo! 恭贺新禧! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! szczęśliwego nowego roku! Bonne année! с новым годом! Buon anno!Etc.,etc...Yeah... new year... Makes me think of all the new years I've spent. In Brazil, my routine used to be have dinner with family and watch the countdown at a relative's house or at home with my

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-15291078738135208282009-12-31T21:12:00.001+09:002009-12-31T21:12:00.703+09:00

Last post of 2009; time to show the kanji of the year.The winner was...新The reading is shin and it means new, fresh (atarashii, arata).The main reasons that led this kanji to the top were:New government: After basically 50 years of LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) rule, the power shifted to the DPJ (Democratic Party of Japan) in a landslide election. With the new Obama government, a new age for the

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-6868649453593515582009-12-25T18:12:00.007+09:002009-12-25T22:41:56.402+09:00

End of the year, and that brings light festivals with it.The first one I've been in Japan was probably the Kobe Luminarie. Actually, that festival has a special meaning since it was first held on the same year of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.Since then, I returned to Japan, went to the Kobe Luminarie again, to some light festivals in Kyoto...... but there was one in Kansai I was still missing:

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-42137076488366077952009-12-18T22:17:00.003+09:002009-12-18T22:17:00.703+09:00

As Caruso pointed out in his blog, people who are Japanese descendents or study Japanese become familiar with speech contests at some point. In part because Japanese seem to like speech contests as a way to show language proficiency.Following his indications too, I decided to check a National Portuguese speech contest for Japanese university students at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-41113388336613043562009-12-13T16:52:00.000+09:002009-12-13T16:54:04.296+09:00

Other day I got a message from a friend asking if I couldn't give a short interview for an internet radio broadcast. One of the segments involves short interviews with international students from different countries, and they were looking for a Brazilian because Rio was chosen as the host for the 2016 Olympic Games.(And they had never interviewed a Brazilian until then...)Well, considering good

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-71418449379217448542009-12-06T19:45:00.005+09:002009-12-06T20:55:02.277+09:00

Yes, it is autumn - or fall - season again. And, as usual, I've had my share of momiji-hunting this year.Unlike my previous picture-huntings (check autumn and spring posts of years past. Too many links to put here), this time most of the time I wasn't alone. Guess that, with my thesis pending, I might not have gone to all those places without an "external pressure".Where could I go after two

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-63781522431581379212009-11-25T22:42:00.004+09:002009-11-25T22:42:00.271+09:00

Just because I said I wouldn't be joining many other events as an exchange student there were two more... on the same day. Never say never, I guess...On November 14th, an "international friendship group" called Kamogawa-kai organized a "mini-Noh workshop". Although there was no actual performance scheduled, there would be a short lecture and some "experiencing".I've never seen noh myself, and at

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-35856901273156432252009-11-18T22:05:00.003+09:002009-12-03T20:38:40.186+09:00

Once you stay too long in Japan, you tend to participate less in events for foreign students. There are a variety of reasons that change according to each person, but in my case I am now busier than before and a little tired of the routine those events usually take.Still, even after two years in Japan, there was one that got my attention. It was a "experience festival" (literal translation) from

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-17190210903773201202009-11-11T12:08:00.005+09:002009-11-11T22:05:18.448+09:00

Lately I've been busy like never before. I have to prepare my thesis, an article for a congress, some other obligations in between...Still, I can't abandon the blog. So, for the time being, watch this animation by Nick Cross. There are many interesting interpretations for this video.Warning: the beginning may look like some fluffy-happy-fairytale. I warn you it is not.http://vimeo.com/6898451

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-72840287255400764532009-10-31T00:41:00.007+09:002010-07-20T07:10:37.753+09:00

Back with more common mistakes when using polite Japanese (keigo).Example 4: Did I give you permission? Wrong: 当社ではIT商品を中心に開発させていただいております。 (tousha dewa IT shouhin wo chuushin ni kaihatsusasete itadaiteorimasu)Right: 当社ではIT商品を中心に開発しております。 (tousha dewa IT shouhin wo chuushin ni kaihatsushite orimasu)The sentence itself means "Our company focus on developing IT products."This example is not a

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-84574874515106718102009-10-24T09:09:00.003+09:002010-07-20T07:09:02.209+09:00

Since I'm taking Business Japanese classes this semester, I will keep the "educative" contents of the blog alive with one more post about Japanese polite language, a.k.a. keigo.I won't go through explaining it all. There are many sites on the internet that do it better than I probably could. I will link Wikipedia just for the sake of having a direct link from this blog.I said in my previous post

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-47600558417436729342009-10-17T20:02:00.010+09:002009-10-17T22:25:40.966+09:00

After you reach a certain level of Japanese proficiency, there are two types of classes that are especially challenging.One is old Japanese. Usually necessary for those who read old books or do research related to Japanese culture or History. Not my case. And since modern Japanese still gives me a lot of trouble, even though it helps to explain modern Japanese (for example, why there are two

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-84668295394383730592009-10-07T09:06:00.000+09:002009-10-07T09:06:27.749+09:00

Between the heat of summer and the red leaves of autumn, there is another event in Japan. Although less celebrated, tsukimi (月見), or moon viewing, is also an important point in the Japanese calendar.While looking for references, I found this blog that explains tsukimi in a nice way. So, instead of keeping my usual (long) explanations, I will recommend people to go there take a look.One thing that

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-7199935814166890532009-09-30T20:25:00.017+09:002009-10-04T23:31:42.018+09:00

Continuing the trip in China...After leaving Guilin on September 17th, we went by plane back to Beijing. Greeted once again by the Beijing Capital International Airport. And, as we were flying with Air China, we were in Terminal 3. Beijing Airport was in 2008 the 8th busiest airport in the world, 21st in aircraft movements (also the only Asian airport in the top 30), and 8th in cargo. Terminal 3

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-33264197503267255472009-09-24T19:36:00.005+09:002009-09-29T20:42:16.344+09:00

With less than one year until graduation, it was time to go somewhere in Asia during summer vacation. Without time and money to do something crazy like a round the world trip, I decided to settle for a country that I promised myself I'd visit while in Japan.So, from September 14th to 20th I went to China.This time, I went alone without speaking the local language (like in Korea), but there I'd

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-38911915422182436352009-09-07T23:17:00.004+09:002009-09-08T02:11:17.353+09:00

A friend posted a link to an interesting post which is relavant in this globalized world. In matters of cost-benefit, which languages are best to learn?I'll bring the list presented by the article with some comments of my own.The "top tier" with the "most important" languages areEnglish: the major motive is that it is the current international language. Most information available in the planet is

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-85200438957093476352009-08-25T22:17:00.003+09:002009-08-25T22:17:00.490+09:00

Summer. Hot and humid. What that all calls for?That's right. Beaches.So, like two years ago, the Brazilian group in Kyoto - myself included - left to Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture from August 14th to August 17th.This time, though, we decided to have a little more comfort during the trip. No more Seishun 18 Kippu. We took a "highway bus" (高速バス) to Shirahama instead. It's just a couple of

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-80652506883184445312009-08-16T20:00:00.008+09:002009-08-18T01:15:09.123+09:00

This time, I'll write about one of Kyoto's symbols: Daimonji (大文字).Daimonji is shaped as the kanji meaning "large" or "great" (大) and is one of the symbols "drawn" on the mountains that surround Kyoto. The other ones are Myou/Hou (妙・法), the characters meaning "excellent law" (referring to Buddhist teachings); Funagata (舟形), the shape of a boat; Hidari Daimonji (左大文字), with the same character as

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-13008175394397896282009-08-11T23:41:00.008+09:002009-08-12T11:30:22.082+09:00

Summer has arrived. Very hot and very humid... And summer in Japan calls for hanabi, a.k.a. fireworks.For those who don't know, fireworks are associated with summer in Japan. For people like me used to see lots of fireworks when the New Year comes, that can be a little disappointing. I say that because I went to Osaka for the countdown... and to my surprise, there were no fireworks nowhere nearby

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-72233341610466576222009-08-04T09:38:00.003+09:002009-08-04T10:51:23.902+09:00

Some time ago (June), the author of a blog that I follow and personally like a lot wrote an article about a simple question, that foreigners living in Japan are asked every now and then."Do you have a Japanese friend?"Such a simple question, yet so complicated to answer...That's because, as Caruso (the author) mentioned, it depends on your referential of what's a "friend", especially when you go

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-53401401416790611282009-07-28T22:24:00.002+09:002009-07-28T22:53:30.640+09:00

On July 22nd there was a total solar eclipse that could be seen in many parts of Asia, including Japan. Although the totality could only be seen way to the south around Kagoshima Prefecture and I couldn't (and didn't want to) go all the way there, even in Kyoto where I live the eclipse would reach 80%. Enough for a good show, I guess.Being the longest solar eclipse of the century (and we're still

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-45982664554274571122009-07-21T10:56:00.000+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.048+09:00

Lately I've been to Tokyo (more precisely, Chiba) for a workshop held by a member (or should I say "former student"?) of my lab. It was about transaural technology, and it was nice both for the workshop contents and for the people I met there.But since I try to avoid technical stuff in this blog (you may see one post like that when I get my degree, though), the topic this time is a temporary

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-86616418997944815392009-07-16T21:11:00.006+09:002009-07-21T10:56:25.463+09:00

Well, almost two months without writing... Does anyone still read this blog?I am stuck with many things to do and not much time to write, and that's the main reason I've been away for so long. I hope I can at least write regularly from now on.This time, I'll (try to) be brief.One topic that comes every once in a while is if Japan is opening or closing itself to the world.On one hand, the

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-18774009861904055122009-05-23T12:12:00.002+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.034+09:00

This year also I was taken by the beauty of flowers in spring and decided to go around and take some pictures.One point that I may not have mentioned in this blog earlier is that plum blossom - ume - precedes sakura season. So, as last year I went to Osaka Castle with some friends to take pictures of ume (No, I won't publish those pictures now. But I can say it's worth a visit), this year I went

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-31615552999206731652009-05-15T11:02:00.002+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.034+09:00

As I promised before, this post is about my visit to Panmunjeom in South Korea. Before that I need to give some historical background.The story of the division of the Koreas began with the Japanese occupation. After Japan lost the World War II Korea regained its independency, but ideological differencies between US and USSR made those two powers occupy different regions of the Korean peninsula

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-74304687672295447292009-05-09T12:09:00.001+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.035+09:00

Continuing the trip in Korea...March 14th. In Seoul, my friend and I went to Deoksugung Palace in the city's downtown. By pure luck we were there when they were having some event that reminded me the Change of the Guard in London, although the Korean one is just a recreation of the original (the palace used to be off limits to ordinary people). Some Western buildings also present at the palace

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-61912203145354170112009-05-05T08:47:00.002+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.036+09:00

Spring vacation with a strong yen. That asks for a trip aborad, right? Actually, this trip was basically a last-second decision after being invited by a friend. I postponed the decision to the last second since I also had a lot on my mind, so we had to make all preparations and planning in one week. Then I went to South Korea from March 11th to 16th.One observation I should make before I start: I

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-36680438716362430062009-05-03T16:41:00.000+09:002009-05-03T16:51:18.419+09:00

Talking to people from different backgrounds brings some interesting insights. In times of economic meltdown and all the crisis people around the globe are even getting tired to hear about (and feel too), companies are looking for ways to cut costs.One of the most usual ways is firing people. We have been seeing that around the globe. And Japan is no exception. So much that Japan is offering some

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-28391413999456600942009-04-29T11:14:00.001+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.049+09:00

Ok, ok. I've been away for very long this time. Anyway, going back to business...Going a little back in time, from November 29th to 30th I went with the iAT group to Ise.The main attraction was also the first one: Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine enshrining Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. This shrine is also mentioned in many quotes and books, including Eiji Yoshikawa's "Musashi". No, no

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-3074382480695519162009-03-09T00:56:00.001+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.049+09:00

After going to Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, I was still missing something that can be done when it snows: snowboarding!I tried to organize a ski/snowboard trip, but all my attempts failed. When hope was diminishing, Meg sends me a message inviting me to go to a ski site. Talk about mind reading! And the weekend chosen was the best choice for me as well.I was also allowed to bring some friends, so I

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-56644087540864887932009-02-28T10:13:00.006+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.050+09:00

This has been an unusual winter in some ways. One of them is that it almost didn't snow in Kyoto... at least not enough to cover the ground for me to go around taking pictures.In that case, what would become of my winter pictures in 2009?Fear not. There was already something in my sleeve. An old wish to tell the truth.Since I went to Himeji in 2005 I wanted to go see the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri.

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-6134801970605378342009-02-27T15:53:00.003+09:002009-03-02T10:32:46.570+09:00

Enforcement of the anti-stimulant drugs law in Japan can be very severe. Quoting UK's Foreign Commonwealth Office site:Detention for minor offences can be longer than in the UK, and prison regimes in Japan are very strict. Japan has a zero tolerance policy towards drug crime and there are severe penalties for drug offences, however minor. Detection facilities at airports and post offices are

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-41448588106216971572008-12-13T23:15:00.003+09:002008-12-29T17:16:45.564+09:00

Yes, I know I have some backlog to write about. But I'm not sure I'll be able to write anything before the new year, so I'd rather make a last post for the year and then resume activities in 2009.It's said one shouldn't leave pendencies of one year to the next, but whatever...Checking which character was chosen as kanji of the year, the one chosen was "change" for reasons like the election of

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-79299637239673845882008-12-09T07:01:00.008+09:002009-10-17T19:42:10.876+09:00

Autumn arrives, and it's time for "momiji-hunting" again. By the way, the kanjis in the title may mean either "momiji" or "kouyou". They're both words related to autumn, but just slightly different. Kazu mentioned that point (that just had fallen into the "common knowledge" area for me, so I ignored it completely until then) as something worth explaining for a autumn post.So, a little look at the

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-85289276169623871882008-11-28T19:45:00.005+09:002009-09-08T02:15:18.347+09:00

Japan has its own character set for words in Japanese: hiragana. It has also brought Chinese characters, kanji, and those two formed the vocabulary most Japanese had to handle for some time. (As a sidenote, in the meantime Chinese characters were also modified to the point many characters have a different drawing in Japan and China.)When Japan started to open itself to other countries, especially

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-24194062065063623052008-11-24T13:21:00.003+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.052+09:00

After refusing so many times (well, they always set those trips on days I simply couldn't go...), on November 15th and 16th I finally went to a Okayama villa trip with the Himeji Gang (although the group changed a lot since we used that name... I wonder if we can still use it).Well, I just didn't know that there were a group of those villas... Check here for more information. This time we went to

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-91112805774575310882008-11-05T00:10:00.000+09:002008-11-05T00:12:34.403+09:00

Looking at some news from Brazil, I was wondering if it wasn't a Hollywood script...A Brazilian teenager is held hostage with a friend in an apartment by her ex-boyfriend who wants to resume their relationship. Negociations with the police starts.That last over 100 hours. In between, the friend is released... but returns to the apartment more a less one day later. It seems that the ex-boyfriend

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-62806342665502722032008-10-29T16:21:00.008+09:002008-11-01T00:28:29.515+09:00

Well, I have a first name (henceforth called "I" for simplification), a middle name ("T") and a family name ("S"). Simple, right?Well, sometimes other people, and even myself, get confused with that in Japan...Why, one would ask. Well, for starters, in Brazil people usually called me only as "I". Only people from my Japanese school used "T" (since it's my Japanese name) and very few people ever

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-76575079498748617842008-10-20T19:29:00.000+09:002008-10-20T19:29:00.724+09:00

Yeah, I know that politics is something that usually is not arguable. I have one opinion, you have yours, and it's astonishingly difficult for either to persuade the other.Instead, I'll just make comments about something that must be my karma...I finished my posts about my round the world trip. And for some reason, almost all the countries I went to were during election campaign... I cannot say

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-37018750825644093912008-10-17T16:33:00.001+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.039+09:00

After resting and enjoying Brazil, it was time to go back to Japan... Still, it's at the other side of the planet, so why not stopping somewhere else on the way?With that thought, I had also put Vancouver on my list. The only thing I miscalculated was the need of a visa. Since I was going to stay more than 48 hours, a transit visa wouldn't suffice. And a tourist visa is a little annoying to take

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-90635658357137549862008-10-14T12:20:00.008+09:002009-07-25T12:48:50.481+09:00

To close my posts about Brazil, I still have to talk a little about my hometown.Londrina is the second largest city in Paraná State; and its name comes after "little London", name given by some British entrepeneurs due to the presence of fog similar to London's (although it's rarely seen nowadays). Its fertile soil (terra roxa) contributed to the city's development beyond expectations (some say

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-60881980901277701822008-10-11T14:41:00.004+09:002009-07-25T12:48:50.482+09:00

2008 is the 100th anniversary of the Japanese emigration to Brazil. It's also marked as the year of cultural exchange between Brazil and Japan. Therefore, my trip from Japan to Brazil wasn't totally unnoticed.I'm not saying anything about media. Just about peers, friends and relatives asking lots about Japan. Maybe even more than when I came back from Himeji. That was part of the reasons I

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-1290700209532178832008-10-08T07:41:00.001+09:002009-07-25T12:48:50.483+09:00

The only "trip" I did while I was in Brazil and also the only thing I had scheduled while I was in Japan: go with Willian to visit Juliano and Simone. I haven't met for latter two since Florianópolis. Since then, they've married (I was asked to be a groomsman, but I was in Japan and couldn't go to the ceremony) and moved to Sorocaba.So, shortly after returning to Brazil, from August 22nd to 25th

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-16606250331429244342008-10-05T23:47:00.010+09:002009-07-25T12:48:50.484+09:00

After London and Munich, I finally arrived at the place that is the real reason of the whole trip: Brazil. After all, it all started as a trip back home to see family and friends I haven't seen for one year and a half or more.So I stayed in Brazil from August 19th to September 16th. Basically one month... that went very fast. Most of the time I stayed in Londrina, my hometown and the place where

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-50286522712996324892008-09-21T14:14:00.003+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.042+09:00

Continuing the trip in Munich...August 16th. Sightseeing continues. This time around downtown, to check Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz areas. Plus some other places around, including Frauenkirche. There's a law that no building in Munich may be taller than that church's towers. It prevented the construction of lots of skyscrapers, something that also happens in Kyoto, although in this case the

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-85783145950247610802008-09-18T22:57:00.007+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.043+09:00

After London, my next stop using the RTW ticket was Munich, in Germany, from August 13th to 18th.Like in London, I asked for help to some relatives. In Germany help was even more needed, since I know little to no German. Even when I went to Japan, I already had relatively good notions of Japanese. This time, I was going to a country barely knowing how to say a sentence in that country's

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-83058663745258782002008-09-15T12:30:00.001+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.044+09:00

Third and last part of my trip to London (part of the Round the World trip).August 12th, the last day of heavy sightseeing.The first stop was the Sherlock Holmes Museum. A place that, as a Holmes fan, I simply had to go. As a friend who recommended the museum mentioned, one may like the place if one is a Holmes fan, but it might not be so worth it otherwise. The efforts they made to make it look

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-47189835128962381702008-09-12T12:23:00.000+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.044+09:00

Previously, in London... check this link.August 10th. The sightseeing around London continues. This time, the target is Westminster area.Close to the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster also houses one of the most classic touristic points in England: the Clock Tower most known as Big Ben, the world's biggest four-faced, chiming clock. One thing I didn't know is how the chimes used in Japanese

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-15169861693311601132008-09-09T13:01:00.004+09:002009-07-23T09:57:53.045+09:00

As I said before, my first stop using the RTW ticket was London, from August 7th to 13th.Arriving at the airport, I went to M - my cousin - and S - her husband - 's house, where I'd stay during these days in London. The rest of the day was spending in catching up (it's been years since I last saw them, especially S) and planning what to do for the next days.August 8th. The sightseeing race begins

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-72490012765168777262008-09-04T13:31:00.005+09:002008-09-23T18:14:25.544+09:00

Does anyone still read this blog?Well, I've been thinking... So many years have passed that I don't know what should I keep posting anymore. I mean, this blog started as a way for my Brazilian friends read what I was doing in Himeji. Now the public is more diverse, but then I'm lost on what they'd like to read about.A quick glance here made me notice that posts fall usually in four basic

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-83502569025817957472008-08-29T08:47:00.004+09:002008-11-24T13:28:20.537+09:00

Ok, ok... I've been absent for quite a while again. And this time I won't write much either. I'll just justify the delay.I got some vacations during summer break, so I decided to go back to Brazil and see family and friends. August isn't the best time to travel from Japan, though. It's summer vacation season, so tickets are expensive.Checking the prices, especially because I wanted to go through

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-24233101660510371112008-07-19T12:54:00.010+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.052+09:00

After spending more than one year in Japan, you notice how the cycle repeats itself. Interesting that even some events for foreigners are exactly the same. Anyway, after a while you start doing the same things again. And this post goes back to two experiences last year that were repeated recently.First there was a trip to Amanohashidate (June 15th and 16th). Last year I went with other Brazilian

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-38253444571436741732008-07-12T09:05:00.006+09:002009-09-22T18:18:21.342+09:00

I am a bookworm... or at least used to be. I enjoy staying hours at bookstores or libraries checking what's around and eventually reading a good book on the spot. Lately, other appointments (a.k.a tests and reports) are keeping me away from that; plus the fact that most good libraries are not so close from the campus or my house.The fact that I'm still not able to read at a level good enough in

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-15775301841981276972008-07-08T22:55:00.004+09:002008-07-13T00:26:33.283+09:00

I'm still having a hard time with reports, tests and seminars. So don't expect long posts for now.To relax a little, I followed Antonio's suggestion and checked the blog "an englishman in osaka"... It's very funny, but I don't know if I'd recommend to people who haven't been in Japan. They might start believing strange things... haha!Anyway, just for you to feel the humor there, two sample

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-59618589057213302342008-07-02T01:03:00.001+09:002008-07-02T01:06:48.489+09:00

There are some things you only realise after some disturbance occurs...First: Kyoto is a city without tall buildings. That is enforced by law. It has lots to do with city planning, especially considering Kyoto is a traditional city with historical places. I occasionally hear an interesting story here or there about it, like the fact that Kyoto Univerisity Hospital actually don't comply with those

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-3094090079639865022008-07-01T18:19:00.005+09:002008-07-07T08:44:47.354+09:00

I've been wondering...This Japan Times article tries to illustrate how the importance of seken (the society, the people one deals with) in Japanese society may have influenced the killing in Akihabara.It's true that the feeling of being part of a group is much more valued here than in Brazil or US. Still, that's not only a Japanese phenomenon as Virginia shooting may point out.Maybe it's not only

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-25553847852232445602008-06-13T23:24:00.001+09:002008-06-13T23:24:16.213+09:00

I may have mentioned that being among the foreigners here you usually learn some few sentences in many languages... and teach some things in your own language.And people always learn bad things very quickly.Although Portuguese may not be so popular here as Chinese, English, German, Korean, Spanish, Italian or French, sometimes I listen to some people saying one sentence or two they know in

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-90437325676565022142008-06-10T21:20:00.012+09:002008-06-12T22:55:19.096+09:00

I often hear friends in Brazil mentioning about how safe it is in Japan. I may agree that you feel safer. And overall it is safer, especially when you talk about numbers. But it's a different feeling. In Brazil you avoid showing possessions or going around certain neighborhoods because that's almost the same than asking for trouble. So, following some "guidelines" it's possible to protect oneself

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-55398262168813428382008-06-06T00:01:00.008+09:002008-06-06T20:34:57.157+09:00

For some years, I've been trying to balance my life practicing at least one thing in each of three spheres: study, sport and art. Recently a friend also reminded me of social, but even when I wasn't much sociable in Brazil (what would be from mid-junior high to mid-high school) I still had some sort of social life, so I never considered actively "looking" for it.But then considering average

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-57697422805172111042008-05-31T11:14:00.004+09:002008-05-31T11:44:37.216+09:00

It's undeniable that English has become the current "international language". And that leads to interesting things. Most of them are commonplace, but this Freakonomics blog post has some interesting points of view.---"English is a tool, just like a piece of technology. Much of the world’s economy is tied up in English-speaking countries and for that reason, English is like a cell phone provider

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-42437977065586020612008-05-07T21:19:00.005+09:002008-05-10T21:03:26.203+09:00

Maybe one of the things foreigners in Japan realise quite fast (especially men) is that Japanese women use skirts very often... At least way more often than Brazilian women where I used to live.Not only that, but some have VERY short skirts... To the point that in some cases you may wonder why does she bother to wear a skirt at all. Even during winter, that nice temperature of minus some degrees

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-19128691048523552382008-04-30T08:31:00.002+09:002009-07-23T01:39:45.475+09:00

This is my first time staying more than one year in Japan. And the first time I'm able to watch sakura blooming (both in 2005 and 2007 I arrived during full bloom and some procedures I had to do upon arrival kept me a little busy to really enjoy). Therefore, this year I was taken by sakura fever and went around taking pictures at various places in Kyoto.Kyoto University is where I'm currently

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-10438533598685675072008-04-28T00:01:00.002+09:002009-07-23T01:39:45.476+09:00

Exactly 100 years ago, in April 28th 1908, the ship Kasato Maru left from the port of Kobe carrying the first Japanese emigrants to Brazil. They arrived in June 18th in Santos. From that point, lots of things happened, both for the good and for the bad. The fact is that currently both countries exert influence onto each other, with Brazil having the largest Japanese community outside Japan and

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-11143736805359666992008-04-16T20:21:00.003+09:002008-04-20T12:56:23.486+09:00

For those wondering why I haven't wrote anything lately, I can give some reasons:1- I moved and still don't have internet at home.2- Classes started and I'm trying to survive.3- Lots of things happened, some I'll try to write about later, like sakura (cherry blossoms).So today it'll be just this notification. Hope I'll be back soon with something better for you.

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-45263790441190682332008-03-26T13:30:00.001+09:002008-03-26T13:33:31.824+09:00

Newly appointed "etiquette police" will be asking travellers to turn down their headphones and give up their seats for their elders and betters.The move comes amid growing concern that etiquette is losing its hallowed place in Japanese society.A recent poll found nearly nine out of 10 respondents felt standards of public behaviour had declined.This perceived lapse included failing to offer your

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-5378957469300314222008-03-13T21:10:00.000+09:002008-03-13T21:26:35.801+09:00

Some other short stories I've been through...-----After coming to Japan, the kinds of cars I usually see on the streets are very different than those in Brazil. That alone is not surprising at all. Most cars are from Japanese companies (Honda, Nisan, Toyota, ... not surprisingly also) with occasional BMWs and other brands considered "high-profile" in Brazil. Sometimes I see some car which is more

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-88349310190056831422008-03-11T21:40:00.005+09:002009-10-17T19:44:02.508+09:00

On previous posts about kanji logic, one might have noticed that some discussions end up involving some part of Japanese and/or Chinese culture. And in that aspect, I believe strongly that language is influenced by culture and vice-versa.That's one reason why I frown when I listen to people who say that the world should speak one language.So far I've only heard this from American (US) and

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-31039445953001802392008-03-05T07:39:00.006+09:002009-09-08T02:15:18.348+09:00

On to more "Kanji logic"...Some kanjis are very similar. So incautious eyes may mistake one kanji for another. I wrote years ago about when I mistook 「和」 for 「知」. I have to concede that they may not look alike that much, though... hehe! But what about 「未」 (sheep of the Chinese Zodiac) and 「末」 (end, waning)? 「土」 (earth, soil) and 「士」 (man. Used in combinations as 武士/samurai and 紳士/gentleman)?---

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-70387406322822719652008-02-25T15:18:00.008+09:002009-07-23T01:16:21.240+09:00

This is a post where a picture is worth a thousand words. Some pictures taken during various days on which it snowed in Kyoto.A new way of drawing a bike on the floorKyoto University Clock Tower and cinnamomun camphor treeToufukuji Kinkakuji KinkakujiTengu statue in KuramaPart of Kurama-deraKiyomizuderaAlso, one hint I got from Kazu when we were discussing Kinkakuji. Do temples and concerts go

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-45118843628552703932008-02-23T09:01:00.000+09:002008-02-23T09:01:11.270+09:00

One of my first lessons in Japan: I'm Brazilian, not Japanese.And I'm not talking in nationalist terms. It's on the sense that my background resembles more of the average Brazilian rather than the average Japanese. Therefore, I still consider myself more "Brazilian", especially in things like way of thinking, than Japanese. This may change as I stay in Japan, but that's my opinion at this

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-38627175898476741152008-02-18T13:38:00.016+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.053+09:00

Two years ago I snowboarded for the first time. And it was really good. You really didn't think I'd lose the opportunity to do it again after returning to Japan, right? So, this time I didn't only go again, but went twice!The first one was on January 19th and 20th to Madarao (Nagano Prefecture), organized by Tati (deep thanks to you!). The group gathered most Brazilian students in Kyoto and

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-29631702932850291612008-02-06T20:44:00.000+09:002008-02-08T01:11:26.005+09:00

Last year I decided to try the Japanese Language Proficiency Test again. I failed last time when I was in Brazil, but it wasn't by that much even though I thought I'd only pass through divine intervention. So, after staying one year in Japan, it should have improved somewhat, right?It was my first time to do the JLPT in Japan. And it's sort of different than in Brazil. It's more expensive (in

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-77502874169210549322008-01-25T20:08:00.000+09:002008-01-25T23:57:42.317+09:00

I've been away from blogging for a while again. One of the reasons this time was because I had to look for somewhere else to live. The dorm where I am now is very nice, comes with some furniture and the rent is really unexpensive (you really can't find better cost-benefit anywhere). If I may say anything bad about it is that it's far from "civilization" (read "downtown Kyoto")... but that would

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-73545193208582357032008-01-12T13:40:00.000+09:002009-09-08T02:15:18.349+09:00

One thing I noticed again when reading news during the end of the year was regarding the "Kanji of the Year".Every year, the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society chooses one kanji to represent the events of the year through a national pool in Japan. As I've only watched the kanjis from 2005 (when I first came to Japan), I was a little surprised with 2007' kanji:偽The reading is にせ (nise), and it

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-11024007890089452582008-01-04T12:39:00.000+09:002008-01-09T19:11:17.073+09:00

While I finish another post, some internet vids for your amusement...I was reading an article about the biggest internet-related stories in Japan in 2007. Among them, there were two ads that were really interesting.The first is the Uniqlock. An interesting clock made as advertisement for Uniqlo where ballet dancers dance to the clock's rythm. I was considering installing the clock in this blog,

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-47182022744938938202008-01-01T18:22:00.000+09:002008-01-01T18:39:42.457+09:00

Yay! Guess that now most parts of the world are in 2008 now. Happy new year to you!!My new-year celebration this time was more low-profile. Instead of a trip to Nikko, a dinner with other international students and another dinner with a group of friends (yes, I've been busy... haha!); this time it was only a dinner and some walking around a temple close to where I live.But that's not what I want

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-50660778509945186602007-12-29T10:14:00.000+09:002009-07-25T12:46:51.054+09:00

One of the things that I've forgot to write about last time I was in Japan was about Xmas at Nikko, a.k.a. Natal de Nikko. It's a "traditional event" among Brazilian exchange students, where people - not only students, and not only Brazilians - from all over Japan gather in Nikko to celebrate Christmas.Well, I went there again this year. And, like I did with Himeji Castle, I'll write about both

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-86101472586229837832007-12-24T16:09:00.000+09:002009-07-23T01:39:45.478+09:00

Continuing the posts about 紅葉 (autumn leaves)...November 24th. Lucia, Hiroshi, Kaori and me scheduled a visit to Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Being one of the imperial places, it requires reservation in advance. Luckily, the weather was really nice that day, what turned the strolling more enjoyable.Again, being an imperial place, it means that people have to follow a route with one guy explaining

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-23859486788234395332007-12-21T02:09:00.000+09:002007-12-21T14:01:46.762+09:00

Being in a country which culture is so different from our own, it's no wonder that sometimes foreigners discuss Japanese behavior (as society) and its reasons. Most of the time with a bit of humor; and nonsense. Besides, it's also a good way to look at ourselves and our own culture. Not wanting to jugde it better or worse than our own...Among the "theories", maybe three are good enough to mention

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-22669113160738557432007-12-17T22:30:00.000+09:002009-07-23T01:39:45.478+09:00

Time for autumn leaves... or at least it was.November 17th and 18th. A group of (mostly) Brazilian exchange students from many parts of Japan come to Kyoto for the event "Kyoto no koyou". Some of them I met for the first time, and some I've not met for a while (since Gifu BBQ, perhaps). When the group is together, it means a fun day nevertheless.So we went to see some autumn leaves... with lots

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-34065435036647618882007-12-17T21:39:00.000+09:002007-12-17T22:04:49.604+09:00

Some strange articles around...-----Banning Samurai Swords (London)"The government said Wednesday it would ban the sale of samurai swords because the weapons had been used in a number of serious, high-profile attacks.The Home Office said the swords would be added to the Offensive Weapons Order from April next year, meaning they could not be imported, sold or hired."Samurai swords are killing

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-17339174774633011932007-12-15T00:16:00.000+09:002007-12-15T01:04:51.730+09:00

Backlog!! Ouch! History repeats itself all right... I have a bunch of things in backlog, and I'm sure that some of them will never see daylight, exactly like what happened two years ago. Well, I'd better do some catch-up and update what I can...This one happened some time ago. October 12th and 13th to be precise. But I think it's worth starting here.Among the people I met again since I returned

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-8831952496384201932007-12-12T23:48:00.000+09:002007-12-15T15:59:49.771+09:00

Some other short misc stories...-----Being in Japan is a good way to know Japanese culture. Even parts that even most Japanese don't know...Eating with a group one day, some Japanese guy mentions that it's said the farther (from the edge that touches the food) one holds one's chopsticks when eating, the more detached from his/her parents one is. An interesting bit of Japanese culture, except that

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-42948102667664492162007-11-22T00:02:00.000+09:002007-11-22T00:15:40.217+09:00

Nowadays, in many places there's a pressure to be "politically correct", to "protect our children" (guess some things children in my generation saw and did would not be acceptable now...), etc..But when I read articles like this one, I'm sure we're overdoing it... The original can be found here.-----Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to womenWed Nov 14, 9:45 PM ET SYDNEY (AFP) - Santas in

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16794063.post-57387071348975278862007-11-21T21:17:00.000+09:002007-11-22T09:14:55.037+09:00

So, from November 20th, all non-Japanese, with some few exceptions (“special permanent residents” of Korean and Taiwanese descent who had Japanese nationality before the end of the war and their descendants, diplomats, children under age 16 and those visiting at the invitation of the government) arriving in Japan will be fingerprinted and photographed.If you don't know what I'm talking about, you

itsanadanoreply@blogger.com0