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17
Jun 11

Common Japanese Superstitions

Knock on wood, don’t open an umbrella indoors… All cultures have superstitions and the Japanese are no exception. If you spend time in Japan or even if you just watch Japanese TV shows and movies, you may notice a few superstitions that aren’t familiar to you. Of course, like with most people, most Japanese take these superstitions with a grain of salt.

Sneezing: In the West, you may have heard the superstition that when your ears ring, someone is talking about you. In Japan, a similar superstition is that when you sneeze, someone is talking about you. If you’re like most people, you tend to sneeze more than you suffer from ringing ears, so perhaps a lot of Japanese people are talking about you!

Floating tea stalk: Tea is important to traditional Japanese culture. Traditionally, tea is brewed with tea leaves. One Japanese superstition says that if you notice a green tea stalk floating vertically upright in your cup, you will enjoy good luck.

Upset catfish: In some areas of Japan, a long-standing superstition dictated that when catfish began acting strangely, an earthquake would soon follow. Ancient Japanese who came up with this superstition may have been on to something; some scientists believe that the fish act strangely due to their ability to sense the changes in the earth before humans. However, long before scientific research, the Japanese used to believe the catfish caused the earthquakes! (One particular large catfish, the Namazu, was to blame.) You’ll notice catfish associated with earthquakes even today; the early earthquake warning symbol includes a catfish.

Death and four: In Japanese, the word for death is “shi.” One pronunciation of the number four is also “shi.” So rather than being afraid of the number thirteen, the Japanese are leery of the number four. Some buildings, like hotels and apartment complexes, avoid having a floor or a room numbered four (whether it’s truly the fourth floor or room or not). The dislike for four extends into basic parts of Japanese life, too. For example, when you give someone a gift, make sure it’s not four of an item. (Fruit, dining ware, etc.)

Have you ever encountered these Japanese superstitions? What other Japanese superstitions do you know?

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10
Jun 11

Ueno: Museums, a Park and a Zoo

In the east area of Tokyo, another of Tokyo’s wards, Taitou, is home to Ueno, a famous destination for tourists and Japanese culture enthusiasts alike. Ueno Park is one hotspot in the area that houses quite a few of Ueno’s biggest attractions.

There’s the Ueno Zoo, a 35-acre area. Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and is also home to the country’s first monorail, which you can ride to get around the zoo. Almost 500 species of animals–a total of around 2600 animals–call Ueno Zoo home. Their most popular animals include two giant pandas who arrived in February of this year.

Also in Ueno Park are three museums: The National Science Museum, Tokyo National Museum, and the National Museum of Western Art. The National Science Museum is ideal for science enthusiasts and people who love to see the progression of technology over time. The museum houses exhibits from pre-Meiji-era Japan as well as from modern times. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest museum in the country and has been open since 1872. The museum focuses on Japan’s history and culture through ancient artifiacts and art. The National Museum of Western Art is newer; it’s been around since 1959. The museum remains the country’s only national museum that houses only foreign Western art from Europe. You’ll find works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso at the museum.

Ueno also houses many buildings in traditional Japanese architecture, such as Buddhist temples like Bentendo and a Shinto Shrine called Toshogu.  A famous temple during the Tokugawa shogunate, Kaneiji, resides in Ueno Zoo. There are a number of ponds within the park as well, including the famous Shinobazu Pond. The Shinobazu Pond is featured in many works of art. Part of the Shinobazu Pond is called “the Lotus Pond.” So many lotuses grow in that area, that you can hardly see the water at times.

Many of Japan’s homeless congregate in Ueno, particularly around the ponds.

Have you ever been to Ueno? Which part of Ueno would you be most interested in seeing?

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03
Jun 11

Japanese Swear Words and Insults (Explicit Content–in Japanese!)

Japanese "gals" -- tough girls -- may not be afraid to swear!

As we’ve discussed in previous entries, politeness and courtesy is extremely important in Japanese culture. Just not speaking to someone with the correct conjugation of verbs could prove a bit disrespectful, depending on the context. However, to swear to someone is even more disrespectful. Cursing at Japanese speakers is not recommended. Nonetheless, your curiosity may prompt you to seek out swear words in the Japanese language. You’re also likely to hear these words in Japanese movies or TV shows, depending on the content. Or you could overhear a Japanese speaker swearing and be wondering what they’re saying!

Be warned–don’t use these swear words if you wouldn’t use swear words in your own language!

There’s a number of polite to casual ways of addressing someone as “you.” Read more here. Extremely impolite ways–as insulting as if you were swearing them–to say “you” include:

Teme = Often translated as “you b*tch or bastard”; a high-level insult, but not the most extreme.

Kisama = The highest level of insult, as bad as calling someone a “mother f***er”; strangely, the literal translation is “your honorable self”, but the intent is meant sarcastically.

The following words can be used to address or refer to people:

Baka = “Idiot/dummy”; the least insulting insult that you may hear even children call one another. However, in some areas of Japan, “baka” is a level more insulting than “aho.”

Aho = “A**hole” or “idiot”; more insulting than “baka” in most areas of Japan.

Bakayarou = One degree more insulting than “baka” alone, but the meaning is the same. Perhaps “moron” is a better translation.

Konoyarou = “This moron”; moderately high-level of insult.

Kusoyarou = A high-level “moron” insult; literally refers to feces and a hole…

Ketsunoana = “A**hole” (literally)

Busu = “Ugly” (for women)

Swear words to say aloud in a frustrating situation (in which you don’t mind being rude) include:

Shimatta! = “S**t!”

Kuso! = “Damn it!”

Urusai/Urusei/Damare! = “Shut up!”

Chikusho = “S**t!” or “F**k!”

Fakku! = The Japanese pronunciation of “F**k!”

Shine! = Literally “Die!” Used more often in Japanese than in English, perhaps, to basically say “F**k you!”

You’ll find quite a few more vulgar insults as well, but this serves as a good introductory course!

Can you imagine ever using these swear words? (I hope not!) Have you heard these swear words before? In what context?

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27
May 11

Rounin: “Wandering Samurai” in Modern Times

The traditional rounin is a wandering samurai–a samurai who lost his master, either to death or to his master’s fall from grace. Since the samurai’s entire life revolved around devotion to the master, the samurai loses his sense of of purpose. The “honorable” path for the masterless samurai was to commit seppuku (“harakiri”): ritualized suicide. Those who opted not to kill themselves wandered freely, taking mercenary, bodyguard, and odd jobs where they could. These samurai became rounin–a title that was less than honorable.

Today, rounin still exist, but they’re not samurai. Modern rounin are young adults who failed their college entrance exams but still hope to attend college. (In Japan, most colleges require that you pass an entrance exam, similar to middle and high school entrance exams.) Rather than take a full-time job, these young people devote the next year to studying as hard as they can in order to pass the entrance exam the next year. They may live with their parents or take on part-time jobs in order to pay rent, but their primary focus over the next year is studying on their own to pass exams. They may attend cram schools or hire tutors–usually students currently attending the school they want to attend who have obviously passed the entrance exam–in order to help them, but otherwise, they’re on their own and must keep up the motivation throughout the year.

Most colleges hold their entrance exams at about the same time each year (toward the beginning of the year; the school year begins in early April). Prospective students can take exams for as many colleges as they please during the entrance exam season, but most choose a handful of colleges so they can focus on the topics they think may be on those particular exams. (Each college makes up its own exams; the more prestigious the school, the more difficult the exam.) The exams are usually only held once a year–in fact,  prospective students usually don’t get a makeup exam if they miss it, so they’ll venture out even if they’re ill. Solely missing an exam can turn a student into a rounin.

Some prospective students continue to fail the yearly exams for the colleges of their choice and they continue to be rounin for more than one year. Of course, they can always decide to go to a less prestigious school with a less difficult exam or to skip college altogether, but since better schooling affords better career opportunities, many students don’t want to give up.

Would you become a rounin or would you rather go to a second-choice school or get a job? Would your parents support your decision?

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20
May 11

Nanpa: A Special Kind of Flirting in Japan

Last week we discussed goukon, group dating, in Japan. To continue in the same vein, this week we’ll discuss “nanpa,” sometimes called “nampa.” Nanpa roughly translates to “soft school” but more accurately means “talking to girls.” That “soft school” meaning is a comparison to men who pursue the traditional “hard” studies of academics and sports as opposed to men who’d rather study the art of wooing women.

Nanpa refers to young Japanese men in their teens, twenties, and sometimes thirties who hit on young women in public, usually on the streets where a lot of pedestrians walk. The men tend to dress sleekly in what’s perhaps known as a “metrosexual” look in the West (but this look is far more common and accepted in Japan). The young men who nanpa usually take the “art form” seriously and may shadow a more experienced young man for a time, read up on nanpa techniques, and spend time preparing before he starts hitting on women.

Many women are turned off by nanpa but still others will gladly take a guy up on his offer for coffee, karaoke, or tea. Young women visiting the country should be aware, though, that if ever asked to join a fancily-dressed man on the street for tea, he’s asking you out on a date. Some men may even expect a one-night stand if the date goes well–but that’s not to say that they all do. And, while some nanpa men are enjoying their youth and playing around, still others are looking for “the one,” so a date that goes well may lead to future dates.

In a country in which seriousness is valued and individuality isn’t as important as it may be in the West, nanpa is the art of those “bad boy” rebels, which some women find appealing.

The female equivalent of nanpa–in which women try to pick up men–is gyakunan, although this is far less common in Japan, especially outside of bars and singles clubs. Nevertheless, some men in Japan may find themselves pursued on the streets by go-getter women as well.

Do nanpa and gyakunan sound appealing to you? Why or why not? Would you rather hit on others or be hit on?

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13
May 11

Goukon: Japanese Group Dating

In Japan, a country in which professional matchmaking (called “omiai“) is still a viable method of meeting your fiance(e) (although a much less often used method than in the past), goukon is a popular method of meeting potential boyfriends or girlfriends. Goukon, which roughly translates to “get together party,” is like a group blind date. A single man and a single woman–friends or potential dating partners themselves–will arrange a meeting between a handful of single friends of their gender. (The goukon organizers are of course along for the ride, looking for a match themselves.)

The average group for a goukon may include between four or five people of each gender, although you can find goukon with fewer or more people. However, a total of eight to ten people is big enough to lessen the embarrassment and awkwardness of meeting new people but also small enough to allow these people to get to know one another.

A goukon usually takes place at a public, noisy place like an izakaya (a sort of bar), a location that’s welcoming for conversation over a few drinks. No one is particularly paired with anyone else although there should be an equal number of men and women so no one’s left out. The group is often seated with a man between every woman (placed randomly) so that everyone can get to know potential partners. After a self-introduction to the entire group, the individuals may focus more on getting to know the people next to them.

The groups of men and women may take frequent breaks to pull each other aside and discuss whom they find the most attractive and personable; they may also text each other during the meeting to share their thoughts without the others knowing. The people in the goukan can ask for phone numbers or e-mail addresses of the people who sparked their interest (if polite, they may want to mask which man or woman they’re particularly interested in and ask for everyone’s phone number and e-mail) and may get to know each other better later. They can also ask each other to help arrange a new goukan with some new people swapped into the group.

Have you ever been on a group date? Would you prefer a group date to a blind date where it’s just one-on-one? Why or why not?

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06
May 11

Yakitori: Skewered Meat

During the Edo era, which lasted from 1604 to 1868, yakitori became a delicacy made with the meat of pricey wild birds, like quails, ducks, and pigeons. Over time, the dish spread to the commoners, who ate sparrow meat and eventually chicken.

Yakitori literally means “grilled bird,” but you’ll find the term referring to variety of skewered, grilled meats and vegetables–although the proper generic term for skewered meats and vegetables is kushiyaki. However, since chicken is one of the most popular yakitori ingredients, the label is often appropriate.

Yakitori make great snack and appetizer foods and they can also constitute a light meal. You’ll find them for sale at festivals, in restaurants, in pubs, and in small food carts lining the streets. You can also purchase small indoor electric grills to make the dish yourself at home, although traditionally they’re grilled with charcoal. Pieces of meat and/or vegetables are slid on a thin bamboo stick and the food is places directly on the grill and rotated a few times. Traditionally, you can choose from shio (salt) alone on the food or tare sauce (a sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar).

There are many varieties of chicken yakitori. Toriniku is the basic white chicken meat variety and mune is the dark meat choice, but you’ll also find types such as nankotsu (chicken cartilage–made soft), hatsu (chicken heart), shiro (chicken intestines), rebaa (chicken liver), and sunagimo (chicken gizzard). Chicken skin is torikawa, chicken tail is bonjiri, chicken wings is tebasaki, and chicken meatballs is tsukune.

The other common varieties of yakitori/kushiyaki include garlic (ninniku), enoki mushrooms (enokimaki), pork belly (butabara), Japanese scallion (ikada), ox tongue (gyuutan), fried tofu (atsuage tofu), green pepper (piman), and aspargus and bacon (asuparabeekon). You can have a yakitori with only one meat or vegetable or you can mix it up and sample a number of what’s available.

Have you ever eaten yakitori? Would you be willing to try something like chicken cartilage? Why or why not?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Muroran_Yakitori.jpg
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30
Apr 11

~ To Omou: Expressing Thought in Japanese

After you’ve studied basic conjugation of verbs in Japanese, you can express your thoughts in simple Japanese sentences. “My older sister is funny” is “Ane ga omoshiroi desu.” “My younger brother will see that movie” is “Otouto ga ano eiga wo mimasu.” And the like.

But what if you’re not entirely sure about the idea you’d like to express? What if you’d like to emphasize that the idea you’re expressing is your opinion and is not necessarily fact? The verb omou can help you do just that. Omou usually translates to “to think,” but depending on the context, it can be translated as “to believe” as well. (Not in the context of “believing in” something, though.)

Omou is a Group 1 Verb. According to Group 1 Verb patterns, you conjugate omou as follows:

Plain/Casual Form:

omou = I* think

omowanai = I* don’t think

omotta = I* thought

omowanakatta = I* didn’t think

Polite/Formal Form:

omoimasu = I* think

omoimasen= I* don’t think

omoimashita = I* thought

omoimasen deshita = I* didn’t think

Gerund Form:

omotte = I am* thinking

* Remember that verb conjugations apply to any noun or pronoun. In other words, omou can mean either “I think,” “You think,” “He/She/It thinks,” “We think,” or “They think,” depending on the context.

To say that you “think” something, you place the correct conjugation of omou at the very end of your sentence or clause because it’s the primary verb of the phrase. When using another verb in the sentence–for example, “I think that my younger brother will see that movie” — use the plain present tense of the verb (the verb unconjugated), followed by to and then the proper conjugation you need for omou.

“I think that my younger brother will see that movie” = Otouto ga ano eiga wo miru to omoimasu.

“I don’t think that my older sister is funny.” = Ane ga omoshiroi* to omowanai.

*Remember that some adjectives are conjugated like verbs.

Practice saying you think or don’t think things. “Gakkou wa shichiji ni hajimarimasu” is “School starts at 7:00.” How would you say “I think school starts at 7:00″?

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22
Apr 11

Akihabara: Electronic and Geek Wonderland

This week we’re taking a look at another famous part of Tokyo: Akihabara, the best place to find the latest electronics and computers. Not only will you find electronics, but you’ll also find anime DVDs, video games, manga and anime merchandise. This makes Akihabara a favorite place for anime fans to meet up and buy goods. The kind of merchandise you’ll find there have earned the area the nickname “Denki Gai,” or “Electric Town.”

Although they exist throughout Japan, maid cafes and other themed cafes are a popular mainstay in Akihabara. These cafes are watered-down versions of host and hostess clubs and cater to people with specific interests. The classic maid cafe features women in short-skirted maid outfits, whereas a foreign butler cafe may be filled with men from outside of Japan who call every lady guest their “princess.”

Don’t confuse Akihabara with the actual Akihabara nearby. This may be confusing, but the Akihabara “Electric Town” is actually called Soto-Kanda and is part of the Chiyoda ward. It’s called Akihabara because the train station that lets out into the area is called Akihabara. The actual Akihabara is in the nearby Taitou prefecture.

Akihabara “Electronic Town” is the site of a 2008 massacre in which a murderer drove a truck into a crowd and then jumped out of the truck to stab people with a dagger, killing a total of seven people and wounding ten others. In a country in which violent crime is extremely low (and guns are prohibited), the incident shocked the nation. The murderer, Tomohiro Kato, was tried and sentenced to death for the crimes. The pedestrian crossing in which the murders took place was closed until January 2011, when it opened only on a trial basis until June.

Have you ever been to Akihabara? Would you be interested in seeing what you can find for sale there? Did you hear about the Akihabara Massacre in 2008?

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16
Apr 11

Traditional Japanese Ghost Stories, Part 2

This week we’ll take another look at a famous Japanese ghost story. Look over last week’s entry and compare the two–you’ll find some similarities. This week is the tale of Banchou Sarayashiki, another ghost story with its origins in a kabuki play, this one from the 18th century. (It is likely, however, that the tale appeared as a folk story before it first appeared on stage.) Again, you’ll find a number of versions of the tale.

Banchou Sarayashiki begins with a beautiful servant woman named Okiku who’s indentured to a samurai named Aoyama Tessan. Aoyama seeks to have Okiku as his lover, but she always refuses his advances, so Aoyama schemes to force her to be his own. He hides (in some versions, pays a thief to steal) one of his family’s sacred ten plates (as in the serving dish), for which Okiku is responsible for caring. According to his family law, a servant losing or breaking one of these plates is a crime punishable by death. Okiku panics and counts the plates over and over but only finds nine each time she counts. Aoyama offers Okiku sanctuary from death if she agrees to become his lover, but she still refuses, so he kills her by pushing her down a well.

Okiku returns as a ghost from the well to haunt the samurai, always counting to nine and shrieking at the end of her count. At last her soul is laid to rest when a stranger (a neighbor or an exorcist, depending on the version) shouts “Ten!” at the end of her counting to make her think she’s found the tenth plate.

In some versions, Okiku actually does break the tenth plate knowingly. In this version, she’s in love with Aoyama, but as she’s a servant and he’s a lord, he’s engaged to another. Okiku’s decision to break the plate is to test Aoyama’s love for her, to see if he’s willing to enforce the rule of killing any servant responsible for the loss of one of the plates. Aoyama does kill her by pushing her down the well in this version, even after hearing that it was a test of his love–but he’s angry that she would go so far to test him. In this version, though, Aoyama is not horrified by her ghost. When he meets the ghost and sees her counting one through nine, he’s overcome with guilt and with her beauty and so he kills himself through seppuku (“harakiri”) and joins her.

What similarities and differences between Banchou Sarayashiki and Yotsuya Kaidan can you list? Which story do you prefer? Of the two mentioned Banchou Sarayashiki versions, do you prefer the one in which Okiku loves Aoyama or the one in which she spurns him?

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