JapanSoc / Upcoming Stories

Sumo Wrestling Behind the Scenes

fukuokadreaming — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:17:38 PST

One need not pay anything to see Sumo wrestling up close as Asawa and Kaeru show in this post. See what goes on behind the scenes as champion Sumo Wrestlers prepare for the Kyushu Basho in Fukuoka. See Sumo Wrestlers like you have never seen them before!

Posted by fukuokadreaming in Sport | Socs: 2

2 things to look forward to in Japanese autumn — JapanDave

dbooster — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:29:26 PST

A short look at two of the best things to look forward to in Japanese autumn, as well as a new hdr picture of the autumn leaves.

Posted by dbooster in Culture | Socs: 1

International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (InterBee) 2009: DSLR Kits › Tune In Tokyo

Billy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:21 PST

The International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (InterBee) held in Chiba featured some cool DSLR kits.

Posted by Billy in Technology | Socs: 2

Photo Essay on Haikyo

thejapaneseeye — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:41:02 PST

A short photo compilation of a recent haikyo visit.

Posted by thejapaneseeye in Photography | Socs: 2

Americans advised to stay away from Roppongi | Kosins Attorney at Foreign Law Blog

usvisajp — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:53:08 PST

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.

Posted by usvisajp in Foreigners | Socs: 5

Kana Reading Material Resources

Zyaga — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:48 PST

I was asked earlier this week on twitter if I knew of any Kana reading material resources. The question was in reference to materials such as books, magazines, websites, etc that are written in Kana, rather than lots of Kanji, so that beginners like myself have a chance at actually reading some of

Posted by Zyaga in Learning Japanese | Socs: 1

Obama wasn't the first American President to bow to a foreign leader. Let's move on now.

hideisalive — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:25:17 PST

Fox News says Obama's bow was unprecedented. Well a) American Presidents have bowed to leaders. including the emperor before.
b) here are pictures to prove it
c) Ok, time to move on

Posted by hideisalive in Politics | Socs: 5

Stumbling into Jigenji Park in Kagoshima

David — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:38:36 PST

Sometimes in Japan by just going down the other road you can discover something amazing. That is what I did when I found my way to Jigenji park in Kagoshima city.

Posted by David in Nature & Outdoors | Socs: 2

Giant jellyfish capsizes fishing boat off Japan coast

zonjineko — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:14:41 PST

Dozens of giant Nomura jellyfish along the eastern coast of Japan capsized the 10-ton fishing trawler, known as the Diasan Shinsho-maru.

Posted by zonjineko in News | Socs: 5

Derelict rail bridge explored- Toyosu

bigreddot — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:43:50 PST

MJG explores a haikyo bridge at the heart of Tokyo Bay, discovering there's very little to explore on a bridge, but a very real chance of falling to his death below.

Posted by bigreddot in Strange | Socs: 7

Nagoya G.A. - Chapter 6: 8:15am, August 6th, 1945

NagoyaGA — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:34:41 PST

On August 6th 1945 at 8:15a, Hiroshima Japan would never be the same. On November 7th 2009, nor would we...

Posted by NagoyaGA in Blogging | Socs: 1

Grutt Pass

acase — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:41:25 PST

Tokyo can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. I've spend the last month a half visiting places that would have cost me almost 10,000 yen (so far). How much did I pay? 2,000 yen. Find out how and check out some photos here.

Posted by acase in Sightseeing | Socs: 2

Waikiki via Japan pt.3

Locohama — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:34:59 PST

Good morning? Hi…hello…aloha…can you speak?"
"Sorry…good morning…eeeeto…hi."
" Welcome to America! Sweet land of liberty!" I said.
"Thank you," the father replied. "We are Japanese."
"That's no problem…this ain't China…and this ain't Japan. This is a free country. MY country, and we take all ki

Posted by Locohama in General | Socs: 2

Beverage or science project?

Japandra — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:06:42 PST

Kirin's latest "World's Kitchen" offering hits a sour note. Don't remember my Nona mentioning anything about vinegar and milk.

Posted by Japandra in Food and Drink | Socs: 2

Takashimaya's robo-guide

KenYN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:45:30 PST

The Telegraph's man in Japan visits the robo-service centre in Takashimaya and comes away unimpressed. The face is scary though...

Posted by KenYN in Technology | Socs: 4

DoCoMo i-mode and iPhone

shibuya246 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:08 PST

I had the chance to hear Mr. Natsuno, 'father of i-mode' give a speech about i-mode and iphone

Posted by shibuya246 in Technology | Socs: 4

Calling time on Japan’s alcoholics

zonjineko — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:49:51 PST

With liquor consumption growing in Japan since the end of WWII, alcoholism has become an increasing problem in a nation where liquor is readily available from convenience stores, advertising all over TV and where a drink after work each night is an acceptable, and encouraged, practice.

Posted by zonjineko in Culture | Socs: 7

House H, Tokyo by Sou Fujimoto Architects

kame — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:09 PST

Dealing innovatively with Japan's strict plot ratio regulations, Fujimoto has avoided the conventions of creating a courtyard or of setting a house as an isolated object within the site boundary. Instead it is a hybrid; a series of boxes in boxes that define domestic realm, enclosure and interior.

Posted by kame in Arts | Socs: 4

What Googles has to say about Japanese Couples

kanmuri — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:28:40 PST

Come and see why Japanese men should be very afraid of their wives.

Posted by kanmuri in Society | Socs: 5

Clumsy Tokyo Subway Commuter Drops His Bottle of Hydrochloric Acid

zonjineko — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:00 PST

Tokyo got a scare this morning after a man accidentally dropped his bottle of the acid on a subway train.

Posted by zonjineko in News | Socs: 2

Itoh Misaki Marries Pachinko CEO - Japan Zone

JapanZone — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:39 PST

It take balls to marry one of Japan's most beautiful actresses. Balls of steel. Literally.

Posted by JapanZone in Celebrities | Socs: 1

Sakai Noriko Goes Back to School - Japan Zone

JapanZone — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:04:19 PST

To be honest, the first word that came to mind when I saw the photo of a smiling Sakai Noriko was "smug." Sure, she got a guilty verdict. But a suspended sentence means she's free to now do pretty much what she likes. Which starts with an image-rebuilding return to student life. And with her "f

Posted by JapanZone in Celebrities | Socs: 7

Japanese society: at crossroads of religion and superstition

dkman1np — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:33:34 PST

Religion has a basic purpose of helping us lead life in a disciplined, peaceful, and happy way. Japanese are less sensitive towards any specific religious doctrine but, at the same time, are superstitious in their beliefs. In a way, Japanese society stands at the crossroads of religion and supersti

Posted by dkman1np in Society | Socs: 4

Light ’em if you've got 'em up « Japanese Castle Explorer

jcexplorer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:40:04 PST

A round-up of the light-up activities that have taken place at various castles around Japan of late. Also a quick story about Toyotomi's "overnight castle" which occurred during his pacification of Kyushu in 1587.

Posted by jcexplorer in Sightseeing | Socs: 6

Waikiki via Japan pt.2

Locohama — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:03:26 PST

Whenever my Japanese friends tell me about their trips to Hawaii, they invariably mention that what held the greatest appeal for them, what alleviated most of their anxiety about traveling to a foreign country, is that Japanese is spoken everywhere. Hotels, shops, police officers, you name it.
I t

Posted by Locohama in General | Socs: 4

3 top military leaders in Japanese history — all from the same place?! — JapanDave

dbooster — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:57:30 PST

A very brief overview of Sengoku Jidai and the three great men who united Japan. First part in a series.

Posted by dbooster in History | Socs: 2

Daily Fuji

WideIslandView — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:37:01 PST

Just like it sounds like. Every day a photo of Fuji. Even if you can't really see it. Enjoy the love of Fuji from the comfort of your own home.

Posted by WideIslandView in Nature & Outdoors | Socs: 6

Yen & You: Create spending barriers and start saving today

WideIslandView — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:18:27 PST

Saving money in Japan isn't about trying harder, its about thinking smarter. Learn how to separate you and your money to save more.

Posted by WideIslandView in Business & Economy | Socs: 3

Under Construction - Learn From Japan Signs

zonjineko — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:14:24 PST

I took this photo in the back streets of Meguro. Besides thinking it was a great Japan Sign for kanji beginners, I also have a laugh every time I see a happy little character for almost any situation in Japan - even sewerage!

Posted by zonjineko in Learning Japanese | Socs: 1

An interview with Japan oil painter Michael Beddall

bigreddot — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:13:08 PST

Mike Beddall has a new show of his oil paintings on at the Pink Cow in Shibuya- learn a little bit more about the artist (and see some of his great work) right here.

Posted by bigreddot in Arts | Socs: 7

Airhead female fans can't get enough of 'cool' accused killer Ichihashi

shio — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:10:16 PST

It seems 30-year-old accused murderer Tatsuya Ichihashi, captured by police in Osaka port on Nov 10, is reportedly attracting a following of female admirers. Nikkan Gendai reports that 2-channel has opened threads to appeal to Ichihashi's growing fan base, where he has been bestowed with affectiona

Posted by shio in News | Socs: 3

Japanese resources + contest

seifip — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:11:59 PST

The NihongoUp Japanese learning resources page was launched, and to celebrate the launch of the new website, I'm organizing a contest! There is over $130 worth of prizes, and multiple ways to enter, so what are you waiting for?

Posted by seifip in Learning Japanese | Socs: 1

One Good and One Bad Electronics Adventure in Tokyo

billywest — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:35:10 PST

Nothing spectacular here, just a couple of bits about two electronics purchases in Tokyo during 2009, one good and one bad.

Posted by billywest in Technology | Socs: 2

Use your eyeballs to control a cell phone

zonjineko — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:39:25 PST

NTT DoCoMo shows off a set of prototype in-ear headphones that can detect changes in the body's electrical state when your eyes move and thereby allow you to control your cell phone without lifting a finger.

Posted by zonjineko in Technology | Socs: 7

Waikiki via Japan pt.1

Locohama — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:53:17 PST

Me: Have you ever been to America?
1000 Japanese People I've spoken to over the past 6 years: No, I haven't. But, I have been to Hawaii.
Me: Hawaii is in America, you know.
1000 Japanese People I've spoken to over the past 6 years: You know what? You're right!
Me: (To myself) Damn right, I'm ri

Posted by Locohama in General | Socs: 4

Buying a Japanese Car: Our Story

ForeignersFinan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:11:42 PST

We bought a Nissan cube so my girlfriend can drive to work. Here's how the process went and the details of the transaction.

Posted by ForeignersFinan in Culture | Socs: 6

Home-made Japanese Twitter Client debuts on Sony Bravia

zonjineko — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:56:43 PST

Newer versions of Sony's Bravia LCD TV's support the AppliCast platform, which allows any user to program their own widgets.

The Bravia owner simply visits a URL to install the Twitter widget and they can then check the latest tweets right on their television. The catch right now is there's o

Posted by zonjineko in Technology | Socs: 2

Natsumi Kamata

Envoy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:58:50 PST

A short gallery of Natsumi Kamata, a young gravure idol.

Posted by Envoy in Girls | Socs: 2

Japan Cosplay Christmas

shibuya246 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:58:33 PST

Taking a look at some Christmas cosplay choices. mmmmm, Rudolph suit or cute girl ? tough choice

Posted by shibuya246 in Arts | Socs: 6

Shizuka Kamei forming new conservative party

KenYN — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:44:58 PST

Come on, sack him already Hatoyama! I'm surprised no-one picked up his grumpy comments about a foreigner (a Japanese-fluent guy from Goldman Sachs, I think) being on the panel being grilled for cuts to Kansai Airport's budget.

Last Friday's "If I were Prime Minister" thing with Bakusho Mond

Posted by KenYN in Politics | Socs: 4