me and japan

Gaijin

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:43:00 +0000

Long time no post.
I've been accepted as a master student here, so I've been busy with university.
Will talk about Japanese master course as soon as I get to know about it better.

I just wanted to talk about gaijin in Japan.
Japan is a very popular country right? With now Arashi is pointed as Japanese tourism representative.
Even my lab is filled with mostly gaijin for now.

Today I watched 2 shows focusing on gaijin.
First was the news this morning, which interviewed gaijin and asked their opinions on Japan.
A theatre in Tokyo where ladies play as samurai and men play as ladies is interesting...

The second one was about gaijin's right to participate in Japanese politics.
A Chinese who just got a Japanese residency kept on saying how she's not a Japanese. She's a Chinese that has a Japanese residency permit. And how Japanese passport is so convenient and that's her reason she wants a Japanese residency?

A Taiwanese then replied how she didn't agree. She got a Japanese residency as well. And she's proud to be a Japanese and in case if Taiwan and Japan fight, she'll stay on the Japanese side. And that as a Japanese she also want to make Japan better.

A Thai said she stays in Japan, but her identity stays as a Thai, though she got a Japanese name.
A Korean whose family(?) has been in Japan for a long time but hasn't got a residency yet...

I do want to be able to stay in Japan as long as I can. But I'm not sure whether I can get a Japanese residency someday or not. Japanese passport is convenient, yes, but if getting a residency with just that thoughts is hmmm... wrong. But I'm also not sure if I can say I'd do as much as I can to make Japan better or die for it, as much as I love Japan. Maybe I can? Hm? I remember a lecture the other day how he wanted the students to make Japan as good as it was in the past...

But on the other side, as a Chinese Indonesian, I don't think myself as a Chinese, and yet I'm not that familiar with or love Indonesia even if I'm born and raised there.

I'm not sure what I want to say in the end.
Just a thought.
I do want Japan to be more open to gaijin, but on the other hand I can see (wait, what do I see?) how Japan want to keep itself purely Japanese.

Autumn Leaves 紅葉

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:42:00 +0000

In spring we enjoy pink trees (I have yet to enjoy it yet, though, I will in a few months time). In autumn, we enjoy orange trees. One of the popular destination is Arashiyama (嵐山) in Kyoto. The viewing period around here is mid November to mid December. It was 見頃 (Migoro -- viewing time) when I went there last weekend.

Hankyu transfer train #1.

Transfer train #2. Katsura station. XD

Queueing to get out of the station. =_=;;

Following the people to get to the river. Definitely will not get lost, everyone's heading the same direction.. XD Pretty view, right?

The food stands were so crowded. Didnt feel like sitting in the crowd.

Bought an "Aki Dango" though. ¥100.

The famous Togetsukyo (渡月橋 -- Passing Moon?) bridge at the background. Some of the trees are leaveless though. Is it sakura? The pigeons were flying in groups. So pretty.

Geisha? Or a cosplay? Not sure.

Passing through this small garden to go to Tenryuuji temple. There are restaurants inside. Actually wanted to eat the Tofu there. Kyoto's also famous for the tofu?

Sitting at the balcony of the temple while viewing the pond and the background. So pretty, and I love the tatami feel. I could just sit there all day... ~o~

I like this railing design.

See those orange leaves... *o* So pretty...

Just on the left of the Tenryuuji North gate. You can't miss this. It was stunning... I wish I charged my camera.

Took the train to Nijo-jo station, to transfer to Karasuma Marutamachi station. This is pretty big. The mall behind has a cinema too.

Rainbows! I haven't seen one for a long time. Took several pics of it at different places.
This is taken at the Kyoto Gyoen (京都御苑), a big park surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Too bad you need to make reservations days before to enter the palace. It's not open everyday, and many people visit, too.

There were patrol cars going around the big park. It's seriously so big and anyone can enter it freely... How can they guard the whole place really...

I saw 2 trees like this. *o* The fallen leaves are pretty...

Well, it gets really dark at night, there are barely lightings. Time to go home. It was so freezing that my hands and feet hurt.

Bought from Kyoto. Shinsengumi chopper. A papercraft of Kyoto cart. Actually I like the "Machiya" better, but it's just square, easy to make by yourself if you want. But this one.. the wheels have detailed holes *o* And a pretty postcard for a friend. I should've posted it from Kyoto, eh... orz

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Japanese Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Is busy with uni stuff and moving and end of year stuff so I haven't been writing.
m(_ _)m

I went to a Japanese Clinic today to get a health check up, required for my master course application. Found one clinic nearby that was less crowded and cheap. The one I found in the city costs ¥40,000 o_o it takes like 3 hours and do i dunno what test. But I only need to get the form filled, only ¥9,000, was lucky to find this clinic... through google. And thankfully, despite being a small clinic, they can fill in the English form.
Really. I can't survive without internet. I'm so thankful they have a website.

The clinic was full of old men. I was worried when I came in that I thought I'd have to wait for all of them. And I already came early, since I want to get it done fast before my class. But apparently I'm the first one to do the test (only one?). That still takes about 1.5 hours. Well, they're not doing health check up only, so I have to wait for people who do injections and stuff.

Those old men was then called upstairs, and when I went upstairs, I saw a room of beds with those people there. I'm not sure what they're getting cured off, blood care for diabetes? Anyway, I was too scared to peek in.

I did urine test, weight, height, a machine with some weird "tentacles" to my body which produced a graph, x-ray, blood test (ouch), blood pressure, doctor check, and eye test. It'll be another 2 weeks before I can get my result. It's still in time for the application. Phew.

The blood pressure was probably free, it's just outside of the counter. The toilet has cups and pens to write down your name, and passing the cups through the window. Same as what I did in Aussie too, but this one was an old building, haha. I'm really not sure what graph was it the tentacles machine produced... it's very weird. I should've asked. x-ray was really fast, hmm.

Eye test! It looked something like this:

@_@ very different to what I knew. It includes hiragana!
And my sight was something like 1.5? 1.2? I have no idea what those numbers mean. They're written beside the lines. I can only read 2 lines from the last line. Does this mean my eyes are going bad? I remember I can usually read till the last one, but it seemed to be bigger than these ones.

rilakkuma mug

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:39:00 +0000

collect 20 points (about 10-20 of ¥100 ish bread) and receive the mug for free at lawson X3

tachiyomi

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:33:00 +0000

it should be a common view here. but it just suddenly popped into my eyes how they're all males, and all crowded up the magazines area. interesting.

Hanafuda 花札

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Something I forgot to mention on my Summer Wars post yesterday.
The game they played throughout the movie, and what was used to beat the Bot at the final stage, was a card game called Hanafuda, with the phrase that often said "Koi Koi". I had no idea such game exist. I knew about Karuta, the hiragana games that's played in new year's...

The Tsundere Boys Karuta version. Or Tsundere moe version. Or Queens Blade version. I played them when I first learned Japanese. Whoah, I wish these cards existed back then XD So interesting!

But! After some googling, turned out that Nintendo, that's apparently been around since 1889! *gasp* produced card games, oh wait, produces! The Hanafuda cards, they still sell it till now! Aaaa... That's why there were no PSP, because even the card game and DSi are all Nintendo XD (Maybe)

That made me want to learn and get this card game. Some rules and online version of the game, though I had no idea and just keep on clicking and losing o_o;;

There's even a Hello Kitty version of Hanafuda (and Disney as well)!

Summer Wars サマーウォーズ

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:38:00 +0000

So today I went to watch Summer Wars. It's released on 1st August, though I only watch it after seeing a documentary with Hosoda Mamoru, the director. It's an awesome movie. o_o!!! Here's the first 5 minute of the movie.

Basically the story is about an AI bot went beserk and attacking an online community, OZ, which also ended up messing the communication system in Japan. The main character is a high school boy who (almost) represent Japan in Mathematics Olympic. He won a Janken over his friend and won the part time job offered by his senpai, quite an idol in the campus. The job, was actually to be the senpai's boyfriend! She wanted to introduce him as her boyfriend to the grandma, who'd be having a big 90th birthday party in a village in Ueda. And the problem happened during his stay in the castle-like house...

Some points that caught my attention:
• The amount of tech and gadgets stuff!! The online community and Windows 7 to start, super computer, Japanese cellphones, Nintendo DSi, iPhone (complete with AT&T signal, owned only by Wabisuke-jichan? Not sure if the friend's also own one), a laptop that looks like a Dell.
• Why is it that the stupid action wasn't punished?! The ice, the fight...
• But I suppose without these annoying scenes, it won't be a complete movie?
• I don't understand why the need to damage the completely nice house...
• The family's history went back to Sengoku era, and there were some war talks, which I don't really get, must study on that. So the movie not only includes some high tech stuff, but also the old Japan itself, and very stylishly. I thought it's awesome.
• I thought the nosebleed scenes are so cute. No, it's not perverted.
• Family is important, really. I always like it when my big family gather around in new year's and some other events. Not a family that get along perfectly well, but I do love that we still make time to gather around. I hope it continues.
• Seems like sitting till credit finish will be my habit. They never turn on the light before the credit finishes. I like it anyway, not rushing to go out...

Definitely a must watch anime. I want to rewatch it again! X3

Other than that, Namba Parks, where I watched at, is such a stylish place. Love it. But it'd be very dangerous to visit Namba so often (too much dangerously want-to-get stuff, either otaku goods or zakka goods). Went to Denden town too. Finally got myself an Animate member card. The Bantorra pics is a free brochure from Animate, it has some info on new Anime/goods. Then, by printing out this coupon, you can get the Hello Kitty strap, Animate Tenchou version... XD

カレーコロ・チャー

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:08:00 +0000

with kimutaku dancing with indians XD
only now i noticed they provide the sticker to help reclose the lid. it's provided at the bottom of the container.

Ghibli Layout Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Ponyo ponyo ponyo...♪

Today's destination is Ghibli Layout Exhibition!
You can see the map trip below (sorry, only partly..., I was impatient to wait for the GPS to connect).
Not that it's that much of a walk trip anyways.

I love anime. One of my dream is to become a mangaka, or at least doujinshika. I want to try becoming an animator, too. Tough job, but doesn't it sound cool? But to be one in Japan is... really tough. First is the very high average skills people here have, second is the visa thing. But nothing's impossible, I'm sure. One day I'll become one! ^o^/ This Japanese culture is just so world wide already, from time to time I see foreign otaku interviewed on Japanese TV. Though, it's a bit ugh to be stereotyped as gaijin who come to Japan because of anime/manga. ^_^; Though I do can't deny it fully.

First up. The train manner monkey series was at the Osaka-kou Station (大阪港).

And this very cute dog was sleeping... Luckily I went the wrong way, was going through the smaller street, not the main street, a shortcut, I guess.

The ticket is ¥700 for student. ¥600 if I remember to take the voucher...

Outside is a big Totoro board, where you can lay down, pretending you're on top of Totoro's belly. Too bad no one's there to take a pic for me... =/ It was already evening by the time I went out. I was in there for almost 3 hours ^_^;;

There are two long boards for people to put their own stickers. I'm not sure what these creatures supposed to represent. I do remember seeing them somewhere... orz

Mine's somewhere here.

Anyways. I'm not a big fan of Ghibli, actually, sorry. I'd rather see Production IG's or Studio 4C's. But Ghibli is big. And this thing is not something to be missed (ends 12 October in Osaka). The layout exhibition is awesome. From those yellowish ones that are older than me, to the most recent Ponyo's colored layout design.

It just makes me want to watch more Ghibli's anime, and make my own (ahahaha). Bought the book, 400 pages thick for ¥2900 (1 for a friend) and some postcards.

Layout is something drawn after E-konte (storyboard), to picture better how the scenes should look and animated, since it's hard to change once you go into the actual drawing process. Except for Ponyo's exhibition, all of them are only drawn by pencil and colored pencils. Some are just so rough. Some are very detailed. And they have these "technical words" written on them, like "follow" or "pan up". There are other words which are not pure english, but I can't remember them, ahaha. Oh wait, "kumi" which is when the "cell" touches the background. I'm not sure what's the scratch lines (have to see them close enough) doing on the paper, maybe it's explained on the audio tour (¥500), which I didn't get.

It looks like these (from the thick book). The display for Spirited Away one is the best. The castle-ish building is printed big on the wall. And the layout drawings fill up the wall from below till the ceiling. And they're so pretty and detailed... =A=

Afterwards, I went to get something to eat. Suntory Museum where the exhibition's held is just beside the aquarium. These lamps are just so sparkly cute. I don't like aquariums, though... Uncooked real fish scares me, though salmon sashimi is kinda yumm.

This is at a nearby mall. I think there's a similar place in Dotonburi? I've never been there.

Restaurants and shops. I ended up eating a Tendon. Haven't had tempura for a long time.

Next to the mall is this giant ferris wheel. One of the world's biggest. ¥700 for one adult (oh wait, I just see it's having a special price for ¥560). This place really reminds me of Odaiba, on a much smaller scale, though...

And that's the end of today. Two gallery trips in a week. =D
Next coming up is Inoue Takehiko's exhibition, I think... sometime next year?
Most of special events is ending this early October. Hm, well. Summer ended and new semester is beginning soon...

ghibli layout exhibition
Map created by EveryTrail

GPS Tracking

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:18:00 +0000

At the last trip to Osaka Castle, I switched between:

- Canon Camera
For nicer quality pictures.

- iPhone Camera
For its auto geotagging ability. It's pretty good just for daily recordings. And the focus on tap thing is awesome.

- Geotagging (by Everytrail -- the actual app called Everytrail wasn't useful for me)

It's convenient when you want to take pics only at certain spots, and not really having the need to fully track your walking path. The photos will be connected with lines automatically on the website. So I took pic twice, one for this path, one to keep. And that's why sometimes I just forgot to take proper pics for this XD

The path and pics are editable online though. But if only it shows up the time the photo was taken, it'd be perfect. They just released a new version of their website not long ago, I hope they'll keep on improving it.

The bad thing is that you can't save the photos to iPhone. =/ And can't set up the accuracy. So when you're at a bad area, it'll keep on trying to locate and won't track.

- GPS Tracker (Instamapper)

The nice thing about it is you can track as often or as rarely as you want, very accurate, or just about, useful when you're at a bad signal area. And it keeps all your GPS recording, you can then choose your point you want to use as your track online. I use the exported gpx file to geotag my Canon camera using GPS Photo Linker.
You can see the time when the points are recorded. Nice.
But I don't think the points are editable, it can be erased, though.

- セカイカメラ

For futuristic anime-ish experience XDD
I'm just worried with my battery, though. I need to get the backup battery pack.

Other useful software:

Run Keeper Free is nice if you're doing jogging. Which I intended to do, but only did once so far... orz

I used Trapster to record the trip in Kyoto, but it's a bit annoying, since it's main purpose is for people who drive and want to be careful with police traps(?). Not gonna use this again since Everytrail turned out nice.

Osaka Castle

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:23:00 +0000

hal festival, osaka castle, duck
Map created by EveryTrail.

The photos aren't that clear since I didn't take my time taking them. Just sort of went along.

Went to see HAL-Mode Festival today, and it's at Osaka Castle Hall. They displayed HAL final year students' projects, and most of them really are "game" centered like. They made it look like game centers. Awesome. Didn't get to play them since I was late though. The Mode Gakuen was also awesome. I really like the veggie costumes. They also invited Tsunku, and he sang some songs. It was like a concert.

Afterwards, since Osaka Castle is just nearby, I went to see it. It's been 9 years since I first saw it. I didn't get in it, just passing by. I remember the gates, but can't remember inside the castle itself. The train ride costs ¥200. This one goes to JR station.

You can climb these steep stairs to see the surroundings. It's really steep.

There's a lift to climb up. Hehe, looks so modern.

This is Osaka history museum. Reminds me of Tokyo University.

There are many families bringing their kids to spend the afternoon here. Some are tourists. Some people draw. Some people took pics. And there's one monk over there.

There's a temple nearby. Just outside one of Osaka Castle's gate.

Some food stands outside the temple. Ikayaki (grilled squid) and shaved ice with syrup.

Out of the castle area, there's NHK building. And a park, people jog and sat around. Nice weather too.

See the yellow blob in the middle? (Is walking through the small street) Getting closer...

Ack. It's behind this weird looking Osaka special tourist bus.

Urmm... from the butt! XD People are busy taking pics! And I hear some music...

There's a robotic dragon boat bursting fire and water alternately!

The dragon retires. Putting the big yellow thing to the attention again.

(quack!)

The giant yellow thing is a balloon rubber ducky XD It's his last day in Osaka. He's gonna continue his trip round the world tomorrow.

Comparing with people's size.

If you see from セカイカメラ (Sekai Camera), it's like this... very crowded. Lots of people use iPhone, eh? And that app is really popular. Or maybe everyone who has iPhone has セカイカメラ and post one thing here?

On the other hand, Autumn is coming!

Below is a more detailed GPS track. Ignore the max speed. Haha ^_^; Not sure how it gets that.

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

Kyoto Trip

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:59:00 +0000

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

My main aim for this Kyoto trip was to see Kyoto Louvre Museum. It was on Silver Week, not only international tourists, but Japanese had long holidays, so people are out for travel. There were long queue for bus. So I decided to take train since I thought it might be faster, but probably not so. And alas, when I finally reached there the museum, the queue was 120min.

Some people waiting at a konbini nearby.

Finished a manga while queuing and spent the rest reading novel, but my eyes were getting tired. When I finally got in, the amount of people inside were scary. Some people pushes (but of course not as bad as when we were in China, my grandma fell down a few times), and one obaa-chan were saying like "yosh, seen, next!". ^_^; So fast? I can't really see the paintings slowly though, tired of queueing and just... too crowded. But they're awesome. How can they paint such details... And the frames are awesome too, very grand, and look ancient. o_o;

Walked through a small path by the river. Awesome.

Anyway. After that I decided to go to Nijo-jo. I was quite sure it'd be close, but decided to go anyway since it's only a station away from my next destination. And yup, it was closed. There were other people taking pics as well, though.

Then on to a station walk. It's not that far, and it's nice to see the surroundings, too. So I like to walk one station distance over here (besides not having to pay one station train ticket, I got to see more places!). Surprisingly, these roads are so wide. Usually the road in Kyoto is so narrow, right? Some are like 1m(?) wide or something...

Next up is Manga Museum. They hold some events and exhibitions here. And that time they're lending iPhones for people to try their software (something like Sekai Kamera). But unfortunately it was too late already... =( And soon after that Sekai Kamera was released, so I'm happy. =)

You can read up any manga you like over there, well, their collection is not updated till recent ones, but at least a few years back. I didn't read much, just seeing around the museum. And sat down at the grass carpet, really nice. Will go spend one day there someday.

Kyoto at night is really quiet. On the wide street during my walk, people across the street must've been able to hear my camera sound. And barely people at the station at 8pm. It's still crowded around Kyoto station though. Maybe because where I walked was office area?

Escalator standing/through side. Which side do you stand in Kyoto? I think it's left. Is it only Osaka who stand on the right? And btw, I can't help laughing and felt happy when I stand on the right in Tokyo escalators by reflect. XD

Kyoto 20090922
Map created by EveryTrail: Share and Plan your Trips

Done by uploading instamapper data and then uploading geotagged pics manually. This takes lots of time and I had to repeat it many times since I messed it up.
Some of them are still a bit messed up. Will fix it.

The Trapster version is here.

Lucky, Presentations, and the Yakult Lady

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Is very lucky today.
First thing was I didn't get lost this morning during rush time in that big station.
Then I got two drinks for one price from a drink machine (seems like I hit a jackpot).
After that I saw the last piece of a 50 pieces/day limited 4-leaves-clover bread, bought it.
Then I tried my luck with the capsule machine, and I got Okita!!

Japanese presentations.
They don't clap. I found it really weird. It's as if no one listens.
And they give out lots of papers, each presenter gives out one. And people barely read them.
The presentation was held at a building in the middle of the city, the scenery from up there is so awesome.
And I saw some amazing stuff too.
I think almost everyone there has their laptop on. Except me. And half of it are Macs. =D

Continuation of the Yakult ladies that I always see at a certain time in the afternoon riding bicycle, passing me.
Another Yakult lady knocked the place, offering Yakult drinks, I suppose. I find it... weird, but interesting. So I guess they go around places offering Yakult?

Softbank iPhone 3GS 16GB Black

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Softbank iPhone 3GS 16GB Black, originally uploaded by osakacchi.

My current main screen.

Couldn't hold the temptation to get an iPhone. So I decided to break up with the Japanese phone and go with an iPhone. Some different abilities of the 2 phones:

KDDI AU Sony RE
cost: ¥0 (had to subscribe to a few services, like insurance, music, navigation service, only for 2 months, and free to cancel afterwards) + charger is a separate ¥980-ish
internet highest cap: ¥4410
monthly plan: ¥980 (includes around ¥1000 free local call)
speciality 1: Felica, take most trains in Tokyo with just your phone, in Osaka, it's limited to JRs
speciality 2: Oneseg, ability to watch digital TV from phone, signal could be bad, depending on location
pros: ability to merge with the Japanese system... =/ the way it takes QRcode is awesome, even when it's very very small.
cons: inability to sync with my Macbook, have to use Windows to manage the music on the phone, have to pay to get new ringtones
idols: Arashi <3, Nakama Yukie
requirements: gaijin card prove, passport, bank book

Softbank iPhone 3GS
cost: ¥480 x 24 = ¥11520 (until 30 Sep 2009, was ¥2400 x 24, full front price = ¥57600)
internet highest cap: ¥4410 (until 30 Sep 2009, was ¥5985)
monthly plan: ¥490 (for students)
speciality 1: Appstore
pros: ability to sync with Macbook, that is awesome, camera spot focus to where you touch
cons: no Felica, no Oneseg, camera focus is worse at some point
idols: SMAP, Ueto Aya
requirements: student card, health insurance card, bank card

New Contract / Cancellation related cost
MNP (Mobile Number Portability) = ¥2000-ish
KDDI DaredemoWari (Monthly discount for everyone -- those who cancels 2 year contracts) = ¥9000-ish
Softbank のりかえ promo (move from another provider) = using MNP, 5 months of free basic cost (¥490 for me), for students, additional 5 months free = -¥4900

My parents was letting me get iPhone nonetheless, so I started asking starting from a nearby shop. But they sold out. Next, Namba's Bic Camera, also sold out. After leaving Bic Camera, we had to go home to pick up mom's passport. And at the same time I took my student card and train tickets that I left behind (this is important!). Afterwards, I went to ask at another store in Ebisubashi, they have it!

I was expecting to pay full front, as I've read on internet. The lady started by asking me my passport and gaijin card. Then she asked my health insurance and student card, and my bank card for payment. And then she said, since I have the student card and health insurance card, it's possible for me to pay 24x!!! Instead of the ¥57600 full front! Even though my visa is currently expiring next March!

Such a nice lady. The shop seems to be gaijin friendly too. There was a gaijin talking to the shop's hmm... a gaijin manager? Not sure. After awhile, there were other gaijin coming too. Was there for 1.5 hours. They had to do those paperworks and transferring of my number. And also applying for credit card, which hopefully will arrive soon, I need it. Mom was complaining while I was all smiley. orz

So there I went with my new phone. Note that the MNP process was pretty fast. So my AU phone was rendered useless at that spot. Though I didn't try it after the process. It now sits on its box nicely. Anyone interested getting it? Hehe. But I guess it won't work outside Japan since it has that weird Japanese only network...

Softbank iPhone (in short)

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Found the 16gb iPhone 3GS in stock at the 3rd Softbank store. Took it rightaway. Managed to get away with 24x plan. So now I'm done with Japanese phone. I've used mobile Suica in Tokyo, so I'm pretty satisfied. Bye bye 1seg, bye bye Felica phone. Will write in details at a later date. Is pretty busy till tomorrow afternoon.

edit: Mobile Suica is really nice actually, you can charge it easily from a nearby Newdays/Family Mart, which is always near JR stations. I tried charging it through the mobile banking but it never worked, strangely. I wish they have such system here too. But well, I have iPhone now.

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Sorry for not updating for a long time. Been busy with this and that.
To summarize quickly.

I failed my 2nd attempt for University Entrance exam. Different exam, but, fail is fail. Was very depressed for more than a week. I'd go for my last attempt for university entrance exam next year.

Went to Tokyo to accompany mom and friend. Gundam really sooth me, even though it was in the middle of typhoon. The movement's crude, but still awesome. AWESOME. Wish they put it there forever.

I turned 24.

Attended HAL Taiken Nyuugaku. Was fun. I do think I should have a backup plan. One is not enough for Japan. It's really tough here. But I will survive somehow. If I give up here and go back home, I'd definitely regret it my whole life. So yeah, I should somehow find a way to cheer up. I wish I can give something back to the kind people around me. I feel so guilty for failing.

Gonna start applying for a scholarship. But yet again, I feel so bad for applying for it. But I couldn't say no if they offer me one. Why not take it?

Suddenly have the urge to get an iPhone. Did lots of research online and off. Was thinking of getting iPod Touch instead, but I reckon combining the phone into 1 is not bad, much lighter bag. Initially I decide to get it if I pass the exam. But I didn't. And yet my parents still let me get it. But I cant forgive myself for getting one after failing an exam. Maybe they let me because I'm so so so depressed with the exam result. I think the last time I felt like that was 10 years ago-ish.

It'd cost me 9900yen-ish for canceling my AU. And since my current visa has less than 1 year remaining, I'd have to pay full front, 57600yen for 16GB. Then if I do a 2 year contract, I'd be discounted for 1920yen monthly for 24 months (from the bill, excluding the basic white plan thingy). That's what I figured out so far. Some people say about having credit card/bill and gaijin card, they'll let them pay monthly. But I don't have utility bill under my name nor a Japanese credit card (another gruesome journey for that). Since the local Softbank sold out the iPhone, will try again tomorrow at another branch.

Apparently Softbank's having a promotion of discounting when we transfer from another provider with MNP (keeping your phone number). But MNP costs 2700yen. And the discount that I was interested was for 5 months of free white plan fee. That'd still save me like 2000yen ish. Worth it. My phone number's not that important, but why not, I guess.

So yeah, basically, I'm just so hyped for iPhone. That keep me alive for now.

Wrongly Used Ticket

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:40:00 +0000

I currently uses 3 different kinds of train tickets that I use regularly. So one day when I'm in a rush, I put in the wrong ticket in... orz And so I got this from the station master in replacement for one time ride from the multiple ride card. So I'm saved! Thank you!

1seg (ワンセグ)

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:47:00 +0000

<3<3<3<3 Roy

I was on the train when they air Hagaren. So I watched it on the train. I forgot that I can watch it on my phone until some minutes past. Then, I forgot to plug in my earphone until halfway. Ahh. And I spent sometime to rotate this screen. Somehow it wouldn't rotate... orz

It was descent. It was slightly glitchy towards the end, no signal. But overall, not bad. I love 1 seg. It's complete with special tv menu and subtitle! GPS is also awesome. But I figure I don't need navi that much so I cancelled the 210 yen/month service, saves money.

Noww... I still haven't got the chance to use Osaifu Keitai (mobile wallet).

Tenjin Matsuri

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Was in Osaka on 24-25 July. I only went for the 2nd day. Decided to walk to the site since it's close enough from Umeda station.

On the way, got my lunch at Saizeriya. 299 yen. I love this Doria.

On the way there, I went pass a temple, and yeah wished for a wish. There were some people wandering around there.

Sort of an exhibition at the temple.

The crossing bridges in Umeda is awesome. This is the small one.

Doesn't that electric pole look dangerous?

I spot miko! Or maybe girls dressing as miko?

At the end of the closed big street, there was a march from the temple I guess. People were taking pics and stopping there.

After that I go with the flow of the people. They were basically walking in 1 way. So I suppose the next event will happen there.

This is the next event, the bridge is closed... And people were sitting on the roadside.

Nothing was there after awhile. Down on the river, people are getting on the boats.

Then came a march of people dressing up like this. Reminds me of gnomes.

Next, the crowd are moving towards the small road. When suddenly the police asked us to move aside.

And a tengu showed up!! People were watching from their windows too.

Going straight on, there were loads of stands. But I was still full. Ningyo Sukui! As Mikuru requested! I didn't play though.

Then I'm not sure where to go afterwards. Going along with the most crowds again, seems like they're heading to the fireworks place. Some of the roads were forced to be one way walking. There were too many people. And polices shouting "don't ride on your bikes, please go on one way"... Non stop. Must be tough.

We were going right on the side of a big street.

And look at the zebra cross!

More of one way pics. Omawari-san (policeman)!

We're heading towards the bridge.

Look at the crowds coming out from the other end.

Look at the amount of people...

I can barely see stuff and move. There were just too many people.

The boat with the lights up.

The fireworks were a bit disappointing. I've seen better in Aussie, I think. But seems like this is the small one. Each is supported by companies, like this.

There were lots of companies, but all were short ones. And so, it ended. Move with the crowds again.

Decided to go to the stands and get something to eat. I only had coffee while standing and walking for 6 hours.

And I got Tamago Senbei.

The egg is heart shaped. But eating wasn't very peaceful. Lots of people smoking on the free space. And I dripped the egg yolk again!

Say bye bye to the boats, it's time to go home.

And look at the rubbish people left. Even if it's Japan, it still get this dirty. They were scattered here and there too.

I walked with the crowd again. Not too sure where I'm going as long as it's towards a station. Here's Osaka Castle from far.

This one I've been wanting to snap. Liberty statue (upper half?!). Not sure what's that. And again I spilled the melted ice of my drinks (didn't find a proper trash can in the station).

Television

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:27:00 +0000

I love the TV here, very modern. It works like you have a cable/satellite TV in Indonesia. You can see the channels' schedule up to a week from today, and also book it so the it'll automatically switch to the channel, or if it's off, it'll turn on and off by itself. *o* The schedule's possible because of the digital broadcast.

There are 4 types of TV broadcast types that I can choose from my remote control. The first two are the 地上A and D (ground Analog and Digital). Then BS, and CS. I'm not sure what's CS, I don't use it. I also don't normally watch BS, it's filled with NHK and I think it's more boring. Most of the shows are on Ground D, where the main channels are, as far as I know. Ground A has some of Ground D channels, but it has such low quality, never watched from there. There's also Gyao, a paid cable TV of some sort. Mine's not working for some reason... orz But even with just normal TV it's quite enough, there are always interesting one to see, except when it gets late on sunday nights. Normally all of the channel goes sleep or switch to TV shopping sessions at around 2 or 3 on sunday nights.

This one lists the programs that I booked. And the list is full. A bit lame, I couldn't add more... ;_; Oh, you can browse the schedule by genres (anime, drama, variety, etc) and by time, neat.

On BS and CS, when you press "d" button, this kind of screen will show up. Kind of like a website. It differ from channel to channel. From there you can see the news, and local weather. Notice it doesn't only say Osaka, but also the suburb I'm in. Cool.

When the channel has a "data broadcast", it'll have this kind of special menu. For Fullmetal Alchemist, you can see the summary for current/previous episodes, character, opening/ending song info, and a barcode linking to the mobile website.

The image above has Japanese subtitle. Sometimes it'll have color and symbols and placed neatly, but sometimes it can get annoying and cover the pics or get really lagged on certain programs. But it helps me understand better, so... Still, isn't it awesome?! Subtitles!

So yeah, this'll end my post about the TV for now.

Harry Potter @ IMAX

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0000

There are only 3 IMAX theaters in Japan, 1 of them is in Osaka. I've never been to IMAX before, so I'm not sure what to expect, except for hearing that the screen is big. Osaka's IMAX is at Minoh, 109 Cinemas. I took bus to get there.

109 Cinemas is located in Visola. I like the bridge design. It was such a hoooot day.

The entrance door is so small and cramped with people waiting inside.

The queue wasn't that long, I arrived around 40 min before the movie starts. I've been checking the seats online. Wanted to get it online, but it requires credit card. I don't want to be charged with extra charges, 2200 yen is expensive enough. It seems like lots of people has bought the tickets in advance, but I figured 1 person's seat would be okay.

Everytime I checked the site, this particular seat number always come up. And guess what, it ended up to be the seat I'm getting in the end. ^_^;; Maybe it's the only left?

This one is the brochures I took and given. The glasses to see the 12 minutes special 3D scenes are given at the entrance. I'm not sure why they gave me that sticker. Not sure what movie is that from. They also sell movie pamphlets. I peeked at a person who's flipping it in front of my seat, but I figured it'd be too expensive for 800 yen?

This time, they checked our tickets at 1 gate, hmm. So maybe it's possible to switch around to other theaters? I've never done it back in Aussie, though, but it's possible I guess. The seat is more comfortable than the previous one, but still, narrow!! I was sitting with a couple on my left and right... agggh. And my bag barely fit the chair width. ;_; And also dropped my glasses in the middle of the show, and people turned over and looked at me... ///// After the show, most people also stayed until the credit is over. I ended up staying as well as I need to take the glasses under the seat in front to return it to the staff... orz

After that I wandered around a bit, it's a pretty nice place actually, near the hills, but I don't feel like eating dinner there, and so ended up going home early.

Ice Chai (¥160) that I had for the day, I think I'd prefer it hot.

Bought some dessert for that night (around ¥300) in Visola. The biscuit of the cheesecake was so goood. It must be put to a fridge in 1 hour though, so I quickly rushed home afterwards.

My dinner for that night? Katsu-don, ¥630. Was scared with an old man who sat next to me just after I finished this meal, but the Katsu was so thick and yummy~

Unagi Day

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:24:00 +0000

In Japanese, it's called doyo no ushi no hi (土用の丑の日). It falls in the middle of summer. It's one of those tactics by people to sell more of their stuff, and dates back to 2 centuries ago. On this day, you eat Eel (Unagi), and believed that it'd keep you healthy to go through the rest of the hot summer. This year, it falls on 2 days. One of them is 19 July. I had one this afternoon. There has been advertising of the Unagi day since few days ago, in konbini and supermarkets. I don't think they lower the price at all, except for one restaurant I know, 790yen to 690 yen.

In supermarkets, they have special corner for Unagi. This one is the unagi only, not the bento. There are two types, Japanese products and Chinese products. The Chinese one costs half of the Japanese one. There's been cases of food poisoning from Chinese products, hasn't it. Wanted to get the Japanese one, but ended up buying a cheap Unagi nigiri (sushi shaped one), 398yen.

So I'm not sure whether it's a local one or an international one. orz

Haruhi S2

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0000

I'm so late in hearing this news. Over a month here and I didn't know that Haruhi has new episodes along with the old ones. Well, you see, Sun TV broadcasts it with such a lame quality, so I thought it's the old one and never bother it. It's the broadcast called Windowbox in English, and 額縁放送 (Gakubuchihousou) in Japanese. *sigh* This is so evil.

So apparently it'll have 28 episodes. The just now broadcasted was episode 16. Seems like I'd have to catch up with 6 episodes.

And apparently there's a website that has lists of what anime airs on what in Osaka. Except for KBS, I have all of the channels.

I Watched Eva on Harry Potter's Premiere

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:20:00 +0000

And I made such a big post, just for watching anime at a cinema... Not such a fan of Eva, I wanted to watch Harry Potter actually. But Eva seems to come first. And anime being my first movie to watch in Japan... Didn't regret it at all. It was such a great movie. Or is it because I watched in on theatre? But still. I couldn't understand some of the dialogs. And probably even with English subtitle I still couldn't understand some parts of Eva. But it was so moving, I guess.

Some differences with cinemas I've been before. Watched the movie at Ema. It was an interesting cinema. I think all of the cinemas I know has entrance doors on the same level. But this one is different. The first floor is the lobby. Then there's an (one) entrance to go to the theaters above, through a (one) very narrow escalator. So 10 min before the scheduled time, people queue in front of the entrance and go up. Really sorry for the very blurry picture.

The theater I watched was number 1, so I didn't get to know other theaters, but others are at the upper floors. Interesting. And while queueing, I saw a girl dressing up as Hermione (a gaijin), almost look like one. The ticket is checked at the theater's door, so you can't go in wrongly, I guess, not like in Aussie.

The interior was, unexpectedly... normal, a bit disappointed actually. Aussie's big chair is much nicer. And the air conditioner wasn't that cold too, more like a bit warm. But I won't complain much since I only paid for 1000 yen, around 500 yen cheaper than normal? Because it's a lady's days every wednesday.

On the scheduled time, they played trailers for upcoming movies. One Piece seems interesting. And the closer one, Summer Wars. Must watch that one. Then the movie starts. Amazingly, everyone follows the cute warning movie, no speaking. It was so quiet, except for some almost inaudible giggle at several moments. And when the credit comes up, I was surprised that no one is getting up o___o;;; Normally, when the credit comes up, the lights would turn on and people would start leaving. But no one left the theater until the credit finished. And so, after the credit there's the "on next episode" "service, service" thing. Then after that everyone left. Seriously, I was surprised with the quietness.

At the lobby, there's also a place where they sell harry potter / eva goods, but didn't get to see it closer. And was wondering about these movie pamphlets. Will look at it when I watch Harry Potter. I suppose the cinema food is as expensive as Aussie? I'm not sure. But there was also a vending machine, which has, of course, higher price than normal.

Then we went to Loft. Such an amazing building. It has lots of cute and stuff, from chairs, yukata, those useless toys, cute stationery... And we had pasta there.

This summer special pasta taste different than normal pasta. Quite okay. But the tomato garlic pasta tastes better. I guess I still love tomato pasta nonetheless.

Then, they have service of getting free tea/coffee after the meal. WOW. Then I was somehow confused about the milk. Thought I have to pay more or something. But I think she's saying it differently... orz Anyway, got my milk and coffee. It was so good as well. Very satisfied. I must pay back my senpai in the future somehow... She's so kind and paid for my meal. I feel bad for not using formal Japanese, but I can't help myself.

Actually, I'm always confused when the kouhai (juniors) speaks in formal japanese, and the senpai (seniors) speak in non formal japanese. I'd definitely get influenced to use non formal to answer the senpai. Unless, of course, they're teachers.

Oh well. Such a good day, so I'd better study more dilligently ;_;

Summer 2009 Anime (Osaka) [edited]

noreply@blogger.com (suicchi) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Listing Anime I'm gonna watch on TV this summer. Well, will practice my Japanese, going to watch it all raw! It's so hard to see which channel air it in Osaka, since all of them are Tokyo based and different regions have different channels =( But apparently Wikipedia lists them... But still.

Fuji TV = Kansai TV?

くるねこ
Kansai TV, Sunday 08:55 - 09:00

鋼の錬金術師 (2009)
MBS, Sunday 17:00 - 17:30

07-Ghost
Yomiuri TV, ch10, Monday 25:59 - 26:29

GA 芸術科アートデザインクラス
Yomiuri TV, ch10, Monday 26:29 - 26:59

~~うみねこのなく頃に~~
~~Sun TV, 6 July, Monday 25:40~~~
hmm, not my type

東京マグニチュード8.0
Kansai TV, 14 July, Tuesday 25:35 - 26:05

~~Canaan~~
~~Kansai TV, 7 July, Tuesday 26:20 26:10 26:05~~
pretty, but not my type again

懺・さよなら絶望先生
BS11, 10 July, Friday 24:30 - 25:00

Sun TV, Monday 24:00-24:30 (but overlapped with Arashi no Shukudai kun)

エレメントハンター
NHK教育, ch 2, Saturday 16:35 - 17:00