What's Up Cool Japan??: January 2017

2017/01/30

The Fare of Taxi in Tokyo

Hello it is me!
Hope you are surviving on Blue Monday!! hahaha

For people who checked our Facebook, you came here to find the answer about the title, the fare of taxi in Tokyo.

But, wait,,,

I know there are lots of blog lovers here, so let me explain for people who have not checked our Facebook page.

Do you know the fare of taxi in Tokyo for first ride?

It is 730 yen.

Yeah, it is little bit expensive for the first ride.

However, people who often take a taxi even though it is short distance would love this change.

Of course, the fare will increase 80 yen for 237 meters after you ride 1km, but it is much cheeper than before.

Ok, you are saying

"Ok then, how much is it anyway!?"

I hear you lol

The fare for first ride is...

...........

...410 yen!!

Wow!!

Just say "WOW!!!"

Hope taxi "rider" increase lol

Therefore, the answer for people who checked Facebook is 410 yen :)

Looking forward to seeing you again!

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2017/01/28

Cool Japanese Ladies!!

Hello, it is me!

Hope you are enjoying Saturday!

When you think about "cool", what do you come up for its image?

Men, young, sport player, singer, dancer... etc ...

Wait, dancer?

I found interesting video on YouTube.

Hope you know Bruno Mars who is popular singer, and the song is 24K magic!!

Anyway, LOOK AT THIS VIDEO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa-GpwBjsjQ

Yeeeeessss, now you found the new "cool" here, right!?

What a cool Japanese ladies! Elderly cool ladies are dancing with Bruno Mars song!

When I watched this video first, I was like "is this real or fake?" haha

Because I did not think they can dance!!

But...

It is just my stereotype that is no meaning to have.

Human can do what nobody expects! right my friend??

I just wanted to share this video to my friends!

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2017/01/26

Anime song Karaoke

How's it going today my friends?

Hope you are spending great day.

Have you ever been to Karaoke?

Karaoke is one of popular culture or entertainment spot in Japan.

You can sing the artists' song here, but if you like anime or cartoon, do not you think you want to sing anime song here?

I have great idea for you.

http://anison-stars.com/belle/

There you go~!

Here, you can sing anime song with staff who cosplay various character!

As you know, the website I am working on, called Cool Japan@City, has YouTube channel, and we actually went there and took a video!

Here is the video.

http://cooljapan.jpn.org/special/we_are/

Looks so fun, right!?

Yeah, it was really fun!!!

If you are interested in, you should go there for sure.

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2017/01/25

Yokozuna from Japan!

Hello my friends!
Hope you are doing well.

For people who live in Japan, please watch out the crazy snows...

I want to tell happy news to you!!

Sumo is the Japanese national sports, and today, Japanese sumo wrestler became the top position, called Yokozuna.

It is been 19 years to be appeared Yokozuna wrestler from Japan!

Recently, young generation of Japanese are likely to watch soccer, baseball, or basketball.

However, sumo is still popular sport in Japan, and many people watch it, even on TV.

The wrestler's name is Kisenosato, 30 years old.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/23/sumo/kisenosato-set-to-gain-promotion-becoming-first-japan-born-yokozuna-in-19-years/#.WIhMT7Z97ow

As you can see the article above, this is historical news for Japan.

Recently, this Yokozuna position was the wrestler form Mongol.

Some people said that sumo is not Japan's national sport anymore.

That is why today's this big news is really happy announcement for Japanese.

If you have never watched sumo, please watch it from this opportunity ;)

Cheers!!

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2017/01/23

Sakura is Definitely Cool !!

How's it going?

Hope you are not blue Monday today!

ughhhhh it is so cold Japan!

I like summer, so I cannot wait to become summer!!

Wait,,,

Before welcoming summer, Spring will come, right?

What is your image of spring?

For me, it is cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese) for sure.

I saw the forecast of cherry blossom on the internet news, and it said the cherry may start to bloom from March 22 in Tokyo.

It is still January 23, but just 2 months later!

I am so exciting!

I want to drink sake under the beautiful cherry blossom.

The party under the cherry blossom is called "Hanami" in Japan.

"Hanami" is also cool culture in Japan, not only SAKURA!

These are sakura photos I took last year.

Beautiful, right? lol

You can drink under these kind of sakura...what a cool :)

When you come to Japan, spring is also good idea to come.

Cheers

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2017/01/21

Center Shiken

How are you doing today?

I watched the news and it broadcasted about "Center Shiken".

Do you know what it is?

It is the important exam for high school students, and the result will affect on which university they enroll.

"Shiken" literally means exam.

There are 5 subjects (8 courses) to take, and total score is 950 points.

High school students study these subject so hard in order to get high scores in this exam.

Why do they study so hard for this exam?

In Japan, which university you enroll is really important to get the job in the future.

Good university is kind of status for student and has some advantages to hunt the job.

I heard the phrase that Japan's university is hard to enroll but easy to graduate.

I do not know, but hard to enter is true.

I have experienced this exam, and I was so nervous lol

My performance was so bad because of it, so how to deal with nervousness is also key point to take this exam.

This is the tip from me lol

Well, good luck students!

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2017/01/19

We went to...

Hello it is me!
Hope you are doing well.

Japan is so cold recently but we went to some spots in Tokyo.

And we found many interesting things.

Look at this,,,

Here is not just the place of Akihabara. You can see the vending machine, right?

Are you ready?

Damn!!! lol

This is vending machine for popcorn making. It is so rare, isn't it?

We are now working on the edit for Youtube video, so if you want to know more about details, please subscribe our channel lol

<LINK BELOW>
Cool Japan at City TV

Moreover,

Japan has started something cool campaign.

It is collecting series of stamps about DRAGON BALL at railway stations.

Totally, 65 stations (stamps).

As you can see the pictures, my colleague, Rose from China, was exciting to stamp on the book.

If you are fan of this series, or if you like to collect something, this campaign is fun for sure.

And also, you can visit many places in Tokyo!!

Enjoy Japan!

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2017/01/18

What is Instant Noodle in Japan?

What's up friends?

Hope you guys are doing great.

Yesterday, I wrote about my lunch lol

But, I just want to focus on how instant noodles were made.

August 25th in 1958, the first instant noodle, chicken ramen, was born.

modern chicken ramen

It was just 2 minutes to wait after put boiled water.

Of course, it was the innovative progress in the world, and it was sold a lot.

Chicken ramen was made with 5 concepts: delicious, easy to cook, stock-able, reasonable, and safe.

However, there were also some problems.

Even though the ramen or noodles were popular because it is reasonable and high calorie, the instant noodles at the time was same as the foods in the restaurant or store.

The price was 35 yen. When compared with udon, udon was 6 yen. Hmm... wow!!

Because the instant coffee was sold in 1960 which is little bit later of chicken noodle, the word, "instant" became the word of trend in 1960 and 1961.

Here is the short movie about instant noodles. There is no English subtitles, so I summarized the points what it is saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrvXOp-hvxk&feature=youtu.be

*********************************************************************************
<Summary>

The instant noodle is invented from Japan.

The production volume is getting increase, and in 2015, the production volume in Japan became 5.64 billion. It is about 44.3 time to eat per person in a year.

Moreover, the fans of instant noodle are getting bigger and bigger, and the production volume became 97.7 billion.

During the 1958 to today, there were lots of story in the back ground of development such as launched ramen organization and advance to space food business.
*********************************************************************************

Anyway, now instant noodles or instant products are from Japan, and people in the world love those products so much!!

Proud of you Japan!!

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2017/01/17

Instant Noodles

Hi~
How are you today??

As some of you may know that, Ramen is one of popular food in Japan.

I love ramen especially Tonkotsu (Hakata) ramen...

But, when there is not your favorite ramen shop, what would you do?

Searching around the area?

No no no, you do not have to do that in Japan.

Why?

Because there are lots of instant noodles, and you can get it everywhere even in convenience stores.

I might say of course the taste of "real" ramen and instant one are different.

But, you can satisfied with the taste for sure!

I chose this instant noodle today: Dandan noodles

I know...I didn't choose the Tonkotsu ramen lol

This is about 200 yen (less than that...)

lots of varieties!

just put boiling water into it and wait 3 min

that's all!! easy!

One thing I have to say is be careful about the time to wait.

Sometimes it is 5 minutes depend on the instant ramen.

Please do not mistake the order to put garnish! If you cannot understand, just ask someone! lol

or, oh, maybe the number is put on the bag sometimes.

I will write about the history about the instant noodles soon.

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2017/01/16

Why Is Body Language Important to Know? (2)

Hello, it's me :)

I wrote about the 12 years old girl's story by previous post. It is mainly about the meaning of body language.

And today, I want to pick up 5 more body languages that make some troubles because of the cultural differences.

1. Peace Sign

I think many people have used this sign before when you take a picture. However, in Greece, it means "Fuck you".

Please do not use this sign in Greece.

Moreover, some people reverse the sign (show your back of the hands) especially Japanese girls like to do that.

Please do not do that in the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand because it means also "fuck you".

2. OK Sign

Well, this is also common sign for almost all people.

When your friend ask something, you say "Yeah OK!!" with this signature.

However, in France, it means good for nothing or no value.

Moreover, in Brazil, Turkey, and Venezuela, it is barnyard meaning (sexual meaning).

3. Cross My Finger Sign

Japanese are not likely to use this hand sign, but in Europe or America, many people use this sign as good luck!

In Vietnam, it is barnyard meaning.

Just be careful with that.

4. Strike a Victory Pose

For me, the meaning of this sign is hard to understand because how people who do not do this sign express their feeling when we face with good moment or pleasure lol

Anyway, in Pakistan, it means "fuck you".

FYI, when people accomplish something, you may take a pose to strike one arm to make a fist and clap your arms with the other hand.

In France and Brazil, it seems to be comparable to the pose of "fuck you".

Oh my god, please make a common hand sign in the world...don't you think so? lol

5. Rock 'n' roll Sign

People who like to listen heavy metal or Rock music have chance to see this hand sign.

However, surprisingly, in Spain and Italy, it is not good meaning as insult.

FYI, please do not confuse with the sign of "I love you".

If the thumb up with this sign, it means "I love you".

Well, how many meanings did not you know out of five signs?

These are common signs that some people make mistake.

*I am so sorry for bad language, but you know, it is for explanations. Please understand :)

2017/01/14

Why Is Body Language Important to Know?

Hello it's me.

Hope you are doing well :)

The other day, I watched the TV program that 12 years-old Japanese (mixed blood) girl went to Iran to see her grandpa.

Even though she cannot speak Hindi, she tried to ask people where she want to go.

She was tired, and she visited the fresh juice shop. She was satisfied with the taste obviously.

The store staff asked her,

"How is it?"

She cannot speak Hindi, so she just thumb up.

thumb up

I thought, wow she is communicating with them well.

However,,,,

The store staff got mad suddenly and said,

"What? Are you teasing me? Get out of here, and do not show your face again!!"

The girl cannot understand what just happened.

body language is important to know

We always use "thumb up" for good meaning, but *in Iran, it means completely opposite.
(*Including Italy, Greece, Afghanistan)

She could not understand what he was saying, but she understood he was angry at her.

Just 12 years old girl cried so hard like released from the straining with the tension.

But, at the same time, I thought this experience was good lesson for her in the future.

Have you experienced like this before?

What others?

1. Peace sign

2. OK sign

3. Cross my finger sign

4. Strike a Victory pose

5. rock 'n' roll sign

I will talk to you about above five signs later, and hope you understand some body languages are sometimes trigger of cultural problems.

Culture is interesting huh!?

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2017/01/12

Is Packed Train Popular "Spot"??

Hey~

How is going today?

I am so tired today.

It is all because of packed train in this morning...

Generally, it takes 70 minutes by train from my home to the office.

I know, it is far but because of packed train, it takes 90 minutes to work.

Tokyo is crazy lol

these people...

I found the article that the packed train is one of the sightseeing "spot" lol

Well, I do not think it is cool, but according to the article, foreigners said the station staff are cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUKbHPkFe4U

Look at this Youtube video.

The staff push the passengers in order to depart the train.

Hmm...

I think they do not have to do that, but the service(?) is evaluated by foreigners.

Yuriko Koike, the first female governor in Tokyo, proposed the reduce of packed train.

I do not know how, but it is one of her commitments.

Hope it comes true very soon and hope to feel I have no stress anymore when commuting.

2017/01/11

Mochi (Rice Cake)

Do you know "mochi" which is the sticky rice cake?

Do you know how to make mochi ?

Mochi is made by using this special and glutinous rice called mochigome.

This is the most important ingredient.

You think you can make mochi just by using regular rice, but that’s not true.

As you can see the pictures, pound the mochigome and the mochigome become sticky mochi.

We ate mochi with various tastes such as Kinako and Anko after making it.

Mochi is one of the symbol in winter for Japanese, and it is loved by many people.

cosplayer also pounded lol

2017/01/10

GACHA PON !!

Hello, my friends!

In this morning, I watched the news and found interesting topic.

Capsule toy is getting popular from foreigners.

Wow...

I didn't know that.. ;(

And I researched about the capsule toy on the web.

Actually, there is the store only for capsule toy in Akihabara. The store has more than 500 kinds of genre, and the contents are changed every single month because the new items barely come out.

I did not know that...although I am Japanese lol

Here is the nice Youtube video that foreigner, maybe living in Japan, tried Gacha Pon.

https://youtu.be/_eY0Ja5RIvI

Look at her happy expression lol

Like this, foreign people are exciting about capsule toy, and it will be one of the trend at least by Tokyo Olympic (I wish... lol)

I think I would like to try.

Indeed, I have tried it before, and I collected this kind of series haha

Are you ready?

DB and Fuchiko-san

Fuchiko-san...

!?!?!?

what !?!?!?!?!?!

ah...

!?!?!?!?

loooool

It is free how to enjoy lol

Hope I can make the video with my friends and foreigners :)

All Good?

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2017/01/09

Coming of Age Day

How was today?

Today was a national holiday in Japan. It is called "Coming of Age Day". In Japan, the legal age is 20 years old.

In America, the legal age for alcohol is 21 years old and for smoking is 18 years old, but Japan is 20 years old for both smoking and alcohol.

As you can see the pictures, ladies are wearing "Furisode", which is traditional clothes in Japan, and gentlemen wears "Hakama", the traditional one, or business suits.

Look at this beautiful ladies...

bijin ladies!!!

furisode

Generally, there is the ceremony in every place and they start to drink lol

When I was 20 years old, I went to Izakaya for more than 12 hours... lol
And I enjoyed the Coming of Age Day so much with my friends.

Hope they drunk too much but it must be great moment for everyone.

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2017/01/05

YOLO!!

Hello~ It's me! lol

Oshogatsu (means new year holidays) has various ways to spend, and it is totally fine if you have own way.

Spend with family, just sleeping all the time, be lazy, go to shrine, etc...

Let me introduce my way.

The title is... "Cold Japan" lol

Look at this...

soooo, beautiful!

Yeees, I went to snow boarding from January 1st to 3rd.

As you can see, the weather was perfect. (actually, I expected more snow but enough to boarding)

There were lots of people who had same idea to spend New Year day as me lol

Honestly, I am not good at snow boarding, but I like to go lol

great pic! haha

Because I always go to snow boarding every year, I am getting better lol

Look at this picture! Even though you cannot see my face, it looks fun right? lol

In new year season, it is good idea to spend in urban area like Tokyo, but it's also good idea to spend with nature.

oh deer!! lol

PLAY HARD, WORK HARD!!

Cool Japan@City in 2017 has begun!

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2017/01/04

A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Thank you 2016 and...

Nice to meet you 2017!!

Hope 2017 will be great year for you :)

Some people already set some goals for 2017. For example, reduce 10kg weight in a year, going to sky diving, eating breakfast everyday, etc...

What is yours?

One of mine is saving money lol

Money makes life beautiful! haha
It is too much to say, but yeah, one of my goal is to save money and go to travel.

Sounds good right? lol

So, I cannot go all out. If I did, I will be broke...

...!!!

Yeah, I know... only Oshogatsu season... lol

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