[7 Feb 2010 | No Comment | 92 views]
Suomi in Finnish means…

Finland. Escape to a place where the pure white snow crunches beneath your feet and the breathtaking Northern Lights dance in the skies above; where exquisite cathedrals nurture the soul and steaming hot saunas cleanse the body; and where, after you’ve worked up an appetite with some cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, you can fill your belly with a hearty moose steak.

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JET Life »

[24 Jan 2010 | 2 Comments | 241 views]
A tax timeline for American JETs

Figuring out what you need to do to file your taxes is frustrating. There are so many different forms to send in at different times, and you might get locked up in the slammer if you mess up. I’ll take the Zen approach here and write in as few words as possible. This timetable will tell you when you need to complete the proper forms and send them in, allowing for transit and processing time.

Language Learning Tool Reviews, Nihongo No Benkyou »

[24 Jan 2010 | 3 Comments | 407 views]
Language Learning Tool Reviews: All Japanese All the Time

I think it’s time to take a look at a well established website that is full of reviews like this one, as well as advice and a variety of other original methods for Japanese self-study: Khatzumoto’s blog, “All Japanese All the Time.”

Yen & You »

[17 Jan 2010 | 2 Comments | 154 views]
Yen & You: How to take control of your money in 2010

Studies show that 97 percent of New Year’s resolutions don’t last. Don’t let this discourage you from goal setting. I’m not a fan of perfectionism so I think starting and exploring a new year’s resolution is better than sitting on the sideline and hoping your problems magically fix themselves. Money resolutions are popular every year, so what can you do to make sure your money is working for you in 2010?

Rugby, Sports »

[17 Jan 2010 | No Comment | 298 views]
A primer on rugby in Japan

Japan has a comparatively high level of participation in rugby: according to the International Rugby Board’s statistics, Japan is sixth in the world for registered players, with 122,598. Japan’s senior team has risen to the rank of 13th in the world, after beating Canada in two test matches recently. This combination of increased participation and international success has led some commentators to describe rugby’s future in Japan as “extremely promising”.

Soccer, Sports »

[12 Jan 2010 | One Comment | 386 views]
Sanfrecce Update: Sanfrecce set to join Asia’s elite

The Japanese football season finally concluded on New Year’s Day, and with it Sanfrecce Hiroshima were confirmed as Japan’s fourth entrant in the 2010 Asian Champions League. This season represents a remarkable turnaround for the Purple Archers, after they gained promotion to J1 by winning the J2 championship in 2008. Sanfrecce’s fourth-placed finish represents their best league performance for fifteen years, and comes after winning the 2008 Super Cup.

Japanese Proverbs, Nihongo No Benkyou »

[12 Jan 2010 | One Comment | 209 views]
Japanese Proverb: Rust comes from within

Today’s Proverb: “Rust comes from within.”

Food, Seasonal Eating »

[20 Dec 2009 | No Comment | 267 views]
Seasonal Eating in Japan: Dried Persimmons

Wondering what to do with that big pile of persimmons a co-worker gave you? Drying persimmons is super easy and they’re really delicious! Here’s how to do it.

Local Travel, Travel »

[20 Dec 2009 | 5 Comments | 643 views]
Step into Christmas with Nagoya area winter illuminations

Looking for an escape from Hiroshima this Christmas? How about Nagoya? From the cute and cartoony holiday lights in Nagoya city to the dazzling, otherworldly installation in nearby Nagashima, these holiday lights are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.