tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18293443973119823162024-02-19T18:25:59.858+08:00Guide to JapanPeter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-84324234142244328712007-11-28T18:45:00.000+08:002007-11-28T21:33:17.940+08:00Japan United Kingdom Relations<h1>Relations between Japan and United Kingdom</h1>Contact between United Kingdom and Japan first began in the 1600s when William Adams arrived on the shores of Kyushu, Usuki, Oita Prefecture. William Adams was honored as an advisor to the Tokugawa Shogun. He was given a Japanese name, Miura Anjin, given a house and land, and lived the rest of his life in Japan, his adopted country. This was followed by a treaty, the Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty signed in 14 October, 1854 signed by Admiral Sir James Stirling and representatives of the Tokugawa shogunate. Another treaty, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed on 26 August, 1858 by Lord Elgin on behalf of United Kingdom and on the other part, by the Tokugawa shogunate for Japan. These were followed by a series of events, both positive and negative, including setting up the first Japanese Embassy in Europe in 1862 led by Takenouchi Yasunori and the bombardment of Kagoshima by the Royal Navy in 1863. And of course there was the World War I followed by World War II.<br /><br />If I am not wrong, Japan had to manufacture the Mini Minor cars for United Kingdom as part of its compensation for its part in the World War II, but I cannot find any reference to it in my research, so this is only from memory and may not be reliable. But if true, then I believe that is how the now great automobile industry of Japan started.<br /><br /><h1>Travel between Japan and United Kingdom</h1>Western influence among the Japanese youth is strong with many dyeing their hair red and blond. It will be no surprise if the United Kingdom present an attractive place for them to visit. With Japanese being so enterprising businessmen, it would also not be unusual for them to make business trips to United Kingdom. But this is not a one-way traffic for there are many British who also travel to Japan. Those I know mostly go there as English teachers as many Japanese are keen to learn English which as ended up as the de facto International Language. The most likely points of arrival or departure would be London where there are 2 major international airport - Heathrow and Gatwick.<br /><br />If on land you travel with the car, the most convenient form of transport, you will obviously need to find parking space for the car. You can easily book parking space online at <a href="http://www.parking4less.co.uk/airport_parking.htm" target="_blank">UK airport parking</a>. Business and those who are not too bothered about cost will probably use full service airlines. Full service airlines normally operate from the bigger Heathrow airport. Parking is available at <a href="http://www.parking4less.co.uk/heathrow_airport_parking.htm" target="_blank">Heathrow Airport parking</a>.<br /><br />For budget conscious travelers and for those who join organized tours, chartered flight is the most likely form of travel. The Gatwick Airport, the second largest airport in London after Heathrow airport, is the most popular airport for chartered flight as Heathrow does not accept chartered flights. Here is a photo of the Gatwick Airport: <br /><br /><table style="text-align:center;"><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ySu70IixRdUavEn-xH-mF_TGkPzN4FQHbwi4lhWb-g20F_oqQosxuyEG31V6dHee3kJxKK55Q0h8x7e4qrvG9Yo-JPDKFZ2mq2lSDZvM8rZTCMHulgfw8SmqOXll-riKFEUVFODD7-f/s1600-h/gatwick+airport.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ySu70IixRdUavEn-xH-mF_TGkPzN4FQHbwi4lhWb-g20F_oqQosxuyEG31V6dHee3kJxKK55Q0h8x7e4qrvG9Yo-JPDKFZ2mq2lSDZvM8rZTCMHulgfw8SmqOXll-riKFEUVFODD7-f/s400/gatwick+airport.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137859023942028194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Gatwick airport by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dantaylor/36126564/" target="_blank">Dan Taylor</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />For parking, a great place to find parking at Gatwick Airport is the <a href="http://www.parking4less.co.uk/gatwick_airport_parking.htm" target="_blank">discount Gatwick Airport parking</a>Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-79699443685275644592007-10-01T19:12:00.000+08:002007-10-02T04:02:35.114+08:00Pacific Ocean, Japan and HawaiiThe Pacific Ocean is a huge mass of water bordered by the Arctic in north, Antarctic in the south, Asia and Australia in the west and the Americas in the east. Japan and Hawaii are both islands in this huge Pacific Ocean. <br /><br />Japan and Hawaii is not connected just by the great Pacific Ocean, but also by the presence of a sizable Japanese population on the islands and the infamous surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, two successive air strikes on the United States Pacific Fleet by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the morning of Sunday, 7 December 1941. 1,177 sailors were killed on the USS Arizona and the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, is located on top of the sunken USS Arizona that allows people to walk over the ship and look at it under the water. I wonder if any Japanese is inclined to visit this memorial. But there are plenty of places to visit and things to experience on the paradise Hawaii Islands, so if any Japanese are haunted by memories of that surprise attack, that should not be the thing that should prevent you from visiting Hawaii.<br /><br />Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu Island, only the third largest island of Hawaii, but one with the most population. There are more information about Oahu Island at <a href="http://www.lanikaivacationrental.com/" target="_blank">vacation rental information</a>. There is more than just Pearl Harbor or Honolulu on Oahu Island. There are many beaches there like <a href="http://www.lanikaivacationrental.com/waimea-beach-north-shore/" target="_blank">Waimea Beach - North Shore</a>. Waimea Bay off Waimea beach is world famous for having one of the biggest surfing waves in the world, with waves of up to 25 feet high in winter. If provide conditions for very exciting but also very dangerous surfing. It is only recommended for expert high wave surfers. Others would be wise to stay away during the winter months. Summer is more conducive for the less adventurous for the sea will be calm during those months.<br /><br />Hawaii is not only Oahu Island, but there are Maui, Hawaii Big Island, and specific sites like Waikiki, Kihei, Wailea, Kanaapali and Kohala coast. You can find links to them at <a href="http://www.lanikaivacationrental.com/category/vacation-rentals/" target="_blank">vacation rentals</a>.<br /><br />Not only that, property owners, real estate agents and property managers can list their properties for free at <a href="http://www.lanikaivacationrental.com/category/rentals/" target="_blank">rentals</a>. If you are purchasing properties, you can get mortgage quotes, compare mortgage rates on that site. If you are relocating, you can also get moving quotes. Sounds pretty complete, but that is not all. Bargain hunters can check out bank foreclosures, and not only that, get home inspection companies to inspect the properties to check if the properties are worth buying or not. So what are you waiting for. Hop over there and check what suits you.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-44947832381778048912007-08-30T19:47:00.000+08:002007-08-31T05:23:21.554+08:00Japan's Disneyland and Florida's DisneylandYes, Japan has a Disneyland. It was built on a landfill in Urayasu City. Some says it was a dump site.<br /><br />You first enter "World Bazaar", a totally covered area thus protected from the weather. It try to recreate the atmosphere of a small American town in 1900s. From there, you can go on to the other themed areas - Fantasyland, Westernland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Toontown and Critter Country. Adventureland has a mixture of attractions which include the highly popular "Pirates of the Caribbean", a twenty-minute trip simulating a pirate raid on a Caribbean seaport with singing, rowdy pirates and the firing of cannon to port and the splashing of water off the starboard bow. Westernland is a "wild west" themed area giving visitors a atmosphere of the pioneer days of America. There is even a "Mark Twain Riverboat" giving visitors a ride on a paddlewheel steamer on the Rivers of America. In Fantasyland, visitors ride through various Disney films like "Snow White's Adventure" in the Seven Dwarfs' mining car and fly through the air with Peter Pan to Never Never Land, "It's a Small World", a cruise through a hundred nations with some five hundred dolls singing in their native language, etc. Tomorrowland try to give visitors a glimpse into the future. "Critter Country" is populated by small animals inspired by the Disney film "Song of the South". If you want to meet Disney characters, you will see them at Toontown.<br /><br />Not enough of Disneyland? Go to Orlando, Florida. You will find lots more there. You will find Walt Disney World comprising of various themed parks. Among them are the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom.<br /><br />In the Magic Kingdom, there will be many themed area including Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Adventureland<br />Main Street U.S.A. and Magic Kingdom Dining. <br /><br />At Epcot, there will be the Future World, Test Track, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Mission Space, Living Seas and World Showcase. In addition to that, you will find Around the World Showcase Lagoon where you can eat, drink, dance and sing your way around the world in the space of a couple of hours! The evening will be capped by IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a beautiful combination of lasers, fireworks, fountains and special effects.<br /><br />And don't forget Disney-MGM Studios comprising Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard. Mickey Avenue, Animation Courtyard and Streets of America.<br /><br />Plus there is Animal Kingdom comprising Camp Minnie-Mickey, Discovery Island, Dinoland U.S.A., Africa and Asia.<br /><br />In Lake Buena Vista, there is Downtown Disney, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area comprising the Marketplace featuring many shops and quick service restaurants, Pleasure Island which is a nighttime entertainment complex with seven nightclubs, and West Side which is home to many full service restaurants, large stores, and entertainment venues.<br /><br />And Disney has many waterparks including Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Humunga Kowabunga,<br />Mayday Falls, Castaway Creek, Surf Pool and Ketchakiddee Creek. Blizzard Beach comprises Downhill Double Dipper, Slush Gusher, Teamboat Springs, Cross Country Creek and Tike's Peak. <br /><br />And don't forget Disney Seaworld Adventure Park.<br /><br />However, there are lots more to Florida than just Disneyland. And you want to enjoy them, seek accommodation at <a href="http://www.goin2travel.com/goin2fl.htm" target="new">Florida vacation rentals</a>. Walt Disney World is in Orlando, so if your intention is to visit Walt Disney World, get accommodation from <a href="http://www.goin2travel.com/orlandorentals.htm" target="new">Orlando vacation rentals</a>. And if you have been watching TV, you would know about Miami Beach made famous by that TV show featuring the Miami Beach Rescue Team comprising bosomy life savers in skimpy swimwear rescuing hapless swimmers in trouble. If you want to stay in Miami Beach, visit <a href="http://www.goin2travel.com/list/miami.htm" target="new">Miami Beach vacation rentals</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-73859498728278066622007-05-28T12:42:00.000+08:002007-05-28T12:46:50.138+08:00Mazda Launches First Hydrogen Filling Stations In JapanMazda Launches First Hydrogen Filling Stations In Japan<br />by: Jenny McLane<br /><br />Mazda has always been a leader in innovation. It has pioneered some of the revolutionary technologies such as the rotary engine. Now that environmental conservation has become a more important issue than ever before, Mazda faces up to the challenge by fully supporting the development of eco-friendly automobiles. Hydrogen-fuel is one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly sources of energy. Mazda takes a big step forward in realizing a hydrogen-fueled society by launching the first hydrogen filling stations, located in Japan.<br /><br />The new hydrogen filling station began operating last February 2005 and will store and supply fuel to the company's ongoing hydrogen vehicle research and development. The hydrogen filling station is located near Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima. This is the first filling station of its kind in the Chugoku region of western Japan.<br /><br />High-pressure hydrogen gas is stored at about 2,900 psi in compressed hydrogen gas tanks. These are further pressurized to over 5,000 psi for delivery to the vehicles. The facility mainly supplies fuel to the company's hydrogen testing facility. Hydrogen rotary-engined vehicles that are currently on the road for development and testing purposes are also served by the filling station. The stored hydrogen in the fueling station can currently fuel up to 10 vehicles per day.<br /><br />Mazda is leading the pack in the development of hydrogen rotary engines. Last year, Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) gave permission for the first public road tests of Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary (H2RE). This is a rotary-engined, dual-fuel vehicle that runs on either hydrogen or traditional gasoline. With this hydrogen fueling station, Mazda will continue to develop hydrogen rotary engines with the goal of introducing such vehicles into the market in two years time.<br /><br />Mazda is at the forefront of automotive technology. It is fully dedicated to the design and development of automobiles that are a whole new level above the rest. Meanwhile, maintenance and repair is very important to keep a Mazda vehicle in top condition. Replacement parts are a great choice if a Mazda owner wants to keep his car in excellent form. Replacing worn out or damaged parts is a good way to maintain a vehicle.<br /><br />Incidentally, purchasing replacement parts has never been easier. Anyone can now have access to the best Mazda parts even in the comfort of their own homes. A quick visit to any of the dozens of online auto parts stores is all you need. One of the leading online auto parts stores is Auto Parts Train, based in California, USA. It has one of the largest inventories of Mazda auto parts in the country today. You can access their Online Mazda Parts Store at <a href="http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MAZDA" target="_blank">Mazda</a>.<br /><br />About The Author<br /><br />Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.<br /><br />jenny@partstrain.comPeter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-1683173561955687412007-05-27T08:41:00.000+08:002013-06-29T09:20:02.683+08:00Japan and Hawaii<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGFUmHjIIaFtsHfN__OhX0_llcLf7MHS9eHtx36waVL_wmHAai_isNFPCePj4VX8afeIodaDsQ3VCFIqvZkRavjcDTrlNSHUrq3DoVWF5YLap1tZWA3veYB76vnzlSLJcmqDHaf89nQNH/s1600-h/coconut+trees+on+the+Hawaiian+beach.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGFUmHjIIaFtsHfN__OhX0_llcLf7MHS9eHtx36waVL_wmHAai_isNFPCePj4VX8afeIodaDsQ3VCFIqvZkRavjcDTrlNSHUrq3DoVWF5YLap1tZWA3veYB76vnzlSLJcmqDHaf89nQNH/s200/coconut+trees+on+the+Hawaiian+beach.jpg" border="0" alt="Coconut trees on Hawaiian beach"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069214064862534354" /></a>The population of tropical Hawaii is diverse, with a large proportion of people of Asian ancestry, including Japanese. Many of them are descendants from those waves of early foreign immigrants came to the islands in the nineteenth century, beginning in the 1850's, to work on the sugar plantations. On June 19, 1868, the first 153 Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii. They were brought in by a broker and the Tokugawa shogunatenot. Kalakaua, the last reigning King of the Kingdom of Hawaii, visited Japan in 1881 and petitioned Emperor Meiji, resulting in the first government-approved immigrants who arrived in Hawaii on February 9, 1885. <br /><br />Japanese is the third-most spoken language in Hawaii. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 4.96% of Hawaii residents age 5 and older speak Japanese at home. Hawaii has an active sister state program, which includes ties to Ehime, Japan (2003), Fukuoka (1981) and Hiroshima, (1997). Japanese can also be proud of Eric Shinseki, the first Japanese American and Asian American member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.<br /><br />Japan can be cold in autumn and winter, and Japanese wishing for warmer weather should visit tropical Hawaii for a nice holiday. Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being and provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people. Well, when you visit Hawaii, you are doing exactly that. The only thing is, travel from Japan to Hawaii involves air travel and that means CO2 emission. Fortunately there are ways to offset that and sites like Carbon Emissions Offset Directory have a list of sites that helps you with that.<br /><br />If you plan to visit Hawaii, it would be advisable to book accommodation in advance, and this can be done online via Hawaiian Beach Rentals. <br /><br />Hawaii comprises six main islands - Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii's Big Island. Kauai is the oldest of Hawaii's main islands and has a wide variety of plant, marine and animal life, including some rare endangered species like the Nene Goose (the official state bird). It also has Hawaii's only freshwater fish, the oopu. Japanese are fond of golf and Kauai have some of Hawaii's best golf courses. <br /><br />For accommodation, you have a choice of Kauai Vacation Rentals (currently 226 to chose from), Kauai Condominiums (267 of them) and Kauai Hotels (105 to chose from).<br /><br />Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-67016246932258375982007-04-01T09:19:00.000+08:002007-04-01T09:21:20.838+08:00Acupuncture: The Japanese WayAcupuncture: The Japanese Way<br />by: Tom Takihi<br /><br />Japan has been world-renowned for its breakthroughs in electronics. Need proof? Just take a look at all the cellular phones and other technological gadgets around you with Japanese brands. In terms of medical breakthroughs though, Japan is definitely not lagging behind. For centuries now, traditional Japanese healing arts have been used to address root causes of many diseases, restore balance and maintain overall health. Examples of these ancient arts are moxibustion, shiatsu and acupuncture. For this article, we will focus on the Japanese style of acupuncture.<br /><br />First, let us talk about what acupuncture is. Starting more than two thousand years ago, acupuncture is a branch of medicine practiced worldwide both as a primary and adjunctive treatment for a wide range of health conditions. With thousands of years of research and practice backing it up, the basic method of acupuncture is to insert needles in various parts of the body to relieve pain and treat diseases. Different types of the practice exist in all parts of the world, each with various styles and applications.<br /><br />While acupuncture has its roots in China, Japan gave this medical practice its own twist, which was accepted immediately in the world of medicine. The general concept of Japanese acupuncture is using the least amount of stimulation to create the greatest effect in the patient. As opposed to traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles that are barely thicker than human hair. These needles are inserted in the body not deeper than 1 or 2 millimeters, if they are inserted at all. Less points and stimulation is basically the trick. Hence, the Japanese technique demands much greater care and precision than the Chinese technique, making it a challenge to the practitioner but an advantage to the patient because of the reduced pain. The Japanese style of acupuncture also requires more training than the traditional Chinese medicine.<br /><br />While there are the general rules, different styles in the Japanese practice exist as well. Examples are the two methods developed by two acupuncture legends of the twentieth century: Yoshio Manaka and Kodo Fukushima. Manaka is a surgeon who has developed an effective and versatile form of Japanese acupuncture therapy. Fukushima, an active pacifist, refined the non-inserted needling techniques which have become known as “toyohari”.<br /><br />Toyohari is a refined system of Japanese meridian therapy. It is different from other types of acupuncture in the sense than it uses more delicate and specialized needling treatment methods. Focusing on the use of pulse diagnosis and palpation skills, the theoretical foundation of Toyohari is based on the classic medical theories of Nei Jing, Su Wen, Ling Shu and Nan Jing.<br /><br />Here’s a bit of history: Considered one of the main pillars in Japanese acupuncture is Waichi Sugiyama, or the “blind acupuncturist”. Upon his death in 1964, Sugiyama has developed 100 acupuncture techniques and has established 45 acupuncture schools for the blind in Japan. Through books read to him, he has studied and simplified volumes of ancient medical texts in his goal to make medical knowledge more accessible to the blind.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Tom Takihi is the proud owner of Japan Discovery, the largest portal of information of Japan on the web. To learn more about acupuncture and other forms of Japanese traditional medicine, please visit-: <a href="http://www.japandiscovery.com/scitech/Medical/" target="_blank">Medical</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-71590624060084449152007-03-25T16:50:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:51:59.875+08:00Visiting the Japanese HomeVisiting the Japanese Home<br />by: Tom Takihi<br /><br />So, you plan to visit a Japanese home? Well, before you do such you must first learn the etiquette in Japanese homes. The Japanese home culture revolves around three values: courtesy, cleanliness, and graciousness. Learning to apply these values whether in the Japanese context or not benefits you not only as you deal with the Japanese - it will allow you better dealings and communications with other people as well.<br /><br />Courtesy. The first thing you have to do is greet the family. Bowing slightly as you greet them would be the best move, for shaking hands is still an awkward formality in Japan. The lower you bow the more respect you give.<br /><br />If you could bring a small present, do so, especially a food souvenir called “omiyage” in Japan to delight your hosts and immediately create a warm atmosphere. It is preferable to bring local culinary specialties from your home town or country.<br /><br />During conversations, remember to be more subtle than usual with your thoughts and emotions. Compared to people in the Western culture, the Japanese are more reserved during talks. In Japanese discussions there is what they call the honne (real opinion) and the tatemae (public opinion). In most situations it is the tatemae that is expressed to not disturb group harmony or cause any offense. This is why the Japanese are considered bad at public debates. Do avoid interrupting people when they are speaking or are in the middle of thinking. The Japanese don’t mind short periods of silence during discussions.<br /><br />Cleanliness. Leave your shoes outside the door, on the spot where others have left theirs. Wearing shoes inside a Japanese home is considered unclean. If you are not immediately provided slippers, you can wear your socks inside the house. So make sure you are wearing nice and socks without holes! If you are wearing slippers, remember to remove them as you enter a room with tatami mats on the floor, for slippers could damage these mats. There are special slippers especially designated for the toilet area, so remember to take off your slippers when entering such.<br /><br />As in most Asian countries, it is rude to blow your nose in front of other people. It is especially rude to blow your nose in a handkerchief and then stuff the handkerchief in your pocket afterwards. The Japanese use paper tissue when doing such. Excuse yourself if you feel the urge to do this deed to avoid offending anyone.<br /><br />Graciousness. During mealtimes, the Japanese will offer you to try everything served on the table. Make sure to amiably try even just a bite of each of the food. Place your chopsticks on a special holder and do not stick them up in your rice. As opposed to Western manners, Japanese slurp noodles. It is actually preferred that bowls or plates be brought up the mouth when slurping rather than bending your head towards it.<br /><br />Of course the Japanese will know and understand that you are from another culture, but knowing their traditions before you set foot on their door helps your visit to go more smoothly. Most Japanese families that host visitors of other races are “spoilers”, meaning they want to give you everything you need in all efforts to please. Hence, always remember to be gracious and please them in return.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Tom Takihi is the proud owner of Japan Discovery, the largest portal of information of Japan on the web. To learn more about the Japanese home etiquette, please visit-: <a href="http://www.japandiscovery.com/home_living/Etiquette/" target="_blank">Etiquette</a>Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-46805968347865023092007-03-24T16:44:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:46:32.032+08:00MLMs And MLMers In JapanMLMs And MLMers In Japan<br />by: Michael Brymer<br /><br />With more MLMers per population than any other country, Japan has become a main target of MLMs and MLMers looking for huge success abroad.<br /><br />If timing and contacts are right then effortless success is very obtainable.<br /><br />Perhaps you can divide Japanese MLMers into two categories. One being the normal long stayer type. These are people that are similar to any MLMer in America, Australia etc., they stay with the one MLM and mostly service their customers and or distributors with products. They are the house wife type who are happy to plod along.<br /><br />The second type, and the subject of this MLM article, are the big MLMers who can bring in huge numbers of members and who often run multiple MLMs at the same time. They are in the business of MLM to make money and to make it fast and in large quantities.<br /><br />The big MLMers here in Japan often work like a company. The top man decides to take on a new MLM and gives it to one of his top players. That person is then responsible for the success of that MLM and to report back. He is paid a good salary to work the MLM. They then go out and do it! They all have top positions as agreed.<br /><br />These guys in their suits and expensive vans start touring their contacts. They work so hard that I'm not even sure if they sleep. They are going to and from every big MLMer in the country! A typical tour for them can be anywhere between one, two or three months. Then they go back and run trainings for all the new members and their new teams. Most of the people recruited are seasoned MLMers not people new to MLM or MLMs.<br /><br />When I brought a new MLM to Japan one of them visited me at 3 a.m. after driving three hours on a road that takes most people four hours. I gave him the run down on the products and pay plan, you've never answered more questions! in such a short time! I think they left at about 9 a.m.. It felt like they'd been there for a week. If my brain had of contained oil they would have gotten it.<br /><br />If you ever get to meet one of these persons you had better know the pay plan better than the company itself !<br /><br />Once they decide to take on a new MLM they often set up an office in Tokyo with computers, fax machines, staff etc. They then go into translating, re-designing and printing all materials. Their explanation of the pay plan would probably teach the MLM owners a lesson or two !<br /><br />Sales of the materials they produce is also part of their profits by selling same to all the new members. I've never seen MLM materials as beautiful as they produce.<br /><br />If the MLM they take on is say in America, then that company better be ready for mass production and prepared to set up an office and storage in Japan as soon as is possible. The worst thing an MLM company can do is say "We'll be in Japan next January" and not be! Truth and Trust is very very important.<br /><br />I've seen American MLMs come into Japan without these guys, they don't do well. Most of them have turned down the requests of these big guys and have gone with the little guys. That is a clear way to receive the wrath of the big players and condemn the MLM to a short lived struggle.<br /><br />The subject of my next article will be an in depth looks at the methods of Japanese super recruiters.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Read More Of Michael Brymer's Heavy Hitter Secrets at <a href="http://mlmbuff.com" target="_blank">http://mlmbuff.com</a><br /><br />Download a Free PC Radio At <a href="http://www.internet-radio-download.com" target="_blank">Internet Radio Download</a>Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-57829795091523412532007-03-24T16:40:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:52:36.296+08:00Japanese Tea CeremonyJapanese Tea Ceremony<br />by: James Williams<br /><br />All over the world, people enjoy teatime. In Japan, however, taking tea with guests can mean considerably more than a relaxing break to the day. The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony is a very grand and elaborate affair.<br /><br />The Japanese tea ceremony is more like a sacred ritual than a friendly gathering. Each aspect of the ceremony is symbolic and adds great charm and meaning to this unique event.<br /><br />The ceremony is conducted in a room called chashitsu, located in the teahouse. Fresh water symbolizing purity is held in a stone jar called the mizusashi, and may only be touched by the host. Matcha (tea) is kept in chaire--a small ceramic container covered in shifuku (fine silk pouch) and set in front of the mizusashi. Special stands called tana are used to display the tea bowls, and differ depending on the occasion.<br /><br />The host enters with the chawan (tea bowl) containing a chasen (tea whisk), a chakin (a bleached white linen tea cloth) and the chashaku (tea scoop). Next to these items is a water jar, symbolic of the sun (yang) and a bowl, symbolizing the moon (yin). The host brings the kensui (waste water bowl), the hishaku (bamboo water ladle) and futaoki (a green bamboo rest for the kettle lid), and purifies the tea container and scoop using a fukusa (fine silk cloth).<br /><br />Hot water is ladled into the tea bowl. The whisk is rinsed and the tea bowl is emptied and wiped with the chakin. For each guest, three scoops of tea are placed into the tea bowl. The whisk is used to create a thin paste using a sufficient quantity of hot water. Additional water is then added, while the paste is whisked into a thick liquid.<br /><br />The tea bowl is passed to the main guest. He or she drinks some of the tea, wipes the rim of the bowl, and passes the bowl to the next guest. Each guest follows this same procedure until all have tasted the tea. The bowl is then returned to the host, who rinses it and cleans the tea scoop and the container.<br /><br />A fire is then built for usa cha (thin tea), which rinses the palate, symbolizing the departure of the guests from the spiritual world of tea and back into the physical world. Smoking articles are offered as a gesture of relaxation, but smoking does not typically take place in a tearoom.<br /><br />Finally, zabuton (cushions) and teaburi (hand warmers) are offered for the comfort of the guests, and higashi (dry sweets) are served. Before leaving the teahouse, guests will express their appreciation for the tea and their admiration for host's attention to the fine art of serving tea.<br /><br />If you are ever given the chance to attend a tradition Japanese tea ceremony, be sure to attend. There is no other experience quite like it.<br /><br />About The Author<br />James Williams contributes to several web sites, including <a href="http://rukar.com" target="_blank">http://rukar.com</a> and <a href="http://yuzie.com" target="_blank">http://yuzie.com</a>Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-88363137382408538882007-03-23T16:27:00.000+08:002007-04-01T08:37:02.484+08:00Japanese CookingJapanese Cooking<br />by: Jonathon Hardcastle<br /><br />Do you love Japanese food? The funny thing about Japanese food is that you either love it or you hate it. There is no in-between. And chances are, if you hate it, you probably haven’t really tasted Japanese food yet or haven’t given yourself a chance to sample it enough. Japanese food is hard to appreciate after only one bite. And sometimes, the idea that you are tasting raw food just won’t escape your mind that you are already predisposed to hating Japanese food even before you actually taste it.<br /><br />Personally, I love Japanese food. There really is no other cuisine like it in the world in terms of its unique taste and presentation. Who would believe that something so raw could be so delicious? For those of you who have not yet discovered the pleasures of Japanese food, allow me to present the following primer.<br /><br />The standard Japanese meal always involves a bowl of white rice as well as soup and side dishes such as pickles, vegetables, meat and fish. Japanese food is classified by the number of viands or “okazu” that are served with the rice, soup and side dishes. A meal with one okazu is called ichiju-issai and a prime example of this is the traditional Japanese breakfast which consists of miso soup, rice, grilled fish and one pickled vegetable.<br /><br />The regular Japanese meal usually involves three okazu to go along with the soup, rice and pickles. Traditionally, each of these three okazu are cooked in a different way from the others. They can either be served raw or grilled, simmered, steamed or deep fried.<br /><br />Another hallmark of Japanese food is seafood, which is the most popular and most widely consumed food in Japan. The most popular dishes include all types of fish as well as shellfish, squid and octopus. Crab is another favorite delicacy and so are whale and seaweed. Despite the fact that Japanese are not heavy meat eaters, you will hardly find any vegetarians among them either probably owing to their deep fashion for seafood. Beef and chicken are also popular among the Japanese.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for <a href="http://cookingforfun.net/" target="_blank">Cooking for fun</a> - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for <a href="http://outdoorstalk.net/" target="_blank">Outdoors Talk</a> and <a href="http://recreationandmore.com/" target="_blank">Recreation and More</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-39607400171791310732007-03-22T16:33:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:53:41.252+08:00Speaking Japanese: Learning the Language and the Cultural EtiquetteSpeaking Japanese: Learning the Language and the Cultural Etiquette<br />by: Cory Pangelinan<br /><br />The Japanese language is considered by many to be easy to learn. Whether you wish to speak Japanese for personal reasons like travel or for professional reasons, it is important for you to consider that learning Japanese etiquette is as important as learning commonly used words and phrases.<br /><br />Why is it that learning to speak Japanese is relatively easy? To begin with, there are only 5 vowel sounds:<br /><br />· A is voiced as “ah,” or the way English speakers pronounce the a in “la;”<br />· I is pronounced as the English e in words like “need” and “tea;”<br />· U is vocalized in much the same way as “oo” in words like “cool” and “soon;”<br />· E is spoken with the same sound of the first e in the word “letter” and the e in “set;”<br />· O is expressed as it is in the word “told.”<br /><br />Knowing how each of the vowels sounds phonetically makes speaking the Japanese words less difficult.<br /><br />In addition, the Japanese language is less complicated than many others because nouns are not tied to gender or number - the same word is used for one tree or many trees - and verb remains the same regardless of the subject. Unlike English, Spanish and French (and other Latin-based languages) in which you must learn different ways to conjugate the verb based on the subject, when learning Japanese, the verb will be either past tense or the present tense (ongoing actions or the suggestion of what may happen in the future are expressed with the present tense verb).<br /><br />While pronunciations can be simple once you know how the vowels are spoken, and nouns and verbs are relatively easy as well, one way in which you may stumble with the language is word order. While in English sentences are typically in a subject - verb - object format, in Japanese they are presented in the order of subject - object - verb. Of course, just as we have prepositions in English, there are a number of articles in Japanese. One article used often is “ka,” which is used at the end of the sentence to ask a question (which is important because the question mark does not exist in Japanese).<br /><br />Though challenges like punctuation exist in the written language, learning to speak and understand Japanese can be accomplished. There are many resources available online, books and flashcards, as well as computer software. By finding the one that will be most beneficial to you and practicing often, you will surely be able to learn the language.<br /><br />Once you have learned the language, and even while you are learning, it is important to keep etiquette in mind because how you act has as much of an impact on how you are received as the words you use to express yourself.<br /><br />Make sure that you keep the following in mind:<br /><br />· Unless you are very familiar with the person you are talking with, you should avoid using casual phrasings;<br /><br />· Avoid being loud to get someone's attention. It is better to wave or to approach them with a bow and then speak;<br /><br />· Use a quiet tone when speaking;<br /><br />· Be cautious with your body language as much of the communication that takes place is unspoken;<br /><br />· Always show respect for the person with whom you are speaking.<br /><br />By maintaining respect for the people and cultural etiquette - you will find that beginning to communicate in Japanese is simple and, in time, you will become quite good at it.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Cory Pangelinan - Author of a Japanese Language Course teaching you How to Speak Japanese the Real way its spoken in Japan. <a href="http://www.letsspeakjapanese.com" target="_blank">Let's speak Japanese</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-40496133508474628292006-03-25T17:22:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:32:27.990+08:00Ways to make big $$$ in JapanWays to make big $$$ in Japan<br />by: Matt Canham<br /><br />As you're probably already aware, Japan is a very unique place. No where else in the world will you find the same outrageous opportunities to make money that are open to just about anyone.<br /><br />English Teaching.<br /><br />The most common job for new foreigners is teaching English. Despite the thousands of English schools and 12 years of study at school, the English level in Japan remains at lower intermediate, ensuring strong demand for teachers. Every type of class and situation exists from Elementary schools right through to Flight Attendant Colleges. It can also be a great way into a previously non-existent position. I know of one teacher at a top Advertising agency who later became an English copywriter. He had no experience whatsoever in copywriting, they just liked him and enjoyed his lessons.<br /><br />Acting/modeling/voice overs.<br /><br />Without a doubt, the epicenter for entertainment work is Tokyo. There are around 60 major freelance agencies that offer all kinds of work to foreigners living in the area. It is not uncommon for first timers to walk into $1000 plus jobs, while their friends back home fight over $120 extras work. Experience is not expected - simply being foreign and having the right look is enough. In fact, most highly skilled dancers and actors would be appalled at how easy it is to get work and how the jobs are selected. Actual talent is very rarely considered - it is all about the look.<br /><br />In many ways, the entertainment scene in Tokyo is a big break and a way to escape the comfort zone and limitations of home. Many foreigners living in Japan, doing the work, return home to find their friends are just as broke as they were 5 years ago, fighting over the same tiny piece of the entertainment pie, hoping desperately for a break. They are not seeing that Tokyo is that break! Ewan McGregor, Edward Norton, Ashley Judd and Cameron Diaz are among some of the current stars to have worked in Japan.<br /><br />Dancing/hostessing.<br /><br />Japan was long considered one of the best places for working Dancer/hostess types in the world. Whilst it still can be very lucrative, the rules have changed regarding visas. Whereas once a 90 tourist visa was adequate, immigration crackdowns have led to the introduction of entertainment visas for all women employed in the industry. The Japanese culture remains one of meetings and drinking, and corporate types still prefer to do both in the company of attractive, polite, western women. In the past, women simply had to be attractive and turn up, now they need to be just as adept at being charming in order to make the big money.<br /><br />Wedding minister.<br /><br />The white wedding business is huge in Japan. It is the most popular type of ceremony from Sapporo to Okinawa and all those weddings create a demand for clean cut pastors to conduct the 20 minute ceremonies. In some cases, 20,000 yen for the 20 minute ceremony and performing 20-30 per month on the weekends is normal, making this one of the best ways to make yen. There are some properly ordained ministers out there, but for the most part, basic Japanese and rudimentary training is all it takes to move one man from the classroom to the pulpit.<br /><br />Headhunting.<br /><br />The Headhunting industry in Tokyo continues to flourish unabated. New companies emerge quarterly and are still able to bill fees of 30 - even 35% in some cases. Most of the "recruiters" start out teaching English and usually have very little in the way of professional experience. As English speakers though, they are considered to be experts in dealing with foreign companies, which is more than enough to qualify them for the job. Here you will find recruiters - both male and female making 6 figures when many would struggle to hold down simple jobs back home. This truly is an extraordinary opportunity open to anyone with some professionalism and knowledge of Japan.<br /><br />Japanese language skills.<br /><br />For teaching English and Headhunting, Japanese is almost not required at all. Speaking with the students in Japanese is strongly discouraged - they are there to learn English after all, and in Headhunting, 95% of the candidates need to be effective communicators in English. That leaves Wedding Ministers - the ceremony is read in Japanese, dancing/hostessing - where some basic Japanese will be looked upon favorably and Acting/modeling/voice overs, where in most cases there will already be a translator and the pronunciation of 10 words in Japanese is more important that speaking ability.<br /><br />An active interest in Japanese culture and the language will assist in daily life, but for the people simply interested in Japan as a way to make as much money as possible, it is simply not required.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Matt Canham has lived on and off in Tokyo for the last 7 years. He has a resource site at: <a href="http://jobs-in-japan.marinerblue.com" target="_blank">jobs-in-japan.marinerblue.com</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-22210319878102588312006-03-21T17:35:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:37:42.104+08:00Japanese Koi Pond/Water GardenJapanese Koi Pond/Water Garden<br />by: RC Moore<br /><br />There are a lot of people that will tell you not to put Japanese Koi and plants together. Pet stores and internet articles suggest that koi will destroy any plants you put in your pond. I have been keeping Japanese Koi in my water gardens for six years without any Koi destroying any of the plants. The plants provide shade and shelter for the koi when spooked, and add to the water clarity.<br /><br />Japanese Koi are by far the most beautiful and desirable fish you can keep in an outdoor water garden. In Japan, breeding koi has occupied a position between hobby and art form for more than two centuries. To keep Japanese Koi in a water garden you have to understand that they are bottom feeders who are most at home rooting around, in and among the rubble found on the bottom of their natural environment. As a matter of fact, the purpose of the famous whiskers is to help them root around more efficiently in the rocks/ rubble. Putting a layer a gravel in your pond will give the koi something to root in and will also add to the natural biological environment. Plants will also benefit from being directly in the gravel. I always remove plants from their pots, and rinse the roots before planting in a bed of gravel, which adds to the natural beauty of the water garden.<br /><br />It is true that koi eat plants. It is also true that in the warm summer months they are none stop foragers. I describe them as eating machines. That is why it is important to keep plants they can eat without destroying. My two favorite are watercress and marsh betony planted in a shallow high water flow area. Trust me, you will need the koi to help you keep these invasive plants in check and may still have to thin late in the season. These plants are excellent filters which will help keep the water crystal clear and the koi happy.<br /><br />Floating water hyacinth can result in the koi eating the roots. I usually plant in the shallow stream just below the waterfall. Their roots bury deep in the gravel to provide excellent filtration. They tend to grow taller and bloom less. Mine have grown 3 foot tall and extend 12 feet down the stream and seem to benefit from the splashing of the waterfall. This is another plant that will have to be pulled in the fall. Pickerel Rush is another plant that enjoys the splashing from a waterfall. I use them to hide the liner below the waterfall and they have bloomed constantly all season. More info at koipondfever.com<br /><br />About The Author<br />RC Moore, content writer for <a href="http://koipondfever.com" target="_blank">Koi Pond Fever</a>.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829344397311982316.post-62818132213533402602006-03-20T17:38:00.000+08:002007-03-25T16:40:25.110+08:00A Reason to Travel to JapanA Reason to Travel to Japan<br />by: Ryu Yuki<br /><br />When you think of Japan, what comes up to your mind? There might be “Sony” and “Toyota” or “Samurai” and “Geisha.” You might consider that the former ones represent the modern Japan and the later ones represent the past. However, the real Japan is not such simple and contains the both aspects together through its historical stream. It is little bit hard for people to understand that the two different characters exist in one country.<br /><br />There are some clues to glance at the real face of Japan. As you know, Japanese cars are becoming more and more popular in the US. The reasons explain the typical quality of the Japanese products. Practicability and Flavor. The reliability is that people can count on and the quality is that owners can be satisfied with for a long time. How about Japanese food. Sushi is one of favorite healthy food these days. Thirty years ago almost nobody was willing to eat raw fish in the US, however, recently there are so many sushi restaurants around urban cities like Los Angeles. People eat sushi because it is not just a efficient diet menu but also an cultural experience. They recognize color scheme of sushi dishes. Red, green, black, yellow, and white on the plate. It is a kind of artistic presentation with natural ingredients.<br /><br />Any basic daily activities of people, food and craft, gradually grows to be the level of culture after many years. Japan has been organized as a nation for about 1500 years and developed the living style to the cultural value. Even though Japan obtained a lot of influence from the US after the WWII, her original essence remained and still exist everywhere in the country. TOYOTA and SONY could not happened as world famous companies without the soul and cultural background. When you really want to feel and realize what it is, it’s time for you to get on an airplane to Japan. You will start connecting the depth of the culture and spirit of the mysterious country from the very first day.<br /><br />For more Japanese information, visit the author's blog site <br /><a href="http://www.traveltojapanblog.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Travel to Japan</a>.<br /><br />About The Author<br />Ryu Yuki, a Japanese journalist in Los Angeles, is a creator of a personal blog site, <a href="http://www.traveltojapanblog.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Travel to Japan</a> which contains Japanese issues from a native point of view.Peter @ Enviromanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356385819441765673noreply@blogger.com0