Best Japanese Apps for the Ipod

If you are like me and enjoy having apps on your IPod and at the best price which is free then you will enjoy these apps I have found on the apple store. I read this article Best Apps for Android. When I finished reading the article I tried looking for the apps on my IPod  but they were only designed for Android. I however have been using some apps that have been helping me with my Japanese and dictionaries that have helped me through my studies.

Kotoba 


This app is perfect for looking up words from hiragana to kanji (the Chinese writing system) Not only is it a good dictionary it also give you stroke order as well as sample examples as well as translates into three languages (English, French and Spanish).

Wordpower Lt.


This app is a flashcard app. Everyday you receive a new word of the day. Along with the world of the day it give you example sentences in Japanese. Not only are example sentences given but are also translated in English. It is a great way to increase your Japanese vocabulary.




Milti Lan Dictionary and Translator 

This app can be used for any langue. This app is not only a dictionary but it is also a translator. i have found the translator to be more helpful than Google Translator. You can pick from a variety of languages so whatever language you are interested this app would come in handy

Japanese Driking Games

As Americans, especially college students, we have become obsessed with drinking games. It is not uncommon to go into a party and see a beer pong or flip cup game being played.  As I was drinking over the weekend it made me think about whether Japanese had drinking games and if they did what were they? I wanted to find out and write a blog on my new findings. A hang over and 5 bottles of water later I began to feel better. I began my research about Japanese drinking game and this is what I came up with. 

笑っちゃいけないゲーム

No laughing Game

The objective of the game is to make the other players laugh. Once the player(s) who laugh they must take a drink. Remember to keep a straight face or else get ready to purse those lips and take a drink. 

Pin Pon Pan 

The game starts by the first player saying, “Pin!” the second player says, “Pon” and the third player says “Pan.”It is the job of the third player to point at a random person in the group, the person chosen must  say “Pin!” and starts the whole cycle all over again. The person who makes a mistake must drink. 

Oosame Game 

All  you need for the Oosame game is chopsticks, pen, and a creative mind and a alcohol supply. So first you get a chopstick for each player and you write "Oosama" on one of the chopsticks and write a number for each chopstick depending on the number of players, so if there is 5 players you number them 1-4. 

Next you will cover the bottom of the sticks and player will randomly select a stick. Person with Oosama calls out they are Oosama (direct translation is king)  and everyone else keeps their numbers a secret.

This is when the game really begins. The Oosama is in charge of telling people what to do. If the person chosen as king is know as a sadist and jerk you better be prepared for the worse. Its kind of like playing Truth or Dare but its mostly just dare and you have to do what the King says. 

Example of a game: I have been choose as king. I want   person 4 to go streaking.Person 2 to finish his beer while number 3 has to get someones number at a bar and number 1 to kiss a random person. But remember karma and she can be pretty devious. When the commands are fulfilled the sticks are shuffled and the fun once again begins. Remember to keep drinking while playing this game it will sure help you find courage to do some of these daring task. 

Pocky Game 

First you get a piece of pocky (a long stick of pretzel dipped with chocolate also come in many flavors such as strawberry) and each person grabs a hold of each end with their mouths. It is between two people and slowly start eating at each end of the pocky stick. The first one to chicken out and let go of the stick has to chug their drink. If you both end up kissing you are safe. If your a couple that is just cheating. If you do it with your crush- bonus points. 

 There are more Japanese drinking games but these were the three I found I was capable of doing and sounded more fun to me. Here is a blog which list more of the Japanese drinking games.

Top 5 Japanese Foods I can’t Stand and Why

I love trying new food and it is not that I am not expanding my pallet to other ethnic foods but rather learning what foods I like to eat and foods that I should learn to avoid. I even find some dislikes in Mexican heritage food I have grow up with. For example in Mexican dishes there are some foods that are made with cactus and I  hate cactus and my mom loves cooking it in almost any dish she can think of (knowing full well I hate cactus).  An American food I cannot bring myself to eat is a hot dog drenched in relish. Its the sweetness that make me want to feed it to the seagulls or play basketball with the trashcan. In my journey of eating Japanese food I have encountered 5 things I dislike eating and in my journey I realized I learned food is unique for everyone.

1. Natto beans

When I first tried Natto beans, it was the first morning I had stayed with my host family in Japan. At first I was intrigued by this fascinating food because they looked like beans which was something I was use to seeing. My host father instructed me to mix the beans together with my chop sticks. I noticed as I mixed the beans around, a sticky substance emerged. I admit I was playing with my food like a kid playing with putty. As I had my first bite I could feel my taste buds rejecting the very food I had found intriguing a minute ago. It was then that I added natto in my list of food I did not like. It is said that Natto is an acquired taste but I have heard even some Japanese don't like natto which gave me no hope of taking the time to acquire this taste. 

2. Wasabi

Wasabi I heard goes great with sushi. As I began eating sushi I thought it would be great to try it with wasabi. Boy was I ever wrong. For the record it’s not that I am a wuss for spicy food; on the contrary I grew up eating spicy food (even though I didn’t really have a choice since I grew up in a Mexican household).  Wasabi had this taste that I did not find appealing. I later found out wasabi is actually horse radish and I hate horseradish. Even if wasabi touches my sushi I will not eat it. This would have been a good culture thing to know that wasabi is horseradish, then I would have been wise to avoid it in the first place. 

3. Shellfish Sashimi

I have had sashimi before in America but was really excited about trying sashimi in Japan. The first time I tried shellfish sashimi I noticed its white transparent and rubber texture. Biting into I realized it was not going to easily break apart. I had spent a good five minutes chewing on the piece of shellfish and it still remained it rubbery form,  it was impossible to eat. It wasn’t until my jaw was aching that I finally decided to discard it. The fear of swallowing it and getting it lodge in my throat and choking in front of my host family would have been embarrassing. I would have been dying with embarrassment instead of the shellfish lodge in my throat. So I did what any seven year old kid would do, I carefully spat it out in my napkin and continued with my meal. 

4. Tsukemono

Tsukemono is a side dish usually served with a meal which is used as a pallet cleanser. Every time I go and in a Japanese restaurant the meal is served with tsukemono and green tea. I wasn’t sure what it was at first. I was use to being served green tea but when this foreign salad entered my plate I was taken by surprised. To me it looked like a Cole slaw but without the creamy dressing. As I ate it all I could taste was vinegar in my mouth. I know it is was distilled with vinegar but  it tasted like vinegar in a solid form.

5. Yakiika 

Yakiika is grilled squid and I like any normal girl will squirm at the sight of any tentacles of a sea creature (my friend Stephanie seems to make an exception to the rule). At a picnic with the host families they were serving Yakiika and when my plate was served with the floppy lifeless sea creature before me I can feel my eyes open wide with a look of horror.  Before I could say anything my host father took the plate away and gave me a rice ball in its place. I think he still felt bad about tricking me with the Natto my first day which is why he insisted I tried the rice ball.  But what really freaks me out the most about Yakiika is the texture and the tentacles and its overall creepy look.

I am not discouraging you from trying or enjoying these dishes but giving you the courage to try new things. I have tasted the best Japanese food with trying random things and even though you may find foods that may forever scar you, don't let it keep you from expanding your taste. You never know Yakiika might be your favorite Japanese dish, I know its not mine. 

Father of Origami

Father of Origami

Have you ever found yourself bored in class and making a paper crane? The first time I made one it was an utter fail. I was wondering who could create such a complicated way to fold a simple piece of paper and make it blossom into a piece of art. Although my paper Crane was beyond perfect and it still had its rough edges of a beginner, I was proud when I managed to make the Crane. Not so much when the teacher caught me not paying attention but it was wort.

Akira Yoshizawa who is known as the “Father of Origami”, just had his 101^st birthday on March 14, 2012. He passed away at Itabashi Ward due to complications of pneumonia in 2005 on his birthday; he has just barely turned 94.

In my blog I had decided to pay my respect the the father of origami. Origami is a complicated art that deals with math and geometry. Not many people know who Akira Yoshizawa was but I thought at least I would help spread the word of such a great man. Here are some of his works he was able to create through the years. 

Japanese Vending Machines: Everything You Ever Needed and More.

Endless possibilities

Vending machines in Japan are amazing, you can buy just about anything you want from a vending machines. If its raining and you forgot your umbrella its ok there's a vending machine for that (maybe even an app but that is besides the point). Japanese vending machines are not only  technology advanced (touch screen) but they are cute as hell. Japanese like to think outside the box when creating their vending machines model. If you look at the picture on the left doesn't it just makes you want to buy a soda? Not only are Japanese vending machines alluring and eye catching they are quite convenient. It saves you from a hassle of waiting in line.

My personal favorite is the beer machine. I have faced the horror of going to the store just to find out they are closed or have stopped selling beer. If I were in Japan I would just go to a vending machine to buy a nice cold beer. I have already faced reality and come to terms of accepting the fact that such machines will never exist in America, especially since the sale of beer stops at 2am and begins at 5 am. I guess that allows enough time to sober up and buy some more beer. I am not a raging alcoholic but there are some nights were a cold beer in your hand is good company to appreciate after a long day at work or school. 

Drinking Vendors

A feature you will find amazing will be the hot and cold drinks. During the summer they provide cold drinks and during the winter they provide hot drinks; so you will be able to enjoy a drink that is perfect for the weather. 

The Importance of Change 

You may not be use to taking care of you change; you might be use to leaving it in the couch, carelessly dropping it on the floor or if you are nice enough you may give your change to a homeless person. The importance of change can be very useful when buying something in a vending machine. Every vending machine excepts coins but not all of them accept bills. Coins in Japan are actually lighter than American coins so carrying them wont be such a hassle carrying them . So saving your change will come in handy when you are buying something from a vending machine. 

Piri Kura: Say Cheese or Throw up a Peace Sign

Pirikura -lets get one thing straight, it is not a pokemon. This misconception might get you a WTF look by  an avid pirikura member. Pirikura is actually a Japanese photo booth and is very popular in Japan. Its kind of like the American photo booth but with a variety of decorations and effects.  Pirikura is  more technology advanced than the American photo booth. American photo booths pictures can be in color or  black and white, at times come with a border decorations. On the other hand, with pirikura you have variety of ways to decorate your pictures-with stamps decorations, a variety of color pens and much more.

The first time I went strolling through Japan town in San Francisco, I went along with my friend Stephanie. I did not want to encounter a forever alone moment so I was happy I had someone to join me. I remember walking out of the crepe place holding my strawberry-vanilla crepe, and straight ahead of me I read a sign saying Pika Pika which is the place you can take pirikura. I could not believe  I missed it, however my friend was kindly enough to comment how I think more with my stomach, but it was ok because not even her can ruin this moment for me.  I was acting like a high school girl all over again. I wanted to go in the photo booth and  be corny as hell  and take pictures with my friend.

 My first experience with pirikura was when I went to Japan. It was amazing. I had a great time just being silly and bedazzling my pictures on the machine with the Japanese students I don’t know if it was the bright colored booth, or the happy music or even just the fact it was a Japanese product; all I had known was that I had enjoyed it. 

When I entered the booth everything was in Japanese, this is when I was grateful for being a Japanese major. However it was not necessary since there were instructions written in  English. The employees there are not only there to help the clueless but they also help in providing change.  

America's Tips of advise:

 1.Remember to be on your guard and be ready to take a picture or else you might end up with your eyes close or in a weird pose.  

      2. Bring cash. (try to avoid the ATM fee because every dollar counts.)

      3. Each machine cost differently. There are booth designed for big groups and small groups so decide wisely. (Sometimes the more expensive the machine is the better the quality)


    5. If you are in a group, splinting the cost will be cheaper. 

     4. Also remember just to have fun with it and think of poses (just standing in front of the camera like your posing for a school picture is not very exiting).

When you finished taking the pictures you can decorate them as you wish  (like the picture above). Oh and something you may not know about is the pictures are also stickers. It  took me five years to figure that one out. You can also exchange them among your friends and use them for decorations.  

Karaoke: sing like a star.

Karaoke in Japan is actually one of the most popular social events in Japan. Especially among "Salaryman" which we call in America businessman Japanese Karaoke is also very popular with college and high school students. 

I realize that there is Karaoke and then there is Japanese Karaoke. Whats the difference? A typical Karaoke bar is performed on stage at bar or in front of a crow of strangers. However in a Japanese Karaoke bar you are able to get a private room. You not only get your privacy but you are able to choose the songs and hang out with your friends.  As oppose to embarrassing yourself in front of a room full of strangers and maybe that cute guy across the table from you. I realize I am no Celine Dion or Adelle and there is no way I will sing in a public setting.  However, 7 coronas, 6 shots of vodka and a shot of whiskey have a way of persuading me to sing. But that is a different story that I would like to avoid at this time; let’s just say it ended with a hangover and embarrassing moments of singing to a crowd of strangers and a group of friends who will never let you forget about you "glory" moment.

If your as shy as me when it comes to karaoke going to a Japanese style Karaoke booth is just for you. Even if you aren't shy, its a perfect opportunity to spend time with your friends and if you don't have any, the whole world doesn't need to know. The great thing about Japanese Karaoke is that it is open 24/7 and the fee is usually 12 dollars per person for each hour. When you go to Karaoke you are assigned a room where you are set up with a Karaoke machine and mics. This give you an opportunity to sing a duet which will help with the anxiety of singing alone. Unlike my friend Stephanie who practically takes the spotlight with her voice.

Another perk other than just having a room to yourself with your friends you can order food and drink.So if you not into the whole singing scene you can just kick back and eat while you watch you friends sing and pretend its a live America Idol auditions-just avoid  killing the mood by being a Simon. 

White Day

Valentine ’s Day is a day where we can show our loved ones that we care for them with chocolates and flowers. It is a day of the year when the chocolate stores are crowded and seeing confused men in Victoria Secret is a common thing; as they struggle to find something nice for their valentine-this is when you realize why God had created gift cards. The same goes with woman such as me. This Valentine’s day I went rushing to buy my valentine something nice. I endured waiting in line for twenty minutes at  the chocolate store just to buy him a box of chocolates. In Japan this tradition is also practice but there is a second part to this tradition. 

In Japan it is the women who actually go out of their way to deliver chocolates and gifts to the guys.  They are either handmade goods or store bought. But be careful, just because a Japanese girl gives you a chocolate doesn’t mean she is head over heels for you. There are two types of Valentine’s Day gift. There is Honmei-choco which is chocolate of love and then there is Giri-choco which is a courtesy chocolate.  Giri-choco I would describes it as "just friends" chocolate.  Three reasons you would get a valentine’s day chocolate  would either be an expression of love, courtesy or social obligation. A social obligation would be like your boss or coworker.   

Now the second part of the Japanese valentines day tradition is called white day which is one month after Valentines day - March 14th. When I am talking about white day I am not talking about the day when the bride gets married. So I repeat white day does not mean the wedding day, unless your wedding day happens to fall on March 14.  Men who received a valentines gift from a girl pay their respects either with honmei-choco or Giri-hoco.

White day’s most common gifts are cookies, candies and white chocolates instead of just chocolates. What I read in MIT Japanese Culture Notes is that there is a superstition among the young people that if you give someone cookies it means “I love you”, if you give someone candy it means “I like you” and if you are given white chocolate it means “let’s be friends.”  Other common gifts are jewelry, handbags, shoes, wallets, scarves, handkerchiefs, and stuffed animals.  

So if you ever do go to Japan during this time  of the year or if you ever get a Japanese boyfriend or girlfriend don’t be so surprise when Valentine’s day or White day arrives.  Plus take some pride in knowing white day in Japan means Valentine's day for girls. Or else you will be looking like the girl on the left of this picture.