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April – the Start of a New Beginning in Japan
The end of March is, in fact, one of the busiest times for moving companies, as university students relocate closer to their chosen universities or entire families move to accommodate a husband’s new job. Alongside excitement, there are also uncertainties and anxieties. Kindergarten parents, while mostly excited, may feel a bit worried about parent-child separation.…
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11 Things in Japan That Surprised Me As a Filipino
I came to Japan in the spring of 2011 when my sister who lives in Japan invited me for a month-long spring vacation. During my stay (and even up to now) there are several things that surprised me. 11. There are many elderlies. It is a known fact that Japan is an aging country. When…
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10 Differences Between Elementary Schools in Japan and the Philippines
1. Teachers in Japan do not have a permanent school assignment. They change schools. They can only teach in one school for three to four years the longest. They have to move to another school within the city or the neighboring cities. New teachers change from one to three years and veteran teachers who are…
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Losing things in Japan again and again but they always come back except for one.
I have seen a video about how honest Japanese people really are. Japan is the most honest country in the world as the video claimed. The guy in the video dropped his wallet on the streets of Tokyo fifty times and it was returned every single time. Most comments praised Japan and its Japanese people…
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How I got my driver’s license in Japan – My Driving Story
Back in my hometown in the Philippines, there was no reason for me to drive a car. Obviously, I can’t afford to have and maintain a car (with the meager salary of a public school teacher). My place of work was just a walking distance from my house anyway. About 5-6-minute walk. Who needs a…
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How I learned Japanese in 3 months
Before coming to Japan, I only knew two words. Oishi (Yummy) and arigatou (thank you). When I came to visit for one month in 2011, I learned a few more words. Words that are used in everyday life: ohayou gozaimasu (good morning) konichiwa (hello) konbanwa (good evening) oyasumi (good night) itadakimasu (grace before meal) gochisosamadeshita…
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Valentine’s Day in Japan and the Philippines
There is a huge difference between how the Philippines and Japan celebrate Valentine’s. What to give/receive In the Philippines, Valentine’s is more on flowers – roses as the main star. With matching teddy bears and chocolates on the side. And love letters too. In Japan, it’s mainly chocolate. Not very much on flowers. Who give…
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Why most Japanese people don’t speak English well?
You might be surprised and ask yourself this question when you visit Japan for the first time. Having lived in Japan for many years now, I would like to share my thoughts on this matter. There are many reasons why Japanese people don’t speak English well. 1. Japanese Sense of Nationalism First of all, I…
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New Year’s Celebration in Japan and the Philippines
As a Filipina living in Japan for many years now, I can compare how New Year’s Day is celebrated in both countries. There are few similarities and many differences between Philippines and Japan celebrating New Year’s Day that I would like to share according to my observation and experience. Decorations and Preparations In the Philippines,…
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How to invite your family to Japan
I have been living in Japan for almost seven years already (I will be seven years exactly on September 24th.) With that span of time, I have invited my family to visit Japan three times already. The first time was in the spring of 2017. I invited four family members – my mother, two sisters…