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10 Differences Between Elementary Schools in Japan and the Philippines
The following are based on my observations and experiences as an elementary teacher in the Philippines for about a decade before coming to Japan, where I have now been living for more than a decade. I am currently working in an elementary school in Japan and have been working in Japanese public schools for a…
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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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My Toddler, My Life
Having my daughter is definitely the best thing that happened to me in my whole life. She is my source of happiness and inspiration since the day I conceived her, to the the day she was born and more now that she is a toddler , an active two-year old little girl. She’s the sweetest,…
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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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Food Served at my Maternity Clinic
Food and good nutrition is an essential part in recovery from delivering a baby. I would like to share the meal prepared in my entire stay (six days, five nights) in my maternity clinic. I got admitted in the morning of Tuesday, October 22, 2019, past breakfast time (around 7:30). I delivered the baby at…
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Look at This Public Restroom in Japan
One of the many things I love about Japan is their toilets. You will be amazed at how sophisticated the technology is in this part of the planet. With all the buttons there are to press, you will be lost if you can’t read Japanese. And it is not just about the toilet bowl. It…
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How to distinguish Japanese from Korean and Chinese
Can you tell if a person comes from a specific country? Before coming to Japan, I had no idea how to distinguish Japanese, Korean and Chinese from one another. I had quite a few experience (when I was in the university as an international student) of trying to speak Japanese to a fellow student who I thought is Japanese, but after all, turned out…
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What makes kanji difficult and challenging and what are the ways to overcome it?
Many Japanese language learners express difficulty about the language and most of them say that learning kanji is what makes it hard. Kanji is one of the three set of characters, together with Katakana and Hiragana, which make up the Japanese language. While Katakana and Hiragana symbolize sounds, Kanji symbolizes meaning. So, what makes kanji…
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Wedding Cultures in Japan and the Philippines
Wedding is one of the most celebrated events in one’s life all over the world. It is interesting to note that saying “I do” and the intricate details of getting married may be the same, slightly different or the complete opposite in one culture from another culture. tickera.com In this article, we will talk about…