Rikaichan Revisited
Posted in: Learn Japanese | View Comments
So Yesterday I ran into my college professor (of Japanese) and found out that he had retired but was still doing translations. If you plan to attain a high level of Japanese, working in translations, or even doing it as a hobby, will definitely work toward fine tuning your skills and helping you get to the next level.
For reading and translating Japanese, Rikaichan is one of the best tools out there.
In January of 2009 I wrote about Rikaichan. For anyone studying Japanese, this tool is a definite must. Some of the features (as listed on the polarcloud.com site) are:
- Simple to use, just hover the mouse on top of a Japanese word.
- Automatically de-inflects verbs and adjectives.
- Has an optional toolbar that allows you to manually type the word you are looking up
- Detailed kanji view shows meaning/keyword in English, on/kun readings, and other information.
- Hiragana, katakana and half-width katakana are treated the same making it possible to look up stylized/emphasized words.
Original post can be found by clicking here.
Download it , try it out and let me know wheat you think.
HiHo2 @ August 13, 2010
Japanese Vending Machines
Posted in: Japan in General, Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
Anyone interested in learning about Japan should definitely subscribe to “WebJapan”. Here you will find topics on just about everything there is to learn about Japan. This month they have a few cool videos, but I especially like the one on vending machines.
Japan has vending machines for just about everything and anything. In the video you will see a few, but if you ever live there you will be surprised at the vending machines you see; including neckties, flowers, beer and much more.
Check out the videos they have posted this month and let me know what you think.
HiHo2 @ July 24, 2010
Jobs@jp.indeed.com
Posted in: Working in Japan | View Comments
Today I stopped by jp.indeed.com to check out their job search engine. I really liked what I saw. Their “Google Style” layout made it easy to navigate and they manage to pull in jobs from other search sites.
So if you’re looking to work in Japan, I’d definitely take time to stop by this site.
Shoot me a message and let me know what you think!
Geoff
HiHo2 @ July 8, 2010
Sasugabooks
Posted in: Learn Japanese | View Comments
As I am getting ready to put out a children’s book to help young learners or ESL students learn the sounds necessary to speak English, I am constantly on the look out for publishers and book stores in Japan.
In my search today, I came across Sasugabooks.com. This is an English site that provides books for anyone wanting to learn Japanese or learn about Japan. They have books in both English and Japanese. Their categories include Anime, Magazines, Origami, Martial Arts, Learn English, Learn Japanese and many more.
If you’re looking for a book on Japan, stop by, check out their site and if you have time, let me know what you think.
HiHo2 @ June 18, 2010
Japan-i
Posted in: Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
When people tell me that they are going traveling to Japan, I always ask them if they have done their homework. If you are not on a tour group and don’t speak the language, Japan will be a challenge. There are the few people who are “travel smart” and due to experience are adept at making their way around the country. But for the other 95% I strongly recommend that you look into all aspects of the places that you intend to visit.
Japan-i is a cool site for newbies. It’s not overloaded with ads and will allow you to learn a bit about Japan. Here you can find general information about Japan, World Heritage Sites, Onsens and much more.
At a glance their forum seems decent, but their events calendar could be updated. When you have a chance, check it out and let me know what you think.
HiHo2 @ June 8, 2010
Tokyo Sites to See!
Posted in: Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
Tokyo has got to be one of the most amazing cities in the world! A friend of mine who lives there swears by it. When I asked him why he liked it so much, he simply replied, “Well… it’s Tokyo. You can do anything there.”
I, myself, am not a big fan of Tokyo and can stay there for maybe about 3 days before I feel the need to run out of there. But when I am there I like to make the most of my time. There is nothing more valuable than a good map when you are planning where to stay in relation to where you want to go.
One great site to check out if you are going there is www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/index.html. You can find information on sightseeing spots, how to get around on the subway (vital information if you want to move around efficiently in Tokyo), access to the airport and value tickets. There is even a link so you can download the Tokyometro Guide.
Check it out when you have time.
HiHo2 @ May 14, 2010
The Japan Channel
Posted in: Japan in General, Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
I always wonder if there is more going on in this world or if we are just becoming more aware of things as they happen. With the protest in Bangkok, the earthquake in China and the U.S economy on the brink of collapse, I just wonder how much longer we can continue at this pace.
As busy I have been recently, I still do take time out every day to follow issues and events in Japan. One cool and informative site that I thought provided great insight to various aspects of Japan was [TheJapanChannelDcom].
It is Youtube based, provides a lot of info and I definitely recommend anyone interested in Japan to take time to check it out and / or subscribe to it. I haven’t gone through the whole site, but really like the “Japan-How to” videos.
The main site (http://www.thejapanchannel.com)also has links to photos, videos and a forum where you can find out more information.
Hope you like it. Shoot me a comment if you have time to let me know what you think.
HiHo2 @ April 17, 2010
Interac Co. [Teach English in Japan]
Posted in: Working in Japan | View Comments
Just got done taking a course for work that has been keeping me from posting, but now that I am back I want to catch up on my blog and highlight one of the large scale recruiting campaigns going on now.
If you are interested in teaching English in Japan, you may want to take a look at Interac Co., LTD. They are an English teaching corporation and have been recruiting and growing exponentially. I have been following them on Gaijinpot.com for the past few months and have been wondering what is fueling their growth. It seems like they are a contracted version of The Jet Programme. A friend of mine in Japan that runs a school said that they got the contract(s) to fill the need for ALT’s in elementary, Junior High and High Schools around the city and throughout Japan.
So if you’re interested in teaching English in Japan, you may want to look into checking them out.
HiHo2 @ March 16, 2010
Japanese Fashion on “Japanese Streets”
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
If you have ever walked through Tokyo or cruised through Harajuku you will have noticed that the Japanese can take fashion from conservative to outlandish. No matter what the season, the Japanese will always add a twist to the latest in Fashion and design. Cruising the web today, I came across www.japanesestreets.com and it brought back memories of people I’d see just about every day on the streets. When you have time check out this site. Their shopping page also has a bunch of links to include, collectables, anime, clothes and much more.
HiHo2 @ February 14, 2010
Japanese Gadgets = Seihin
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
As I brave the web in search of things Japanese, I often hit dead sites or sites that contain info that has been written about time and time again. This evening, in my quest for sites off the beaten path, I landed on http://www.seihin-world.com/. This is a cool site that introduces different types of gadgets. Seihin in Japanese refers to gadgets or gizmos and that is exactly what you’ll get. Click on “site map” and you’ll see some of the gadgets broken down by star ratings or you can go through the archives. On the left you’ll also find a bunch of links to other cool sites containing more gadgets.
If you have time I definitely recommend you check this site out.
HiHo2 @ January 16, 2010
Should you buy [Rosetta Stone]?
Posted in: Learn Japanese | View Comments
A question that keeps coming up over and over.
I have tried Rosetta Stone and can’t seem to appreciate the value of it. It was originally developed by language people. Then marketing people got a hold of it and the rest is history. They hype it to be one of the greatest things after sliced bread and it isn’t.
There are 2 fundamental problems with using Rosetta Stone (and other computer based language learning software).
1. It is computer based. You must have time and be willing to sit in front of your computer for a few hours a day for it to have any decent value. Personally, one is better off with audio lessons that they can listen to while driving or listen to on an MP3 player.
2. One needs to have a good fundamental grasp of the target language to keep motivated. You will get frustrated if you are an absolute beginner. Don’t get me wrong, you will learn, but the pace will be frustratingly slow.
Please keep in mind that language is a living thing. Interaction in the target language will provide much more value and satisfaction than a computer course in the language.
In all fairness to Rosetta Stone. I do know one person who liked it. This person was at an intermediate level of Spanish. However, after a couple of days, came back and told me she preferred audio lessons.
HiHo2 @ January 4, 2010
Japan 2010 and things to come
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
First of all, let me start off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
I am forecasting that it will be a very challenging and interesting year for everyone. We started the new year with the U.S. Dollar at 93 Yen. If you’re making money in Yen then it is a great time to go traveling, but if you’re making your income in USD then you have to brace yourself for things to come. Every year, I meet up with a bunch of “snow birds” from Japan. I guess they are the more affluent travelers that comes in from Japan. Listening to their stories, it seems that despite the exchange rate, the economy and the average Joe isn’t fairing too well. The homeless shelter set up in Tokyo expected to get about 500 people and got 833 people. Japan Airlines is seeking help from the government and or Delta Airlines, and Yoshinoya is deciding whether or not to lower its prices.
Japan usually does well in dealing with diversity, so we’ll just have to wait and see as the year goes on.
HiHo2 @ January 3, 2010
Kohaku [The Battle of Red and White]
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
What a year this has been! I couldn’t let December slip by without a post. One of the traditional New Year’s extravaganza’s is the Kohaku Gassen. It is a “battle” of singers. Traditionally it is the Aka gumi vs. the Shiro gumi. The aka group is made up of female singers and the shiro group is made up of male singers.
Although I have never sat down to watch the “Kohaku” while I lived in Japan, I do turn it on every year just to take a glance at the new talent invited out by NHK to participate.
Gotta run.
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Let’s have a Great 2010
HiHo2 @ December 31, 2009
Dream5 [高野洸]
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
If you ever watch tv in Japan you will notice that their programming is loaded with a lot of variety shows. One of the latest rages is a new kids group called Dream5
I would be remissed if I didn’t make mention of a family friend and former student, Akira Takano. If you have time check out ‘em out online Dream5.
HiHo2 @ November 30, 2009
JapanConsidered.com
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
Looking for sites on Japan can be overwhelming at times. Sorting through just the headlines alone can drive one nuts. When I came across this site, it quickly captured my curiosity. What are they “considering” about Japan…now?
This site is not for anyone casually wanting some info on Japan, but rather designed more for research students or those who really need some heavy duty insight on Japan.
I, personally, like this site. It is packed with information. If you are looking for information on the various Ministries, The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Political Parties, Papers, Interviews, Statistics, etc. Then this is the site for you.
The initial home page may not seem like much but take a minute or ten to click on the links. You will see it open up to a sea of information. Hats off to Dr. Robert C. Angel who created and maintains this site.
HiHo2 @ November 24, 2009
Tim’s Takamatsu
Posted in: Learn Japanese | View Comments
This is one of the most powerful sites for learning Japanese. Don’t let its “Zen” layout fool you. If you have time, I definitely recommend you click through the list of links on the left side of the home page.
If you have been studying Japanese for a while or if you are just starting out, you will quickly realize the immeasurable value of the information provided here. The site covers, verbs, adjectives, particles, and a whole lot more. The only thing that puzzled me was the fact that I hadn’t stumbled upon it earlier.
This one will defnitely go up on my list of ‘Great Sites To Learn Japanese’!
HiHo2 @ November 17, 2009
Japan Weather
Posted in: Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
Weather in Japan
I met a Japanese man who told me how much better the weather was in Japan than in Hawaii, because Japan had 4 seasons. Personally, I like
the fact that we can pretty much wear the same type of clothes all year ’round.
However, after living in Japan for 12 years, I did get used to the seasons and do
miss it every so often. The sounds of summer, the colors of spring and fall, the ramen
and udon tasting especially good during the winter.
Here I have listed some of the better sites for checking into the weather in Japan.
In Japanese: www.tenki.or.jp gives you a quick snapshot of the weather across the whole country. If you scroll down a bit, you can click on a specific region and get more detailed weather information.
In English: The Japan Meteorological Agency provides a lot of information on General weather, Airport weather, Weather maps, Warnings and Advisories.
Other great sources that I like are Yahoo Weather and Accuweather.com
If you plan to visit or move to Japan be sure you do your homework and check the weather conditions before you go. Keep in mind, that Typhoon season will start about the end of August and end around November.
HiHo2 @ October 9, 2009
[Talksushi.com]
Posted in: Learn Japanese | View Comments
The internet is by far one of the hottest ways that people will try to make money. But hey, you can’t blame people for trying. As I mention in the About link of Japanpros.com/jblog, I look for sites that are of use to people learning Japanese or sites that with content on Japan.
Talksushi.com pulled up quickly in a google search on “Learn about Japan”. So I figured that if it was being ranked up there with the big boys, it must be worth taking a look. The first thing you will notice is that it is a nicely designed advertising page for “Rocket Japanese”.
Another thing you will notice is their beautifully designed ” ebook/ online learning” sales pages covering JPLT, Speaking Japanese, Reading Japanese, Kanji Flash Cards.
The Low down: From the standpoint of internet marketing, I really like this site. For those wanting to learn Japanese, this site leaves much to be desired. However, if you have the funds and feel the products offered may be of use, by all means dive in (if you have time, let me know what you think).
HiHo2 @ September 22, 2009
Japanorama
Posted in: Japan in General | View Comments
As you know, there is an overwhelming amount of information about Japan on the web. Today I took a look at Japanorama.com
At first, I wasn’t too impressed with this site. It has a lot of links, most of which take you to a page that sells products or info via Amazon.com. There are some links that actually give you some decent information, but one might be better off just doing a web search for specific info.
What I did like was their “links” page found at www.japanorama.com/links.html
This page actually took you to actual websites; many of which are well known and others that give you that, “Hmmm I wonder what this is” feeling.
Long story short, If you’re interested in Japan, their links page may be a site you may want to check out.
HiHo2 @ September 2, 2009
O-Hayo Sensei’s Japan Bookstore
Posted in: Japan in General, Visiting and Living in Japan | View Comments
O-Hayo Sensei has been providing information on Japan since the beginning of the “Internet Boom”. I used to go through this site to look for jobs or for teachers.
Another cool link off their main site is their bookstore. They cover various topics such as Travel, Cuisine, Business, Teaching Materials and just about anything you may want to find information on… regarding Japan.
If you have time, I definitely recommend you check out their bookstore.
HiHo2 @ August 28, 2009
