Alright, boys and girls. I attended the panel after mine last night on “Surviving the First 6 months in Japan”. It was great fun. Emphasis on fun. There were some people who wanted to know the ins and outs of actually moving to Japan and pretty much relocating there for life. I have to interject with a few things at this point because I did not want to interrupt the wonderfully energetic panelist too much.
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And yes, I was nervous like crazy (my first panel talk ever)
I thought the panel went reasonably well, despite the technical issues at the onset. I really wish I had been feeling better (just getting over a concussion really played havoc with my ability to articulate as clearly as I’d like).
I had given the panel a run through the night before and went majorly overtime. At the actual panel I went under time which annoyed me because I really had so much more to say.
I would like to give another panel, except I think focus on a couple of specific points. I wanted to tell more stories and anecdotes (stripped those out as I went over time the night before). But I have no idea what people would be interested in learning.
So, whether you are passerby of this website, or someone who attended my panel, please let me know what you’d like to hear more about (reply to this post or send me a message). I would really appreciate that and then next year, if there’s interest, I’m happy to talk some more about my favourite subject.
And finally — thanks to everyone who attended my panel. I seriously did not expect to see so many people. Arigato gozaimasu.
Photos of the day below…
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This will perhaps be one of the most open, and unabashed public pieces of writing from yours truly. Part of me is shy (believe it or not), but another part of me does not feel that openly divulging my personal feelings benefits anyone. I am really not that interesting, but I am a consummate explorer and sharer. I live to learn and pass it along, just as I learn from the influence of others. Curiously, I’ve always viewed a subject matter pedantically, even if I, myself, am passionate. An example is this site (Shopping in Tokyo), filled with numerous resources. It’s far more matter-of-fact, offering (hopefully) objective information, than it is oozing with the true excitement that I actually feel for this topic. Below, I will attempt to convey my deeply personal feelings regarding the oft perceived crazy side of Tokyo.
So… Tokyo…
The main strip in Ikebukuro
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Jamaipanese.com is the personal blog of Kirk Brown, a young Jamaican living in Kingston who has a great interest in Japan and its people for various reasons. I have never visited Japan but if Operation Visit Japan is a success I am looking forward to visiting in mid 2011. “Jamaipanese” is a candid portmanteau of the words JAMAIcan and JaPANESE hence I call myself and my blog Jamai + Panese or Jamaipanese.
Talk about your passionate person! Mr. Kirk Brown is someone I would love to have some Red Stripe or sake with. Kirk is Otaku and his awesome blog reflects this — plus, he does go on about sundry other Japanese things.
Sometimes you cannot get to Tokyo as often as you’d like for an injection of EGA (elegant gothic aristrocrat) or EGL (elegant gothic lolita), punk and Harajuku fashions. OR, as in the case of Takuya, they’ve closed up their physical shop in Harajuku to concentrate on online sales. What to do?
Shop online, of course. Please be aware of shipping costs (it’s sometimes cheaper in the long run to buy more and pay the same amount of shipping).
If you live in Canada, there may be brokerage fees as well. Your shipments may not always attract brokerage fees, but be aware this may happen. You will pay taxes and depending on the carrier, a brokerage handling fee. UPS has extremely high brokerage handling fees for Canadians, so avoid them as a carrier. Regular post or DHL are the cheapest for brokerage handling fees.
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Blogger, Designer, Travel TV Host, CNNGo Journalist, and Author of 3 Jpop books.
La Carmina is a fun personality in Japan. If your interest is in Japanese fashions, particularly EGL, as well as the subcultures of Tokyo, you really must spend some time on this website.
Harajuku is one of several major fashion shopping districts in Tokyo, home to the famous Takeshita Street. One could argue that all of Tokyo is one massive fashion shopping district, but if you are young, wish to be seen, and buy the latest fashions, Harajuku should be on your list. Even if fashion isn’t your “thing”, it’s well worth a trip (especially on a weekend) to experience the delightful mayhem. Trust my when I say you will not be the only tourist with a camera snapping pictures of the local wildlife.
Saturday morning train from Ikebukuro to Harajuku — the closer we came to Harajuku, the more crowded it became (so don’t let this empty train fool you)
Let’s talk about this wondrous Tokyo district, now, shall we?
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Wakey wakey! Cat clutch in Ikebukuro at about 5 AM.
One of the curiosities that I discovered in Japan was that their classist society bleeds even into their feline culture. There is the bobtail cat, dwelling predominantly on the streets (see above).
A JaLaLa cat in Takadanobaba
And the pampered puss found pimped out in neko cafes.
Oh, don’t worry, I’m not about to launch into any sort of a Peter Tosh “equal rights for cats” diatribe. This is merely may way of writing — very tongue in cheek. But now I digress…
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I started this website purely out of the yearning to write about things of interest and a penchant for playing with words. Over time the focus has narrowed to largely Japan-themed subjects, ruins explorations and the occasional flash of bioluminescence.
This is an extremely thoughtful and well-written blog; I would say the author has achieved success with his “penchant for playing with words”. Please do read through his entire blog as your time permits.
I do link to one particular article which is of intense interest to myself. I have previously speculated on the subject of Work:Life ratios in Japan, although much of my knowledge is influenced by anthropology books regarding the roles of women in Japanese society. Gakuranman remarks well on this subject, and I strongly urge anyone who wishes to actually live in Japan to read this article.
Welcome to Tofugu.com! We’re a “Wonky Japanese Language and Culture Blog” that started up in June 2007. Our goal is to bring you lots of original Japan-related content that you won’t find anywhere.
This is a fabulous blog, filled with great facts and information. I love the writing style and presentation very much. While I’m introducing this blog via this article regarding bowing, I strongly encourage you to spend some time with the entire Tofugu blog.
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