Vending Machines

When I started teaching in a public Junior High School in Saitama Prefecture, one of the Japanese English teachers asked me if what are the things you find interesting about Japan. I told her, and the entire class, that one of them is the widely distributed vending machines (自動販売機 / jidouhambaiki). This image was taken from JapanToday, where some of these "oasis" in Japan are equipped with emergency telephones and surveillance cameras in times of calamities and to combat crime.

Wednesday 29th October, 12:43 PM JST

A young girl demonstrates an emergency phone installed in a vending machine in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture. The vending machine, which also has a surveillance camera, was vandalized this week. Police said the words “surveillance society” was scrawled on the vending machine. According to police, the machine’s electric cable was cut and the camera lens painted black.

Disney Mascots

The most popular, Mickey Mouse.

According to my friend, this is Marie. Sorry but I don't know this feline at all.

Either Chip or Dale.

Pluto.

Fugu Ornaments

Fugu ornaments are sold for 300 yen a piece. Weird choice of decorations for your home.

Spotted in Kawagoe Bazaar.

Hairclips at Sky-Rocket Prices

Japan is the real world for the most expensive you can imagine. These hairclips are sold on the streets of Kawagoe from 1,500 to 5,000 yen a piece depending on its design.

Kawagoe Festival 川越祭

One of the 10 or so yatai (屋台) circling the streets of Kawagoe. These gigantic structures are being pulled by the local residents who participate in the street parade. Riding this chariot-type structure are taiko (太鼓) drummers, tanuki (狸) dancers and others who maintain the safety of its constituents.

A pose with one of the district's yatai.


The famous Kawagoe bellfry dating back to the Edo Era (江戸時代), well preserved and one of the famous old structures still standing in Kawagoe.


Kawagoe's meibutsu (名物) or famous product. Green tea ramen stuffed with straw mushrooms and everything green. The taste is a little sour but very healthy and delicious. The ramen tastes like ordinary noodle.


Another meibutsu of Kawagoe. The murasaki imo (紫芋), or the purple yam, and cheese ice cream. I was also eager to taste their sweet potatoes (甘い芋/amai imo) shaped into small circles like thick hotcakes. Stuffed with sugar and it feels like in the Philippines already.

Tokyo Disney Sea

At last, the long wait was over. I was able to set foot on Disney Sea. My friends forced me to ride the Journey to the Center of the Earth. A little scary but luckily I am still alive. We also got in the Magic Lamp Theatre. Though we were provided with speacial hand-held transcription devices for the entire duration of the show, we still have had the difficulty in understanding the entire show because it's in Japanese. The theatre is equipped with 3D lenses which enhance the special effects of the show. Plus the tickling vibration of its seats. It was a good day to visit because it was not jam-packed with people and the weather cooperated well. Though the fireworks was cancelled because of strong winds, it was already a good experience to ride in 7 different attractions in the park.

Abreeza: Davao City's New Ayala Mall

Monday, October 20, 2008
New urban enclave to rise in Bajada
By Nelson C. Bagaforo

TOP developer Ayala Land, Incorporated (ALI) and Davao City-based Antonio Floirendo Corporation (Anflocor) are agog over transforming a sprawling property on JP Laurel avenue in Bajada, Davao City into a new urban enclave.

The new urban center will be equipped with a high-end shopping mall, BPO (business process outsourcing) facility, a hotel and lots that can be utilized as residential or business establishment.

At present, land development works are ongoing in the 10-hectare property owned by the Floirendos and construction works will start in the first quarter of 2009.

The development is Ayala's first major entry into Davao's real estate scene.

The development project called Abreeza, according to ALI senior vice president Marivic Añonuevo, is a partnership between Anflocor and ALI.

The project will be fully completed in 2011. Total project cost, she said, is between P4-P5 billion.

This development project is foreseen to boost economic growth of the city, promote progress and to once again fulfill a promise of enhancing land and enriching lives for more Dabawenyos.

"The Abreeza project costs P4-P5 billion. That's a major investment and it proves Ayala Land's confidence in this city," Añonueva told Sun.Star in a recent interview.

Strategically located at the northern fringe of the economic hub of Davao, within reasonable distance from major schools and universities, private and government offices and banks, Añonuevo said that the Abreeza "will promote progress as economic activities will surely step up in the area."

She said the development project will be surrounded by lush landscaped areas and "people-oriented spaces will provide a relaxing and refreshing environment for bonding and nurturing relationships truly reflective of the city's culture and way of life."

The city council had unanimously approved the reclassification of the Floirendo property to pave way for the development project.

The council allowed the conversion of the property from low-density residential zone to major commercial zone.

Global BPO industry will generate an estimated US$310 billion by 2010, according to the Oxford Business Group. The Philippines is projected to take 10 percent of the world market, and Mindanao stands to benefit from the countrywide expansion.

Abreeza's second BPO building, with 8,000 sq. m. GLA is expected to be completed in the 4th quarter of 2011.

First phase of the high-end Ayala Mall will be completed in the 4th quarter of 2010 with 35,000 sqm GLA. Phase 2, whith 26,000 sqm GLA is expected to be finish by the 3rd quarter of 2011.

"Like all other Ayala Malls, we will bring in to Davao City quality brands, both local and foreign. But we will also cater to the "bests" that the city offers," Añonuevo aid.

The project had its ceremonial groundbreaking on September 23, attended by Anflocor and ALI top executives that included Don Antonio Floirendo Sr., ALI chair Fernado Augusto Zobel de Ayala, ALI president Jaime Ayala, Ayala Corp. chair and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, Davao City Administrator Wendel Avisado, Anflocor SVP Ricardo Floirendo, Anflocor chair Antonio Floirendo Jr. and other executives of the two real estate companies.

Construction stage of the project will employ more than 3,000 workers.

The project will also generate thousands of jobs for Dabawenyos.

Kawagoe Matsuri (川越市祭)

October 19, 2008. Kawagoe Festival. Parade of yatai.

New JLPT Exams by 2010 (新日本語能力試験)

This afternoon, I received an invitation from Japan Founation's main office in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The good days will be over for aspiring examinees of JLPT (日本語能力試験) because by 2010, they are revising the present Japanese Language Test Proficiency Examinations into a new improved, fortified and a hell difficult one (probably). From the initial four levels, they have come up with five new levels named N5 to N1. See the images below.

I am excited to try the new exam. Aside that its free, you will be able to have a first glimpse of the new upcoming exam which is an advantage on your part. The honorarium though will just be enough for my train fare.

Ghost Sighting at Railway

Ghost sighting at Ibaraki Prefecture.

Roppongi Survival 101

I was able to help my friends book to a... Oooopsss, not a hotel, but an Internet Cafe. With a help from my Japanese friend who knows Roppongi very much, she suggested at Gran Internet Cafe on the 12th Floor of Roi Building, infront of Don Quixote. The price? 3,000 yen for a 12-hour stay. Equipped with reclining seat, computer with Internet access, pillows and blankets, overflowing coffee, juice, tea, water and shower rooms and toilets. Hehehe... The facility is also equipped with food dispenser as shown above and DVD rentals if you want to watch movies. The catch? If you go out for a while, you have to take your belognings with you as this facility is not a hotel or inn or a baggage counter. Solution? Leave your things in Roppongi Station coin lockers for 300-400 yen. Afterwhich, you can party all night. Knowing the real Tokyo is by experiencing most Tokyoites do especially in these Internet Cafes. :-D

Starbucks Shibuya

One of just the few Starbucks filling Shibuya District. This one, infront of Hachiko Crossing, is at the 2nd floor of the building.

Shibuya 109

The famous Shibuya 109. Featured in several Hollywood Films like Jumper, Fast and the Furios: Tokyo Drift and Babel.

Do Not Drink and Drive Campaign (飲酒運転させない東京キャンペン)

Look how extravagant the Japanese society is. Just last week, they had a campaign against ATM money transmittal frauds by conducting a program in most huge stations with many old fellas. And just yesterday, they had to promote Don't-Drink-and-Drive Campaign through this program staged infront of Shibuya Station in Shibuya Ward. Aside from this program, they also had mascots and lovely sexy ladies who gave balloons around. Also, the press were there to cover the event. Why not campaign for Don't-talk-on-the-phone-while-driving Campaign or Don't-drink-beer-on-the-street-or-train Campaign? I think more people talk on their mobile phones while driving compared to drunk drivers.

The kanji reads inshuunten sasenai Tokyo Campaign (飲酒運転させない東京キャンペン).

Glass Piano

Spotted in Takashimaya Department Store Lobby in Shinjuku.

Shibuya Fashion

Guess what? These gals are not Japanese but gaijins.
Spotted yesterday in Hachiko Crossing in Shibuya.

Potatoes for Sale

A huge box of unwashed potatoes sold at 950 yen for the whole box.
Take a look as the container they used are from the used banana boxes of Del Monte Philippines.
Seen in a nearby vegetable shop in Hanyu.

Assorted Bottlegourds

Autumn vegetables are amazing like these freshly harvested bottlegourds of different varieties. These veggies are in especially the huge pumpkins this Halloween season.
Spotted in D2, Do it Yourself Shop in Nakano-ku, Tokyo.

School Lunch for October 10, 2008

What made special our today's school lunch (給食・kyuushoku) was that out dessert was a frozen blueberry crepe. The meal was even better because some of the faculty members were not around. Thus we were given two pieces of frozen blueberry crepes and spring rolls (春巻・haru maki). Lunch was accompanied by the good old Saitama-produced milk, tofu and miso soup with wakame, rice and seaweed based main course food with nuts.

Foliage 紅葉

Leaves have started to change its color. Known as foliage or kouyou (紅葉) in Japanese.
Picture taken just three blocks away from my house.

Koizora (恋空)

I would swear to myself that I would never watch Japanese love drama series. Why? I hate the feeling of being lonely after. After watching the film on Pinoychannel.tv, it felt very depressed. The movie is entitled Koizora (恋空) or Sky of Love. I was thankful for finding this on we website in full-lenght and with English caption. Good thing that I was again able to practice my Japanese listening skills. The story goes when girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. Girl loses her mobile phone. Then boy becomes his virtual friend. Then they met personally, and fucked. Ooopppsss. Of course, that is part of the drama. Anyway, afterwards, the girl got pregnant, then lost their child via miscarriage. Then the boy suddenly changed her feelings. Then girl was able to move on. Found a new guy. Then suddenly one day knew that his past love have cancer that is why he suddenly split up a few years ago. Then she goes back to the guy until the guy dies. That's it. Simple story.

I have a few backlogs of acquired telenovelas. I still have to continue my Sunadokei (砂時計) or Sand's Chronicles series marathon. I stopped a few weeks ago because there was no English caption and I wasn't able to fully understand the dialogue well.

Super Asuza スーパあすざ

The Super Asuza Liner bound for Matsumoto City. Spotted in Shinjuku Station.

Takao Crematorium 高尾火葬場

Takao Crematorium. The standing yellow structure in the mountain behind is Takao's crematorium. Kasouba or 火葬場 in Japanese. Below is the scenery in front of the train station.

Matsumoto Liner 松本線

Old Matsumoto Liner along Chuo Line. An old-fashioned train that is time-tested and survived until now despite the modern changes in train design. Rode once coming from Tachikawa and got off at Takao station.

Suruga Bank Japan Will Terminate Western Union Service by January 30, 2009

Notice from Suruga Website:

ウエスタンユニオン社との国際送金にかかる提携契約の終了に伴い、２００９年１月３０日（金）をもって、テレフォンバンキングおよび店頭受付による「ウエスタンユニオンを利用した国際送金サービス」を終了させていただくことになりましたのでお知らせいたします。

It is hereby then that the public is informed that by Friday, January 30, 2009 the tie-up agreement for the international remittance services with Western Union Company ends. Subsequently international remittance service using the Western Union by telephone banking will also be terminated.

なお、「外国送金に関するテレフォンバンキングサービス」をご利用いただいているお客さまの口座は、２００９年１月３１日（土）以降も、ネットバンク支店の普通預金口座として、引き続きご利用いただけます。また、お手持ちのキャッシュカードも、同口座のキャッシュカードとして、引き続きご利用いただけます。

As for the savings account of the clients for Suruga Bank branch, the account of the customer who uses "Telephone banking industry service concerning a foreign remittance" will still continue and can still be used after Saturday, January 31, 2009. Moreover, ATM cards on hand can still be used.

サービス終了に伴い、同サービスをご利用いただいておりますお客さまには、ご不便をお掛けすることを深くお詫び申し上げますとともに、当社では今後も新しいサービスのご提供に努めてまいりますので、より一層のご愛顧を賜りますようお願い申し上げます。

Suruga Bank apologizes to the customers for the incovenience it may have caused them due to the discontinuance of this service. Furthermore, our company is planning to provide a new service to our customers. Thank you very much for your continued patronage.

For further information call toll free number 0120-882-515 between 9AM to 5PM, weekdays only.

Click here to view the site.

Double Victory

A double victory for the entire Hanyu City Junior High Schools. The student that I am coaching right now, Ms. Yurina Sakamaki of Hanyu City South Junior High School prevailed as the grand champion of the recently concluded 2008 North Saitama Districts and City Junior High Schools' English Speech Competition (平成２０年度北埼玉郡市中学校英語弁論大会プログラム) in Gyoda City Education and Culture Center (行田市教育文化センター). The division competition participated by the areas of Hanyu City (羽生市), Gyoda City (行田市), Kazo City (加須), Otone (大利根町), North Kawanuma (北河沼町), and Kisai (騎西町) Towns. My former student, Momoko Sasaki of Hanyu City West Junior High School bagged the 2nd place trailing behind Ms. Sakamaki of South Junior High. Thanks to a fellow ALT, Mr. Ernesto Gao-ay, Jr., a local of Baguio City which is Hanyu City's sister city in the Philippines, who trained with her during the past weeks. We felt with so much joy since it is a first milestone for Hanyu City that two Junior High School students were able to win the top two notches in the English Speech Competition. Well, I am also proud that two Filipinos were able to help the students win the competition.

The two students will advance and compete in the Saitama Prefectural English Speech Competition this coming October 22, 2008 in Chichibu City, Saitama (埼玉県、秩父市). We would like to thank the people who supported us especially in extending your positive hopes and prayers. Below are the list of the participants of the recently concluded speech competition.

1. Mika Watanabe - Kazo City, West Junior High - What is My Dream?
2. Hirohisa Nagano - Hanyu City, East Junior High - Be the Domino that Topples
3. Rina Nagao - Kita Kawanuma, Kita-Kawanuma JH - A Mother's Advice:Could Change the World
4. Miyuki Matsui - Gyoda City, Ota Junior High - An Earth We Can All Enjoy
5. Renma Mori - Gyoda City, Gyoda Junior High - Rising to the Challenge
6. Miyuki Sakamoto - Kazo City, Kazo East Junior High - The Sakamoto Family
7. Momoko Sasaki - Hanyu City, West Junior High - Say Cheese
8. Yuki Kimura - Kisai Town, Kisai Junior High - The Boy Wizard Who Helped Me See
9. Mina Naganuma - Gyoda City, Minuma Junior High - The Art of Conversation
10. Rune Kirimoto - Gyoda City, Nagano Junior High - The Way to Peace
11. Yui Noguchi - Kazo City, Kazo Heisei Junior High - The Meeting that Changed My Life
12. Mizuki Kaneko - Kazo City, Meiwa Junior High - Work Experience and Future Career
13. Yukiko Sasuga - Gyoda City, South Kawahara Junior High - The Olympics
14. Sayaka Kato - Gyoda City, Sakitama Junior High - Reliance
15. Arisa Hoshino - Kazo City, Kazo North Junior High - Extending a Helping Hand
16. Maki Kobayashi - Gyoda City, Shinobu Junior High - The Ambassador Scale
17. Yurina Sakamaki - Hanyu City, Hanyu South Junior High School - The Changes Around Me
18. Risa Emori - Otone Town, Otone Junior High - No Thanks
19. Masako Yoshida - Gyoda City, Gyoda West Junior High - A Gracious Heart