Support NeoGAF

[Valkerionseven]

This is a typical expat in Japan thing, but, I'm going through a rather strong Japan fatigue phase these days ;( Some of my best friends from Mexico came to visit me for 3 weeks and I honestly didnt realize how much I miss and need them. My relationships here felt shallow when compared directly... and my Japanese study is getting more and more difficult, I'm not sure if I'll pass N1 in December. I quit a nice job and a comfortable (if a bit stale and samey) life with lots of people that make my life awesome back home, and while I have no regrets, it's undeniable that it was quite a big sacrifice. And I just hope it was for the best.

Or maybe I'm grumpy because FUCK Japanese summer and weather in general, holy shit, this is downright unlivable.

/rant

I feel you man! Been having a similar feeling lately too. Probably not to your level but I'm definitely in the "I need a break" feeling at the moment. Boss dropped the "you might be getting moved somewhere" bomb like 20 minutes ago... out of nowhere. Definitely going to enjoy the little vacation time I've taken in a few weeks.

Feel like you need time to decompress, not think, and just relax maybe see something that will trigger your genki levels again.

 

[RM8]

I feel you man! Been having a similar feeling lately too. Probably not to your level but I'm definitely in the "I need a break" feeling at the moment. Boss dropped the "you might be getting moved somewhere" bomb like 20 minutes ago... out of nowhere. Definitely going to enjoy the little vacation time I've taken in a few weeks.

Feel like you need time to decompress, not think, and just relax maybe see something that will trigger your genki levels again.

I need to hug my friends / family and spend at least 2 weeks in Mexico City / Toluca, eating delicious Mexican food every day and not having to dry my forehead constantly ;(

 

[Aizo]

Living abroad when you have close connections back home is always a struggle. It doesn't feel like it gets much easier. I feel like the people that have "gotten over it" just don't really care that much about those relationships anymore, honestly. Wish I had some advice for you, but I definitely go through some of those same feelings. I'm happy with things right now, but that could easily change. haha

 

[Valkerionseven]

I need to hug my friends / family and spend at least 2 weeks in Mexico City / Toluca, eating delicious Mexican food every day and not having to dry my forehead constantly ;(

My friend literally just went back to Mexico for two weeks an hour ago! I don't think hes been as homesick (his family lives in Canada now but is from Mexico, least the side they are visiting) and his parents came maybe 6 months ago.

I have been mulling over visiting the USA again, but its so damn expensive... Really been wishing my parents could visit as well simply because having me live here is the best chance they got to see this part of the world, between my mom who has been needing a real vacation for the last 30 years and my dad who has never left the USA. Im sure it would be annoying having them here but I want to see them again slightly despite never being that close.

Think ive been lucky that I have been finding close friends here in my little city to make it easier.

Look at Japangaf, getting all sentimental lol.

 

[RM8]

Small update: I had a great day at work and I'm feeling much better out of nowhere I did decide that I'm eventually going back to Mexico for good, maybe by the end of next year (I just need to finish Japanese school and save some money, I think) - but I'm going to keep enjoying my time here. This weekend I'm going to get some

Spoiler

thing that vaguely resembles

Mexican food, though

My friend literally just went back to Mexico for two weeks an hour ago! I don't think hes been as homesick (his family lives in Canada now but is from Mexico, least the side they are visiting) and his parents came maybe 6 months ago.

I have been mulling over visiting the USA again, but its so damn expensive... Really been wishing my parents could visit as well simply because having me live here is the best chance they got to see this part of the world, between my mom who has been needing a real vacation for the last 30 years and my dad who has never left the USA. Im sure it would be annoying having them here but I want to see them again slightly despite never being that close.

Think ive been lucky that I have been finding close friends here in my little city to make it easier.

Look at Japangaf, getting all sentimental lol.

Man, I know, flying to Mexico is also super expensive. Dang, I'm jealous of my Korean friends living here.

Living abroad when you have close connections back home is always a struggle. It doesn't feel like it gets much easier. I feel like the people that have "gotten over it" just don't really care that much about those relationships anymore, honestly. Wish I had some advice for you, but I definitely go through some of those same feelings. I'm happy with things right now, but that could easily change. haha

I honestly didn't think I was going to feel like this. Maybe in part because I thought I was kind of emulating my Japanese uncle who moved to Mexico ~30 years ago and he doesn't plan to come back to Japan (for good). I admire and respect him a lot more now, really.

 

[Aizo]

I met a guy from Mexico that used to be the sous chef at a 4 star hotel in Japan, is currently writing a book about how to cook authentic tasting Mexican food with ingredients readily available in Japan, and currently advises several high ranking restaurants in Tokyo about their cooking, and he says that the best Mexican restaurant in Tokyo is Salsita in Hiroo.

I've never been, but that's a pretty huge endorsement to me.

 

[midramble]

Anyone know of any scooter rental services in Japan?

Wife and I are going to be in Yamaguchi-ken to work on the house in September but I wanted to get something to get around on the island better than the bike we have. There is no public transport on the island and I don't want to have to borrow a neighbors car to get to the other side of the island. (Feel like a burden and don't like having to hurry up. Want to enjoy my downtime).

I know there is a Times rental store in Yanai (the closest town where our ferry is) but I don't know if Times (or any other rental service for that mater) does scooters.

That and from what I understand I'd have to get an international license to rent/drive a rental there.

 

[putarorex]

Just had a siren drill in my town for a missle attack. They have had natural disaster drills but this was the first time I've heard one for bombs (I live north of Tokyo in Ibaraki).　「頑丈な建物や地下に避難してください。ミサイルが落下する可能性があります」 The broadcast occurred when I walking to the store to get my copy of DQXI and it scared the heck out of me.

 

[Skinpop]

ordered my pc and now the boxes are sitting in my new home in japan, waiting for me to arrive. thx for the advice on last page!

How is netflix and amazon prime video in japan? I'll probably go for prime no matter what but it's hard to find information on netflix. Any other streaming services worth considering?

 

[Wubby]

I met a guy from Mexico that used to be the sous chef at a 4 star hotel in Japan, is currently writing a book about how to cook authentic tasting Mexican food with ingredients readily available in Japan, and currently advises several high ranking restaurants in Tokyo about their cooking, and he says that the best Mexican restaurant in Tokyo is Salsita in Hiroo.

I've never been, but that's a pretty huge endorsement to me.

Thanks for this. I'll have to try sometime.

Speaking of visiting home or being homesick I haven't been back to the US since 2011 now. I just don't have an urge to go not to mention the cost.

 

[Porcile]

Is Aztecas in Yokohama any good? It has a pretty good reputation, but i know nothing about Mexican food.

 

[Hasemo]

How is netflix and amazon prime video in japan? I'll probably go for prime no matter what but it's hard to find information on netflix. Any other streaming services worth considering?

They're fine, although the selection is worse than in the West if you're in for the English stuff.　This site has an up to date list of titles on Japanese netflix and you can just go to the amazon prime video page to see what they have.

My one problem with Amazon Prime Video is that they usually have a maximum of 2 versions of the content - dubbed or with hardcoded Japanese subtitles. It's really bizarre, since the subtitle/VO options are there. It's just that nothing (I've seen so far) uses them.
So you can totally watch things like Seinfeld, but be ready to have Japanese subtitles on for the whole time.

As for other services, if you're into anime, I recommend d anime store from docomo. It's 500 yen per month (billed on the first day of the month, I think) and the selection is the best from all Japanese anime streaming services afaik.

 

[KtSlime]

There is a weird bug with Prime on my computer, some videos (especially the TBS ones) get stuck loading and won't play until I go to the video on my iPhone, skip the first second and reload on my computer. Annoying, other than that the collection of videos is good. I also don't like how they mislabel the Korean videos as containing Japanese audio.

 

[Hasemo]

There is a weird bug with Prime on my computer, some videos (especially the TBS ones) get stuck loading and won't play until I go to the video on my iPhone, skip the first second and reload on my computer. Annoying, other than that the collection of videos is good. I also don't like how they mislabel the Korean videos as containing Japanese audio.

Are you by any chance using an adblocker/noscript like solution? Those videos might contain something which is being flagged and since it's not being played, the video won't progress.

 

[KtSlime]

Are you by any chance using an adblocker/noscript like solution? Those videos might contain something which is being flagged and since it's not being played, the video won't progress.

No, just Safari, in fact the ads always load and play no problem, it's after that the streaming gets stuck.

 

[Aizo]

Speaking of visiting home or being homesick I haven't been back to the US since 2011 now. I just don't have an urge to go not to mention the cost.

Damn. I cannot imagine not going home for that long.

My one problem with Amazon Prime Video is that they usually have a maximum of 2 versions of the content - dubbed or with hardcoded Japanese subtitles. It's really bizarre, since the subtitle/VO options are there. It's just that nothing (I've seen so far) uses them.
So you can totally watch things like Seinfeld, but be ready to have Japanese subtitles on for the whole time.

Seinfeld is on on Amazon Prime video?!
I was actually just wondering what good things were on here. Does anyone have general movie/TV show recommendations (Japanese recs mostly)?

 

[Hasemo]

Damn. I cannot imagine not going home for that long.

Seinfeld is on on Amazon Prime video?!
I was actually just wondering what good things were on here. Does anyone have general movie/TV show recommendations (Japanese recs mostly)?

Definitely check out Hero Yoshihiko.

 

[FreeMufasa]

Anyone take the JLPT test last month? Any ideas when we can expect the results?

 

[kubus]

Definitely check out Hero Yoshihiko.

👆

 

[Kaworu]

Anyone take the JLPT test last month? Any ideas when we can expect the results?

Last week of August online IIRC. The official letter should take another 10 days or so.

 

[kizito]

Hi everyone !
I'm planning on going to Japan in october, staying 3 months at first and starting to definitely move there slowly.

I have a simple question, how is the Switch stock situation in Tokyo or Kyoto. I'll be living in Kyoto. I could buy one in Belgium but it's cheaper in Japan, although I heard some rumors about it being very hard to find in Japan, is that true ?

Thank you.

 

[jengo]

Hi everyone !
I'm planning on going to Japan in october, staying 3 months at first and starting to definitely move there slowly.

I have a simple question, how is the Switch stock situation in Tokyo or Kyoto. I'll be living in Kyoto. I could buy one in Belgium but it's cheaper in Japan, although I heard some rumors about it being very hard to find in Japan, is that true ?

Thank you.

Buy it there and bring it. You will probably amaze most everyone you see here since it's not in stock/easy to buy from stores still.

 

[kizito]

Buy it there and bring it. You will probably amaze most everyone you see here since it's not in stock/easy to buy from stores still.

Okay, thanks for the advice, I'll just buy it here in Belgium !

 

[kubus]

Okay, thanks for the advice, I'll just buy it here in Belgium !

Don't forget that you're gonna have to buy a new power adapter once you're in Japan (well maybe you can use a USB adapter or something but I wouldn't recommend it). Luckily they sell them separately: Amazon Link. And remember that your European warranty is useless in Japan, in case there's a defect or anything.

That said, getting a Switch is pretty much impossible right now in Japan so buying in Belgium is definitely the better choice, right now at least. Even my Japanese friend has been trying for months but unless you have all the time in the world to line up every day and participate in those lotteries / refresh Amazon and My Nintendo Store, you're out of luck. But the situation might have changed by October, of course.

 

[tiebreaker]

Hi everyone.

What's the best way to find internships in Japan?
I'm a graduate student studying power engineering at a german university.

 

[Gacha-pin]

@Valkerionseven Are you OK?

 

[Valkerionseven]

@Valkerionseven Are you OK?

Yup, everything is fine here. Though I'm sleepy as hell from a Monday nomikai...

 

[Gacha-pin]

Yup, everything is fine here. Though I'm sleepy as hell from a Monday nomikai...

鹿児島で死者発生って聞いてたから無事でなにより。

締めでちゃんとラーメン喰っとけば朝まで飲んでも翌日バリバリ行けるよ　#ジャパニーズ・サラリーマン

 

[Valkerionseven]

Yeah things were fine here in Kagoshima city proper where I live. We all hunkered down for the night on Saturday. The typhoon missed us at the last second and went to the right. Everyone else got it bad sadly.

Also I was fine after drinking, my co-workers though, a few were struggling this morning for sure.

 

[Nuu]

I have a few questions about Japan and Japanese culture in general. Is this the right place to ask?

 

[Aizo]

I have a few questions about Japan and Japanese culture in general. Is this the right place to ask?

Yes. The expert passed the torch unto us when he left this realm.

 

[Nuu]

Yes. The expert passed the torch unto us when he left this realm.

Okay. Well here are my questions:

- Why does media like anime, adventure novels, and videogames focus so much on starring teenagers? One could argue Western media isn't that much different (e.g. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc.) but it seems that it is very rare to see anything in those categories have thirty something or even twenty something protagonists

One person stated to me that it was because Japanese life is extremely stressful once one leaves high school, hence so many people looking back on it fondly. Another person said it is because all this stuff made exclusively for high school kids, and that Western nerds are weirdos for thinking that it is enjoyed by a fair share of adults as well.


- Is Japanese work life really that stressful? It seems every show or article I run into is that Japanese office culture is filled with tons of drama such as abusive bosses or similar things. I've also saw on some show that you can't quit a job in a short amount of time (like 3 months) or else it will be very difficult for you to find employment..

- Are women treated significantly worse in the country than in say America? In pretty much every piece of media I see when there is a woman working in an office, especially around other men, there's always a part where the men leave comments to the woman where I think to myself "this would never fly in America."

 

[matt360]

Okay. Well here are my questions:

- Why does media like anime, adventure novels, and videogames focus so much on starring teenagers? One could argue Western media isn't that much different (e.g. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc.) but it seems that it is very rare to see anything in those categories have thirty something or even twenty something protagonists

One person stated to me that it was because Japanese life is extremely stressful once one leaves high school, hence so many people looking back on it fondly. Another person said it is because all this stuff made exclusively for high school kids, and that Western nerds are weirdos for thinking that it is enjoyed by a fair share of adults as well.


- Is Japanese work life really that stressful? It seems every show or article I run into is that Japanese office culture is filled with tons of drama such as abusive bosses or similar things. I've also saw on some show that you can't quit a job in a short amount of time (like 3 months) or else it will be very difficult for you to find employment..

- Are women treated significantly worse in the country than in say America? In pretty much every piece of media I see when there is a woman working in an office, especially around other men, there's always a part where the men leave comments to the woman where I think to myself "this would never fly in America."

I'll take a stab.

1) I have no idea.

2) Yes, work-life balance in Japan sucks. Forced overtime, power harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, etc., are rampant. Things will probably get better since at least these problems are being talked about in the mainstream media, but there's a long fucking way to go before I'd consider things to be "healthy." As for me, I'm really lucky because I actually love my job. I have great co-workers and a supportive work environment. But I still barely get to see my wife and son on weekdays. I work between 60-70 hours a week and I work, by far, the least in my group.

3) That's a tough one. In some ways, yeah. In others, not really. Women are very much underrepresented in positions of power. Blatant sexual harassment is still seen as funny on prime-time variety shows, and is completely acceptable. When it comes to secretaries and office ladies, think Mad Men and you have a pretty good idea. Obviously that's not every job at every company, but it's not rare. The reason I say not really, is that many women seem to fine with this treatment. I want to be careful about how I say this, and others can correct me, but it seems like women here seem to be more content playing this role in society. There's not so much of the "anything a man can do a woman can do just as well" mentality, and more of a "we all have a part to play" mentality. A lot of women who don't work are able to enjoy spending their husband's money while shopping with their friends or chatting away at cafes during the weekdays. It's cushy as fuck, so why would they want to change that?

Again, these are kind of generalizations and anecdotes and obviously don't represent every person. And things are always changing, however slowly it may be.

 

[SolVanderlyn]

Anyone ever had those jelly drinks they sell in a bag at 7-11? Are those really bad for you? I had a 0KCal drink and it was really... weird.

 

[Hasemo]

Anyone ever had those jelly drinks they sell in a bag at 7-11? Are those really bad for you? I had a 0KCal drink and it was really... weird.

You mean these?

I started when I had a norovirus, but I really liked the taste and now I find myself eating them more often than I should. Not because they're bad for you, but because they're pretty expensive. I don't recall them being weird though.

 

[SolVanderlyn]

You mean these?

I started when I had a norovirus, but I really liked the taste and now I find myself eating them more often than I should. Not because they're bad for you, but because they're pretty expensive. I don't recall them being weird though.

Yep, those are the ones. I ask because energy drinks are notorious for being unhealthy in various ways and the other drinks are all cut from the same cloth (or at least... in the same bag... you know what I mean).

It was weird in that it was like... halfway between food and drink. Like if you made Jell-O into a drinkable substance.

 

[Hasemo]

Yep, those are the ones. I ask because energy drinks are notorious for being unhealthy in various ways and the other drinks are all cut from the same cloth (or at least... in the same bag... you know what I mean).

It was weird in that it was like... halfway between food and drink. Like if you made Jell-O into a drinkable substance.

I guess there are so many types of these that it's hard to generalize, but at least the one I posted didn't taste like an energy drink at all (no taurine) and I don't think it has most of the stuff that's included in an energy drink. There are definitely ones which are specifically energy drinks in a jelly form, but I wouldn't touch those.

That said, when I said I ate/drank these while having noro, it was the doctor who recommended that. So I guess they can't be that bad.

 

[Aizo]

Cross-posting.

I went to the 新日本プロレス G1 Climax event yesterday at Ryougoku.

I also recorded a couple highlights from Okada Vs. Omega.
Omega's old finisher
End of the final match

The crowd was way better than when I saw Stardom. They're silent there.

 

[Sakura]

Yep, those are the ones. I ask because energy drinks are notorious for being unhealthy in various ways and the other drinks are all cut from the same cloth (or at least... in the same bag... you know what I mean).

It was weird in that it was like... halfway between food and drink. Like if you made Jell-O into a drinkable substance.

They aren't energy drinks. They are just supposed to be like, meal/vitamin supplements when you don't have time to eat. Personally I like the Calorie Mate ones.
Energy drinks like Monster are for keeping you awake/alert, which is why they have caffeine and stuff in them.

 

[Darksol]

I'll never get over my love of shrines and temples. I'm in Fuchu right now, exploring some places I haven't been to yet.

 

[kubus]

I'll never get over my love of shrines and temples. I'm in Fuchu right now, exploring some places I haven't been to yet.

That looks really cool. Where in Fuchu is that? I live there but never seen this lol

 

[Darksol]

That looks really cool. Where in Fuchu is that? I live there but never seen this lol

I can't remember >.> I went to 12 today. I know it's a shrine -- If I had to guess, maybe Okunitama? I basically went in a circle hitting every shrine and temple I could find around the station.

 

[Skinpop]

it's crazy how good the internet is here in japan. I live in a small community deep in the mountains yet I still have gigabit fiber internet, in Sweden I'd have to settle for some 8/1 adsl crap. Also I'm probably one the few who enjoys the hot summers here

 

[Aizo]

Also I'm probably one the few who enjoys the hot summers here

Are you literally Satan?

 

[LonelyGreyWolf]

it's crazy how good the internet is here in japan. I live in a small community deep in the mountains yet I still have gigabit fiber internet, in Sweden I'd have to settle for some 8/1 adsl crap. Also I'm probably one the few who enjoys the hot summers here

Sweden has the highest rated internet connections in the world though, with Denmark and South Korea up there in the top three. Japan is further down the list.

 

[Skinpop]

Sweden has the highest rated internet connections in the world though, with Denmark and South Korea up there in the top three. Japan is further down the list.

yeah well, we swedes did a great job building the internet infrastructure in the late 90's / early 00's but then forgot to upgrade... everyone is connected but most still sit on crappy adsl.

 

[LonelyGreyWolf]

yeah well, we swedes did a great job building the internet infrastructure in the late 90's / early 00's but then forgot to upgrade... everyone is connected but most still sit on crappy adsl.

Not really. The average connection speed in Sweden is the second highest in the world.

I don't know what part of Sweden you're from, but you're definitely in minority bro. Just saying

 

[Aizo]

Those who don't want to read: I'm looking for reliable Japanese websites that direct readers towards recent, lesser known, recommended manga.

In America, it's easy to find publications and reliable, quality blogs that talk about some of the lesser known great comics. AV Club, i09, and so on do reviews and best of lists, and several yearly awards like the Eisner Awards tend to point readers towards budding talent and wonderful Indie works.

Is there something like this in Japan? ちえぶくろ is obviously lacking. Something like この漫画がすごい, if I recall correctly, is polled, so it acts as more of a popularity contest than anything. That is the complete opposite of what I'm looking for, as it's typically flooded with battle manga and such. Any help?

It's easy enough to find these sort of manga when they get translated and show up in lists or articles for English publications, but I feel that there are tons of amazing things that slip through the cracks due to lack of translation.

My friends in Japan either recommend just going to まんだらけ and asking the clerks or browsing bookstores. I've found a lot by browsing on my own, but I'm not made of money—I can't buy everything.

Examples of sites I like for English language comics:
Gizmodo (i09 is gone, I guess?)
AV Club (sadly, format just changed to crappy kinja)
Good OK Bad

 

[Valkerionseven]

Mannnnnnn~

There is a 4 second video going around on twitter that triggered the fuck out of me just now. Some dude attempting to rape a lady right in the middle of the street in what is supposedly Ikebukuro. Details are all over the place but what the shit.

I'm glad it shows people running to help her but of course there are people minding their own business too. Ugh... just wanted to relax after work.

 

[Aizo]

Mannnnnnn~

There is a 4 second video going around on twitter that triggered the fuck out of me just now. Some dude attempting to rape a lady right in the middle of the street in what is supposedly Ikebukuro. Details are all over the place but what the shit.

I'm glad it shows people running to help her but of course there are people minding their own business too. Ugh... just wanted to relax after work.

Don't even post it. Sounds horrifying.