Shocker Shocker love the way you groove!

Hey Minna! 元気かい？

It has been a while. I've been busy with games. SO MANY! So here are a few updates to get you going!

ACCESS UPDATES.
Our boys are having two concerts on December 31st. The first concert is called "Encore of "Operation Connect" It will be done in the same style as their summer tour. The concert starts at 5:30pm on the 31st.

The next concert will be a countdown concert. Because of the time they ask that everyone be 18 and over. The concert starts at 10:30 pm on the 31st.

For the countdown concert you can request what songs will be played. The survey is at http://www.access-web.jp/live.html



When you get to the survey here is a guide on how to fill it out.





Then below that is the "Submit button" (I didn't want to screen cap it)

I don't know if the concert will be streaming. I will update you when I know!

On to VIDEO GAME NEWS!

Lately I've been SUPER on a video game kick. There are a lot of releases I'm looking forward to.

The Idolm@ster 2.
A rasing sim game where you create an idol group and make them popular. The game has been in arcades and the Xbox360. Finally it has been released for the PS3. The game is so popular it has been back ordered! Twice! That is a feat in Japan let me tell you.

Project Diva -Extend-
Sega has released another version of Project Diva for the PSP. This one includes previous costumes as well as new ones. The songs are more Nico Nico Douga famous songs. Such as "Luka Luka ★ Night Fever" and "Uraomote Lovers" The song "Rin Rin Signal" marks the debut of an append song in Project Diva. For those who don't know, appends are expansion packs of the vocaloid voice banks. They are designed to help enhance the sound of vocaloids. Currently only Miku, Rin/Len, and Gumi have them. Because Gumi is from a different company her expansions have different names. KAITO has an extend in the making as we speak. Project Diava -Extend- promises not a new game but the same game as PJD2 only with more requested songs. The game goes on sale November 10th.

Sengoku Basara 3 UTAGE
This season is full of branch games. Sengoku Basara is no exception. Utage is the traditional word for "Party" but because the katakana word "パーティー" is more popular you don't hear it as much. SBR3U promises party modes such as mission modes, versus, and endurance rounds. Using saved data can get you extra items and money. It looks to be amazing fun!

Well I'm sick today so I'm going to go lay down and rest. Gonna have ochazuke tomorrow!

See you next round!

~Lala~

let me just crying, crying for my love

Hello again everyone! お元気ですか？

I have been super busy since I went to Japan! First I went to New Mexico to visit my grandmother then I went to Japan to volunteer and now I am going back to New Mexico again.

I said I would post while I was in Japan but I because busy with traveling and sightseeing as well as my volunteer work. I fell like today I should spread some light on a not so pleasant subject. Death

Part of my volunteer work was in a graveyard in Yamamoto. The city of Yamamoto lies on the coast of Miyagi prefecture in Watari district. The damage was extensive. I can't begin to describe how hollow it felt to be looking at a barren place where houses once stood and children ran and played.

Our task was "debris removal" we weren't really sure what to expect but when we arrived where were told that we would be cleaning a graveyard. A few of the others, myself included were at first skeptical about why we needed to clean up a graveyard.

The truth of the matter is that in Japan, death is important.

While I'm sure you can go on wikipedia and find out all about it I'll give you the basics.

Due to Japan's religious nature, most funerals are Buddhist in nature. Depending on the individual's religious preference. However, due to space restrictions and cost, 98% of all Japanese are cremated. Superstitions usually play a role in the decision of the funeral. Some days are considered auspicious and others not. When the body is on display at the funeral it usually has it's head pointed to the north. (This is why Japanese people usually make a great effort to make sure their head do not point north in their beds.)

After the funeral the body is cremated and the family searches the remains for bones. (This is the only time it is socially acceptable to use chopsticks to pass items from person to person) The bones and ashes are placed in a urn and then usually divided up between family, company, and grave.

After the bones have been chosen, they are enshrined in a family plot with a large headstone known as "haka" but you must always refer to it as "Ohaka" out of respect.
If an individual has a haka then their name will be engraved on it. Otherwise only the last name. Haka weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. They are solid stone.

(Shown is a typical grave in Japan. The top tall stone has the name engraved. The small bench is meant for offerings.)

After the internment is over, the following year no New Year's card (nengajo) are to be sent. A picture of the deceased is placed in the family alter, and the following years a memorial service is held (usually following the calendar of the 13 Buddhas) prayers are offered so that the soul may rest or be reborn.

A bit of a downer huh? Well it is might be hard for us to understand but, to Japan this is really important. The dead must be respected and cared for. So for those on that trip. To help clean and fix the graves. It was not only an important task but an honor. I hope that even though I couldn't do much. I was able to heal the hearts of some of the people of Miyagi.

That's all for today. I hope to make a more up beat post next time!

See you next round!
~Lala~

Cool ni Ikoze!

So I'll be on another hiatus. Once again going to visit my grandmother in New Mexico. Then I'll be resuming my blogging duties ... FROM JAPAN! I'll be volunteering as well as sightseeing. Maybe see a concert or two? hmmmm? *laughs* but I am really excited to be helping out.

A lot of people and blogs have been talking about the concept of "gamman" which means to endure. I don't really subscribe to the fact that Japan is "enduring" they are surviving and moving on. I hope that with my eyes I can see and feel the strength of the of people of Japan. As always,

立ち上がれ！日本！
(tachi agare! Nippon!)
RISE UP! JAPAN!

Keep It Keep It! SHOW GUNS UP!

こんにちは！konnichiwa! How are you? Me? I'm genki!

A few updates on some stuff. Part one will be access and part two will be SBR

Share The Love postcards

As per last year, the pre-order singles will include postcards. Unlike last year however, the single will include different pictures. Pre-ordering A will get you A post card while B will get you B postcard. No word on what's on the postcards yet. Also each store will offer a different postcard! So HMV, TOWER, Tsutaya, Shinseido, and Yamano records will offer the store cards. CDJapan will get the non-special ones (but you still get pre-order postcards)
To sum it up...
FOR YOU HARD CORE COLLECTORS... THERE WILL BE 12 DIFFERENT POSTCARDS.
Enjoy spending your money! I know I will!

Sengoku BASARA 3 UTAGE

Capcom has officially confirmed that SBR3U is ... official. The web page has gone up you can see it at http://www.capcom.co.jp/basara3utage/
The game will include a new battle system as well as what appears to be mini-games. Also claims there will be a co-op version that might be online but at the very least will be able to link up to SBR3.
To sum it up...
NEW SENGOKU BASARA GAME! DOES STUFF THE OTHER ONE DOESN'T DO!
Enjoy spending your time leveling up Kojuuro! I know I will!

Well that should be all for now. I should go check Gundam and Vocaloid fandoms! FOR NOW... DINNER!

じゃ、まったね〜
SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!

~Lala~

PREPARE THE TRIGGER!

So in a rumor that serviced, There will be a new SBR3 game. Called "Sengoku Basara 3: Utage" It seems that Kojuuro Katakura and Sasuke Sarutobi will be playable. An even more shocking announcement, Hisahide Matsunaga, who has appeared in various games as well as the anime, will be playable for the first time. Other characters who are NPC in SBR3 will be returning as well. Muneshige Tachibana, Tenkai, Sorin Otomo, Hideaki Kobayakawa and Yoshiaki Mogami.

More news about this when it becomes available!

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!

Share The Love!

Hello there everyone. How are you this morning? Some exciting news from AX and from access!

I was able to meet Kojuro's voice actor last night. Toshiyuki Morikawa. He was very friendly despite how nervous I was. He even let us (my new friends and I) take a photo with him. I was so shocked. I was nearly in tears! Thank you Morikawa and my new friends!

Secondly, access has hinted that they will have a new single and dropped a few clues. (Sorry I wasn't able to post about it) Finally after teasing us they have let us know the full song list. I PRESENT TO YOU!!!!

Share The Love

There will be two versions of the single. The first one:
A version - DWDH-004
1. Share The Love
2. Keep It
3. Ride Up For The Shiny Way

For those of you who are keeping track, Keep It was introduced at last year's tour. The third song is described as being "an access trance song" This will be very interesting to hear!

B version. DWDH-005
1. Share The Love
2. Keep It (2010 Version)
3. Higher Than Dark Sky (Piano Version)

On this version "Keep It" is directly from last year's tour. Probably taken from the Ustream viewing. The title song for last year's single "Higher Than Dark Sky" makes an appearance as a Piano version. Claimed that it the first take from a new studio. Sounds to be very moving! I hope you all will fall in love with them all over again!

As per usual, all CD's are available on CDJapan and HMV.

That's all for today, I hope to have a photo update later.

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!
~Lala~

Put your guns on!

Hello, there bloggers! It's Lala! お久しぶりです！　It's been a while!

Today I am posting from Anime Expo. (We have a slow day today) I know I haven't posted in a while. For many of us, trying to help heal the scar of this March is still a tough task. Because of the events that have occurred, I am have decided to once again rededicate myself to this blog. I want to still help you all learn Japanese but I would also like to talk more about Japan and about my fandoms. So for now, this is what you can expect out of this blog:

Non-Fandom
Japan info
Travel Japan info
Japanese learning info.

Fandom
access (DA/Hiro solo)
Vocaloid
Sengoku Basara
Video Games

If I have more fandoms I might add them but for now, please enjoy. I will try to keep you up to date on news and stuff. Thanks for the views!

~Lala~

Feel This Love, Feel This Love

Well its that time of year again everyone. The time when all the students of Japanese gather at various campuses around the world to take the dreaded JLPT. ( See this post ) For everyone reading this blog that is doing the test, GOOD LUCK! 頑張って下さい！

I'll be doing my best too!


SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!
~Lala~

Higher Than the Dark Sky

So for those who don't know. Access has a new single coming out!!! You can get it at HMV and Tower Records online (they ship overseas) Links to come later.

I was talking to my friend and she asked how I felt about the new single and I answered 「ドキドキ」(doki doki) Many people know this statement. Its the sound of a heartbeat and it usually means the person is excited (in a positive way). These kinds of words are called "Onomatopeia" The Onomatopoeia is a "sound word" In English we have words like "tick tock" which is the sound of a clock and "click" However the English language doesn't use these words as much as the Japanese do.

How does the Japanese onomatopoeia work?

Usually there will be two sounds that will be repeated it. Such is the case in "ドキドキ" Some words the second sound will change. The sound of a clock in Japan can be described as "チクタク" (chiku taku) Most of the word will be four sounds.

How important are they to learn?

In Japanese the onomatopoeia is REALLY important. Some words you use even if its not related to a sound. Example: To say you want "separate checks" at a restaurant one person might say "べつべつ" (betsu betsu) When at a doctor's office one might describe their arm pain as ズキズキ (zuki zuki) which is a throbbing pain. One of my favorites to use is "ボロボロ" It is the sound of something crumbling. I use this to describe my Japanese. Meaning I haven't studied so it has crumbled.

Animal sounds are knows for being onomatopoeia as well. ワンワン (wan wan) being a dog's bark. ニャーニャー (nyaa nyaa) being a cat's meow. One I learned and haven't been able to forget is "バラバラ" It is the sound of things being scattered. I learned it in reference to AXS! During the Binary Engine pamphlet there were no pictures of them together and my friend said: 「バラバラなアクセスはさびしいいいい」(BARA BARA na AKUSESU wa sabishiiii) Meaning "Its lonely when access are separated" I couldn't for the life of me figure out bara bara. My dictionary said "scattered" Another friend said "Its like the petals of a flower. They should be together but fall apart." So to remember バラバラ I think of a rose (ばら bara in Japanese) and see it scattered everywhere. ばらばら！

Well that's all the time have for now. Link at the bottom.

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!

~Lala~

HIGHER THAN THE DARK SKY (LINKS)

HMV - http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/product/detail/3841459, http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/product/detail/3841460

Tower - http://tower.jp/item/2727996/Higher-Than-Dark-Sky-%28A%E7%9B%A4%29, http://tower.jp/item/2727997/Higher-Than-Dark-Sky-%28B%E7%9B%A4%29

Don't forget if you order both versions you get special pre-order goods!

turn it up and feel me first

オハヨ〜みんなさん、元気？
Hello everyone, how are you?

Its been a while since I posted. I've been busy with stuff. ;_; My friend went to Japan so I've been communicating with her a lot. It makes me 懐かしい！（なつかしい）「nostalgic」

I've been working secretly on a system to help people learn kanji, verbs, and adjectives all at the same time. Its harder than I thought but also easier than I feared. Some kanji have verbs and many don't. I want my system to be as easy as can be. I want a beginner to be able to look at it and go "Oh that makes sense"

TEST:
I'm sure I've mentioned "radicals" before. If I haven't here is a quick rundown. A radical is a part of a kanji. These radicals make up the kanji and each has a meaning. Learning the radicals helps you understand the kanji a little bit better. (NOTE: unlike Chinese, the radical does not determine the sound of the kanji, only the meaning) Example: the word rain is ame あめ the kanji for it is 雨 if you think hard the kanji looks like rain. Water drops falling from the sky. Anyways this kanji is a radical and appears in other kanj. Almost all of them having weather related terms! Here is a list of some of the kanji they appear in.

雨 - あめ Rain
雪 - ゆき Snow
雲 - くも Cloud
電 - でん Lightning
雷 - かみなり Thunder
震 - ふえる Quake
霜 - しも Frost
霧 - きり Fog

So the sounds I have given you are all "kun yomi" (SEE POST "Get Ready! So Crazy!)
Lets make some compounds and phrases using these words! (You'll see on yomi)

Starting with 雨

1.雨のち雪 あめ のち ゆき (ame nochi yuki) Rain then snow (used in weather forecasts)
2.雨雲 あめ ぐも (ame gumo) raincloud
3.雨がふる あめ が ふる (ame ga furu) To rain (to say "its raining" or "it will rain" "it will snow" uses the same word)

Next 雪

1.雪まじり雨 ゆき まじり あめ (yuki majiri ame) Snow mixed with rain. (used in weather forecasts)
2.雪山 ゆきやま (yuki yama) Snowy mountain
3.雪でおおわれる ゆき で おおわれる (yuki de oowareru) To be covered in snow.

Next 雲

1.Cloudy*
2.雲形 くもがた (kumo gata) Cloud shaped
3.雲があつめる くも が あつめる (kumo ga atsumeru) Clouds gathering
The kanji 曇りis used to describe cloudy weather. It also reads as くも but its on yomi is どん

Next 電 while it means "lightning" it mostly means "electric"

1.電車は止まりました　でんしゃ は とまりました(densha wa tomarimarimashita) Trains are stopped
2.電話 でんわ (denwa) telephone
3.電気を消して下さい でんき を けして ください (denki wo keshite kudasai) turn off the electricity.

How does this work for you? I hope for input! Its still a work in progress.

See you next round!

~Lala~

EVERYONE! LOOKING FOR PARTY TIME!

travel times and prices

Concert 1: Fussa
From: Shinjuku to Fussa
Price: 620 yen
Time: 47 minutes
Round Trip: 1240 yen

Concert 2-3: Nakano (2 days)
From: Shinjuku to Nakano
Price: 150 yen
Time: 7 minutes
Round Trip: (2 Days) 600 yen

Concert 4: Nagoya
From: Tokyo to Nagoya:
Route 1: Bullet Train
Price: 10,070 yen (non reserved)
Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Route 2: Night Bus
Price: 6420 yen
Time: 7 hours
Both Routes end up at Nagoya station.

Nagoya station to Kanayama (where hall is)
Price: 160 yen
Time: three minutes (include another 5 - 10 for walking from station)
Round trip: 320 yen

Concert 5: Kobe
From: Nagoya to ShinKobe
Price: 7650 yen
Time: 1 hour seven minutes
(ALTERNATE ROUTE)
Bus:
From: Nagoya (meitetsu Bus Center) to Kobe (JR Sannomiya Station)
price: 3300 yen
time: 3 hours 13 minutes

Shin-Kobe to Sannomiya Station (where hall is)
price: 200 yen
time: 2 minutes (include another 10 - 15 walking from station)

TRAVEL PLANS:
Where we stay is up to how people are coming. If you need to be cost efficient there are a few ways.

1. Stay in Kanto. You can fly into Narita and only attend the concerts in Kanto. Fussa and Tokyo (Nakano) This is the cheapest route. No far travel and cheap places to stay are easy to find.

2. Chuubu or Kansai
If you don't want to fly in Narita you can fly into Nagoya or Osaka. (Chuubu or Kansai airports) The travel from Nagoya to Kobe isn't far. (Kobe is only on the other side of the bay from Osaka.) Very close from Kansai Airport. These concerts are also only a day apart. So this option is also very cheap.

Railpass:
If you are a foreign traveler to Japan you can purchase a JR railpass. This allows you to ride ANY JR line unlimited for the time allotment. You can even ride the JR buses with them. A two week railpass is 45,100 yen. If you add the price of the trains from Tokyo to Nagoya and Kobe and back it would basically pay for its self. Plus it gives you unlimited rides between concerts in Tokyo and Nagoya/Kobe.

Night Bus:
The reason I listed night buses is because not only is it cheap, It knocks off a place to sleep for the night. If you get on the night bus at 11:00 pm you end up in Nagoya 7 hours later. From Nagoya to Kobe its not really an option because the bus is three hours long but it is a lot cheaper.

Biggest question: LODGING!!!!
There are SO many options I don't even know where to start. My firm belief is that cheap isn't always so bad. (I'm a broke college student) So as far as lodging is concerned I'm always ok with "roughing it" which means staying in a Manga (internet) cafe. These are places where you pay between 1000 to 2000 yen for unlimited internet, free drinks, a mat to sleep on and sometimes free food. (only sometimes) If I'm going SUPER cheap I will get the five hour pack for 800 yen then ride Yamanote sen for a few hours. I don't suggest that though. Manga kissa also offer showers which are usually about 500 yen but they provide you with shampoo and soap and brushes and towels.

Super Hotel
Usually if I have two concerts back to back I like to kick back at a super hotel. Its a cheap hotel that you can stay at. Greater Tokyo ones have been kicked up to 6000 + a night. Still they are convenient and cheeper then a lot of hotels. If there is a two person room and the cost is split its about 4700 yen a night which isn't bad. They also offer a free all you can eat breakfast. Which is always a plus.

Youth Hostel
They are great places to stay and are cheap. My favorite is the "Tokyo International Youth Hostel" In IIdabashi. (Tokyo) Its about 3000 yen a night. Check out time is really early but, its a place to sleep and it has an amazing view. (18th floor of an office building) There are many that can be as cheep as 1500 yen a night.

In short. A trip to Japan can be as cheep or as expensive as you want it to be. You have to wonder how much of a comfort level you want. If you want to sleep in a hotel room every night its going to be expensive but if you don't mind manga kissa or sharing a room with 12 other people you don't know. You can really cut corners and make budget it well.

I look forward to helping as many of you as possible and if you have any questions PLEASE feel free to e-mail me.

~Lala~

Get Ready So Crazy!

Hello everyone! みんな元気？

So I'm going to make another post about kanji. This time I've put it in FAQ format.

Kanji part two

I realized last post that I didn't get too deep into important stuff about kanji. Like what makes it hard and some things to keep in mind

Why is kanji hard?
I've always had the same theory about kanji. Knowing kanji makes life all the more simple. Studying it is the real bitch. The hardest part about studying kanji is trying to remember all a kanji's readings.

Kanji have more then one reading?
For all intensive purposes lets assume that there are two readings for every kanji. They are "on-yomi" and "kun-yomi" the "on-yomi" is the "sound" reading. When the Japanese first adapted kanji from the Chinese they took some of the pronunciations of some kanji. Characters such as 三 and 字 have the same "on-yomi" reading in Japanese and Chinese. さんand じ Not all kanji are this way. The on-yomi is called The next type is the "kun-yomi" The kun yomi is the meaning reading or the "Japanese Reading" This reading usually stands alone and can mean a word. For example the kanji for car 車 is read as "しゃ" in its Chinese reading. But, しゃby itself doesn't mean anything. For it to be a word it must use it's Japanese reading くるま.

So when do you use the on-yomi?
The on-yomi is usually used in compound words. Example. The word "Train" is a compound kanji word. "でんしゃ" in kanji its read as "電車" meaning "electric car" (keep in mind this was before automobiles in Japan that this word was used) One teacher told me "When reading a compound kanji word treat the second or last kanji as the on-yomi reading" This isn't always true but it occurs quite often.

You said "For all intensive purposes …." What does that mean?
This is where kanji gets complicated. While there are the on yomi and kun yomi not all of these have one way of reading them. Some kanji only have an on-yomi, some only have a kun-yomi, and some have multiple on or kun yomi. For example. The kanji "下" has many different readings. "ka, ge, shita, shin, moto, sage(ge)ru, kuda, oresu, oriru, aka, and shito" For those familiar with internet terms, SAGE uses this kanji. It doesn't end there either. Many times a kanji will have a "voiced" sound that isn't listed as a reading.

Ok, I'm scared. What's a "voiced sound"?
Don't be too scared. LOL a voiced sound is when a kanji is in a compound and its reading is slightly altered. An example is to say sometimes you use 時々 the word is repeated so the sound become "tokidoki" (NOT DOKI DOKI) Other kanji have the same issue not only with repeaters but other sounds. There are no rules for when this will happen so you have to learn as you go. Sometimes ka becomes ga.

You said the word 時々is the same sound repeated why are the kanji different?
々 is a kanji made up by the Japanese. It lets you know that the kanji before it is repeated. It doesn't have a sound on its own. Other examples are 人々 (hito bito)[each person]、日々(hi bi)[each day]、examples where the second sound doesn't change are 年々(nen nen)[year by year]、代々(daidai)[generation after generation]、徐々に(jo jo in)[little by little] and so fourth and so on.

Well I think that's all for now. As always you can e-mail me at summernightbreezer@gmail.com with question

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!
~Lala~

Don't forget to sing your heart, in place of me your song forever

みんな！元気！？

Hello there! How are you?

Today's topic is about something I get a lot of questions about. The evil that is known as KANJI DUN DUN DUN!!!!! For those of you that are new to studying and don't know anything about Kanji let me teach you about it. Kanji (漢字) is the Japanese word for "Chinese Characters" What Kanji literally means is "Han Characters" as Kanji was introduced to Japan from China during the Han Dynasty. Because the Japanese didn't have a writing system they adapted the Chinese way of writing for hundreds of years. A question that I get asked often is "Can Japanese people read Chinese?" Keep in mind that the Chinese writing system has gone through many changes over thousands of years but to some extent they can. Its much like if a native English speaker is looking at a Spanish or French document. You might recognize a few words because they look very similar to English because of their Latin roots.

Because the Chinese simplified their characters many Japanese can't read them in their simple form. Example: 車 is car in Japanese "kuruma" When the Chinese simplified the kanji it turned into this 车 Which is very different. Some characters where simplified by the Japanese but not Chinese. 佛 means Buddha in Chinese but in Japanese its 仏. Some characters were simplified in both languages but not the same. 氣 use to mean air in simplified Chinese it is 气 but in Japanese 気 its the ki in "genki". Some kanji simplified both ways and created lots of cognates 國 use to be country but it has been simplified to 国 (read as "kuni" in Japanese) in both Chinese and Japanese. Click here to see a better explanation on the differences and similarities of Chinese and Japanese characters

Another question I get a lot is "How important is it for me to learn Kanji?" The answer is "VERY!!!" I've met people that have said "I'm not going to worry about learning Kanji until I'm better at speaking." I can't say this point enough. "DO NOT BLOW OFF KANJI!" After you master Hiragana and Katakana I suggest that you immediately work on learning Kanji. The truth is that Kanji is part of the everyday language and I think that a lot of foreign classrooms ignore it until upper levels. Which I feel is a mistake.

What rate you learn Kanji is up to you but what I find is best for me is to learn 5 a week. One a day more or less then giving you the weekend to review them. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T LEARN HIRAGANA OR KATAKANA!!!! You can learn one sound a week. "a i u e o" "ka ki ku ke ko" "sa shi su se so" and so on. If you use this method you can learn up to 250 kanji a year!

How many Kanji do I need to learn? There are three lists and I don't want to go into TOO much detail about them so here are the lists and explanations of them. Kyouiku, Jouyou, and Jinmeiyou

Tools: Here are some good kanji tools for you.
Online:
http://japanese-kanji.com/ - You can drill yourself on the kanji (allows for different lists to be selected)
DS: If you have a DS and understand hiragana I suggest getting the game なぞっておぼえる大人の漢字練習(nazotte oboeru otona no kanji renshuu) There are three versions and it teaches you how to write the on-yomi and the kun-yomi as well as stroke order. Each version adds another mini-game as well as updates the list of kanji.

Well this was a long post. I'll make another one about on-yomi and kun-yomi and talk about Kanji (without references to Chinese) at another time.

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!

~Lala~

back and alive

おひさしぶり！みんなげんき？

Hello everyone! Its been a while! How are you all? I've been busy with a lot of things so I haven't really had time to update this blog. I think about it more then I actually blog >_<. Anyways I wanted to bring up some topics for discussion. I get a lot of questions about how people can "rate" their Japanese skills. The truth is there are tests that can help you. Today I'm going to talk about them.

JLPT
The first test is one that many people have heard of. Its called the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test" or JLPT for short. Its Japanese name is 日本語能力試験 (nihongo nouryoku shiken) which translates to "Japanese Ability Test" This test is give twice a year in Japan and soon to be twice in the US. Originally the format was there were four levels and they go backwards. Level 4 being the easiest and level 1 being the hardest. Until this year. The levels have been renamed and split apart. They also added a new level. The format now is levels N5 to N1. N3 being the new level. This is a standardized test and multiple choice. You are graded on your ability to read kanji, understand basic vocabulary, reading, conjugating, and listening comprehension. The JLPT is administered in over 50 countries. The new N5 level is for those who have completed at least 1 year of Japanese language learning. Applicants for Japanese citizenship are screened based on JLPT achievements. Until 2003 the JLPT was the standard test given to students who wished to study in Japan
To find out more about the JLPT please visit http://www.jlpt.jp/e/ or http://www.jflalc.org/

Japanese Kanji Aptitude Test. Its Japanese name is 日本漢字能力検定試験, (nihongo kanji nouryoku kentei shiken) thankfully it has a short name "kanji kentei" This test is given to students starting from the 1st grade up. Like the JLPT the levels go backwards. Level 10 being the easiest and level 1 being the hardest. There are "pre-levels" for 2 and 1. The kanji kenti is not as well known as the JLPT and doesn't really have an value as far as work and school go. It does however give you an idea of how much kanji one knows and studying for it is the greatest benefit you can get. You are graded on the on-yomi and kun-yomi (Japanese and Chinese readings) stroke order, and voiced sounds. For more information contact a Japanese teacher who can help you find the nearest test center. http://www.kanken.or.jp/index.php (Japanese only)

BJT
For those who want to enter the Japanese work force, the JLPT is not enough. Many business require that a person take the BJT or Business Japanese Proficiency Test. Known in Japan as "ビジネス日本語能力テスト" (BIZUNESU nihongo nouryoku TESUTO) Offered in only a few countries the BJT is split in to two sections. The first in multiple choice and the second is an oral interview. You are placed in a mock business scenario and must interact as if you were interacting with a customer. The test is given completely in Japanese so having passed at least JLPT N2 would be a pre-requisite.
For more information: http://www.kanken.or.jp/bjt/english/index.html

Last but not least - EJU
The EJU is the "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students" Which that long of an English name are you scared to see the Japanese name? 日本留学試験 (nihon ryugaku shiken) LOL shortest one yet! Depending on your major you are given certain tests. If you are studying Japanese you have to the the JFL Test. (Think ESL but in Japanese) Others include Maths, Sciences, and Arts. The test is offered in English and Japanese unless you are taking the JFT test. Then its only in Japanese. In Japan you have to take a test before you are allowed into a university. This is for foreign students looking to attend any higher education facility.
For more information: http://www.jasso.go.jp/eju/index_e.html

Well that's all for tonight. I've got US history II homework to finish tomorrow as well as keeping up with Japanese studies of course!

SEE YOU NEXT ROUND!
~Lala~

Looking for answer way!

Today's list is JAPANESE TEXT BOOKS!
Want to learn Japanese? Can't afford a class? This list is for you. You can pick up these text books at a local book store or even on amazon.

Here is what I have judged the books on.
Functionality
Accuracy
Interest
Price


4. NAKAMA
The Nakama series spans two books and is used by many schools in the US. Even so I find many flaws with it. It can be very confusing at times and can be very dry. The culture lessons are brief one to two page paragraphs and doesn't elaborate on kanji. The format of the chapters I find confusing and overly detailed on unimportant things. An example is that for the explanation of transitive and intransitive verbs the Nakama book only uses one paragraph with very little examples but, in depth explanation of　ている. Putting the vocab list at the end of that chapter works for some subjects but not for language. You need to be able to familiarize yourself with words in the chapter especially if they are going to be used in the grammatical examples. Unfortunately, Nakama also puts the vocab list in the back and usually goes 5 - 6 pages. The final blow to bring it to the bottom of my list is the price. The text book without the workbook rings up as $70 - $100 USD. The workbook at $50 - 80. Though if purchased through a school the set can be bought at $100
NO WEB PAGE AVAILABLE.

3. Minna no Nihongo
The number one text used in Japan, Minna no Nihongo is a strange twist of events. The reason it appears low on my list is also the reason I love the book. Completely in Japanese. Now I KNOW that defeats the purpose of learning a language if you don't understand it but, I do feel comfortable with it. You can purchase a second book with explanations. The beauty of it is that regardless of what you native language is you can buy the corresponding core book in Japanese and then the translation & grammar notes book in your native language. Currently the book is offered in these versions: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Russian, German and Indonesian. The Japanese book gives you the grammar point and how its used. The explanation book gives you the grammar point and in depth explanation using two to five examples. The vocabulary list is one to two pages. While no formal kanji instruction in the book, the user will learn to read many kanji. The price I would say is fare. The core book goes for $25 - $28 USD, The translation and grammar book for another $20 - $23 USD and the workbook for $8 - $12 USD. Having three books is annoying but combined they weigh what one Nakama book weighs. A romaji version is available for those who can't read Kana. (book I only)
HOME PAGE: http://www.3anet.co.jp/english/books/books_01.html

2Japanese for busy people:
When I first came across this book I was disgusted with it. It lacked direction and any sort of functionality. But, times have changed and so has the book. Now it actually resembles something of a textbook. The lessons are VERY clear and there isn't a specific grammar list at the end or beginning of the chapter. The vocabulary list is continuous at the bottom of each page. I was so surprised at the new change to the book that I almost bought the first level book for myself. Kanji is not formally taught in the first book but is introduced into the second book. Its very un-attached however not really ingrained into the user. Despite that the book's attention to detail from the perspective someone who's never learned anything outside of English brings a sense of relief to those intimidated by the language. An excellent book for people just starting out. Unlike the other books in the list this one comes with the audio CD if you wish to do the listening exercises. The book sells for $17 - $25 USD the workbook from $15 - $22 USD. Romaji version available for those who can't read Kana (book I only)
HOME PAGE: http://www.ajalt.org/e/publications/textbooks1.html

Genki
So here we are the #1 book. Genki. This book is steadily growing popular amongst US colleges and universities. Genki offers many things that other books don't have. Consistency. The truth behind GENKI is that the actual name is "An integrated course in elementary Japanese" Called "Genki" for short. This is important to know because the Intermediate version of the book is called this. Anyways. What is really amazing about the Genki series is how it simply teaches you what many other books try. In an interesting and almost ... fun way. Many of the other books have group or pair activities. Both Genki and Intermediate Approach to blah blah blah Japanese, have solo, pair and group activities. Remember the transitive/intransitive whine I had? In Genki they take a page and a half to explain it in layman's terms. Then in the activities section they use pictures to help explain how it works as well as a suggestion to use a game of charades to explain if a verb is transitive or intransitive. Each lesson follows the same pattern as the previous one. Another plus is that it utilizes the internet and has an extensive resource page called "Genki Online" with video lessons from the book as well as quizzes. The back of Genki also has a whole kanji book in it. The kanji coincides with the kanji that appear in each lesson. It includes reading print font and written font. Each textbook runs about $30 - $40 USD. The workbook at $15 - $20 USD
HOME PAGE: http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/index.en.html
http://ij.japantimes.co.jp/en/about.jsp

Well of course this is all my personal opinion and stuff. Anyways
That's it for today.

See you next round!

Like a hard rain, like a night train

Hello there again readers!!! It is I Lala posting again from Japanlands. Today I`m going to talk about buses.

There are a few rules about transportation in Tokyo.

1. The trains go everywhere.
2. Where the trains don`t go the subways go
3. Where the subways don`t go the trains go.
4. You walk anywhere else.

Japanese buses are usually designed to seat about 30 people. That may seem like a lot but most American buses can seat 60 people. This isn`t to say that Japanese buses can`t hold 60 people. Japanese buses use most of its space to hold people standing up. The proceedure to ride buses doesn`t change. You get on in the front, pay, then get off in the back.

Now I would like to talk a little about long distance buses.

Much like greyhound Japan has buses that travel all over. I recently rode a bus from Tokyo to Osaka. JR (Japan Railways) owns a series of "highway buses" The most popularly ridden ones are the night buses. Since traveling by auto is very lengthy people often take the night bus to a distant location. The trip from Tokyo to Osaka lasts about 8 hours (by bullet train it is 3). The seats recline really far back and the lights are dimmed giving for a perfect relaxing aura. Its great to fall asleep in Tokyo and wake up in Osaka. Plus the buses don`t smell of angry bum urine.

These buses are usually double deckers and can hold lose to 70 people. This method is great for people who arn`t in a hurry and don`t want to worry about a place to stay for the night! Another advantage to the Highway bus is that it is half of the cost of a bullet train ticket.

Well it appears I am almost out of time at this manga kissa again. I might travel to temple town (AKA Kyoto) today.

See you next round!
~Lala~

JR Highway bus information http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/bus_route_e/ (English)

Fire shadow

Hey everyone its me again!

How are you?

I only have one week left in Japan!　；＿；
Its been really fun so far. I`m going to miss it again but I also miss my kitty. ;_;

Today I`m going to teach you some words to remember for when you are having fun!

盛り上がれ（もりあがれ）－moriagare
やり過ぎる　（やりすぎる）- yarisugiru

These are both words that don`t really translate well but I will make an attempt to explain them.

moriagare littlerally means "To Swell" but when you hear this at a concert it means "GET EXCITED!! access often use this term.

yarisugi is a more commonplace word so I`m going to spend a little more time on this one.
sugi at the end of yarisugi means "too much" yarisugi means "to go overboard" but sugi can be added to almost verb. It turns the word into a ru word. Like adding -suru to a word.
example:
tabesugi - to eat too much
nomisugi - to drink too much (usually referrs to liquor)
nesugi - to sleep too much (usually means overslept)
kaisugi - to buy too much

To make this compound simply take a verb in its masu form and drop the masu and add sugi.
Try it out!

yari in yarisugi is the inpolite form of to do - suru you are saying I did too much litterally.

Well thats all for today. I better stop before I kakisugi!

See you next round!!!!

Melt

Its been a long time since I've wrote here. I learned a lot in Japan. Not only Japanese but life lessons. So what have I been doing since then? Many things. Looking for work and now I am taking care of my father who has unfortunately been diagnosed with cancer. I have more hobbies now! I've gotten back into Gundam and my new love is Vocaloid.

For those unfamiliar with Vocaloid let me give you a quick run down.

Vocaloid (ボカロイド) is a synthesized vocal program created by Yamaha. At first the program wasn't very popular amongst the public but it quickly grew an audience after the creation of Miku Hatsune. Miku's character design gained a following and became more popular after a video on Nico Nico Douga (Japan's answer to youtube) displayed Miku waving a Leek to the song "Ievan Polkka" Miku and other Vocaloids such as Kaito and Meiko (who were the first character Vocaloids) became popular. Since the rise in the Vocaloid's popularity more character Vocaloids have been released. Rin and Len Kagamine, (Len is rumored to be designed after Daisuke Asakura) Gakupo Kamui (the voice is sampled from J-pop singer Gackt) and the newist addition Luka Megurine. There are officially seven character vocaloids. However there exsists upwards of 30 fanmade vocaloids. only three of those are reconized by the devloping company Crypton which devolped the character vocaloid series.
Hachune Miku
Yowane Haku
Akita Neru
and Kasane Teto.

Hachune Miku was the one who starred in the video that made Miku famous. She is an SD version of Miku Hatsune.

Yowane Haku devolped by 2chan users, represents the "not so well made" songs. Haku instead of Miku sings these. She will appear as a costume for Miku in Project Diva the PSP game.

Akita Neru also devolped by 2chan users, represents people who like vocaloid but give up using it. She will also appear as a costume for Miku in Project Diva.

Kasane Teto, While not reconized by Crypton is reconized by KEI the artist who created the Vocaloid character designs. Teto appears in his manga "Hatsune Mix" which is a collection of stories about the vocaloids. Teto was created in 2chan to be an April fool's day prank for Vocaloid fans. The prank blew up in their face as Teto became popular and people wished to save her from dissapearing. The video "uso no utahime" (The fake Diva) tells the story of Teto. She sings with a rival software called "Utau" (which means "Sing")

Well that concludes today's post. I leave with you with a few Vocaloid videos.

Dancing Samurai - Gakupo's song. Features all official as well as Neru and Haku


Honey - Vocaloid Allstars. A song released before the creation of Gakupo and Luka. Features Haku, Neru, and Teto.


and Triple Baka - Miku, Neru, Teto. A cute song


See you next round!

Just a new day is coming awake, Any dream will do

So it has been one month since my last post. Sadly we still don`t have internet. I am posting from an Osaka manga kissa. (Comic Cafe) These are all the rage these days. When people are cheep or cannot find a room for the night they start to search for these places. For 3000 yen (30 bucks) a night you are promised a booth with a computer and a TV. Unlimited broadband internet use, 12 channels, the all you can drink buffet (no liquor sadly) snacks and sometimes food to order (though those are a seperate charge) most manga cafes have showers to use (for another charge) You can get booths with a "soft floor" which has a mat to lay on. I like these kind. Others have reclining chairs as well as massage chairs. Many have playstation 2s as well. Its not a bad deal when you have no where to stay. 3000 yen gets you a 10 hour pack. (at this one) I have sayed at a place where the 10 hour pack was 1400 yen (14 bucks) It veries depending on the chain. My favorite chain is Manboo (named after the Japanese sun fish) Gera Gera is my second (Gera Gera is the sound a frog makes much like the word "Ribbit") and Media Cafe Popeye is my third. Well that being said it is almost 9 am and I have to get ready to go.

See you next round.
-Lala-

LINKS:
http://www.manboo.co.jp/
http://www.geragera.co.jp/
http://www.mpo.ne.jp/

Kiss me in summer rain

Hello everyone.

Today was our official first day of school. We started it off with a BANG...
from the sky that is. The sky opened up and dropped at least a good 3 inches of rain.
Oddly enough, this is common in Japan. Because Japan is an island nation they are use to suddan rain storms and typhoons so today was part of the norm. What made it bad was that half of us had to be moved to a different building because our classrooms are sperate so we had to walk without umbrellas. So some of us got a free shower. Other than that, the day is going good. I feel good about this school. Steph and I might have gotten placed too low but, in the end I think it`s good for us because we get a chance to improove on our stuff. The teachers are really friendly and I like the teaching style. There are many students from many different places and some speak English and some don`t . In our class there are people from Spain, UK, Hungry, Guiana, China, Korea, and Portugal. We all learned a lot. Well our time is almost up. We hope to have internet in our apartment soon.

See you next round!
-Lala-