A pundit to expound from, a forum for your tales and a space to tell all. Let everyone know what you think and know whether they like it or not.
Blair Sly
I always get nostalgic in winter. It starts as dissatisfaction with the cold, the yearning for sunshine, but the thoughts always go beyond that. Wistful childhood memories, recollections of places I’ve been and people I’ve met. (more)
Posted in December 2005
Colin Mateme
As you all know, this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the end of World War II. I majored in International Relations and History at university and have always wanted to know a few things about Japan from a Japanese perspective. (more)
Posted in December 2005
Cecilia Fernandez
Climbing Mt. Fuji was one of the things I had always wanted to do in Japan. On Thursday August 25th, my friend Nobethu Jolobe from South Africa, who lives in Tsu , Mie Prefecture, where I lived before coming to Wakayama, told me that due to the possible typhoon some people had withdrawn from her planned journey up Mount Fuji. (more)
Posted in October 2005
Masayoshi Ohtani
Since the advent of digital cameras, used film cameras are becoming less and less expensive. Digitals are handy for sure, but tend not last for a long time. How many people use 5 year old digital cameras? (more)
Posted in October 2005
WIN Staff--Translated by Julian Richards
The hardest thing about speaking Japanese is the use of keigo (honorific Japanese). You have to choose your words based on an instantaneous judgment of both your position and that of the person you are talking to. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Colin Mateme
When I arrived in Japan seven months ago I did not know what to expect. I read as much as I could about the country and the people before I left South Africa so that I would be somewhat mentally prepared for what I was about to experience. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Sebastian Bednarczyk
My name is Sebastian and I’ve been in Wakayama as an exchange student for over three months now. It’s been some seven years since I was last in Japan and seeing it again brings back many good memories. (more)
Posted in February 2005
Blair Sly
It is often said that culture is like an iceberg, floating in the ocean. The part of the iceberg that is above the water is visible and apparent, but in reality, this makes up only a small part of overall mass. (more)
Posted in February 2005
Robin Godfroy (Translated by Martin St-Pierre)
Imagine the Chateau Versailles, where high powdered wigs and stunning decors are the backdrop against which Marie-Antoinette, with her long blue satin dress and scintillating necklace, becomes a star played by Mao Daichi in this Japanese production at the Shimbashi Embujo in Tokyo; a theatre built in 1925 as a stage for geisha productions. (more)
Posted in February 2005
Julian Richards
There was a sense of optimism at the Forum on World Heritage Registration held in Shirahama in early November. The World Heritage Registration of the Kumano and Koya areas will likely lead to increased tourism, particularly over the next 2 years. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Rikako Takagishi
Translated by Julian Richard
There is something I endeavor to do every time I prepare a meal. That is to use seasonal ingredients as much as possible and to bring traditional foods and dishes to the dining table every chance I get. (more)
Posted in October 2004
Martin St-Pierre
On July 2, 2004, the UNESCO World Heritage committee gathered in Suzhou, China to announce that the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes called Kumanokodo in the Kii Mountain Range had been granted official status along with 12 other sites worldwide. (more)
Posted in August 2004
Blair Sly
When I was young, I used to associate culture shock with the movie, The Jewel of the Nile. (more)
Posted in June 2004
Ceridwen Trinder I recently spent two weeks on an intensive language course in Iwade. (more)
Posted in June 2004
Ayumi Ino Native English speakers may wonder why Japanese people speak such a poor English despite many years of learning it at school. Japanese people, on their part, also complain that they can’t speak English fluently enough to reward their hard study for years. (more)
Posted in June 2004
by Chiaki Yamamoto
“Hey, You!” I didn’t realize at first that someone was shouting at me. A girl came running toward me, looked me in the eyes and said; “ Don’t give up! You have the right to study here!” She enunciated every word clearly to make sure I understood what she was saying (more)
Posted in April 2004
by WIN Staff
Most people think the last big tidal wave to hit Wakayama occurred on January 30, 1945, where 998 people perished. On May 24, 1960, a powerful (8.4 Richter scale) earthquake in Chile triggered a massive tidal wave that crossed the Pacific Ocean and hit many Pacific Rim areas. (more)
Posted in April 2004
by Julian Richards
Since late September members of the environmental protection group Sea Shepherd have been in Taiji, a small village in southern Wakayama, documenting and attempting to stop the annual whale and dolphin hunt. (more)
Posted in February 2004
by Naoe Naka
We often have misconceptions about others, even those who we consider our friends. However, many Japanese seem to have even more false impressions of people who visit or live in our country temporarily, in other words, non-Japanese. (more)
Posted in February 2004
by WIN Staff
1. Did you know that the last tidal wave (Tsunami) to hit Wakayama travelled at an estimated speed of between 500 and 600 kilometers per hour and was caused by an 8.5 (Richter scale) earthquake? Where was the epicenter of this earthquake? When did it occur?
(more)
Posted in February 2004
by Ruzana Binti Saat
Although Europeans claim that the kite was first invented by a Greek man named Archytas, kite-flying has had a long and impressive history in Asia, more specifically: Japan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. In Japan, kites are not merely for the sake of people's fun but they have indeed brought along the strong cultural influences.
(more)
Posted in August 2003
Kinga Klein
Bunraku is considered to be a national form of the puppet theatre in Japan and is one of many ways for people to experience Japanese culture.
In my country, Hungary, puppet theatre is mainly for children. (more)
Posted in June 2003
Rebecca Benoit
Following the Hanshin earthquake in 1995, many people in Canada tried to contact their friends or relatives in Japan but were unable to do so. In order to create an emergency response group, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and consulate in Osaka decided to establish a warden system to contact Canadians living in Japan should such an event occur again.
(more)
Posted in June 2003
Robert Moore
When the animated feature, Spirited Away, was released in the US last September it was met with high acclaim, elated fans, and an Oscar nomination. It is the latest mega-hit film from Studio Ghibli, a Japan-based animation production company that has generated an immense following both in and out of Japan. (more)
Posted in April 2003
Joanne Jefferson
I like smoking. In fact, I like smoking a lot. In Japan the smoker is rarely made to feel like a leprous obscenity smoking their way to an early grave. From the gloriously cheap price of a packet of cigarettes, the absence of health warnings emblazoned thereon, to the friendly ashtrays squatting beside the check outs at the supermarket, (more)
Posted in April 2003
Hannah Kunert
??I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I?
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.?
(more)
Posted in February 2003
Li Jue
We Chinese call our New Year?s celebration the Spring Celebration or Spring Festival. It marks the beginning of spring and a brand new year in the Chinese calendar.
(more)
Posted in February 2003
Holly Francis
It was a fairly random and spontaneous decision that my friends made to visit me in Japan over the Christmas break. Kiwis living in Paris, I had visited them there in the spring and adored Paris.
(more)
Posted in February 2003
Hannah Kunert
?Well, why don?t we have Christmas here? Come on, a real Aussie Christmas in Wakayama??
(more)
Posted in December 2002
Christine Morrissy I stand to face the final editing deadline. Sometimes it feels as though I?ve been in Japan for just a few short weeks; sometimes just a few weeks short of eternity! The paradox that is Japan. We?ve all... (more)
Posted in December 2002
Mutsumi Torii I often tried to gain my driver?s license, but I could not pass the driving test while I was in Toronto, Canada. As many people know, Toronto is a big city, and has quite heavy traffic. But roads... (more)
Posted in December 2002
Translated by Michael Minzak In order to draw a line between two places of existence, a place where Gods exist and where they don?t, a representative symbol with particular significance; the "Shimenawa" has its place. Its origin may be derived... (more)
Posted in December 2002
Chika Hiramatsu In the section ?Things to Do?, a Noh Play is introduced. The play takes place every year. The main features this year are Sengoro Shigeyama and other performers. Let?s make use of the opportunity to enjoy this traditional... (more)
Posted in October 2002
Mark H. Rooney A year ago today, I returned to my home in the mountains of Wakayama. I had just spent ten wonderful days drumming with an extraordinary group of people, sharing an amazing experience. I was still high from... (more)
Posted in October 2002
Nicole Marie Hirono Salsa is the world's most danced dance. In nearly every major city in the world you can find salsa classes and places to dance it. It is not only dance, however, but a style of music with... (more)
Posted in October 2002
Matthew Healy As the sun rises and the tide-lip of sunlight advances down the hill, everyone turns to feel the warmth hit their faces. We also get the first sense of who we all are, what kind of motley assembly... (more)
Posted in October 2002
Sachi Tahara (translated by Yuki Fujiyoshi) ?What do you want to learn from this class?? In America, teachers seem to always ask students this question at the beginning of their semester or lectures. I think it was good that I... (more)
Posted in October 2002
The first World Cup of the twenty-first century has come and gone with some pretty surprising results. No-one was surprised when Brazil, the perennial favourite, took home the most coveted prize in sports today but who could have guessed that... (more)
Posted in August 2002
Rodeo originated from the daily chores of cowboys of bygone days. This has now evolved into a true sport. They ride wild horses, bulls and catch calves with ropes while riding galloping steeds. They also compete for best time while... (more)
Posted in August 2002
Two weeks ago I visited the ?World exhibition of books for children? in Wakayama?s Kintetsu Department Store. I was told that there was a big canvas on which a Bulgarian fairy tale was presented. Well, there was a canvas. And... (more)
Posted in August 2002
On March 7, 2002, my friend, Jenny and I took a trip to Hakata and Nagasaki, Kyushu. Jenny is a friend I have known for one and a half years and one I will always cherish. Besides sight seeing, the... (more)
Posted in July 2002
As I pack my things to return home I reflect on this past year. How did I ever make it through the year without for the most part my S.O. (significant other) in this case my husband Mike. Mind you,... (more)
Posted in July 2002
Many ALTs have complained to me that they have experienced a "crisis" of identity while in Japan. Before leaving for Japan, ALTs are made aware of all the psychological challenges they will encounter while in Japan. ALTs are made aware... (more)
Posted in July 2002
"Japan is a himo culture," she says as she ties one more around my waist. Hair up, jewelry off, obi tightly tied and fan in right hand: everything must be just right before we leave the house. Tonight is Japanese... (more)
Posted in June 2002
A Phenomenological inquiry into the onto-genetic structure of Hello Kitty When I first arrived in Japan I was surrounded by what at the time seemed like a semiotical soup of all things small and cute. I had a very difficult... (more)
Posted in June 2002
On the eve of the World Cup tournament, it is important to understand some of the historic events, which led to the current hooliganism problem. Although there is a high level of anxiety in Japan towards hooliganism and potential violence,... (more)
Posted in June 2002
Time sure flies. I have been in Japan for half a year. Since I came here, I have experienced many new things and have had a wonderful time. Gradually, I have got to know Japan and have improved my Japanese.... (more)
Posted in June 2002
Not well known, or even noticed by the average foreign visitor or tourist, is manga (comic books) ? a mainstay of Japanese pop culture. You really can't avoid encountering manga at some point if you stay in Japan for any... (more)
Posted in May 2002
Perhaps I'd watched too many Kurosawa films, or got a little too involved in my Edo period studies at university, but the Japan I had expected was somewhat different from the one in which I found myself for the first... (more)
Posted in April 2002
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, for the ultimate Japanese cultural experience, what could offer you more than a trip to the Pachinko hall? The Pachinko Parlor stands grand, glistening in the rain. Rows upon rows of cars and scooters lined... (more)
Posted in April 2002
This is a story of when my friend and I went to Thailand a while ago. It was our second visit there so we knew a bit of its culture, weather, food, and about the friendly people. We took only... (more)
Posted in April 2002
Before coming to Japan, I made up a Must-Do list; staying overnight in a Capsule Hotel was on top of the list. I thought it would be an experience that I would never forget, and it was! To me, the... (more)
Posted in March 2002
Kanji in Context: A Study System for Intermediate and Advanced Learners (Koichi Nishiguchi, Tamaki Kono, published by The Japan Times) is, as its title suggests, not very suitable for students who are just starting to learn kanji. However, for those... (more)
Posted in March 2002
In Romania, Dracula films were not legal until the 1989 revolution. Stoker's book was not translated into Romanian until 1992. The dictator was afraid that he might be compared with Dracula. As a primary school student, during one of my... (more)
Posted in March 2002
Continued from November 2001 Tanpopo （タンポポ） Released on November 23, 1985 A truck driver stops by a faltering Chinese noodle shop. He is attracted by the beautiful widow, who runs the shop by herself. He and others try to make... (more)
Posted in March 2002
Akiko Sakaguchi lived in America with her family for over a decade. During this time, she worked for the public school system as a Japanese translator and interpreter for 9 years. She also volunteered with various organizations and was frequently... (more)
Posted in January 2002
Until I came to Japan, I was never very interested in the bottoms of cups, vases, or any other sort of ceramic piece. And until I came to Japan I didn't have problems with accidentally dumping old water and decaying... (more)
Posted in January 2002
I spent time in December describing to my students some of my experiences with Christmas. It has been interesting for me to sit down and really think about Christmas as a child and as an adult, and to see how... (more)
Posted in January 2002
If knowledge is power, and knowledge comes from information, then what about misinformation? Doesn't that also contribute to knowledge or rather, misknowledge? One characteristic I have found common to many Japanese people I have met is that they possess the... (more)
Posted in December 2001
In Japan, the passage of time is marked by the changing of extreme temperatures and climates of the different seasons and by the changing colors of the leaves. It is amazing how climates can transform not only the landscape by... (more)
Posted in December 2001
The historic events of the last two months have transfixed the world and have led to the reexamination of the issues the developed and developing nations face in the 21st century. One issue that has been overlooked due to the... (more)
Posted in December 2001
"We live in the shadowlands. Happiness is around the bend in the road, over the brow of a hill." The film is sensitively directed by Richard Attenborough, while the soft tone photography by Roger Pratt perfectly captures the subtlety of... (more)
Posted in December 2001
Kites. It's another one of those crafts on the long list of Japanese traditions whose popularity has faded in the modern era. Yet anyone who has seen how fast a trend can take off in this country can imagine how... (more)
Posted in November 2001
Old Time in Arochi really rocked on Saturday, October 13th, as WIN held its annual party. Definitely the event of the year for the international set of Wakayama, the evening brought people from all over the world together to talk,... (more)
Posted in November 2001
Itami Juzo was born in Kyoto on May 15, 1933, the son of Itami Mansaku, a famous movie director and scenario writer at Toho Movie Production. During his high school period, he met Oe Kenzaburo who later received the Nobel... (more)
Posted in November 2001
"We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie…" -verse from John McCrae's In Flanders Fields (May 1915) Sept. 11, 2001 -- 6am: I woke to the... (more)
Posted in October 2001
I generally dislike sending out these group messages. I always would rather talk to everybody one on one. But I need to communicate with everybody on this list in the wake of this unthinkable event. First of all, what can... (more)
Posted in October 2001
More than thirty years ago the American Rhythm and Blues singer Aretha Franklin released what turned out to be a very popular love song titled "Respect." She tells the man she loves that she will give him what he wants... (more)
Posted in October 2001