The search for the holy grail

So Japan is well known for its consumer society which rivals the U.S. So when traveling to Japan there is usually little you need to bring from the US that cannot be bought here. But I have found something! Or rather not found something... Deodorant and lotion. Arriving in Japan I quickly searched high and low for lotion and regular stick(or gel) deodorant. I only had small success when i found a travel sized tube of lotion and what I thought to be stick deodorant. But to my surprise it had a roll on applicator for a liquid that smelled like strong alcohol. I don't know what chemicals they put in that deodorant but it burns your pitts. After being in Japan for a couple of weeks I have finally picked up on the trend. For Japanese people that burning sensation is actually a "cooling" sensation. Remember in the Matrix when they say something about how your mind makes it real. Well this is the same thing I think. If you read the label and it says "cool" on it, then when you put it on, you feel the cooling feeling. Not only deodorant, but face/body wipes, and even eye drops have a burning feeling. I still dont really like the deodorant, which is why I want to buy some American stick, but I actually like the eye drops.

So if you ever are traveling to Japan, or any country really, make sure to bring your toiletries.

Sumidagawa fireworks in Asakusa

First let me present the Engrish for the week.



During the hot summer months there are many firework shows all over Japan. One such was the show on Saturday July 26 in Asakusa by the Sumidagawa river. During firework shows, and cherry blossom viewing festivals, Japanese people come out with their friends and family to drink and be merry.



This is a park near by the river. As seen in the left picture, it is not uncommon for Japanese people to dress up in a traditional yukata. Not to be confused with kimono, a yukata is made from cotton and used during the hot summers. Men can either wear a male yukata or a jinbei(traditional shorts and shirt combo).

It was a very enjoyable night. First summer matsuri(festival) i have seen on this trip. Im sure there will be plenty more in the future. Nothing wrong with more excuses to be with loved ones while drinking and watching fireworks.

More Engrish!

This is an ad placed directly across from the class where i take Japanese.

Its time to go to school

On the way to ICU. What I thought was going to be an unpleasant ride on a crowded subway:














My room in Global House


















My Unit:















Global House from the outside:





The Shino-Gabu Bike:


My new keitai:


Pretty isnt it? And with that my new life in Japan is almost set up completely. Stay tuned for more in depth entries...

JAPAN

Because this blog has started about 1 week after my arrival ill make a couple of posts to bring family/friends up to speed.

Arrival:


This just reminded me of SF so I took the picture.

Thought that this was funny engrish.














View from Youth Hostel