The Magic of Kyoto

The Magic of Kyoto by Jim Sherard

Pictured: A Kyoto pagoda, (courtesy of Fuji Film Staff, Minami Ashigara Shi)

Japan: The name evokes images of cherry blossoms and temples, of Samurai and Kimono clad Geisha. The contemporary Japan of today is a diverse conglomeration of history and tradition merging with a future that often struggles to understand itself. A country vibrantly alive and awaiting the traveler who seeks to experience a culture replete with skyscrapers and bullet trains, of castles and paddy fields lined with rustic wooden homes. What better place to begin your journey within this exotic land than the city of Kyoto. This extraordinarily beautiful city with its abundance of shrines, temples, palaces, gardens, and historically priceless buildings, exemplifies the essence of Japanese culture and history. With over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines architecturally still intact, it is one of the best preserved cities in Japan, and a top tourist destination for foreigners and Japanese alike.

One of the most frequently visited sites is the Zen Temple of Kiyomizu. Its wooden veranda supported by hundreds of pillars located on a mountain slope overlooking the region provides an awe inspiring view of the city below. Visitors are also able to stand beneath the temple's waterfall Otowanotaki and collect water in tin cups to quench their thirst before hiking the mountain path that leads from the structure to the tranquility of the forest above.

Two additional temples which are also popular attractions are Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Construction of Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) began in 1397 as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and was converted into a Zen Sanctuary after his death in 1408. The Pavilion is covered in gold leaf, and houses sacred relics of the Buddha. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) was modeled after Kinkakuji, and is located at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama mountains. Built as a villa for Ahsikaga Yoshimasa, (a descendant of Yoshimitsu) the building was also converted into a Zen Shrine after his death in 1490.

Another impressive structure that is a well known tourist destination is Nijo Castle. Located on the eastern edge of a 70 acre compound, the building consists of 33 rooms, and is famous for the intricate paintings of landscapes which adorn the Palace's sliding doors, and for the innovative construction of wooden floors that squeak like nightingales when walked upon which was employed as a security measure against intruders.

Other memorable sites in and around Kyoto include the "Philosophers Walk", the Gion District, and Arashiyama, a charming tourist area distinguished by its landmark Togetsukyo Bridge, with Mount Arashiyama standing peacefully in the background. A wide selection of cafes, restaurants and shops are located near the famous bridge. If you venture a short distance north you'll also come across a cluster of bamboo groves and residential district with several small temples placed placidly among the wooded hillside.

The "Philosophers Walk" refers to a scenic two kilometer path running south from Ginkakuji Temple along a meandering river to Nyakuoji Shrine, and was named after philosophy professor Kitaro Nishida, who could often be seen using the pathway. The Gion District located northwest of Kiyomizu Temple consists of flagstone paved lanes lined with traditional buildings, where if you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of Geisha as they make their way gracefully down the cobblestone streets.

About the Author

Jim Sherard is the author of "Land of the Rising Sun, A Guide to Living and Working in Japan", which can be found at: http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Living_and_Working_in_Japan/Living_and_Working_in_Japan.html

Pictured: Sunset at Miyajima, courtesy of Fuji Film staff

Minding Your Global Manners

By: Lydia Ramsey

To say that today's business environment is becoming increasingly more global is to state the obvious. Meetings, phone calls and conferences are held all over the world and attendees can come from any point on the globe. On any given business day you can find yourself dealing face-to-face, over the phone, by e-mail and, on rare occasions, by postal letter with people whose customs and cultures differ your own. You may never have to leave home to interact on an international level.



While the old adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" still holds true, business clients and colleagues who are visiting this country should be treated with sensitivity and with an awareness of their unique culture. Not to do your homework and put your best international foot forward can cost you relationships and future business. One small misstep such as using first names inappropriately, not observing the rules of timing or sending the wrong color flower in the welcome bouquet can be costly.



There is no one set of rules that applies to all international visitors so do the research for each country that your clients represent. That may sound like a daunting task, but taken in small steps, it is manageable and the rewards are worth the effort. Keeping in mind that there are as many ways to do business as there are countries to do business with, here are a few tips for minding your global P's and Q's.



Building relationships: Few other people are as eager to get down to business as we Americans. So take time to get to know your international clients and build rapport before you rush to the bottom line. Business relationships are built on trust that is developed over time, especially with people from Asia and Latin America.



Dressing conservatively: Americans like to dress for fashion and comfort, but people from other parts of the world are generally more conservative. Your choice of business attire is a signal of your respect for the other person or organization. Leave your trendy clothes in the closet on the days that you meet with your foreign guests.



Observe the hierarchy: It is not always a simple matter to know who is the highest-ranking member when you are dealing with a group. To avoid embarrassment, err on the side of age and masculine gender, only if you are unable to discover the protocol with research. If you are interacting with the Japanese, it is important to understand that they make decisions by consensus, starting with the younger members of the group. By contrast, Latin people have a clear hierarchy that defers to age.



Understanding the handshake: With a few exceptions, business people around the world use the handshake for meeting and greeting. However, the American style handshake with a firm grip, two quick pumps, eye contact and a smile is not universal. Variations in handshakes are based on cultural differences, not on personality or values. The Japanese give a light handshake. Germans offer a firm shake with one pump, and the French grip is light with a quick pump. Middle Eastern people will continue shaking your hand throughout the greeting. Don't be surprised if you are occasionally met with a kiss, a hug, or a bow somewhere along the way.



Using titles and correct forms of address: We are very informal in the United States and are quick to call people by their first name. Approach first names with caution when dealing with people from other cultures. Use titles and last names until you have been invited to use the person's first name. In some cases, this may never occur. Use of first names is reserved for family and close friends in some cultures.



Titles are given more significance around the world than in the United States and are another important aspect of addressing business people. Earned academic degrees are acknowledged. For example, a German engineer is addressed as "Herr Ingenieur" and a professor as "Herr Professor". Listen carefully when you are introduced to someone and pay attention to business cards when you receive them.



Exchanging business cards: The key to giving out business cards in any culture is to show respect for the other person. Present your card so that the other person does not have to turn it over to read your information. Use both hands to present your card to visitors from Japan, China, Singapore, or Hong Kong. When you receive someone else's business card, always look at it and acknowledge it. When you put it away, place it carefully in your card case or with your business documents. Sticking it haphazardly in your pocket is demeaning to the giver. In most cases, wait until you have been introduced to give someone your card.



Valuing time. Not everyone in the world is as time conscious as Americans. Don't take it personally if someone from a more relaxed culture keeps you waiting or spends more of that commodity than you normally would in meetings or over meals. Stick to the rules of punctuality, but be understanding when your contact from another country seems unconcerned.



Honoring space issues: Americans have a particular value for their own physical space and are uncomfortable when other people get in their realm. If the international visitor seems to want to be close, accept it. Backing away can send the wrong message. So can touching. You shouldn't risk violating someone else's space by touching them in any way other than with a handshake.



Whether the world comes to you or you go out to it, the greatest compliment you can pay your international clients is to learn about their country and their customs. Understand differences in behavior and honor them with your actions. Don't take offense when visitors behave according to their norms. People from other cultures will appreciate your efforts to accommodate them and you will find yourself building your international clientele.

Author Bio

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site www.mannersthatsell.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Nintendo Wii Hardware Reviewed and Explained

By: Aaron Brooks

Nintendos seventh generation gaming console was code named Revolution. It sought to becoming futuristic and including all conveniences like a wireless controller and Wii remote which has three dimensional functions. The Nintendo Wii also has Wii Connect 24 which can receive messages from the World Wide Web.



Slated for release in the US in mid Nov 2006, the Ninetendo Wii won the Game Critics Award for Best of Show and Best Hardware at the E3 2006. The hardware of the gaming console is state-of-art with the unit being the smallest measuring just 157 mm in height :



• The loading slot is in the front and accepts 12cm optical discs and 8 cms discs from Nintendo's older console.



• The console will have two USB ports and one SD card slot.



• In Japan the console will have DVD -Video capabilities. A Sonic Solutions Cine Player CE DVD Navigator software engine will be used in consoles to be released in 2007 with DVD-Video functions.



• The Wii remote has accelerometers and infrared detection that enables positioning in 3D space. This means gamers can participate in the game using hand gestures as well as buttons. The controller connects to the Wii console through Bluetooth technology. There are umpteen functions like connectivity to other devices, 4KB non volatile memory and an accelerometer, analog stick and trigger buttons.



• The Wii has a sensor bar that can be positioned such that the Wii remote can be used as an accurate pointing device from a distance of 5 meters. However the sensor bar is sensitive to halogen lights and sunlight affecting its functions.



• The Wii CPU has a processor known as Broadway with a 90nm SOI CMOS process. The Memory of the Wii is 1T-SRAM.



• The Nintendo Wii has 512 MB built-in flash memory that can be expanded using an SD card.



• The Wii has four remote controller slots; one SD memory slot; two USB ports; one sensor bar port ;four Nintendo game cube controller ports; two Nintendo game cube memory card ports; WiFi 802.11.b/g wireless built in ports.



• The Wii can connect to the World Wide Web through the WiFi and USB to Ethernet adaptor.



The CNET editors have rated the Nintendo Wii as an 8 /10. According to experts at CNET the positive is the futuristic controller design with motion-sensitive gameplay options and the Wi-Fi is all set to extend free online services and game play. The Nintendo Wii is the most affordable of all GenX gaming systems. The negative in the Wii is short battery life, no advanced HD graphics or surround sound and inability to play CDs or DVDs.



What Nintendo Wii brings to gaming is an affordable console with motion sensitive controllers and a focus on fun filled gaming.

Author Bio

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for www.1888freeonlinegames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for Free Software Downloads Site www.1888softwaredownloads.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Teenager dyslexic only in English

Independent, The (London), Jan 18, 1996

English can be tougher on the brain than other languages, according to a scientist studying the case of a boy who struggles to read English primary school storybooks while wading through physics textbooks in Japanese.
Advertisement

The boy, 17, named only as AS, is believed to be the first person shown to be dyslexic in one language but not another.

He has English parents but lives in Japan. At the age of six, he went to a Japanese primary school but lagged behind his Japanese counterparts in English. When he was 13, tests confirmed that he was dyslexic.

While he can perceive English sounds accurately he can only read half as well as an average person of his age. Yet he has mastered the two written forms of Japanese - kanji, which consists of symbols which carry meaning but no phonetic value, and kana, whose symbols respond to particular sounds.

Researcher Taeko Wydell, of Brunel University, west London, told New Scientist magazine the case was difficult to reconcile with theories of dyslexia and could have "profound consequences for concepts of reading". New Scientist said: "The problem, she believes, lies in . . . the English language's complex system of mapping sounds to letters, which gives rise to some eccentric spellings."

Copyright 1996 Newspaper Publishing PLC
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Protest the Fingerprinting of Foreign Residents of Japan

Hi,

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition
that I recently signed:

"Abolition of Non Japanese fingerprinting program"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/fingerprints-japan?e

I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage
you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes less than a minute of
your time.

Thanks!
---------------------------------------------

Once again, thanks for signing the petition!
Sincerely,
-iPetitions Campaigns Team

p.s. If you would like to start your own free petition, you can do so
here:
http://www.ipetitions.com/start-petition

幼児期の英語学習に関する私の考え

幼児期の英語学習に関する私の考え

ケビンバーンズ



基本的に、もし、子供達が学びたいのであれば、ひとつの外国語を学ぶべきだと思います。
もし、子供達に学ぶ気がないのに、ご両親が学ばせたいとなると、
ご両親や先生達は外国語を学ぶことがいいことだと、子供を納得させる努力をしなくてはなりません。
近いうちに海外へ引っ越す、外国語を話す親戚がいる、将来仕事で英語を必要と
する、もしくは、アジアだけでなく、視野を広げ、世界中に目を向けるため、
というのがシンプルな説明かもしれません。

「英語を勉強するつもりはない」「英語が嫌い」
日本ではこのように、英語に対して冷ややかで、否定的な態度がみられます。
難しい問題です。英語は日本語に浸透してきてはいるものの、
未だに、英語を話せるようになることが想像できないという人もいるのです。

このような否定が全国に広がっていることもあり、英語の必要性を子供に納得させることが難しいのです。
話はそれますが、オランダのように、他の国の言葉に対しても、オープンな国では、簡単なことなのでしょう。

勉強を強要しても、決してうまくいきません。
言葉を学ぶことが、とても大切なことだということを
分かってもらうための、手段を示してあげましょう。、
子供にとっては、ディズニーをテーマにした物を使うのもいいかもしれません。
イングリッシュランド、というテキストはディズニーを使用しています。

何歳から、外国語の勉強を始めたらいいのか。

これは、難しい問題です。子供や、その状況にもよるからです。
ちなみに、ケビンズイングリッシュスクールでは３歳から英語を
楽しく学ぶことができます。

幼児期から英語を勉強する必要はなく、１２歳までにと、提案するところもあります。
勉強を始めた年齢がばらばらの生徒達が、同じレベルで、何も気にせずに学ぶ傾向にあるのです。
私達は、何かを見落としている、と思いませんか。

話し言葉を学ぶ、テストで良い成績をとる、それだけのために言葉を学ぶわけではありません。
言葉を学ぶことによって、私達は、子供達に、全く新しい世界や、考え方の違い、
現実に世界を見ることを、切り開いていくのです。

早ければ早いほど、いいと思います。いつか、子供は自分で決めなくてはいけないでしょう。
親として、教育者として、私達はその事を重要だと考え、その事を子供に納得させなくてはいけません。
もし私達にそれができないのなら、子供にとって、それがどれだけ重要なのか分かるまで、待つべきでしょう。

Nova Declares Bankruptcy, Canadian Embassy Tries to Help those Affected

The Canadian Embassy has opted to send this message to all registrants on the Japan country profile, to ensure that we can reach as many Canadians affected by this situation as possible.

If you know of any Canadians in your area of Japan who are not already registered in ROCA, please be sure to share the following information with them, and also take the opportunity to recommend registration.
*********************************************
As you may have already heard in the news today (October 26), NOVA English school has filed for bankruptcy. In this message, the Embassy endeavours to communicate as much information as possible to assist you in planning your next steps.

The Canadian Embassy is monitoring the situation and remains ready to receive enquiries and provide the best advice we can.

Employees with concerns should consider contacting one of the two regional Nova offices which have been tasked with responding to employee queries, the workers' union representing Nova employees, and their local labour advisory office. Contact details are:
Nova
- West Japan: Osaka Office (06) 7688-0404
- East Japan: Tokyo Office (03) 6688-4441
Nova has advised that it is in the process of putting related information for employees including questions and answers up on its website at www.nova.ne.jp.

General Union - Nova Branch: (06) 6352-9619
http://www.generalunion.org/nova/main.htm

The assistance that the Embassy of Canada is able to provide you is limited to that which is stipulated in the Consular Service Standards page, http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/about/service_standards-en.asp.

The Embassy is neither legal expert nor labour law specialist; we do not possess the expertise to be able to advise you on these topics thus we have been, and continue in, encouraging individuals to seek out subject-expert advice from local providers. The following is a list of contacts for services and official Japanese advisory organisations that may be of assistance. Many are Tokyo-based but they should be able to direct you to resources in your vicinity:

If you did wish to look into the option of hiring a private lawyer, the Embassy can provide a list of lawyers, some with English speaking services.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Consultation Service for Foreigners: 03-5320-7744.
They offer advice in English on a range of issues. Their opening times are: Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 12:00 noon and 1:30pm - 5pm.

For employment and labour-specific advice, the following telephone number is for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labour Advisory Service Centre for Foreigners: 03-5211-2346. They offer advice in English from 2:00pm to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

Also, many City Offices across Japan have foreign residents' consultation services. You may wish to check with your local City Office to see what services they have available.

If you have any employment/work visa questions (i.e. sponsored visas, changing employment), the best people to consult would be the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau: http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/iic-01.html

In the event of unemployment, we understand that some foreign employees in Japan may be eligible for unemployment benefits. We understand that it depends on what type of employment insurance the employee holds, as well as how long they have been working, and under what circumstances they ceased their employment. If you should wish to make enquiries as to whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits, you should consult with your local Hello Work Office. The following website advises of some Hello Work Offices that are able to offer foreign language assistance: http://www.tfemploy.go.jp/en/coun/cont_2.html

Financial Issues:

We understand that many of you have major concerns about this. The Embassy is available to assist you to contact your family or friends in Canada and facilitate private funds transfers between you and them should the need arise; however, we cannot provide financial funding for Canadians to remain overseas.

Money transfer methods include wire deposits into a personal Japanese bank account (or a Canadian bank account accessible from Japan e.g. by ATM card), credit card account, or instant transfers via Western Union (www.westernunion.com) - Please note that the Japanese agent of which is Suruga Bank with branches located in the Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Aichi areas. Alternatively, your family member can contact the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa to obtain information on how to transfer funds through the department. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/emergencies-en.asp

If you are seeking alternative work in order to stay in Japan, you may wish to discuss your situation with your family and friends to ensure you have arrangements in place should the necessity for emergency funds arise. Also, please ensure to contact your nearest Immigration Bureau Office to obtain more information about changing jobs.

If you are planning to go home to Canada anytime between now and the holiday season, we strongly encourage you to start making travel arrangements immediately. Mid-December marks the beginning of the holiday/Christmas high season; consequently, airfares will rise significantly, and ticket availability will become scarce.

Rates quoted to the Embassy as of Friday morning, October 26, 2007 are:

Air Fare by H.I.S. (One-way ticket, in JPY)
. Weekend rates 5,000 yen will be added to rates stated below.
. After Dec 23, these airfares will go by approximately 100,000 yen or more.
. AC= Air Canada; UA= United Airlines

NRT - Toronto
Nov.01 - AC 103,000; UA 64,000 (via Chicago)
Dec.01 - AC 103,000; UA 69,000 (via Chicago)

NRT - Vancouver
Nov. 01 - AC 74,000; UA 64,000 (via Chicago)
Dec. 01 - AC 74,000; UA 69,000 (via Chicago)

****************************************
KIX (Kansai Airport)- Toronto

Nov. 01 AC 118,000; UA 66,000 (via San Fran)
Dec 01 - AC 118,000; UA 66,000 (via San Fran)

KIX - Vancouver
Nov. 01 - AC 88,000; UA 66,000 (via San Fran)
Dec 01 - AC 88,000; UA 66,000 (via San Fran)

We hope that this information will be of use to you.

Consular Section
Embassy of Canada
Tokyo, Japan