Welcome 2009!

A new year has begun and, as usual, it feels like a good time to make some changes in my life. A good time to think about the previous year and learn from my mistakes. It's also a good time to remember the good things I did and try to do the same or better this year.

Why Japan? Why???

HELP! I don't understand! After being in Japan for more than a year, I still can't make heads or tails of some things Japanese people do.

I realize there are several cultural differences between Japan and “the West”, but...

True or False About Smoking

How much do you know about the cigarettes and the effects of smoking them?

Read the following statements and select whether they're true or false to reveal the (perhaps shocking) answer.

90 Millas

Last night my wife and I watched a movie called 90 Millas (90 Miles). It was about the shocking reality of Cuban immigrants to US.

In the movie, a Cuban family (including an 80-year-old grandpa and a baby) sets out in a tiny raft...

Super Obama

Does the world expect too much of Barack Obama?

According to a recent poll on CNN.com, 76% of the site's visitors said Yes. Barrack Obama has shown the world what great leadership he has by overcoming many hurdles and now...

Top Inventions of 2008

Taken from TIME magazine's annual list, here is my own list of the Top Ten Inventions of the year.

The following 10 creations will improve the quality of life of many people, help keep our planet greener, or even change...

Most Influential Men

After more than 200,000 votes, AskMen.com's Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2008 have been chosen, and the list is now revealed.

The final result is a list of men whose breadth of influence...

About Japanese Names

In Japan, like in China and Korea, the first name follows the family name.

Most Japanese family names consist of two kanji (Chinese characters). The meanings of many of the kanji...

Learn Japanese: Part 1

Hiragana is one component of the Japanese writing system, along with katakana and kanji.

Around the 9th century, the Japanese developed their own writing system based on syllables...

Karaoke Bars

Karaoke bars and shops are spread all over the country.

Modern karaoke shops consist of several private rooms (karaoke boxes) that are each equipped with a karaoke player, screens, and microphones. You can also order drinks and...

Welcome 2009!

A new year has begun and, as usual, it feels like a good time to make some changes in my life. A good time to think about the previous year and learn from my mistakes. It's also a good time to remember the good things I did and try to do the same or better this year.

Teachers in Action

A few weeks ago, I was asked to teach a "special" lesson.

The marketing team is creating a new campaign for our Total Immersion program, in which the student comes for 10 lessons a day and has lunch with one of the teachers...

The Pleasures of a Bike

Ah... the pleasures of a bike ride. So simple and enjoyable.

Since getting a bike, I’ve never felt so happy to get out and do things - even if it’s just going to the convinience store 5 minutes away. Not only is the bike bringing me enjoyment...

Where's Costa Rica?

I usually introduce myself to new students by saying my name and where I'm from. Since most teachers are from either Canada, US, England, or Australia, I very often get puzzled looks followed by the same question: Where's Costa Rica?

179 days later

After 179 days Vivi has finally come to Japan. May 25th marked a new era for us, a new beginning, a fresh start. And to celebrate, we went on a "Tokyo honeymoon."

First, we started by visiting some of Tokyo's most popular places, including a walk along Omotesando...

My first 5 months

I got to Japan on December 1, 2007. That was a Saturday.

I started my training at Berlitz the following Monday. That first week I wasn't too familiar with the food, prices, and a few other things. I very quickly got used to these things, though.

Why do Japanese study English?

About half of my students were born here in Tokyo. The other half comes from other—usually more rural—regions of Japan. However, they all have something in common: they must learn English one way or another.

Berlitz Japan

Berlitz Japan is (one of) the most well-established language schools in Japan.

There are language centers throughout the country in all of the major metropolitan cities, but the company is especially concentrated in the greater Tokyo and Osaka areas.

What am I doing here?

Some people have asked me what I'm doing all the way in Japan when I'm from such a beautiful country.

Well, basically I'm working here as an English teacher, which is exactly what I was doing in Costa Rica.

Why Japan? Why???

HELP! I don't understand! After being in Japan for more than a year, I still can't make heads or tails of some things Japanese people do.

I realize there are several cultural differences between Japan and “the West”, but...

Karaoke Bars

Karaoke bars and shops are spread all over the country.

Modern karaoke shops consist of several private rooms (karaoke boxes) that are each equipped with a karaoke player, screens, and microphones. You can also order drinks and...

Transportation in Tokyo

Public transportation within Greater Tokyo is dominated by the world's most extensive urban rail network of clean and efficient surface trains and subways.

Buses and monorails play a secondary role and walking and bicycling are much more common than...

What to See & Do in Tokyo

Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine.

Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for...

Apartments in Tokyo

Here in Tokyo, apartments are usually rented through real estate agents rather than landlords.

The housing situation with respect to living space has improved a lot in recent decades, even though...

The Cost of Living Here

Living costs in Japan and especially in Tokyo are famous to be among the world's highest.

However, living outside of central Tokyo and adjusting to a Japanese lifestyle can be very inexpensive.

Working in Tokyo

Being Japan's capital and one of the largest cities of the world, Tokyo offers plenty job opportunities for both foreigners and locals.

There are many industries to work for in Tokyo, but there are fewer options for foreigners, unless...

About Japanese Names

In Japan, like in China and Korea, the first name follows the family name.

Most Japanese family names consist of two kanji (Chinese characters). The meanings of many of the kanji...

Learn Japanese: Part 1

Hiragana is one component of the Japanese writing system, along with katakana and kanji.

Around the 9th century, the Japanese developed their own writing system based on syllables...

What I like about Sumo

One of the six Grand Sumo tournaments is being held in Nagoya (Central Japan) this July.

Therefore, there have been "fights" on TV almost every day. Vivi and I have become interested in the sport as we find it very unique and amusing at the same time.

Obon Festival

This coming August, the Japanese will have a 3-day holiday known as Obon, which is a Buddhist custom to honor the deceased spirits of their ancestors.

Nowadays, it's more like a a family reunion in which people return to their home towns...

Japanese Etiquette 101

Every culture has its own rules regarding etiquette. In the case of Japan, some of these rules are straightforward while others are more subtle.

Japanese people tend not to point out mistakes made by foreigners for fear of embarrassing them.

Japanese Traditions

Japan boasts a rich culture that is well-known worldwide.

In a very summarized way, here are some of Japan's most popular, beautiful traditions:

A lot more than sushi

Japanese food is one of the healthiest and most interesting diets in the World.

There is much more to Japanese food than just sushi and tempura. Japanese cuisine offers a great...

It's so Kawaii!

Kawaii - an adjective in Japanese meaning "pretty; cute; lovely; charming; dear; darling"

Being cute - or kawaii - is a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture, entertainment, clothing...

20 Interesting Facts

You may or may not know these things about Japan, but they sure are interesting!

Without further ado, here are 20 Interesting Facts About Japan...

Central Tokyo 5: Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a major district of Tokyo for work or play.

The west side of Shinjuku is Tokyo's skyscraper district featuring (among others) the gargantuan Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. The east side of Shinjuku is devoted to shopping and nightlife.

Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City is a large entertainment complex in central Tokyo.

It includes the world's largest roofed baseball stadium known as Tokyo Dome, an amusement park known as Tokyo Dome City Attractions, and Korakuen Hall.

Beautiful Odaiba

Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo.

It was initially built for defensive purposes in the 1800s, dramatically expanded during the late 20th...

Central Tokyo 4: Shibuya

Shibuya is a shopping and eating district popular with a lot of young Tokyoites.

It's the home of the huge Tokyu conglomerate (railways, department stores, hotels, housing developments), and thus practically every major...

Central Tokyo 3: Minato

Minato means "port", referring to its seaside location.

It hosts 49 embassies as well as various famous companies, including Fuji Xerox, Mitsubishi Motors, NEC Corporation, Nippon Television, Sony...

Central Tokyo 2: Chiyoda

Chiyoda ward is the center of the city and in many ways the center of all Japan.

Chiyoda is one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. Fifteen embassies are located within...

Sakura at Ueno Park

I didn't know what to expect as my first sakura season was coming up. Everyone kept talking about sakura and how beautiful it was, but I had no idea what it really was.

Central Tokyo 1: Chuo

While the name literally means "Center", this district loses out in prestige to neighboring Chiyoda.

Still, Ginza is generally reckoned to have the most expensive real estate on earth and...

Amazing Nikko

My first trip outside Tokyo included architectural masterpieces among an outstanding natural setting, which provided a great sense of relaxation and beauty.

Nikko is a historic town located north of Tokyo, in Tochigi Prefecture. Its many shrines and temples...

True or False About Smoking

How much do you know about the cigarettes and the effects of smoking them?

Read the following statements and select whether they're true or false to reveal the (perhaps shocking) answer.

90 Millas

Last night my wife and I watched a movie called 90 Millas (90 Miles). It was about the shocking reality of Cuban immigrants to US.

In the movie, a Cuban family (including an 80-year-old grandpa and a baby) sets out in a tiny raft...

Super Obama

Does the world expect too much of Barack Obama?

According to a recent poll on CNN.com, 76% of the site's visitors said Yes. Barrack Obama has shown the world what great leadership he has by overcoming many hurdles and now...

Top Inventions of 2008

Taken from TIME magazine's annual list, here is my own list of the Top Ten Inventions of the year.

The following 10 creations will improve the quality of life of many people, help keep our planet greener, or even change...

Most Influential Men

After more than 200,000 votes, AskMen.com's Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2008 have been chosen, and the list is now revealed.

The final result is a list of men whose breadth of influence...

Costa Rican Software

Many of the sofware applications used by Microsoft to improve their customers' experience, such as Visual Studio, Office and others, are made in Costa Rica.

A total of 142 Costa Rican firms design software that is included in the software packages sold worldwide.

What makes people influential?

TIME Magazine recently released its fifth annual list of The World's Most Influential People. Who made the list and why?

There are leaders, thinkers, heroes, artists, scientists, builders, and even entertainers in that list.

Facebook 2.0?

"It's 2020. You get home from work, kick off your shoes and relax -- on your very own tropical island.

That night, your friends teleport over with other glamorous guests, all nipped, tucked and primped to perfection, for a hedonistic cocktail party...

Time is Money!

This is the mindset in Japan, especially in Tokyo. What I mean is companies expect their employees to work as many hours as possible. That could be until midnight or later in some cases.

How can they do that?

On May 3, 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar when winds of up to 150 mph touched land in the densely populated, rice-farming delta of the Irrawaddy Division.

More than 120,000 people are dead or missing. The United Nations projects that as many as 1...

Japanese Traditions

Japan boasts a rich culture that is well-known worldwide.

In a very summarized way, here are some of Japan's most popular, beautiful traditions:

Transportation in Tokyo

Public transportation within Greater Tokyo is dominated by the world's most extensive urban rail network of clean and efficient surface trains and subways.

Buses and monorails play a secondary role and walking and bicycling are much more common than...

A lot more than sushi

Japanese food is one of the healthiest and most interesting diets in the World.

There is much more to Japanese food than just sushi and tempura. Japanese cuisine offers a great...

Where's Costa Rica?

I usually introduce myself to new students by saying my name and where I'm from. Since most teachers are from either Canada, US, England, or Australia, I very often get puzzled looks followed by the same question: Where's Costa Rica?

Japanese Etiquette 101

Every culture has its own rules regarding etiquette. In the case of Japan, some of these rules are straightforward while others are more subtle.

Japanese people tend not to point out mistakes made by foreigners for fear of embarrassing them.

What to See & Do in Tokyo

Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine.

Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for...

Top Inventions of 2008

Taken from TIME magazine's annual list, here is my own list of the Top Ten Inventions of the year.

The following 10 creations will improve the quality of life of many people, help keep our planet greener, or even change...

Working in Tokyo

Being Japan's capital and one of the largest cities of the world, Tokyo offers plenty job opportunities for both foreigners and locals.

There are many industries to work for in Tokyo, but there are fewer options for foreigners, unless...

179 days later

After 179 days Vivi has finally come to Japan. May 25th marked a new era for us, a new beginning, a fresh start. And to celebrate, we went on a "Tokyo honeymoon."

First, we started by visiting some of Tokyo's most popular places, including a walk along Omotesando...

Berlitz Japan

Berlitz Japan is (one of) the most well-established language schools in Japan.

There are language centers throughout the country in all of the major metropolitan cities, but the company is especially concentrated in the greater Tokyo and Osaka areas.