Kamiza (上座) and Shimoza (下座)

This cultural curiosity has been a subject of numerous inquiries  so I would like to share this. Much has been written about the Japanese traditions of bowing, exchanging business cards, how to use your hashi (箸) or “chopsticks” also known as otemoto (おてもと). But less well known is the concept of “positions of honor”, referred to as Kamiza (上座) and Shimoza (下座) in Japan. This is very important in the Japanese hierarchy and is predominant when going out with business associates. Especially if your boss tags along OR invites you. The term Kamiza and Shimoza is not indicative of Japanese culture but is implied and applied in formal situations and out of courtesy to your guest.

To help get your mindset to the Eastern mode let’s first define the two: Kamiza (上座) basically means the ”top seat” within a room, or the place of honor. Opposite this is Shimoza (下座) which is simply the “bottom” seat.

In the Western culture, the most important person traditionally sits at the head of the table, whether the occasion is a company meeting or a dinner party.  This is the position of  Kamiza reserved for the person with the highest rank or a special guest. Unlike Western culture the Kamiza is not necessarily at the end of a table, but is simply the most comfortable seat. In feudal Japan that seat is the furthest from the door — because it was the warmest, and safest from attack. Therefore Shimoza is the seat closest to or directly fronting the entrance. In feudal Japan a would be attacker would have to go through the whole room of people if he wanted to get to the lord sitting at Kamiza. Beginning to make sense? BUT WAIT! If you can see a picture on the wall or beautiful scenery through the windows, the positions may change. The side where you can see a picture or scenery well becomes Kamiza. This also applies to a dinner party or formal event. To best describe this relationship is to illustrate how this is used in business and in formal Japanese situations with the images below.  ”1″ being Kamiza and “6″ being Shimoza. Seating in order of that person being “important”:

Kamiza & Shimoza for business ~ Image by Lang-8

If room is available this setting also applies when going to a restaurant or izakaya and such.

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And here below we see the setting for Kamiza and Shimoza changes if there is a picture or window with scenery in the meeting room: 

Kamiza & Shimoza for business with a picture or window ~ Image by Lang-8

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If the room is a traditional Japanese-style room where you sit on a zabuton (cushions) on the floor, use the entrance and the tokonoma (alcove) as your reference points.  The Kamiza is the zabuton that is placed so the person sitting will have their back to the tokonoma.

CLASSICAL JAPANESE ROOM WITH TATAMI MATS ~ courtesy of haikudesigns.com

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When entering a room in a formal situation, it is important to leave the Kamiza free for the most important person present.  This might be your workplace superior, a business client, an elder or a special guest.  The host with the highest rank sits across from that guest of the same rank while the host of lowest rank sits in the Shimoza position.

Kamiza & Shimoza in a formal setting by bartman905

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It is good manners to wait until the person of highest rank has sat down, or until you are asked to sit by the host. If you are unsure where you fit in, act humble and take a seat in the Shimoza position.  If the host then encourages you to move to the Kamiza position, it is fine to do so.

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Social hierarchy also governs etiquette in other situations, such as taking taxis, riding an elevator, shinkansen and airplanes. As a general rule, the person with the highest rank goes first:

In an elevator, the person with the lowest rank should act as the operator and hold the door for people to enter and leave.  The Kamiza is on the left and to the rear or right and to the rear depending where the control panel is located.  The area around the buttons is for the Shimoza.

Kamiza and Shimoza in the elevator

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In a taxi or personal car, the person with highest rank sits behind the driver, while the lowest in rank rides shotgun. The area behind the driver is considered the safest. It also gives the Kamiza a way to talk to everyone in the car or taxi. The driver will just concentrate on driving, of course.

Kamiza & Shimoza in a taxi

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For shinkansen (bullet trains) and airplanes, the window seat facing the direction of movement is the Kamiza. Shimoza is the aisle seat facing the opposite direction. The illustration below shows when traveling by train with business associates or an important guest Kamiza and Shimoza are applied thus:

Kamiza & Shimoza on a train

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In Japan being aware of social rank and observing the correct etiquette leaves a good impression on the people around you and makes social and business interactions smoother. Even if you are unsure exactly what to do, being polite and showing you are making an effort goes a long way.

Some (especially younger) people in Japan do not care about Kamiza and Shimoza now-a-days. But other people often feel uncomfortable or even impolite if someone does not keep the rule of Kamiza and Shimoza. That’s another side of culture we can cover later on.

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See how Japan has rebuilt in the 11 months since the earthquake and tsunami

Reblogged from National Post | News:

Photos compiled by Zoran Bozicevic and words by Michael Higgins Japan’s Reconstruction Agency will be inaugurated Friday, almost 11 months after an earthquake and tsunami devastated the country. The agency will streamline the process to help municipalities, set up special reconstruction zones and provide subsidies for disaster-hit local governments. …

*NOTE* : This is actually Reblogged from National Post | News. And it does a great job of covering the recovery process that’s going on in the Tōhoku region of Japan. Please give it a read. And if you can find it in your hearts to continue giving if you already have. And please consider donating if you haven’t. Thanks for stopping by! ~peace!~

~ Warren

Birth Of A Legend . . .

NEVER have I been more excited about sharing with my you, my dear readers, than now. Back in November of 2011 I had the greatest pleasure of meeting, in person, the man himself: Baye McNeil. But to us in the social media world we have come to know him as “Locohama” or just “Loco“. The illustration below is the cover of his just published book which is now available on Amazon.com for Kindle. . .

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Hi! My Name Is Loco And I Am A Racist

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I kinda cheated with Amazon and picked up my copy early so I could do a review. I won’t publish it here because it would defeat the purpose of you going to Amazon and picking up YOUR OWN COPY! ha ha ha!

First off is the title. I know the title may be inflammatory, but after reading the book you will know why it is appropriate. I have not known Loco that long. But, I have followed his blog for a while now. And I hate to use the word “blog“.  The word blog makes it sound so trivial. To me it’s more like a rare collection of works about his life rather than just a “blog”.

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Loco with some of the Gaijin Heroes of "Triberr" : Right to Left: @kimiecat, @billyj41, @lifeyoutv, @locohama, @808armada (yours truly), @cbryanjones, Hiroki (@kimiecat’s husband), @aprets was the one taking the picture (Thanks @aprets!)

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November 2011: I finally get the chance to meet him in person at our Gaijin Heroes Tweetup. It then solidified a personification I had about his writing. This guy is the real deal. And he writes about some powerful issues. AND he’s not afraid to tackle it head on. He says it has been this way with himself so he can understand and “engaging one’s own susceptibility” to finally conquer that dark “social virus”. He told me at that meeting that to grow as a writer and a person he did not want to surround himself with “yes men” all the time. That would stagnate his growth. I hope the author does not mind but I included a screenshot excerpt from his book so you may get a little “taste”:

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The official website for the book is at : http://www.himynameisloco.com/

After reading the book I urge you to write your honest reviews on Loco’s website. And also on Amazon. With a meaningful dialogue we can honestly face our own prejudices and maybe make things for the better. I rate this a MUST READ not because I’ve come to know him as a friend. It’s a MUST READ because we are all guilty of this one way or another. Not only of color or creed or of disability or education. Or even language! For all that it’s worth it is a thought-provoking read and for me it was hard to put down after starting.

For Loco, I could not be happier for the man. And I can say this book would be a good addition to any modern library. Congratulations Loco! Here’s looking forward to things to come. . . . Mr. Author!

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明けましておめでとうございます Happy New Years ~ 2012!!!

With the onslaught of festivities my wish to all of you for the New Years is: Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Always. . .

See you in the year of the Dragon!

旧年中大変お世話になりました (kyūnenjū taihen osewa ni narimashita)

本年もよろしくお願いいたします (honnen mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)

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明けましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetō gozaimasu)

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Merry Christmas Everyone. . .

The year seemed to have gone by pretty fast, yes? To me it just seemed like yesterday I was frantically getting things in the mail to have them arrive on time for Christmas. Instead, this year I am surrounded by the warm hearts of the people of Rikuzentakata. I had come to the city to help clear out the forest area of debris and to possibly find the missing. It’s both a blessing and a curse that we have not found those who are still missing. Because of that many families can not find closure as of yet. Also, earlier in the week my constitution failed me and now I am nursing a bad cold. So I had to isolate myself from the rest of the volunteers as I did not want others getting sick. Internet has been off and on here as the power has not been as steady. But the people have been very cheerful. As hard as things have been It’s been gratifying working side by side with the evacuees to get their lives close to “normal” as possible. Sure there are challenges but there is definitely progress. Slow, but progress none the less. . .

December 10th . ボランティアセンター, 陸前高田で側溝泥上げボランティア(レーベン二号・信州号) Volunteer at Rikuzentakata, Destroyed by the tsunami of Great East Japan Earthquake. Courtesy of Hajime NAKANO

December 17th - Clearing the spillway and ditches around Rikuzentakata (taken by Ohshimama)

While I have the chance I would love to personally wish each one of you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! If I have not replied to any of you through Twitter or G-plus and like, it’s not because I am ignoring you (although it may seem like it 😜 ). I do like to keep in touch so give me a chance to catch up.

To my Gaijin Heroes family I hope to be able to meet more of you in January. Meeting and being a part of the Gaijin Heroes tribe is the most memorable experience I have had so far. On a side note; if you guys ever decide to take over the world I have no doubt, with the collection of minds that is Gaijin Heroes, that can happen! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! And a special MERRY CHRISTMAS Gaijin Heroes!

Take care everyone and I’ll see you soon. . .

Christmas in Shiodome, Tokyo 2011. The lights were turned on December 6th.

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AND THE 2011 WINNERS ARE!. . .

Before I continue, a reminder about what the Northern Prefectures (Japan) are  still going through . . .

I am currently somewhere along the coast of Rikuzentakata. The picture below is a stop we made in Kesennuma. Of a group of six, four of us decided to stay and help. My brother in-law and I decided to continue on to Rikuzentakata to help out. If things seem to be going fine then we don’t want to be a burden to the reconstruction effort. We will return to Kesennuma. Also, we don’t want to be taking away from the food stocks here. With the winter’s onset it’s going to be a premium bringing in food for all the people. If you have time and want to volunteer I have used this website to find groups to go with: http://volunteerakita.org/ In this case I caught up with some of the Tokyo Lions, on my own, who happen to be going our way. We will travel together but depart separately.

One thing I do want to mention: there is a LOT of politics going on with the relief effort. I can not tell you who might be the most reliable of sources other than the bloggers who are “in the thick” of things. And I am not good at expressing my opinions on the matter. Only my frustrations at how slowly the ministry is supporting the survivors. For now all I can say is keep the faith. Japan has survived may things and it will survive this. I will be here for as long as they need me. To my Gaijin Heroes family I hope to do you proud while I am here in the North. And I apologize for this rant. I had to let it out. . .

AND NOW THE RESULTS!!!

THANK YOU ALL for once again making the 2nd “Out And About Japan” INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT 2011 such a success! And a bigger thank you to the wonderful bloggers who allowed me to use their sites for this scavenger hunt. The official tally of entries is 288. There were NO duplicate entries (thanks for adhering to that rule). I know you are all anxious so let’s get to it! Here are the list of winners starting with our 10th place winner!

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10th place $20 gift card

Michelle Tudor from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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9th place $20 gift card

Mike Salvatore from Japan

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8th place $20 gift card

Yukiyoshi Kimura from Japan

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7th place $20 gift card

Abraham Ven from Australia

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6th place $20 gift card

Mike Tateishi from U.S.A.

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5th place $20 gift card

Suhayl Tammam Wajdi from the Middle East

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4th place $20 gift card

Greg Endo from Japan

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3RD PLACE:

Nendoroid Snow Miku: Snow Playtime Edition

Chiharu Hosokaya from Japan : Congratulations~!

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2ND PLACE:

My Passport Essential SE 1TB version portable HD

Jon Allen a.k.a. @japanbloglist of Japan Blog List : Congratulations~!

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GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

The SONY α NEX-5N (black body) with 18-55mm lens (USA version)

Brandon Cahill from U.S.A. : Congratulations~!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! BANZAI!!!

Winners! Please e-mail me at novemberscavengerhunt2011@gmail.com your country of origin and shipping addresses before Dec. 8th please!

[If possible no P.O. Box addresses please]

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And of course you all want to know how you fared with the questions . . .

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1) Muza-chan.net  (My very all-time favorite photoblogger about Japan)

In her Japan Travel section, year 2010 blogs, she journeys to visit a Flea Market. At this flea market was an item she mentions as her favorite. And that she liked them so much she would have “bought them all!”

Part 1: Where is this flea market located?

ANSWER: Yes, it IS in Ueno, as per the blog. But the answer we were looking for is: on the sakura alley near the Shinobazu Pond (Ueno). Did you miss this? Well, since I did not specify this I gave everyone a “freebie” on this. Ueno was fine. 😜

FULL STORY HERE: http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-flea-market-photo

Part 2: What is this item she mentions?

ANSWER: kamon stamps

FULL STORY HERE: http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-flea-market-photo

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2) lifeyou.tv (a.k.a. Kamen Dancer Kabuto) Incredible Video Blogger out and about Japan

Find & watch the video, “Hanami 2011 in Yoyogi park”. Traditionally, Hanami (lit. “flower viewing”) is enjoyed with friends, music, games and . . . sake! Or your favorite beverage. This day a fellow brought some hi-tech “gadget” to share.

Part 1: What is this “gadget”? You do not have to know the name. Just describing it is good.

ANSWER: Quadracopter, helicopter with four props. . . all of these descriptions I will accept. What is it? It’s called the Parrot AR.Drone

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.lifeyou.tv/hanami-2011-in-yoyogi-park/

Part 2: On the same page browse through the photos. Find the one photo relating to this “gadget”. Do your best guess and tell me how this “gadget” is controlled. (You never see it in the video but the photo gives you a hint)

ANSWER: The Parrot AR.Drone ”natively” works with your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. The boy in the photo is holding an iPad. (I do realize the drone now works on android devices. But none of the “pad” devices as of the post)

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.lifeyou.tv/hanami-2011-in-yoyogi-park/

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3) Bad Communication Video Podcast (out of Japan)

Find and watch “We Go Island Hopping with Amy Chavez” (aka. @JapanLite).

Part 1: In the interview Amy mentions an island where you can watch the sunset, walk 5 minutes to the other end and then watch the moon rise. What is the name of this island?

ANSWER: Awashima Island

FULL STORY HERE: http://wanwan.fm/badcommunication/2011/04/25/we-go-island-hopping-with-amy-chavez/

Part 2: In the show Hiroki and Andrew mentions Japan’s largest freshwater lake. What is the name of this lake?

ANSWER: 琵琶湖 Biwa-ko, lake Biwa, Biwa lake. Any combination was acceptable.

FULL STORY HERE: http://wanwan.fm/badcommunication/2011/04/25/we-go-island-hopping-with-amy-chavez/

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4) Loco In Yokohama (No Nonsense Man In Yokohama)

In his “China via Japan” series he gains a deeper understanding about the culture that is China. Also, a student gave him some helpful tips about walls in China. YES, WALLS.

Part 1: Loco comments about Chinese hospitality, or specifically Mao Tse-Tung;  ”I think Mao would have been better served if He’d stolen a page from the Japanese little Pink Book” ~ What is the “title” of the book, or rather, what is the most quoted saying from the book? *If you find the answer copy and paste it in your answer “sheet”. That’s the way I know you found the right blog and answer. . .

ANSWER: the Japanese littlePink Book: お客様神様　 Translation- The customer is God! (copied/paste)

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.locoinyokohama.com/2009/08/12/china-via-japan-pt-3-from-mao-to-yao/

Part 2: What did the student say that China is hiding behind the walls?

ANSWER:  They hide their poor conditions behind walls.

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.locoinyokohama.com/2009/08/20/china-via-japan-pt-5-good-walls-make-good-neighbors/

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5) Surviving In Japan (without much Japanese) by Ashley Thompson  (Thinking about working or living in Japan? Great resource site.)

*recently she and her husband has been blessed with a baby girl, Ai-chan. When you get the chance wish Ai-chan and family well. 😊 *

For this one I’m going to make you work a bit. So you need to know how to search her blog pretty good:

Part 1: There is a website touted as Japan’s #1 e-drugstore. What is that website’s name? or rather URL address?

ANSWER: kenko.com

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.survivingnjapan.com/2010/11/shop-in-english-at-japans-1-e-drugstore.html

Part 2: One of the first things she learned about shopping for foodstuffs was the kanji for “organic” – What is this kanji  and the romanji equivalent AS WRITTEN on the blog (Including the hiragana)? *If you find the answer copy and paste it in your answer “sheet”. That’s the way I know you found the right blog and answer. . .

ANSWER: kanji for “organic” – 有機 (ゆうき, yuuki).

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.survivingnjapan.com/2010/02/what-do-i-eat.html#more

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6) Where Mt. Fuji meets Matterhorn (Japan explained from the inside with a global viewpoint by Sibylle Ito)

Part 1: In her blog she mentions some statistics about going out for lunch. One figure is that 30% of salarymen/women are willing to spend how much YEN for lunch?

ANSWER: between JPY ¥2001-3000

FULL STORY HERE: https://sibylleito.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/if-you-splurge-at-lunch-in-japan/

Part 2: In an interesting April blog 70% of people living in the Kanto area preference “this” versus Kansai with 60% focus on “this”. What is the “this” is she referring to?

ANSWER: According to Nikkei Shimbun 70% of people living in Kanto area prefer double toilet paper, contrasting Kansai with 60% focus on single toilet paper.

FULL STORY HERE: https://sibylleito.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/are-there-two-different-japan/

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7) J-LIST (side blog) (Good place to get fun things from Japan)

Part 1: In one of his 2011 blogs he mentions “The Longest Running Anime in Japan”. What is the name of this anime?

ANSWER: Sazae-san

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.peterpayne.net/2011/01/longest-running-anime-in-japan-sazae.html

Part 2: Also, in one of his 2011 blogs Peter Payne mentions he spent his first Japanese Christmas in what part of Japan?

ANSWER: ”I spent my first Japanese Christmas in Sendai”

FULL STORY HERE:  http://www.peterpayne.net/2011/03/tohoku-region-of-japan-as-peter-saw-it.html

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8) A Rinkya Blog (Exploring Japan Collectables, Culture, Fasion, Gadgets & Much More!!)

Part 1: What day does the Hina Matsurai in Japan fall on?

ANSWER: 3rd of March

FULL STORY HERE: http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2011/03/happy-girls-day-bento-special.html

Part 2: Finding this day and finding the blog relating to this scroll down to picture #4. Who is the character depicted?

ANSWER: Hello Kitty makes a beautiful empress!

FULL STORY HERE: http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2011/03/happy-girls-day-bento-special.html

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9) 世論 What Japan Thinks (From kimono to keitai; research Japanese facts and figures through translated opinion polls and surveys.)

English “loan” words are common in Japanese. But increasingly there has been a turnabout. More and more English-speaking people are using Japanese words in everyday language.

Part 1: In one of the 2011 blog ranking survey “Surprising loan words from Japanese to English“ how many common Japanese “loan” words are listed?

ANSWER: Listed are 19

FULL STORY HERE: http://whatjapanthinks.com/2011/09/11/surprising-loan-words-from-japanese-to-english/

Part 2: Out of that list of words what Japanese “loan” word actually made it into the Oxford Dictionary just a couple of years ago?

ANSWER: About the only words you’ll find in a dictionary are hikikomori, which made it into the Oxford dictionary a couple of years ago

FULL STORY HERE: http://whatjapanthinks.com/2011/09/11/surprising-loan-words-from-japanese-to-english/

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10) Hiko’s Blog (Hikosaemon’s Blogspot) He’s half of 2 ½ Oyajis (or 1 1/4!?) Another Incredible VideoBlogger out of Japan.

Part 1: Currently they are holding auditions for the .50 of 2 ½ Oyajis. From the “Don’t You Want To Be An Oyaji Too?” entry list the 4 (FOUR) requirements to be with Hiko & Victor as an Oyaji.

ANSWER: out of all the entries only THREE (3) got this right. Because I HAVE to give away these prizes I made this one another freebie. If you listed the number title requirements that was good enough. 😝

1) [Our audition demographic is the same as our dating demographic.] Two legs, breathing, and human. <~ THIS is the REAL answer

2) (Personality) A bit of insight, a lot of tongue in cheek humor, and borderline obnoxiousness is good.

3) (Technical requirements) Bilinguals will get preferential booking.

4) (Extreme Musical Talent) “. . .all candidates WILL be required to help us with our theme song at the start of each episode.”

FULL STORY HERE: http://hikosaemon.blogspot.com/2011/10/dont-you-want-to-be-oyaji-too.html

Part 2: In order for the evolution of 2 ½ Oyajis to continue Hiko is helping the maker of this software he uses to test a new version. What is the name of this software?

ANSWER: VODBurner

FULL STORY HERE: http://hikosaemon.blogspot.com/2011/10/dont-you-want-to-be-oyaji-too.html

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THAT’S IT! So how did you do? I would love some feedback for next year. Please email me at j808armada@gmail.com with any flames or fan on the contest. It would help to make it better and fun!

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SOME FYI ABOUT THE DRAWING PROCESS:

In putting this contest together the hard part was thinking of the best way to do the actual drawing process. What I did was with each e-mail I received was to export it as a text file with the moniker of the sender as the title. I then assigned a number to each name. 1 to 288; one for each entry. I then lumped it into a folder keeping the random order as received. Since I use a Mac & LION OSX  I used a program called TICKETDRUM (in emulation mode) which works very well. It’s a great prog for doing lotto or bingo and like. With that done all I had to do was to run the program for each prize from backwards from 10th to 1st place. Totally random and no name “placement” what so ever. I had run this program several times to make sure it was generating random numbers. When I was satisfied that it was working properly I “purged” the program. In essence resetting it to make sure it did not retain any characteristics of the earlier runs.

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HERE ARE THE BREAKDOWN OF ENTRANTS:

113 FROM: U.S.A

78 FROM: JAPAN

59 FROM: UNITED KINGDOM

9 FROM : GERMANY

5 FROM: CHINA

5 FROM: ROMANIA

6 FROM: CANADA

2 FROM: AUSTRALIA

4 FROM: FRANCE

2 FROM: ISRAEL

1 FROM: AFRICA

1 FROM: CZECH REPUBLIC

3 FROM: UNKNOWN

This year’s stats are kind of weird. While I am encouraged that my overseas entrants increased I noticed that my biggest demographic from the US declined by a pretty big margin. This I would need to study a little as I had hope for a bigger number of entrants. But, yes it is a work still in progress. . .

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As for the questions, did you miss any? If you did do not feel bad. I may not have been clear with some of the questions as I found out from some of you. Thanks for writing in and letting me know! In any case where a lot of you needed some guidance, if the answers were close I went ahead and entered you. From those answers I could tell you actually went to the blog to look it up. ^_^

It was really fun putting this together with a little help from my favorite bloggers. To those bloggers I hope I was not too much of a pain in the neck! ha ha ha!

And with that this concludes the contest! I’d be really interested in some feedback for the next year’s anniversary scavenger hunt. So write me at j808armada@gmail.com with any suggestions you have.

To all the winners you have until December 8th to write me your shipping address and your country’s currency (for the gift card winners). Thanks again for entering and we’ll see you next year!

CONTEST IS CLOSED!

THANK YOU EVERYONE

November 2011 Internet Scavenger Hunt is . . . DONE!!!

UPDATE!

November 29th, Japan Time

November 2011 Internet Scavenger Hunt is . . . DONE!!!

Thank you to all the entrants. At this time the unofficial tally is 288. A bit below the 302 of last year but the good news is that there were NO duplicate entries. FYI as I am writing this to you from the beautiful city of Beppu located in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. I am here visiting more family before I travel to the northern prefectures to help out in the devastated areas. I will have my MacBook Pro with me so when the winners are finally announced I can still receive your addresses. To the top three winners I only have one request: If you can I would love to see a picture of you with the prize. And if I could I would like to post it here. Last year @Locohama did a really cool post with his 2nd place prize. I don’t expect you to do the same. Just a photo with your prize in hand is good enough. Again, thanks for all of you who entered. I know time is precious and for some of you who made time for the Scavenger Hunt it is very much appreciated. Drawing is on December 1st and winners will be notified then. On December 5th the 10 winners will be listed on this site along with the correct answers to the questions. Stay tuned folks! The closing is coming soon. . .

A small udon restaurant near the Shinagawa Station in Japan that I went to get out of the rain and warm up with a good bowl of hot udon noodles.

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It’s that time again! I’m a victim of my own success. So it’s been decided that this will be dubbed the 2nd ANNUAL INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT for 2011. NO purchase necessary and NO restrictions to enter. Open to ALL demographics and EVERYONE has a chance to win. I don’t care if you are the Emperor of Japan or the guy working in the cubicle behind me, EVERYONE will have the same chance. From here on forward will be basically a cut-n-paste of the previous contest  (link) just to save some time. If you already entered the last contest then you pretty much know how it goes. This year’s theme will also be OUT AND ABOUT JAPAN.  You do not have to be living in Japan to participate. You just have to have a basic knowledge on how to search. It’s not the type where you have to actually get things off the net but this is the type where you will be going through some of my favorite blogs that I subscribe to and answer questions about Japan. This year we’ve got some AWESOME prizes for you! So, if you are ready, HERE WE GO!!!

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FIRST, THE PRIZES!

Like last year there will be a total of 10 winners

*The prizes this year were donated by the retail links you see on this main page.*

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4th to 10th Place

Each will receive a $20 (US) gift card. Or a comparable gift card in your country’s currency.

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3rd Place

*This goes by several titles so I will list the most popular ones here*

Nendoroid Snow Miku: Snow Playtime Edition

Nendoroid Vocaloid Snow Miku Tanoshii Yukiasobi Edition

ねんどろいど ゆきみく たのしいゆきあそび・えでぃしょん

*Click on the image below to learn more*

Nendoroid Snow Miku: Snow Playtime Edition

In case you didn’t know, this is the 150th Nendoroid from Good Smile Company.  This is Snow Miku Tanoshii Yukiasobi Edition.  For some reason, the English calls her Yuki Miku.  The Japanese officially uses English in her name & the non-Japanese uses Japanese in her name. Curious!

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2nd Place

My Passport Essential SE 1TB version portable HD

This is great for carrying your files with you or as a backup solution.

*Click on the image below to learn more*

My Passport Essential SE

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The “GRAND” prize

The SONY α NEX-5N (black body) with 18-55mm lens (USA version)

*Click on the image below to learn more*

Sony α NEX-5N with 18-55mm lens

A great travel camera and a great blogging tool!

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So now you know what is at stake.

Awesome prizes yes? Thanks goes to the retailers on the left for donating these.

Why am I doing this? All of this is my way of saying “Thank You” for allowing me to be a small part of your bookmark or link or RSS feed. Be known that many of you are part of my daily life whenever I login. 😄

So now that we know what is at stake it’s time for the rules!

Rule #1:  One (1) entry per person please! This is an “on your honor” system so I can not stop those who have multiple accounts. BUT there is a way to track duplicates. So any duplicates will be deleted. Try to be fair to those you might be calling “friends” in the future.

Rule #2: I WILL allow “take backs”. If you found you wrote the wrong answers you can email back with the “right” answers and a brief explanation telling the reason why. This MUST be done before November 28th.

Rule #3: Not really a rule. Just that ANYONE and EVERYONE can enter. I don’t care if you are the Emperor of Japan or the guy in the cubicle behind me. This is open to EVERYBODY!!!

**At this time I can not guarantee that your prize will arrive by Christmas. Only that you will receive your prize in December PROVIDED that you respond in a timely manner upon notification of winning.**

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So! With that all squared away the contest goes like this:

I will provide the links and questions for each “item” that needs to be looked up. You will then write down the answers in an email in this format:

1) *answer*

2) *answer*

3) *answer*

and so on. . .

When you are done you will email your answers to novemberscavengerhunt2011@gmail.com. In your email please include your Name or moniker that you use and your return email address. This email address that you give me will be ONLY used to notify you should you win. Everything is in strict confidence so know that I will NOT give out any information that I receive. Nor will I use any information to “spam” you. All entries must be received by November 28th where your entry, if correct, will be electronically entered and “stored” to be randomly drawn on December 1st. On December 5th the list of winners from 1st place to 10th place will be listed here at J-808.com and notified by the email provided. You will then have until December 10th to reply with the address and where to ship your prize (ALL prizes will be shipped express. For my overseas friends I will ship Express also. Not the sloooow SAL that others use). If one of the winners fail to reply the prize will go to the next placed winner. Then, if still no reply the following day, that prize will be offered to the next placing winner, and so on, until we have a total of 10 winners. Understood?  **whew**

Everyone set? If not you can email me at  j808armada@gmail.com or direct message me on TWITTER with any questions you have.

Because the value of the prizes you are going to have to work a little harder this year. 😜

Otherwise . . .

HERE WE GO!!!

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1) Muza-chan.net (One of my very all-time favorite photoblogger about Japan)

In her Japan Travel section, year 2010 blogs, she journeys to visit a Flea Market. At this flea market was an item she mentions as her favorite. And that she liked them so much she would have “bought them all!”

Part 1: Where is this flea market located?

Part 2: What is this item she mentions?

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2) lifeyou.tv (a.k.a. Kamen Dancer Kabuto) Incredible Video Blogger out and about Japan

Find & watch the video, “Hanami 2011 in Yoyogi park”. Traditionally, Hanami (lit. “flower viewing”) is enjoyed with friends, music, games and . . . sake! Or your favorite beverage. This day a fellow brought some hi-tech “gadget” to share.

Part 1 : What is this “gadget”? You do not have to know the name. Just describing it is good.

Part 2 : On the same page browse through the photos. Find the one photo relating to this “gadget”. Do your best guess and tell me how this “gadget” is controlled. (You never see it in the video but the photo gives you a hint)

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3) Bad Communication Video Podcast (out of Japan)

Find and watch “We Go Island Hopping with Amy Chavez” (aka. @JapanLite).

Part 1 : In the interview Amy mentions an island where you can watch the sunset, walk 5 minutes to the other end and then watch the moon rise. What is the name of this island?

Part 2 : In the show Hiroki and Andrew mentions Japan’s largest freshwater lake. What is the name of this lake?

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4) Loco In Yokohama (No Nonsense Man In Yokohama)

In his “China via Japan” series he gains a deeper understanding about the culture that is China. Also, a student gave him some helpful tips about walls in China. YES, WALLS.

Part 1 : Loco comments about Chinese hospitality, or specifically Mao Tse-Tung;  ”I think Mao would have been better served if He’d stolen a page from the Japanese little Pink Book” ~ What is the “title” of the book, or rather, what is the most quoted saying from the book? *If you find the answer copy and paste it in your answer “sheet”. That’s the way I know you found the right blog and answer. . .

Part 2 : What did the student say that China is hiding behind the walls?

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5) Surviving In Japan (without much Japanese) by Ashley Thompson  (Thinking about working or living in Japan? Great resource site.)

*recently she and her husband has been blessed with a baby girl, Ai-chan. When you get the chance wish Ai-chan and family well. 😊 *

For this one I’m going to make you work a bit. So you need to know how to search her blog pretty good:

Part 1 : There is a website touted as Japan’s #1 e-drugstore. What is that website’s name? or rather URL address?

Part 2 : One of the first things she learned about shopping for foodstuffs was the kanji for “organic” – What is this kanji  and the romanji equivalent AS WRITTEN on the blog (Including the hiragana)? *If you find the answer copy and paste it in your answer “sheet”. That’s the way I know you found the right blog and answer. . .

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6) Where Mt. Fuji meets Matterhorn (Japan explained from the inside with a global viewpoint by Sibylle Ito)

Part 1 : In her blog she mentions some statistics about going out for lunch. One figure is that 30% of salarymen/women are willing to spend how much YEN for lunch?

Part 2 : In an interesting April blog 70% of people living in the Kanto area preference “this” versus Kansai with 60% focus on “this”. What is the “this” is she referring to?

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7) J-LIST (side blog) (Good place to get fun things from Japan)

Part 1 : In one of his 2011 blogs he mentions “The Longest Running Anime in Japan”. What is the name of this anime?

Part 2 : Also, in one of his 2011 blogs Peter Payne mentions he spent his first Japanese Christmas in what part of Japan?

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8) A Rinkya Blog (Exploring Japan Collectables, Culture, Fasion, Gadgets & Much More!!)

Part 1 : What day does the Hina Matsurai in Japan fall on?

Part 2: Finding this day and finding the blog relating to this scroll down to picture #4. Who is the character depicted?

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9) 世論 What Japan Thinks (From kimono to keitai; research Japanese facts and figures through translated opinion polls and surveys.)

English “loan” words are common in Japanese. But increasingly there has been a turnabout. More and more English speaking people are using Japanese words in everyday language.

Part 1 : In one of the 2011 blog ranking survey “Surprising loan words from Japanese to English“ how many common Japanese “loan” words are listed?

Part 2 : Out of that list of words what Japanese “loan” word actually made it into the Oxford Dictionary just a couple of years ago?

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10) Hiko’s Blog (Hikosaemon’s Blogspot) He’s half of 2 ½ Oyajis (or 1 1/4!?) Another Incredible VideoBlogger out of Japan.

Part 1 : Currently they are holding auditions for the .50 of 2 ½ Oyajis. From the “Don’t You Want To Be An Oyaji Too?” entry list the 4 (FOUR) requirements to be with Hiko & Victor as an Oyaji.

Part 2 : In order for the evolution of 2 ½ Oyajis to continue Hiko is helping the maker of this software he uses to test a new version. What is the name of this software?

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THAT’S IT! You’ve got until November 28th to email me your answers. But don’t take TOO long. . .

To the bloggers whom I am using for the contest you are automatically entered. No need to answer the questions unless you really do want to try your hand at them? 😁

Contest is closed! Thanks everyone!

In Japan. . . A Triberr Of Gaijins . . .

No. . . Not really. . .

What it is, is a great bunch of folks I am proud to call “family”. Gaijin Heroes is a brain child of one who goes by @silverstar22b. In a nutshell, Gaijin Heroes is a group of expats from all around the world who now live and work in Japan. If you are a “Nihonjin“ then we may make an exception 😊 . But you need a twitter account. That’s a basic requirement. lol 😜  (it’s the best way to contact each other) The great thing about this group is you do not have to be Japanese to love Japan. What they bring is an awareness to the rest of the world the everyday things going on around them. Not only Japan but where ever the news happens to take them. This group is an amazing compendium of professionals and non-professionals, like me! lol 😜 . A design/media company owner, blogger, musician, teacher, military, writer. . . the list is diverse! Here is the “tribe description”:

We are gaijins (foreigners) living in Japan interested in Social Media, technology and blogging about life in the land of the rising sun as seen from a foreigner’s perspective. Some of us have interests in photography and other things. We sometimes tweetup in and around Tokyo.

For the tweetup of November 22nd I had the privilege of finally meeting most of the members at a place called Biscotti Tapas & Wine Bar in Yoyogi-Uehara, Shibuya-ku. This was graciously set up by our chief @silverstar22b and @kimiecat (Thanks guys!). So for this post I want to share the fellowship we had that night. . .

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This is the entry way to Biscotti. To find Biscotti get to Yoyogi-Urehara Station. Get out of Exit South 1 (南１出口) to turn right. Walk 30 sec, and you will find Biscotti just above Okonomiyaki Gokirakutei (ごきらく亭).

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Some of the tribe mates I got to meet this night. . . from right to left: “Chief” @silverstar22b, @lifeyoutv, @kimiecat, @billyj41, @locohama, @808armada (yours truly), @cbryanjones, @aprets, Hiroki (@kimiecat’s husband), and last but not least @v_tokiu. I’m sorry to @v_tokiu for the picture being a bit out of focus. 😥

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Our “chief” gets to relax with his tribe. Sorry for the out of focus pic again 😥. . . 

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Our VERY cool hosts Toshi on the left and Jason (@jkendytokyo) on the right. They were dishing out some fabulous food. . . Be sure to check them out when in town. And on the internet @ http://www.biscotti-tapas.com to take a peek at their menu. If you do happen to go there tell them it’s a “Gaijin Heroes” recommended place. I plan to take my wife back there.

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Here Jason serves it up for a thirsty @lifeyoutv . . .

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Gaijin Heroes “Pow wow” time. . . meeting for the first time for some of us we really had a lot to share. . . it was just too short on time as we all had to catch the trains back to our homes and families. . .

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And if you thought I was kidding about their diversity you can check out their public pages. I provided a link for your easy browsing. To the members: If I happen to leave out a link please let me know. Or if you want me to delete a link.

•  @silverstar22b (our chief)
1. http://gaijinhero.com/
2. https://twitter.com/#!/silverstar22b
3. https://plus.google.com/101215759423436388430/posts
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fltp/

• @kimiecat
1. https://twitter.com/#!/kimiecat
2. http://tea.empresschic.com/

• @locohama
1. http://www.locoinyokohama.com
2. http://www.facebook.com/locoinyokohama
3. https://twitter.com/#!/locohama
4. http://locospatronus.wordpress.com

• @lifeyoutv
1. http://www.lifeyou.tv
2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/LifeYoutv/111030988921995?ref=ts
3. http://www.youtube.com/user/MrLifeYou
4. https://twitter.com/#!/lifeyoutv

• @billyj41
1. https://twitter.com/#!/billyj41

• @v_tokiu
1. http://vtokiu.tumblr.com/
2. https://twitter.com/#!/v_tokiu

• @aprets
1. http://apratz.wordpress.com
2. https://twitter.com/#!/aprets

• @cbryanjones
1. http://www.cbryanjones.com/
2. http://trek.fm/ (check out the podcasts!)
3. https://twitter.com/#!/cbryanjones
4. http://www.last.fm/user/cbryanjones
5. http://www.facebook.com/cbryanjones

• @808armada (yours truly)
1. http://www.j-808.com/ or http://www.808armada.com/
2. https://twitter.com/#!/808armada
3. http://j-808.tumblr.com/ (only for the otaku side of me ^_^)
4. https://plus.google.com/u/0/106851594482025717914/posts
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/808armada (VERY random image archive)

 

And if you are wondering about Gaijin Heroes you can either check out @silverstar22b‘s website or our “homepage” Triberr at http://triberr.com/tribes/?tid=6690

Thanks again to Gaijin Heroes for welcoming me into the tribe. I had a great time! Until we next meet again . . .

 

 

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With Family For A Time. . .

Hey gang! Just a quick post for fun with pictures as I wait on my in-laws to get ready for a night out and din din.😁

I arrived into Haneda really late last night (Nov. 12th) at about 00:24 or 1:24am for you civies. So I am soooo bleary eyed right now. The pics may be crap but I promised I’d let you know how things go before I head into the Northern prefectures. 😜 Arriving so early in the morning wifey and I ended up staying in Shinagawa. 20 points to the person who knows where I took this shot!

Those of you living around Tokyo already know where this view is from. . .

We just did not want to impose on our in-laws so early in the morning. We are going to stay here a couple of days as I meet up with a group from the Tokyo Lions Club. Then I’ll meet the people I will be traveling with to Kesennuma. The whole month of December I will be up North. Then we’ll be staying with my wifey’s parents until February.

After waking up at 6:00am for breakfast (*ugh*) my in-laws take us to Asakusa. They tell me NHK is filming a “mascot” there and that I may like it. We arrive in Asakusa via Keikyuu line. But, before doing any omiyage shopping around the Sensō-ji Temple I walk towards the Sumida River to take a look at the Tokyo Sky Tree.

Not due to open until sometime in 2012 it does look impressive. It was a bit foggy today (or boggy?) so the Sky tree is not really clear. Ever since the start of the project, The Tokyo Sky Tree was designed to be the tallest free-standing tower in the world. The highest point has recently been decided to reach 634 meters.

This day also some artists took some time to capture the Sky Tree. Ether with charcoal pencil or camera. . .

Now as we walk past the Hōzōmon gate to the Sensō-ji Temple we were greeted with this mass of humanity. . .

Dear lord! I hope these guys did not come here just to see this “mascot”!?

After walking a bit further I actually see this “mascot”. . .

What IS it!? It’s got angel wings!!! Aside from reading the kanji I can not tell you what it’s supposed to be. And the guy guiding the “mascot” is asking people to make some room so they can go to the temple to pray. Turning around I see another mascot. . .

(UPDATE: Mystery solved! Thanks goes to Tokyololas. The mascot is IGAMANCHAN. A mysterious fairy whose head contains “IGAMANJU” , which is Igamanchan’s hometown pastry. So there you have it! Thanks again, Tokyololas, for helping us to figure out what this character is. Here are the links  Tokyololas provided so you can learn more about this “mysterious” fairy and it’s partner:  http://www.city.hanyu.lg.jp/kurashi/madoguchi/syoukou/02_culture/01_bunka/mujinamon/eigo/syoukai.pdf and http://bit.ly/ugqOJE. When you finish looking this up head over to Tokyololas‘ blog. Her “random musings from Tokyo” cover the gamut from photography to cultural history. Great information and learning experience for all. . .)

Now I admit it’s probably the jet-lag. And the fact I only had 3 hours of sleep but I was hoping for something better in a “mascot”. I was hoping for something like in a race queen category. 😝  I know, “Bad Warren!” At least all the kids seem to be having a great time . . .

I head up towards the temple to view the Kannon when I turn around and found that the pink mascot followed us up. I figured, “what the heck” and decide to take a shot when it threw in the money. I thought it was going to throw it forward but it threw it straight up! It made a nice arch in the air and fell in. Yes, that “spot” is not it’s nose. It’s the yen it threw. (ed. notes: I know it looks like the woman behind the man threw the Yen. But I think she was offering to throw the yen)

Turning back to the Kannon I noticed some ceremony was going on so I could not push further in to see what was going on. . . Oh, well. My mind at this moment is pure jelly so I’m like sheep following the herd. . .

Here is just a wider view so you can see how many people were here today. . .

I pay my respects and head back the way we came. Wifey went to pick up some omiyage so I just tell her to call me on the mobile when she’s done. I go off looking for a hot piping cup ‘o joe. . . I see a stand with a long line of guys getting dry mein noodles. Must be good so I move in closer to see. Then I see the reason why. . .

Looks like there are some cute girls working the stand. . . Ladies, I gotta admit that sometimes we guys are dogs! ha ha ha!😝

A little while later wifey calls to tell me she’s also tired from shopping and wants to go back to the hotel to rest before dinner tonight. So we meet at the end of the block. . .

That’s pretty much it for the day. . .Until the next time. . . Take care and we’ll see you soon!

Message To Family & Friends. . .

Hey gang! My timeline is going to be silent for a couple days as I return to Japan. I’m going to be with family for November. In December I will be traveling to Kesennuma, hopefully Rikuzentakata (where I have friends) and then to Ishinomaki. I volunteered to help out in those regions. I’ll let you know how I did it in another post. I may be able to USTREAM or Twitcast during that time so you can see what I see as I go. To my Twitter family in Japan I’ll let you know when I’m in Yokohama. If I miss you in November I’ll be back to Yokohama in January. As we go into the holidays please keep those in the devastated areas in your prayers for a faster recovery. It’s going to be a long time before anyone in the area has a “normal” life again. For me, I have the chance again to try and make a difference in someone’s life. That’s why I am taking it. Everyone, be well and watch for me on twitter for updates. Until then . . .

P.S. The contest will still be running during that time with the help of my friends in Hawaii and my waifu. So keep those entries coming in! 😁