Stories about Japanese from September, 2010
Japan: Reflections on normality
Kei999 reflects [ja] upon the meaning of normality. In a post titled “Is ‘normal’ ‘right'?” the blogger takes into consideration various issues such as homosexuality and the practice called fūfu...
Japan: Drinkommunication, when drinking alcohol is a social obligation
Alcohol in Japan it is often used as a social lubricant in a society that still sees a gap between one's real feelings and intention and what one says on social occasions. And according to many, it is with a glass of beer or sake in hand that a new type of franker communication may occur, or a 'drinkommunication'.
Japan, Korea: Traces Of Japan-Korea History Within The Zainichi Community
August 10th, 2010 will remain a historical date in the Japan-South Korea diplomatic relations as the Japanese Prime Minister apologized for past crimes during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Still, some bloggers found themselves wanting for a clearer apology and a mention of the Zainichi community, the largest Korean community in Japan.
Taiwan: The Allure of Night Markets
After sunset in Taiwan, when the stars start to twinkle, night markets are crowded with people from all walks of life. To Taiwanese, night markets are more than mere eating places, and now the culture of the night market has become a distinctive and precious touristic experience for foreigners visiting Taiwan.
Japan: Run Uncle Yamashita!
A 62-year-old Japanese man, known as uncle Yamashita, rollerbladed across the United States from the east to the west coast. During his 6000 km journey he tweeted @kenyamashita62 [ja] and...
Japan: What's wrong with being a bookshop browser?
Twitter users debate [ja] on tachiyomi, the (very common) habit of standing and reading books or magazines in shops without necessarily buying them.
