Two Tohoku Teachers' Talks

Certain aspects of Japanese culture can seem very foreign to some people. Tatemae is a certain aspect that plays into that. Tatemae is basically what you say to another that would not start a conflict. In the colloqueal, a timed, articulated, untriggerable response.

Many people would like to know some tips about traveling before coming to Japan. There are many things that are different here in regards to travel as well as ways to save extra money if you are on a tight budget.

All the ins and outs you need to know before looking for an apartment in Japan. We forgot to mention that the Real Estate person that helps you usually charges a rate around the first month's rent. Sometimes they have campaigns at half that price during the off season.

Drinking culture and alcohol is different no matter where you go. Customs around drinking are also very different. Want to know more about this topic inside Japan? Listen in and find out.

Each cultural group has their own superstitions and beliefs. Japan is no exception. What are some of the main cultural differences as it pertains to superstitions?

Most people when they hear the term otaku they immediately think of that friend of theirs that knows a lot of manga or anime. But is it the same in Japan? How do the Japanese view otaku? What does Otaku actually mean?

Anyone in the Anime/Manga community have heard the term Sempai, probably more than once. What is the cultural context? What entails a Sempai? How does it effect relationships in Japan?

Though Japan is a major console gamer country, it doesn't stop there mobile, arcade, and even a little PC is a major part of gaming in Japan. Follow along as we discuss this topic.

You'd be surprised at how the Japanese educational system is different than your home countries. Follow along as we look at Nursery School all the way up to Graduate School in University.

There are many different ways to teach Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High, and/or High Schools. Some townships use JET, others use Direct Hires, but recently there has been a rise of for-profit Dispatch Companies. They differ to the others in many respects. Follow along as we go in-depth with the differences.

If you have a restrictive diet excluding meat, fish, and/or animal byproducts; you may find Japan to be difficult to navigate. But fear not, we have some great tips from a resident of Japan who is himself vegetarian. He has some great insight into how to eat according to your diet.

The supernatural of Japan is a very spectacular read. Everything from Youkai to talking tanuki. Ghosts that have bodily form and the tropes involved with all these creatures. Come follow along as we discuss.

A little bit of this and that talking about traditional and contemporary music. Instruments, inspirations, and Johnny's Juniors.

If you are coming to work in Japan, these two are usually your choices for work. What makes them different? What are the pros and cons? How do I go about getting/changing jobs? What are the expectations? We answer these inside.

No we aren't just talking about the different sides of the road or car. This is a more indepth look at driving, driving school, getting a license, and many other aspects.

All of us that have worked in Japan all know what our preconceptions were, but how did they differ from the reality after we arrived. We answer some of those questions here.

A better look at how Japanese healthcare works for the individual and how there are different types for different people.

That's right. Both of us plant and harvest with our families. Though farming may seem universal, Japan has some pretty interesting methods they use to farm.

Hold on to your butts. Getting into Japan as a tourist, easy. Getting into Japan to work can be a nightmare. Follow along and we can tell you how the system is set up.

More than just Buddhism. Shintoism is specific to Japan and ties into Buddhism. Learn more about it with Austin and I.