It's been a while, Japan. A lot has happened since the last time I've been able to come back. And truth be told, it's very much a coincidence that I've been able to come back to study (and to work, a bit). The timing lined up perfectly, which is not something that happens often. If there is a downside, it would have to be the fact that I won't be playing Diablo III until well after its launch, but I suppose that's the price I pay for coming here, and it's a price well worth paying. My first few days have been a whirlwind, so rather than going on and on about the various things that have happened so far, I'll share some highlights:
1.) I managed to get an exit row seat on the flight to Tokyo! Though extra leg room solves one problem (namely, the fact my legs always feel like they're about to fall off by the time we land), it doesn't kill the strong urge to punch the person next to me. He wasn't doing anything wrong, either. A sardine can is a sardine can, and people don't belong in sardine cans.
2.) The Japanese are trying to emulate Chipotle. Poorly. The first morning I was in Tokyo, I saw a variety show that was advertising a place called EAT American Dining. All four Japanese talent (and I use the term loosely) were each presented with a burrito that looked just about as large as the ones from Chipotle and had many of the same ingredients (rice, black beans, pork, lettuce, and what appeared to be pico-de-gallo). They all tasted it, after wondering for a bit out loud how one was supposed to eat such a thing, and responded with the classic 「おいしい！」 ("Delicious!"), which is what anyone on TV always says anytime they are presented with food and eat it.
http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130603/13094589/dtlphotolst/P6320536/?ityp=1
3.) The iPlague has hit here big time. I'm hard pressed to find a single game worth picking up because nobody cares. Everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) has an Apple device now, which is rather surprising for a nation which generally thumbs its nose up at American products. There are very few competitors here in Japan, and those that exist aren't well displayed or advertised. I've gotten a sad few amount of StreetPass 3DS tags in Nagoya and Tokyo, though going to the mall on a Saturday in Okazaki yielded more. I fear for the future of gaming, as Japanese studios have gone completely silent on the console front. The few tags I did received on StreetPass shared a common theme: Monster Hunter tri-G, a game that will most likely never be localized. *sigh*.
4.) This trip also marks the first time I was ever randomly approached by a Japanese stranger in the Tokyo area. She was walking by and noticed my book (as I was studying for the Yamasa entrance exam) and asked me if I was studying Japanese. I found out she was a volunteer in a town in the Tokyo suburbs, teaching foreign students using the same book. We had a good conversation for a few minutes.
5.) I learned a thing or two since last time. It's been much easier for me to adapt my language, though I still find myself unable to find certain words on the spot only to realize a few seconds later I could have expressed what I wanted to in a much clearer way. Every day it gets easier.
6.) Overheard at the pub while hanging out with friends: "She has teeth like a shady Vietnamese gambler." I also found out the recipe for a killer cocktail dubbed "The Granvania": Cassis, Cointreau, Tequila, and lemon juice. Shaken. I will be making lots of these upon my return.
7.) Game centers have evolved. They now are running DRM-enabled cabinets that all connect through the Internet. Users can choose between several different games (sort of like a MVS system) and load up any one they wish. The games for PS3 that I want to bring back with me, .hack//VS and AQUAPAZZA, don't release until after my return to the States. I may see if I can get a friend to pick them up from amazon.co.jp because it's going to be so much cheaper than ordering them from an import shop.
8.) Living in an apartment has its benefits and drawbacks. Lots of personal space...but washing machines with ten million buttons. No common area. Trash needs to be taken out. Perks? I can cook now, which is good and bad, and have a clean fridge that doesn't reek of spoiled kimchee like the ones in the common dorm did two years ago.
9.) Going to Hamlet this weekend - in English, with Japanese subtitles. I have no idea how that's going to even work. I can't wait to see this...it's going to be hilarious.
10.) I miss home already. I've met a lot of good people here in a short amount of time, and - despite being in a much higher class than last time - the work is much less demanding. Yeah, I don't get it either. I need to stay on top of things and keep reviewing the basics so I can be more effective. It does seem like everyone in the class is around the same level - as opposed to previous classes where people were all over the board. All of us can understand way, WAY more than we can speak, with one possible exception. I know I'm in the right place.
11.) Apparently, Okazaki has the most traffic fatalities out of any city in Japan this year, and had the only documented cases of road rage in the entire country. I'm not surprised. Walking to class in the mornings and seeing the crossing guards fear for their lives every time they have to walk a group of children out into the street, with their little yellow flags. Did I mention it's also quite close to Toyota World Headquarters?
And that's all, folks. Talk to you again soon.
Do you fit on the bed?
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