First of all, I'm doing a homestay program. I'm currently at my fifth host family, and one major difference I've noticed is that my host sister freaks out whenever the small of my back is showing. Even if I'm just bending over and my shirt rides up a bit, even if I'm in my own room, if she sees it she'll come over and pull it down and tell me that ( Read more... )

From The Exchange Student Survival Kit:

"For most exchange students, the preparation stage is an exciting time... Yet in the midst of all this excitement, you may also be nervous about the upcoming experience. How will you make friends in this new place? How will you be able to manage in the school while struggling in a foreign language? You may ( Read more... )

Is Japan the only country where just about everyone takes off their shoes every time when entering someone's house?

What other countries slurp their ramen/soup/or whatever?

Thanks!

Due to the overwhelming responses I received for the April story contest, it was a difficult decision to make - in our previous poll, people were suggesting to read/hear stories. I asked, and only two people responded with hairy tales of their own.

So, I would like to announce that bragging rights are going to be:

50% to piccolo_pirate (aka KATE)

( Read about Kate's Idyllic bus journey here )

ok....so many of you kids are probably really smart and comfortable here in japan by now.... well, most days i'm not. i've been here about 7 months and only have a basic grasp of the japanese language. hence little things happen all the time that make me realize just what a clueless gaijin i am....and i am going to share one of these moments (a ( Read more... )

Hello everyone ( Read more... )

Just a fluff post but I wondered if any of you live near this place??

Crazy Rice

Sorry to everyone that was offended/angered or experienced any negative feeling toward my last post. I never tried to place anyone in a stereo-type or "group of idiot otaku". For anyone that has ever lived in Japan, been to Japan, or had personal association with this wonderfully bizzare island. I deeply respect and admire all your hard works and ( Read more... )

Hiyaa!
I heard about this nifty spot on the web when it was featured as a spotlight. ^-^ During that time I hadn't moved to Japan yet, so I've finally joined now!! I've been referencing this community tons and find it uberly useful.~ I hope everyone is doing well!!

Sooo, a bit about myself and the reason why I'm in Japan. Unlike the majority of ( Read more... )

This happened happened in the prefecture I used to live in, not to far from the town I used to live in (Inukai-machi). It's so sad... (you can read the article here.

High school student hangs himself at school

BEPPU - A 16-year-old male high school student was found hanged in the school's cycling club room in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on Tuesday ( Read more... )