Sunday, December 28, 2014

#048: What's the Deal With Japanese Pizza? (ピザ)

Japan Fan Post #048
にほんファンポスト #048

The Japanese have a tendency to take foreign things and make them more interesting. For example, Japan won the title of world's best whisky, beating Scotland with their Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask. Another example is pizza. While it may not be the best, they're really trying.

にほんじんはがいこくのものをとりそれらをよりおもしろくするためにけいこうがある。たとえば、にほんはかれらのやまざきシングルモルトシェリーカスクでスコットランドをさいこうのういすきーのたいとるをかくとくした。べつのれいでは、ぴざである。それはさいこうでわないかもしれないが、かれらはほんとうにしようとしています。


Above: A red snow crab and shrimp pizza with lobster cream sauce. What?!
上: ロブスタークリームソースとあかのずわいがにとえびのピザ。

Below: Here's the "Premium Selection" page on Pizza Hut's website.
下:ここにピザハットのウェブサイト「プレミアムセレクション」ページです。

.

For more crazy stuff, check www.pizzahut.jp.

Since the menu is in Japanese, here's a guide to the menu.

This bar is on the top right of the website.


On the bottom row, there are the different menus.

From left to right:

ピザ: Pizza Menu
セット: Set Menu (full meals)
パスタ: Pasta Menu
サイド: Side Menu
ドリンク: Drink Menu
ランチ: Lunch Menu
キッズ: Kids Menu
The Red Button: Amenities (free stuff that comes with your pizza)

Sadly, I have no idea what the last one is.









Sunday, December 14, 2014

#047: Japanese Department Stores (デパート)

Japan Fan Post #047
にほんファンポスト #047

This week, we'll talk about Japanese department stores, called デパート (depato) ,in Japanese. For the most part, Japanese depato don't really differ too much from the Macy's or Sears you'd see in America, but there is one thing that almost all relatively nice department stores have: a food court. Now, this is quite the food court. In Japan, they're called デパチカ (depachika), "depa" deriving from "depato," and "chika" being the word for underground.

こんしゅーは、われわれはとよばれる、にほんのデパト にほんごで。ほとんどのぶぶんについては、にほんのデパトはほんとーにめいしいずやしあうあなたは、アメリカでさんしょおしてくだあいねからあまりちがいはありませんが、ほぼすべてのひかくてきすてきなデパトがもっているひとつのことがあります:フードコート。さて、これはひじょーにフードコートです。にほんでは、かれらがよばれるているデパチカ、ゆらいする’DEPA’と’ちか’ちかのためのことばであること。


Above: This is the seafood section in the Mitsukoshi depachika in Ginza, Tokyo.
上:おれはぎんざとうきょうのデパチカみつこしでシーフードセクションがある。

So, why are these food courts quite literally named "underground department store?" That's because they are huge expanses of underground real estate which is used for them. Most connect to train stations, like the Seibu (せいぶ) in Ikebukuro, or the Isetan (いせたん) in Shinjuku San-chome.

あるりゆーだから、これらのフードコートは、もじどうり”地下のデパートというなまえかれらはかれらのためにしよーされているちかのフドーさんのきょだいなひろがりがあるからだ。ほとんどがいけぶくろせいぶ(せいぶ)またわ(いせたん)しんじゅくのさnーちょーめいせあんのよーに、ステーションおくんれんするためせつぞくします。

Another feature of one specific company, Seibu (せいぶ), is that the company, while based around the department stores, also has a multitude of other services. Seibu, for example, runs a private rail transportation group, the Seibu Railway. This railway surprisingly has many, many lines throughout the Tokyo Metropolitain Area and other locations.

とくていのかいしゃのもーひとつのとくちょうわ、せいぶデパトおべーすにしながら、どうしゃは、また、ほかのサービスのおうおもったいるということです。せいぶは、たとえば、みんかんおてつどうゆそうグループ、せいぶてつどうがじっこされます。このてつどうはいがいにもとうきょうメトロポリタンエリアやほかのばしょうのおうくの、おうくのぎょうおもっています




Above: A train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, which departs from near Seibu's Ikebukuro store.
上:せいぶのいけぶくろーてんふきんからしゅっぱつせいぶいけぶくろせんでんしゃ。


Sunday, November 16, 2014

#047: Follow-up?

Japan Fan Post #047
にほんファンポスト #047

On my never ending search for fun Japanese YouTube videos, I came across something unprecedented: my inspiration Chris from Abroad in Japan made a video on the same topic! However, I think he beat me because he had five reasons and his video came out before mine... oh well! It's a funny coincidence!

楽しい日本のYouTubeビデオのための私の終わることのない検索では、私がこれまでにない何かに出くわした:海外からの日本での私のインスピレーションクリスが同じトピックでビデオを作ったよ!しかし、私は彼が5つの理由を持っていたし、彼のビデオは、まあ...私のものの前に出てきたので、彼は私を打つと思います!それは面白い偶然だ!

Visiting Japan: Five Reasons Why It'll Be Awesome
それは素晴らしいだろう、なぜ5つの理由:日本を訪問


Sunday, November 9, 2014

#045: Visiting Japan - 3 Reasons Why You Should Go!

Japan Fan Post #045
にほんファンポスト#045

If you're thinking about visiting Japan but don't know how or haven't got that final push to book your trip, this'll give you some inspiration. Despite some views, Japan really is a wonderful place to visit and live!

Reason #3: Japanese Marketing (にほんのマーケティング)

Japanese marketing is everywhere; more so than in famous places like Times Square or Piccadilly Circus. While in those places, bright colors and signs are located around a central area, Japanese businesses place these types of things everywhere in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. This element of surprise makes Japanese tourism and life so interesting.

にほんのマーケチングはどこにでもある。よりおおくのよーにタイムズスクエアやピカデリーサーカスのよーなゆーめいなばしょでは。あかるいいろときごーは、ちゅーおーりょーいきのしゅーいされているいっぽーで。にほんきぎょーはでもとうきょうやおおさかなどとしーちゅ でものごとのこれらのしゅるいおおく。おどろきのこのよーそは。にほんのかんこおーぎょうなど、きょうみぶかいじんせいおつくる。


Above: A common sight in major Japanese cities.
日本の主要都市で共通の光景。

Reason #2: Convenience

The Japanese never fail to help each other out and make it as easy as possible. While Japan is hectic and a huge culture shock, the ease of transport and almost anything. The Japanese even make it as convenient as possible for themselves and others too, not just tourists. Things like copy machines at convenience stores and helpful signage everywhere in many languages are just a few examples!


Above: This station sign in Tokyo is in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean!

Reason #1: The People

Japanese people are undoubtedly the nicest and most welcoming culture and population I've ever met. They're kind, understanding and helpful! Make sure to have a conversation with someone if you know some Japanese!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

I bet you're wondering...

Where the post is again this week! After getting back from break, high school has been quite stressful, and I've been concentrating on photography and schoolwork more. I'll post this week's on Wednesday, and I'll try to continue normally after that!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Interesting News!

I bet you're wondering where my post is... Have no fear, I have an excuse! And some interesting news! This Sunday, I was re-doing my photography website! Photography website?! What photography website? It's right here ---> www.spencervogel.tumblr.com. Soon, I'll have it redirect to a custom domain, so it won't be tumblr for long! Secondly, I have some interesting news for the people who speak Japanese, or who like looking at the Japanese I put in my blog posts. Since I am trying to practice my hiragana (look at #037 for a refresher), I'll now be making all the Japanese characters in my blog posts hiragana! No more Chinese-based kanji! See everyone next week!

わたしはいいわけおもって、しんぱい。。。わたしのぽすとがどこにあるかわぎもんにおもっていづでしょうね!そして、いくつかのきょうみぶかいにゅうす!こんしゅうのにちようびわ、わたしはさいどやっていたわたしのしゃしんさつえいのうーえぶさいとお!どのようなしゃしんさつえいのうーえぶさいと?それはhttp://spencervogel.tumblr.com ここです。すぐに、私はそれがカスタム度マインにれだいれくとすれひつようがありますので、それはながいあいふぉろうおされませn!だいにに、わたしはにほんごおはなしたり、わたしはわたしのぼろぐのきじゅにいれてにほんおみているのがすきなひとのひとのためのいくつかのきょうみぶかいにゅうすがあります。わたしはひらがなおれんしゅうおしようとしていますので(ふくしゅのために#037おみて)、わたしはいま、わたしのぶろぐのきじおひらがなですべてのにほんごのもじおつくることになります!これいじょのくうごくべーすのかんじ!らいしゅみんなおさんしょーしてください!

Sunday, October 12, 2014

#044: Japanese Food Etiquette

Japan Fan Post #044
日本ファン投稿#044

Japan has quite some interesting dining etiquette. Think of "don't put your elbows on the table," but with interesting consequences. Read away!

日本は非常に興味深いダイニングエチケットを持っています。 」、テーブルの上に肘を入れていない」のが、興味深い結果と考えてください。離れてお読みください!

Don't stick your chopsticks in the bowl of rice vertically! It represents incense sticks at a funeral!

縦にご飯にお箸を固執しないでください!これは葬儀で線香を表す!


Left: No! Right: Great!
左:いいえ!右:素晴らしい!

When eating some soup, like udon or ramen, always pull the bowl up to your mouth to eat the noodles. If you bend over to the table, it is said to be eating like a pig. If it's only liquid, drink it! You don't even have to keep your bowl on the table at all if you don't want to!

うどんやラーメンのようないくつかのスープを食べるときは、必ずラーメンを食べるためにあなたの口までボウルを引っ張る。あなたはテーブルに腰をかがめる場合、それは豚のように食べていると言われています。それが唯一の液体の場合は、それを飲む!あなたも、あなたがしたくない場合は、すべてのテーブル上でボウルを維持する必要はありません!


Above: Here's a great way to finish off a nice bowl of ramen: drink! 
の上には:飲む:ここにラーメンの素敵なボウルを仕上げるための素晴らしい方法です!


When eating sushi in Japan (they usually don't do this elsewhere), the sushi chefs will normally put wasabi between the fish and rice to help bind the two together, so don't mix extra into your soy sauce. It can sometimes even offend the chef! They'll gladly leave out the wasabi if you aren't the fan. Upon ordering, just say "wasabi iranai desu," which means "I don't need wasabi." Here it is in Japanese.
わさびいらないです。

日本で寿司を食べるときは(彼らは通常、他の場所でこれをしない)、寿司シェフは、通常、につを一緒に結合することを支援するので、あなたの醤油に余分混合しない魚と米の間でわさびを置く。それは、時にはシェフを怒らせることができます!あなたがファンでない場合、彼らは喜んでわさびを残しておきます。


Above: Good sushi chefs will attach the fish to the rice using a small dollop of wasabi.
上:グッド寿司シェフがわさびの小さなほんの少し加えを使用して、ご飯に魚を添付します。


Finally, I've included some phrases to help you order at restaurants efficiently and also to be polite with host family members or Japanese friends.
最後に、私はあなたが効率的にレストランでの注文、ホスト家族や日本人の友人と礼儀正しくするのを助けるために、いくつかのフレーズを用意しました。

When ordering:
ときに注文するには:

Kore onegai shimasu
Koe-day oh-neh-ga-ee she-mah-ss
これおねがいします
I would like this.

If you're unsure of the name of the food you would like to eat, use "kore." Kore, or これ, means "this" in Japanese, so say it whilst pointing at the food you'd like to eat. If you know what the name of the food is in Japanese, replase "kore" with the food. This also works for drinks, as well. For an example order:
あなたは食品の名称がわからない場合は、食べたい使用する「コレ」コレ、またはこれには、「これは「日本では、そのようにあなたが食べるしたい食べ物を指さしながらそれを言うことを意味します。あなたは食べ物の名前が日本語であるか知っている場合には、食物と一緒に「コレ」replase。これはまた、同様に、飲料のために働く。例えば、オーダーの場合:

Ramen onegai shimasu
Rah-men oh-neh-ga-ee she-mah-ss
らめんおねがいします
I would like ramen.

If you would like to add something onto your order:
あなたの順序の上に何かを追加したい場合:

...soshite ____
soe-sh-tay ____
そして____
and ____

This is usually used after ordering if you would like something other than tea to drink. Here's an example addition:
これは通常、あなたはお茶を飲むこと以外のものを希望の場合はご注文後に使用される。ここに例の追加は、次のとおりです。

...soshite mizu
soe-sh-tay mee-zoo
そしてみず
and water.

 After your party has received their food:
Note: This isn't religious, just a polite appreciation of the food, almost like a toast.
あなたのパーティーは彼らの食糧を受け取った後: 
注:これはほとんどのトーストのように、食品のちょうど丁寧な感謝の宗教ではありません。

Itadakimasu!
Ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-ss
いただきます
Cheers! or Let's eat!

After your party has finished eating:
Again, not religious, just a thankful expression to the chef.
あなたのパーティーの後食べ終えた。 
繰り返しますが、シェフのちょうど感謝表現、宗教的ではない。

Gochisōsamadeshita!
Go-chee-soh sah-mah deh-she-tah!
ごちそうさまでした
I'm finished!

Thanks for reading guys!
さようなら! ありがとうございます!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

#043: Exploring Tokyo via the Yamanote Line (やまのてせん)

Japan Fan Post #043

これは外国人のためのポストであるように、私は日本でこれを書くことはありません。不便をおかけして申し訳ありません。

Today, I'll be doing something a bit different. This is great info for tourists and others who haven't ridden the Yamanote Line or use it solely to get to work and back. This Sunday, I'll be showing you how to get the most out of Tokyo on the Yamanote Line with a brief tour.

First, let's get to know the Yamanote Line, which the locals have lovingly dubbed "Yamanote-sen." It circles Tokyo, serving almost every major station in Tokyo, which is why it might service more passengers in a day than the London Underground does in a month. It is also a huge connector to the airports as well as JR's Shinkansen, which are used to travel around Japan. The easiest way to tour if you are staying in Tokyo for more than a few days would be an IC card, either PASMO or Suica. These are Tokyo's rechargeable smart passes. If you're stay in Tokyo isn't super long, the Tokunai Pass is a great idea. This is Tokyo's daily pass, which gets you anywhere inside Tokyo for a day. Ask the station staff about this purchase.

And here's the Yamanote-sen map in context with other Tokyo lines. It's a rough sketch, but it shows my Photoshop skills...


Note: You can get on and off anywhere! I'm not saying you have to follow this tour completely, it's just a reminder.

Stop #1: Tokyo (とうきょう)



We will stop here to see the famous Tokyo Station building, which will turn 100 in December! Tokyo Station is super big, so make sure to go shopping in one of the station's many boutiques. Tokyo Station is a hub for the Shinkansen as well, so you might be able to catch a glimpse of a Shinkansen through the gates! I've marked the location of Tokyo as well as our route below.

Stop #2: Akihabara (あきはばら)



We'll stop here to witness possibly the most interesting neighborhood in Tokyo. Think of your local comic shop, but spread out over many, many city blocks. You'll want to venture out the "Electric Town" exit, which is marked clearly in the station. After that, you're free to venture! Just make sure to remember the location of the station, because the buildings all kinda look the same. Some good places to visit are Laox, a department store, the Neon Room Restaurant for a good view and one of many video game arcades to try out some Japanese arcade games.

Stop #3: Ueno (うえの)


We'll stop here to go to the Ueno Tokyo Zoo and see some interesting Japanese fauna, and then make our way over to Ameyoko, a popular shopping area of Tokyo. If you want to get lost in some real Tokyo streets, Ameyoko is the place to do it. It has a distinct vibe like no other.

Stop #4: Shinjuku (しんじゅく)


We'll travel all the way across North Tokyo to Shinjuku to see Shinjuku Station as well as the many skyscrapers there. Shinjuku station is the busiest in the world with more than 200 exits spanning a half mile! You'll want to come here in the morning or evening to witness the crush of passengers taking the train to work or home. After navigating your way out of the station, look up! You're bound to see one of many characteristic skyscrapers that makes up Tokyo, like the Metropolitan Building or the Gakuen Cocoon Mode tower! See some of the flashing lights and crowded stores or play a game of pachinko or two while you're at it.

Stop #5: Harajuku (はらじゅく)


We'll stop here to view the famous, unfortunately named Takeshita-dori (Tah-keh-she-tah) to witness the hip young adults. Be wary of what they're wearing because you could see those trends on young adults in western countries next year! Then, we'll venture over to Omotesando Hills, which you can access via Tokyo Metro or foot. There, we'll see Kiddyland, a fun store filled with knicknacks from model Yamanote-sen trains to Star Wars chopsticks and DIY paper sculptures!

There's actually one more station, but I forgot to include it on the map!

Stop #6: Shibuya (しぶや)


Finally, we'll stop here to view the famous Shibuya Scramble. This is best viewed from the Starbucks on the 2nd floor of the Tsutaya building! And you can enjoy a warm matcha tea latte as well! This is best viewed around 5pm on weekdays, when most of the people are crossing! Also, we'll get to see the famous Hachiko Square, which contains the famous statue of Hachiko the dog! This is where many Japanese people meet up, so you'll see lots of people waiting for family and friends.

Thanks for reading, guys, and have a fun time in Japan!



Sunday, September 28, 2014

#042: Happy Birthday, Shinkansen!

Japan Fan Post #042


In three days, Japan's shinkansen will age another year. But, this one's a biggie... 50! From the first Shinkansen, the 0 series, to today's N700 and 800 series, the Japanese marvel train has progressed enormously! Today, I thought I'd make a collage of some shinkansen trains! Happy birthday, and many more!
3日間で、日本の新幹線は、もう一年熟成されます。しかし、これはとても重要... 50です!最初の新幹線から、今日のN700および800シリーズ0シリーズは、日本の驚異の列車は非常に進んでいる!今日は、私はいくつかの新幹線のコラージュを作るだろうと思って!誕生日おめでとう、そしてより多くの!

Below: The Shinkansen 0 Series



Below: The Shinkansen Series 100


Below: The Shinkansen Series 200


Below: The Shinkansen Series 300


Below: The Shinkansen Series 400


Below: The Shinkansen Series 500


Below: The Shinkansen E5 Hayabusa


Below: The Shinkansen E6 Super Komachi


 Below: The Shinkansen Series 700


Below: The Shinkansen Series 700 "Hikari Rail Star"


Below: The Shinkansen E7


Below: The Shinkansen Series 800 "Tsubasa"


Sunday, September 14, 2014

#041: A Short Interview with Fukushima University Students

Japan Fan Post #041
日本ファン投稿#041

Intro is in the video. Sorry about my Japanese, guys. I'm learning, but I still have to use Google Translate.  \^o^/ Have a great time in Houston! America welcomes you! By the way, you may need to fullscreen the video to read the captions.

イントロビデオである。私の日本、男については申し訳ありません。私が学んでいるが、私はまだGoogleが翻訳使用する必要があります。ヒューストンの素晴らしい時間を過ごす!アメリカはあなたを歓迎!ところで、あなたは、キャプションを読むことのビデオをフルスクリーンが必要な場合があります。


Monday, September 8, 2014

#040: Japan's Obsession with Plarail

Japan Fan Post #040
日本ファン投稿#040

First, what is Plarail. And how is it pronounced? Well, Plarail is a series of model trains with small motors that propel themselves around customizable track. What differentiates Plarail from toy train companies in the US and other places is that they are marketed directly and only towards kids, while Plarail is even popular with adults! This is because Plarail uses real life trains that these adults see everyday on their commute to work, like the Yamanote Line or a Shinkansen. Here is what these trains look like.

まず、プラレールは何ですか?そして、それはどのように発音される?さて、プラレールはカスタマイズトラックの周りに自分自身を推進する小型モータを持つモデル列車のシリーズです。どのようなおもちゃの列車の米国の企業や他の場所からのプラレールを区別することはプラレールが大人でさえ人気がありながら、彼らは、唯一の子供たちに向けて直接販売されているということです!プラレールが本当の人生は、これらの大人が山手線や新幹線と同じように、仕事に自分の通勤に日常見ている列車使用するためです。ここでは、これらの列車がどのように見えるかです。



Takara Tomy, the producer of Plarail, conducted a recent study on the awareness of the product among the people of Japan. Almost 75% of Japanese children own Plarail, and 84% of parents say they know and have heard of the brand well. But, that's not all.

タカラトミー、プラレールのプロデューサーは、日本国民の間で、製品の認知度に関する最近の研究を行った。日本の子供のほぼ75%はプラレールを所有し、親の84%が、彼らは知っていて、よくブランドの聞いたことがあると言う。しかし、それだけではありません。


For the kids, Plarail has a wide variety of sets, combining the trains with Takara Tomy's ever-popular Tomica model cars and putting them in action. For adults, the Plarail Advance series was launched in 2011. Plarail advance still runs on the same rails as Plarail, but is half the size. This makes it popular for the adult consumer to display. Plarail Advance also has station sets as well.

子供たちのために、プラレールはセットの多種多様な、タカラトミーの定番人気のトミカモデルカーと電車を組み合わせて、アクションでそれらを置くことがあります。 2011年プラレールアドバンスはまだプラレールと同じレール上で実行されますが、半分の大きさで、成人の場合は、プラレールアドバンスシリーズが発売されました。これは大人の消費者が表示するのは、それが人気になります。プラレールアドバンスも駅も同様に設定しています。

Below: Plarail compared with Plarail Advance
下:プラレールプラレールアドバンスと比較


Takara Tomy first began their "train reign" with the hand-powered trains we see kids playing with all over the US and they created their first electric motored train in 1961, called the "Electric Pla-Train." Ten years later, they released their first train based on a real model, the D51 Kisha. After that, everyone was hooked!

と呼ばれる、タカラトミーは、まず私たちは子供たちが米国の上のすべてと一緒に遊んで見ること手駆動の電車で彼らの "列車の治世」を開始しました、彼らは1961年に彼らの最初の電気モーター駆動電車に作成された「電気プラ·トレイン」。 10年後、彼らは本物のモデル、D51記者に基づいて最初の列車をリリースしました。その後、誰もが夢中にされました!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Hey! It's Labor Day!

So, I'm taking the week off. It gives me more time to write a more extensive post next week!


Sunday, August 24, 2014

#039: A Bit Different

Japan Fan Post #039

Today, I thought I would talk about a very rare occurrence that happened in late July, but is making the news around now. This is going to be a short post, since this doesn't directly relate to me, but on July 30th, a 16 yo. girl from Nagasaki Prefecture beheaded her classmate after a day out. This is a very unusual crime in Japan, and it is making a ton of headway in Japanese news. However, that does not mean that it wasn't horrible. I am extremely sorry for the girl's family, and it seems that people who knew the victim are doing everything they can to lighten the burden on her family. 

Anyway, for those of you who haven't had the final push to visit Japan, don't let this bother you. While it is very sad, understand that, just like in other countries, this is an odd happening, and, with it being Japan, nothing should ever happen like this for a very long time. And perhaps it's the fact that things like this are so rare that they make the news so largely.

Here's the link for a Japan Times story that is more informative.

RIP Aiwa Matsuo


Monday, August 18, 2014

#038 What's a Hanko?

No, not a handkerchief.

Japan Fan Post #038

In, Japan, people have to sign a lot of paperwork, whether it be water, heating or electricity bills, signing for a delivery, signing papers in the office or many other situations. After a while, your hand might get tired. So, here's the solution!


Well, what is it? It's a hanko, a personalized stamp used to sign letters, official documents, bills and more. Here's what one might look like on paper.


But, there's more than meets the eye. You might think whoever owns this stamp just picked it up at their local convenience store (that's the logical answer). But no! He or she probably placed an order in a few days in advance at their local hanko shop. Yes, there are whole workshops devoted to these stamps, where trained craftsmen work hours every day to make these stamps. Since each one is personal, there's no other way.


Here is a stall ran by Mr. Tei Hei. Tei-san is a Chinese immigrant who now resides in Yokohama's Chinatown. He has made hanko for as long as he can remember! 

So, if you're planning on going to Japan, or have already been, but have never heard of a hanko, I would definitely get one, as they make great souvenirs! I'm sad I didn't know about them when I was there!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

#037: The Many Scripts of the Japanese Language

Japan Fan Post #037
日本ファン投稿#037

PS: Sorry about the white highlights. I'm trying to work things out with this.

Japanese is a tricky language, especially for those who speak English as their primary language. If you don't speak Japanese, here's something to brag about knowing. If you do know Japanese, well, good for you.
日本語特にその第一言語として英語を話す人のために、トリッキーな言語です。あなたは日本語を話せない場合は、ここで知って自慢するために何かです。あなたは、よくあなたのために良いと日本語を、知っていない場合。


Is there a difference between these three signs?
これら二つの記号の間に違いはありますか?


There's a big difference! The "Shibuya Station" sign is in kanji (or 漢字) the red McDonalds one in katakana (or カタカナ) and the one with the blue thing in hiragana (or ひらがな). But even on that last sign, the black characters on the bottom are kanji again. So, what does this all mean and why don't they call everything by one name.
大きな違いがあります!「渋谷駅」のサインは漢字でカタカナに赤いマクドナルド1とひらがなの青いものを有するものである。しかし、たとえその最後の記号を、上下に黒い文字が再び漢字です。だから、何これはすべてのことを意味し、なぜ彼らは1名で、すべてを呼び出すことはありません。

Well...
うーん...

The story of the Japanese language starts in the year 57 CE, when items like official seals, letters, swords and more were imported to Japan from China. For a long time before and after that, Japan used Chinese characters. However, during a time called the Heian period, a system called kanbun (or 漢文) emerged, which involved using Chinese text with things called diacritical marks to allow Japanese speakers to restructure and read Chinese sentences by changing word order and adding particles and verb endings to match the rules of spoken Japanese grammar. This is the predecessor of common kanji. Basically, the Japanese kanji characters are Chinese characters, but restructured.
日本語の物語は公式シール、手紙、剣などのようなアイテムが中国から日本に輸入された年の57 CEで開始。前とその後長い間、日本は漢字を使用していました。しかし、時間の間に平安時代、システムと呼ば漢文といい(または漢文)日本人が再構築することを可能にし、語順を変更し、粒子と動詞語尾を追加することで、中国の文章を読むために発音区別符号と呼ばれるもので中国語のテキストを使用して関与しており、出現話さ日本語文法の規則と一致させます。これは一般的な漢字の前身である。基本的には、日本の漢字は、中国語の文字がありますが、構造改革を実施しました。


Here's how Japan restructured Chinese characters. For example, if the word for can is ki (or 可 in Chinese), the Japanese would discard the meaning and make 可 the syllable for ka, which sounds a bit different, but differs it from Chinese and is in accordance with Japanese spoken grammar. However, Chinese has many characters which sound like ki and people were choosing different characters to mean each syllable. So, around 471 CE, Japan developed another writing system, called hiragana. It was originally designed as a simpler version of kanji for women who didn't have adequate education, but it soon caught on with everybody, especially calligraphists. 
ここでは、日本は漢字を再構築してみましょう。例えば、缶用の単語である場合KI(または中国語で可)、日本語の意味を破棄し、少し異なる音色が、中国からは異なり、日本の話の文法に従っているkaのための音節、可になるだろう。しかし、中国人は気のような音と人々がそれぞれの音節を意味するために別の文字を選択した多くの文字を持っています。だから、471 CEの周りに、日本は、他の書き込みシステムを開発したひらがなを呼んだ。もともとは十分な教育を持っていなかった女性のための漢字の簡単なバージョンとして設計されていますが、すぐに皆、書道の練習を、特に人の間で流行した。

Below: Recent hiragana calligraphy by Hikari Chyan
下:ひかりチャンによる最近のひらがな書道



So the kanji for ha (哈) turns into the hiragana for ha (は). So, as an example to show how the two scripts are quite different, here's the Tokyo ward of Shinagawa in both kanji and hiragana.
だからヘクタールのための漢字は(哈)(は)HA用ひらがなに変わります。だから、2つのスクリプトはかなり異なっているかを示すために、一例として、ここでは漢字とひらがなの両方で品川の東京区です。

Kanji: 品川
Hiragana: しながわ
漢字:品川 
ひらがな:しながわ

You can see that the hiragana is a lot curvier. Hiragana is now the most used script in Japanese.
あなたは、ひらがなは、より多くの曲線美であることがわかります。ひらがなは現在、日本で最も使用されるスクリプトです。

Below: Station signs on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo are in both scripts. Kanji in big letters, hiragana in small ones.
下:東京の山手線駅兆候が両方のスクリプトにあります。小さなものに大きな文字、ひらがな漢字。


Have I completely flooded your brain yet? If I haven't, good because there's more.
私は、まだ完全にあなたの脳を浸水しましたか?私が持っていない場合は、それだけではありません良いので。

With the deluge of Western culture into Japan recently, the katakana script has gained more use. Katakana is used for loan words from other cultures. For example, the Japanese word for guardrail is "gādorēru." Say that fast and you'll see that it sounds like the English word. The only reason why they don't copy the word exactly is because Japanese doesn't have some of the sounds in our word, like the "aur," so they try to make it as close as possible. Just like hiragana, there is a whole other syllabary with the same sounds, but different characters. So, "gādorēru" in katakana characters is "ガードレール." The reason for the lines over the a and e are to show that you double the length of the sound when saying that word. In Japanese katakana, the lines over the letters translates as this character: ー. So, the word "ガードーレル" has two of those characters. Here's how one would break it down. Remember, the line character means to extend the syllable for double the time you would normally.

ガードーレル

ga doo raaay ru
(gah-dough-ray-roo)

最近日本への西洋文化の大洪水では、カタカナスクリプトは、より使用を得ています。カタカナは、他の文化からの外来語に使用されます。例えば、ガードレール用の日本語の単語は「gādorēru」です。速いことを言うと、あなたはそれが英語の単語のように聞こえることがわかります。彼らはできるだけ近くに作ってみるように日本人は「AUR」のような私たちの言葉での音のいくつかを、持っていないため、彼らは言葉をコピーしない唯一の理由は正確になります。ちょうどひらがなのように、同じ音が、異なる文字を使用した全体の他の五十音があります。だから、カタカナで「gādorēru」は「ガードレール」です。 AとE行以上の理由は、その単語を言ったときに、音の長さを倍にすることを示すことである。日本のカタカナでは、文字の上の線は、この文字として変換しますー。だから、言葉は「ガードーレル"これらの文字のうちの2つを持っています。ここに1つは、それを打破する方法です。覚えておいては、改行文字を使用すると、通常どおりダブル時間音節を延長することを意味します。

ガードーレル 

GA斗raaay RU 
(GAH-パン生地線 - カンガルー)

But wait, there's more. With all the deluge mentioned above, the Japanese figured that there might be Western tourists as well. So, they added ANOTHER FORM. This one is called "rōmaji" (roman alphabet) and is the Japanese language in the roman alphabet. If you look up at the katakana paragraph above, you'll see "gādorēru." This is rōmaji. And hey, rōmaji is in rōmaji too! Did that kill your brain? If not, good. Because there's more. To add on top of this, some Japanese people, instead of putting the line over a letter, they'll just repeat the letter. So, instead of ōishi (tasty), they would write ooishi. And people use the two synonymously!










Sunday, August 3, 2014

#036: Top Seven Phrases to Sound Like a Local

Japan Fan Post #036

It's always great to read up on a few phrases before going to Japan. Here are the most useful ones!

すごい
sugoi
soo-goi

This expression is used to exclaim that something is great or amazing. This isn't used for edibles, and I haven't heard it used sarcastically either.

Example:

"Are you coming to the party tonight?"
"Yes!"
"Great!"

ちょっと 待って ください
chotto matte, kudasai
(choh-toh mah-tay, koo-dah-sai)

This translates as "wait a moment, please" and can be used nicely or if someone is annoying you.

Example:

"Are you ready to order?"
"Um... one moment, please."
"Okay."

よろしく お願い します
yoroshiku onegai shimas
(yoh-roh-shku oh-neh-gai shee-mahss)

This is extremely useful if you are lost. Just say this and someone will help you. There is no good English translation, but it translates directly to "please do your best and treat me well."

Example:

"Can you help me? I'm lost."
*a dozen Japanese people run over*

ホント に, 美味し です よ
honto ni, oishi des yo
(hohn-to nee, oh-ee-shee dehss yoh)

While you could just say "oishi" if something tastes great, it's better to say this if you are dining with Japanese people. They will appreciate it if you drop a "honto ni." This translates as "really, it's delicious" or "for real, it's delicious."

Example:

*gulps noodles*
"Wow, you seem like you like those."
Really, they're delicious!"

うそ
u-so
(oo-soh)

This is a great expression of surprise to use around Japanese people. It translates as "you're kidding" or "really?"

"We're going to Japan!"
"You're kidding!"

もちろん です
mochiron des
(mo-shee-rohn dehss)

This is almost like saying "you're welcome," but a bit different. You would say "mochiron des" after you hold the door open for someone or give your seat up on the train or bus. This phrase means "of course" or "certainly."

Example:

*old lady gets on subway train*
"Here, have my seat."
"Thank you!"
"Of course."

ダイジョブ
daijyo bu
(dai-joh boo)

If someone makes a mistake or forgets to bring your food, chances are that they will make a big deal about it. If that is the case, reply with daijyo bu. It translates as "it's alright" or "it's okay."

Example:

"Do you know where a pharmacy is?"
"No, sorry. I just moved here."
"Oh. It's alright."