The Cranks Japan Photo Update January 2014

Just some random pictures Anthony "The Crank" took around town. See Episode 72 of the podcast for an audio description of the pictures.

The Cranks Photo Walk in Japan 1

Though Anthony "The Crank" and I haven't been able to actually set up a time to podcast, we have been in constant contact.  A few weeks ago I got him signed up for DropBox and told him to just snap random pictures when he had a chance and drop them in a shared folder I made. Of course the title of the folder was TEIJG :-)

Here are some of the pictures he took.

Yanakasa

Yakitori

Hanabi (Fireworks)

Obon Incense 

Police Koban in Nagasaki (Koban=Police Box)

Is this shop even open...lol

Wonder how old this spinning barber shop thing is?

So what do you think? I think it's a good idea to have Anthony give us a peak into life in Japan, and want to thank him for braving the heat and humidity to get this photos!!

McDonalds in Japan: Put Your Ice Here Please

When in Rome do like the Romans.......When in Japan, at McDonalds, do like the Japanese do.  This extra part of the trash can is for you to dump your remaining drink and ice, and then recycle your cup.  I am not sure why they do the cups, but the extra drink and ice makes sense.  Nothing worse than leaky garbage bags. The cups are made of paper so I wouldn't see a problem with them being in the trash, but hey that's just me.  

Tokyo Pixs

So if you didn't know I (Eric "The Yank") have left Japan and I am now living in San Antonio, Texas.  Before I left Japan I had to make a quick trip to Tokyo to get some visa stuff sorted out.  Here are some random pixs from the trip. Hope you enjoy.

Mt. Fuji from the air.

Hachiko Statue.

Shibuya 2012

Shibuya 2012

Shibuya 2012.

Toyota Land Cruiser in Tokyo. 

Japanese Patrol Car

The "Shirobiku" (White Bike). These guys love giving tickets so be careful!!

Hanging with K.A. in Roppongi area.

Tokyo Tower (The original one).

Christmas tree in front of Tokyo Tower.

Kua Aina Burger in Tokyo was just as good as the one in Hawaii!

Autumn is Here in Japan - Nov 2012

Fall is here in Japan. The leaves have changed and the temperature has started to drop. Not too cold yet, but winter is right around the corner.

The "DREADED FRUIT" being dried at my in laws house in the mountains.

Japanese Dolls - Ohinasama

Japan Picture: No Digging Here

Anthony snapped this picture the other day.  It basically says "Don't Dig Here, There Are Phone Lines Here!".

McDonalds in Japan: Las Vegas Burger

Checking out the new Las Vegas Burger at McDonalds. Notice the 100 and 120 yen menu in the picture next to the "Big America" burger Picture.  You can get a lot of good food (might not be healthy of course) for cheap.  A lot of students usually hit up McDonalds to hang out and get a cheap meal. 

The burger alone was like 400 yen so just decided to go with the set.  I got the "M Size" fried potato and the "L Size" cola.  

The "Las Vegas Burger" at McDonalds in Japan.

A closer look at the toppings. It has sour cream and the "stuff" on top is beef, green and red peppers, and other misc. stuff.  

All in all I have to say that I liked the Las Vegas Burger.  It's a welcome change from the usual Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.  I actually like the fact that McDonalds Japan is doing these themed burgers.  

Gunte - The White Cotton Gloves from Japan

"Gunte" are this white knit gloves you see in the picture above.  Basically, they are work gloves that are used for anything you can think of.  From beach clean ups to taxi drivers driving gloves. They are really cheap and are usually sold in multi-packs. You can also get them at your local 7/11 or any other convenience store for that matter. The better deals are had at hardware stores or at work clothes shops.

Tour of a Japanese Junior High School: The Entrance

I think it's about time for me (The Yank) to give you a tour of a Japanese Junior High School.  Over the next few weeks or so, depending on my ability to get good pictures, I will introduce you to a J-JHS. 

This is one of the students entrances. It's the first grade students one. Each grade has their own entrance at  the current school I work at. Japanese JHS's are three grades: first, second, and third.  Where I went to school in the USA we continued the count 7th and 8th and we only had 2 years of Junior High School. Japan starts the count over for both JHS and High Schools. 

The students put their "outside" shoes in spots with their names and the put on their "Uwagutsu" or sometimes they are called "Uwabaki". Basically indoor shoes that are white with an accented color based on their grade. They also write their family name and student number on them. 

For gym class students have another pair of shoes that they only wear in the gym, and of course a PE uniform too. 

Related Japanese Vocabulary:

1st Year Student - Ichi Nen Sei   一年生

2nd Year Student - Ni Nen Sei　二年生

3rd Year Student - San Nen Sei　三年生

Junior High School - Chuu Ga Ko  中学校

Note: I will try to get some pictures of the indoor shoes (Uwagutsu) soon and update the post. 

New Years Food in Japan

 Here are some pictures from my New Years brunch with the in-laws at a local Japanese restaurant. Will talk about the experience in the next podcast, so stay tuned :-) Enjoy, Eric "The Yank"