I’ve heard that this character is called ‘Dreamon’ in the Philippines.
His formal name is “Doraemon”. The spelling is subtly different.
But I think Dreamon is a wonderful naming. Because it contains the word ‘Dream’.
Category: Culture
One Punch
According to my Filipino friend, this character called ‘One Punch’ in the Philippines. Really?
The Japanese name for this character is ‘Anpanman’. People watching animation will know. His head is made of anpan. Anpan is a kind of traditional sweet bread in Japan, it is a high-calorie food filled with red bean paste in bread.
By the way, this character is the ‘One Punch’ in Japan.
He is an invincible super hero who knocks down any enemies by his one punch.
Japanese style toilet
There is a Japanese style toilet. It has decreased considerably in recent years. But most of the old toilets were so.
In Japanese style toilets, toilet bowls are set on the floor. So we can not sit there. So when we use it, we need to crouch on it.
In addition, many Japanese style toilet doors are behind. Many Japanese do not mind it. However, foreigners may feel uneasy.
Autumn leaves
One of the highlight of autumn in Japan is autumn leaves. It turns red before some type of tree leaves die. Depending on the mountains, some areas may look bright red. It is the same as the chocolate hill of Bohol is change from green to chocolate color due to seasonal change.
Some Japanese go to the mountains to see the autumn leaves.
Halloween
Halloween culture in Japan has changed greatly in recent years.
Originally in Japan, Halloween was not popular, thus only some foods and items related to pumpkin were sold a little in the past. But in recent years it has become a festival that people cosplay and walk around the downtown area. These cosplayers says “Trick or Treat” but no one expect for treat, and adults are more enthusiastic than children.
By the way, the original purpose of Halloween is to greet the soul of ancestors. It is called “Obon” in Japan. Generally it is customs around August 15th. Japanese people visit the grave in Obon. Of course without doing cosplay.
Tattoo is taboo
Tattoo is one of taboos in Japanese society. Becase it was a symbol of Yakuza gang for long years. They tattooed in their bodies to express the intention that ‘I am not an ordinary person’.
Therefore, many Japanese beware tatooed people. And many spas, public bath, swimming pools, and gyms are refusing them to use. Also, people with a tattoo are hard to be adopted as civil servants or office workers.
Today, although the number of Japanese who has a tattoo as a fashion increased, they are still minority.
Recently, many Japanese people have become tolerant for tattoo of foreign people. I think that tattoos of foreigners and not Yakuza-style designs should be allowed. However, it is difficult to decide criteria for screening. Therefore, it is better not to have a tattoo if you will live in Japan.
Vending machines
There are vending machines for drinks in various places in Japan. Anyway, electronics is a specialty of Japan. And if we introduce a vending machine we can saves labor costs. Humans simply refill the machine with goods. After that the machine sell it 24 hours every day. It will never mistake the change account.
Well, in Japan’s vending machine can supply both hot and cold drink. There are also vending machines that sell sweets, breads, umbrellas, fruits and so on.
In the Philippines, I have seen vending machines only at the Mactan International Airport, except for the coin insertion type water server.
Also, many vending machines are defenseless. But rarely in Japan it is broken or cash and goods are stolen. Because the return on success is not commensurate with the labor, the time required, the risk of being arrested.
Stupid election rules
On the last Sunday, elections for all Japan were held. The characteristic of Japan’s election is “previous era”.
For example, the candidates have to put the election poster on the designated bulletin board. This board is made of wood, it is set everywhere in the election period, and is discarded when the election is over. It is a waste of resources and taxes at all.
It should be replaced with a permanent digital bulletin board because Japan is a major electronics giant. Except the election period, I think that it would be nice to display publicity, weather forecast, traffic information, etc. But it does not become so.
In fact, Japan’s political system is made advantageous to ruling parties or existing political parties. For example, If a candidate want to post a lot of posters, you need an organization. Small parties and individual candidates can not put posters on all bulletin boards. However, concentrating on pasting posters, candidates lose the time to show off their policies towards voters.
In addition, candidates are prohibited from election activities using e-mail. It is said that the ruling party has many elderly lawmakers who can not fully use IT. But, originally they should hire appropriate staff.
However, SNS is not prohibited. That’s because the rules have not overtaken the new technology, not because there is understanding. However the young generation’s voter turnout is low.
Toilet paper
In the Philippines, we discard used toilet paper in the trash can in the toilet. I heard that it is difficult to dissolve the toilet paper in water, and the piping of the sewage tends to be clogged.
In Japan, we discard used toilet paper into toilet bowl. Since toilet paper made in Japan quickly dissolves in water, piping will not clog unless you flush to a large amount at once. Therefore, we do not need to dispose of it as garbage.
By the way the airline toilet is the same as in Japan. We can throw the toilet paper inside the toilet.
Ohashiwa nanzen goriyodesuka?
Continuation of “Atatamemasuka?”
When you buy multiple lunch boxes or cup noodles at a convenience store, A store clerk will ask you “Ohashiwa nanzen goriyodesuka?” This is Japanese for “How many chopsticks do you need?” In other words, it means “How many people use it?” Or “How many times do you want to eat?” Because, generally chopsticks and forks are not attached to convenience store lunch boxes and cup noodle package in Japan.
In addition, “Zen” is the end of the word when expressing the number of chopsticks, similar to the expression “one person” “two peaces” “three blocks” in English.
Therefore, When a clerk asks you ‘Ohashiwa nanzen…?’ please answer the number. Exemplary answers are “Ichi zen（一膳）”, “Ni zen（二膳）” and “San zen（三膳）”, but you can make it well with “Hitotsu（一つ）” or “一個（一個）”. Of course it is okay with your finger’s signature. Or numbers can be communicated in English.
When it is unnecessary, let’s answer “Irimasen”. The clerk did not give chopsticks, but when you want it, say “Please give me chopsticks.”