in Japan

Matcha

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:41:34 +0900

英語で: Another, more famous, Japanese superfood is Matcha tea. This tea, high in antioxidants, is claimed to be good for the liver and heart and help with slimming down. It is also thought to have anti-biotic properties, so it is traditionally served as a drink with sushi as an insurance against the quality of the raw fish being not quite as high as it is supposed to be.

In the warm summers the Japanese like to drink their matcha cold.

Japanese:　熱いので抹茶シェークを作りました。

Natto

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 12:25:36 +0900

英語で： Japanese food is known to be among the most healthy in the world. Fermentation is a major part of the Japanese diet. Most infamous of the fermented ingredients is a type of fermented soy beans known as natto.

Peach Season

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

英語で： Peaches are now in full season!

Japanese: ももの時間が来た！

Recipe source

Cafe 3

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:40:13 +0900

英語で： Japan has a long tradition of districts where establishments hire charming hostesses to entertain guests and, possibly, to encourage them to increase their spending.

However, one can be certain that these charmers are for companionship only. Unfortunately, these cafes were closed in support of measures to prevent Covid-19.

日本語で： 日本は動物カフェたくさんがあります、でも今新型コロナウイルスで締めています。

Face Mask 2

Sun, 31 May 2020 23:54:39 +0900

英語で: Last week we received a small envelope with a gift from the government. As was announced before the recently ended state of emergency, every household is being given two cloth face masks to combat shortages of the disposable ones. The accompanying leaflet encourages the receiver to avoid the three c’s:closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations.

Japanese: マスクをもらいました。

Under Construction

Mon, 04 May 2020 12:20:26 +0900

Attentive readers may have noticed a small difference in the layout of this site. This is due to a change in the software I use for creating this blog. Older posts still require conversion to the new site format, so pages may display incorrectly. Please be patient as this is being corrected.

Face Mask

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

英語： Face masks have been a common sight in Japan for decades. My significant other recalls that masks made from cloth were used when she was young. Sufferers of hayfever like to use them to protect against pollen and it has been costumary for people with a cold to wear them to protect others from catching it.

During the past month, nearly everyone has been wearing a face mask when using Tokyo’s public transport. The jury is still out on whether wearing masks does slow down the spread of viruses. However, it is highly suggestive that most places that have been identified in Japan as being the sources of clusters of infections of Covid-19 are venues where groups of people take off their face masks, such as restaurants, bars and music halls.

Covid-19

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: This graph has Tokyo’s authorities worried:

(Source)

A total of 259 people infected seems like little cause for concern, especially in a metropolis of millions. However, as it has in other countries, that number does not entirely reflect the seriousness of the situation.

Typhoon 19

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

台風

Karakuri 3

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

英語で：A while age, the Tokyo-Edo Museum hosted a demonstration of karakuri puppets in movement. These mechanical dolls were developed during the Edo period. This one did calligraphy.

Japanese: 江戸東京博物館はからくり人形を見せました。

Karakuri 2

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

英語で：A while age, the Tokyo-Edo Museum hosted a demonstration of karakuri puppets in movement. These mechanical dolls were developed during the Edo period. Spring powered ones are capable of more complicated movements, like archery.

Japanese: 江戸東京博物館はからくり人形を見せました。

Karakuri

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

英語で：A while age, the Tokyo-Edo Museum hosted a demonstration of karakuri puppets in movement. The simplest kind used gravity power for moving them.

Japanese: 江戸東京博物館はからくり人形を見せました。

Emperor

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

On the Emperor’s birthday the Japanese people have the opportunity to wish him well at the imperial palace in Tokyo. Last December was the last time one could do this for Emperor Akihito, as he will abdicate this year.

Judging from the crowd walking towards the palace, quite a few people decided to go this time.

Dashi Cooking Tip

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

水に昆布

一日浸す

だし美味しい

Blog Moved

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The website address of this blog has been changed.

ここからこのブロッグはほかのアドレスあります

http://blog.florian.fastmail.jp/

Sakura

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Cherry blossom!

さくら！

High Tech Coffee

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The newest in coffee-vending-machine technology: watch the brewing live with accompanying music.

ハイテクコーヒー：ライブみせてもらいました

Wakame Soup

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

英語で： Most modern Japanese would, of course, just go to a konbini and buy some packets of instant soup. The alternative, however, does not really take that much more time.

Japanese: わかめとごまスープつくりました！

Wagyu

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で Outside of Japan there are some rumours on the luxurious treatment of cows before they get cut into wagyu beef, varying from daily massages to a special diet which includes nihonshu. Whether or not these rumours are true, the resulting meat is rather special, ideal for yakiniku (fried meat).

Japanese: 和牛の焼肉！学生にもらいました。

Agriculture

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Amongst the mountains and cities, Japanese farmers still manage to find land to grow their produce. Around 12% of land is used for agriculture, mostly for growing rice, but also for wheat, barley, sweet potatoes and vegetables.

Japanese: 田

Fish II

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Fish!

Japanese: さかな！

英語で: This dish is appropriate for those with intermediate level skill with chopsticks.

Japanese: はしですこしむずかしかったです。

Hiraizumi

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: A few hours north of Sendai, one can find Hiraizumi. In the twelfth century, this small town was briefly the centre of what is now Tohoku. The Chuuson-ji (temple) became a Buddhist centre for the region, attracting many artisans from Kyoto. The main remnant of these days is the Konjikido, a richly decorated, golden hall.

Japanese: 平泉町に行きました。金色堂をみました、そしてわんこそばたべました。

Rice-fields

ごはん

Tanabata Festival

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Sendai is host to one of the major Tanabata festivals. The local shopping arcade was turned into a forest of decorations.

Japanese: 仙台はたなばたまつりがありました。アーケードは森そうになりました。

Kinoko Gohan

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: As mentioned before, rice is the staple of the Japanese diet. Once one knows the basics of cooking it, one can add some extras.

Japanese: きのこごはんつくりました。

だし

The day before, add konbu (kelp) and dried mushrooms to water and leave in the refrigerator to create a dashi.

Udon

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Udon are thick wheat noodles, often served in a soup, either hot or cold. The cold version is especially refreshing in the hot weather.

Japanese: となりのうどん！

Kaitensushi

Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Conveyor belt sushi combines Japanese sushi with automation. Particularly convenient for visitors with a Japanese language deficiency (including the undersigned), one can simply pick the dish when one sees it or use the convenient touch screen to select a preferred one. Prices are indicated by the colour of the plate.

Japanese: かいてんずし！いつもべんりとおいしいです。

Mangattan

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: To the north of Sendai one can find the Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum. The road to the museum is richly decorated with the manga theme and the building itself is also shaped appropriately.

Japanese: 石巻市へマンガかんに行きました。

Fuji-san

Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: In the beginning of May many Japanese combine several national holidays into a week long holiday, called Golden week. Tourist and shopping destinations are exceptionally busy during this holiday, so it is a perfect time to go to a quiet spot and admire Fuji-san.

Japanese: 富士山!

Sakura 2

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: はなみ！

英語で: Cherry-blossom!

Sakura

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: はなみ！

英語で: Cherry-blossom!

Cafe 2

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Continuing the investigation into themed cafes, next in line is the bunny cafe. Like the cat cafe, one is asked to wash the hands before entering. Additionally, one should don protective clothing before socialising with the hosts. Unlike cats, these can be easily bribed to approach the guests.

Japanese: うさぎカフェにも行きました。かわいかった！

Cafe

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Japan is somewhat famous for their themed cafes, with themes ranging from popular anime series to animals. Before entering a cat-cafe one is kindly requested to wash your hands. Petting the cats is allowed, though not holding them. To the disappointment of some costumers, the cats can easily escape unwanted attention by virtue of using their feet.

Japanese: 東京へねこカフェにゆきました。ねこはあそびたくなかった、でもかわいかった。

Matsushima

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: A forty minutes train ride north of Sendai is Matsushima. This group of more than 200 islands is known for being one of the three most celebrated views of Japan, the other two being Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its other claim to fame in Japan is the oyster cultivation.

Japanese: ともだちと松島へ行きました。かきをたべました。

Signs 4

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Just in case one forgets to pay for parking ^_^

Japanese: ときどきパーキングにはらうをわすれことできません。

Rice

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: Japanese visitors to Europe are always exquisitely polite when asked about Japanese food (sushi) served in Europe, mostly commenting that the rice is different. This is very true, since most Japanese rice production is consumed right here in Japan, forcing many sushi-eaters in Europe to make do with Japanese-style rice from either Italy or California. From the north of Japan, hitomebore is a premium variety which is more suitable for growing in the colder climate here and tastes excellent both plain or sprinkled with furikake, a mix which usually includes some fish and seaweed.

Japanese: 日本のごはんがあんまりありませんから、ヨーロッパにカリフォルニアのとイタリアのつかいます。日本のごはんのほうがいいです。

ひとめぼれとふりかけです

Sugars

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

英語で: One of the Great Annoyances when visiting Europe is the lack of non-water non-sweetened bottled drinks. In Japan one can walk in any random konbini to find a selection varying from caffeine-free barley-tea to green and jasmine tea, all without sweeteners added.

Japanese: ヨーロッパはのみものがいつもあまいです、アイスティも！水だけあまくないです。日本はあまくないのみものがたくさんあります。

Snow

Sat, 21 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

ゆき！ふゆがきた。

Finally some winter snow.

Sushi

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: 昨日とくべつなすしに行きました。あなごがいちばんおいしかったです。

英語で: Delicious sushi. At the best sushi places one is served sushi directly from the chef’s hand on the plate.

Yamadera

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: 山寺へ行きました。日本は秋がきれいです。のぼりがたかかった。つかれた人たくさんいました！

えいごで: Enjoying the autumn colours and the climb at Yamadera.

Festa Tohoku

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: This weekend we could enjoy the university festival.

Japanese: 今しゅうまつ東北大学はFestaありました。たのしかったです。

Signs at the Zoo

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

English: A Japanese zoo is a great place for the discerning sign-afficionado.

日本語で: 八木山どうぶつこうえんに行きました。

Tokyo

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Last week I went to Tokyo for the organisation of a conference at Waseda University.

Japanese: せんしゅうカンファレンスに東京へ行きました。　がいこくけんきゅうしゃたくさんきました。おつかれさまでした。

View from the 33rd floor. 三十三かい

ゴジラ！

モールにアイドルグループはうたいました。おもしろかった。はじめてヲタ芸をみました。

Kyoto 3

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: I visited Kyoto for a small international workshop at Kyoto University. Despite the busy schedule, we managed to steal a few hours for some local tourism.

Japanese: せんせんしゅうワークショップに京都へ行きました。

Jazz

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: This weekend we had a jazz festival in Sendai.

Japanese: こんしゅうまつ仙台はジャズのまつりありました。おんがくよかったです。

Signs 3

Sun, 04 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

English: Warnings and requests which bring a smile to one’s face during the daily commute.

日本語で: ちかてつで行って、あんぜんに、かいてきに:

Breakfast

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: As may have been noted before, fish is eaten rather a lot in Japan, including at breakfast.

Japanese: 日本のあさごはんにさかなをたべます。

Sakana 2

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

魚　(fish)

Miscellaneous 22

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: We are now in full cherry-season! These cherries are actually not picked from the same trees as those whose cherry-blossoms the Japanese enjoyed a few weeks ago, as those are too small and sour to eat. Peaches are also starting to appear, so I can restart eating one of my favourite strange Japanese inventions, pasta with peaches.

The past month there was a remarkably increased police presence in public places such as subways, train stations and tourist spots due to the G7 meetings. Apparently over 100000 police were deployed for increased security.

At the end of the work day, when returning home, the always-present subway employee greets everyone at the ticket gate.

Japanese: さくらんぼのじかんです！日本はももがあります、ももとパスタたべたい！

先月のG7にけいさつたくさんがいました。

Aoba Matsuri

Sun, 22 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

English: One of the main features of this festival is the sparrow dance. I was told that this dance has over 2000 participants in the streets of Sendai. This dance is said to be created by Aoba castle’s stone masons after the castle was finished around 1600.

にほんごで: 先週あおばまつりのすずめおどりをみた。

Golden Week

Sun, 08 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: On the last day of April and the beginning of May there is a concentration of four national holidays: Shouwa day, Constitution day, Greenery day and Children’s day. Many Japanese take leave to ensure a week long holiday, called Golden Week, where golden refers to the increase in revenue to the tourism and entertainment industry. As one would guess, this is also one of the busier times of the year in the trains, plains and tourist spots of Japan. I suspect there also may have been a noticable increase of Japanese tourists in other areas of the world, so if you happened to notice such, you now know the reason for this.

Japanese: ゴールデンウィークに東京へゆきました。

えいごで: Meiji-jingu is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shouken. As I understand it, the sake and wine barrels which are on display are actually empty, symbolising the donations of sake to the shrine from the brewers.

Japanese:　めいじじんぐう

Spring 2016

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Due to a gentle winter this year, the cherry blossom season is early. In the public parks, one needs to reserve the spot for picnicking early in the morning.

Japanese: はなみ！

Happy Monkey

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

English: Very often, Japanese construction sites are a great source of fun!

**日本語で:**さる！

Gentleman

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Evidence of one of Japan’s more famous animation franchises.

Japanese: おだいばにさんぽをしておどろいた。

Sakana

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Fish!

Japanese: さかな！

Hyaku-en

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: The 100 yen shop, the local variant of the dollar-store or pound-shop, is quite popular here. It is surprising how many goods sold there are still made in Japan (all goods in the picture). The beef curry and rice is close to the normal price. The origami paper would be around 250 yen normally and the little ceramic cup would cost you over 500 yen at tourist shops. Despite its name, you pay 108 yen per item (VAT) and most 100 yen shops have sections with higher cost goods.

Japanese: 百円のかいものしました。このものは日本につくったのです。

Tenpura

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

English: Tempura, sea-food and vegetables deep fried in a light batter, is often served on noodles or rice, or as part of a set meal. In a specialised restaurant, however, one gets served the fried pieces, one after the other, directly from the oil onto the plate.

日本語で: てんぷら！

Underground

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Last December a new underground line opened in Sendai. The new Tozai (east-west) line is particularly convenient to reach the university in the snowy winter. The new trains use a linear induction motor for propulsion.

Japanese: きょねんの十二月仙台に東西線はじめた。

New Year Soba 3

Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: そばのつくりかたむずかしい！

えいごで: Soba noodles require some attention. Use about 60-100g per portion. Don’t throw the whole packet of noodles into the water in one go, but loosen them into the boiling water.

Cook them in calmly boiling water (not a roiling boil) for the time indicated on the packet (probably 5 minutes).

New Year Soba 2

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: だしをつくりました。

えいごで: The second component for the soup is dashi (stock). Make it the same way as for the miso soup, adding some extra bonito flakes for a more luxurious taste. This time I made it Kyoto-style; leave the kelp overnight in some water in the fridge, then add bonito flakes and heat for 15 minutes. Remove the kelp before the water starts to boil.

konbu (kelp)

katsuoboshi (bonito flakes)

New Year Soba

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: そばにかえしをつくりました。

えいごで: In Japan it is customary to eat soba (buckwheat) noodles on new years eve. The long noodles symbolise a long life. One of the components for the soup is kaeshi, a mix of mirin, soy-sauce and sugar. The ratios are, in volume, four parts soy-sauce to one part mirin and one part sugar (more or less sugar according to taste).

I prefer to use honmirin, which contains around 14% of alcohol.

Autumn

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: やまでらへいきました！　日本は秋がさむい、そして雨がふりました、でもたのしかった。

English: Enjoying the Japanese autumn in Yamadera. We had some rain to enjoy the climb with.

Okonomiyaki

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Kansai-style okonomiyaki differs from Hiroshima-style in that the latter includes noodles. Both styles of savoury pancake are often baked on the table by the costumers. I have been told that together with monjayaki these are a favourite among Japanese students.

日本語で: けんきゅうしゃといっしょにおこのみやきのたべほうだいにいった。

Workshop 2015

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: The past week I was in Tokyo for the CTFM2015 workshop. Again I got to meet old acquaintances and make new ones. The logic researchers in Japan form a lively community. Their enthusiasm has also been noticed by the international guests, many of whom are regular visitors now. The focus on a limited number of subjects has helped keep the number of interesting talks high. The relaxed atmosphere helped the younger researchers feel confident enough to approach the international guests. Many of the members of my research group helped with the practical things necessary for organising a successful workshop. I was really impressed by their hard work! The workshop was also a good opportunity to celebrate my host professor’s 60th birthday, as he is the main instigator of the conference series.

Note to Self

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: When writing a mathematics paper: your notation probably needs some explanation.

Japanese: すうがくのろんぶんかいたら、たぶん、だれもはノウテイションわかりません。

Small Observations Sunday

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: The famously hot Japanese summer is now in full force. This period is easily recognised by the chirping of cicada’s, hot temperature and bouts of heavy rain caused by passing typhoons. Luckily, in Sendai temperatures are quite mild in comparison to West-Japan.

In Japan the feature-phones are still in heavy use. Japanese text input is surprisingly easy, provided that one has learned the a-i-u-e-o of the hiragana charts.

For kanji-mode, the shown hiragana (phonetic symbols) are:

a ka sa
ta na ha
ma ya ra

With on the *-button the dakuten and handakuten (modifiers).

Pressing on the buttons repeatedly switches between the a-i-u-e-o versions of the corresponding symbol. So if you want to type, for example, かぶき (kabuki) you press: 2666*22.

Special cases are the 8-button, wich only has ya-yu-yo and the 0-button, which has only wa-wo-n.

The most important button on this phone is in the lower right corner, which allows you to put it into manner (silent) mode.

Japanese: 日本のなつあついですよそしてあめたくさんふっている。

なつのあいだ、たくさんのももをたべる。きのう、ももとパスタつくった、つくりかた日本にならった。

日本にけいたのとくべつなボタンはマナーモードのだ。がいこくのでんわはマナーモードのボタンない。

Akashi

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: For the JSPS science dialogue programme I gave a talk at Akashi college. Afterwards I was invited to taste the local delicacy, akashiyaki, which was the inspiration for takoyaki.

にほんごで: サイエンスダイアログのはなしをあげるに明石へゆった。つぎ明石やきにつれてもらった。

Interesting Food

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: The Japanese often take great delight in entertaining their guests with interesting food. Naturally, anyone visiting Japan nowadays will be fully familiar with famous dishes like sashimi and eel, often before even leaving their country of origin.

にほんごで: ときどきにほんりょうりおもしろい。さしみとあなごおいしかった。

On Earthquakes

Sun, 07 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

日本語で: こんしゅうはなしはえいごで。むずかしだから。

English: The observant followers of the news from Japan may have noticed the prevalence of earthquakes in this country. The Pacific plate moving into the Philippine plate and both of them moving into the Eurasia plate cause about 2000 quakes that can be felt in Japan per year. The bigger quake from last week’s post was caused by the Pacific plate smashing into the Philippine plate and, thanks to its depth (over 500 km), did not cause any tsunami, unlike the Tohoku quake from 2011.

In Japan much attention is spent in preparation for the coming Toukai earthquake. This quake, to occur in a part of the line where the Philippine plate meets the Eurasian plate which lies south west of and near to Tokyo, is predicted to have a magnitude in excess of 8 on the Richter scale. The effects of this quake are predicted to be similar to the Tohoku quake, with many densely populated areas experiencing the highest amount of shaking on the Japanese earthquake scale (7) and coastal areas being flooded by tsunami.

The Japanese meteorological agency monitors all seismic activity:

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/00000000095.html

and provides the information for warnings issued to warning systems and smartphone applications, such as the one kindly provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/emergency/safety_tips.html

Signs 2

Sun, 31 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: Most often missed sign on Aoba mountain.

Japanese: あおば山にじてんしゃでゆきときだれもこのサインをみない。

Aobamatsuri

Sat, 16 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: One of the main features of this festival is the sparrow dance. I was told that this dance has over 2000 participants in the streets of Sendai. This dance is said to be created by Aoba castle’s stone masons around 1600.

にほんごで: きょうおまつりにすずめおどりみた。

Glider

Sun, 10 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: One of the university clubs displayed their glider on th e campus in April.

にほんごで: 4月かわうちキャンパスにグライダーあった。

Signs

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: Japanese signs are the politest. Another big advantage is that most of the time one can derive their meaning from the pictures.

日本語で: 日本はサインがおもしろい。このサインのかんじがたいへんだ、でも絵でわかります。

Spring 2

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

さくら！

Japanese: 日本人はさくらが大好き。

えいごで: During the cherry-blossom season the Japanese like to enjoy the flowers, lending a festival like atmosphere to the parks.

Spring

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

さくら！

Coffee 2

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese: このコーヒーのつくりかたおもしろい。

えいごで: Interesting coffee.

Spicy

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

せんしゅう東京にともだちいっしょにこのラーメンたべた。とてもからかった、でもおいしかった。

Chanko-nabe

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: せんしゅう東京へゆった。りょうごくにちゃんこなべをたべた。おなかおおきくなった！すもうとりのたべものですから。

English: During a trip to Tokyo we ate chanko-nabe, which apparently sumo-wrestlers eat to increase their weight. One of these portions serves two. The neighbourhood to eat chanko-nabe is, of course, located near the sumo-stadium.

Miso Soup

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: みそしるおいしい。オランダへいったとき、つくった。

English: When one is visiting outside of Japan you suddenly notice that essentials like miso soup are not available everywhere. Here is my attempt at preparing it when visiting family in the Netherlands.

Note that normally one can use dried bonito flakes in the stock, because I couldn’t find them here I used dried mushrooms instead.

Language 2

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

オランダごで: Het Japanse woordje kirei vertoont een opmerkelijke overeenkomst met het Nederlandse schoon. De twee betekenissen zijn in beide talen gelijk.

Japans: 「きれい」おもしろいことばだ。オランダごではschoon、でもえいごではcleanとbeautiful. つかいかたはにほんごでとオランダごでおなじだ。

Language

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

きょう　うまかたやまんば　よんだ。

みず：water

おゆ：hot water

にえゆ：boiling water

日本人は　にえゆで　やまんばを　ころす。　そうならった。

Today I learned that one kills mountain witches with boiling water.

Curry

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

English: A while ago I mentioned ramen is one of the two great comfort foods of Japan. The other one is the Japanese curry. This dish is part of youshoku, or western style dishes. As opposed to the Indian curries this dish is the Japanese interpretation of the British interpretation of the Indian curry from around the 1900’s . Of course, being in Sendai, this curry contains beef tongue. Another interesting detail is that in Japan any curry is eaten with fork and spoon, not chopsticks.

にほんごで: らーめんとカレーは日本の二大国民食だ。カレーはようしょくだ。このぎゅたんカレースプーンでたべた、はしで　すこしたいへんだったから。ごちそうさま！

New Year

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: あけましておめでとうございます。こ年もよろしくおねがいします。きのうじんじゃへゆった、人はたくさんいた！

English: Happy new year! As per the local costum, I visited the shrine yesterday.

Kyoto 2

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

おもしろかった：たのしかった：

Kyoto

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

こわい：かわい：

English: This week I am in Kyoto for a workshop (indeed, during christmas).

にほんごで: このクリスマス京都にいる。とくべつなワークショップにゆく。

Rabbit

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: 日本にミッフィーがゆうめい。ブルーナディックはオランダにミッフィーの本をかいた。オランダへゆきとき、dick bruna huisをみてください。

English: A somewhat famous Dutch character can be found on many products here, including soup.

Nightview Again

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

もいちど、仙台：

English: Last Saturday morning the aikidoclub had an enbukai. Everyone showed a short demonstration of the techniques we learned in the past year..

にほんごで: 先しゅうの土曜日東北大学学友会合気道部のえんぶかいいった。みなはならうわざをみせた。

Nightview

Sun, 14 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

仙台と月:

Small facts Sunday

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: The weather is getting colder this week, including some snow!

Japanese: こんしゅうてんきがさむくなった、ゆきふった。

Small facts Sunday

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Last weekend we had an autumn training camp at the aikido club, a few days of somewhat more intensive training sessions given by the teacher who is responsible for our dojo. A few students had an exam, the rest of could watch in seiza for a while. Curiously enough the next few days the trainings were a lot less busy than normal.

にほんごで: せんしゅう秋合宿はかたひらキャンパスで先生のけいこだった。しんさをみたとき、あしがねむった。　45分ぐらいせいざにすわっていったから。

Autumn

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: View from 12th floor whilst hurrying to the weekly seminar.

にほんごで: 仙台はあきがうつくしい、でもさむい。

Small observations Sunday

Sun, 09 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

えいごで: The aikido training sessions are the easiest times for putting Japanese into practice, one can just use a few keywords to talk about the exercises. When one does not remember the right words you can easily just explain/be explained by showing. An important phrase during practice is, of course to apologise: shitsureishimashita.

Japanese: あいきどけいことき、はなしはにほんごでだいじょうぶだ。ときどきにほんごでわざをおしえかたをしっていない。そのときみせる。

7月しゃしんをきょうとでとった。

Small observations Sunday

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Speaking of learning Japanese - getting a hair cut may result in hair that is too short.

A great way to exercise katakana (symbols used for emphasis and foreign words) is to go to an Italian restaurant. Today I wondered what oni onringu are until I noticed I was reading the space in the wrong place.

にほんごで: にほんごでかみをきりにバーバーへいった。かみがすこしみじかくなった、でもよい。

イタリアのレストランへゆくとき、いつもかたかなをれんしゅうする。「オニオンリング」のよみかたは「おに　おんりんぐ」ない、でも「おにおん　りんぐ」。そうならいました。

Wildlife

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Keep Learning

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: ほんのはなしはふたつおなじだ。でも、ちいさなほんをよんでいるとき、ことばがとうわからなかった。おおきのほんのなかでは百ぐらいだった。もちをたべるはからだによい。そうならいました。

English: The small book contained 10 new words, the big one about a hundred. The story of both books is the same: an old man discovers that his house-rat loses to the rich neighbour’s house rat. The old couple decide to give some nutricious mochi to their rat, giving him enough energy to win the next day. When the poor man’s house rat is nice enough to give some mochi to the neighbouring rat the old couple also give each rat a beautiful mawashi. The neighbouring rat is so grateful that he brings some gold coins to the poor couple.

Drill

Sun, 12 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: This week we had an earthquake drill at the university. The cookies can also be used to test the helmet.

にほんごで: こんしゅうだいがくにじしんくんれんあった。

Some More Rain

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: It seems that there will be some more rain this weekend.

にほんごで: あめとかぜがすこしちかづいている。

Small facts Monday

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Again, some rain.

にほんごで: もういちど、たいふう！

Hiroshima

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: A short visit to Hiroshima for a conference.

にほんごで: ひろしまへいきました。

ひろしまだいがく, Hiroshima University

Gardens 2

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Guess which garden does not belong in this list.

にほんごで: にわのしゃしん。どれはべつのですか。あててください。

Nederlands: Raadseltje: welke van de volgende tuinen horen niet in het rijtje thuis?

Rain

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

みちは

かわのよう

あめのみずが

ありました

Okashi

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Japanese traditional sweets are somewhat unusual. Many of them are some variant of mochi, a ball made from pound rice or rice flower.

Onigiri

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: The greatest invention since sliced bread is the onigiri, a rice ball which is wrapped in nori. Each of them contains a small portion of fish, chicken, sour plumb or konbu.

にほんごで: おにぎりおいしかった。ごはんのなかは　さけ、チキン、うめぼし、こんぶ　があります。

Nederlands: Een van de beste vindingen hier is de onigiri, een balletje rijst gewikkeld in nori, gevuld met vis, kip, zure pruim, konbu, … .

Nishimonai

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: ともだちはいっしょににしもないぼんおどりをみるにゆきました。たのしかった。

English: Someone was kind enough to take me to the Nishimonai Bon Odori.

Puzzle

Sun, 10 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Sometimes some surprisingly horrible things may happen in children’s stories - I just read about a poor sparrow whose tongue was cut by an old woman for eating her nori. Strange enough the sparrow can still talk after this.

にほんごで:　したきりのはなしをよんでいる。ばあさはすずめのしたをきった。むごいね。でもするとすずめははなすことができます。どうそうする？

Tanabata Festival

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

おまつり！

Small facts Sunday

Sun, 03 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: With the summer the cicadas have also arrived. Their song when arriving and leaving the university is strangely comforting.

Automated translation websites have a high amusement value, but are of little help with reading Japanese text.

In many places one can see little statues adorned with bibs. These Jizou statues are protectors of travellers and children. One of the books in the picture in the previous post has them on the cover; A poor hat-maker, after an unlucky day not being able to sell his hats, gives the hats to the jizou to protect them from the snow. Later they leave rice, miso and fish at his door so he can properly celebrate the new year.

にほんごで: いまセミある。おとはよい。

にほんのはなしはグーグルtranslateでたのし、でもつかいことができない。

にほんはじぞうがたくさんある。かさじぞうのはなしはおもしろい。じいさんはじぞうにかさをくれた、ゆきがふっていたから。そうしてじいさんはじぞうにごはんとみそとしょうがつさかなをもらいました。じいとばあはうれしかった。

じぞうたいせつですね。そうならいました。

Books

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: New study material.

にほんごで: れんしゅうにあたらしほん。

Nederlands: Nieuw oefenmateriaal.

Weather

Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Yellow = Advisories, Red = Warnings, Typhoon season has started! Small detail: Sendai is in one of the grey areas.

:にほんごで: たいふう!

Konbini

Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: にほんのコンビにが４まんあります。コンビにがべんり。たべものとのみものある、そしてコンビにでコピすることとデリベリすることができます。よむひとがたくさんいます。インターネットでかうたかいものをげんきんではいりにいきます。

いまももとみかんとチェリーある。いただきます！

ももたろうよんだ。はなしはちょっとたいへんだった、でもたのし。

English: One of the many things making life in Japan easier are the more than 40000 convenience stores. Not only do these shops sell food (onigiri, bento, salad, fruit, drinks) they also provide, among other things, copying service, photo printing, mail delivery and payment services. One can, for example, pay an intercontinental flight ticket at the counter using cash at midnight. Many of the locals also use the shops to pass some idle minutes reading the magazines.

A few weeks ago was the time to enjoy the cherry blossom season. Now is the time to enjoy the resulting cherries.

Little facts Sunday

Sun, 22 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: There is a manga museum in Kyoto!

At the final stop in Tokyo the shinkansen (bullet trains) wait for twelve minutes before departing again, three minutes for the passengers to get out, seven minutes for cleaning, two minutes for the new passengers to board. Often the teams of 22 cleaners per train have to wait for the disembarking passengers, leaving them less than five minutes to deliver a cleaned train.

にほんごで: きょうとにまんがミュージアムがあります！

しんかんせんはとうきょうへ１２分まちます。しんかんせんが7分まできれいになる！

Nederlands: Er is een manga museum in Kyoto!

Bij het eindpunt, in Tokyo, blijven de shinkansen twaalf minuten wachten. Drie minuten om uit te stappen, zeven voor de schoonmaak en twee om in te stappen. Vaak zorgen de trage uitstappers ervoor dat de teams van 22 schoonmakers per trein deze in minder dan vijf minuten schoon achterlaten.

Parfait and Kyoto

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: One of the Great Japanese inventions: green tea icecream with red beans.

にほんごで: まちゃパフェ、おいしかったです！

Tourism

Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Interesting Shoes

Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Schoenen voor in de sneeuw.

English: Apparently these shoes are great for walking on ice/snow.

にほんごで: このくつはゆきのなかでべんり。

Asakusa in the Dark

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Coffee

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: Some Japanese people do take their coffee very seriously. There are lots of coffee shops in Tokyo serving excellent coffee.

にほんごで: とうきょうはたくさんコーヒショっプがある。うまい！　あついあるときicedでいい。

Kachikachi 2

Thu, 22 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Geheel gemist bij het voor het eerst lezen: het wasbeertje weet niet alleen de oude vrouw een flinke mep te geven, hij maakt er ook nog eens oude-vrouwtjessoep van om aan de man te voeren.

English: Completely missed this while reading the story for the first time: the raccoon not only hits the old woman, he also makes her into a soup and feeds her to the husband.

にほんごで: じいさま、じいさま、じるをたべないで！

Gardens, Food and Zoo in Tokyo

Mon, 19 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Kachikachi

Sun, 11 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Zinnige lectuur voor als je begint met lezen. Moraal van dit verhaal is dat in Japan wasberen slecht, konijnen fantastisch en schattige beestjes eng zijn. Nu nog precies lezen wat het verhaal is…

English: Stories for children are great for learning a language. I gather from this story that in Japan the raccoons are bad, the rabbits are great and that cute animals are scary. Now I still have to check what happened precisely…

にほんごで: べんきょうにむかしばなしがよい。にほんのたぬきわるい。にほんのうさぎすごい。にほんのかわいいどうぶつこわい。そうならいました。

Spring 3

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

たのしいね。

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Spring 2

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Spring

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Sunset

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Small observations Sunday 10

Sun, 06 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: This week the new fiscal hence academic year has started. Old faces are missing and new ones arrived. The university itself is getting busier again, with the new students filling the buses.

Small observations Monday

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Hoe gebruik te maken van het publieke transport in Tokio: zoek van te voren uit hoe ergens te komen. Zo kunt u snel, doch niet gehaast, resoluut de juiste trein/metro pakken. Als je eenmaal de juiste snelheid te pakken hebt is overstappen hier bijna meditatief. Bijkomend voordeel is de lagere kans op botsingen met de medemens.

Over de treinen gesproken; die filmpjes met mensen die in de metro gepropt worden zijn niet overdreven. Het meest indrukkwekkende is nog wel dat de trein die vijf minuten later komt even vol is, enzovoorts.

English: How to use public transport in Tokyo: find out which trains to take beforehand, so you can decisively take the right ones. Once you have found the right Tokyo-speed, changing trains is almost a meditative experience. As an added bonus you will be colliding much less with the other voyagers.

About the trains, they are sometimes just as busy as certain films suggest. More impressive is the fact that the next train, which departs five minutes later is just as full.

にほんごで: とうきょうはでんしゃのつかいかたがはやい。ときどきとてもにぎやかですそしていっぱいですから。えいがのような! とうきょうはしんせつすることできるじかんがないひとあります。ざんえんです。

Pigeons

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Deze week weer enkel in het Engels.

にほんごで: こんしゅはなしはにほんごですこしむずかしから。にほんごでありません。

English: The past few weeks there have been many mentions of the pigeon hole principle at work. First, for fun, I put it in my science dialogue slides. Then one of the Belgian guest mentioned it, after that it got mentioned several times in the workshop.

We start with the simple question on what happens if you put ten pigeons into 9 holes:

Workshop

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Afgelopen week was er de CTFM2014 workshop in Tokio. Een mooie gelegenheid om oude bekenden tegen te komen en nieuwe kennissen op te doen. De logica onderzoekers in Japan vormen een levendige gemeenschap. Het enthousiasme werkt dan ook zeer aanstekelijk op de internationale gasten. De focus op een een beperkt aantal onderwerpen heeft, denk ik, geholpen dat het aantal interessante presentaties hoog was. De ontspannen sfeer zorgde ervoor dat de jongere onderzoekers zich vrij genoeg voelden om te communiceren met internationale onderzoekers.

English: The past week I was in Tokyo for the CTFM2014 workshop. This was a good opportunity to meet old acquaintances and make new ones. The logic researchers in Japan form a lively community. Their enthusiasm has also been noticed by the international guests, many of whom are regular visitors now. the focus on a limit number of subjects has helped keep the number of interesting talks high. The relaxed atmosphere helped the younger researchers feel confident enough to approach the international guests.

にほんごで: こんしゅうとうきょうへworkshopにいきた。たくさんけんきゅういんあった。にほんのけんきゅうしゃはねっしんだから、このworkshopはがいこくじんけんきゅいんがきています。プレゼンテーションはよかった。とうきょうへくるゆうめいなけんきゅうしゃもそうおもいました。おつかれさまでした！

Science Dialogue

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

English: The previous Friday I was invited to give a lecture at a high school in Yokote, Akita prefecture for the JSPS science dialogue programme. Yokote itself is a two and a half hour train ride from Sendai and was covered in a two meter snow layer. Luckily one of the restaurants serving the famous Yokote-yakisoba noodles was very near to the station.

History

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

This post is English only.

このはなしがえいごであります。

Deze post is enkel in het Engels.

(David Hilbert, source: wikipedia)

Small observations Sunday 9

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: いつもこちらでせんだいをみることができました。

Nederlands: Normaal gesproken zie je van hieruit Sendai tussen de bomen door.

English: Usually one can see Sendai from this position.

Small observations Sunday 8

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: De definitieve versie van de kaartjes. We hebben er wel een avondje voor moeten overwerken. De blaadjes zijn het logo van de universiteit.

Binnenkort heb ik een examen Japans, ik moet nog veel oefenen!

English: The finished business cards. We did have to spend some time to get them on paper. The leaves are the university logo.

Soon I will have a Japanese language test, I still have to practice a lot!

にほんごで: かようびめいしがおわったと、11じまではたらきました。サークルはだいがくのロゴです。

にげつにほんごのテストがありますから。たくさんれんしゅうしなければなりません。

Small observations Sunday 7

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: In Japan heeft men een visitekaartje. Bij eerdere bezoeken heb ik al gemerkt dat het een goede indruk achter laat. Helemaal als er ook nog een fantastische Japanse vinding in zit: de qr-code. Zelfs in Japan is deze code nog een zeldzaamheid in het visitekaartje.

Small observations Sunday 6

Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

にほんごで: きょうひざがいたいです。きのうあいきどはたくさんすわりわざでした、そしてたたみがつめたいでしたから。

きんようびプレゼンテーションをしました。あたらしスライドをかきました。

あしたはせいじんのひです。

Nederlands: Koude mat + suwariwaza = zere knieën. Het wondermiddel dat hier in de matten gestopt wordt zodat seiza en suwariwaza een stuk makkelijker gaan is met de kou uitgewerkt.

Vrijdag heb ik de eerste presentatie van het jaar gegeven, dit was meteen een mooie gelegenheid om de opmaak van mijn slides eens te verfrissen.

Morgen is weer een feestdag: coming of age day.

English: Cold tatami + suwariwaza = hurt knees. The magic pixie dust they put in the tatami here does not seem to work in cold weather.

Last Friday I gave the first talk of the year. A good opportunity to refresh the layout for my slides.

Tomorrow we have another holiday: coming of age day.

Small observations Sunday 5

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Orientation

Sun, 29 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

English: For Christmas I was invited to Tokyo by the JSPS for a three day orientation. The orientation included a series of lectures on Japanese customs, research in Japan, a Japanese language class, some excursions and a Christmas reception. This also provided a good opportunity to compare notes with other JSPS postdoctoral fellows. I was very surprised to hear that very few of them are following language classes, so I am very happy now to have been thrown in within a week of arriving in Japan.

Small observations Sunday 4

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Wiskundigen worden soms wel machines genoemd die dit:

naar dit omzetten:

Illumination and Snow

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

English: Cold, snow and lights.

Nederlands: Kou, sneeuw en lampjes.

にほんご： さむいです。ゆきがふっています。きれいイルミネーションあります。

Soba

Sat, 07 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

English: The student restaurant also has a noodle kitchen! They serve ramen, udon and soba. The lady behind the counter sounded quite surprised when I ordered this soba (buckwheat) dish. I cannot imagine why.

Nederlands: De studenten hier kunnen ook gewoon bij een noedel keuken terecht! Ze serveren ramen, udon, en soba. De dame achter de kassa klonk verbaasd dat ik bovenstaande kom soba (boekweit) bestelde. Ik vraag me nog steeds af waarom.

**にほんごで：**だいがくのしょくどうにヌードルレストランがあります。らーめんとうどんとそばがあります。そばをかいました。レストランのひとはおどろきました。どうして？

On the Tatami

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: De training hier is iets formeler dan wat ik gewend was. Zo wordt er vaker gebogen, met een onegaishimasu bij het wisselen van de rollen. De senpai doet de oefening vier maal in stilte voor, benoemt de techniek, men buigt naar elkaar en begint de oefening. Een mooi staaltje van welgemanierdheid is het volgende.

Small observations sunday 3

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Uiteraard is het maken van fouten een vast onderdeel van het leven als buitenstaander, maar alsjeblieft mensen, als je op bezoek komt in Japan zorg ervoor dat je:

niet voordringt

Small observations Sunday

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nederlands: Ik krijg eindelijk het gevoel dat er iets blijft hangen van de Japanse les: ik kon gisteren opeens, zeer sluw, de tekst おかわり¥50引き lezen. Met deze vergaarde kennis kon ik mijn tweede kopje koffie met 50 yen korting bijbestellen.

Een nuttige zin hier is … wa nihongo de nan deska. (Wat is … in het Japans?)

Miscellaneous 2

Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

English: Apparently the Tohoku Golden Eagles have recently won the baseball national championship for the first time. Many shops have special offers and the staff are wearing shirts commemorating this event. People were photographing this banner, so I also took a picture. I obviously need to brush up on my non-existent knowledge of baseball as one of my hosts is also a big fan.

I have just been told that my favourite noodle restaurant is also the oldest one in town. Most of the time there is a long queue in front and all eight seats are taken. The only downside of this restaurant is that you feel a light pressure to hurry eating the hot noodles, so there is always the danger of burning your tongue.

My name in Japanese writing is: ぺルぺッシー　フロリャン。

Nederlands

De Tohoku Golden Eagles hebben recent de nationale titel voor baseball binnengesleept. Veel volk nam een foto van bovenstaande, dus heb ik dat ook maar gedaan. Winkels hebben ook speciale acties en het personeel draagt speciale shirtjes om dit te vieren. Ik moet duidelijk mijn niet-bestaande kennis van baseball bijspijkeren aangezien een van mijn gastheren ook een fan is.

Ik heb uit betrouwbare bron vernomen dat mijn favoriete noedel-restaurant ook de oudste in de stad is. Meestal zijn alle acht plaatsen bezet en staat er een lange rij mensen voor de ingang te wachten. Het enige nadeel is dus dat je een lichte druk voelt om de gloeiend hete noedels te snel op te eten. Hard slurpen koelt ze gelukkig goed af, maar het blijft lastig om er je tong niet te branden.

Mijn naam in het Japanse schrift is: ぺルぺッシー　フロリャン。

Festival

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Laundry

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

English

Everyday actions get interesting if you do not know the language of a country. For example, losing the ticket for the bus increases embarrassment exponentially or one may have the irrational fear of accidentally pushing a button for the natto special at a noodle restaurant. Case in point: The laundry machine at my apartment. Luckily with modern technology and Japanese colleagues using such a machine is only a matter of semi-random button presses. Which brings me to my main fear: I happen to like colourful shirts. Naturally I do not want to buy a detergent which may contain bleach. Some advice (Iro ochi shinai) and research later a solution is surprisingly simple: find a shop which has detergents with English words such as color on the package or, even better, a brand which one knows from the previous home.

Nederlands

De normaalste handelingen worden interessant als je er een vreemde taal doorroert. Wat te doen als je een buskaartje kwijt bent of als je de angst hebt om in een noedel restaurant per ongeluk knop in te drukken voor de natto van de dag? Ander voorbeeld: De wasmachine. Gelukkig heeft men tegenwoordig het grote archief met alle waarheden (internet) en Japanse collegae in de buurt, dus het bedienen van zo een apparaat is slechts een kwestie van een semi-willekeurige bewerking van de knoppen. Dat brengt ons bij het volgende probleem: welk wasmiddel? Ik had net een lading mooi gekleurde bloezen in huis gehaald, dus ik wil uiteraard geen Japanse versie van wast witter dan wit. Na het inwinnen van adviezen (Iro ochi shinai) blijkt er een verrassend eenvoudige oplossing te zijn: een wasmiddel met Engelse woorden als color op de verpakking of, nog veel beter, het merk wat ik al van het oude thuis kende.

Miscellaneous

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dutch:

Een zeer interessante gewoonte hier is om, in plaats van een handtekening, een stempel te gebruiken. Dit kan een goedkope lopende-band productie zijn. Met een buitenlandse naam is het uiteraard lastig om een gefabriceerde versie te verkrijgen, bovendien is het zeer de moeite waard om een mooie stempel te laten maken. Het heeft in ieder geval bij het bankpersoneel een goede indruk achter gelaten.

Er zijn plezierigere zaken dan in de nacht wakker geschud te worden door een aardbeving. Gelukkig was het er een van 7.1, fors maar niet abnormaal voor deze regionen.

De specialiteit van Sendai is koeientong, geroosterd, gekookt of in de soep. Zeer smakelijk.

English:

In Japan people often still use a seal instead of a signature. This can be a mass-produced one. Of course, it is rather difficult to get a mass produced seal with a foreign name. Additionally getting a hand-made one is very much worth the extra effort. At least it left a good impression with the people at the bank.

Being shaken awake at night by an earthquake is quite unpleasant, even if it is only one of 7.1. Apparently these quakes are still the aftershocks of the big one of 2011.

The Sendai speciality is beef tongue, roasted, boiled or in soup. It is very tasty.

The raw beef tongue is dipped in the boiling stock.

People Can Find Me Mow

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday a new magnet was delivered to my office door.

Arrival

Sat, 19 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dutch:

Het was een aangename vlucht, met een van de nieuwe toestellen in de ANA-vloot met de laatste technische snufjes. Er waren zelfs moderne Japanse toiletten aan boord.

Eenmaal aangekomen beginnen, uiteraard, de praktische zaken weer. Gelukkig zijn de meeste zaken geregeld door mijn gastheren, dus waren er tot nu toe alleen wat handtekeningen nodig. Het moeilijkste, inschrijven in de gemeente en het openen van een bankrekening, moet nog komen en zal ik, onder begeleiding, wel zelf moeten doen. Inkopen doen lukt al aardig met hand- en voetwerk maar ik zal toch wel blij zijn met de Japanse lessen waar ik binnenkort mee begin.

English:

The flight was very comfortable, with one of the new planes in the ANA-fleet which had the latest in modern comforts, including modern Japanese toilets.

Once arrived practical matters recommence. Most paperwork has been arranged by my hosts so for now they only needed my signature. The most difficult bits, registering at the municipality and opening a bank account still have to be done. I am glad that I will be accompanied by one of my colleagues. Even shopping is still somewhat of an adventure, so I am looking forwards to my Japanese lessons.

In Transit

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The bags have been packed, the goodbyes have been said. In a day I will finally be saying hello instead of goodbye. For the moment I can enjoy the quiet. After arrival there will be some practical matters to arrange and I have already been asked to give a talk next Friday, not to mention this thing called research. This is a great way in which to welcome a researcher!

De koffers zijn gepakt en het afscheid genomen. Nog één dag en ik kan eindelijk weer eens hallo zeggen in plaats van vaarwel. Voor nu kan ik nog genieten van de rust. Na aankomst zal ik nog wat praktische zaken moeten regelen en er is mij al gevraagd volgende vrijdag een praatje te geven, om maar te zwijgen over onderzoek. De manier om een onderzoeker te ontvangen!

Kippenvleugeltjes

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

De meeste Japanse recepten die ik tot nu toe heb uitgeprobeerd mislukken zodra de instructies niet minitieus opgevolgd worden. Deze vleugeltjes zijn daar minder gevoelig voor. Het originele recept kan ik niet meer terug vinden, dus de kans is groot dat de hoeveelheden niet meer kloppen.

De kip: De vleugeltjes invetten met zonnebloemolie, zout&(cajun)peper en een scheutje sake of shochu als je daar zin in hebt. Eventueel een tijdje laten marineren. Een uurtje in de voorverwarmde oven op 200+ graden. Let op dat je niet te veel zout gebruikt, omdat de saus door de sojasaus ook gezouten zal zijn.

De saus: In een koekenpannetje sesamzaadjes (zeg maar een eetlepel of 2) roosteren in een beetje olie. Voeg toe een kopje sojasaus, een scheut mirin, een scheutje rijstazijn, een theelepeltje sesamolie, een flinke eetlepel honing en, als je ervan houdt, wat gesnipperde spaanse pepertjes of een eetlepeltje sambal. Laat een klein beetje inkoken en proef voorzichtig of alles naar smaak is. Let bij deze laatste stap goed op dat je je mond niet brandt.

De mix: Roer de geroosterde vleugeltjes en de hete saus door elkaar in een kom, zorg ervoor dat alle vleugeltjes royaal bedekt zijn door de saus.

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Sun, 06 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

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