Myalgia And Arthralgia After Dengue Fever

step on the road to Hakone Tokaido

The view of Mount Fuji from Lake Hakone is one of the postcards from Japan. Like any tourist, Hakone obviously has its excesses, and those who waited two hours to board the cable car in bad memories, especially if their reward was a breathtaking view of ... the clouds that hid the famous volcano. Yet, if one avoids the crowds short periods, and if time is of the game, Hakone is an unforgettable trip to one hour by train from Tokyo: the volcanic activity, beautiful scenery and pleasant hiking you will forget a few moments of agitation Tokyo. You can also stop in Hakone to complete a trip to Japan centered on the Kanto (Tokyo area). This probably also include a stop at Nikko at Kamakura in mountains and the Izu Peninsula .

Hakone The merits are indisputable, but the trip from Tokyo is also interesting. The "Romance Car", a special unit of the private Odakyu, actually offer a few places with panoramic views across the front of the train, because the cab is raised. As the train crosses the entire suburb Tokyoite since the great center of Shinjuku is one of the best glimpses of the city. Since the towers, houses are becoming less dense, and activity gathers around stations. The fields appear first lost between houses, then become the majority, are emerging and the typical Japanese countryside with its rice fields never far away from home. After crossing some hills, you arrive in the small town of Matsuda (松田) and Odawara (小田原), before rising a long valley to the resort of Hakone Yumoto onsen (箱根 汤 本).

Hakone Yumoto Station is a large onsen chic enough from where the train line Hakone Tozan-(箱根 当 山). Budget travelers will appreciate the comfortable " Classic Hotel " Fujiya near the station Miyanoshita (宮ノ下 駅), who is also a great place for just a drink or buy the excellent curry-sided, one of the best in Japan. The place is quieter than Hakone-Yumoto. Gora Station (强 罗 駅), on top of the line Hakone Tozan Train-is also a good place to enjoy onsens. There are many isolated hamlets with one or two institutions for those who prefer to be surrounded by quiet nature. If you do enough, the Izu Peninsula is just minutes by train from Odawara, especially the resort of Atami, who is back in fashion.

Hakone The site is located in the collapsed crater of a volcano, a "caldera" of which the lake occupies the lowest place. The last eruption took place 3000 years ago, and formed the Lake Ashinoko and Valley Owakudani. From Hakone Yumoto and Lake Ashiko, the site of Owakudani (大 涌 谷) has an air gate of hell. Sulphurous fumaroles emerge, and many hot springs. As we are in Japan, a special dish was invented for the place: the black eggs, or "kurotamago (黒 玉 子), boiled in volcanic fumaroles. They are expected prolonged life of seven years if consumed in moderation, a custom handy to increase sales. The site is reached by the funicular and the cable car from Gora.

It comes mainly in Hakone for the superb views of Mount Fuji. These are most impressive from the end of the autumn and early spring when the mountain is still snow and the air clear enough to see the volcano. One of the nicest places is a park located on the site of a former imperial palace (Onshi-Hakone, 恩赐 箱根) between Moto-Hakone (元 箱根) and Hakone-machi (箱根 町). If one follows the usual tourist itinerary, you can reach Moto-Hakone by boat from the terminus of the cableway Togendai (桃源 台). The traveler will be lenient with the presence of a reproduction of a French ship of the line or a vapor of the Mississippi, and remember that eclecticism is also a central element of Japanese culture.

Once at Moto-Hakone, you reach this small peninsula of Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖) per 15 minutes walk from Moto-Hakone in a pleasant driveway lined with pine trees of the old historic route along Lake. Near the park towards Hakone-machi is the old border post Hakone (HakoneSekisho, 箱根 关 所) it marked the entry of the Kanto region (literally east doors), and could not be crossed without permission. The control of travel, especially lords, was one of the bases of power ShogunTokugawa, who thus secured the permanent presence of hostages from all clans in the city of Tokyo to ensure civil peace.

From Moto-Hakone, a nice walk is the old Tokaido Road or Kyukaido (旧 街道), which can reach a path downhill, Hakone Yumoto Station. Like many hikes in Japan, she can enjoy the forests that cover sides of this narrow valley. Good hiking shoes are required. The narrowness of the road was the main highway of Japan's Edo era (17th to 19th century) is surprising, but it must be remembered that the old roads, such as Roman roads, were in no economic axes : trade was by sea or inland waterways, road transport is too expensive, so it was reserved for passenger and troop movements. On the way, after you meet the one hour walk-Amasake Chaya (甘 酒 茶屋) which offers a warm welcome sake, and a small museum showing the old Tokaido Road. After 45 more minutes, you reach the small village of Hatajuku (幡 宿), whose specialty is the wooden box, available of course in many souvenir shops. It is possible to continue his journey to Hakone Yumoto, or take the bus from the village. The complete start up Hakone Yumoto takes a good half day.

Practical Information

The Romance Car cost 2020 Yen (15 Euro) from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto, with about one train every 30 minutes. A free pass provides the route since Tokyo and unlimited travel in the region of Hakone to non-residents. The price is 5000 Yen (38 Euro) for two days and 5500 Yen (42 Euro). The English website of the company provides detailed information in English: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/rc/index.html

The tourist route from Hakone Yumoto includes the train from Hakone-Yumoto HakoneTozan Gora at (390 yen one way), then the Hakone Tozan Cable Car up-Sounzan (早 云山), then the cable car (Hakone Ropeway, 箱根 ロープ ウェイ) to Togendai (桃源 台) (1330 Yen (10 Euros) each way, 2340 yen (18 euro) round trip).

Although funicular enjoyable, more convenient to reach the motor-Hakone bus is 40 minutes from Hakone Yumoto (price 930 yen (7 Euros)).

It is best to avoid the summer, where Mount Fuji will certainly be invisible, and it's busy during the holidays Japanese Golden week between April 28 and May 5 about, and leave late year around January 1.

The following map on the website of the Japanese tourist office is very convenient: http://www.tourisme-japon.fr/explorer/destinations/pdf/tokyo2-fuji-hakone.pdf

Secret Japan
The site offers many tips and addresses of the onsen area: http://www.secret-japan.com/forum/hakone- (Kanagawa-ken)-t18.html

The official site of Hakone onsen are 17 sources listed ( http://www.hakone.or.jp/english/midokoro/onsen.html )

The print is displayed after the series of 53 stations Tokaido (东海 道 五十 三次) by Utagawa Hiroshige (歌 川 広 重)

You can continue your reading and your trip with the following articles on the "Classic Hotels , the and Onsen Izu Peninsula .

Power Rangers Yaoi Fanfic

Merry Christmas 2008

I wish all readers of this blog and their families a very Merry Christmas. I hope you have a good time surrounded by loved ones, away from the small worries and inquétudes of the time.

The photo was taken at Ryoanji (竜 安 寺) in Kyoto during a clearing after a snowfall. The temple is known for its rock garden, which takes a surprising appearance in a white coat.

Recent Readers may wish continue reading this article by last year on the holidays of years in Japan.

Penis Size What Is The Toilet Roll Test

In couples with a spouse Nikko Japanese

A stay abroad often makes them more vulnerable. Whether you are a student or expatriate, travel is a good time for a meeting. They seem more frequent among European men and Japanese women. That may be because Japan Atira rather French men, and Europe is rather appeal to Japanese women. Perhaps also that European men and Japanese women, accustomed to the active role of the courtship, will more easily initiative. It seems in any case that the early stories easier abroad. The charm of the unknown, the interest to discover even the most insignificant details of daily life in the country, often a journey that has been idealized before departure, and it must be said, less acute in estimate the beauty of a person of another "color" makes it all the blindness in love even more intense than in a normal relationship. However, if the beginnings are often easier, married life abroad is not easy to organize. This article brings together some modest advice.

Respect

Each couple requires mutual respect. But here, the temptation is to establish a hierarchy between the two countries: the French are inclined to despise the Japanese cities of chaotic planning, hard work at times ineffective, and the peculiarities of Japanese policy. The Japanese look down on the trains in France strike, dog droppings, and the waiter who does not smile. These behaviors are often very dangerous in a couple, even if one is aware of the limits of his country, we do not receive lessons from a étranger. Et toute tentative de mettre une hiérarchie entre les deux pays sera vite vue comme la volonté de mettre la même hiérarchie dans le couple. Il convient en particulier d’être très prudent sur les informations que l’on recueille sur le pays de son conjoint dans les forums internets, blogs, et sites spécialités pour les expatriés : il existe, en particulier sur les sites occidentaux, des interprétations discutables de la vie au Japon, avec souvent des raccourcis très hatifs. Certains faits divers rares sont parfois interprêtés comme des évènements normaux.

Il est beaucoup plus sage de proclamer une fois pour toute l’égalité entre deux pays au living standards also quite comparable. This does not of course have fun with affection and humor to the typical foibles of one country or another, and even rejoice to be confronted, because it is part of the charm of the trip: a brasserie Paris needs a server a little rough, like a Japanese train line needs a little red flag officer at the end of the dock to make the experience complete.

It is also essential to respect the efforts of the Joint uprooted to adapt to his new life: it is never an easy experience, and there will necessarily flicks of blues. These are excellent times to prove his devotion to her husband by giving him comfort and listening. On the contrary, if the person feels that his difficulty the blues is seen by his spouse as an obstacle that prevents it from watching the soccer game or go out with her friends at the last restaurant's fashionable Daikanyama, it does reinforce not mutual affection.

The place of life

A relationship is made trust between spouses, but also the choice of a shared way of life acceptable to both people. In the above case, the difficulties are more important: the choice of place of residence often want to say one partner sacrifices his career. At least one spouse will be away from his family, products and culture of his country. Internet allows free calls and access to newspapers in the country of origin, but this does not solve everything. He must have lived several years abroad to understand this strong need for a dish which we are accustomed since childhood and found on the spot: despite the excellent Japanese food, after a year without returning to France, I willingly exchanged a diamond against a good Lyon sausages. I think So it is important to discuss with your spouse the kind of life that we consider for the future, move to another country is never a trivial matter, and often the spouse who "play at home" will not realize the difficulties, especially if he has ever attempted to integrate into the world. A good compromise is probably the project of living, according to the circumstances in one country or another. This reduces the pressure on the expatriate spouse to adapt at all costs. And expatriation will be much easier if the spouse concerned at the base, an interest in the country where he will live.

Japan is a very urban. It certainly has drawbacks, trains crowded with cramped apartments. However, these cities are also very much alive with shops open all hours, entertainment and various cultural activities, restaurants and often many excellent shops at the forefront of fashion, all this is available at some subway stations. If a Japanese large cities (Tokyo, Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto, but Nagoya, Hiroshima or Fukuoka same) comes to France he often found the same activity as in Paris, and perhaps marginally in Marseille Lyon and Toulouse. Installation in a provincial town may be a shock for some Japanese. It may be even more true in the U.S., where the lives of "suburbs" is so far from that of Japan, despite a great comfort.

Money

A return to the country will cost more than a thousand euros for the joint away from his family, and it can often be organized as far in advance. Local products and books in the mother tongue will be harder to find and often expensive. It is so unusual to pay between 10 and 15 Euros for a Japanese magazine in Paris, and it will be found even in major provincial cities. The Japanese who settled in France are also accustomed to safe neighborhoods, clean and high quality service. They often adapt better to the pleasant neighborhoods of downtown as banlieues, and enjoy the upscale shops. In the other direction, a French accustomed to the quality of life of the French province will feel probably more comfortable in cozy neighborhoods of Tokyo. All of this is that some will do much to ease financial integration. Especially since many young Japanese still live with their parents and use their wages (often around 1500 Euros) as pocket money if they go abroad, unless they or their spouses have been an exceptional situation, their purchasing power will be significantly reduced. It is highly recommended to estimate the couple's financial situation, and lifestyle that can be done, and to share it before taking irreversible decisions, such as a facility in France or Japan.

Some practical details, like the combination of pensions from both countries should be studied in detail. A double contribution was indeed extremely costly, and could represent 20% less purchasing power. Since the pension agreement between France and Japan signed in 2005 and came into effect in 2007, the situation is simpler. Job opportunities in Japan for Europeans, however, must be studied with realistic: Even with a working framework for a multinational in Europe, it is not always possible to find a good position in the Japanese subsidiary of the group. And it's the best case: many foreigners can not claim that low paid and precarious position of professor of conversation. It's probably a good second income in a couple but very fair to maintain a family.

Marriage

Whatever one thinks of couples in long-course that refuse to marry, French and Japanese laws on immigration are often such that it is becoming mandatory at a time to marry to be able to live together. In some cases, only the tourist visa (3 months, renewable every six months in France) is available to non-married spouse to visit. This is not the only reason a spouse who is leaving his country can feel more comfortable if they have legal certainty in relation to the couple. In addition, common law did not enter the mores in Japan. The wedding will be an almost obligatory step, and maybe it will happen sooner than we would ideally like. It is very rare that cons Japanese families accept a marriage when European man was still a student, because they believe that situation has not and can not provide adequately for the new home. Similarly, Japanese girls often want to work a few years in Japan after completing their education before marrying and possibly to follow their husbands at home. Some also believe that families are more accepting of their spouses children when they approach their thirties because they think it's perhaps the last chance to "marry in time," and they are more ready to accept the sacrifices of the situation. All this means that couples with a higher education seem to make this step easier after 25 years before. It is moreover not specific to mixed couples.

Languages

Between writing terrifying and absurd grammar, Japanese and French are among the most complicated languages to learn. Some international couples begin to speak in English, others in French or Japanese, one spouse has learned during his studies. The truth is that learning a language as an adult and working life is difficult for many. But it is a joint effort to which the non-bilingual must pay the utmost importance: only a reasonable mastery of the language of the spouse for both partners enables good communication with their respective families, and it certainly helps to integrate into each countries. When you have an intense professional life, there is often not the courage to plunge about 10 pm in a list of kanji or conjugations of the third group. A small sabbatical leave of 3 or 6 months for study in the country language the spouse may be a good idea.

differences in lifestyle

Some explain the difficulties of international couples to differences in complex cultures, associated with very different philosophies between paganism and Christianity. That may be true, but I think that we should not neglect the more practical aspects of differences in lifestyles. You have to decide if we remove shoes at home (Japanese style) or if they are kept (French fashion). The shower is also in the evening (in Japan) or morning (in France). Japanese women return to their family for the end of their pregnancy, while they remain in the marital home in France. Eating habits are also different. Women manage the money the couple all alone in Japan, so it's more a common decision in France. Holidays are short and luxury in Japan, so they are long and often en famille in the country for a month in France. Races are run every day in Japan, so we went to the supermarket to the cart week in France. Good beef is lean in France as she is fat in Japan. Finally, perhaps most importantly, the Japanese do not like the unexpected, and appreciate that a timetable be set in advance, but cancellations and delays on the day. This last point seems to be one of those that are maddening as spouses of Japanese français.Tous these subjects are of varying importance that we need to find a common way of life, which in some respects, surprisingly one of the spouses. Again, a compromise is probably the best solution, it is preferable to talk about the most sensitive issues before a permanent settlement.

These lines may have convinced a couple internationally is not trivial. Share another culture is a great experience, but the constraints generated are also important. An open and frank dialogue is essential to the success of the couple. This will anticipate problems to overcome them and establish a compromise acceptable to both spouses.

Useful

This excellent blog post "The river duck" explains the pension agreement signed between France and Japan.

Previous papers of this blog dealing with couples in Japan , of administrative procedures for the arrival of a Japanese spouse in France, and expatriate life in Japan .

I propose to complete my book with your experiences. I enrich it as and when the best contributions with comments.

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in the snow Couples

The beauty of Japan is not always immediate. As a vegetable bitter or a glass of red wine, he must try several times to Tokyo (东京) to really appreciate, worn behind the concrete, small nooks full of charm. Even Kyoto (京都), the historic capital, thousands mixture temples, shops pachinkos and dilapidated buildings. But there are magic moments, often ephemeral : of cherry blossoms in a countryside desert, a lost temple in the forest , or a neighborhood park aflame with autumn colors of at daybreak. So I visited one morning in February, the temples of Nikko (日光) during a snowfall.

The city of Nikko is located in the foothills at the north end of the Kanto plain (东京), a hundred miles from Tokyo. The history of the place begins in the 8th century when a hermitage founded by a famous Buddhist monk. It becomes for several centuries a place of training monks, before sinking into obscurity until the 17th century. The city was chosen for the mosolée Ieayasu Tokugawa (徳 川 家 康), the general who succeeded in unifying Japan. He was buried in 1617, and it was during this year that his little son, Tokugawa Iemitsu (徳 川 家 光) started construction of the shrine and mausoleum can be visited even today.

Even without the charm of a snowfall, Nikko, Kamakura with (镰仓), one of two historic sites essential for the Tokyo area. Yet his style is typical: monuments dearest to the heart of Japanese aesthetics often stripped. They highlight the natural elements and the subtlety of the composition is paramount. The temples of Nikko have instead been decorated to excess by the most skilled craftsmen of the day in vivid color, and style rather inspired by China. That is probably why some Japanese despise these temples. Yet the contrast between these works scult in detail and the beautiful cedar forest is particularly enjoyable. The impression is left without probably closer to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo as Zen gardens of Kyoto, but you can spend hours admiring the details of the bas-reliefs, with a thought for the fifteen thousand workers who built together for two years . And five minutes from Japanese television easily persuade the reader that the exuberance and colors are also a facet of culture.

The main monument is the site Toshogu (东 照 宫,) mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is located in a beautiful forest which is an air of mystery in fog, or, as in this beautiful morning, under the snow. One approach by a long path that has on its left, a 5-storey pagoda at the original structure: its axis is not fixed to the ground but suspended, as a counterweight in case of earthquake, a solution recovery thereafter in some modern buildings earthquake resistant. With snow falling, we expect to see emerge a pack of wolves or maybe Oni (ogre local) from behind the trees. After joining the first door you can see on the left the three monkeys carved in wood representing the Buddhist doctrine "does not see evil, hear no evil, if not evil." They are all in Japanese stereotypes, and like the Mona Lisa, I confess have been slightly disappointed by the crowd around them and their small size.

But the rest of the complex is superb, and this snowy morning, bright colors allayed by snow sublime leave an impression. The contrast between the smooth sculptures and bas-relief of the rough texture of the powder is striking. Light and bright colors give an all Baroque splendor that we want to accompany by the Mozart Requiem. The first gate of the complex is Youmeimon (阳明 门). It is the richest of the complex, Legend has it that the pillars be mounted upside down because the artisan was afraid to make the gods jealous if it realizes a work too perfect. The wall right of the door is decorated with beautiful colored sculptures overhanging stone lanterns. Going up another staircase, you come through another door, the Koreimon (唐门), also very nice, the main sanctuary.

A small path on the right lets get to the inner sanctum (Okusha 奥 社) by a staircase in the forest-like mystery. Although the design is less dramatic, like entering the Holy of Holies, in this case the fall of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, deserves ascension. The mausoleum is a very Japanese simplicity that contrasts with the exuberant decoration of Toshogu.

Nikko is also surrounded by beautiful mountains, Lake Chuzenji (中 禅寺 湖) formed after a lava flow that blocked the valley, the famous waterfalls Kegon (華厳 の 滝), and Marsh Senjogahara (戦場ヶ原), very enjoyable from June The area deserves two or three days.

You can continue reading this account of the fall in Japan .

Practical Information

The site of the temples is located off the main street of the city after crossing the river on a hill in the forest. Those who arrive by train take the right, and walk about thirty minutes or take the bus (platforms 1 and 2 until the station Shinkyo 神 桥 (Y190, 1.60 Euro).

It is possible to make the journey much more enjoyable by taking the special service "Tobu Specia" that will allow you to travel through the endless VIP suburb north of Tokyo (1:50, Y2720, 22.60 Euro). Change is sometimes necessary à Shimoimaichi (下今市). Le voyage est plus court et les sièges plus comfortables que le train classique de la ligne Tobu (Tobu Isesaki Line Rapid, 2h04, Y1320 11 Euro départ toutes les heures environ).

Les voyageurs au budget généreux voudront peut-être passer la nuit dans le « Classic Hotel » Nikko Kaneya (Nikko Kanaya Hotel) Les autres pourront aussi se rendre dans la populaire et sympathique station thermale de Kinugawa-Onsen (Kinugawa Onsen), à quelques minutes de train (de 20 à 30 minutes, correspondance à Shimoimaichi, Y300, 2.5 Euros).

The city is also served by a JR station, the service is much less convenient: 45 minutes from Utsunomiya (宇 都 宫).

The site of the Nikko Tourist Association (http://www.nikko-jp.org/english/) provides detailed information in English.

Straightener Lifetime Warranty

Some Westerners come to Japan come to a crusade to liberate the poor little Japanese women in their gallant men and macho society. They finally come to teach them Amouuur with a capital A. We understand that this self-appointed role is flattering, even if it sometimes struggles to see in the expatriate Casanovas of our time. And most of my women's colleges in the office plebiscite also certain qualities of men of their country, such as kindness, attention and patience, which far outweigh the lack of inflammatory statements and bouquets of roses. Clichés, the Japanese couples, like other countries, trying to balance love, material life and social requirements, with different constraints from those of the West, but not necessarily less successful.

stories couples often begin in adolescence. In Japan, high school years are the toughest in the education system: it is for children of the middle class with ambitions to integrate good university that offers them an enviable position in society. The crisis of adolescence, and discovering the opposite sex, is often pushed to higher education, early twenties. These young couples often remain a private matter: it is very rare to have his friend (e) to his parents before it is serious, and it is often not the evenings among friends. Japan is often presented as a society where the group is important, but seems that the Japanese defend with even more fury their "secret garden". This may partly explain the success of "love hotels", these institutions decoration flashy allowing young couples to spend some time together without the neighbors or family being informed. Japan knows no taboos also Christians, and it is common to wait several weeks or months that the relationship is genuine before spending a night together, nobody seems to want to postpone it until marriage, a practice, however, still in force in religious circles in the West.

Once finished studies and integration into successful business, you often start thinking about marriage. Some have already met their spouses at the university, especially in student associations, "circles". Others fall under the spell of an office colleague. Young employees often work long hours, and it does not leave much time to find a spouse. The youth therefore "go-kons (合コン), evenings in a bar mixed with an equal number of girls and boys from among their friends or colleagues, and hoping that some couples are formed. A good organizer of "go-kon" is a valued friend. Although the tradition is lost, there is also the "Omiai (お 見合い), the famous arranged marriages arranged by families. It turns the "CV" with photos, and meetings are held between potential partners. Mostly I heard this about this practice by friends living in the countryside, but now it seems very minor.

The court takes some time, and includes many "dates" (デート). The must-have Christmas Day , or you go out with spouse. All the fancy restaurants are booked months in advance. A Valentine's Day, women give chocolates to their beloved, and at the "White Day", a month later, the man must give a gift twice the value. Many couples choose not to live together once married and remain in their housing unattached or with their parents until marriage.

Marriage (Kekkon, 结婚) may be celebrated in various ways: there is the traditional ceremony at a Shinto shrine, but the Christian ceremonies, which are reminiscent of American films Romantic into the blond priest, also have much success. The story goes that false priests, teachers of English or bar owners in week officiating at the ceremony. The great Japanese wedding brings family, colleagues and relatives of the newlyweds. Some young couples prefer a more intimate wedding in a restaurant with only close family and good friends. Marriage to the mayor is a mere formality, which takes place at the box office without ceremony.

children out of wedlock are not yet entered in the customs in Japan, although recently there equality of illegitimate children before law. Contraception is less sophisticated than in the West, the pill is not widespread and bad press. Many couples marry on a "dekichatta Kekkon" (でき ちゃった 結婚), that is to say, once a pregnant woman. The term has a connotation of "marriage after a mistake." It is certainly celebrated in a hurry, often without ceremony, despite the efforts of wedding professionals who promote the "sazukarikon (授かり 婚), or marriage" priceless ", and offer turnkey appropriate ceremonies. Everyone pretends not to notice that child was born six months after marriage, and very often at the birth of the charming, all is forgotten. I think the situation for half of all couples. I then asked if some do it voluntarily chose not to avoid having to "negotiate" the marriage with the families. As the Japanese have little to their spouses before marriage, some parents become aware of a spouse, birth of the future child, and marriage at the same time. During pregnancy, which is more medicalized in France, women traditionally spend the last weeks with their families, leaving the husband alone at home. This allows them to be "pampered" by their mother, and to better prepare the birth. This may seem shocking, but it's certainly convenient.

The status of women in the workplace is changing. Traditionally, girls were leaving their jobs after marriage, but this is very marginal now. It seems cons it is always preferable to marriage to resign if their spouse works in the same company, which does not go to another company. Escape the gossip of the company is probably a big motivation in this case. Virtually all women continue at least until the birth of their first child, and many choose to continue working even after the first child born. With the decline of the population, women's work is a necessity for businesses. However, this is rarely first class career, prompting some "business women" to postpone marriage until very late. Some organizations, such as hospitals, nurseries offer to their employees, but even in private, many now continue their careers, leaving their children in public crèches (takujisho, 托 児 所). There are of course, especially in big cities, waiting lists. In addition to empowerment, motivation to continue working are also economic: wages fell sharply during the crisis years and lifetime employment is not guaranteed: a second income helps limit risk. Families and young fathers are also put to work caring for children. Japan has at least one good side with respect to Europe: it is possible to find quality prepared meals correct very low price , either take away or restaurant, which can provide a woman employed to prepare the family meal every night. Japan

lack of children, and some attribute this, perhaps naively, the low frequency of intercourse in marriage. Japanese couples rather put forward the significant cost that it represents: the housing is expensive. If the restaurants are good markets, supermarkets are more expensive than in Europe. The coverage does not cover all medical expenses. And especially education is very expensive: schools and private universities are very common and are not, unlike France, subsidized. Taxation is also less favorable to families in France. An additional child can make the difference between a comfortable middle class existence and a life for lean months. Finally, the "career women" often deferring their marriage after 35 years, which does not promote fertility ..

Traditionally, the woman manages the finances of the couple and the husband leaves a bit of pocket money (okozukai, お 小遣い) for his personal needs. It seems that this is still a fairly general rule, and it certainly gives women a prominent place in domestic affairs. Advertisers often turn most women when it comes to selling the family. The educational journey is more stringent in Japan than in France, and it is not easy to move in during children's school: they would lose the benefit of their enrollment in a good school. So there is a common situation of "couple distance" (tanshinfunin, 単 身 赴任) where the woman stays in a city, the husband goes to work in another, returning the best all weekend, but more often every month. It is well accepted in general. The Japanese keep in effect no doubt that most Europeans, a little freedom. It is not uncommon out with friends or colleagues themselves once married. Japanese companies require many of their employees and foster cohesion in organizing evenings between colleges, which does not facilitate family life. These nocturnal activities are less frequent in recent years because companies do not spend more systematically note fees. I have heard of evenings weekly or even monthly, that drinking daily.

Divorces (rikon, 离婚) are increasingly common in Japan even if they stay it seems a bit less common in the West: Some couples seem to prefer delay it until the children are away from home, which could explain the recent fashion for "divorces elderly." Do not believe all Japanese couples are bound to drift: the most mature couples that I met seemed happy, or at least found a way of life that suited both spouses. Young couples that I attended seemed to most modern and slightly different French couples: a Japanese friend has adapted his career to promote that of his wife and young dads seem to do much despite their efforts to work invasive deal their children.

References

The following chart published by the Japanese authorities indicates the proportion of arranged marriages (お 見合い 結婚) and love marriages (恋爱 结婚). This was reversed in the mid 60s, and only 6% of marriages are arranged cons now nearly 70% in 1930. link to the graphic

Another article of this blog deals specifically international couples with a spouse Japanese .

You can continue reading these tips for expatriate managers in Japan

Desmume Roms Heartgold

Japanese Red leaves

The joys of the seasons are at the heart of Japanese life. the cherry blossoms in spring are better known, but autumn has its pleasures: the end of November, parks and forests in Japan are covered with beautiful colors More than in Europe, then there is beautiful sunny days in the light-colored leaves on a background of blue sky and clean air is an important time of year in Japan. She deserves a trip, as much as was moist and fireworks, or spring and trees flowers.

The tradition of walking in the forest fall date of the Heian era, where Momijigari (紅葉狩り), literally "chasing the maple" was a fine hobby. Maples (红叶 Momiji), particularly species specific to Japan, take a bright red called remarkable Koyo (黄叶), or "red leaf". The gardens and temples include mostly, plus cherry trees that are a delight for walkers spring, a few maple trees which make the walkers fall. The beautiful reds are all easier to enjoy the cooler weather of autumn gives less freedom to plant their web revelers picnic under the trees, and there drunk while listening to a tinny karaoke. The atmosphere is collected and melancholy, which perfectly suits the season.

It will therefore be preferably in a fine Japanese sites with Traditional Garden: A trip to Nikko or Hakone will be unforgettable, and this is probably one of the best times to visit Kyoto, even if Accommodation must be booked several months in advance. The temples of the district calm Arashiyama (岚山), especially the temple of Joojakkooji (常寂 光 字) offer great views, but one of the most fantastic gardens is the Temple Tofukuji (东 福寺). The beautiful building Kyomizudera (京都) on the hills of Kyoto, unforgettable at the time of cherry blossoms, is as beautiful in the fall. A Uji (宇 治), the Temple of Mimurodoji (三室 戸 寺) is also of great colors, Situated in a secluded place, he is immune from the crowd. In the Kansai, Nara City (奈良) also deserves a visit to this period.

If you enjoy the most beautiful gardens, or if you prefer a more aesthetic daily, a simple walk in the suburban a large Japanese city you will see some beautiful maple sometimes caught between a wall, a power pole and telephone line. The smallest neighborhood park with two benches and old-fashioned rocking horse plastic take great colors. Even this small square at the feet of two huge buildings of concrete cube downtown worth a visit. The setting is less spectacular than the temples as tourist guides, but ephemeral urban poetry is still more touching.

Fall is also a fantastic season for a walk in the woods of Japan. Valley Ome (青梅), a few kilometers from Tokyo, is a great place for hiking . You can also, if you can book, make a stay in an onsen lost in the wilderness of nature. The cool air of late autumn makes it extremely pleasant bathing in rotenburo (露天 风 吕, outdoor pools).

After these escapades in nature, you'll probably be hungry, and you can enjoy some chestnuts, or a "Grilled Sanma (焼き 秋刀魚), the seasonal fish and rice with matsutake (松茸), one of Japan's most famous mushrooms. The first frost of the season are also an opportunity to start the season nabés (锅), stews cooked on the table in a large pot (nabe in Japanese) in the presence of guests.

You can continue reading this account of hiking in the mountains Japanese .

Practical Information

Accommodation: Kyoto hotels can sometimes be crowded in high season. Cons, it will be easy to find a hotel in Osaka , which is only 40 minutes by train from Kyoto and Nara 30 minutes. Similarly, in case of difficulty booking a hotel in Nikko, spa nearby to Kinugawa-onsen has a large hotel park.

Access to the valley of Ome: Chuo Line (中央 线) from Shinjuku (新宿) to Tachikawa (立 川), then line Ome (青梅 线), changing trains at Ome (青梅) pour prendre le train à destination de Oku-Tama (Okutama). Il existe aussi des trains directs de Shinjuku à Ome.

Accès au temple Tofukuji: ligne JR Nara (JR Nara Line), gare de Tofukuji (Tōfukuji station) ou ligne Keihan (Keihan Line), gare de Tofukuji (Tōfukuji station) depuis Osaka yodoyabashi (Yodoyabashi) ou Kyoto Keihansanjo (Article Keihan). Entrée au temple Y400 (environ 3 Euros), adresse: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Honmati 15-778 Honcho tozan-Ku Kyoto-Shi Kyoto-Fu

Accès au temple Joojakkooji: 15 minutes de marche depuis la gare JR Saga-Arashiyama (Saga Arashiyama) ligne Sanyo Honsen (JR 山陰本線), 20 minutes, Y230 (environ 1.7 Euros). Accès aussi possible depuis le terminus du tramway KeifukiDenkiTetstudo (Kyoto Kyushu Electric Railway) gare de Yarashiyama. Le tramway se prend sur l'avenue Shijo dans le centre de Kyoto à la gare de Shijo-Omiya (Shizyouoomiya), 22 minutes, Y200 (environ 1.5 Euros).

Accès au temple Mimurodo-Ji: 菟 Valley Road, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture Shiga 21Todo, Uji-shi, Kyoto. Y500 entrance, 5 minutes walk from the station on the line Mimurodo Keihan Uji (京阪 宇 治 线), correspondence Chuushojima (中 书 岛) from Kyoto or Osaka. From the station take the road perpendicular to the Keihan line, which passes shortly after under the JR line, toward the mountains.

sites offer a Japanese weather forecasting service for the appearance of red leaves. That of Yahoo Japan is located at the following address: http://kouyou.yahoo.co.jp/ . Like the cherry blossoms, the season moves from north to south. The most beautiful floral observed in the north the country from mid October. Areas of Tokyo and Kyoto are the most vivid colors around late November.

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Shitamachi, the downtown Tokyo

While districts Hills Yamanote (山 手) sheltered areas of the nobility during the Edo Era, the plain north of Tokyo (东京) was the plebeian heart of the city. Shitamachi (下町) or lower town then known near Nihonbashi (日本 桥), Ginza (银座) and Ueno (上 野), but the word is now used for all districts in north of a line Shinjuku (新宿) - Ginza (银座). The word was echoed in other major Japanese cities to designate similar locations. Just minutes from metro to leave the center of modern Tokyo, shopping and trendy, and immerse themselves in those delicious neighborhoods outdated and quiet, a perfect antidote to the bustle of the city.

Shitamachi does not offer spectacular sights, but the Japanese city of islands with their traditional chaos of small houses, often decorated with potted plants. The shops are as venerable as their owners. Between houses, many small shops are still present, as well as traditional sento (銭 汤), recognizable by their collective bathroom fireplace. The aged population is rather because few young people want to live in these places do not offer all the modern facilities despite a central location. For the walker, these streets are a great relic of Japan after the war when it was still great prosperous country today. The modest homes and shops is a good indicator of the relative frugality experienced by the generation now retired. The most pleasant is be lost at random from the streets. A compass can be very useful to track the desired direction and return after a few minutes walk, a major thoroughfare easy to locate.

An interesting walk starts Iidabashi Station (饭 田 桥). He is to visit the "lower town" but we will take first the rise of "Kagurazaka (神 楽 坂), a rather trendy Tokyo neighborhood, with a slight French connotation. If you're feeling adventurous, the many steep streets are certainly worthy of a detour. After two turns on the left, we will take the avenue of "Waseda Dori (早稲田 通り) on the right, past the subway station and walk from Kagurazaka half an hour through the quiet neighborhood of Tokyo. We'll go to the subway station Waseda, to reach the main campus of the private university in the country "Waseda Daigaku" (早 稲 田 大学). The latter has an excellent level, but the image of American universities, it is also possible for the rich "son" to return to it following the expensive courses from primary school through the school. At the crossroads "Nishi-Waseda (西 早 稲 田), we take right towards the north to reach the first objective: the terminus of the tram line" Arakawa (荒 川 线). You had many suspected that the march was an excuse to get on a train and you were right.

This venerable line is one of two survivors of the tram network in the city of Tokyo (with the line Tokyu Stegaya ). It passes through many neighborhoods underserved by public transportation. It runs 50 minutes and 13 kilometers across the north slowly the city from west to east to the terminus Minowabashi (三ノ輪 橋). This is an excellent way to explore neighborhoods that do not appear on any tourist guide. On the way, we can stop at Otsuka (大 冢) and go from there to Sugamo (巣 鸭), the "old neighborhood" located at a train station. Park Rikugien (六 义 园) a short visit, and the amazing garden Kyu-FurukawaTeien (旧 古河 庭园), an amazing mansion in this popular location. The tram should be covered to the terminus, whose architecture is interesting: the station is surrounded by shopping malls that give it an air of small provincial town. Want the tram line, which is now challenged by the more modern "Fukutoshin (副 都 心) and" Nippori - Tonari Liner (日暮里 舎人 ライナー,) is not dismantled. Minowabashi (三ノ輪 橋) is close to the famous "ghetto" of "San'ya (山谷) whose visit is not recommended: there are poor workers and elderly, almost exclusively male, often day laborers on construction sites, and never far from becoming homeless. Unlike the inhabitants modest but socially integrated Shitamachi, they will not like necessarily your visit.

After taking the subway, we will meet at Ueno (上 野), the great urban center of Tokyo's most popular. It was indeed the destination station for immigrants coming from poor areas of Tohoku. The area is famous for its park, and it includes, in addition to the charming National Museum, a small museum of "Shitamachi" which traces the life of neighborhoods. It is located to the southeast end of the pond of Ueno, near the Keisei station (京 成). From Ueno, a nice walk is to get to Yanaka (谷中). Heading towards the bottom of Ueno Park (National Museum), we will take the left (north west) street through the park before the national museum. It leads directly to Yanaka cemetery across one of the quietest parts of the city. It is then easy to reach the station Nippori (日暮 里), and make the transition from the small shopping street "Yanaka Ginza."

Since

Ueno, it is also possible to get a Kappabashi (合 羽 桥). This area brings together the kitchen equipment stores in the city. So the best place to find a stroke a little unusual or original cake forms. Many shops were built decades ago and atmosphere deserves the trip even if you do not want attachments. The area surrounding urbanization is old, but the atmosphere very popular.

Other neighborhoods deserve a chance to walk the streets. Hongo (本 郷) is a small oasis of peace in two not the Tokyo Dome. It is also near the university area of Tokyo, which is reached by a pleasant walk to the north. The area east of Tokyo University, just across the avenue HongoDori is well preserved, especially the many apartments in the woods two or three floors, including the famous Khan Hongo (本 郷 馆, close to the address Hongo 6-20 (6 本 郷 丁目 20). Nezu (根 津) also deserves a short visit. The district is located in a little valley traversed by a pleasant shopping street will bring you up-Nishi Nippori (西 日暮 里).

It will take a bit out of the neighborhood, but the Edo Tokyo Museum, a strange structure that resembled a dinosaur or some gear Star Wars, will nicely complement a vista Shitamachi. This beautiful museum presents the life of Tokyo during the Edo period a few centuries ago, and will conclude in a big way your discovery of the lower city.

Practical Information

places presented here certainly deserve more than a day to visit.

Shitamachi Museum (下町 风俗 资料 馆): 2-1 Ueno Koen, Tokyo, 〒 110-0007
Ueno Park, Taito Ward No. 1 No. 2, Entrée: 300 Yens, ouvert tous les jours sauf le lundi et lors du congé de nouvelle année., Tel: +81 7451 3823 3 site (en japonais) . A proximité de la gare de Ueno (JR Yamanote et métro lignes Hibiya (Hibiya Line) & Ginza (Ginza Line)

Edo-Tokyo Museum (Edo-Tokyo Museum): 1-4 - 1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015, Tel 03-3626-9974, ouvert tous les jours sauf le lundi de 9.30 à 5.30 et jusqu'à 19.30 le samedi. Entrée: 600 Yens. Des guides volontaires proposent des visites intéressantes, et certains parlent même français. Accès par la ligne Sobu (Sobu) et par la ligne Oedo (Oedo Line), station Ryogoku (Ryougoku), site (en anglais) .

Toden Arakawasen (荒川線 tram): Billet adulte à 160 Yens, départs de Waseda (Waseda) ou Minowabashi (Minowabashi) de 6 heures du matin à 23h environ, un train toutes les 5 ou 6 minutes en heure de pointe, site (en japonais) . Accès à Minowabashi par la ligne de métro Hibiya (Hibiya Line).

Parc Rikugien (六義園): Bunkyo-ku, Hon-Komagome, Rokuchome 〒 113-0021 Honkomagome six-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Ouvert de 9h à 17h (dernière entrée 16h30), fermé entre le 29 décembre et le premier janvier., entrée: 300 Yens. Site (en japonais) . A proximité des gares JR Yamanote de Sugamo et Komagome (Komagome), aussi desservi par la ligne de métro Nanboku (Nanboku).

Parc Kyu-FurukawaTeien (Kyu Furukawa Gardens) : Nishigahara Ichome, kita-ku, Tokyo 〒 114-0024 chome, Kita-ku Nishigahara Ouvert 9h-17h (last admission 16:30), closed between December 29 and January 1., admission: 150 yen. Website (Japanese) . Close to train stations and Komagome Nishigaoka (subway Nanboku)

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A day in Osaka in Japan 10 years

Japan has resolutely contemporary materialistic, and the great city of Osaka (大阪) is at the forefront this trend. This is the minimum expected of a city where the traditional hello, now somewhat obsolete, is "Mokarimakka. The approximate translation would be " How's business? Or "Have you made money today? "A refreshing candor that I found recently in a greeting card wishing me amazing French 'money and health." Osaka has been for most of Japanese history, the country's economic center. More than Tokyo (东京) the great rival, numerous "villages" and parks, is the Japanese city Osaka, dense, lively, loud and so nice.

The French can hardly imagine the rivalry between the region of Tokyo and Osaka area. Obviously there are duels between sports baseball Yomiuri Giants (読 売 巨人) and Hanshin Tigers (阪神タイガース). It is also a culture clash between their Tokyoites as to itself and the people of Osaka exuberant and adoring public speaking. The show Tantei Knight Scoop (探偵 ナイト スクープ) produced in the Kansai shows the open nature of the premises who are willing Directed, like the absurd and do not take themselves too seriously. The region is also distinguished with the Kansai-Ben, different dialect Edo became the talk of the Japanese standard. It will treat you so "Aho" in Osaka, so you'd rather "Baka" in Tokyo, both terms meaning "fool". There are distinct enough vocabulary to be recognized immediately, in addition to the accent, the native of Osaka.

importantly, Osaka is the heart of the Osaka-Kobe -Kyoto (Keihanshin, 京 阪神) which has 18 million inhabitants over an area equivalent to that of the Paris region, for 2.6 million inhabitants in the city. Formerly called Yamato ', this plain has been the heart of Japanese history until the establishment of the shogunate in Tokyo in the 17th century. Osaka, formerly known as Naniwa (难 波) was even capital. The giant tomb of Emperor Nintoku (仁 徳 天皇, 4th century) in the form of 'keyhole' in Sakai is an impressive vestige of the past. If the court culture comes from Kyoto, Osaka is not only a giant warehouse, it is the birthplace of the Bunraku puppet (文 楽), and played an important role in the development of Kabuki, a form of theater traditional. As Lyon in France, Kansai has the "birthright" in Japan.

More recently, the economic rivalry is reflected in that between Matsushita (松下, which owns the Panasonic and National brands) lives in Osaka and Sony, which has its headquarters in the south of Tokyo. Osaka is also the city of Sanyo, Sharp, Suntory, Daijin, Mizuno, and Zojirushi. The list is impressive but the city, very industrial, has suffered greatly from the crisis of the 90s. It has kept its reputation cons of place where people like good food: Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) Takoyaki (たこ 焼) and Udon (うどん) are among the best known local specialties. Conclude by noting that the Kansai, unlike the Tokyo area, was built mainly by private train companies , with a final result as convenient as that of the capital.

A visit to the center of Osaka Umeda may begin, the modern area surrounding the Osaka station. North of the station is the commercial center, with Japanese department stores. To the south lies the business district with its modern buildings. We can walk to downtown, Namba (难 波), noting in passing a few buildings in the first half of the 20th century that have survived major disasters. The Bank of Japan has the neoclassical buildings of the official beginning of the century, and the siege of Osaka Gas Company (大阪ガス), a little further south is a fine example of architecture of the 30s. The area west of the Midosuji (御堂 筋), the great north-south artery nicely planted, is the most interesting place.

Nanba The district is the center of Osaka. It spreads on the banks the 'Dotonbori' (道 顿 堀). With its original sign, including the famous mechanical crab, is a materialist metaphor of Japan, and also a nice shopping area. Its covered galleries give a small-town air. This is historically the entertainment district, and he had many Kabuki theaters.

Around the city center can be completed in Tsutenkaku (通天 阁), an advertising tower built in 1956 and sponsored by Hitachi on the site of an older replica of the Eiffel Tower, destroyed during the war. Close station metro Ebisucho mae (恵 美 须 町 駅) is a very good example of this architecture style "Showa" , named after the reign of the emperor after the war. It mixes the concrete to the metal. After a stay in Japan long enough, you come to enjoy its old world charm.

A trip to Osaka can complement nicely with a visit to the amusement park at Universal Studio Japan, the castle of the city, postwar reconstruction with beautiful views over the city, and especially the superb aquarium (Kaiyukan, 海 游 馆). Conclude by pointing out that Osaka may be a basis very convenient to visit the neighboring cities of Kyoto and Nara (奈良), especially during periods of Obon, or Golden Week, where it is impossible to find accommodation Kyoto.Les "business hotels" in Osaka will be almost empty by contrast.

You can continue your reading by taking the Tokaido Shinkansen will drive you in the Tokyo area.

Practical information

Access to Osaka: direct flights from Paris Airfrance (1 daily flight); Tickets can "open jaws" (eg trip to Osaka from Tokyo return) at the same price as a roundtrip.

Access from Tokyo Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi : 2h36min, 14.050 yen, Hikari 3:07, 13,750 yen. Arrive at Shin-Osaka (新 大阪) Quick access to Umeda, Honcho, and by the Namba subway Midosuji-sen (御堂 筋 线).

Access to Kyoto: Keihan line (京阪 线) of Yodoyabashi (淀 屋 桥) to Sanjo Keihan (京阪 三条) in the city center (51 minutes, 400 yen), or JR from Osaka to Kyoto (less practice).

access to the aquarium: Subway Chuo-sen, 7 minutes from the station until OsakaKo Honcho (大阪 港), correspondence between the JR Loop Line and the Chuo line to the station Bentencho (弁 天 町) or Morinomiya (森ノ宮). Open from 10:00 to 8:00, entry Y2000 for adults. Detailed schedules and activities on the site ( http://www.kaiyukan.com/eng/info/index.htm ).

Access to Universal Studio Japan Line: JR Yumesaki (ゆめ 咲 線), exit "JR Universal City, 5 minutes from the station Nishikujo (西 九 条) line Osaka Kanjo (大阪 环状 线). Schedules and details on the website ( http://www.usj.co.jp/e/ ).

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I found a few days ago a shelf in the house of my parents a guide to Tokyo from 1995. I bought my first trip to Japan in the summer of 1998, exactly 10 years ago, a young student. Since then, with the exception of one year, I'm always returned to the country. I worked three years, and I now have personal ties in the country. A decade is a fine time interval, the fifth in adulthood. The world and Japan have certainly changed, probably less than we imagine. Above all, my view of the country has evolved.

The year 1998 will be remembered as the perfect football game, and probably the only occasion since the release of the French see happy without ulterior motives. The Lewinsky affair was in full swing, happy time when no one accused the president of the United States that treat incongruous with an intern. The financial crisis was spreading from its birthplace in Russia and Asia. The issue have now changed, but these fellows are always ups and downs of the day. The inevitable economic ascent of large emerging countries continued: China is world's third largest economy this year, while the seventh was 10 years ago.

The biggest change in daily life occurred to me looking for the photographs illustrating this story. Digital did not exist at the time: I had in my hands when voyagesun first prototype digital camera with a resolution barely adequate for small prints. Today digital photography reigns supreme: it is difficult to buy a film camera. The nostalgic think maybe because the colors were more beautiful then. The reader can judge by comparing the article illustrated with film shown to the rest of the blog of digital. However, the pictures rarely left their bulky boxes, while the computer provides immediate and free dissemination of electronic photographs. Enterprises have to adapt, as the famous French chain store photos which is now the spotlight on mobile phone and reserve a corner of the store, or sometimes cellar, the photographic printing.

all due respect to revolutionary innovation, photography, completely upset in 10 years, is a rare example of rapid evolution. The aircraft continued its slow evolution, with stable prices over the period. The round trip flight chersur month costs between 900 and 1000 euros, slightly more than a decade ago: I bought a ticket around 5,500 francs, or about 833 Euros (ANA 全日空) in 1998. The comfort of the flight was obviously improved with the advent of A330/340 and B777, and development of entertainment in flight: the 747 at the time were content to listen sometimes a "stethoscope" and a single TV in the ceiling. The flight time was not changed by cons.

Many Internet services already existed on my first trip to Japan: the e-mail, forums, newsgroups they said then, and the Web, much more confidence. It was then the domain of academics and geeks, and most sites were distinguished by their hideous bad taste with their ill-chosen fonts, patterned their funds and their unnecessary animations. The web is now public and the presentation is much improved, perhaps a consequence of its feminization. The biggest change is probably Google's famous search engine (and host of this site), which had just been founded the year of my first trip to Japan. By providing an efficient search on the Internet, it has served to direct the millions of anonymous contributors. So I found quite by chance over a site dealing specifically with Ni-Channel, and so little complacent, the project I was working in Japan. This search power has encouraged the development of forums and personal websites posting information often free quality. It invaluable for the traveler: A journey once was preparing the guide, and travel souvenirs of his family: it had to be lucky to find useful information on a specific destination if it was not part of the major tourist attractions. Today, any issue can be handled competently on a forum, and on any subject, it certainly exists, in addition to Wikipedia, a few sites or blogs providing useful information, easily accessible via google.

Internet also allows expatriates to have local news. When I was three years ago expatriate, I view and drives of my football club favorite, and I escaped with my problems in Japan as part of watching the exploits of Juninho, Tiago and Fred (players headlights Olympique Lyonnais it this time). During my first visit, it was probably possible to find the football results on the Internet but it was much more difficult: I vividly remember myself with the news French reading French newspapers standing, especially To be honest the team. Read up himself "Tachiyomi (立ち読み) in Japanese, is a common practice and tolerated. Modern Internet, it is also the international free phone. Few hours of conversation with his family after a difficult week in Japan can really help keep a balance.

In the late 90s. It was still selling the PC9800, a computer developed by NEC, but similar to the PC using a different architecture and software as separate, with, to be honest, some very useful improvements on the standard IBM. It was probably one of the last vestiges of the expansionist era when Japan thought it could make anything himself. This euphoria stopped with the bursting of the bubble in 1989. Yet as in 1998 the country was still in its "lost decade" and the mood was gloomy. Having proclaimed during the 80s he would conquer all, our intellectuals now saw in Japan a terminally ill patient, with the tents of homeless in the parks as signs of the 21st century favelas. 10 years later, the country has again become a developed country "banal" in purchasing power comparable to the major European countries while retaining their distinct business culture. On one side of the economic spectrum, Toyota is perhaps the best global automotive, and manufacturing is still very powerful Japanese Casio, Nikon, Sony and Yamaha, among mainstream audiences as examples, are always references. Across the spectrum, some financial trades on the Tokyo site are fully insured by foreign banks without any local player. Recent years have confirmed a recovery of the economy: it is easier for young people to find work, and the tents of homeless people are less numerous.

Major Japanese cities have evolved over the past ten years. Prefecture Tokyo (东京 都, 12 million people) has built more than 80 kilometers of lines of railroad entirely new and often underground (*). In comparison, the Paris region (10 million) has seen the commissioning of 30 km of lines (**), and this figure is flattering because over half consists of trams, built partiesur existing channels. The new buildings have also multiplied in Tokyo, with a particularly large number of turns a complex comprising office, hotel and shopping mall. The last decade has seen major projects and the Roppongi Hills (Roppongi), Tokyo Mid-Town ( Akasaka) and Maru-Biru ( Marunouchi ) and the Shiodome near Shinbashi (13 laps total). At the same time, Defence has seen a dozen times to add more small (68,000 m2 for the Granite Tower Defense against 380,000 for Roppongi Hills). Tokyo is far more than Paris, a city alive with constantly improving infrastructure. Homes are increasingly large and public transport less crowded. So I was very surprised to learn that the average housing in Tokyo is larger than that Paris. Obviously, these large projects require heavy financing and certainly share responsibility for the debt of Japan. Real estate loses its value very quickly in Tokyo, a drama for middle class households living in town who can not be, generation after generation of significant heritage: the apartment bought by the couple no longer no value when retirement begins.

When I arrived in Japan, I was initially fascinated by the ideal image of traditional country, filled with Bushido (武士道, code of honor Traditional Japanese), wooden temples and Zen gardens. Full of enthusiasm, I even read the entire "Genji Monogatari", the first Japanese novel that has yet a few lengths, and I would follow up on the television series "dressed" I did not understand Yet almost nothing because I liked the atmosphere. I considered japonisée Western cuisine, the Tonkatsus (豚カツ) at Omurice (オムライス) as a betrayal. It took me some time to allow Japan to be modern. While most impassioned address the country by the "Manga" Japanese comics to these topics varied, the result is almost the same: before leaving, it idealizes remote one aspect of Japanese life, and it then searches for his first trip to press the reality of the country on the fantasies imagined. It takes some time to realize that Japan is a complete society, which also includes his university jacket shredded, his bronzed surfers and retirees without a history.

During my first stay, at first I was completely fascinated, I admired all around the country, up to find a philosophical or aesthetic hidden any advertisement for a toothpaste. I was convinced he had found a paradise of respect and harmony, where I settle down and make sure my life. It probably lasted a year and two-time trip. My dreams were shattered easy integration to the reality of a country that offers few opportunities for ambitious young foreigners, especially those who do not speak Japanese fluently. I do not blame anyone for this, because the integration of "gaijins" (外人) companies in is often difficult, and they are not always ready to adapt to country specifics. During the next few years, my opinion in Japan has declined significantly, that contempt is fueled largely by an Anglo-Saxon press is not kind to the country. I almost thought that by having white skin and having escaped the Japanese educational system, I was able, from the top of my 25 years to solve all the problems of the country, small stomach ache caused by the lack of vegetables in the diet for doubtful debts of banks. This may seem naive, but it was and still is the behavior of many expatriates I meet. I think now have a more balanced relationship with the country: two years ago, when my career as an expatriate in Tokyo was in a stalemate and frustration at the highest, I decided to return to Europe just to return to Japan that if circumstances were favorable. I also abandoned my hope of integration: even when I returned to the Far East, I no longer try to conduct myself in perfect Japanese, but I keep my European personality. I'm better accepted, and it helps me a lot see Japan with more distance. Since I gave up my integration, I think I have escaped and paranoia, common among foreign residents, who see racism and discrimination at the slightest glance sideways on the train.

On a more pleasant, my opinion on young Japanese women has also changed: in the early days, I found all these lovely ladies and absolutely extraordinary. This wonder was probably due to my general enthusiasm for the country, but I was also very impressed by the care that young Japanese have for their grooming and makeup. With temps, je me suis habitué à l’habileté de ces jeunes filles, et je suis maintenant de l’avis, entendu plusieurs fois, que Tokyo et Paris sont des villes de « niveau » assez comparable et plutôt haut, avec peut-être un léger avantage aux parisiennes pour leur allure. Je prie mes lectrices féminines de m’excuser de ne pas pouvoir porter de jugement sur l’élégance des jeunes japonais : le seul témoignage que je possède est celui d’une amie européenne qui trouvait beaucoup de choses à dire sur la tenue de ces messieurs lors de son arrivée au Japon mais a failli tout plaquer quelques mois après pour une relation pourtant mal engagée avec un homme du pays I do not know how to interpret it.

time in Japan has certainly been changed. I am now able to participate in most conversations in Japanese. By cons, speaking Japanese does not mean read it. Having been occuppe by my professional obligations, I have not spent enough time studying kanji, or Chinese characters, reading a newspaper article wonder always an infinite effort. I have enjoyed the cons by cuisine and traditional arts of this country that can be better preserved than others: Japan has certainly helped to refine my taste for fine dining and beautiful things. An extended stay also makes it more demanding on the quality of the service: it happens more often to show my nervousness in Europe when I be treated badly. Tokyo is the center of a dynamic metropolis of 30 million. While I appreciate the charm of French cities, I find them, even Paris, sometimes quite dull in comparison: he must choose his headquarters in France for the busy streets on a Sunday afternoon. If France cultivates activities and subsidized services, everything is paid in Japan, often billed at actual cost: studies, health, transport, culture, water, and electricity and leisure culture and sports. Pay allows us to appreciate things at their true value: my stay in Japan allowed me to better appreciate the small pleasures of everyday life.

Stay in a large Asian country with no historic connection with Europe is an excellent vaccine against racism and ethnocentrism: we can have a skin color, do not know Christianity, nor the culture greek Roman and modern and grown: it seems obvious to anyone who knows the history of the world, but sometimes I find that everyone no opinion. I spent several months in a tense atmosphere between Western and Japanese. This lesson on the difficulty scale to work without offending national sensibilities inspired me to be more careful in certain situations, successfully this time.

If I have to take stock, I am very pleased with these ten years from Japan to moderate range. I tried to make an account realistic and interesting that can perhaps give some pointers to those who also start to explore the country.

You can continue your reading this Diving in the Japanese suburbs .

Additional information

(*) Distribution of 80 km of new routes put into service from 1998 to 2008 in Tokyo (Tokyo Prefecture only):

• Nanboku southern half of the line (Yotsuya in Meguro or 8 km)


• Extension Mita Mita Line to Meguro (4 km


• commissioning of the line in Shibuya Ikebukuro Fukutoshin (9.9 km


• commissioning of the line-Nippori Toneri Liner ( 9.9 km flyover)


• commissioning of the line Ooedo (from Nerima to Tocho-mae), or 40.9 km
• commissioning of the new Tsukuba Express line (15 kilometers in the prefecture of Tokyo)

(**) Distribution of the 30 kilometers of new tracks put in service from 1998 to 2008 in the Paris region:

• line 14 (7.5 km) Madeleine Library


• minor extension of the line 13 (Gabriel Peri to Courtilles, or 2 km)


• commissioning of the RER E (new tracks Hausmann Saint Lazare Gare de l'Est (approximately 5 km)


• up T3 tramway in place of (7.9 kilometers) and that of T4 tram on existing roads (7.9 kilometers)