The Japanese language has a large number of onomatopoeic expressions.
japanese has several types of onomatopoeic expressions that describe sound or actions that repeating the same sound twice. japanese also have so many common repeated words that usually use.
hmm... nothing better then example, so here are some example:
- Guru guru : describe something spinning round and round
-Hoka hoka : describe something warm, especially warm delicious looking food
- Iyo iyo : at last
- Mada mada : describe still having some way to go before reaching the goal
- Wai wai : describe a large number of people behaving boisterously. making a din
- Waku waku: describe someone who is busting with excitement in anticipation of something, thrilled
- Doki doki: describe pounding heart
- Ira ira : describe someone who is irritated or angry because things are not going as desired
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Onomatopoeic & repeated words
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Karaoke
THE EVOLVING WORLD OF KARAOKE
Market Expands as Companies Diversify Services
A karaoke room with a jet bath.
Karaoke was born in Japan over 30 years ago. As singing is something that can be easily enjoyed by everyone, karaoke quickly gained popularity and is now a well-known part of popular culture. There are more and more karaoke establishments that, in addition to allowing patrons to have fun singing, have expanded their services through such means as presenting customers with delicious food in a lavish space or giving them the opportunity to soak in a hot bath. In addition to technological advances, these innovations in the environments offered by karaoke establishments are driving the industry forward.The Advent of "Karaoke Boxes"
The word "karaoke" comes from the Japanese word for "empty" (kara) plus the first part of the word "orchestra," suggesting an "empty orchestra." When it was invented over 30 years ago, and the machines of the early 1970s used eight-track tapes containing just 40 songs. These machines were rented out and were equipped with a microphone and a coin-operated timer.
One of the first major technological developments was the display on a video monitor of the song's lyrics a few seconds before the words are to be sung, as karaoke machines had originally provided only sound. Images befitting the mood of the song were added, and more recently some karaoke machines have been equipped with technology that allows them to judge the singer's performance and rank it against the thousands of others singing nationwide. Perhaps another secret to their popularity is the fact that karaoke machines also let users employ echo and other sound effects to make their singing sound better.
Karaoke was originally popular mainly at drinking establishments, but its user base kept broadening, leading to the appearance of home karaoke machines and "karaoke boxes"—small rented private rooms equipped with a karaoke machine—which are now the dominant venue for karaoke. At a karaoke box, customers can sing their favorite songs in a room with just their friends, without having to worry about what anyone else might think of their tunes.
Karaoke Establishments Expand Services
In addition to these technological advances, karaoke facilities are expanding the range of services offered, with many devising new ways of entertaining customers. While it has long been possible to order food and drinks in most karaoke boxes, the food has improved in quality and variation, with many establishments offering their own specialties cooked with exclusively chosen ingredients and some operating buffet-style services.
Some places provide rooms individually designed around different themes or extravagant, luxurious spaces; some even feature foot baths or jet baths. What could be more relaxing than soaking your feet in a warm foot bath while singing your favorite songs? Other karaoke boxes boast such features as DVD players, game consoles, home-cinema systems, and nostalgic retro interiors. A visit to a karaoke establishment is a great way for guests to see Japan, letting their hair down as well as experiencing Japanese hi-tech entertainment.
Bunbuku Chagama
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Bunbuku Chagama (Japanese: ぶんぶく茶釜) is a Japanese folktale about a raccoon-dog, or tanuki, that uses its shapeshifting powers to reward its rescuer for his kindness.
Bunbuku Chagama roughly translates to "happiness bubbling over like a tea pot." The story tells of a poor man who finds a tanuki caught in a trap. Feeling sorry for the animal, he sets it free. That night, the tanuki comes to the poor man's house to thank him for his kindness. The tanuki transforms itself into a chagama and tells the man to sell him for money.
The man sells the tanuki-teapot to a monk, who takes it home and, after scrubbing it harshly, sets it over the fire to boil water. Unable to stand the heat, the tanuki teapot sprouts legs and, in its half-transformed state, makes a run for it.
The tanuki returns to the poor man with another idea. The man would set up a 'roadside attraction' (a little circus-like setup) and charge admission for people to see a teapot walking a tightrope. The plan works, and each gains something good from the other--the man is no longer poor and the tanuki has a new friend and home.
In a variant of the story, the tanuki-teapot does not run and returns to its transformed state. The shocked monk decides to leave the teapot as an offering to the poor temple where he lives, choosing not to use it for making tea again. The temple eventually becomes famous for its supposed dancing teapot.
Kawasaki
Looking for a travel destination in Japan? You need not search further as Kawasaki City in Japan could give you all you’re looking for in a place and more. Located between cities Yokohama and Tokyo, Kawasaki is one of the most populated cities in Japan and in the world. It is a place where modernity is reflected along with Japanese history.
Let us enumerate the places you simply cannot miss when you go to Kawasaki. From exciting recreational areas to learning institutions, the list of great places in Kawasaki goes on and on.
Visiting a place always means learning its culture, and where else can you learn much culture and traditions than in museums which are built for the very purpose of preserving such. The Kawasaki Civic Museum showcases many materials and products indicative of the culture in Kawasaki city. For a more scientific learning, however, the Toshiba Science Museum in Kawasaki exhibits all kinds of high vision, multimedia projects on science, technology and electronics. Whether you are young or young at heart, you’re sure to have fun while learning in this science museum.
If you want a breath of fresh, clean air, then the Ikuta Green Park is the place for you. Located at the corner of Tama Hill, the park is the biggest green area in the city. The scenic beauty of nature is complemented with various facilities such as a golf course, a house park, and two museums to complete the fun.
If you’re craving for a much more rugged nature, then you may be looking for the Kanagawa-Prefecture Higasitakane Forest Park. The park includes features such as a swamp plant garden, historical monuments and an observation platform.
For sports fanatics or for people simply wanting to shed more calories, Kawasaki has its share of sports centers like the Yonetty Tsutsumine and the Kawasaki-City Todoroki Arena. The latter, specifically, is the biggest multi-purpose facility in Kawasaki and can be used in all types of events such as concerts or international conventions.
Probably the most famous attraction in Kawasaki City, however, is the Port of Kawasaki, which can be found at an outstanding location and excellent access by land, sea, and air. Specifically, the port is located along the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway and the Bay-shore Route. A premier distribution hub, it is an industrial port that allows smooth and cost-effective goods trading not only in Kawasaki but in all of Japan and offers great convenience in business and personal transportation. Among the benefits of the Port of Kawasaki as an international port of commercial trade is the new deep-water container terminal designed to be used by oceangoing vessels. Aimed to boost the port’s freight-handling capacity, the terminal is expected to produce much economic good for the region. The Port of Kawasaki also allows easier and more efficient air-freight handing by serving as a link between the Haneda and Narita airports. For all these reasons, the port is expected to become one of the country's most important new commercial and logistical centers of activity. At present, more container terminals are being constructed to develop the international trading port.
Culture, science, history, modernity. Visit Kawasaki and experience this all.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is one of Japan's 4 main islands and is located northern most part of Japan and when translated, Hokkaido literally means "Road of the North Sea". The island is a very popular destination for tourists on vacation holiday in Japan because of its natural beauty, especially during winter.
The island of Hokkaido is actually a huge land mass and is about twenty three percent of Japan's entire land mass. Even if you visit Hokkaido in summer, the weather can be very pleasant because of its low humidity.
Before the mainstream Japanese considered the island as suitable for human habitation after the Meiji Restoration, the island was home only to a few exile samurais and the native Ainu people who are the aboriginal tribesmen. The Ainu people are the last of Japan's indigenous people most of whom are still dwelling in Hokkaido.
In the past, the island's inhabitants are very concerned about their survival and thought that the island is spooked with the restless spirits of Ainu gods who often belch fire from the mountains (volcanic eruptions) and trampled the earth in anger (earthquakes).
There are many natural tourist attractions since the island is well endowed by the beauty of nature. For instance, you can travel to Mount Daisetsu National Park, which is sometimes called The Roof of Hokkaido and gaze in amazement the snow peaked mountain ranges or visit the Kushiro marshland which is home to many adorable marsh dwelling animals including the sacred crane.
If you are into adventure tourism, then the Shikotsu Toya National Park must be included in your holiday vacation itinerary. You will find many magnificent volcanoes and breathtaking scenic lakes in this national park and if you are tired after your sightseeing trips, go pamper yourself with natural spa treatments at the many hot springs such as in Noboribetsu, Jouzankei and Sohunkyo.
If you are in Hokkaido during winter, then you must make a beeline to Sapporo, which is Hokkaido's vibrant capital city which is famous for its pulsating nightlife and the extraordinary Snow Festival every February. Sapporo, with a population of about 1.8 million people is a city of fine restaurants and luxurious hotels. If you enjoy winter skiing, you may like to check into some winter ski resorts.
This outback island is sometimes referred to as Japan's 'Wild West' and still retains a distinct pioneer feel. This is the reason why the island is really the land of the backpackers.
Adventure tourists can enjoy exploring the vast wilderness, go winter skiing, even be a trout fisherman or go trekking in countless trails along rugged coastline, through wildflower fields or up the summits of snowcapped mountains.
So if you are going to Japan for your holiday vacation, do make sure you do not miss the beauty of Japan's Wild Wild West, the island of Hokkaido.
Okinawa
Okinawa, which means 'rope in the open sea', is found in Japan. The term seems to refer to how the 60 island chain that makes up the prefecture of Okinawa appears. Okinawa Japan is often considered a little separate from the rest of Japan since it has a more distinct culture and tongue.
Okinawa, Japan is often chosen for tourism and vacations due to its location and sunny beach climate. As it is far to the south of the main islands of Japan, its climate is more temperate than the other Japanese locations. It is mild enough that swimming in the winter months is pleasant. Avoid Okinawa during the typhoon months of September and October, however.
About fifteen of the Okinawan islands are uninhabited, and it is an enjoyable experience to explore some of them and traverse their wild vegetation. It is uncommon to find wilderness like this anywhere else in Japan. You can easily secure a boat to take you around at any of the seaside towns. Many visitors to the area have fun going camping on some of these islands.
Okinawa culture is distinct from that of the rest of Japan. This is because the Okinawa islands were only annexed to Japan in the late 19th century. Visitors may enjoy watching karate (a native Okinawan sport), enjoying traditional Okinawan folk music, and viewing Okinawan architecture, traditionally topped with guardian lions. Okinawa cuisine is likewise unique, with a distinct Taiwanese flair. Popular foods include bitter melon, pork, Gurukun (a type of fish), and fried dough. American food is also common and plentiful in Okinawa, due to the US military presence.
The stunning Shuri Castle and the quaint village of Taketomi - both preserving the history of native Okinawan heritage from centuries ago - are two of the many popular Okinawa attractions. Tourists also appreciate the ocean splendors available in Okinawa, such as underwater ruins, great reefs, and unique marine species - all of which are visible through underwater museums, tours, and by scuba diving.
Although Okinawa is best known for its beautiful beaches, whether you are planning to travel to Okinawa Japan for pleasure or for business, rest assured that you will enjoy your stay in this unique cultural location and find plenty of activities to do and attractions to visit.
Government
Japan's Constitution, which came into force in 1947, is based on three principles: sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human rights, and renunciation of war. The Constitution also stipulates the independence of the three branches of government - legislative (the Diet), executive (the cabinet), and judicial (the courts).
The Diet, Japan's national parliament, is the highest organ of state power and the sole law-making organ of the state. The Diet comprises the 480-seat House of Representatives (lower house) and the 242-seat House of Councillors (upper house). All Japanese citizens can vote in elections once they reach the age of 20.
Japan has a parliamentary system of government like Britain and Canada. Unlike the Americans or the French, the Japanese do not elect a president directly. Diet members elect a prime minister from among themselves. The prime minister forms and leads the cabinet of ministers of state. The cabinet, in the exercise of executive power, is responsible to the Diet.
Judicial power lies with the Supreme Court and lower courts, such as high courts, district courts, and summary courts. The Supreme Court consists of a chief justice and 14 other justices, all of whom are appointed by the cabinet. Most cases are handled by district courts. There are also summary courts, which deal with problems like traffic violations.
There are 47 prefectural and numerous municipal governments in Japan. Their responsibilities include providing education, welfare, and other services and building and maintaining infrastructure, including utilities. Their administrative activities bring them into close contact with local people. The heads of regional governments and local assembly members are chosen by local people through elections.