Blossoms And Shadows

Blossoms And Shadows a novel by Lian Hearn, is a fascinating historical epic that follows one woman as she lives through the tumultuous years of Japan's 19th century cival war. This is the story of the birth of modern Japan as told by a young woman Tsuru who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. This is a fascinating period of Japan's history with Japan in the mid 1860s in a grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revelution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru.

The authors passion for all facets of the Land of the Rising Sun shines through in her description of the social customs and her honourable warrior characters.


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Travel Visa to Japan

You will need a valid passport and if your country has an agreement with Japan which includes most Western nations then you do not require a visa as you can obtain landing permission on arrival without a visa. This is usually good for a stay of up to 90 days, although certain European nationalities are permitted to stay for 180 days if they note a longer stay upon entry. In some cases you might also be asked to prove that you intend to return to your home country, which can be done via a return plane ticket. You are also required to complete an immigration card, which is usually handed out on the flight be landing and must be handed in at customs upon entry.

Once in Japan, you must carry your passport with you at all times. All foreigners (except those on government business) over the age of 16 are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures into Japan. This may also be followed by a short interview conducted by the immigration officer. Refusual to any of these procedures will mean denied entry to Japan.

Travellers entering Japan for longer than 90 days are required to obtain a Certificate of Alien Registration within 90 days of arrival. The ARC or gaijin card as it is known must be carried with you at all times in lieu of your passport. This card must be surrendered upon exit from Japan, unless you hold a re-entry permit.

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Japan hikes taxes on cigarettes to curb smoking

Japan has this month just imposed a record 40 percent tax hike on cigarettes in a bid to curb the nation's smoking rate which is the highest among major industrialized nations. In Japan approximately 36.6% of men smoke and 12.1% of women smoke. The price rise will increase the price of Japan's most popular brand, Mild Seven, by a third to 410 yen or USD$4.93 a pack.


In the weeks leading up to the tax increase, smokers across Japan stocked up on their favourite cigarettes with many of my smoker friends purchasing a years worth of cigarettes to bet the price rise.

Smoking is still allowed in most public places in Japan, but authorities have tried to discourage smoking in public areas such as airports, train stations and government buildings. A lot of places in Japan now have designated smoking rooms with most Japanese smokers complying.

Sourced from The Associated Press Japan 2010

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Easy Japanese Cooking Recipe Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

This month`s Easy Japanese Cooking recipe is Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

Chilled tofu is called Hiyayakko in Japan and is the most popular tofu dish. All you need to do is place toppings on top of chilled tofu and it`s a great appetizer to serve during the warmer summer months.


Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
• 2 blocks silk tofu
• Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
• Chopped green onion
• Grated ginger
• Soy sauce
• Karashi mustard

Method
1. Cut tofu into halves.
2. Serve the tofu in individual bowls.
3. Put grated ginger, dried bonito flakes and chopped green onion on top of tofu. Place as much as you like.
4. Pour some soy sauce onto the tofu before eating. Also put some karashi mustard on the tofu if you would like.

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Amusement in Japan

Karaoke

Karaoke (カラオケ) was invented in Japan and is the most popular form of entertainment for young Japanese. Most cities in Japan will have some kind of Karaoke Bar or Karaoke Box. The bigger cities will have karaoke boxes that occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends can rent a room to yourself for an hourly rate that often also includes all you can drink, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall. The major chains all have a good selection of English language songs along with the classic Japanese pop songs and enka.

Pachinko

Pachinko is a form of gambling that involves dropping little steel balls into a machine. Pachinko is extremely popular among middle aged Japanese men. Prizes are awarded depending on where the little steel balls land. Pachinko is worth giving a try just for the unusual experience alone, but be aware because most pachinko parlours are full of ear splitting noise and a toxic cloud of nicotine smoke.

Baseball

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan and is easily the most popular sport. Baseball was first introduced to Japan around 1870 by an American professor. Baseball is played in most if not all Junior High Schools and High Schools in Japan with the National High School baseball tournament the most watched sporting event on TV during the summer. Japan has its own professional baseball league known as Nippon Professional Baseball with several Japanese players such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui going on to become top players in Major League Baseball in the US.

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Steve Biddulph in Frankston

Steve Biddulph, the author of Raising Boys and child psychologist will make an appearance at the Frankston Arts Centre on Monday, 25 October. Steve Biddulph offers simple practical ways to help boys to grow up to be happy, positive, caring and motivated. The event will be held at the Frankston Arts Centre, Playne Street, Frankston from 7:30pm – 9:15pm and costs $10 per adult. Bookings are required as places will sell quickly. To book call 9784 1060 or visit http://www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/.

Pet`s Day Out

Pet`s Day Out is on again this Sunday, 10th October 2010 from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. Treat your pet and family to a fantastic FREE day of tasty treats, entertainment and displays. Free children`s activities include: Amusement Rides, Face Painting, Giant Animal Farm, Reptile Display, and Pony Rides. The event will also feature special guest Dr Chris Brown from “Bondi Vet”, who will host the PETstock Pet Parade. Pet`s Day Out will be held at Ballam Park, Cranbourne Road, Frankston (Melway Ref, 103 B5).