Monthly Archives: March 2009

Work-Life Balance in Japan

Published March 29, 2009
I’ve been pondering over this issue so much recently that I feel compelled to write an introspective post. So here are the naive reflections of a young 20-something adult. The topic? Overtime in Japan. With my impending graduation and the possibility of work in Japan, it’s time I faced this troubling problem head-on.
Posted in Japan | 103 Comments

Japansoc Blogger Conference 2

Published March 15, 2009
Yesterday at 1am I was up and donning my black gakuran to attend the second J-blogger conference. Wonky Tofugu’s Koichi hosted the conference on the popular live video learning platform Edufire. The focus was on the fantastic group of people that blog about all things Japanese.
Posted in Other | 23 Comments

JLPT1 2008 Results

Published March 8, 2009
Finally! They’re here! MY JLPT level 1 results! (Actually, they were a week ago, but Love Dolls took the limelight). Three months of trepidation. Of nervously waiting by the letterbox and checking every JLPT website for some semblance of news. I kid, right..? And they arrived, in an unceremoniously bent envelope last Friday…
Posted in Japan, Journal | 51 Comments

Love Doll Rental in Japan

Published March 3, 2009
Recently I guest-blogged for Loneleeplanet, discussing the controversial matter of ‘Love Dolls’, or ‘Sex Dolls’, and challenging the social taboo surrounding them. As an appendix to that, here I will look at the practice of renting love dolls, usually by the hour! Is there a market for soft silicone against the flesh?
Posted in Japan | 47 Comments