Author Archives: Michael Gakuran

On Becoming Japanese

By Michael Gakuran | Published February 24, 2010
What does it mean to become Japanese? Can a foreigner or ‘gaijin’ ever fully integrate into Japanese society such that they blend in and are treated ‘normally’? A recent video foray into this tricky topic.
Posted in Japan | 37 Comments

NihongoUp contest results

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 29, 2010
Here are the winners to the review and contest I held recently. Philip has supplied me with two copies of his nifty little flash game that helps you learn Japanese to give away, so without further ado, let me announce the lucky people to win!
Posted in Other | 10 Comments

Bring the Ocean into your Bedroom

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 27, 2010
If you’re as smitten with the ocean as me, you might appreciate this little projector unit I discovered for this week’s Interesting Item (Omoshiro Zakka). It brings the soothing comfort of the deep blue to your bedroom, bathroom or wherever you choose to put it.
Posted in Other | 5 Comments

The Red Demon Samurai – Ii Naomasa

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 21, 2010
Ii Naomasa is known as the Red Demon. A historic figure and one of the Four Guardians of the Tokugawa in Japanese history. He is best known for his fearsome blood-red samurai armour and nasty habit of killing people over mistakes. That’s the guy I’m set to become in this year’s Spring parade.
Posted in Japan | 24 Comments

Slick Samurai Sword Chopsticks

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 20, 2010
It was only last week that I introduced Kotobukiya’s Power of the Force special Star Wars-themed chopsticks. Now they’ve gone and made chopsticks to make your feudal side salivate. Yes, you can become a Samurai at dinner time!
Posted in Other | 3 Comments

Star Wars Chopsticks – Nibble with the Force

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 13, 2010
This week’s Interesting Items from Japan (Omoshiro Zakka) are Star Wars chopsticks. Use the Power of the Force to fight your way through a bowl of rice or slice your salted fishy meal cleanly in two. Be you Jedi or Sith, rest assured that the Empire has you covered.
Posted in Other | 12 Comments

NihongoUp Japanese Study Tool Review

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 8, 2010
NihongoUp is a neat little game that installs quickly and cleanly and offers great benefits to you learning Japanese. With Kana and Kanji practice and even vocabulary drills for up to the highest level of the JLPT, it’s certainly getting itself noticed in the language-learning arena. You can also win a free copy!
Posted in Other | 31 Comments

Deep sea bonefish extension cord

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 6, 2010
It’s that time of the week again. Here’s another bizarre product from the everlasting goody bag of interesting Japanese items (Omoshiro Zakka). What with my penchant for deep sea creatures (especially the bioluminescent variety) I couldn’t resist this weird bonefish extension cable.
Posted in Other | 3 Comments