The Japan Countdown & Harajuku

I have spent the last few hours researching Japan and reading blog posts from some friends on their recent trip to Japan and I can't even explain how excited I am getting. 64 more days!

Today the topic of Harajuku came up and it has occured to me that I can not write a fashion blog and not go see the Harajuku kids while in Tokyo. That just seems so wrong! Only problem is I will not be in Tokyo on a Sunday so I will have to head over on Saturday morning and HOPE to catch a glimpse of them... I'm sad I can't squeeze Sunday in but our schedule is so packed with places to go and we are trying to limit our time in Tokyo as it's the most expensive city we'll be visiting... But who knows, maybe that will change.

What is Harajuku you may be asking (Dad, I know you are), well here is your answer from Wikipedia:
"Harajuku is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. Every Sunday, young people dressed in a variety of styles including gothic lolita, visual kei, and decora, as well as cosplayers spend the day in Harajuku socializing. The fashion styles of these youths rarely conform to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many. Most young people gather on Jingu Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine area.

Harajuku is also a fashion capital of the world renowned for unique street fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits. Many prominent designers and fashion ideas have sprung from Harajuku and incorporated themselves into other fashions throughout the world. Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes luxury western designers like Louis Vuitton, Harajuku native designers, and affordable shops catering to youths."

We can pretty much thank Gwen Stefani for bringing Harajuku kids to our attention in the US. Had you heard of them before? If so, explain. :)

Enjoy!


Ja mata! (じゃ、また)

Japanese 101

For the new year I have decided to teach myself Japanese. I have taken a class before but sadly I didn't retain any of it except maybe the number 1-4. I basically have the education of a toddler right now but I'm working on it.

Everyday I try to at least work on it for an hour. I listen to free Japanese lesson podcast during the day at work, but sadly I'm not really "working on it" as I'm actually doing my day job but maybe just having it going in my head will help. I will say I think it is a bit as pronunciation is a bit easier as when I first started it sounded like I was just making crazy noises (no offense Japanese speaking folks!).

Currently I listen to a CD in the car over and over and over trying to get down the general greeting words, numbers, etc. Then I have a Japanese for Dummies book that I read through. I have my podcast's that I have found as there are many free one's that have lessons. My favorite sofar is Japancast. I also have found a few websites but a fun one for kids that breaks it down really simply is Kids Web Japan.

This weekend I am meeting with a woman for coffee as she is going to help me with Japanese and I'll be helping her with English. She be interesting as I've never helped anyone with their English. I hope it works out as I think actually working with a Japanese speaking person one-on-one should be very beneficial. I met her through Conversation Exchange, which allows you to find people in your area who want to get help with languages. Maybe I'll even make a new friend... who knows!

I know there are classes to take but since I started with that route years ago and nothing really came of it I feel another approach might be nice. Keep your fingers crossed!