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	<title type="text">Our blog</title>
	<subtitle type="text">Consultants Japan Inc.-ã³ã³ãµã«ã¸ã£ãã³æ ªå¼ä¼ç¤¾</subtitle>
	<updated>2012-05-21T12:03:59+09:00</updated>
	<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/index.php</id>
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	<entry>
		<title>New Residency Management System</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=29" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=29</id>
		<published>2012-05-10T09:33:56+09:00</published>
		<updated>2012-05-10T10:26:28+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Visa/Immigration" label="Visa/Immigration" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">From JULY 9th, 2012, new residency management system will start!
&amp;nbsp;
Currently, foreign nationals residing in Japan are required to visit their local government office to apply for Alien registration.&amp;nbsp;However, as of July 9th, 2012, a new residency management system will take effect and a &amp;ldquo;Resident Card&amp;rdquo; will be issued instead.&amp;nbsp;Foreigners who will be residing in Japan for mid-to-long term will receive this card at their landing port (Narita, Haneda, Chubu or Kansai Airport) upon their entry into Japan.
&amp;nbsp;
Currently, a re-entry permit needs to be obtained at the immigration office when you leave Japan for holidays or business trips.&amp;nbsp;This will no longer be necessary after the new system takes effect, as long as you are re-entering to Japan within one year from the departure date.
&amp;nbsp;
Up until now, a &amp;quot;certificate of registered matters (Kisaijiko Shomeisho)&amp;quot; is issued by the local government office as a residence status verification document.&amp;nbsp;However, after July 9th, 2012, all foreigners with the &amp;ldquo;Resident Card&amp;rdquo; or equivalent will be eligible to request for issuance of the &amp;ldquo;certificate of residence (Juminhyo)&amp;rdquo;, same as Japanese nationals.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
Your current alien registration card will be valid and deemed to be equivalent to the &amp;ldquo;Resident Card&amp;rdquo; until it expires.&amp;nbsp;Children under 16 years of age, are required to apply for the &amp;ldquo;Resident Card&amp;rdquo; either before his/her 16th birthday, visa expiry date or July 8th, 2015 whichever comes earlier.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; This will depend on his/her resident status.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;lt;click to expand&amp;gt;

&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt">From JULY 9th, 2012, new residency management system will start!</span></u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Currently, foreign nationals residing in Japan are required to visit their local government office to apply for Alien registration.&nbsp;However, as of July 9<sup>th</sup>, 2012, a new residency management system will take effect and a &ldquo;Resident Card&rdquo; will be issued instead.&nbsp;Foreigners who will be residing in Japan for mid-to-long term will receive this card at their landing port (Narita, Haneda, Chubu or Kansai Airport) upon their entry into Japan.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Currently, a re-entry permit needs to be obtained at the immigration office when you leave Japan for holidays or business trips.&nbsp;This will no longer be necessary after the new system takes effect, as long as you are re-entering to Japan within one year from the departure date.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Up until now, a &quot;certificate of registered matters (Kisaijiko Shomeisho)&quot; is issued by the local government office as a residence status verification document.&nbsp;However, <u>after July 9th, 2012, all foreigners with the &ldquo;Resident Card&rdquo; or equivalent will be eligible to request for issuance of the &ldquo;certificate of residence (Juminhyo)&rdquo;, same as Japanese nationals.</u>&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Your current alien registration card will be valid and deemed to be equivalent to the &ldquo;Resident Card&rdquo; until it expires.&nbsp;Children under 16 years of age, are required to apply for the &ldquo;Resident Card&rdquo; either before his/her 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, visa expiry date or July 8<sup>th</sup>, 2015 whichever comes earlier.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; This will depend on his/her resident status.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a onclick="window.open(this.href,'TableNewResidencyManagementSystem','resizable=yes,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,fullscreen=no,dependent=no,status'); return false" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20120510100844f63a6def.jpg">&lt;click to expand&gt;</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20120510100844f63a6def.jpg"><img height="206" alt="" width="485" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20120510100844f63a6def.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Supermarkets</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=28" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=28</id>
		<published>2011-12-27T11:17:58+09:00</published>
		<updated>2012-02-17T16:14:16+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Shopping" label="Shopping" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">Supermarkets
&amp;nbsp;
Information on supermarkets&amp;rsquo; year-end / new year opening hours
&amp;amp; newly opened store
&amp;nbsp;
The end of 2011 is drawing near, we thought this kind of information might be helpful.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;diams;&amp;nbsp;Newly opened:
Motomachi Union Roppongi Store
On December 14, 2011, Motomachi Union opened its Roppongi store on the ground floor of Roppongi Tokyo Plaza (commercial bldg.).&amp;nbsp;They are open 24 hours a day, all year around, and carries a wide variety of high-quality and imported foods.
Address: 3-7-1-101, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo&amp;nbsp;TEL: 03-3582-9540
Website: http://www.unionex.co.jp/shop/roppongi.html (Japanese only)
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;diams;&amp;nbsp;Year-end / New Year opening hours:
1)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; MEIDIYA (Open 10:00 &amp;ndash; 21:00)
Open until December 31st (Opening hours: 9ï¼00 - 21ï¼00 on December 30th
&amp;amp; 31st)
Closed from January 1st to 3rd
Open from January 4th, 2012, at 10ï¼00
Website: http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/
&amp;nbsp;
2)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Niku no Hanamasa (Some stores open 24hrs all year around)
Most of 24-hour-open stores stay open during this holiday season, while a few are closed over the New Year or shorten their opening hours. For more details, please visit the following website.
Website: http://www.hanamasa.co.jp/shop/index.html#tokyo (Japanese only)
&amp;nbsp;
3)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Nissin World Delicatessen (Open 9:00 &amp;ndash; 21:00)
Open until December 31st
Closed on January 1st &amp;amp; 2nd
Open from January 3rd, 2012, at 9:00
Website: http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/
&amp;nbsp;
4)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;Baby&amp;rdquo; National Azabu (Open 10:00 &amp;ndash; 20:00)
** Next to Starbucks (across the street from its original location) **
Open until December 31st
Closed on January 1st &amp;amp; 2nd
Open from January 3rd, 2012, at 10:00
Website: http://www.national-azabu.com/e_saleevent.php
&amp;nbsp;
5)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Peacock Azabujuban (Open 10:00 &amp;ndash; 23:00)
Open until 12/31 (Opening hours: 10:00 - around 19:00 on December 31st)
Closed on January 1st
Open from January 2nd, 2012, around 10:00 and may close earlier than usual
MAP: http://www.peacock.co.jp/peacock_shop_info/east_azabu/map_e.html
&amp;nbsp;
6)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Gourmet City Azabu Store (Open 24 hrs all year around)
Stays open 24 hrs over the New Year holiday.
Address: 2-5, Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo&amp;nbsp;TEL: 03-3403-9451
&amp;nbsp;
7)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; COSTCO (Kawasaki) (10:00 &amp;ndash; 20:00 Everyday)
Closed at 18:00 on December 31st and January 1st
Website: http://www.costco.co.jp/eng/whs_863.htm
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
In addition to the above, National Azabu has confirmed recently that they will reopen at the same location by the end of August in 2012 &amp;ndash; it must be great news for those who have been inconvenienced by its closure at the end of October.


    
        
        
    

&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;

Wishing you all happy holidays
&amp;amp;
prosperous New Year!!!!!


&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt">Supermarkets<img height="114" alt="" width="90" align="right" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20111227110107c7b2f16a.jpg" /></span></u></b>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left"><b>Information on supermarkets&rsquo; year-end / new year opening hours</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 168pt" align="center"><b>&amp; newly opened store</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">The end of 2011 is drawing near, we thought this kind of information might be helpful.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: -21pt; text-align: left"><span>&diams;&nbsp;</span><b>Newly opened:</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-align: left"><b>Motomachi Union Roppongi Store</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-align: left">On December 14, 2011, Motomachi Union opened its Roppongi store on the ground floor of Roppongi Tokyo Plaza (commercial bldg.).&nbsp;They are open 24 hours a day, all year around, and carries a wide variety of high-quality and imported foods.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 21pt; text-align: left">Address: 3-7-1-101, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo&nbsp;TEL: 03-3582-9540</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 21pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.unionex.co.jp/shop/roppongi.html"><a href="http://www.unionex.co.jp/shop/roppongi.html" target="_blank">http://www.unionex.co.jp/shop/roppongi.html</a></a> (Japanese only)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: -21pt; text-align: left"><span><span>&diams;</span>&nbsp;</span><b>Year-end / New Year opening hours:</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 39pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: left"><b><span>1)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>MEIDIYA </b>(Open 10:00 &ndash; 21:00)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">Open until December 31<sup>st</sup> (Opening hours: 9ï¼00 - 21ï¼00 on December 30<sup>th</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">&amp; 31<sup>st</sup>)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">Closed from January 1<sup>st</sup> to 3<sup>rd</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">Open from January 4<sup>th</sup>, 2012, at 10ï¼00</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/"><a href="http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/" target="_blank">http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 39pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: left"><b><span>2)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>Niku no Hanamasa </b>(Some stores open 24hrs all year around)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 39pt; text-align: left">Most of 24-hour-open stores stay open during this holiday season, while a few are closed over the New Year or shorten their opening hours. For more details, please visit the following website.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 21pt; text-indent: 18pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.hanamasa.co.jp/shop/index.html#tokyo"><a href="http://www.hanamasa.co.jp/shop/index.html#tokyo" target="_blank">http://www.hanamasa.co.jp/shop/index.html#tokyo</a></a> (Japanese only)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 40.5pt; text-indent: -20.25pt; text-align: left"><b><span>3)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>Nissin World Delicatessen </b>(Open 9:00 &ndash; 21:00)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Open until December 31<sup>st</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Closed on January 1<sup>st</sup> &amp; 2<sup>nd</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Open from January 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2012, at 9:00</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/"><a href="http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/" target="_blank">http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 40.5pt; text-indent: -20.25pt; text-align: left"><b><span>4)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>&ldquo;Baby&rdquo; National Azabu </b>(Open 10:00 &ndash; 20:00)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left"><b>** </b>Next to Starbucks (across the street from its original location) **</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Open until December 31<sup>st</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Closed on January 1<sup>st</sup> &amp; 2<sup>nd</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Open from January 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2012, at 10:00</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.national-azabu.com/e_saleevent.php"><a href="http://www.national-azabu.com/e_saleevent.php" target="_blank">http://www.national-azabu.com/e_saleevent.php</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left"><b>5)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><b>Peacock </b>Azabujuban (Open 10:00 &ndash; 23:00)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 38.2pt; text-align: left">Open until 12/31 (Opening hours: 10:00 - around 19:00 on December 31<sup>st</sup>)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 38.2pt; text-align: left">Closed on January 1<sup>st</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 17.95pt; text-align: left">Open from January 2<sup>nd</sup>, 2012, around 10:00 and may close earlier than usual</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 20.25pt; text-indent: 17.95pt; text-align: left">MAP: <a href="http://www.peacock.co.jp/peacock_shop_info/east_azabu/map_e.html"><a href="http://www.peacock.co.jp/peacock_shop_info/east_azabu/map_e.html" target="_blank">http://www.peacock.co.jp/peacock_shop_info/east_azabu/map_e.html</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 38.25pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: left"><b><span>6)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>Gourmet City </b>Azabu Store<b> (</b>Open 24 hrs all year around)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 38.25pt; text-align: left">Stays open 24 hrs over the New Year holiday.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 38.25pt; text-align: left">Address: 2-5, Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo&nbsp;TEL: 03-3403-9451</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 38.25pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: left"><b><span>7)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b>COSTCO</b> (Kawasaki) (10:00 &ndash; 20:00 Everyday)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Closed at 18:00 on December 31st and January 1<sup>st</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">Website: <a href="http://www.costco.co.jp/eng/whs_863.htm"><a href="http://www.costco.co.jp/eng/whs_863.htm" target="_blank">http://www.costco.co.jp/eng/whs_863.htm</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: 20.25pt; text-align: left"><sup>&nbsp;</sup></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left">In addition to the above, National Azabu has confirmed recently that they will reopen at the same location by the end of August in 2012 &ndash; it must be great news for those who have been inconvenienced by its closure at the end of October.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left"><span style="z-index: 251657728; position: absolute">
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
</span>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center">&nbsp;</div>
<br clear="all" />
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt">Wishing you all happy holidays<img alt="" align="right" style="width: 86px; height: 96px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20111227111051c1242522.jpg" /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><img height="97" alt="" width="90" align="left" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20111227110822c1a3741d.jpg" /></span></span></span></span>&amp;</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt">prosperous New Year!!!!!</span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>NABE (Boiling Pot)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=27" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=27</id>
		<published>2011-11-16T10:17:43+09:00</published>
		<updated>2011-11-16T12:10:45+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Food/Restaurants" label="Food/Restaurants" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;NABE (Boiling Pot)
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;The leaves are changing colors, and it is a nice season for walking in mountains or parks.&amp;nbsp;Yes, autumn has come and is it the time for gaining weigh?
There are many cuisines or specialties of really tasty foods in Autumn in Japan.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
NABE (Boiling pot) is one of the delicious and popular cuisines in Autumn and Winter.
It is a Japanese stew/soup made with broth and various vegetables. It is common for nabe to be cooked on portable stoves right on the table to heat and eat.
&amp;nbsp;
There are different types of Nabe, such as Yudofu, Mizutaki, Yosenabe, Oden, Sukiyaki etc&amp;hellip; They use different soups: The light flavored soup stock (e.g. Kombu (dried kelp)) boils and is eaten by dipping in a special sauce (tare), or a soup with miso (soy beans), dashi (broth) &amp;amp; soy sauce and enjoy other flavors ones.&amp;nbsp;Actually, there are more different tasting of soups or kinds of ingredients for nabe in each region.&amp;nbsp;The soups differ in each region because of the weather, air, water and special products.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
The Nabe is usually placed in the center of dining tables and shared by multiple people. 
Japanese people consider eating from one pot makes for closer relationships.&amp;nbsp;After nice walking in autumn color of leaves and having nabe together at someone&amp;rsquo;s home would be fun and the chance to make more friends or closer relationships.
&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
How to make NABE: http://japanesefood.about.com/od/onepotdishes/One_Pot_Nabe.htm
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: right"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><img height="124" alt="" width="164" align="right" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_201111161031362fe8a92e.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: center"><strong>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">NABE (Boiling Pot)</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><img alt="" align="left" style="width: 91px; height: 122px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_201111161031261dae0817.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">The leaves are changing colors, and it is a nice season for walking in mountains or parks.&nbsp;Yes, autumn has come and is it the time for gaining weigh?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">There are many cuisines or specialties of really tasty foods in Autumn in Japan.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">NABE</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"> (Boiling pot) is one of the delicious and popular cuisines in Autumn and Winter.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">It is a Japanese stew/soup made with broth and various vegetables. It is common for nabe to be cooked on portable stoves right on the table to heat and eat.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><img alt="" align="right" style="width: 153px; height: 114px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_201111161031060baae0a9.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">There are different types of Nabe, such as <b>Yudofu</b>, <b>Mizutaki</b>, <b>Yosenabe</b>, <b>Oden</b>, <b>Sukiyaki</b> etc&hellip; They use different soups: The light flavored soup stock (e.g. Kombu (dried kelp)) boils and is eaten by dipping in a special sauce (tare), or a soup with miso (soy beans), dashi (broth) &amp; soy sauce and enjoy other flavors ones.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">&nbsp;Actually, there are more different tasting of soups or kinds of ingredients for nabe in each region.&nbsp;The soups differ in each region because of the weather, air, water and special products.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="left"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">The Nabe is usually placed in the center of dining tables and shared by multiple people. </span></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><a title="East Asian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian"><span style="color: navy">Japanese</span></a> people consider eating from one pot makes for closer relationships.&nbsp;After nice walking in autumn color of leaves and having nabe together at someone&rsquo;s home would be fun and the chance to make more friends or closer relationships.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy"><img height="121" alt="" width="101" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20111116103207c5f27e31.jpg" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img height="100" alt="" width="133" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_201111161031571a14fd4c.jpg" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="105" alt="" width="130" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20111116103147c84697e1.jpg" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small"><b><span style="color: navy">How to make NABE:</span></b><span style="color: navy"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: navy"><a target="_blank" href="http://japanesefood.about.com/od/onepotdishes/One_Pot_Nabe.htm"><font color="#1b608a"><a href="http://japanesefood.about.com/od/onepotdishes/One_Pot_Nabe.htm" target="_blank">http://japanesefood.about.com/od/onepotdishes/One_Pot_Nabe.htm</a></font></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Good Season for Plum Pickles</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=26" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=26</id>
		<published>2011-06-27T10:36:49+09:00</published>
		<updated>2011-06-27T13:16:28+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Custom/Culture" label="Custom/Culture" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">Kanto area started Tsuyu (rainy season), quite early this year, 12 days earlier than average!
In spite of the gloomy weather, Japanese people try to enjoy and cherish the season, by making pickles and appreciating the rain that cultivate rice plants.
In Japanese we write Tsuyu as&amp;quot;æ¢é¨&amp;quot; literally meaning Plum Rain. 
Plums are said to get ripe during this rainy season.
Japanese people enjoy making &amp;quot;Umeboshi&amp;quot;plum pickles during this time of year.
This special pickle, is very powerful and helps sterilize foods, helps stomach problems, helps fatigue recovery and enhances calcium assimilation etc. This pickle is considered a treasure and wisdom from our ancestors.
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯" size="2">Kanto area started Tsuyu (rainy season), quite early this year, 12 days earlier than average!</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯" size="2">In spite of the gloomy weather, Japanese people try to enjoy and cherish the season, by making pickles and appreciating the rain that cultivate rice plants.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><font size="2"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯"><span lang="EN-US">In Japanese we write Tsuyu as&quot;</span>æ¢é¨<span lang="EN-US">&quot; literally meaning Plum Rain. </span></font></font></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯" size="2">Plums are said to get ripe during this rainy season.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯" size="2">Japanese people enjoy making &quot;Umeboshi&quot;plum pickles during this time of year.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="ï¼­ï¼³ ã´ã·ãã¯" size="2">This special pickle, is very powerful and helps sterilize foods, helps stomach problems, helps fatigue recovery and enhances calcium assimilation etc. This pickle is considered a treasure and wisdom from our ancestors.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Earthquakeï¼ Indication of Earthquake Level in Japan</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=25" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=25</id>
		<published>2011-05-12T16:17:53+09:00</published>
		<updated>2011-06-27T13:19:56+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Relocation" label="Relocation" />
		<author>
			<name>Consultants-Japan</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">The term, &amp;ldquo;magnitudes&amp;rdquo; is used as a common measurement that indicates the intensity of earthquake itself internationally. 
On the other hand, &amp;ldquo;seismic intensity scale&amp;rdquo; indicates the impact of the earthquake on different locations.
A seismic intensity scale varies depending on the country.
JMA seismic intensity scaleãï¼ãJapan
Mercalli intensity scaleãï¼ãUSA, Korea
China seismic intensity scale, CSISãï¼ãChina
European macroseismic scale, EMSãï¼ãEU 
In Japan, tremors are s on a 10-step scale of 0 through 7. 
Actual effects vary depending on various factors including distance from the epicenter and the geological condition of the area.


    
        
            
            JMA Seismic Intensity Scale
            
            &amp;nbsp;
        
        
            
            0
            
            
            Nobody feels the tremor.
            
        
        
            
            1
            
            
            Some people indoors may feel a slight tremor.
            
        
        
            
            2 
            
            
            Many people indoors feel the tremor. Hanging fixtures, such as lights, may slightly shake.
            
        
        
            
            3
            
            
            Most people indoors feel the tremor. Electrical wires may slightly shake.
            
        
        
            
            4 
            
            
            Hanging fixtures shake considerably and dishes in the cupboard may rattle.
            
        
        
            
            Lower 5
            
            
            Many people feel the need to plan for safety. Dishes in the cupboard and books in the shelves may fall. Items that are not supported well may fall.
            
        
        
            
            Upper 5
            
            
            There is a sense of extreme danger. Heavy furniture, such as bureaus, may fall over. Many brick walls that are not supported well may topple.
            
        
        
            
            Lower 6
            
            
            People cannot maintain a standing position. Furniture that is not secured may move or topple over. Many doors will not open. Window glass of buildings will break and fall down.
            
        
        
            
            Upper 6
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
            Impossible to move without crawling. Furniture that is not secured may move or topple over. Most brick walls that are not supported well ill fall.
            
        
        
            
            7
            
            
            Unable to move or act by will. Most furniture will move, and some may seem to fly.
            
        
    


A seismic intensity scale is called &amp;ldquo;Shindo&amp;rdquo; in Japan. JMA seismic scale &amp;ldquo;lower 5&amp;rdquo; is said as &amp;ldquo;Shindo-Go Jaku&amp;rdquo;. The &amp;ldquo;upper 5&amp;rdquo; is said as &amp;ldquo;Shindo-Go Kyou&amp;rdquo;.
Whenever the earthquake hits Japan, the magnitude and JMA seismic scale is announced as a breaking story on TV and radio.&amp;nbsp; At the same time, an alarm, warning or evacuation directive will be declared if there is a risk of tsunami.
For example, Hanshin- Awaji Earthquake in 1995 was magnitude 7.3 and the maximum JMA seismic was scale 7.&amp;nbsp; 
This northeast Japan earthquake on March 11th was magnitude 9.0. The maximum JMA seismic scale recorded in northern Miyagi prefecture near the seismic center was 7, and JMA seismic scale 5 in Tokyo.

Radio stations broadcasting in foreign languages

    Radio: Inter FM (76.1MHz) (in English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Indonesian, Thai, and Tagalong)
    FM Yokohama (84.7MHz) (in English) 
    AFN&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; U.S. Military&amp;rsquo;s Eagle 810 AM (in English)
    NHK Radio #2, News (693ï½Hz) (in English, Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese)
    Radio Japan On-line&amp;nbsp; http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html
</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><p><span style="color: #008080">The term, &ldquo;<strong>magnitudes</strong>&rdquo; is used as a common measurement that indicates the intensity of earthquake itself internationally. <br />
On the other hand, &ldquo;<strong>seismic intensity scale</strong>&rdquo; indicates the impact of the earthquake on different locations.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080">A seismic intensity scale varies depending on the country.<br />
</span><span style="color: #993300">JMA seismic intensity scaleãï¼ãJapan<br />
Mercalli intensity scaleãï¼ãUSA, Korea<br />
China seismic intensity scale, CSISãï¼ãChina<br />
European macroseismic scale, EMSãï¼ãEU </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080">In Japan, tremors are s on a 10-step scale of 0 through 7. <br />
Actual effects vary depending on various factors including distance from the epicenter and the geological condition of the area.</span></p>
<p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="833">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b>JMA Seismic Intensity Scale</b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702"><span style="color: #800000">&nbsp;</span></td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">0</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Nobody feels the tremor.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">1</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Some people indoors may feel a slight tremor.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">2</font><font size="3"> </font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Many people indoors feel the tremor. Hanging fixtures, such as lights, may slightly shake.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">3</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Most people indoors feel the tremor. Electrical wires may slightly shake.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">4</font><font size="3"> </font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Hanging fixtures shake considerably and dishes in the cupboard may rattle.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">Lower 5</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Many people feel the need to plan for safety. Dishes in the cupboard and books in the shelves may fall. Items that are not supported well may fall.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">Upper 5</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">There is a sense of extreme danger. Heavy furniture, such as bureaus, may fall over. Many brick walls that are not supported well may topple.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">Lower 6</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">People cannot maintain a standing position. Furniture that is not secured may move or topple over. Many doors will not open. Window glass of buildings will break and fall down.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">Upper 6</font></b></span></p>
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000">&nbsp;</span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Impossible to move without crawling. Furniture that is not secured may move or topple over. Most brick walls that are not supported well ill fall.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td width="129">
            <p align="center"><span style="color: #800000"><b><font size="3">7</font></b></span></p>
            </td>
            <td width="702">
            <p><span style="color: #800000">Unable to move or act by will. Most furniture will move, and some may seem to fly.</span></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p><span style="color: #008080">A seismic intensity scale is called &ldquo;Shindo&rdquo; in Japan. JMA seismic scale &ldquo;lower 5&rdquo; is said as &ldquo;Shindo-Go Jaku&rdquo;. The &ldquo;upper 5&rdquo; is said as &ldquo;Shindo-Go Kyou&rdquo;.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080">Whenever the earthquake hits Japan, the magnitude and JMA seismic scale is announced as a breaking story on TV and radio.&nbsp; At the same time, an alarm, warning or evacuation directive will be declared if there is a risk of tsunami.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080">For example, Hanshin- Awaji Earthquake in 1995 was magnitude 7.3 and the maximum JMA seismic was scale 7.&nbsp; <br />
This northeast Japan earthquake on March 11<sup>th</sup> was magnitude 9.0. The maximum JMA seismic scale recorded in northern Miyagi prefecture near the seismic center was 7, and JMA seismic scale 5 in Tokyo.</span></p>
<p><a class="lightview" rel="gallery[9489]" onclick="java script:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/d9adbbb321d0.jpg');" href="http://www.housing4expat-tokyo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/d9adbbb321d0.jpg"><img border="0" alt="å®®å" width="317" height="206" style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" src="http://www.housing4expat-tokyo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/thumb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080"><strong><font size="3">Radio stations broadcasting in foreign languages</font></strong></span></p>
<ul>
    <li><font color="#400000">Radio: Inter FM (76.1MHz) (in English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Indonesian, Thai, and Tagalong)</font></li>
    <li><font color="#400000">FM Yokohama (84.7MHz) (in English) </font></li>
    <li><font color="#400000">AFN&nbsp;&nbsp; U.S. Military&rsquo;s Eagle 810 AM (in English)</font></li>
    <li><font color="#400000">NHK Radio #2, News (693ï½Hz) (in English, Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese)</font></li>
    <li><font color="#400000">Radio Japan On-line</font>&nbsp; <a onclick="java script:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html');" href="http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html"><span style="color: #008080"><a href="http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html" target="_blank">http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html</a></span></a></li>
</ul></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Countermeasure for UV &amp; Rainy Season</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=24" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=24</id>
		<published>2011-05-09T16:31:38+09:00</published>
		<updated>2011-05-09T17:53:15+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Womenâs activity" label="Womenâs activity" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">&amp;nbsp;
There are three big holiday season in Japan and Golden week is the second one after New Years.&amp;nbsp;This year some people had 10 days off!&amp;nbsp;How lucky they are!!
Now we have to get ready for the rainy season. (&amp;ldquo;Tsuyu&amp;rdquo; in Japanese)&amp;nbsp;The Japan Meteorological Agency hasn&amp;rsquo;t announced yet when this year's rainy season begin.&amp;nbsp;But it usually starts around the 1st week or 2nd week of June.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
Tsuyu season makes everyone depressed because of the continuous rain and humidity.
Also Tsuyu season is not only high level rain fall, but also the season which UV level increases.&amp;nbsp;
For releasing your stress, why don&amp;rsquo;t you enjoy Tsuyu season and UV with these breakthrough items?
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
=Rain=
Umbrella:
(1) Once the umbrella gets wet, Sakura (=Japanese symbolic flower, Cherry blossom) pattern appears on the umbrella.
http://web-nets.com/rainy/sakura.html
(2) Night view of Tokyo inside of the umbrella / Blue sky of Yokohama inside of the umbrella
http://web-nets.com/rainy/ray-backprint.html
&amp;nbsp;
Rain / Snow Sensor:
(1) This sensor tells you when raining or snowing starts by the alarm!
http://web-nets.com/rainy/censer.html
&amp;nbsp;
Rain Boots:
(1) Fashionable rain boots are available
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/womenslab/1-41-8-10/
In Japan, there are many interesting, useful, and ideal items are available.
What do you think to have one or so while you are in Japan?&amp;nbsp;It can be your souvenir or memory?
&amp;nbsp;
(2) Not only for ladies!&amp;nbsp;Fashionable rain boots for men!
http://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/-/ã¬ã¤ã³ã·ã¥ã¼ãº-403969/f.1-p.1-s.5-sf.0-st.A-v.3?x=0&amp;amp;c=3626
&amp;nbsp;
ï¼UV=
1)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Sun visor: http://uv.grand-s.net/det-293828r3-3.html
2)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 3 way Stole: http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/beppinhonpo/u200.html
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-spot/10000619/
3)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; UV protection clothes: 
http://www.felissimo.co.jp/search/v3/cfm/products_list_search.cfm?cid4=18336&amp;amp;q=UV&amp;amp;x=0&amp;amp;y=0&amp;amp;WT.mc_id=4267&amp;amp;acdate=DokMyNbDy2QL3v3jIg8%3D
&amp;nbsp;
Please try these out for releasing your stress during the rainy &amp;amp; High UV level season.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">There are three big holiday season in Japan and Golden week is the second one after New Years.&nbsp;This year some people had 10 days off!&nbsp;How lucky they are!!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">Now we have to get ready for the rainy season. (&ldquo;Tsuyu&rdquo; in Japanese)&nbsp;The Japan Meteorological Agency hasn&rsquo;t announced yet when this year's rainy season begin.&nbsp;But it usually starts around the 1<sup>st</sup> week or 2<sup>nd</sup> week of June.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">Tsuyu season makes everyone depressed because of the continuous rain and humidity.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">Also Tsuyu season is not only high level rain fall, but also the season which UV level increases.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">For releasing your stress, why don&rsquo;t you enjoy Tsuyu season and UV with these breakthrough items?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: center"><b>&nbsp;<img height="166" alt="" width="150" align="top" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_20110509174929d830ef76.jpg" /></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">=Rain=<img height="154" alt="" width="150" align="right" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_2011050917473118b2a6f1.jpg" /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">Umbrella:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">(1) Once the umbrella gets wet, Sakura (=Japanese symbolic flower, Cherry blossom) pattern appears on the umbrella.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/sakura.html"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/sakura.html" target="_blank">http://web-nets.com/rainy/sakura.html</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">(2) Night view of Tokyo inside of the umbrella / Blue sky of Yokohama inside of the umbrella</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/ray-backprint.html"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/ray-backprint.html" target="_blank">http://web-nets.com/rainy/ray-backprint.html</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">Rain / Snow Sensor:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">(1) This sensor tells you when raining or snowing starts by the alarm!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/censer.html"><a href="http://web-nets.com/rainy/censer.html" target="_blank">http://web-nets.com/rainy/censer.html</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">Rain Boots:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">(1) Fashionable rain boots are available</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/womenslab/1-41-8-10/"><a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/womenslab/1-41-8-10/" target="_blank">http://item.rakuten.co.jp/womenslab/1-41-8-10/</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">In Japan, there are many interesting, useful, and ideal items are available.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">What do you think to have one or so while you are in Japan?&nbsp;It can be your souvenir or memory?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">(2) Not only for ladies!&nbsp;Fashionable rain boots for men!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/-/ã¬ã¤ã³ã·ã¥ã¼ãº-403969/f.1-p.1-s.5-sf.0-st.A-v.3?x=0&amp;c=3626"><a href="http://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/-/ã¬ã¤ã³ã·ã¥ã¼ãº-403969/f.1-p.1-s.5-sf.0-st.A-v.3?x=0&amp;c=3626" target="_blank">http://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/-/ã¬ã¤ã³ã·ã¥ã¼ãº-403969/f.1-p.1-s.5-sf.0-st.A-v.3?x=0&amp;c=3626</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">ï¼</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">UV=</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">1)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">Sun visor:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt"> <a href="http://uv.grand-s.net/det-293828r3-3.html"><a href="http://uv.grand-s.net/det-293828r3-3.html" target="_blank">http://uv.grand-s.net/det-293828r3-3.html</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">2)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">3 way Stole: </span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/beppinhonpo/u200.html"><a href="http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/beppinhonpo/u200.html" target="_blank">http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/beppinhonpo/u200.html</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 84pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-spot/10000619/"><a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-spot/10000619/" target="_blank">http://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-spot/10000619/</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">3)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11pt">UV protection clothes: </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 18pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><a href="http://www.felissimo.co.jp/search/v3/cfm/products_list_search.cfm?cid4=18336&amp;q=UV&amp;x=0&amp;y=0&amp;WT.mc_id=4267&amp;acdate=DokMyNbDy2QL3v3jIg8%3D"><a href="http://www.felissimo.co.jp/search/v3/cfm/products_list_search.cfm?cid4=18336&amp;q=UV&amp;x=0&amp;y=0&amp;WT.mc_id=4267&amp;acdate=DokMyNbDy2QL3v3jIg8%3D" target="_blank">http://www.felissimo.co.jp/search/v3/cfm/products_list_search.cfm?cid4=18336&amp;q=UV&amp;x=0&amp;y=0&amp;WT.mc_id=4267&amp;acdate=DokMyNbDy2QL3v3jIg8%3D</a></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-indent: 18pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt">Please try these out for releasing your stress during the rainy &amp; High UV level season.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;<img height="140" width="200" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_2011050917451591ff24d7.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;<img height="224" alt="" width="150" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000013_2011050917520642af9742.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Japanese version</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=22" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=22</id>
		<published>2011-04-01T17:40:50+09:00</published>
		<updated>2011-06-27T13:22:09+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Custom/Culture" label="Custom/Culture" />
		<author>
			<name>a.sakaida</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">&amp;nbsp;Current news broadcasting in Japan is generally according to the Japanese point of view and in line with the Japanese way of doing things. The Japanese language and culture tend to not present matters in a clear and concise manner, lest one be in error or offend people. In many situations, confirmation and reconfirmation or group consensus is necessary before issuing a statement. Consequently, foreigners sometimes react to the lack of a clear&amp;nbsp;presentation, as if Japanese are trying to conceal something.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;Japanese stardards of acceptable levels of radiation differ from those of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the US Government. Japan and America declared differing areas of evacuation for their citizens according to their own guidelines, which caused confusion throughout the world viewing the present nuclear crisis. This is the first time in recent history for the Japanese Government to deal with such a massive disaster, so they &amp;nbsp;have limited experience in coordinating efforts to handle and resolve all the related ramifications. I hope that they can channel the expertise pouring into Japan from all over the world to reduce the shock and damage and to aid in the long and costly process of rebuilding Japan.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;Concentrated efforts by major governments of the world both stemmed the rising yen and demonstrated their commitment to prevent significant disruption in the financial world. The Japanese government needs to get their house in order and base actions and expenditures on fact. Rumors of unsafe produce and dairy products caused by a broad marketing prohibition, must be quelled by proper testing, control and information disbursement, for those industries and livelihoods to recover. Drinking water supplies must be clearly monitored to allow use in unaffected areas and redistribution in bottled or other means to those areas where normal supply is disrupted.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;Can this time help Japan to grow a bit more transparent and understandable to people of the world, of which the Japanese are one part?</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">&nbsp;Current news broadcasting in Japan is generally according to the Japanese point of view and in line with the Japanese way of doing things. The Japanese language and culture tend to not present matters in a clear and concise manner, lest one be in error or offend people. In many situations, confirmation and reconfirmation or group consensus is necessary before issuing a statement. Consequently, foreigners sometimes react to the lack of a clear&nbsp;presentation, as if Japanese are trying to conceal something.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">&nbsp;Japanese stardards of acceptable levels of radiation differ from those of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the US Government. Japan and America declared differing areas of evacuation for their citizens according to their own guidelines, which caused confusion throughout the world viewing the present nuclear crisis. This is the first time in recent history for the Japanese Government to deal with such a massive disaster, so they &nbsp;have limited experience in coordinating efforts to handle and resolve all the related ramifications. I hope that they can channel the expertise pouring into Japan from all over the world to reduce the shock and damage and to aid in the long and costly process of rebuilding Japan.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">&nbsp;Concentrated efforts by major governments of the world both stemmed the rising yen and demonstrated their commitment to prevent significant disruption in the financial world. The Japanese government needs to get their house in order and base actions and expenditures on fact. Rumors of unsafe produce and dairy products caused by a broad marketing prohibition, must be quelled by proper testing, control and information disbursement, for those industries and livelihoods to recover. Drinking water supplies must be clearly monitored to allow use in unaffected areas and redistribution in bottled or other means to those areas where normal supply is disrupted.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt">&nbsp;Can this time help Japan to grow a bit more transparent and understandable to people of the world, of which the Japanese are one part?</span></p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Oseibo</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=21" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=21</id>
		<published>2010-11-17T13:34:23+09:00</published>
		<updated>2010-11-17T13:34:23+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Custom/Culture" label="Custom/Culture" />
		<author>
			<name>Consultants-Japan</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">&amp;ldquo;OSEIBO&amp;rdquo; in Japanese character stands for the &amp;ldquo;ending of the Year&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp;During the &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; season, it is customary in Japan to send &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gifts.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; was originally part of the New Years&amp;rsquo; custom.&amp;nbsp; In Japan, it is customary for offerings to be given to ancestors during the New Years in order to call their spirits. Therefore, people would visit the head family with offerings before the ending of the year and this was called &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gifts.&amp;nbsp; 
New Years&amp;rsquo; customs have changed with the times and have become more simplified.&amp;nbsp;
In recent years, instead of bringing &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gifts directly, many are sent by delivery services.&amp;nbsp;Also, people have begun to send &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gifts, not only to their head family, but to friends and superiors at work to express appreciation for the help and support in the past year.&amp;nbsp; This custom has also become familiarized in the business scene.&amp;nbsp;Companies would send it as Year End gifts to clients.&amp;nbsp; (However, some companies do not accept these types of gifts so that equality among clients is kept and there are no favoritisms)
&amp;nbsp;
These gifts should be sent from early December up to Christmas, around the 25th.&amp;nbsp;
In general, the budget for these gifts would be from 3,000 to 5,000 JPY.&amp;nbsp;Standard gifts are beverages (such as beer) and food products (fish, ham, etc).&amp;nbsp;However, there is no limit to the cost as well as what you can and cannot send.&amp;nbsp;The most important thing is that the gift is chosen from the heart.&amp;nbsp;After all, this is all in show of appreciation.
If you choose to send fresh food products, it would be wise to send the receiver a greeting card ahead of time and confirm that they would be home.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
When sending these gifts, they should be wrapped using the &amp;ldquo;Hana-musubi&amp;rdquo; or &amp;ldquo;Cho-musubi&amp;rdquo;, as you can see on the right.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
This type of knot symbolizes occasions 
that are good to be repeated since these 
knots can be tied and untied over and over again.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; season is nearing.&amp;nbsp;Maybe you will be receiving &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gifts from your Japanese colleagues.&amp;nbsp;This year, maybe you would want to send a &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; gift to someone just to say &amp;ldquo;Thanks&amp;rdquo; instead.&amp;nbsp;If you visit a major department store, you will definitely see &amp;ldquo;Oseibo&amp;rdquo; section with many gifts to choose from.&amp;nbsp;Good luck!
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">&ldquo;OSEIBO&rdquo; in Japanese character stands for the &ldquo;ending of the Year&rdquo;.&nbsp;During the &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; season, it is customary in Japan to send &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gifts.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">&ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; was originally part of the New Years&rsquo; custom.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">In Japan, it is customary for offerings to be given to ancestors during the New Years in order to call their spirits. Therefore, people would visit the head family with offerings before the ending of the year and this was called &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gifts.&nbsp; </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">New Years&rsquo; customs have changed with the times and have become more simplified.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">In recent years, instead of bringing &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gifts directly, many are sent by delivery services.&nbsp;Also, people have begun to send &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gifts, not only to their head family, but to friends and superiors at work to express appreciation for the help and support in the past year.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">This custom has also become familiarized in the business scene.&nbsp;Companies would send it as Year End gifts to clients.&nbsp; (</span><span style="font-size: 10pt">However, some companies do not accept these types of gifts so that equality among clients is kept and there are no favoritisms)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">These gifts should be sent from early December up to Christmas, around the 25<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">In general, the budget for these gifts would be from 3,000 to 5,000 JPY.&nbsp;Standard gifts are beverages </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">(such as beer) and </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">food products (fish, ham, etc).&nbsp;However, there is no limit to the cost as well as what you can and cannot send.&nbsp;The most important thing is that the gift is chosen from the heart.&nbsp;After all, this is all in show of appreciation.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">If you choose to send fresh food products, it would be wise to send the receiver a greeting card ahead of time and confirm that they would be home.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">When sending these gifts, they should be wrapped using the &ldquo;Hana-musubi&rdquo; or &ldquo;Cho-musubi&rdquo;, as you can see on the right.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt"><img alt="" align="right" style="width: 123px; height: 54px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_201011171321184da796fb.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">This type of knot symbolizes occasions </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">that are good to be repeated since these </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">knots can be tied and untied over and over again.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt">&ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; season is nearing.&nbsp;Maybe you will be receiving &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gifts from your Japanese colleagues.&nbsp;This year, maybe you would want to send a &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; gift to someone just to say &ldquo;Thanks&rdquo; instead.&nbsp;If you visit a major department store, you will definitely see &ldquo;Oseibo&rdquo; section with many gifts to choose from.&nbsp;Good luck!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;<img alt="" style="width: 186px; height: 110px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_201011171323582afb0a59.jpg" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>JAPANESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=20" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=20</id>
		<published>2010-10-22T17:01:05+09:00</published>
		<updated>2010-10-22T17:07:35+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Custom/Culture" label="Custom/Culture" />
		<author>
			<name>Consultants-Japan</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">JAPANESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
There are 15 National Holidays in Japan.&amp;nbsp;Here is a list up with a brief explanation for each.&amp;nbsp;It&amp;rsquo;s always better to know what everyone&amp;rsquo;s celebrating about!
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;

January 1st : New Years&amp;rsquo; Day (GANJITSU)&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
A day to celebrate the starting of a year.&amp;nbsp;Tutelary God and/or God of agriculture are celebrated.&amp;nbsp;KADOMATSU (or pine decoration) is displayed at entrances of homes for the gods to dwell in and KAGAMI MOCHI (or Mirror Mochi, named because it is shaped like a mirror used in ancient Japan for Shinto rituals) is displayed as offering to the gods. Many people visit shrines or temples for &amp;ldquo;Hatsumode&amp;rdquo; on this day to pray for&amp;nbsp;peace and wellness of the new year.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
2nd Monday of January : Coming-of-Age Day (SEIJIN NO HI)
A ceremony is held for the youth to become self aware and recognize that they are to leave their protected childhood behind, become independent and join the adult society.
The local government organizes these ceremonies and persons subject to this ceremony are ones who have turned 20.&amp;nbsp;Hence, in Japan, citizens are considered to be an adult at age 20 and ones 19 and younger are considered as minors.
This ceremony became an official holiday in 1948 when military obligations were no longer effective.&amp;nbsp;At that time, this holiday was on January 15th, however due to the Happy Monday Bill, it was revised to the current day in 2000.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
February 11th : National Foundation Day (KENKOKU KINEN NO HI)
This day represents the ascension date of Japan&amp;rsquo;s first emperor, Emperor Jinmu, in 660 B.C. and is celebrated to commemorate the birth and to cultivate love for the nation.
This holiday was established in 1966.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
March 20th or 21st : Vernal Equinox Day (SHUNBUN NO HI)
This day, where night and day is approximately equally long, was established as a national holiday in 1948 to praise nature, show love to all living things and make effort for the upcoming future.&amp;nbsp;It is determined which day this will be according to the booklet made by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
It also falls in the &amp;ldquo;O-HIGAN&amp;rdquo; time and people will visit graves to clean them and replace flowers and incense and such.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
April 29th : Showa Day (SHOWA NO HI)
The birthday of Emperor Hirohito, who created and reigned during the Showa era.
This day is meant to set aside the turbulent days restored during the Showa era and look towards the future of Japan.
In 1948, this day was called the &amp;ldquo;Emperor&amp;rsquo;s Birthday&amp;rdquo;, however, when his reign ended in 1989, the &amp;ldquo;Emperor&amp;rsquo;s Birthday&amp;rdquo; changed to December 23rd, birthday of our current emperor.&amp;nbsp;Since Emperor Hirohito had great knowledge and love for nature, it was decided to call this day MIDORI NIO HI, or greenery day, instead.&amp;nbsp;In 2007, it was changed to Showa day due to holiday revision law.
The following 3 day holiday from May 3rd to May 5th is known as &amp;ldquo;Golden Week&amp;rdquo;.
Many people take leave from work on the few days between this 3 day holiday and the weekend to spend a 7 &amp;ndash; 10 day vacation.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
May 3rd : Constitution Memorial Day (KENPO KINENBI)
A day to commemorate the trial of Japanese constitution and hope for growth of the country.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Although the constitution was officially announced on November 3rd, 1946, because it was tried 6 months later on May 3rd, this date was set as national holiday.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
May 4th : Greenery Day (MIDORI NO HI)
A day to show gratitude, honor and become familiarized with nature and nurture a rich spirit.&amp;nbsp;When April 29th was changed to Showa day due to holiday revision law, May 4th, was selected as Greenery day.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
May 5th : Children&amp;rsquo;s Day (KODOMO NO HI)
A day to value the qualities of children, wish for their future happiness and to show appreciation for mothers. In ancient times, this day was know as &amp;ldquo;Tango no Sekku&amp;rdquo;, a festival for boys to wish for their health and strength.&amp;nbsp;However, in 1948, it was revised to fit both boys and girls.
On this day, families will fly carp streamers outside their homes in wish for their children to grow up strong and succeed as the carp had.&amp;nbsp;According to the Chinese historiography, many fish tried to climb the waterfall but only the carp succeeded and became a dragon.&amp;nbsp;For this, the carp is thought of as a symbol of successful career.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
3rd Monday of July : Marine Day (UMI NO HI)
A day to show appreciation to the blessings of the ocean and spread interest and understanding of the ocean to citizens as a island country.
Since 1941, July 20th was considered &amp;ldquo;Marine Anniversary&amp;rdquo; to commemorate Meiji Emperor&amp;rsquo;s arrival in 1876 from Aomori to Yokohama.
In 1996, persons involved in marine related work campaigned that &amp;ldquo;Marine Anniversary&amp;rdquo; should become a national holiday and it was accepted.&amp;nbsp;In 2004, the date was revised from July 20th to the 3rd Monday of July due to the Happy Monday Bill.
It&amp;rsquo;s a fairly new holiday and marine related events are held.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
3rd Monday of September : Respect-for-the-senior-citizens Day (KEIRO NO HI)
A day to show respect to senior citizens for having served so many years to society and to celebrate longevity.&amp;nbsp;In 593, Imperial Prince Shotoku (or Shotokutaishi) had established &amp;ldquo;HIDEN-IN&amp;rdquo;, a facility that took in elderly without any family.&amp;nbsp;The meaning of the word &amp;ldquo;HIDEN-IN&amp;rdquo; meant &amp;ldquo;to have compassion and saving the poor would result in happiness&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp;It is said that the establishment date of Hiden-In, September 15th, was the original date for this holiday until it was revised to the present day in 2004 due to the Happy Monday Bill.

&amp;nbsp;
September 23rd : Autumnal Equinox Day (SHUBUN NO HI)
Like the Vernal Equinox Day, night and day become equally long.&amp;nbsp;This national holiday was set in 1948 to show respect to ancestors and commemorate the deceased.&amp;nbsp;Twice a year, there is a time called &amp;ldquo;O-HIGAN&amp;rdquo;, one in spring during the Vernal Equinox Day and one here.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;O-HIGAN&amp;rdquo; means &amp;ldquo;the other side of the river that the deceased crosses over to&amp;rdquo; and during this time, people visit graves and make offerings at family altars to comfort the spirits of their ancestors.&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;OHAGI&amp;rdquo;, a traditional Japanese cake made from sticky rice and &amp;ldquo;azuki&amp;rdquo; beans, are symbolic during this season. The color red of the &amp;ldquo;azuki&amp;rdquo; beans were believed to protect one from misfortune and the belief of warding off evil spirits lead to &amp;ldquo;OHAGI&amp;rdquo; being considered appropriate as offerings to the ancestors since the Edo period.&amp;nbsp;Many people eat &amp;ldquo;OHAGI&amp;rdquo; during this time as well.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
2nd Monday of October: Health-Sports Day (TAIIKU NO HI)
A day to enjoy sports to cultivate a healthy mind and body.&amp;nbsp;On this day, the word &amp;ldquo;enjoy&amp;rdquo; would stand for actually participating in the sport instead of just watching, listening or reading about them.&amp;nbsp;Many health/sport related events are held on this day.&amp;nbsp;
In 1966, this holiday was set for October 10th, the day of the Tokyo Olympics&amp;rsquo; opening ceremony.&amp;nbsp;Due to the Happy Monday Bill, 2nd Monday of October became the official holiday in 2000.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
November 3rd : Culture Day (BUNKA NO HI)
A day to love freedom, peace and to promote culture.&amp;nbsp;
In 1946, this day was set as an anniversary day based on the new constitution which &amp;nbsp;declared pacifism, sovereignty of the people, and basic human rights.
In 1948, it became a national holiday.&amp;nbsp;At the Imperial Palace, the Emperor Order of Culture is awarded to recognized persons for services they have done for the government and / or society.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
November 23rd : Labor Thanksgiving Day (KINRO KANSHA NO HI)
A day to value daily labor, celebrate production and show appreciation for one another.&amp;nbsp;
Originally, this day was know as &amp;ldquo;Niinamesai&amp;rdquo;, where the emperor would celebrate the years&amp;rsquo; harvest by eating that years&amp;rsquo; rice for the first time and dedicating it to the Shinto gods.&amp;nbsp;This is still conducted today within the Imperial Palace.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
December 23rd : The Emperor&amp;rsquo;s Birthday (TENNO TANJOUBI)
Birthday of Emperor Akihito, Japan&amp;rsquo;s current emperor.
In the past, the emperor was considered godly and events that deified the emperor were held on this day. &amp;nbsp;However, after the war ended, the emperor represented the &amp;ldquo;Symbol of the Japanese people&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp;On this birthday holiday, people genuinely celebrate the emperor&amp;rsquo;s birthday and is intended to bring closer the relationship between the emperor and the people.&amp;nbsp;The Imperial Palace becomes open to the public only on this day and on January 2nd.&amp;nbsp;People gather to the Imperial Palace in hopes to have a glimpse and show congratulations to the Emperor.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><h3 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: Osaka"><strong>JAPANESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS</strong></span></h3>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt" align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>There are 15 National Holidays in Japan.&nbsp;Here is a list up with a brief explanation for each.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s always better to know what everyone&rsquo;s celebrating about!</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><img alt="" align="right" style="width: 84px; height: 124px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_20101022163856d12518e7.jpg" /></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>January 1<sup>st</sup> : New Years&rsquo; Day (GANJITSU)</u></b><b><u><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></u></b><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to celebrate the starting of a year.&nbsp;Tutelary God and/or God of agriculture are celebrated.&nbsp;KADOMATSU (or pine decoration) is displayed at entrances of homes for the gods to dwell in and KAGAMI MOCHI (or Mirror Mochi, named because it is shaped like a mirror used in ancient Japan for Shinto rituals) is displayed as offering to the gods.<span> Many people visit shrines or temples for &ldquo;Hatsumode&rdquo; on this day to pray for&nbsp;peace and wellness of the new year.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>2<sup>nd</sup> Monday of January : Coming-of-Age Day (SEIJIN NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A ceremony is held for the youth to become self aware and recognize that they are to leave their protected childhood behind, become independent and join the adult society.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">The local government organizes these ceremonies and persons subject to this ceremony are ones who have turned 20.&nbsp;Hence, in Japan, citizens are considered to be an adult at age 20 and ones 19 and younger are considered as minors.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This ceremony became an official holiday in 1948 when military obligations were no longer effective.&nbsp;At that time, this holiday was on January 15<sup>th</sup>, however due to the Happy Monday Bill, it was revised to the current day in 2000.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;<img height="124" alt="" width="100" align="bottom" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_20101022163842a267eeb6.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>February 11<sup>th</sup> : National Foundation Day (KENKOKU KINEN NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This day represents the ascension date of Japan&rsquo;s first emperor, Emperor Jinmu, in 660 B.C. and is celebrated to commemorate the birth and to cultivate love for the nation.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This holiday was established in 1966.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>March 20<sup>th</sup> or 21<sup>st</sup> : Vernal Equinox Day (SHUNBUN NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This day, where night and day is approximately equally long, was established as a national holiday in 1948 to praise nature, show love to all living things and make effort for the upcoming future.&nbsp;It is determined which day this will be according to the booklet made by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">It also falls in the &ldquo;O-HIGAN&rdquo; time and people will visit graves to clean them and replace flowers and incense and such.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>April 29<sup>th</sup> : Showa Day (SHOWA NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">The birthday of Emperor Hirohito, who created and reigned during the Showa era.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This day is meant to set aside the turbulent days restored during the Showa era and look towards the future of Japan.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In 1948, this day was called the &ldquo;Emperor&rsquo;s Birthday&rdquo;, however, when his <img height="167" width="150" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_2010102216380453b34bc4.jpg" />reign ended in 1989, the &ldquo;Emperor&rsquo;s Birthday&rdquo; changed to December 23<sup>rd</sup>, birthday of our current emperor.&nbsp;Since Emperor Hirohito had great knowledge and love for nature, it was decided to call this day MIDORI NIO HI, or greenery day, instead.&nbsp;In 2007, it was changed to Showa day due to holiday revision law.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">The following 3 day holiday from May 3<sup>rd</sup> to May 5<sup>th</sup> is known as &ldquo;Golden Week&rdquo;.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Many people take leave from work on the few days between this 3 day holiday and the weekend to spend a 7 &ndash; 10 day vacation.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>May 3<sup>rd</sup> : Constitution Memorial Day (KENPO KINENBI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 6pt">A day to commemorate the trial of Japanese constitution and hope for growth of the country.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; Although the constitution was officially announced on November 3<sup>rd</sup>, 1946, because it was tried 6 months later on May 3<sup>rd</sup>, this date was set as national holiday.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>May 4<sup>th</sup> : Greenery Day (MIDORI NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to show gratitude, honor and become familiarized with nature and nurture a rich spirit.&nbsp;When April 29<sup>th</sup> was changed to Showa day due to holiday revision law, May 4<sup>th</sup>, was selected as Greenery day.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>May 5<sup>th</sup> : Children&rsquo;s Day (KODOMO NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><img alt="" align="left" style="width: 129px; height: 182px" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_20101022163822058b99d0.jpg" />A day to value the qualities of children, wish for their future happiness and to show appreciation for mothers. In ancient times, this day was know as &ldquo;Tango no Sekku&rdquo;, a festival for boys to wish for their health and strength.&nbsp;However, in 1948, it was revised to fit both boys and girls.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">On this day, families will fly carp streamers outside their homes in wish for their children to grow up strong and succeed as the carp had.&nbsp;According to the Chinese historiography, many fish tried to climb the waterfall but only the carp succeeded and became a dragon.&nbsp;For this, the carp is thought of as a symbol of successful career.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>3<sup>rd</sup> Monday of July : Marine Day (UMI NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to show appreciation to the blessings of the ocean and spread interest and understanding of the ocean to citizens as a island country.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Since 1941, July 20<sup>th</sup> was considered &ldquo;Marine Anniversary&rdquo; to commemorate Meiji Emperor&rsquo;s arrival in 1876 from Aomori to Yokohama.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In 1996, persons involved in marine related work campaigned that &ldquo;Marine Anniversary&rdquo; should become a national holiday and it was accepted.&nbsp;In 2004, the date was revised from July 20<sup>th</sup> to the 3<sup>rd</sup> Monday of July due to the Happy Monday Bill.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">It&rsquo;s a fairly new holiday and marine related events are held.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>3<sup>rd</sup> Monday of September : Respect-for-the-senior-citizens Day (KEIRO NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to show respect to senior citizens for having served so many years to society and to celebrate longevity.&nbsp;In 593, Imperial Prince Shotoku (or Shotokutaishi) had established &ldquo;HIDEN-IN&rdquo;, a facility that took in elderly without any family.&nbsp;The meaning of the word &ldquo;HIDEN-IN&rdquo; meant &ldquo;to have compassion and saving the poor would result in happiness&rdquo;.&nbsp;It is said that the establishment date of Hiden-In, September 15<sup>th</sup>, was the original date for this holiday until it was revised to the present day in 2004 due to the Happy Monday Bill.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><img height="90" alt="" width="150" align="absBottom" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_20101022163831244b377e.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>September 23<sup>rd</sup> : Autumnal Equinox Day (SHUBUN NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Like the Vernal Equinox Day, night and day become equally long.&nbsp;This national holiday was set in 1948 to show respect to ancestors and commemorate the deceased.&nbsp;Twice a year, there is a time called &ldquo;O-HIGAN&rdquo;, one in spring during the Vernal Equinox Day and one here.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;O-HIGAN&rdquo; means &ldquo;the other side of the river that the deceased crosses over to&rdquo; and during this time, people visit graves an<img height="100" width="150" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/uploads/fckeditor/uid000003_20101022163814e78139a8.jpg" />d make offerings at family altars to comfort the spirits of their ancestors.&nbsp;&ldquo;OHAGI&rdquo;, a traditional Japanese cake made from sticky rice and &ldquo;azuki&rdquo; beans, are symbolic during this season. The color red of the &ldquo;azuki&rdquo; beans were believed to protect one from misfortune and the belief of warding off evil spirits lead to &ldquo;OHAGI&rdquo; being considered appropriate as offerings to the ancestors since the Edo period.&nbsp;Many people eat &ldquo;OHAGI&rdquo; during this time as well.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>2<sup>nd</sup> Monday of October: Health-Sports Day (TAIIKU NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to enjoy sports to cultivate a healthy mind and body.&nbsp;On this day, the word &ldquo;enjoy&rdquo; would stand for actually participating in the sport instead of just watching, listening or reading about them.&nbsp;Many health/sport related events are held on this day.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In 1966, this holiday was set for October 10<sup>th</sup>, the day of the Tokyo Olympics&rsquo; opening ceremony.&nbsp;Due to the Happy Monday Bill, 2<sup>nd</sup> Monday of October became the official holiday in 2000.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>November 3<sup>rd</sup> : Culture Day (BUNKA NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to love freedom, peace and to promote culture.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In 1946, this day was set as an anniversary day based on the new constitution which &nbsp;declared pacifism, sovereignty of the people, and basic human rights.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In 1948, it became a national holiday.&nbsp;At the Imperial Palace, the Emperor Order of Culture is awarded to recognized persons for services they have done for the government and / or society.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>November 23<sup>rd</sup> : Labor Thanksgiving Day (KINRO KANSHA NO HI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A day to value daily labor, celebrate production and show appreciation for one another.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Originally, this day was know as &ldquo;Niinamesai&rdquo;, where the emperor would celebrate the years&rsquo; harvest by eating that years&rsquo; rice for the first time and dedicating it to the Shinto gods.&nbsp;This is still conducted today within the Imperial Palace.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b><u>December 23<sup>rd</sup> : The Emperor&rsquo;s Birthday (TENNO TANJOUBI)</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Birthday of Emperor Akihito, Japan&rsquo;s current emperor.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In the past, the emperor was considered godly and events that deified the emperor were held on this day. &nbsp;However, after the war ended, the emperor represented the &ldquo;Symbol of the Japanese people&rdquo;.&nbsp;On this birthday holiday, people genuinely celebrate the emperor&rsquo;s birthday and is intended to bring closer the relationship between the emperor and the people.&nbsp;The Imperial Palace becomes open to the public only on this day and on January 2<sup>nd</sup>.&nbsp;People gather to the Imperial Palace in hopes to have a glimpse and show congratulations to the Emperor.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]>
       </content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Autumn Leaves</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/xhtml" href="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=19" />
		<id>http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/modules/dblog/details.php?bid=19</id>
		<published>2010-09-22T18:40:59+09:00</published>
		<updated>2010-09-22T18:40:59+09:00</updated>
		<category term="Travel/sightseeing" label="Travel/sightseeing" />
		<author>
			<name>Consultants-Japan</name>
		</author>
		<summary type="html" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/" xml:lang="en">The long, record setting heat of summer has passed and finally, cool winds have begun to blow as we sense Autumn nearing by.
In Japan, Autumn is said to be a season for many things&amp;hellip;
Reading, Sports, Culture, Appetite.&amp;nbsp;
But what also comes to mind, of course, are those beautiful autumn leaves.
The Japanese character for autumn leaves is a combination of &amp;ldquo;rouge&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;leaf&amp;rdquo; and is pronounced, &amp;ldquo;KO-YO&amp;rdquo;.
Many Japanese would associate KO-YO, to ICHO ( Gingko ) and/or KAEDE ( maple ) leaves.&amp;nbsp;By the way, did you know that ICHO, or the Gingko, is the official tree for the city of Tokyo?&amp;nbsp;
From late November to early December, these leaves transform into beautiful colors, bringing us warmth and a sense of calmness, just before their final falling moment.
Here are some spots in Tokyo that you can visit to enjoy the KO-YO sights.
&amp;nbsp;
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
8 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Iidabashi station
Admission:&amp;nbsp;300 yen
Hours:&amp;nbsp;9:00-17:00
A Japanese garden designated by the government as a Special historic site, as well as a Special place of scenic beauty.
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html
&amp;nbsp;
Rikugien Gardenã
7 minute walk from JR Yamanote line Komagome station
Admission:&amp;nbsp;300 yen
Hours:&amp;nbsp;9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
*Light up event (cancelled on rainy weather):
From late November to early December, the leaves are lit up at this Tokyo Metropolitan Park, designated as a place of special scenic beauty by the government.
Hours:&amp;nbsp;Sunset &amp;ndash; 21:00 (last entry at 20:30)
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html
&amp;nbsp;
Jingu Gaien Icho Namikiã
5 minutes from Tokyo Metro Jingu Gaien station
146 Gingko trees are planted along the 300 meter long ICHO NAMIKI, or Gingko avenue, that starts from the Aoyama 2-chome crossing on Route 246 leading to the Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan within Meiji Jingu Gaien.&amp;nbsp;Icho Festival is held during the autumn season and you can experience walking on the beautiful &amp;ldquo;golden carpet&amp;rdquo; filled with fallen yellow gingko leaves.
&amp;nbsp;
Kinuta Park
20 minute walk from Tokyu Denentoshi Line Yoga station
This park totals to 391,262 m&sup2; in size or approximately 39ha, 24ha of which are grassy areas.&amp;nbsp;Although famous for cherry blossom viewing in Spring, with 3 types of cherry trees combining to 930 trees, this park also provides an open relaxing atmosphere with almost 1,000 zelkova, gingko and maple trees changing color in Fall.
&amp;nbsp;
Takaosan (Mt.Takao)
Only 1 hour from Shinjuku station on the Keio line, you will reach Takaosanguchi station.&amp;nbsp;A 5 minute walk will take you to Kiyotaki station, where a 15 minute cable car ride will take you up the mountain.&amp;nbsp;
Here you will find a natural KO-YO viewing spot.
During this season, &amp;ldquo;Momiji Festival&amp;rdquo; also takes place and events will be held on Sundays and national holidays.
Cable car: &amp;nbsp;8:00-17:45
2 person lifts 9:00-16:30
900 yen each for round trip tickets
http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm
&amp;nbsp;
Showa Kinen Park
10 minute walk from JR Chuo line Tachikawa station.
Admission:&amp;nbsp;400 yen
Hours:&amp;nbsp;9:30-17:00 (October), 9:30-16:30 (November)
Cosmos Festival takes place until November 3, 2010.
There will be over 5 million various types of cosmos flowers that will fill the fields, creating a carpet of pink, yellow and white.
From late November, the gingko, maple and many other trees turn red, yellow and orange filling the park colorfully.
http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/index.htm
&amp;nbsp;</summary>
       <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.consultants-japan.com/english/">
<![CDATA[<div><div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">The long, record setting heat of summer has passed and finally, cool winds have begun to blow as we sense Autumn nearing by.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">In Japan, Autumn is said to be a season for many things&hellip;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Reading, Sports, Culture, Appetite.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">But what also comes to mind, of course, are those beautiful autumn leaves.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 5.25pt; text-indent: -5.25pt">The Japanese character for autumn leaves is a combination of &ldquo;rouge&rdquo; and &ldquo;leaf&rdquo; and is pronounced, &ldquo;KO-YO&rdquo;.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 5.25pt; text-indent: -5.25pt">Many Japanese would associate KO-YO, to ICHO ( Gingko ) and/or KAEDE ( maple ) leaves.&nbsp;By the way, did you know that ICHO, or the Gingko, is the official tree for the city of Tokyo?&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt 5.25pt; text-indent: -5.25pt">From late November to early December, these leaves transform into beautiful colors, bringing us warmth and a sense of calmness, just before their final falling moment.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Here are some spots in Tokyo that you can visit to enjoy the KO-YO sights.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">8 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Iidabashi station</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Admission:&nbsp;300 yen</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Hours:&nbsp;9:00-17:00</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">A Japanese garden designated by the government as a Special historic site, as well as a Special place of scenic beauty.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a href="http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html"><a href="http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html" target="_blank">http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Rikugien Garden</b><b>ã</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">7 minute walk from JR Yamanote line Komagome station</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Admission:&nbsp;300 yen</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Hours:&nbsp;9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">*Light up event (cancelled on rainy weather):</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">From late November to early December, the leaves are lit up at this Tokyo Metropolitan Park, designated as a place of special scenic beauty by the government.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Hours:&nbsp;Sunset &ndash; 21:00 (last entry at 20:30)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a href="http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html"><a href="http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html" target="_blank">http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Jingu Gaien Icho Namiki</b><b>ã</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">5 minutes from Tokyo Metro Jingu Gaien station</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">146 Gingko trees are planted along the 300 meter long ICHO NAMIKI, or Gingko avenue, that starts from the Aoyama 2-chome crossing on Route 246 leading to the Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan within Meiji Jingu Gaien.&nbsp;Icho Festival is held during the autumn season and you can experience walking on the beautiful &ldquo;golden carpet&rdquo; filled with fallen yellow gingko leaves.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Kinuta Park</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">20 minute walk from Tokyu Denentoshi Line Yoga station</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">This park totals to 391,262 m&sup2; in size or approximately 39ha, 24ha of which are grassy areas.&nbsp;Although famous for cherry blossom viewing in Spring, with 3 types of cherry trees combining to 930 trees, this park also provides an open relaxing atmosphere with almost 1,000 zelkova, gingko and maple trees changing color in Fall.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Takaosan (Mt.Takao)</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Only 1 hour from Shinjuku station on the Keio line, you will reach Takaosanguchi station.&nbsp;A 5 minute walk will take you to Kiyotaki station, where a 15 minute cable car ride will take you up the mountain.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Here you will find a natural KO-YO viewing spot.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">During this season, &ldquo;Momiji Festival&rdquo; also takes place and events will be held on Sundays and national holidays.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Cable car: &nbsp;8:00-17:45</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">2 person lifts 9:00-16:30</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">900 yen each for round trip tickets</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a href="http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm"><a href="http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm</a></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><b>Showa Kinen Park</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">10 minute walk from JR Chuo line Tachikawa station.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Admission:&nbsp;400 yen</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Hours:&nbsp;9:30-17:00 (October), 9:30-16:30 (November)</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">Cosmos Festival takes place until November 3, 2010.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">There will be over 5 million various types of cosmos flowers that will fill the fields, creating a carpet of pink, yellow and white.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt">From late November, the gingko, maple and many other trees turn red, yellow and orange filling the park colorfully.</div>
<div style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt"><a href="http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/index.htm"><a href="http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/index.htm</a></a></div>
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