(be nice to put an enrolling picture of Japan here...hint hint)

(i started contextualizing key outcomes for japan and realized it would make a difference to get outside "implementation")

Culture

I shall preface this page with initial thoughts of my interests in Japanese culture and my desire to learn to adapt in Japan. This will evolve over time.

goals

1. learn any history between Japanese people and Thai people
2. request a hand in marriage as Japanese do

facets

1. loyalty & trust
2. appreciation for beauty - appreciation for impeccable detail in about everything that is created
3. roots of their work ethic and desire for excellence, performance, and going "beyond the call of duty"
4. social rituals with friends, family, and work
5. space conservation & packaging
   • http://www.packagedesignmag.com/issues/2006.11/trendsetters.japan.shtml

Innovation

already learning a hell of a lot about work culture esp in the area of innovation...

• Why Apple Isn’t Japanese - overall there is a breakdown in innovation since the walkman and iPod just about blew that market segment away.
• excel in teamwork
• Sony needs to learn how to take risks, be a "rule breaker"
• another related Newsweek Q&A: http://www.newsweek.com/id/73117

one of the most important points is the need for a new generation of Japanese that have broke through "old ways" - go Mayumi!

otaku

• http://www.dannychoo.com/ - one of the most sophisticated bi-lingual blogs I've ever seen. content is great for looking at different aspects of Japanese culture and what it is like to live there - thought admittedy, very biased on otaku!

Books

• Culture Shock, Japan

Cities

• Tokyo - resources more focused on my intent to live there
• Kyoto - my introduction to Japan

Searching for a job

I am pretty much looking for a full-time job starting in May. I am still learning about how the whole VISA process works.

see Job Search

Programs

JET

the JET program sounds more and more cool the more I read about it...it seems to be one of the more prestigious ways to be in Japan as a foreigner

be forewarned the application is a 9-month process that starts in September.

• http://www.daijob.com/en/columns/terrie/article/304
• http://www.daijob.com/en/columns/terrie/article/308

Other Links

Rich of Couch Surfing inspired me to organize a lot of the links he has provided me. for the most part, it is a quick sort based on a minute or two with the site so bear with me during this transition - I am "regrouping" :)

Services for foreigners

• http://www.kimiwillbe.com - found thanks to Sakura Hotel

Transportation

• Train Route Finder - this thing rocks! it will show you multiple routes based on speed, cost, or even ease of use!
• Alternative Train Route Finder
• Japan Rail pass - already dreaming of backpacking Japan :)

Travel Guides

• http://www.infomapjapan.com/

Tours & Guides

• http://www.tokyofreeguide.com/ - volunteer-driven!
• "Systematized" Goodwill Guides
  1. http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~sgg/
  2. http://www1.cts.ne.jp/~koasa/SGG/
• http://www.aitaijapan.com/ - association for independent tourist assistance in Japan (done in Plone - cool :)

Places to Stay

Ideas

• http://en.allexperts.com/q/Japan-195/travel-japan.htm - lengthy answer around places to stay and other tips (this could branch into more useful resources!)

Hosting

these seem very similar to CouchSurfing (which is my personal preference right now)

• http://www.hospitalityclub.org/
• http://www.globalfreeloaders.com/
• http://www.servas-japan.org/index_e.html