Past two weeks

Tokyo

First of all, I apologize for no post for the past two weeks. Here goes my excuse.

Besides endless fun parties in December in Japan, I have been riding an emotional rollercoaster. Mainly because of an incomprehensible difference between my host family (former) and me. Problems started to arise between us after living together for a month. Of course, there were troubles that were easily avoidable if we tried harder. But for the most part, the difference was just too big and it became uncontrollable at the end. Instead of understanding the difference, we argued about the difference. As a result, I moved out, and now I am living in a dorm.

I should have known that it is not easy to live in someone else's place, especially in Japan becuase there are so many don't do's. In addition, Japanese people tend to show their emotions and give opinions indirectly, so it was hard to tell what they were trying to tell me. As many students experience when doing a homestay, I went through a same problem.

Now, I suggest people who are planning to study abroad to do a homestay for less than a month. I have heard stories about having a wonderful host family, but horrible and stressful stories tend to be more frequent. It was a great experience, but I learned it hard way.

BUT NO MORE STRESS FROM HERE ON!!!

UH Alumni Reception

UH Alumni Reception at the top of a building that a UH graduate owns! wow!

There was an alumni reception in Tokyo on November 15th. It was great to see UH graduates doing well in Tokyo and to meet our Dean Vance Roley. I felt like I made up for the FISH luncheon that I missed in Hawaii. In addition, I could not explain how much I missed local foods when I saw them!!! It was amazing to notice that UH is doing great internationally as we pursue "International Excellence"

speech by Vance Roley

notice anyone? (Hint: professor)

night view of Shinjuku

goodie bags... I forgot to take them!

Vance Roley, Kristen (another exchange student at Keio from UH), and myself

where are you from?

yes, I miss these...

Today, three of my friends and I were going on a field trip to a place called Odaiba where you can find many attractions and entertainment.

On the way, they asked me why people from Hawaii do not say that they are from America when they are asked. I realized that I never say that I am from America. Always, HAWAII! Why is that? I do feel that Hawaii is much different from the rest of America, but it still is part of it. any good answers???

Looking over the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay from Odaiba

People say it is much better at night.

Can you find Tokyo Tower?

Ferry's wheel at Odaiba, but did not ride it.

Sunset and the Fuji TV headquarters on the right

Tokyo Tower

When I went to Keio University for the first time for the orientation, I was surprised by a spectacular view of Tokyo Tower from school. Everyday, I walk to or leave school enjoying the great view and thinking that I am so glad to be here in Tokyo. Finally, I had a chance to to climb up the most popular tourist spot and enjoy the view from the top of it.
The tower is divided by two different levels of observatories. Unfortunately, I had to pay twice in order to go to the top of the tower. I thought it was quite expensive to pay about $15 all together compared to the free view on the top of Tokyo Metropolitan Government. For your information, the top observatory of Tokyo Tower is 250 meters whereas Tokyo Metropolitan Government is only 202 meters. I guess it is worth to pay to go higher and enjoy a better view. You won't regret it!!!

That is where Keio University is!

Can you find Tokyo Metropolitan Government?


It is too bad that I can't upload videos even after several tries.
I will try it again next time!

Culture shock at Krispy Kreme

Today, I had the biggest culture shock since I arrived in Japan. At around 12:30, I met my friends at Yurakucho for lunch, and walked by Krispy Kreme. Suddenly, I saw a long line of people and others including securities and employees of Krispy Kreme telling how to form a line. I could not believe what the sign was saying for a moment because it just seems ridiculous to wait for an hour and 40 minutes for sugary donuts. To be honest, I would not even wait 30 minutes for them, but maybe 30 minutes for malasadas if I am really craving it. what a patience Japanese people have...can you believe it??? but then again, you get one free donut while waiting.

People who are close to get them... 30 more minutes!!!

People who are not even close to get them....1 hour and 40 minutes???!!!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

If you ever want to enjoy the view of Tokyo at night, make sure you visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Shinjuku. This new building has two observatories, and it is free to enjoy the spectacular view. Also, if you happen to visit a restaurant on the top of the building during its happy hour, you can enjoy half-priced drinks with great music. I visited the building last sunday, and it was about 10 minutes walk from the Shinjuku Station. Of course, I had the half-priced drinks on top of Tokyo, and took beautiful pictures. I was able to see Tokyo Tower from the top, and I thought it would be interesting to view the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building from Tokyo Tower when I visit Tokyo Tower next time. Check out the website before you go!

http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/index.htm

Tokyo Metropolitan Government with North and South observatories

Restaurant on the top of the building

Can you find Tokyo Tower?

My host family!!!

Today, I would like to tell a little bit about my host family.

Unlike most of other exchange stududents who live in a dorm with themselves only, I am staying with a host family. When I first thought about coming to Japan, I was going to stay in a dorm just like everyone else. Luckily, my family's acquaintance wanted to have me stay in their house during my study in Japan.

My host family runs a Japanese restaurant. The host father is a cook, and the host mother helps out. They have two nice sons, who take me around places where younger people hang out, and they also want to improve their English. I stop by the restaurant whenever I am on the way to school and back home. They cook different Japanese food every meal for me, and it is awesome. I have to say that I am blessed because I do not have to worry about what to eat like other exchange students.

So far, it has been great to stay with a host family. Other students here complain that they do not have a chance to practice their Japanese as much, but I speak Japanese all the time at home and at the restaurant. Also, I get a good hot meal. Yeah!!!

I would like to recommend to stay with a host family to everyone who is planning to study abroad. I truly think it is the best way to experience a country.

Typical meal at the restaurant

Had this when we had a sushi party

My host father making sushi rice

Barbeque party (Yakiniku party)

Host family and I

My host family's restaurant

www.akinomi.com

Things to do when you get to Japan

I guess this post will only apply to those who want to study abroad in Japan at least for a semester, but others could use it as a guide. When you arrive in Japan, you will first encounter so many problems and difficulties. It would be the best if you have friends or relatives helping you. If not, just be ready for the adventure. You will probably arrive 3 to 4 days before the orientation, and you may be able to stay in an assigned dorm or in a hotel on your first night of adventure. After you get to the dorm or hotel, which I will discuss again later, have a can of beer and relax because you are going to be very busy for the next few day, and it will probably be the most expensive week of your life.

Alien Registration

1. First, you need to get an alien registration card at the municipal office in the district your residency.
   


2. Take two photographs and your passport.
   


3. It takes about two weeks.
   


4. Also, apply for the Certificate on Registered matters because you will need this document for opening a bank account, getting a cellular phone, and other official procedures.

National Health Insurance

1. In the same building where you apply for the alien registration card, go to the insurance department, which will probably be on the different floor.
   
2. You will get it soon after you apply it.
   


3. You will be receiving a bill next month, which covers the whole year.
   


4. It will cost over $100.

Bank account

1. With your alien registration certificate, go to a bank and open an account. Ones near your school are preferred.
   


2. Don't forget to take your passport

Cellular Phone (Getai Denwa)

1. Again with your alien registration certificate and passport, go to a cellular phone shop, which could be found anywhere in Japan.
   


2. If you are applying for a student plan, then you might have to wait until you receive the student ID card.
   


3. If not, pick a getai and fill out your form.
   


4. It is highly recommended to go with someone who speaks Japanese because there are many complicated things.

Student commuter pass

1. After you receive the student ID card (probably after your orientation) go to the nearest subway or JR station and purchase a student commuter pass.
   
2. You need to decide how long you want to use your commuter pass by months, and the cost will depend on that.
   

I tried to be detail as possible, but these information could be found and provided by anyone in school or others. I assume that it will be like a downhill after getting these out of the way. Let's have fun now!

Did you know that they have Anna Millers in Japan?

I have not tried it yet though.

Before leaving for Japan

Before I left Hawaii for Japan, I was busy with getting things done and preparing.
I might forget a few, but I will try my best to list what I had to do.
This might only apply for people who are studying abroad for one or two semesters.
I hope this helps for those who are preparing to study abroad soon.

1. Passport- probably the most important thing that you have to get. I hope you know where to get this.
   


2. VISA- you need to have this to be in another country for a given period. It is like a permission to stay. I had to go to Japanese consul in Nuuanu. Don't forget to take required documents and a recent picture. I took an old picture and it took a long time to prove mine.
   


3. Disconnect your phone service- there usually is a penalty for discontinuing your service if you disconnect it within a contracted period. But if you could prove that you have a legitimate reason for doing so, then they might waive it. This could be painful and time consuming.
   


4. Clothes- if you are going to a country with winter season, then make sure to bring some winter clothes. I had one full bag of them.
   


5. Foreign currency- You can always exchange at the airport, but it is nice to have some before leaving. Especially when dollar is getting weak nowadays.
   


6. Dictionary- I do not need to explain this. Right?
   


7. Check your driver's license- if it expires while you are gone, you might have to pay a late charge when you get back. If it is possible, try to renew it before leaving.
   


8. Try to make friends from the country that you are planning to go- it has been absolutely great to have friends in Japan. I have been receiving help from friends and family since my arrival. You will be less lonely.
   

I can't think of anymore, but I am sure that I am forgetting something. Feel free to add more!

About Keio University

About the university I am attending as an exchange student now...

Keio has a proud history as Japan's very first private institution of higher learning, which dates back to the formation of a school for Dutch studies in 1858 in Edo (now Tokyo) by founder Yukichi Fukuzawa. Since the school's inception, the students of Keio have risen to the forefront of innovation in every imaginable academic field, emerging as social and economic leaders.
In today's internationally interdependent world, Keio places great effort upon maintaining the finest teaching faculty and superlative facilities. Based on the knowledge and experience of their predecessors, today's Keio students strive to develop the leadership qualities that will enable them to make valuable contributions to tomorrow's society. In 2008 the University will celebrate its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.

A week in Korea

I FINALLY returned to Korea after 4 years.
Everything seemed a little different, but I realized that I was the one who changed the most.
The whole week passed quicker than a blink.
Meeting with my family, relatives, and old friends made me feel like I was home again.
I wished that I was there a little longer, but I could not wait till I get to Japan.

A cool ceiling in a subway station








"Hanjungsik" a Korean full course meal

A busy street of "Insadong"

Korean traditional wedding

Han River at night




My journey to Japan begins from here!

Family Bon Voyage Party

Last night, our family held my bon voyage party.
We played golf, had a big barbeque, and ate ice cream... and then my farewell speech.
I never realized that my trip is coming so soon, but after last night, it feels different.
In fact, I feel like I am really leaving...
There were lots of good-byes last night, and many more to come this week.

About me

Hi everyone!
My name is Danny.
I am currently studying finance and international business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
For the next 12 months, I will be studying at Keio University in Japan as an exchange student.
I am planning to make at least two new posts a week about my life in Japan.
Please enjoy my exciting journey in Japan!