Jessica Korteman « GaijinPot In Japan Blogs

Jessica Korteman's Posts

The Ancient Art of Sumo: January 5th, 2010By Jessica Korteman; It’s almost that time of year again for another sumo tournament in Tokyo. If you haven’t yet experienced sumo in Japan, get down to Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium this January for a unique and interesting day out. Ringside seats are almost impossible to get and seem to be reserved mostly for connections of the wrestlers themselves. If » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

Setagaya Boro-Ichi: January 4th, 2010By Jessica Korteman; If you love a bargain and a fun day out, head to the Setagaya Boro-Ichi. This flea market set along Boroichi-dori in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, features hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing, shoes, jewellery, plants, bric-a-brac and homewares including intricate wooden shrines for the home. If you love trash and treasure then you can have » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

A Neighbourly Gesture: November 11th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; Having moved from Australia five months ago where I had no idea who my neighbours were, the Japanese custom of introducing yourself to existing residents when you move is a welcome change. While many say that this custom is not as strong as it once were with some, especially young people, choosing to put this » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

Is Chivalry Dead in Tokyo?: November 9th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; Often people comment on the civility of Japanese train stations: people queuing on the platform in two lines before splitting down the middle into single file when the train arrives to allow room for those disembarking. The platform is marked to indicate precisely where the doors will open on a three or four door train » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

If you’re going to be a fool, you might as well dance!: August 28th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; On Aug 23, Ikebukuro West Gate Park was alive with an energy that I have yet to experience within the confines of this concrete jungle. While I often describe Tokyo’s energy to family and friends back home, the hustle and bustle that is going to and from work is often void » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

The Forever 21 Phenomenon: August 10th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; Tokyo is no stranger to the fashion world. From hot international fashion items straight off the catwalks of Milan and New York right through to Japanese inspired fashion and ‘cosplay’, inner city Tokyo boasts thousands of options when it comes to adorning yourself with the latest must-have piece. However, no » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

Bringing Politics to the Streets: August 5th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; An election cannot pass you by quietly in Japan. Even those not particularly interested in politics are constantly reminded of the impending poll with intermittent announcements blasted from vehicles equipped with roof-mounted megaphones. Larger cars, vans and even minibuses are busy spreading the word for prospective candidates, announcing their arrival » Continue Reading; CommentsView Comments

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