GREEN e-books SALE

If you are out and about in Kyoto enjoying the seasonal tones, why not drop into GREEN e-books for their well known book sale.

Go and meet the sweet store owner Yuko, or Store Manager Pikako. It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, and always delightful to randomly find a book that works for you.

Take a look at the bilingual website for access details, regular shop events, and seasonal fun. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 50% off Book SALE! with Garage Sale
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We started famous 50% OFF booksales from this week!!!

Almost all over 500yen books are half price off.

Come pick up all books !

4 for 3 system is still remained, Pick up some books for your traveling back home for long flight....! 

+++++Green e Books++++++
* info@greenebooks.net
* http://www.greenebooks.net
201,9-5 Higashimarutacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 6068395 

FREEDOM of choice RETURNS

On Friday the 13th this month, I finally submitted all my paperwork for my Permanent Resident Visa. I always get nervous going to the visa office; even to the brand new one all shiny and fresh at Cosmo Square.

http://www.kinkijapan.com/2008/03/13/osaka-immigration-centers-moves-to-osaka-ko/

I put on my favourite blue vintage dress beautiful, shawl, gloves, pearls and lipstick and set off.

So many people had warned me about the "new proposed guidelines" for visa renewal (something that I wrote about in September on this blog), demanding that we hold Japanese National Health Insurance to proceed in the visa process.

I ignored all people trying to scare me, and take away the glory and satisfaction I felt in the whole concept of getting a new visa status golden. Of course when I got to the office, nothing was ever mentioned. The whole experience was rather calm, friendly and coming-of-age-like.

An e-mail from a friend yesterday confirmed some good news about the "proposed" visa changes. Foreigners living in Japan can choose the health coverage they desire without fearing it will negatively influence their visa renewal. Hurrah for that!

http://www.freechoice.jp/immigration-guideline-8.asp

SHONEN Knife GIG >> the SPACE bootleg XMAS tour 2009

I am such a stationery girl.

Japan is such a dreamland for gorgeous paper, pens, diaries, stickers, stamps, and notebooks. It is so easy and cheap to be creative and colourful in communications of ritual and celebration. I was heading to the sixth floor of Shinsaibashi LOFT last Wednesday to be dazzled by the heavenly stationery floor there, and begin my preparation for Christmas and New Year card making.

All the J-girls in the elevator with me had the same thing on their minds. Sixth floor direct. No stops. I commented about this to one of the girls, and got a mini smile. Looking across to the closed elevator doors, I noticed the poster for Club Quattro.

And I noticed a name of memory.

Shonen Knife.

They are one of those bands that I had always wanted to see in Japan somehow, but never did. With a show next month, we all have the chance to see a little bit of their magic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nWlrM8TcLw

Looking at their pink cute-sy Shonen Knife official Home Page in English, they still seem to have that dazzle and drive.

http://www.shonenknife.net/english/index.html

Here is a mini interview of the girls with Kurt Cobain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNobHg3bhvc&feature=related

Also playing with them in December are the Bloodthirsty Butchers,

http://www.bloodthirsty-butchers.com/english/

and special guest, Sunny Day Service.

http://sunnyday.cside.ne.jp/

December 21st is the show.

Doors open at 18:00 for a 19:00 start.

Tickets are 3500 yen, and available at Ticket Pia (P:335 - 373)

or directly at the club.

http://www.club-quattro.com/shin_info.php?year=2009&month=12&id=140810

Club Quattro is easy to find on the 8th floor of the PARCO building (Shinsaibashi LOFT), just near the always full STAR bucks on the corner.

http://www.club-quattro.com/access_shin.html

Plenty of other things nearby to dazzle you before of after the gig.

Maybe El Pancho for an early dinner and Happy Hour daily till 17:00? (on the 8th floor of the building next to Starbucks)

http://el-pancho.com/english/

A peek into the Vivienne Westwood shop on the side street of LOFT?

A walk over to Minami Semba maybe for an after show drink?

Shinsaibashi is a grooving place, and this show looks like a lot of fun.

Enjoy.

CHIC job offer

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CHIC

Community House & Information Centre (CHIC) has an exciting part-time job opportunity for a motivated, energetic individual interested in working with the Kansai international community. The Assistant Director is responsible for aiding the Director of CHIC in all aspects of operations, including program, events, fundraising development and implementation, financial, volunteer staffing and office management.

The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Previous management and organizational skills in an office setting and to relate to all types of people from different cultural backgrounds and nationalities. Computer skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Desktop publishing is necessary.

Basic knowledge of accounting is an asset. Some familiarity with the Kansai area is a plus.

The hours typically entail a three day work week from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with 12 weeks of vacation (5 paid, 7 unpaid).

Interested candidates should submit a confidential cover letter and resume to the attention of the Director of CHIC by November 30, 2009 for full consideration.

----------------------------------------------------------

Community House & Information Centre
RIC Central Tower 3F
5-15 Koyocho-Naka
Higashinada-ku
Kobe, Japan 658-0032
Tel: 078-857-6540
Fax: 078-857-4789
Web site: http://www.chickobe.com/

PROJECT Osaka

A message I just received that might be of interest to you all.

Just wanted to let any translators or translator-wannabes know that there is an informative and friendly conference going on in Osaka on November 28th. This one is particularly geared for those just getting started in the translation world, and you don't have to be a translator to attend. There are various sessions going on all day long - some in Japanese, some in English.

Some details.

PROJECT Osaka

Professional Japanese-English Conference for Translators

Sat. 28th November 2009

Umeda Sky Building, Tower West, 22F

Admission: Students: 4000 Yen, JAT Members: 5000 Yen,

Non-Members: 6000 Yen

PROJECT Osaka is a one-day conference on translation organized by the Japan Association of Translators (日本翻訳者協会) for experienced translators to share knowledge about the profession of translation with aspiring translators or those at the beginning stages of their careers.

PROJECT Osaka is the second in a series of one-day events for translators, following upon a successful PROJECT Tokyo held on Nov. 22, 2008, which attracted a full-capacity 250 participants.

The PROJECT Osaka theme is “Starting Out and Moving Up” and the format consists of mostly panel sessions with several speakers and a moderator who welcomes questions and comments from the audience.

HANKYU Line spots for AUTUMN beauty

There it was shining in Autumn allure this morning on my way to work. The Hankyu Line train station poster tempting us all with delightfully aglow Autumn tinged temples, parks, and areas that can be accessed via Hankyu trains.

The easy to understand YELLOW, green, RED, and BROWN momiji leaves showing clearly the up-to-date colouring of the leaves is particularly useful for people who may not prefer peak times. Or perhaps for photographers who desire another edge of Autumn in their lens.

All your favourites are surely there.

Kiyomizu Temple.

Koudaiji.

Sanzenin.

Eikando.

Many others look so dazzling and stunning in their own version of beauty. Why not experiment with some new places of discovery? You never know. Your new favourite place of Autumn awaits your stepping in.

Why not also try

Yoshimine Dera 善峰寺

http://www.yoshiminedera.com/index1.htm

Joujakkouji 常寂光寺

http://bowsmx.blog.eonet.jp/default/2008/12/post-0ef6.html

Takao Jingoji 高雄 神護寺

http://tabitano.main.jp/7jingoji2.html

Nose Myoukenzan 能勢妙見山

http://www.myoken.org/menu.html

Kyuuanji 久安寺 (Also stunning with Summer green and azalea beauty)

http://www12.ocn.ne.jp/~hkyo/kyuanji.html

Aokoumyouji 粟生光明寺

http://www.kyotoblog.com/08kouyou/081201mo.html

http://easykyoto.jp/archives/6910 (Some beautiful SUMMER shots here)

BAMPAKU Memorial Park

Another place in Osaka to see leaves beautiful in Autumn is Bampaku Memorial Park.

They have their special Fall 'Kouyou Matsuri' on until November 29.

Have a look at the following website for a sneek peek, and also the best times to see the leaves in bloom there.

http://park.expo70.or.jp/flower/flower_kouyou.html

It is also a great place to run around and throw a frisbee.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy being outdoors.

It will soon get colder and colder, so enjoy the colours while you can.

Kiyomizu Temple LIGHT UP

Kiyomizu Temple will always be special to me.

I never get sick of going there. Do you?

Their annual evening illumination for Autumn is on from November 12 through to December 6.

Only 400 yen for adults.

What a treat. What a place. What memories await you.

Check this useful site in English for the best time to see leaves at various places around Kyoto.

http://raku.city.kyoto.jp/backnum/nov07_e/momiji2007.html

The Kyoto Visitor's Guide Website also has some places of highlight for your Autumn mood making this year.

http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/maple-viewing-09.html

Kyoto is stunning in any season, but somehow the colours of Autumn simply melt your heart.

Jump on the Keihan, JR, or Hankyu Lines from Osaka to your favourite Kyoto destinations. Enjoy yourselves.

the MAGICAL Minoh

The air in Minoh is splendid somehow.

I was there a few weeks ago, and I certainly felt something very different to inner city Osaka.

Leaf viewing in Minoh is also exceptional.

Take at look at this fabulous website (in Japanese) for luscious pictures, hiking trails, and condition of the leaves. Simply outstanding.

http://www2.city.minoh.osaka.jp/SYOUKOU/kouyoujyouhou.htm

Take a drive down there, or jump on the Hankyu Line from Umeda, and change trains at Ishibashi.

Well worth it. Just you wait and see.

NANKAI line MOMIJI spots

For many, many years, I used to live on the Koya Line of Nankai trains.

In Autumn it was very advantageous to get close to the stunningly beautiful MOMIJI magic all about.

If you look near the exit and entrances of Nankai train lines, there is a big poster showing the condition of the leaves in all of the MEISHO spots.

You can also take a peek at this website.

http://www.nankai.co.jp/cgi-bin/seasonr.cgi?secd=22 (in Japanese)

Almost all of the temple locations near Koya-san have ended now, but there are still some fabulous places to take a picnic lunch to.

Why not try these three areas for some glimpses of Autumn?

Enmeiji

(Take the train to Mikanodai station, and catch the bus to Kami ga Oka Guchi Bus Stop, and then walk for ten minutes)

Kanshinji

(Take the train to Kawachi Nagano station and then get the bus for about 10 minutes to Kanshiji Bus Stop)

Amanosan Kongoji

(Take the train to Kawachi Nagano station and then get the bus for about 10 minutes to Amano-san Bus Stop)

Autumn is here. Let's breathe it in.

FREE museum entry November 14 and 15

I was reminded early this morning by a fellow Aussie Meredith. Y, about an interesting Kansai Scene magazine article event in the November edition.

http://www.kansaiscene.com/current/html/home.shtml

Kansai Cultural Day

Museums in Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga

and Wakayama Nov 14-15

Over 380 art museums, botanical gardens and many other kinds of museums in Kansai will be free of charge for their permanent exhibitions. It is essential to enquire about the dates and exhibitions before you visit.

Try this website below to see if there is something interesting near you.

http://kansaibunka.com/index.php?Mode=Search2

(in Japanese)

Here is just a sample list of participating Osaka places involved in this arty adventure. Why not pop along to somewhere new, and experience a new version of weekend wonder. For free! Just fantastic!

National Museum of Art Osaka

http://www.nmao.go.jp/english/home.html

National Museum of Ethnology (MINPAKU)

http://www.minpaku.ac.jp/english/

Osaka City Museum of Modern Art

http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/yutoritomidori/page/0000009428.html

Osaka Science Museum

http://www.sci-museum.jp/

Osaka Museum of History

http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/

Daisen Park

http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/

The Museum of Modern Art Shga

http://www.shiga-kinbi.jp/english/E-index.html

the SEPTEMBER issue has STARTED

Here it is.

The September Issue.

In November.

JUST started on Saturday at UMEDA Burg Cinema on the 7th floor of the sparkly flash E-MA building near MARU biru.

Cafe Bibliotheque on the lower floor just near DIESEL is ace for a pre-movie drink or meal.

http://www.cporganizing.com/bibliotheque/osaka/index.html

Session times for the movie can be found here.

http://burg7.com/schedule/index.php

I'm going next Wednesday for Ladies Day Discount with favourite movie friend TS.

Tanoshimi ni.

The official site in English is here.

http://www.theseptemberissue.com/#/home

The Japanese site is here.

http://www.fashion-movie.jp/

VOGUE gals and guys ENJOY!

MICHAEL the MOONWALKER

If you are still pining for Michael, and have already seen repeated viewings of THIS is IT, perhaps the latest movie news will make you genki again.

The old school Michael Jackson in Moon Walker has just started at the cinema.

Try Namba Parks Cinema for a showing.

http://www.nambaparks.com/cinema/index.html

This website has information on the movie itself, and also a mini movie trailer.

http://www.fast-rewind.com/moonwalker.htm

ALSO, this Beatle mania-esque live clip of MAN in the MIRROR is quite potent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=JP&hl=ja&v=OKO_HTe5UuE&feature=PlayList&p=F8E57614DA73D7A6&index=0

Michael, we still love you.

OAK Ladies Clinic

The OAK Clinic in Namba is a very ordered and precise place, and you can usually get in and out in about 60 minutes.

After you register, just sit and relax on the wall long sofa, wait for your number to be called, and enter the room specified. There is a constant flow of ladies going in and out of different doors like musical chairs, so wear comfortable clothes, and take as little as possible.

The many doors are labeled in English and Japanese.

Counseling Room.

Treatment Room.

Consultation Room.

Examination Rooms A and B.

It is full of all sorts of women, which makes it an interesting people watching place, although like the bath house, there isn't much eye contact, and pretty much no chit chat between the patients.

Go as early as you can before opening hours to speed up the order of your consultation. Boys are not allowed past the waiting room either FYI.

There are two English speaking female doctors on staff to make (a little) of the anguish of gynecological consultations smoother.

Take your health care card, and something to read.

Oak Clinic is easy to find on the 8th floor of Namba Parks Tower, so if you aren't a doctor kinda person, there is plenty of fun and distraction to be had after your consultation as a reward.

Opening hours and other vital information can be found on the English website.

http://www.oakclinic-group.com/english/english_index.html

Happy health and harmony.

Have a NAMBA Parks style CHRISTMAS

As always, Namba Parks is a lovely place to go strolling for a Yuletide boost.

http://www.nambaparks.com/index2.html

Sparkly lights, gigantic Christmas trees, romantic moods, and plenty of specialty shops to find that something special.

Why not start a ritual and take a photo in front of one of the trees?

All things are lit up until Christmas, so why not create another great memory for your time in Japan?

Namba Parks Cinema is also up on the 8th floor if you want a change of pace from shopping,

http://www.nambaparks.com/cinema/index.html

(in Japanese)

or of course the very special rooftop gardens on the 9th floor.

Tonnes of restaurant and cafe choices as well.

Namba Parks has it all.

Enjoy the seasonal glamour!

Enjoy the Japanese Joy!

WINTER dinner buffet at the RAMADA

The Yuletide seasonal mood has already begun in Osaka.

Almost immediately after Halloween festivities end, Christmas delights and fairy lights start popping up all over Kansai.

I was catching the train from Umeda station the other morning at 7:18am., and just like a short black shot, I was jolted awake with my first carol for the year. 'Silent Night' drifted into my morning schedule like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The Ramada in Osaka have also begun some Winter ideas to get you in the mood.

http://www.ramada-osaka.com/en/

The Winter Dinner Buffet will be held in November and December, and the Christmas Dinner Buffet will be held from December 19th to 25th.

Both meals cost 4500 yen.

Something to get all dressed up for perhaps?

Have a look at their web magazine for more details on the dinners.

http://www.ramada-osaka.com/rt/#1

There is also a Christmas Plan Stay Package available from November 29th to December 27th from 10,000 yen for two.

Sparkling wine, discount coupons to use in the hotel, and a 24 hour maximum stay is included in the price.

BOOK now if you are interested.

Things fill up so quickly in Japan.