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Colleague's Farewell Party @ Yakiniku

2009-03-29T09:32:00.001+09:00

Intestine. Smelly, Chewy, Disgusting.

My project partner: Kim Jongrok-san

Baek-san. He is leaving for Korea next week.

Park-san: Leaving for Korea too.

2nd Trip to Adventure

2009-03-21T12:12:00.000+09:00

This time, we go to...Matsushima again but different seashore. Of course, this time we go earlier. Manage to get some bright pictures.

That's me! On the fence.

Fishing jetty.

Dunno what jetty.

Dinner at my Senpai's House

2009-03-13T13:17:00.002+09:00

Today my senpai invites me to his house for a dinner. He is preparing Korean food. San-giap-sah (or something like that)

Senpai preparing the San-giap-sah.

And Ken waiting to feast.

He worries I might not like the Korean food. So he prepares some Japanese delicacies as well. After that, we go to pub and my senpai gets completely hammered.

Hammered senpai hammering drum on the heater.

HIS MOTTO: STAY COOL EVEN WHEN DRUNK.

Furukawa Swimming Pool

2009-03-08T12:00:00.000+09:00

Now this is a really nice swimming pool. It has gym, sauna, jacuzzi, whirl pool and slide. Entrance fee, however, is ￥620 which is about RM22 for 2 hours.

Magnificent pool, built on 2nd floor where 1st floor is gym room.

My Friend is Getting a Car

2009-03-07T11:51:00.002+09:00

Now, the other Irish guy wants to get a car. So this weekend, we go to scout around for some good, cheap used car. Although Furukawa is not a big city, there are more than 10 shops selling new and used cars.

Nope, this is definitely not the car he is interested in. It is because....

It is a no smoking car....wondering what it means. Do other cars smoke? How are they going to know if you really smoke in the car?

Can someone tell me what does "No Smoking 車" mean? Noob here.

Hina Matsuri

2009-03-03T13:06:00.000+09:00

Today is Hina Matsuri also known as Japanese Doll Festival or Girls' Day. Don't really know much about this day but it is definitely an expensive day. Reason? Refer to the photos below.

Two dolls, a platform with some decorations = ~RM2,500

Five dolls, 2 platform with decorations = ~RM4,500

Coming soon, Boys' Day (May 5)

My Friend's Car

2009-02-28T11:34:00.001+09:00

One of my Irish friends gets himself a car this week. His purchase means we are breaking out of Furukawa. This car costs him ￥550,000 which is about RM20,000.

Subaru Legacy, a turbo 4WD with 285hp, maximum power allowable in Japan.

1st trip to Adventure: Matsushima. However it is already 4pm. Getting dark liao.

Nothing special. Same as Malaysia.

Small town near the beach. Getting dinner there.

WHAT!?!? Come so far for McD!?!?!?

Yakiniku (焼肉)

2009-02-27T11:21:00.001+09:00

Today, after finishing my work, my supervisor invites me to go for Yakiniku. Yakiniku is originated from Korean which means grilled meat.

Most popular meat: Cow's tongue, Pig's tongue.

My Group Manager

Valentine's Day in Japan 2009

2009-02-14T11:53:00.002+09:00

Unlike Malaysia, Valentine's Day in Japan is meant for the girls to express their feeling to the guys. Meaning, it is a day where girls should give chocolate or gifts to the guys they love. It is also a day where female colleagues show their appreciation to the male colleagues. Of course, as a male colleague myself, I get this.

As for men, they should respond to this on 14th March a.k.a White Day.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-30T11:49:00.002+09:00

Muahahaha, this year is the 1st year I am not celebrating Chinese New Year. I even have to go to work. There is no Chinese New Year celebration in Japan. However, my family sent me something and those are...

Thanks Dad, Mom & Sis!

Royal Host @ Shinjuku

2009-01-03T23:19:00.000+09:00

This will be my 1st post talking about food. However, this is not about typical Japanese food. Just some nice one I have in Shinjuku.

Appetizer: Prawn salad.

Main course: Mixed grill
Japanese like burger very much. Burger restaurants can be found anywhere. Since they are not with the bread, they are called burgu.

Dessert: Crepe with chocolate ice cream.

ADA UHHMMMMM~!!!

Omochi a.k.a Kuih Tahun Baru

2009-01-02T22:45:00.001+09:00

In comic Crayon Shin Chan, we always read about how Shin Chan has his 'kuih tahun baru'. Now, this is how I have my 'kuih tahun baru' a.k.a omochi.

First, slice the omochi into small cubes. Then, boil them with plain water.

Then, mince the peanut with bowl.

Don't forget about honey. No honey, no omochi.

Can include black and white sesame too. They are good partners of omochi.

1st, dip the omochi with honey. Then coat it with peanut. Add some sesame to make it tastier.

AND STRETCHHHHHHH~!!!!
OISHII~!!!!!

Church Camp @ Olive Land, Kinugawa

2009-01-02T20:53:00.000+09:00

It's year end holiday~! This holiday, I go for a Church Camp organised by a Chinese Church in Tokyo. From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours of drive to Kunigawa Camp. The camp is between 31 December and 2nd January. So I'll be spending my new year celebration here. ^_^

Lodging for travelers.

Total of participants: 40. Mostly from China. The rest are from Taiwan and China.

The river nearby. Too bad I can't jump in and play. Too cold to take off my jacket.

There is also a hotspring nearby.This time, I'll definitely take off everything and jump in. Visit my Picasa to see more from the inside.

Preparing New Year Sui Gao.

Happy New Year~!!!!!!!!

Year 2009 1st Service: Three sentences you must always say to your spouse.

I'm sorry.
Thank you
I love you.

Jungle trekking~

Chinese with Indian post. Globalisation.

Goodbye Kinugawa~! I'll see you again soon~!

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

2008-12-27T22:51:00.005+09:00

This year, I nearly have a White Christmas. It starts to snow on 26th Dec. Anyway, it is really great to have snow as this is the first time I experience snow.

This is the view from my window. I wake up quite early today and have a peep from my window. Muahaha, I'll be going out for sure today.

Sun rise. A view from the train station.

The path to 100 yen shop.

Look at the depth of my footprint. It can tell you how long it has been snowing last night.

COOL~! COLD~!

Restriction for smokers.

2008-12-22T10:26:00.000+09:00

Here, I can say there are about 80% of males and 60% of females are smokers. However, they are not allowed to smoke everywhere and definitely not while walking. There are special places designated for smokers. The reasons are...

Needless to say more, the pictures already describe all.

A night in Sendai

2008-12-21T23:54:00.000+09:00

Today, I go to Sendai with two of my Irish friends. Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in Northeast region. It is also known as the City of Trees. In winter, the trees are decorated with thousands of lights in an event called the Pageant of Starlight. Many people visit Sendai to see the Pageant of Starlight. As for us, we have other purposes.

We take the last train to Sendai (10:25pm). It takes 13 minutes to reach there by bullet train and 40 minutes by car. We are the only passengers on board. LOL.

After exiting the station, I take few pictures marking my 1st step into Sendai.

Santa Claus is coming~~ to Sendai~

The first purpose. Beers....I hate beers~!

Say cheese~~!!

Next, Ado Club...more alcohol? Give me a break please. I will drink Coke only.

I hate that club. So I go out and get some fresh air myself. I end up at this 24 hours super store.

This is VLANDOME. A pretty long street. Too bad, it"s already 3am. Nothing much to see now.

I have been waiting for this moment! Time to go back. Catching the 1st train (7.05 am) back to Furukawa. I don't think I will ever come to this city to spend my night anymore.

SAY TAK NAK TO SENDAI!

Welcome Party: Design Department

2008-12-05T10:09:00.000+09:00

In Japan, whenever a new guy is joining a company, his department will throw him a welcome party. Same goes to me. I'm now in the design department handling power windows and seats for Japanese vehicles. Here is my team members.

When comes to party, you will see how wild the Japanese can go. They will enjoy themselves to the fullest without fail. However, the next day, they will be serious again. Work hard, Study hard, Play hard.

At the end of the party, everyone will stand up and the organiser will give a short speech where at the end of the speech, everyone will give a clap, signaling the end of the party.

This is my senior a.k.a senpai, Mr Yang. He is a Korean and he has been here for more than 12 years. Every new guy will have a senpai looking after him. I am glad to have him as my senpai. Very nice and helpful. Important is he doesn't treat me like a newbies. He does listen to my suggestions and of course, will give proper reasons when rejecting them.

ごちそさまでした！ THANKS FOR THE TREAT!

My New Dormitory @ Furukawa

2008-11-26T16:20:00.001+09:00

From now on, I'll be having on-job-training in Furukawa Plant. Riding on Shinkansen(bullet train) at 300km/h, I reached Furukawa(395km away from Tokyo) in approximately 2 hours. After some briefing, I was brought to my new dormitory, 5 minutes away from the factory.

Yoshun-ryo, the name of my dorm.

The Lobby.

My Room Number: 304

The lounge.

View from my window.

Another view.

At -2 degree Celsius.

HELLO FURUKAWA, NICE TO MEET U.

Farewell with Teachers

2008-11-21T21:42:00.002+09:00

After 6 weeks of Japanese lessons, here comes the end of our class. Today we have our farewell dinner with all the teachers and students. After today, we will be sitting for a test next week and then I'll be going to Furukawa.

My sensei and my shy friend.

A toast with another teacher.

Students have to behave like students even in the dinner.

All the students in single file. (Sorry for the blur pictures)

SEE YOU ALL IN MAY 2009!

Tokyo Orienteering 3/3: Tokyo Tower

2008-11-16T21:46:00.002+09:00

The last destination is Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is a communication tower located in Shiba Park, Minato. It is the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world, the tallest artificial structure in Japan and 20th tallest tower in the world. The height of the tower is 332.6m. The tower acts as an antenna for television and radio broadcasts. On the ground, it has a 4 storey of shops. There are 2 type of observation decks. They are 2-storey Main Observatory located at 150m and Special Observatory at 250m.

We can see the tower even from the train station.

On the way to the tower, we passed the small gate.

Then the big gate.

Behind the gate is a temple. Zojoji Temple.

Bigger view of Tokyo Tower from the temple.

At the bottom of the tower.

We took the stairs to the Main Observatory and upon reaching the top, we received a certificate. You can look down from the small square transparent platform.

The view from the top.

And the view when you look down.

After getting some postcards and photos, we went back down and the tower was lighted up. We had to go back to the Tokyo Station by 5pm. So, here ends the Tokyo Orienteering 2008.

Sayonara Tokyo Tower.

OTSUKARESAMADESHITA!

Tokyo Orienteering 2/3: Tokyo National Museum

2008-11-16T21:02:00.002+09:00

Next is Tokyo National Museum. Tokyo Nation Museum was established in 1872 holding over 110,000 objects. This museum also conducts research but what research? I don't know. The museum is located in Ueno Park in Taito, Tokyo. It has 4 main buildings: Japanese Gallery; Asian Gallery; Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures; and Research and Information Center. Well, we, of course go for the Japanese Gallery.

The ticket kiosk. Everything is automatic.

The Japanese Gallery.

Wares and sculptures.

And game boards too.

Well, nothing much can say about this place because we were allowed only 45 minutes here. Too rush to view all the stuffs. Sob. Anyway...

NEXT DESTINATION: TOKYO TOWER

Tokyo Orienteering 1/3: Sensoji Temple

2008-11-16T20:57:00.004+09:00

One of our Japanese language assignments wasTokyo Orienteering. We had to plan to three different places and were to invite Japanese people to go with us. So, one of the places we chose was Sensoji Temple.

Sensoji Temple a.k.a Asakusa Kannon Temple is located in Asakusa, the center of the low town. This temple was completed in 645, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station, take JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station. It is approximately 2 minutes and the fare is 130 yen. Then, transfer to Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa Station. This trip takes approximately 10 minutes and the fare is 160 yen.

This is obviously the main gate to the temple.

(From left) Srdinko Milan(Czech), Chen(China), Yoshida-sensei, Tosaki-san and Kendrick.

Street beyond the main gate. Plenty of Japanese arts and crafts.

Machines everywhere. Even in baking "chicken-egg-cake".

Now we've reached the main entrance to the temple.

Inside the temple. People busy praying, I busy taking pictures.

Wooden village adjacent to the temple.

NEXT DESTINATION: TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Another night at Roppongi

2008-11-09T23:25:00.001+09:00

This week I went to Roppongi again but different place...of course. My friends and I went to Roppongi tallest tower, the Mori Tower. It is located at the heart of Roppongi Hills. We went to a club located at 52nd floor.

This is the Guy Perry Man's Club. This is a high-class club where only members are allowed to come in. Lucky, I got the membership card from a guy who was leaving the place. Else, I'll have to pay 3500 yen to become a member.

Seamus and I. We will be going to the same department soon.

Thumb-up guy is Noam. He is an English teacher and he was here teaching English for 4 years. Now he's in Human Resource Department and he's a good dancer. The white shirt guy is Damien. He will be going to Furukawa with me as well. See the guy behind us.

He was quite pissed off for a reason we never know.

Eric, the man with hundreds of funny faces.

The view from 52nd floor.

A cute Japanese guy. He posted for me to take this picture. But my camera is not good. I got to see him only at the end of the night. Well, I guess I have enough with Roppongi. I should be going other new places instead of coming back here again.

NO MORE ROPPONGI!

A night in Roppongi

2008-11-01T16:00:00.001+09:00

Roppongi (六本木） is a district of Minato City Ward of Tokyo, famous for its night life and two large new building complexes, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. At first, we went to an Irish Pub which was kinda expensive. A pint of beer costs 1000 yen. Almost RM35 per pint. Then, we went to a Halloween club. This club is very "special". The waitresses dressed like bees, cupid, etc. The special thing was the waiter...dressed up on red T-back underwear with see thru 1-piece shirt. It was so disgusting that I couldn't even take pictures of them. Then, I met a fatso in Ironman suit. Very the big tummy and his suit's colour was faded. I was so disgusted that I left that place and walked around alone. Look at the time, it's 4 a.m. in the morning. Muahahaha. Another hour and I can go home jor. Train starts at 5.15 a.m.

Entrance to underground shopping mall and train station.

The street at 4 a.m. Not so many people? Be surprised.

This is one the streets with pubs and clubs.

24-hours bookstore. For lost travelers.

Inside bookstore.

On the way home. Going to get into hot soup when ryookan-san see us.

CHAM!

A night in Shibuya

2008-10-25T09:49:00.000+09:00

This week, I went to Shibuya with my friends. Shibuya is one of the Tokyo's most colourful and busy districs and birthplace to many of Japan's fasion and entertainment trends. Most of the areas here are large department and fasion stores.

At night, Shibuya turns into one of the major nightlift stages where young people gather here for alcohols and dances.

Almost every streets is crowded with people.

Upon arrival, we went to a pub for some beers.

Even the pub is sandwiched with people.

These are my friends from Ireland. (From right)Damien, Seamus and Kendrick.

Then, we went to Pure Shibuya club for a nomihodai. Nomihodai is usually practised when there are new comers in a company. It is a all-you-can-drink event, purposely to get the new comers drunk. It is also another way for the Japanese to reject tasks or to close deals. They talk when they are drunk. Amazingly, they can remember what you say even when they are drunk.

At around 4am, I couldn't drink anymore and I left that place. I found many falled heroes on the streets. Unable to control myself, I snapped the photos of the fallen heroes.

The 1st-runner up goes to....

Ladies and gentlemen, The Champion of the Day!

This style is way too dangerous for the upcoming vehicles. No choice, someone has to do something.

There, isn't it safer now. The Champion of the Day.

We left Shibuya at around 10am and this is the morning of Shibuya.

Good morning Shibuya~! Goodbye~!

My Training

2008-10-20T22:30:00.000+09:00

Wake up at 6.15am, I prepare myself and leave the dormitory at 7am. Walk for about 20 minutes, I reach Ookuraya Station where I have to take the transit to Tamagawa (190 yen, 18 minutes). From there, I walk to HQ (old buiding) and wait for morning exercise. 8.25am, music will be played and everyone will move their body. At 8.30am, I am briefed with the company history, background, concept, vision, mission, etc etc etc. 9.15am, go to training centre (10 minutes walk) and start language class there until 3.35pm. After that Ihave to do my homework there until 5.10pm. Then, fong kung lor.

This is my classroom. There are 5 people including me. Two from Ireland, one from Czech Republic and one from Canada(not IAP member). The other 3 IAP members are in the advanced course.

There is an hourglass in the toilet. I bet you know what it is for. To limit the time spend in the toilet(I think). So far, I have successfully finish my business within the time limit...once!

The reason I'm here

2008-10-18T17:37:00.000+09:00

Many people asked me what am I doing here. So, this is the answer. I am undergoing a program called International Associate Program(IAP). This program started in 1989 when the Japanese built several factories in Ireland. Initially, this program is called Overseas Graduate Program. The objective is to allow the Irish trainees to get the chance to experience Japanese way of working and adapt it in Alps Ireland and to promote internal internationalization. In year 2005, this program has expanded to other countries and is called IAP. Currently there are 7 countries joining this program.

France
Sweden
United Kingdom
Germany
Czech Republic
United States
and this year, Malaysia

Until 2006, there are total of 76 members who have joined this program. 12 ended the training by going back to their country. 25 members are employed here. And the rest did not finish the program. The current record holder is from Germany where the member came for 3 days only and went back to his country.

One of the frequently asked question how long am I bonded after my 2 years training? The answer is, I am not bonded after my 2 years training here.

There is a small article about this program at the end of this page
http://www.alps.com/e/csr/individual/indi_work.html

My Neighbourhood

2008-10-17T23:48:00.000+09:00

Nippa is a quiet place. The streets here are just like what we see in Doraemon comic. Narrow streets. Only the main roads are wide. Compact houses. There are two train stations nearby. One is around 5 minutes walk and the other is around 20 minutes walk. The one I need to get on to go to my company is the 20 minutes walk one. Actually nothing much to talk about here. I believes pictures can tell more than words.

There are quite a lot of convenient stores and supermarket around here. The most frequently visited is AEON. It's around 10 minutes of walk from the dorm. This is where I get my stuffs and meals.

My Room

2008-10-17T22:56:00.000+09:00

This is my room. I stay in the ground floor. 103, good number desu ne? It's a single room with private refrigerator and television. There is a big football field beyond the window. The room is big enough to occupy erm....4 people? Anyone who wants to visit me, this is where you can save some penny on the accomodation.

My Dormitory

2008-10-17T17:39:00.000+09:00

For the next 5 weeks, I'll be staying here. This is Alps Logistic Dormitory. It is located in Nippa-cho, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken. Most of the tenants here are foreigners. Two from Ireland, two from Czech Republic, four from USA and I'm from Malaysia. There are around eleven Japanese staying with us.

I was welcomed by the dorm supervisor, Saeki-san. He is a pure Japanese and he speaks only Japanese. Another thing is, he likes to talk. Everytime he sees anyone, he will keep talking and talking and talking. I don't really understand what he mean but I just nod and hai hai, so desu ne.

The lounge where we can access to the internet. I tried to download some TVB series here and the fastest speed I can get is...around 800kbps. ^_^

This is the bathroom. Like what Sau Heung said before. Rubbing each other's back. After shower, everyone gets into the pool of hot water and start chatting. Which I usually in there alone. The Japanese work too hard. They usually come back after 10pm. As for the foreigners, some prefer to bathe in the morning but not after work.

This is the kitchen. So far, there is only one person who is actually utilizing this facility. The rest only use the table and television. Lol.

My 1st Day in Japan

2008-10-16T15:01:00.000+09:00

After 7 hours of flight, I reached Narita Airport, stepping my foot as an 'alien' into Japan for the 1st time. As instructed, I had to go to Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) by myself to meet up Alps personnel. Narita Airport is not very big compare to KLIA.

The aero train platform. There is little we can do at the satelite building.

There is something strange with the toilet. The left is for gents and right for ladies. There is another room in between. For hybrid being? Not so sure but I do regret for not trying it out.

These are the plant and animal quarantine area; and luggage collection area. I waited for almost 15 minutes for my luggage there and then only found out that I was at the wrong belt. Not very sure with the sign boards there.

The arrival hall

Outside of the airport is also a non-smoking zone. However, smokers can satisfy their thirst in this room.

Welcome to Japan~!