Managing the Legalities: Okinawa: the Champloo Islands

Mixing things together, known by some as Champloo, is a trait signature to its daily life. Why? Well, consider how the cultures of mainland Japan, America, China, those native to the islands, and others have mixed together throughout its history to create the whole its denizens know today, both for worse and for better. Why for worse?

     The short version is that Okinawa, in it's history, was once an independent nation with its own kingdom (complete with an oppressive ruler!). This kingdom was soon brought down by invaders from mainland Japan, who, after establishing a presence, tried to essentially rewrite its past through the suppression of it's native culture and language.

     Some time after that, the US Army came and set up base on Okinawa during WWII, bringing with it a great influence on the music, cuisine(see Spam Musubi, Taco Rice, Tofu chanpuru and others) and the way locals view the Army presence; this view, thanks to the vast consumption of resources, a history of vile acts by military folks, and numerous other factors, has been less than positive, as of this writing, and continues to drive the politics and other developments within the community. 

     China, in contrast, has had a long standing and intricate connection to Okinawa's development, from its architecture, its cuisine, the culture built through centuries of international trading, and much more. Why, if you wanna see that influence in person, just check out Shuri Castle and its bountiful Shisa lions!

     Complimenting that relationship is the native beauty and wonder found throughout the islands; for example, consider the pristine beaches of Miyako Island, the elephant-like cliffs of Manzamo in northern Okinawa, and the lush forests and waterfalls on Iriomote Island, plus more just waiting to be discovered. Perhaps, though, tropical climates and tropical environments aren't your thing; perhaps you want something a bit closer to the stark wonders of the mountains; perhaps you want to make your way to Hokkaido. 

Managing the Legalities: Osaka, the Land of Merchants and Wheeling 'n' Dealing

Have you heard the thing about people from Japan being quiet and sheepish, and all that jazz? That's not what folks in Japan think when they hear someone is from the area around Osaka (and those qualities are often what locals criticize those of Tokyo for, through mock imitations of them). The culture around Osaka is known to be lively, patriotic, tough minded, up front, and highly deal driven, as evidenced by the phrase most associated with it, 「儲《もう》かりまっか？」(You makin' any money?).

     If you happen to pop in on Osaka, you can take a peek at the totally real Instant Ramen museum, the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the Dotonbori area, a shopping district lit by all sorts of neon and flashing signs. All its gaudy goodness beckons you to visit the many restaurants in it and partake of one of the richest traditions of the Osaka area: stuffing yourself silly(known in the language as 食《く》い倒《だお》れ.)

     For a more laid back, classical touch, hop on the next train heading to Kyoto, a city with historical charm and bountiful temples, such as the gold covered Kinkakuji in the north and the Ginkakuji in the east. With a stroll along the Philosopher's Path, you can also take in an extraordinary view of the cherry blossoms that line it and the shallow river just down below, a trip northward leading to Tango Peninsula and Amanohashidate, also known as the bridge of heaven. You may find it strange to bend over and look at the pine covered sand bar between your legs to see it as such, but you can't beat seeing one the 3 great sights of Japan the way it was meant to be seen, and for more of those, let's direct our attention to the many islands that make up the Ryukyu Isles, including Okinawa. 

Managing the Legalities: Maximizing Your Sightseeing

Maximizing Your Sightseeing

Every country in the world has a major city that defines it's experience and tells the world what those in charge feel represents its essence; the US has NYC, Italy has Rome, and France has Paris. If you ask anyone of the country, though, they'll be quick to tell you that that city isn't the only awesome city there, as I would tell you about the open air sprawl of LA, the charming eccentricity of Portland, and the delightful beaches and culture clash to be found in Miami, among endless others within the country I call home.

Japan is no different and has the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the brazen street cultures of Osaka, the peaceful beach sides of Okinawa, and the expansive mountainside scenery of Hokkaido. Each of them also contain several different cities and hidden pockets of humanity that paint a diverse, rich and ever growing network of cultures that drive the things they do every day. Naturally, though, unless you have boatloads of money and free time, you can't see all of that in one trip, so to get the gears turning on planning your most excellent vacation, let's take a quick peek at these potential destinations, starting with Tokyo.

Tokyo: The Crown Jewel of Japan

The city of Tokyo is the political center of the country, but over it's history, it and surrounding area has also grown into it's historical and modern cultural center, housing countless things flock to see from all over the world to see. Like what? Well, there's the TsujikiFish Market, the geek mecca of Akihabara, the Asakusa Shinto temple, the land of fashionable kids known as Harajuku, and more multi-level specialty stores than you can shake a stick at. In fact, it houses so many of these aspects that there have been multiple volumes dedicated to helping people navigate just this area of the country (If that isn't enough proof, consider this: on the trains there, the terms used to describe leaving Tokyo translate as ascending, for going north, and descending, for going south).

On top of that, the international profile it's built up drive tourists in from across the world, meaning that it's been made more and more easier for them to travel, and that will mean there's a higher chance someone will be able to help you out in case things go south and you need to speak with someone; for getting a taste of a brand new culture, this is surely a safe bet for your travel destination(if you're intrigued, might I recommend Frommer's Tokyo as your guidebook?).

With all that said, though, isn't the whole point of traveling to go outside your comfort zone and see things you haven't before? What, about eating burgers at a McDonald's in Tokyo is adventurous? What, about eating at a sushi place everyone goes to, screams “I'm a traveler!”? What, about spending your hard earned cash to be among familiar foods, people and so on on the other side of world, says “This was a good use of my money and vacation days”? Tokyo is a perfectly wonderful area to sight-see in, but c'mon now! If you really wanna expand your world view, think beyond the familiar; perhaps consider looking into visiting Osaka and its surrounding area. 

Managing the Legalities: Do You Need a Visa?

Visa-Free Traveling

For folks from the US, you can stay in the country without a visa a maximum of 90 days(as in 90 calendar days, not 3 months), which is more than enough time for most folks to get their kicks before they return to the reality waiting for them back home. As for the rest of the world...

You need a passport if you're from...

Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa or South Korea*(plus others not mentioned)

*if part of a school group, you can stay up to a month

You can stay 14 days if you're from...

Brunei

You can stay 90 days if you're from...

Andorra, Australia, Barbados, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, Poland or Slovakia

You can stay 3 months if you're from...

Argentina, the Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus(the country), Denmark, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lesotho, Luxumbourg, Macedonia, Malta, Maritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal*, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey or Uruguay

*exception if originally attained in either former or current colonies of the country

You can stay 6 months if you're from...

Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland or the UK*

*only for UK citizens

Why Would I Need a Visa?

Short answer: the authorities can kick you out immediately, if they catch you after your visa-free time is up, and you don't have one. Long Answer: If you're going as an exchange student, worker, teacher, are visiting a relative long term(e.g. A year, or so) or otherwise need to be there for something other then tourism, you'll need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's long term visa section of the site and look up the one you need.

     Afterward, look up a local Consulate-General of Japan and call them up for anything you may need to do concerning getting the needed visa. Should the country's charm stay with you after you visit, definitely give this stuff a moment of serious thought if you ever want to do something long term over there. While we're on the subject, let's take a look at the next phase of going to Japan: Where you want to visit for your vacation. 

Managing the Legalities: What to Watch for Before and During a Trip to Japan

An experience often thought of as a milestone is when someone travels to a country highly unlike their own, like someone raised in Italy traveling to Brazil, a South African denizen exploring the Irish countryside and a kid raised in America taking a journey to Japan. Through that trip, they begin to see beyond the things that make them different from others and look for the things they have in common, thus helping them see deeper into the way we all speak to each other and crafting a more meaningful understanding-or at least, that's supposed to happen.  

That kind of growth often isn't achieved in one trip, and if the things they held true are reinforced on their travels, they might even grow more narrow minded about the culture they experience. For example, say someone coming to NYC for a vacation thought that Americans were all arrogant, fat gunslingers who care only about themselves; if the only people they ran into there fell met those expectations, then they'd grow even harder to break, because now they have anecdotal evidence to back their claims(for those curious, the term for this is Confirmation Bias, and it's even worse when they meet those same people as completely blank slates to be shaped by whatever happens).

Before any of that stuff can take place, though, one has to handle things at home, so they can set foot in the country without getting turned away at the door, and 2 crucial aspects of world travel are the passport and the visa(which you'll see more of later on). If you haven't been outside your homeland, then you haven't had much of a need for either, but for traveling to Japan, they will become a necessity, especially the passport.

Getting a Passport

The general things you'll want to do are to...

• Hit up your gov't's travel site
• Visit the section dealing with passports
• Fill out all the needed paperwork
• Seek out the needed fee money and documentation for your passport(e.g. Birth certificate, Driver ID, etc.)
• Head off to get your picture taken for it
• Then turn everything in to the proper channels and wait for it to arrive.

The exact procedures will depend on how your govt does things, your current situation and many other variables, so be sure to look that stuff up and find out what you need. If you happen to be a US-citizen reading this, however, I can give you a few pointers on what you need to do.

Tips for US 1^st Timers to the Passport Process

To keep it simple, for getting your first passport, the Post Office is your friend and will stay so throughout the whole process. When you're there, you can find out what you need, how you need to dress, how long you'll be waiting(which can be somewhere between 2 weeks and 2 months if you don't have the $60 to speed things up) and many other things.

Before going there, though, be sure to hit up Travel.State.gov and check out the Passport and Visa sections for the specifics on what you need in your situation, what paperwork you'll need to do, and documentation you'll need on hand-Fair warning, though: this process won't be cheap(as of this writing, the whole package is about $160, minimum). As long as you head to your local Post Office, though, they'll be able to help you through the nitty-gritty red tape, and move on the next part of traveling to Japan: whether or not that passport needs further approval by the proper authorities for further travels, whether or not you need to get a Visa.

Essential Phrases and Body Language #10

Gesture #10: Culturally Flipping The Bird

Actual Gesture: Using the pointer finger, pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out your tongue

It's Function?: Like flipping the bird, it's meant to show the ultimate, most childish disrespect towards its recipient

Any Associated Phrase?: With this one, the phrase is 「あかんべー！(Get bent!)」, which comes from 赤《あか》の目《め》(Red of the Eye, which is what you're displaying in the gesture), and can be said in two parts, あかん, as you're bringing the finger to the eyelid, and べー！ as you're pulling it down.

Anything else?: As the most disrespectful-and highly childish gesture, this won't produce anything good if you do it in front of the person, so most people want 'til their back is turned to show their disdain, possibly in the more emphatic form of あっかんべー! Sticking out the tongue, by itself, is a more feminine gesture used to show that they made a slight slip up in something, much like when someone says '”Whoops!” after drop their wallet when they pay for something.

Phrase #10: 只《ただ》今《いま》

Literal Meaning: Just now

Intent: "I'm home!(and similar meanings in translation)"

Usage: To let someone know you've come back to some place, home or otherwise, much like the phrase "I'm back!"

Notes: 只今帰《かえ》りました is the full, formal version of the phrase, both recognized by the other person/people there with the phrase 「お帰りなさい」, 「お帰り」 being the informal version of that.

Example: 只今帰りました

(I've come back home, ma'am)

お帰りなさい、お客《きゃく》さん。（笑）　まったく、アントニ、タメ語《ご》でもいいね。仲間《なかま》なんでいいじゃないじゃない？ ユックリしてね！

(Welcome back home, valued customer. *laughs* Honestly, Anthony, it's okay to talk casual. We are pal-y-pals, so it's all good, ain't it? EASE it up, there.)  

And now that we're through the 10, it's time to move to the next phase: learning how to plan a trip to Japan and what to do once you get there!

Essential Phrases and Body Language #9

Gesture #9: Showing Agreement with a Statement

Actual Gesture: Slamming the pinky side of a closed fist into an open palm

It's Function?: To express that the person just said something that agrees with your values/logic/etc or makes the point you've been working towards, but perhaps couldn't put it the way the speaker did

Any Associated Phrase?: Yes, and the one most often use with this one is 「納得《なっとく》！(Exactly!)」, which you can also use to discuss the concept of consent

Anything else?: If you rotate your closed hand while it's in the palm, you imitate the gesture of grinding sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle(known in Japan as 胡麻《ごま》擂《すり),　which implys that someone is buttering someone up in anticipation of getting something in return, or what some folks would call brown-nosing

Phrase #9: よくできました

Literal Meaning: "You were well up to the task at hand"

Intent: "Good Job!(and similar meanings in translation)"

Usage: To tell someone they did good after they finish a task, in order to let them know how well they did and encouraging them to keep up the good work(which can change in tone, if sarcasm is in the air).

Notes: This also applies when you see the different variations in this phrase, such as 大変《たいへん》よくできました, which tells then they did very well at something, and the more informal version of this phrase, よくできた(which can also be used as an adverb to show something is solidly built/written/etc).

Example: このスパ作《つ》る? 大変よくできたね! よくできたスパんだ!

(you cooked this spaghetti? You did super awesome at it, man. Really well made Spaghetti!)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #8

Gesture #8: Minimizing a Compliment
Actual Gesture: With palms facing the person, shaking the hand from side to side

It's Function?: It's meant to increase the politeness by showing that the thing you did for them isn't as great as they're making it out to be, much like a “It was nothing”

Any Associated Phrase?: Yes, and a couple of them are 「いいえ(No, but here, intending something like “It was nothing”)」and 「そんなことないです (Oh, it's not like that at all)」

Anything else?: You can also do this with two hands for emphasis, either one showing modesty and letting the other person you really do appreciate what they did for you or what they said

Phrase #8: ご機嫌《きげん》よう
Literal Meaning: "Your condition is well"

Intent: Take care, now

Usage: It's much like the phrase 'Aloha', in that in can be as both a greeting and a parting phrase, communicating good and
very formal vibes to the listener in either usage

Notes:
1. This likely comes from the archaic way to say this phrase 「ご機嫌ようございます」.
2. 機嫌, itself, is a noun discussing someone's mood, with a phrase to express someone is either in a good or bad mood(good mood being 機嫌がいい and bad mood being 機嫌が悪《わる》い)

Example: あら、リナさん。ごきげんよう。
(Oh hey, there, Lina. Aloha, to you.)
ごきげんよう。仕事《しごと》はどう？
(Mm, Aloha, there. How's the job treating you?)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #7

Gesture #7: Humbling Up for a Favor

Actual Gesture: Bowing the head (and possibly doing a bow along with that) while clapping the hands together

It's Function?: To show remorse for taking up the person's time/something you did while asking for whatever it is you're asking for

Any Associated Phrase?: ごめんくださいですが(insert favor here)
Anything else?: It's rather formal-and perhaps feminine?-, and short of actually groveling, is one of the most humble and polite ways you can ask someone to help you out in a pinch. If you're feeling desperate, a more pressing alternative to the Associated Phrase presented is 「お願《ねが》い(I beg of you!)！(insert favor here)」, e.g. when you're lost somewhere, you need help finding your way to the nearest subway station and the other person might be shaky on helping you because they feel their English sucks. When you need to cut through the nonsense, you'd wanna use the gesture and say something like 「お願い！近《ちか》いの駅《えき》はどこにありますか？(Please, sir! Where is the nearest train station?)」

Phrase #7: 宜《よろ》しくお願いします

Literal Meaning: "I request that you make it so"

Intent: "It's a pleasure to meet you(and similar meanings in translation)"

Usage(s): 1. To show you wish to create good relations between yourself and those you're speaking with
2. At the end of an introduction when 1st meeting someone
3. As a parting phrase in a formal setting(both this and the 2nd usage implying you want to establish long lasting relations, much like the phrases 'Nice to meet you' and 'It was a pleasure to meet you')
4. In asking favors

Notes: 1. 宜しく, by itself, is a casual way to say the phrase (some even say it's the preferred way in casual settings)
2. It can be used to show appreciation for an action, most often in the phrases 「(thing you want someone to do for you)を宜しく頼《たの》みます(I'd appreciate your help with X)」& ○に宜しくお伝《つた》えて下《くだ》さい(My compliments to X/Please give my regards to X/Say Hi to X for me) [○に宜しくお伝つたえて下ください also has a shorthand form, ○に宜しく, which implies the verb from either one]).
3. To increase the politeness factor, add どうぞ before 宜しく(also applies to its more casual forms!)
4. It's also used in the phrases 一《ひと》つよろしく-which is the parting phrase used in business calls and translates into something like "Handle it, man"-and 後《あと》はよろしくする-which is used after someone (most likely someone higher up the ladder than you) asks you to cover for them and they explain what you're doing for them, translating into something like "Handle the rest the way you think's best"

Example: (1) ねぇ、むっちゃん！　友《とも》が話《はな》したいんだよ。　こっちだね。　Hey Doug, おいで！
(Hey, Muchichi. My friend wants to talk to you! *English*, c'mere!)

あのう。。。えっと。。。はじめまして。　わたくしはダッグジョンサンでございます。宜しくお願いいたします。
(Umm...uhh...salutations. I be Doug of the Johnson clan. I do humbly beg your indulgence)

...Okay, this is some bullshit. First off, you are an asshole for getting this poor guy to think we all talk like that, 中島《なかじま》くん。 Second of all...ダッグ, was it? You obviously learned the formal style of our language my friends say they drill in you over there. If you are talking to a politician or whatever, fine, but when you talk like that in a casual setting, you come off as seriously uptight. You would not talk to your president and your friend the same way, would you? Did not think so. Please learn the other ways to speak our language so you are not lead to make yourself look like a fool, as 中島くん seems to enjoy doing, and can chat with people with the proper level of politeness. All that said...こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。 ダッグさん。　あたし、上川《かみかわ》むちこです！　I am not a pen.
(*speech*I am also pleased to be meeting with you, Doug. My name's Muchiko Kamikawa! *English school English*)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #6

Gesture #6: Covering the Mouth

Actual Gesture: Covering the mouth with the tips the fingers, whether it's the front, back in a cup shape

It's Function?: To hide your teeth and cover up while you hold back the chuckles

Any Associated Phrase?: No, but the implied one is “Sorry I find your current state hilarious”

Anything else?: It's a rather formal-and perhaps feminine?-gesture, and back in the day, flashing the choppers meant either showing the person in front of you a crack in your armor or that you weren't that serious of a person, either implying poor form on your part; in addition to that, women had to deal with the fact that pearly whites meant you weren't hitched yet-and possibly never would be, since married women had theirs painted black, the practice known as 御歯黒「おはぐろ」. These days, though, it's more likely they think they got a bad case of the yuck-mouth, and would prefer you not see them on display.

Phrase #6: 用《よう》がある

Literal Meaning: There is business

Intent: I got a thing do to

Usage: Much like the phrase "I got a thing to do", it tells that there's something else that needs our attention without specifying what it is, thus insuring that your private and public lives stay separate.

Notes: This phrase also has few interesting variants to it, like 用がない(it and any variant of it saying you either don't have anything to do or that you have no need/use for something) and 用を足《た》す, which is a polite way to say you gotta do what you do in the bathroom (e.g. I'm gonna take care of some business)

Example: （用がある）「用がある」って？分《わ》かったね。それじゃ。
(So you 'got something to do,' eh? I get you, man. See you 'round)

（用がない） 用がなかったら、廃棄《はいき》してはどう？
(If it's not useful to you, why not just throw it out?)

(用を足す)　失礼《しつれい》しますが。用を足しますので。
(Pardon the interruption. Off to go take care of business)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #5

Gesture #5: Catching someone's attention/肩《かた》叩《たた》き

Actual Gesture: Tapping someone 2-3 times on the shoulder while you're behind them

It's Function?: To get a moment of their time and tell/show them something, whether it's letting them they dropped something, pointing something out to them that might be interest or even just to start a conversation

Any Associated Phrase?: No, but one I recommend is 「失礼《しつれい》しますが」, or something similar in intent

Anything else?: If you're feeling joke-y, you can bust out the old gag of sticking out your pointer finger while they turn to you; if they get/are in on it, you might get a 「いたっ！(Ouch!)」 out of it, but it's more likely something worse will come of it, so bust it out with caution. Another thing to take note of is an association it carries in professional climates, where it's followed up by getting canned

Phrase #5: 大変《たいへん》です
Literal Meaning: It's awful
Intent: This is horrible
Usage(s):
1. To point out that something is an emergency/the stuff has hit the fan(like the phrase 'This is serious!'),
2. To show that something is a shocking situation(like when you hear your best friend is about to try mountain road drifting just after learning how to drive, and the first thought that crosses your mind is 'This is serious'),
3. When people are in tight spots(like when your friend says they had to write up and get an A on a 10 page paper by the next day, or they wouldn't be passing the class, and you tell 'em "That's tough")
4. To show sympathy for people going through rough patches(like when that same friend missed the passing mark by 1 point because of 1 typo, and you tell them "That's rough")
Notes: 大変, itself, is a な adjective carrying the connotations and usage in the contexts seen above(plus one more: pointing out there's a lot of whatever it's in front of)
Example: (expressing something's an emergency) 大変じゃねぇさ。デートだけで、ゆっくりしてね。心臓発作《しんぞうほっさ》、起《お》こってねぇ。
(This thing ain't serious, man. You're just going on a date, so slow your role and breathe. You're not exactly having a heart attack, now)
(a shocking situation) 大変だ！熊《くま》が通《とお》りを通《とお》ってますよ！
Oh my word, there's a bear walking down the street right now!
(when something gets serious) ’「結婚《けっこん》しましょうか？」って！？大変でしょう。
Did he really say “Will you marry me”!? This just got real.
(showing sympathy)「赤点《あかてん》」って?　しまったね。　大変だよ。 おい、MOS Burgerに会《あ》おうぞ。 持て成してくれ。
(You got failing marks? Oh crap, man. Sucks for you. Yo, let's meet up over at the MOS Burger, my treat)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #4

Gesture #4: Showing appreciation for the meal
Actual Gesture: Holding both hands together and lightly bowing your head
It's Function?: It's as the name says, specifically, for all the things that had to happen just for the meal to appear on the plate (which, when you think about the farming, packing, cooking and so on, is quite a lot); for a frame of reference, think about the folks who say grace before a meal(and like saying grace, this is mostly done in the home, and among company)
Any Associated Phrase?: Yes, and this one has two; 「いただきます(Thank you for the meal)」for before the meal begins and 「ご馳走様《ちそうさま》でした(Thanks for the hospitality)」after it's done
Anything else?: The bow and each phrase are done at the appropriate points they ask for in order to show your gratefulness for the grub, whether each is done at all is up to what the context and the mood call for.

Phrase #4: 済《す》みません
Literal Meaning: I didn't finish the task at hand
Intent: I'm sorry
Usage: This actually has 2 uses: as both as apology for something and a humble way to thank someone for doing something, like telling you co-worker, "Thanks for picking the slack" when you forget to do the dishes before you jet, and they cover your six by doing it before they head home for the day.
Notes: This comes from the verb to express you did finish doing something, 済む, and all the stuff you just learned also applies when it's used in it's more casual negative form, 済まない(this also includes variations of this, naturally). To specifically say you're sorry for something, you'd use ごめんなさい(the others, you'll pick up as you go)
Example: (saying sorry) パーティーに酔《よ》い過《す》ぎて、済まないな。ひさしぶりので酒《さけ》が弱《よわ》いこと 忘《わす》れたんだ。
(Sorry about getting too blitzed at your party, man. It's been a while, so I forgot I'm a lightweight with the booze)
(saying thank you) 助《たす》けて済みません。本当《ほんとう》に有《あり》難《がた》い。
(Thank you for the help back there. I really appreciate it)

Essential Phrases and Body Language #3

Gesture #3: Showing something is wrong/you don't know something
Actual Gesture: with the thumb-side of the hand held near the mouth, waving it back and forth
It's Function?: It does as the name says, specifically when there's nothing the person doing it can do to help you out
Any Associated Phrase?: 2 main ones, the one for something being wrong, 「違《ちが》います」and the one showing they don't know something/can't help you out, 「知《し》っていません」
Anything else?: You might see this paired with a shake of the head, just so you understand how little they can do for you. In addition, this can also used, as it is by folks in the West, to demonstrate the presence of disagreeable scents in the air-or in other words, that something stinks to high heaven(though it's not exactly in good taste to do it so blatantly). The context will tell you which is which, so be sure to check your scent, so you can start crossing off reasons the person might be making that gesture
Phrase #3: 失礼《しつれい》しますが
Literal Meaning: What I'm doing is in bad form, but...
Intent: "Excuse me(and similar meanings in translation)"
Usage(s):
1. To pardon yourself when you're something that interrupt what someone's doing(I.E. not being home when someone calls or leaving during the middle of meeting)
2. To excuse your when you have to go somewhere
3. To politely get someone's attention
Notes: 失礼, itself, is a な adjective that describes someone as being rude or impolite
Example: お客《きゃく》さまがいるので、失礼しますが
(There's a guest waiting for me, so pardon the interruption)
「お客さま」って？
(What does she mean by 'guest'?[note: in Japan, “Guest” can also carry the same connotations as 'Aunt Flo,' make of that what you will])

Essential Phrases and Body Language #2

Gesture #2: Pointing to yourself
Actual Gesture: Pointing to the tip of your nose
It's Function?: It's meant to clarify if the subject of conversation is, indeed, you
Any Associated Phrase?: More like word, that word being 「わたし？(Me?[this also includes any variant of the word you happen to pick up on your travels])」
Anything else?: In contemporary usage, you're more likely to see the version folks in the West use(where someone points to the chest to achieve the same end), and the version first discussed is the more old fashioned iteration; inversely, when the speaker wants to point out who they're speaking with, they point to them, context showing whether or not they mean to be jerks when they do it.

Phrase #2: 大丈夫《だいじょうぶ》ですか？
Literal Meaning: "Is your health great?"
Intent: "You alright?(and similar meanings in translation)"
Usage: To ask someone how they're doing, particularly if it doesn't look like they're in good shape, much like the phrase, "Are you OK?"
Notes: It-and other variations of this phrase-can be used to ask both if someone is OK(i.e. If you see someone trip and fall flat on their face in front you, you can ask 「大丈夫ですか？」 to ensure they haven't kicked the bucket), as well as ask permission to do something; it's like when you wanna grab the last donut, but aren't quite sure if everyone else has had one yet, so you ask "Can I grab it?" (いい, in a question, can function the same way)
Example: クリスさん、大丈夫？大山《おおやま》さん葉「じ自転車《てんしゃ》から落《お》ちた」といいましたのでっ。
(Are you doing alright, Chris? Oyama told me you fell off of your bicycle, so-)
はい、大丈夫ですね。若山《わかやま》さん。足《あし》、ちょっと痛《いた》いんですけれど、それ以外《いがい》にＯＫですよ！
(Yeah, I'm doing alright, Ms. Wakayama. I mean my leg kind of aches, but other than that I'll be muy bueno, for sure.)

Essential Phrases and Body Language

In learning a language, we're often blitzed with grammar and vocabulary and expected to use only that to get our point across; obviously, this approach glosses over much of the other elements that decide how what we want to get across gets across, the most neglected being unspoken communication. The nod of the head, the thumbs down, the middle or pointer finger used to make a point are all among the gestures we use in communication, and without them, we find it much harder to complete the message the way we want to. Japan's society is no different, with not only its own interpretation of those gestures, but also those unique to the culture and their day to day interactions, of which you'll be treated to a sampling of, along with phrases to help you get by and dip your toes into the language.

Each entry aims to break down the gesture/phrase and give you the background info needed to use it well and in the right context-including video examples, where available. By the end of the 20 entry series(10 phrases/10 gestures), you'll have a solid base to work from and that much more ability to interact how you want to and make sure your message rings loud and clear. With all that established, we'll jump right into the first of each, starting with a gesture made famous by a random cat who helped a traveler avoid a bad end with a simple wave of their palm.

Gesture #1: The Beckoning Wave
Actual Gesture: the palm of the person's hand faces the ground and the hand waves inward towards the body

It's Function?: It's meant to signal the person on the receiving end to come closer, similar to the palm-up version used in many Western countries, but much less of a tough guy vibe

Any Associated Phrase?: Yes, and with this one, one of them is 「こっちにおいで！(Over here, please!)」

Anything else?: If you've seeing the waving motion go outwards from the body, it means they're pissed off at the recipient and are telling them to piss off.

What's this about a cat and a traveler?: One possible origin of this gesture and the cat itself, known in Japan as 招《まね》き猫《ねこ》, is that a loaded feudal lord, seeking shelter from a thunderstorm, ducked under a tree; that tree happened to be near Gotoku Temple in western Tokyo, home of a broke priest and his cat. The cat made the gesture at him and he, probably curious about what the cat wanted, approached it; not a moment later the tree was struck by lightning, which might've made him a think twice about what do to with his riches after speaking to the priest and learning of his situation. In time, the priest and he became buddies, and the temple prospered as their friendship prospered, perhaps prompting the feudal lord to have a sculpture of the cat made in its beckoning pose when it passed on.

Phrase #1: ありがとう

Literal Meaning: It's tough for this to exist

Intent: Thank you

Usage: Like 'Thank You', it's used when someone does something for you and you want to express appreciation for it, like when you find you don't have money for the last train home, and someone pays your fare

Notes: One possible origin for this phrase is from the full, formal version of this phrase, 有《あり》難《がと》うございます, itself derived from the adjective describing being grateful for something, 有《あり》難《がた》い

Example: 色々《いろいろ》ありがとうございます。ご恩《おん》は決《けっ》して忘《わす》れません。《 (Thank you for everything you've done. I certainly won't forget the kindness you've shown me)

How to Teach Yourself a Language [part 7]

Constructing the Method Made for You

It's no secret that when something appeals to the way we do things, we're more likely to give it the time of day, and when it comes to learning something new, this aspect is crucial to getting it down solid. Unfortunately, many teachers don't allow the flexibility needed to apply what what's taught outside the classroom and often insist on injecting themselves into the whole learning experience, turning it into a static, unchanging object. In my view, the difference between whether that knowledge becomes a part of a student's day to day grind or goes right in their mental shoebox is in how much the teacher steps out of the way and allows them to apply it in a way that not only get them to identify with it, but also to think about what they're doing. When you're young and still building your conception of how the world works, lack of that creates what some like to call the Ophelia Syndrome.

The Ophelia Syndrome and You

Named after Ophelia, the young lady from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, it encapsulates the concept of basing your thoughts, feelings and acts purely upon what you think people higher up than you want, as Ophelia did, when she was conflicted on how to feel about Hamlet and her dad, Polonius, told her “I'll teach you. Think yourself a baby...(and yes, that is exactly what you might be thinking)”. Of course people have to do this to some extent when they're still building the box they need think outside of, but there comes a point where people can't just let older folks determine the best course of action.

            Given enough years, they soon become those older folks the next generation looks to for guidance, and if they just do that for the rest of their lives, it'll just be everybody asking everybody else what they should do next, creating a never ending cycle of the blind leading the blind until someone- regardless of they can weigh the needs of the many of not-guts up and says “This is the way things are gonna be” Whether it's in the entertainment, sports or political arenas, the Ophelia Syndrome is what allows one to control to the lives of those around them, even if they're as stable as a guy running on a six pack of Absinthe, so to help you break the cycle, I'll give you a few pointers in how to ease off of relying on the higher ups (myself, included, admittedly) for what you want to know.