オレンジ色のくし Orange Combs

これはよくシンガポールにいる日本人の間で話題になることです。

「どうしてシンガポールのおじ様はみんなくしをズボンのポケットにいれて、町の真ん中で突然使いだすのか？そして、ほぼ間違いなく色はオレンジ色。」
不思議です。

いつも身だしなみを気にしているといえなくもないけど、日本ではまずあり得ない光景。
なぜオレンジ色？黒や白のくしではだめなんでしょうか？


This is a topic often discussed by the Japanese living in Singapore.

[Why do the uncles and some others put combs into their trouser pockets, then whip it out in the middle of nowhere and start using it? And then, most of the time, the colour is a bright orange.]
It's a mystery.

Such an extent to which they are so concerned about their personal appearance, it would seem like a bemusing spectacle in Japan.

But why the colour orange? Does black or white not work?

-2c from Tsuchiya sensei

Students,
Comment on this post and you may stand a chance to win a box of Kappa cookies from Kamikochi!!!

Let's all write a little farewell note to Moriya Sensei

Dear Students of Aoba,

A sad news of late.
Moriya sensei will officially be leaving Aoba at the end of August 2010. Hence, I wish that all of you will be able to post a little comment, message, or note to her to express your heartfelt thanks.
She has been with Aoba since December 2008 and her classes have been fun and interesting to many of her students.
Yes, we are all deeply grieved but nevertheless, we wish her the very best in her future careers and endeavors.

Thank you Moriya sensei!

With deepest love,
The students from Aoba Language Centre

夕焼け Sunset

久しぶりに暇な日曜日、ふと窓をみると、ビルの後ろがサーモンピンクになっていました。（火事じゃないよ）
日没の時間です。
日本にいると、ゆっくり太陽が水平線の下に入って行くのがわかるんだけど、新嘉坡では、いつも気がつけば“夜”。
今まで、空の色が変わることに気がつかなかった。
結構、綺麗です。ね？

On a free Sunday which I haven't had in awhile, casually gazing out of the windows, a salmon pink hue came appeared from the back of the building. (It's not a fire though)
It was time for the sun to set.
If you're in Japan, it is common that the sun sets slowly into the horizon. But in Singapore, it turns dark in a blink of an eye. And before you know it, it's night time.
Up till now, I haven't been noticing the change in sky colors.
It's rather beautiful, isn't it?

ＪＬＰＴ‐２

もう申し込みましたか？
シンガポールでは年に１回しか実施されないので、迷っている人は受けてみませんか？
ところで、まだ新しいＪＬＰＴについて知らない人がいるみたいだけど、皆さんは大丈夫？　わからない人はこのサイトを見てみよう！

Did you already submit the application form for the JLPT exam?
As Singapore only has one exam taking place yearly, for those who are hesitating, why don't you try taking it?
By the way, there are still some people who have no idea about the new JLPT system. Is everyone familiar with it already? For those who do not understand, please refer to this site.

英語が通じない！English communication breakdown! PLUS++ Interesting external site (Japanese blogger in Singapore)

最近、なぜか英語がわからないウエイトレスさんが多いです（怒）。
私がわかる中国語は　謝謝。再会。マイタン・・５つぐらい。
だから、レストランでは注文が通じなくて泣きたくなることもあります。
でも、そんなときはノートに漢字を書いてみます。これが結構通じるんですよ。
あ～漢字が書けて幸せ♡　漢字は素晴らしい♡
あれ？ちょっとまって。
英語は公用語でしょう？　なんで英語がわからない人が働いてるの？

Recently, for some reason there are many waitresses who simply do not understand English. (Angry)
And the amount of Chinese that I understand only adds up to about 5 words. xie xie, zai hui, mai tan (Cantonese)...
Hence, at times when I can't get to order what I want to order in a restaurant, I get so frustrated that I feel like crying.
But, when that happens, I just get my notebook out and try writing it in kanji. And this method does work pretty well.
Ahh~ being able to write kanji is such a bliss ♡ kanji is simply magnificent ♡

Hey wait--? Let's just pause for a bit.
I thought English is the official language? And why are those people who don't understand English working in the first place?

- 2 cents from Tsuchiya sensei

By the way people,

An interesting post by a fellow blogger has been discovered! It's about a Japanese's life in Singapore. And the recommended read for today is this (Interesting phrases found in Singapore and it's direct Japanese translation) ---->>>>> シンガポールの言葉 http://3ica.blog46.fc2.com/blog-entry-34.html
Please do refer to the other posts as well. It's quite amusing.

Have a nice and happy evening ahead~

- Blog admin

ビーサン (short for beach sandals)

ビーチサンダル略して「ビーサン」。新嘉坡では一年中、大人気。私も愛用してますよ♡

日本ではビーサンは海外やプールだけで履くものでしたが、最近は街でもよく見ます。

でも日本でビーサンを履くのは夏だけです。９月から秋のファションを先取りするのが普通なので、ビーサン履いたら「変な人」！
皆、あなたに注目します。気をつけてね。

「ビーサン」[biisan] is a shorter form for beach sandals. It is an item that has great popularity in Singapore all year round. Personally, I do favour it a lot too ♡.

In Japan, beach sandals were used to be worn only when going overseas or to the pool. But recently, I've seen people wearing them in the streets as well.

However, even when the people in Japan do put on beach sandals, it is only during the summer. From September, it is fairly common for autumn fashion to take the lead. As such, if a person is putting on beach sandals during that period, they are considered [weird]!

You'll be the center of attention if you do so. Be warned.

-Tsuchiya sensei

カニかま Crab sticks/ Imitation crab meat

カニかま・・・多分これを考えた人は日本人だと思うんだけど、シンガポールの人は日本人よりカニかまがすきですね。

初めて、カニかまが一本でぇーんとのった寿司をみたとき、超びっくりしました。
日本じゃ絶対あり得ない！！！

シンガポールにはいろいろ不思議な寿司があるけど、あれだけはまだ食べる気になれません。（カニかまを愛している人、ごめんなさい）
こんなふうに考えるのは日本人のおごりでしょうか・・・・？

Crab sticks... You would probably think that the person who came up with this was a Japanese, but it seems that Singaporeans like imitation crab meat more than the Japanese do.

For starters, I was really surprised when I saw that crab sticks are being used as an ingredient to place on top of sushi.
If it was in Japan, it would never ever be possible!!!

Although there are many different types of strange sushi in Singapore, that(crab sticks) alone is one that I am not able to bring myself to eat. (For those who really love crab sticks, I apologize.)
And to think of it in such a way is probably part of the conceitedness that Japanese people have......?

-Tsuchiya sensei

What do you think about crab sticks? Let's CHAT~! :)

セントーサが生まれ変わった Sentosa has a fresh face

ユニバーサルスタジオやカジノ。セントーサも大きく変わりましたね。
みなさんはもう行ってみましたか？
わたしも、いつか行きいと思っていますがなかなか時間がありません。
（もちろんお金もね）
もう行った人、感想をぜひきかせてくれませんか？

The universal studios and casino. Sentosa underwent significantly great change recently.
Has everyone been there yet?
I've been thinking of wanting to go over someday but can't find the time to. (And of course there is the issue of money)
For those who went, please share your experiences with me! :)

-Tsuchiya sensei

Once again, thanks to all of you who took the effort to input your valuable opinions and thoughts.
Please do continue to support this blog!! :)

-Admin

お土産（シンガポールから） Souvenirs (From Singapore)

私は一年に２．３回帰国します。その時、いつも私を悩ませるのはお土産！

ラッフルズのチョコや紅茶は結構日本ではウケがいいのですが、友達みんなに買っていくわけにはいきません。だって値段が・・。

何か手頃で日本人の気に入りそうな物があったら、ぜひ教えてください。


I return to Japan about 2 to 3 times a year. When that happens, the one thing that never ceases to cause me worry is the omiyage (souvenirs)!

Raffles' chocolate and black tea are rather popular with the Japanese but to get them for all my friends is nearly impossible. The price is a little...

If there is anything you think that is handy, cheap, and what the Japanese might like, by all means tell me.

-Tsuchiya sensei

Any kind souls?? Help Tsuchiya sensei out and you might stand a chance to win our weekly draw prize this week!!! :)

「ボングウ」と「二重丸」 Bon Goût & Izakaya Nijuumaru Restaurant

ホームシックになったことがない私ですが、時々、日本の食べ物が恋しくなります。そんなときにいつも行くのが「ボングウ」です。私だけじゃなくて、多くの日本人の憩いの場所です。本や漫画がたくさんあって、自由に本を読むこともできます。

もうひとつは「二重丸」。カッページプラザにあります。日本料理がお腹いっぱい食べられます。おすすめは「いか焼き」です。

Although I never seem to get homesick, there are times when I yearn and crave for Japanese food. And when that happens, the place I'll go to is Bon Goût. It's not only to me, but for other Japanese here, it's also a place for relaxation and refreshment. There is a huge array of books and manga in the establishment and you may also read them as you please.


Another place would be Nijuumaru. It's in Cuppage Plaza. There, you can fill your stomach with delicious Japanese Izakaya food. One of my recommendations would be [Grilled squid] Ikayaki.

-By Tsuchiya sensei

If anyone has any Japanese restaurants to recommend to others, please leave a comment~ :)

The following are the addresses for the above mentioned restaurants.

Bon Goût
60 Robertson Quay
#01-01 The Quayside
Singapore 238252
Tel: 6732 5234

Izakaya Nijumaru Restaurant
5 Koek Road
#02-10 Cuppage Plaza Singapore
Tel: 6235 6693

Guest reviewers

Hi Everyone,

Calling all guest reviewers!!

If you think that you have something to share with everyone, or would like to provide a review on dramas, animes, mangas, music, books, etc, please send your review in to our facebook page as a message. Please also attach any relevant photos, videos or links you think are necessary.

-Blog Admin

地図が塗り替わる Chizu ga nuri kawaru

新しい建物がたくさんできて、街の様子が大きく変わる時に｢地図が塗り替わる｣という表現を使います。まさに今のシンガポールですね。

When lots of new buildings arise and there are lots of changes to the way places and districts look, the phrase ｢地図が塗り替わる｣ is often used. Literally, 塗り means 'to coat/ lacquer'. 替わる in this phrase means 'to be replaced'. And as such, this phrase ｢地図が塗り替わる｣ means that are lots of changes in the appearance of a place. It very much describes Singapore currently.

It can also be used in situations like businesses and industries when they are experiencing changes very rapidly and frequently, etc. Example: 自動車業界の地図が塗り替わる。

誘致 Attractions

シンガポールの経済を語るときに、この言葉が一番大切ですね。
テーマパーク、カジノ、ユースオリンピック、国際会議等の多くの誘致に成功して、国が潤っていますね。

When it comes to the Singapore economy, this is the most important word of all.
Theme parks, casinos, the Youth Olympics, international conferences, etc have all been successfully established and held here. And of course, the benefits and profits received are not to be undermined.

What you all of you think about it?

Weekly Give away draw!!! Plus ++ Manga and Anime discussion!!

To all the manga and anime fans and soon to be fans, please tell us more about your favourite animes/ manga. Just a short description will do. Of course, if you want to elaborate more, you're more than welcome to!


As for the give away draw, this week's prize will be a surprise!!!

Commenting on this post or the sushi event post below will entitle you to a participation chance. Act now~

Sushi Making Event!!!

Yet another successful food making event~!
We all love food don't we? :)

This time around, we have our attention centered around making sushi.With one of our class rooms and the pantry area, we created our masterpieces. The chef of the day was Matsuoka sensei. And she was accompanied by 10 enthusiastic students who were very interested in the sushi culture.

Everyone had the opportunity to roll a sushi. Some of them even brought their creations home.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were not able to hold more than 1 session. But nevertheless, we had great fun learning.

The following are pictures taken during the event. For more pictures and detailed steps on how to make makizushi and temaki, please refer to our facebook Sushi making event photo album.
And for those who were not able to join us for this event, please keep a lookout for future ones! Book mark or subscribe to this blog and you'll be among the very first to know about any upcoming events!

ＪＬＰＴ

今年から新しいＪＬＰＴがスタートしました。みなさんも、もうご存知ですよね。
オンラインでも申し込むことができますが、フォームが必要な人は早めにＡＯＢAの受付に頼んでくださいね。

From this year on, a new JLPT system has been implemented. All of you should already know about it right?
You can apply for it through the online platform too. But those of you who need the written application form, please head down to our reception and apply for one.

The cost of a JLPT application form is S$2. Get yours now~