Updates, D&D and Ask me a question

[YokosukaPatrick]

You sure like raising that book up to the camera. I would have to say that my biggest gripe of living in Japan (for the last 5 months) would have to be the hardships of making friends. Sure, the language is an obstacle, but most people seem to intentionally avoid gaijins. That's the vibe I get where I live, but people are just starting to warm up to me. I didn't start meeting my neighbors until 3 months after moving into my apartment. Question: By the way, what happened to Noah's Ark?

[myargonauts]

Noah's ark got covered up by the posters you now see behind me.

[Tenraiden]

Hope this is not too late to make it into your next videos, but my question would have to be; what're the, say, 3, most positive, and the 3 most negative, differences that immediately strike you when comparing living in Japan with living in America?

Thanks!

[Kane98969]

Yes, don't listen to the people making negative comments about Japan. Of course there are good and bad parts of every culture, but why dwell on the negative?

[MTassarion]

damnit :P i thought Dungeons & Dragons hahaha..

[crocodile200]

Haruki Murakami ; Dance, Dance, Dance. Is well worth a read, as are most of his other books, but his books are exceptional. " Generally" speaking though Japanese novels aren't that good, and are full of elaborate imagery and over flowery language. Ok if you like that kind of thing, but because of this highly stylised tradition it mainly caters for a very specific taste. Most modern Japanese authors seem to be cheap Murakimi imitators. Please correct me if you know any other good writers.

[myargonauts]

in my #2 answers video (just posted) I mention some other authors I enjoy and give some links in the sidebar

[myargonauts]

OK - It's 6pm PST on Sat and I just printed the 66 comments below and will be filming my response vid later tonight.

Thanks!

-Jason

[cornelioushuxtable]

Hi, Jason fellow San Diegan here. Since this is a question blog, a couple questions..

1) when in Diego what restaurants remind you of Japan- Tajima, Sakura, Masa, sushi Ota..Wa Okan dining.. or do you actually prefer Western food? (curious how these places compare to japan Japanese)

2)how long is the flight from So Cal, really- and how bad is it? How do you "deal" the longest I ever spent on a plane is 6 hours

Thanks

[Saitoko7]

There's plenty of negative trash talk out there already about Japan. It seems to be the cool new thing to do, sadly.  It's nice that you're not one of those who buys into that attitude! I have found that for any negatives that pop up from time to time about living here, there are so many more positives that always make it rewarding and worth staying positive about! :) Great job as always, Jason!

[TiramisuHappy]

I'm wishing you'll be able to go back to Japan to teach again as well. But lemme play the devil's advocate for one sec. Say ALL your attempts to return there don't bear fruit and you're stuck in CA, where the jobless rate is still among the highest in the country, what then? You mentioned going back to college for the master's. Have you been able to find any type of teaching job since your return in August? Will the higher degree guarantee or increase the chance of you landing that job you want?

[Mihaelleather]

What should young people do when they want to get a job in japan, like how?

[misokatsu99]

The absolute first thing you must do is get a 4 year degree from an accredited institution. Once you have the 4 year degree I suggest getting an English teaching job it does not have to be JET. Once you are teaching English you can, if you feel like it network and look around and try other kinds of work. First you must have that degree. Without the degree no English school etc. is able to sponsor your visa unless you are from a country with a working holiday agreement with Japan (not US).

[dagga18]

I hope you'll be able go back to Japan. I wanted to ask you something because you told you had comicbooks that you sold in your jard sale. When you were in Japan did you read manga?

[peod666]

You're the best man!

[mostawesomestjes]

I hear ya about the lacking the energy to put together videos. I have lots of videos... but I've not put them together! I think every country has their negatives and I think if anyone made a video about why they hated Japan they would not be trying to come back to live! ^_^ How much is the Japanese government paying you to say good things about Japan?! I think about what I am wearing only as far as... did I wear this last time? But I wear the same sweatshirt every time! Good luck with the jobs!

[toracatgirl]

Don't worry about the lack of videos you still rock ^^, shame to see you not so ''chipper'' though.

anyways questions hmmm....

i'd like to know what you do in your spare time, i know about the movies and of course youtube but like do you play any video games or anything ? just wondering.

Also i hope you find something to motivate you, sometimes one of the hardest things to do.

[boamortecastro]

didnt even noticed the colar before you mentioned.... and you could try to do those sumo videos again, i mean, that if you are able to see them somehow

anyway good luck and take care

[SchoolhouseTechno]

Movie question.

Have you seen the new film Pirate Radio? Written by Richard Curtis, it's about the pirate radio stations broadcasting into England. It's a comedy, but pulls off the dramatic bits really well I think.

Have you seen it? Does it look interesting to you?

[angel21d]

Question: Do you own pink socks? :) How are you Jason? Find any good jobs yet?

[spacedemon555]

Would you ever consider teaching English in another country besides Japan?

You're a definite inspiration by the way. I never considered something like teaching in Japan until I saw your videos. Thank you for your very informative discussions.

[JohnnyCrab2000]

Do you feel different living in US than Japan? More/less energized? Have your mood changed?

You got me on the D&D BTW.. I was expecting some Dungeon & Dragons talk.

I rolled a 1 on a d20.

...

[StatuesBleedingGreen]

Awesome! Hope you get the job!

[BusanKevin]

good to see you again!

Also, good luck with the job hunt!

[stufflikethat]

Oh man...so disappointed. I thought you were going to talk about Dungeons and Dragons :(. I got all excited too...

Anyway, my question for you: Have you dealt with any reverse culture shock since returning home? (Sorry if you already talked about this in a video!)

[denitson777]

I wanna know your favorite movie director,actor,actress and why?

[Japantics]

What was your favorite trip/visit/excursion within Japan?

I'm also quite excited to see Avatar (HURRAY for Dec. 23rd release here in Japan)

[BrianMont1]

Damnit i had a good question for u the other day now i forgot:(

thanks for helping me with my SOP too!!!!!!!

[Ido013]

I know you were in Shimane, but let's say you're in Tokyo, or actually pretty much anywhere in Japan, about how much would it cost for food for a month? Also there's no big oven only a microwave and a single gas stove.

[wicreed]

What is the map behind you Jason?

[EzKitty]

Do you want to live there permanently by chance?

Will you still read over peoples Essay to Jet for the 2011 year?

Could you go more in depth on the Japanese health system, including dentist and eye doctors, and how much coverage you are given under Jet?

You've made video before about how to get a haircut with limit Japanese, how about more videos or just a pm of those, like ordering food, in person or by phone, making a doctor's appointment, and the like.

Sorry, Please and Thank you

[elsamuraiguapo]

You said you did JET for 5 years, is that the limit to how long you can do that program?

[MrLeo34]

Don't worry about not making as many videos Jason - you've made so many over the last few years, you deserve the break.

I think I've asked you every question I can think of on your BlogTV appearances, so I'll just throw this one out - What's your favorite piece of Japanese literature?

[stevenandnicola123]

Looking forward to your best of the decade. Got a question for you Jason Where the devil did the last 10 years go?

[Xelico]

Why is "大福食って、台拭く" (or Dajare in its entirety) so funny?

While you were in Japan, did you notice dajare being used in advertisements?

Have you ever used dajare to break the ice with someone you didn't know?

Thanks a bunch jason!

[rainsan]

You ever think about going back to school to get a Masters in Education, Applied Linguistics or TESOL? I heard that if you have either one of those you can get a job at a university in Japan. Although, I have heard it's hard to do.

[hoosierhana]

hhmm... i've always thought that you were being genuine in your opinions about japan... it was because of your positive attitude on everything that made me even more excited about applying to JET, especially when i heard a lot of "oh this sucks or that sucks" stuff first. anyway... thanks! and happy holidays!

[myargonauts]

I was being genuine and positive about Japan which I guess just rubs some commentators the wrong way - as if my positive experience is less valid than their bitter experience or I'm being somehow less honest if I don't point out faults alongside the good things... Oh well - I'll continue to be postitive.

[ZlatkoGoldman]

Hey, Can you just clarify how the school year works in Japan? Are there semesters, specifically? I understand the school year officially begins in June?

Thanks Jason!

P.S. Do they celebrate Christmas at all and do you have Christmas Day off? :)

[myargonauts]

The Japanese school year starts in April (usually around the 8th or 9th) and continues until March the following year.

Most schools follow a 3 term system, with first term (ichi gakki) being from April to July, then summer break (5 weeks) then 2nd term from Aug to Dec, then winter break and then 3rd term from Jan to March. There is a two week spring break before the start of the new school year.

Xmas day is just a regular day - I usually just worked. Xmas eve is a big "date night" in Japan.

[ZlatkoGoldman]

Thanks Jason you're a great help! Merry Christmas this year (This year you don't have to work!) and Happy New Year! All the best.

[Emmie1]

If I go to Japan, what is the one place or one thing I must absolutely see/experience?

[Ishidasouken]

I will tune in to Dogs&Demons

[usodatoitteyojoe]

Everyone has already asked a number of good questions, so I'll just await your video response. =)

Here's hoping you get a position in Shimane!!

[Usagi1pyon]

thanks for posting and good luck on the job searching hope you get something. (^_^)V

[TuikeTN]

I know this is a hard question to answer, because you cant predict the future, but If it was possible would you give up you US citizenship to live/work in Japan. (Of course there are many scenario to this question, and for you what would they be to make you decide to go in that route?), or would you choose to keep your citizenship, but live in Japan for life.

[klynik]

Good luck with everything Jason!

Questions:

If/when you return to Japan, what area(s) would you most want to live in other than Shimane? And why?

Is there anything that you feel you missed out on or didn't get to try in Japan, that you look forward to during your return?

[zachywackyt]

Hello Jason, I've a question.

I am attending college right now and am interested in applying to the JET program, but I have a GED. Will this even matter because I still completed a difficult college major or will having a GED be a large negative stain on my application? Also, do they even inquire about your highschool experience etc etc . .?

Thanks :)

[myargonauts]

No, they don't go back as far as HS. You have to include transcripts of ALL colleges and classes, but as long as you have your BA/BS degree - you should be fine.

[sargeantscigar]

Extermely nerdy, but I was just wondering what the internet speed is like over in Japan, I heard it was quite good?

Not that I would be spending much time inside anyways! haha

[shadowcasterx]

Hey Jason, Nice to see a new video; I was just wondering what comics you have been reading in the few months you have been back in the US and what you would recommend?

[drhikarisan]

:o good luck on getting the job in shimane

I think every country has its own problems, thats only natural and japan has some that I'm well aware of. but so does america, it comes with its ups and downs and you just have to accept that.

The i-japan videos are a good idea but your audience is possibly like me and not at the intermediate level yet. I would suggest a basic japanese lessons but theres a lot of those kinds of videos out there alerady.

go see Christmas carol in 3-d, its good

[platoniktv]

がんばってねアルゴナッツさん！

Have you been both an ALT and an 英会 teacher? If you have, which did you like better? I'm a student, graduating soon and want to go back to Japan. I figure I may end up doing some teaching and have heard mixed things about both jobs. What are your thoughts?

[platoniktv]

Oh and I wanted to say thanks for posting so much useful info about JET. The whole J-vlog community is awesome! Keep up the good work ^^

[kageromaru]

Question! Who's bullying you about your feelings?

I will eat them. With sugar on top. :3

I liked your i videos! They were fun~!

[Snifit]

I have a question Mr. Jason =]

How did you first deal with adjusting to living in another country, has living alone without your friends and family when you first started teaching in Japan lonesome and weird and when did you get used to it? I have a couple of friends who are moving out of the country and it seems like they wanted to start anew, is that what you did such as teaching in Japan, did you risk everything you wanted to do to try something else new?

[JakeNM1993]

what are your 2 favorite starwars movies including the animated movie?

[42317]

I'd like to add... I've only done one vlog so far, but in fact I changed my sweatshirt before recording because it had a stain on it.

Speaking about books:

Seagrave, P. & Sterling Seagrave.

The Yamato Dynasty: The secret History of Japan's Imperial Family.

London: Seagrave, 1999.

I have wanted to review it for years, but there's nobody who would be able to tell me how dependable the information actually is.

Last thing: Why is "00" a tag of this video? What's it supposed to mean?

[Graehaus]

As a comic geek, what are you reading (currently) and why? Myself, the only thing I am actively collecting and reading is Echo by terry Moore, I missed out on SiP run ( GN are cool, but it is like catch up) i am re-re-re-reading the Watchmen (gods, I love that book)

[42317]

Don't worry about vlogs, you just find a suitable job - that's a prime necessity. Once that's achieved you can think about more vlogs, that's okay.

"Dogs and Demons"? OMFG... well, I would've enjoyed you talking about underground prison complexes and gigantic saurians from legend and lore *lol*, but I have read parts of the book, I can talk about it, somewhat at least. You can never be too sure how academically trustworthy such publications are, but my professor has it... might have something.

[reynoldsair]

good luck with the job. i know there aren't a lot of opportunities out there right now but with your experience it should put you above the rest...

[maximum1]

Hi Jason,

I think your motivation to make videos will return when you're back in Japan. You're just out of your element at the moment, and I imagine it must be somewhat less than exciting at this point to keep up with the volume of videos here when your mind and heart are over there.

Don't beat yourself up too much. We understand. Of course that means you are commanded to do a minimum of three videos a week when you get back to Japan, but that's such a small price to pay for happiness :-).

[kensington25]

Awesome video and love the London Underground map behind you :)

[TheWoodnut]

When you go back, how long are you planning to stay in Japan?

And, yes, the past 10 years have gone by crazy fast.

[BIGIFANDYELLOWCARD]

I have a question!

Do many people own cars over there? I heard not alot of japanes own cars because everythings so close

[ryokosdesire]

I'm a little disappointed. I thought the D&D stood for Dungeons and Dragons and you were going to tell use all about your level 5 warlock.

[yozka]

hey jason want to thank you for the sites you gave me i did very well on my project on shimane well my question is what is your favorite starwars character and why? .... ewoks!!!!

[ThePacificCrossing]

ok two questions...

1. any challenge ideas for my channel that YOU would attempt???(anything ok)

2. What are you looking forward to the most when you go back to Japan, and what are you most dreading?

[APOKALYPSE34]

Just wear the same t-shirt every vlog!

no your right 10 years passed fast when you think about.

Weird thing your ijapan hasn't poped up in my sub box for some odd reason. Please don't stop doing them I love them!

[MissHannahMinx]

Haha, I totally think about what I wear.

[RisuMiso]

Sometimes I vlog when I roll out of bed and my hair is sticking up everywhere. It doesn't bother me!

Here is my question for you: Since you are well read in manga (and probably books as well), what should be the first manga I read? I will also read it in Japanese as a study aid, not English. So basically what would you consider a staple, must-read.

[roaringlamb]

I'm looking forward to seeing Sherlock Holmes and Invictus this month. They both have great actors and great characters, so hopefully they'll also be great movies.

[JoeSinopoli]

Question: All time favorite movie performances (acting wise)?

[roxxxco]

Here's my question:

All things considered, looking back over the years teaching in Japan with JET, what is one thing you would have done differently?