tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68495292011-11-28T08:41:47.715+09:00The Original Story: Approaching 25, I had a quarterlife crisis, headed to Osaka, Japan for the unknown only to discover that a passport & plane ride are not necessarily a ticket to escape. The Recent Story: Approaching 30 & settled back in Oz, I found the man of my dreams, whose job then happened to move him to Tokyo. Which is how a passport & plane ride showed me home is where the heart is. And so begins Japan: Mark 2Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.comBlogger6191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-11917996700398700762011-01-29T17:05:00.005+09:002011-01-29T17:10:34.885+09:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Somewhat overdue I know, but with good reason.It's been a long 5 months of pregnancy. I have neglected just about everything I could get away with due to a little nasty thing known as morning sickness. But now I think it's all behind me and I can get back to things I love - including the blog.Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-75844051672553322582010-11-25T20:18:00.004+09:002010-11-25T20:26:08.535+09:00

Woohoo - my article on the front page of The Age website today. Little bit excited (click the blog title to read...). And it was on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald's site too!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-33357057838175551352010-11-18T10:59:00.003+09:002010-11-18T11:01:42.353+09:00

Woohooo - on OCtober 31, I completed the Noosa Tri with my husband. Pretty special stuff - considering I was very close to pulling out because of horrible morning sickness. Yes, I crossed the line nearly 10 weeks pregnant.Side Note: Ben and I pulled a Pair Rooku without even realising until we saw this photo. How embarrassment.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-49152495420676553842010-11-01T14:09:00.003+09:002010-11-01T14:13:08.134+09:00

My blog entry before the Noosa Tri, which I completed yesterday. I will be writing a final blog entry wrapping up the event for the USM Newsletter that goes out next week, but I wanted to post this one now because honestly, the supporters helped give me that extra oomph in that final kilometre.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-63473762703324113262010-10-12T10:45:00.004+09:002010-10-12T10:48:16.254+09:00

The next instalment detailing my journey to the start of the Noosa Tri...! It''s not too far off now - under three weeks away. I am just really excited about the Tri. I know that all in all, I will finish it and the time doesn't matter - as long as my husband is by my side.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-81801893635869219092010-10-11T12:30:00.004+09:002010-10-11T12:39:22.471+09:00

Just finished watching a documentary called Cannibal Supertar. It was about Issei Sagawa, a Japanese man who, while living in France, murdered and cannibalized a Dutch woman nearly three decades ago.To cut a long story short, he was extradited to Japan, where he was unable to be legally held as Japan has no laws on holding people with mental issues etc - of course they don't. And although Sagawa

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-80248762687142255202010-10-08T09:54:00.002+09:002010-10-08T10:00:56.054+09:00

Where were all of these fat bubbas when I was in Japan?!I am not entirely 100% sure this kid is Japanese or even Asian - it could just be his chubby cheeks giving him a particular eye shape!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-34012773438443315812010-10-07T10:45:00.003+09:002010-10-07T11:08:18.299+09:00

Not 100% sure of this ad's accuracy...I've been to Japanese sporting events, and while there are plenty of organised chants and songs, there is definitely no out of place screaming as shown in this ad.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-48991698064108615892010-10-05T18:13:00.004+09:002010-10-05T18:16:10.162+09:00

My friend and ultimate dancefloor inspiration, DJ Munoz, is in the latest Tokyo Weekender. I still remember the original club nights back in the Big O, some of which I have chronicled on here over the past years...Anyway, if you're in Tokyo this weekend and you want to get your dance on, London Calling it is.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-53066632965465139722010-10-03T06:58:00.005+09:002010-10-04T06:44:09.660+09:00

Clearly I have taken some time out as of late - and there is no better place to do that than in Port Douglas. Or Newell Beach, about 30 min north of Port Douglas, to be exact. Tropics, rainforest, desolate beach...who could ask for more? As I have said in other posts over the past years, FNQ is my most favourite place in world.And as we all know, it's gateway, Cairns, is a top holiday destination

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-52904716841171377162010-09-28T15:25:00.003+09:002010-09-28T15:28:16.249+09:00

It's not over 'til the fat baby sings...(Image found on JEdutainment).

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-31212379709696678182010-09-21T11:49:00.005+09:002010-09-21T12:03:23.955+09:00

Celebrity FAIL!Steve Jobs, you may be "Mr Apple", but in Japan, you're just presumed to be a dirty, evil doing, law-breaking foreigner like the rest of us! Only, you actually took it a step further than the rest of us, by turning that presumption into a reality.While on vacation in Japan this past July, Steve decided to pick himself up some Shuriken, Japanese Ninja throwing stars. When heading

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-62757557166153441252010-09-17T12:00:00.003+09:002010-09-17T12:07:22.321+09:00

This time lapse video of Japan is very, very cool - and makes me wish I was there right now...inter // states from Samuel Cockedey on Vimeo.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-8314835949206656252010-09-15T11:39:00.004+09:002010-09-15T11:41:56.617+09:00

With only about six weeks to go until the Noosa Tri, it's all about food...

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-58553997208922529672010-09-14T12:02:00.007+09:002010-09-14T12:17:20.930+09:00

Woohoo - the Melbourne Rebels will be doing a playing tour of Japan in November, as reported by Fox Sports. They will come up against Suntory Sun Goliaths, one of the best teams in the Japanese Top League division.And did I mention I had an article titled Kamikaze Rugby published in this month's edition of Inside Sport? (It's in the red circle below...). It's clearly a "must buy" issue.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-46863085397677036632010-09-10T11:26:00.002+09:002010-09-10T11:40:46.024+09:00

I can identify with the image below:Sometimes taking out the trash in Japan is all too much.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-49113213197035698412010-09-08T19:44:00.002+09:002010-09-08T19:48:03.952+09:00

Todays "Odd Spot", courtesy of The Age."Japanese police have arrested a robber who wore a nappy on his head as a makeshift balaclava. He was identified when he took off to breathe while running away."Eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhh?

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-65054121675464575722010-09-06T11:32:00.005+09:002010-09-06T11:53:33.982+09:00

I know every man, lady and their Tweets are commenting on this at the moment...but so am I.Ian Roberts Slams Stephanie Rice's Gay Slur (Herald Sun).Not only did Stephanie Rice's comments shock me, I can't believe that as a professional athlete she would say something like this. Would she say that to a person she beat in the pool?You speak to any professional footballer, and both on and off-field

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-50419485954934678632010-09-01T11:29:00.004+09:002010-09-01T11:39:11.084+09:00

As my husband would say this is a real "That's Japan, Baby!' moment. The following article appeared in the online Wall Street Journal today...no wonder the Japanese birth rate is down.ATAMI, Japan—This resort town, once popular with honeymooners, is turning to a new breed of romance seekers—virtual sweethearts. Since the marriage rate among Japan's shrinking population is falling and with many

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-55347060886939936612010-08-27T08:50:00.006+09:002010-08-27T09:49:21.552+09:00

One thing I love to seek out in Japan is great examples of the ancient world or culture co-existing and embracing the modern life of today. And here is another awesome instance involving sumo wrestling and Apple iPads.The Japan Sumo Association is dishing out about 60 ipads amongst the 51 training stables and top officials to boost and improve communication - the iPad might be a little more

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-73012170761356742712010-08-26T07:46:00.005+09:002010-08-26T09:06:43.792+09:00

My gorgeous friend Christian appears in this video - he is the good-looking foreigner in the first scene, telling the girl he has booked her flight to the Philippines.So cute! PS Christian is my go-to guy when I have questions about health, fitness, veganism....he knows his stuff.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-87151783743978540962010-08-25T12:30:00.000+09:002010-08-25T12:44:40.097+09:00

I had completely forgotten about this post - it's been sitting in my drafts for a while now. The basic gist of the story is that back in 2008, a computer virus, Harada, spread across Japan by an image from a popular anime series called Clannad. With the love Japanese have for anime, you can understand why the virus became widespread in a short amount of time. The person responsible was Masato

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-78572354053617762112010-08-23T11:13:00.004+09:002010-08-23T11:17:15.750+09:00

Last month, Japan’s Health Ministry reported that Japanese women had the longest life expectancy in the world for the 25th year in a row, with the average life span being 86.44 years in 2009. While much has been made of this fact, perhaps more attention should be focused on why the gap between the life expectancy of Japanese women and that of Japanese men is increasing. Interestingly enough, this

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-34725628827128611902010-08-19T12:21:00.005+09:002010-08-19T12:30:17.873+09:00

My second blog post is up for the Noosa Triathlon. I am getting there, slowly but surely. The training isn't hard on its own per se, it's just that there is a lot of it to do!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-52010862972772168292010-08-19T09:47:00.006+09:002010-08-24T11:53:50.468+09:00

Currently working hard at Tokyo's Summerland is Yaskawa-kun - a robot vending machine that serves ice cream.This is ALMOST as good as the robotic vending machine in Umeda that gives out beers. Cliffy would remember that one.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-37326277455769546792010-08-17T15:29:00.003+09:002010-08-17T15:57:36.976+09:00

As reported on Geek.com, a burning iPod managed to bring a train on the Denentoshi Line to a grinding halt during peak hour on Monday. Traditionally punctual to the second, a speedy train was brought to a standstill during the rush hour in Tokyo so officials could investigate a “strong burning smell,” Reuters reported Monday and added that Apple’s iPodwas to blame for the incident.A spokesman

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-85460299456227022122010-08-12T11:21:00.006+09:002010-08-12T11:33:42.214+09:00

The below is really interesting, considering the Japanese Government does not officially recognise that smoking is harmful to health - which is really handy in preventing health-related litigation against tobacco companies, employers, and so forth!Japan's Smoking Population Drops To Record Low - SurveyTOKYO (Dow Jones)--The percentage of smokers in Japan has fallen for the 15th straight year and

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-65579613478897969762010-08-09T21:42:00.002+09:002010-08-09T21:45:14.107+09:00

Who doesn't love a melty kiss?

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-710426542424587132010-08-05T21:20:00.014+09:002010-08-19T12:32:50.147+09:00

Click on the screen grab to read an enlarged version - I will be doing a few more blog posts for the Noosa Triathlon site in the lead up to the event.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-41402539226157916792010-08-05T06:34:00.006+09:002010-08-05T07:10:58.214+09:00

Yes, Japan's record for human longevity is under threat as reported by the National Post today. It was recently discovered that two of the country's oldest people - at 111 and 113 years of age - may have in fact died around 30 years ago.In the first case, Japanese officials decided to go to the home of Sogen Kato - Tokyo's oldest living person - to personally congratulate him on his upcoming

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-15997216878598384442010-08-04T06:59:00.002+09:002010-08-04T07:03:53.040+09:00

In Japan, the camera comes out, the two-finger peace sign goes up and everyone says "Hai cheezu!" And then the camera goes...

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-45706337100633964042010-08-03T11:47:00.003+09:002010-08-03T11:51:02.283+09:00

You can't touch this - well at least not until you have taken 25 minutes out of your day to unwrap it.This hammer was wrapped in enough paper to have taken out an entire Amazonian ecosystem.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-1399800095599577652010-08-01T22:34:00.010+09:002010-08-02T15:39:53.951+09:00

I had the pleasure of going along to the Bledisloe Cup Match on Saturday night - more like my dad and I tagged along while the hubby worked. The Kiwis played some great rugby and definitely deserved the win.However, my mind wasn't really on the game. I was just laughing about how different this was to the Bledisloe match held last October at Tokyo's National Stadium. The contrast between the

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-30315913282996726242010-07-23T07:02:00.003+09:002010-07-23T07:10:13.786+09:00

Myki is Victoria's failed answer to SUICA or PASMO in Japan. In fact, the world 'failed' doesn't aptly describe just how dismally the ticketing service is performing. Read today's Herald Sun Article, State Government seriously considered dumping myki ticketing scheme, for more information.The bizarre thing is that Japan Rail - who has successfully implemented similar programs across the

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-44560174812614106602010-07-21T06:32:00.003+09:002010-07-21T06:38:17.081+09:00

A lot can be said for Japanese seasons and the food that comes with them. And of course the changing seasons also means changing chu hi flavours - this is my chance to give a shout out to pineapple, since it won't be on the shelves once September rolls around with spring. So what does summer for mean for us foodies? Spending your days in the comfort of air-conditioned buildings and trains isn’t

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-58738260920628086212010-07-20T12:20:00.005+09:002010-07-20T12:37:21.633+09:00

I am being a bit lazy today - unpacking a house load of stuff will do that to you! Still, my feature on Hiroshima for Weekender was published last week and you can read more about this beautiful city, its surrounds, and how the area has grown in the 65 years since the atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, City of Peace.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-19246741227333638602010-07-16T06:53:00.004+09:002010-07-16T06:59:00.525+09:00

Photo courtesy of JAXA/Weekender MagazineFinally Tokyo is moving into the 21st century and getting itself an airport that take international AND domestic flights. Yes folk, up until now, Narita has been servicing the international flights while Haneda has taken care of the domestic side of things. In fact, most major cities in Japan control flights in this way (Osaka has Kansai International

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-22724436098837719982010-07-15T07:11:00.004+09:002010-07-15T07:28:35.965+09:00

This sign appeared in the lobby of my old apartment in Osaka.Now the content is absolutely fine. It's in Japanese. Which is the problem. When this pic was taken, the building had more foreigners than Japanese in there, and a Canadian guy was employed for a while (to manage all of us unruly gaijin). But then they building owners would place all sorts of signs up - in Japanese - and would

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-41203344055772642562010-07-14T11:46:00.002+09:002010-07-14T11:48:36.519+09:00

The runway at Hiroshima Airport.There is just a touch of kamikaze about it.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-88267981006072419552010-07-13T06:30:00.000+09:002010-07-13T06:30:00.502+09:00

Going vegan is one of the most eco-friendly things someone can do for this earth. I recently wrote about it for Tokyo Eco in Weekender magazine....When people find out I am vegan (by diet only), their first response is usually something along the lines of, “Oh, it must be so easy to do that in Japan.” They could not be further from the truth. Read more here.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-90504279150895690622010-07-12T07:36:00.001+09:002010-07-12T07:42:09.530+09:00

Not sure this tee is of the organic variety.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-79726640199680086442010-07-08T13:44:00.004+09:002010-07-08T13:48:41.401+09:00

Have been at the Online Retail Expo Conference all week - oh my goodness, the world is getting mobile and the world is getting social. Social media is probably one of the biggest influences over the past 12 months, shaping not only the internet and how we use it, but retail (offline and of course online). M-Commerce, or mobile commerce, is what is going to influence the online world the most

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-55047931696226283922010-07-05T20:39:00.004+09:002010-07-05T20:51:31.653+09:00

Tears, tantrum and hot dogs. What more could a person want in a story? Japanese competitive eater Takaru Kobayashi, nicknamed "Tsunami", was arrested in New York today for losing his shit at a hot dog eating contest - an event he has won many times in the past.Kobyashi holds various records in the competitive eating field including one for eating 41 lobster rolls in 10 minutes and another for

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-30802472999839242602010-07-03T09:41:00.002+09:002010-07-03T09:47:00.324+09:00

This kind of behaviour is inexcusable. What gives the chef the right?Spotted: Verbally Abusive Chef at Le Petit Restaurant EpiDining out is not just about the food, but the whole experience – the taste and texture of the food, the service, ambience, etc. And human interactions should generally be governed by a general rule of decency. I recently dined at Le Petit Restaurant Epi in Daikanyama and

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-75418380362382937222010-06-29T12:04:00.003+09:002010-06-29T12:11:00.894+09:00

I have been a little slack on the blog this past week, and will be for the following week. Moving country/house/house again/new jobs/writing deadlines/everything else - and the biggy NO PHNONE OR INTERNET (check out my Twitter rant about Telstra under MissRiz)...the blog has been a little slow.But hang in there. I will be back after the break.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-14457532858906948492010-06-25T11:58:00.007+09:002010-06-25T12:08:52.220+09:00

Woo hoo - my next Body Balance article published in Weekender. I was totally tea ignorant until I moved to Japan back in 2003, now I can't get enough of the stuff whether it's black, white, green, and have got the hubby onto it too. Enjoy.It is impossible nowadays not to be aware of the goodness that is green tea. While this evergreen plant has been consumed and celebrated for thousands of

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-18344891828781228012010-06-23T12:05:00.006+09:002010-06-23T12:08:19.596+09:00

Just what every one needs in their handbag or brief case - a Stick Type Butter Stick.Just don't get it confused with your UHU Glue stick.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-12282308336242760072010-06-23T12:05:00.001+09:002010-06-23T12:05:38.409+09:00

Just don't get it confused with your UHU Glue stick.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-65867313881835257072010-06-22T13:10:00.005+09:002010-06-22T13:23:22.252+09:00

I don't remember this Barbie from my childhood. I wonder if she comes with any extras, such as clothes?

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-43579995994349964242010-06-21T16:12:00.006+09:002010-06-21T16:22:25.305+09:00

In the future, maybe this is how I should train...Never mind the fact that what these guys are doing is pretty dangerous, just as long as it gets the laughs!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-22269006155804153442010-06-17T06:03:00.006+09:002010-06-17T06:16:36.122+09:00

Recently, a good Japanese friend flew out to Australia and spent a bit of time in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. It was while driving between Canberra and Sydney that he got a bit excited by the open road, the space and the fact that nobody was on it. So he decided to put the pedal to the metal.He didn't get very far before he got clocked at doing (I think) 140 in a 100 zone. He got pulled

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-13530609851619472902010-06-16T18:35:00.006+09:002010-06-16T19:08:32.380+09:00

Before Gwen Stefani hit the stage with her Harajuku Girls, Ace of Base delivered us this: Tokyo Girl. Although this isn't their music clip, it does contain some great images of Tokyo and Japan (along with some very un-Tokyo Girl like images). Sounds very eastern euro-dance to me. PS. Hi Tokyo Girl - the pics aren't up anymore.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-55294729621770221032010-06-15T07:10:00.004+09:002010-06-15T07:17:00.086+09:00

Keisuke Honda is the new national hero of Japan, after scoring in last night's first round match of the FIFA World Cup to take Japan to a 1-0 win over Cameroon. It's also Japan's first World Cup win on foreign soil. I bet Honda will become even bigger than Kosuke Kitajima, breast stroker who won gold at the '04 and '08 Olympics.I have said it before - Japan love a mascot. And they also love a

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-40379476900904814792010-06-11T07:12:00.005+09:002010-06-11T07:27:20.423+09:00

In the environmental documentary The Cove, diver Mandy-Rae Cruickshank swims with dolphins near a Japanese cove where the mammals are hunted and slaughtered. (Maple Pictures)This time it is the dolphins versus Japan. CBC News is reporting about the fight within Japan to get the controversial documentary The Cove to cinema screens. It was screened - albeit one session only - at last year's Tokyo

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-42080839864322277412010-06-10T06:09:00.007+09:002010-06-10T08:52:25.768+09:00

The Great Whaling Debate is about to be ignited. And so it should. Australia is now taking Japan to court in a bid to stop the Japanese from whaling in southern oceans. Mark Willacy, of the ABC in Australia, has recently put some great reports together on this subject. Read more below. The last article listed is particularly telling. When will the Japanese stop this farce?Japanese headaches

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-37957423345868908782010-06-09T11:56:00.003+09:002010-06-09T12:13:00.494+09:00

When people found out I lived in Japan, one of their first exclamations is usually "That must be an expensive country to live in." Before I moved to Osaka, many years back, I thought the same thing. But in reality, the cost of living in Japan is relatively low. I am always surprised as to how it ends up on lists on par with Copenhagen and Paris. Yes, to travel and live the tourist life within

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-82276099564549867372010-06-07T07:24:00.002+09:002010-06-07T07:27:31.391+09:00

This is the sign just before entering the security checkpoint at Narita Airport.Hmmm, but they don't mention anything about my ninja stars - I'm safe!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-3133473747247201282010-06-04T16:25:00.004+09:002010-06-04T16:39:02.642+09:00

View from the 52nd floor of the Ritz Carlton, Midtown.I kid you not. If you are living in Tokyo and are after some invigorating relaxation time (I know, "invigorating" and "relaxation" don't quite fit together, but it is the perfect way to sum this experience up), you cannot go past the spa at the Ritz Carlton in Roppongi's Midtown. Even if you don't live in Tokyo and find yourself in town for

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-61255263198646337762010-06-03T14:49:00.006+09:002010-06-03T15:01:20.181+09:00

2 weeks ago Japan's PM, Yukio Hatoyama, was snapped out and about in a shirt that I can only think his wife chose for him:Don Konishi, fashion critic, basically stated that the PM's choice of shirt was a representation of his views and policies for Japan (old and outdated). "A fashion designer like me can wear this, but not the leader of Japan, " Konishi said. "It seems the DPJ is over with this

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-10048193702794609912010-06-01T06:29:00.004+09:002010-06-01T06:40:30.100+09:00

One of the most confusing things about living in Japan is trash day. Different areas have different collection days (not unusual) and different apartment buildings or blocks require you to do different things with/to your trash (somewhat unusual). And this is where it gets tricky.Some apartment buildings do not require you to do anything other than to put your rubbish out in the desired area.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-4690792098739631152010-05-31T15:18:00.004+09:002010-05-31T16:03:35.114+09:00

My parents often host Japanese exchange students for home stay experiences associated with the University of Melbourne. We love having visitors and certainly make the most of their time in Melbourne. In fact, we often have friends of the student staying with us ask if they can swap home stay families or at least come stay with us for a nice or two.About 2 years ago, we had a lovely young girl

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-28443090388755666842010-05-28T08:09:00.004+09:002010-05-28T08:32:37.977+09:00

One of the many places to visit at Ikspiari in Maihama:Duff Beer for you, Duff beer for me..

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-53684696368026417272010-05-27T13:02:00.005+09:002010-05-27T13:06:46.661+09:00

In Tokyo, where the majority of restaurants and bars merely offer generic red and white wine by the glass or bottle, discovering Arossa put my troubled palate at ease. A small but cozy wine bar that overlooks a glistening Ginza from its eighth story setting, Arossa boasts a phenomenal wine selection, with over 150 different labels on the menu. With a New Zealand flag adorning the entrance and a

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-77344912663035398742010-05-25T19:23:00.003+09:002010-05-25T19:28:03.648+09:00

Ben and I are just starting to get into haikyo. That is, the exploration of abandoned sites in Japan, more commonly known as urban exploration. I was lucky enough to be able to write an article on Haikyo for the most recent edition of Weekender magazine.The article can be found here: Haikyo: Abandoned Treasure. I spoke to two haikyo-ists, who have a number of expeditions under their belts, and

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-40913802679521105182010-05-21T07:59:00.007+09:002010-05-21T08:11:25.394+09:00

Last night my husband and I watched the movie Hachiko, starring Richard Gere. In terms of storyline, it was probably one of the worst films I have ever seen. But is was also one of the most heart wrenching movies.Based on the Japanese tale of Hachiko, an Akita dog born in 1923 who was owned by Professor Ueno. Hachiko and Ueno would walk together everyday to Shibuya station, where the

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-56506244546704778182010-05-20T08:09:00.007+09:002010-05-20T10:42:09.589+09:00

Japan loves a mascot. Especially when it has an element of kawaii. This explains the national obsession with Shiroi, Softbank's mutt mascott. It does not explain what Shiroi is doing on a toilet paper roll though. Softbank is a keitai (mobile/cell phone) company afterall.And if you press the orange sticker on his paw (see above photo), Shiroi will talk you to you as you go about your toilet

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-19446790996800826382010-05-19T08:07:00.004+09:002010-05-20T08:09:44.186+09:00

I spotted this bar in Roppongi on Saturday night:I am not entirely sure I have seen these two words put together in the English language before but I like it.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-34050258238359282312010-05-18T07:58:00.003+09:002010-05-18T08:05:18.076+09:00

Next to Oedo-Onsen in Odaiba is this little doggy day spa: "Dog Petit Resort".Just because you are off getting hot sand treatments having spa baths with your mates doesn't mean your pets should miss out! Note the sake bottle in the top photo. What a couple of booze hounds!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-75497416675596043612010-05-17T09:46:00.007+09:002010-05-17T10:39:49.460+09:00

Last night, Ben and I cruised above Tokyo, with Helicopter Night Cruising. Lucky us, Ben won 2 tickets in a competition at work. We opted for the "Diamond Course", which left from Minatomirai Heliport near Maihama Station, and took us on a 20 minute, breath-taking flight over this vast, neon capital. The helicopter itself was a comfortable 8-seater and the pilot spoke both Japanese and English.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-69117922562027239022010-05-14T07:27:00.010+09:002010-05-14T08:19:12.574+09:00

It was time to feed the fish at Odeo Onsen Monogatari...It tickled so much. Dad, you would not like this at all!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-92064096909749421282010-05-13T07:00:00.000+09:002010-05-13T07:00:03.033+09:00

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-62013375234014479792010-05-12T09:23:00.008+09:002010-05-12T09:49:45.051+09:00

About 2 weeks ago, there was a Hawaiian Fair at Odaiba. And this is what they had welcoming people at the train station:Don't they understand that any dolphins found in Hawaiian theme parks probably came from "The Cove" town of Taiji anyway?

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-73677949927118367122010-05-10T08:41:00.002+09:002010-05-10T08:50:38.494+09:00

Just another bar in Shinsaibashi, Osaka...

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-56013398669183892062010-05-07T17:30:00.006+09:002010-05-14T15:52:57.804+09:00

In recent weeks I have been a part of a number of specific instances in Japan where "saving face" has taken precedence (for the Japanese person involved) over common sense, logic and simply being nice.I will talk about the one example I am able to: SMBC - our bank - losing our ATM card. Talk about going around in circles. We handed both our bank book and ATM card to the teller after she told us

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-73907621172633922492010-05-06T07:15:00.000+09:002010-05-06T11:51:15.712+09:00

"Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again..."Saying goodbye to Osaka for the second time in my life. As I have said to others previously, I could find my way around this city blindfolded. Being here is just as comfortable to me as wearing my pajamas around the house. To me, Japan is Osaka. Osaka is Japan. I love Tokyo to pieces but her Kansai connection is really

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-81007742797805369042010-04-29T06:25:00.007+09:002010-05-14T15:54:51.199+09:00

One thing I will never understand about Japanese companies is the way they budget and handle their finances. For instance, JAL (Japan Airlines) is going bust (read here) and they are slashing flights, reducing staff and doing generally what a bankrupt airline would do.You think they would start by cutting all non-essentials right? Wrong. Which is why their 2nd Division rugby team is still

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-45668529260632287662010-04-28T09:36:00.001+09:002010-04-28T09:39:19.767+09:00

There is something so cute about this warning sign on the subway trains that almost makes me want to stick my hand in the "door pocket" to see what happens...What? No raccoons?

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-2399895028613499252010-04-27T08:45:00.003+09:002010-04-27T08:56:25.111+09:00

For the last 2 years, the Metro (Japanese subway system) has put out a poster campaign to encourage appropriate behaviour on trains. I believe it will run through until March or April in 2011. There have been some very funny posters. This is the poster for April 2010:If there is one place in the world where people do not budge from their train seats - not even for the old, the sick, the disabled

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-88150284842524727222010-04-26T16:48:00.004+09:002010-04-26T19:00:43.097+09:00

Ginza never fails to deliver....whether it is people walking their pet monkeys, ice sculptures or this bus, Ginza always has a touch of wacky mixed in amongst the high class fashion.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-72132753487448219012010-04-22T17:05:00.005+09:002010-04-22T17:12:41.263+09:00

Spotted just outside Aoyama 1-chome station:I love it - even the driver is asleep!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-9647870349431807982010-04-21T09:47:00.002+09:002010-04-21T09:57:51.198+09:00

The oppressive summer heat of Japan is just around the corner. I am going to head out to Tokyo Summerland for some respite. Fancy on joining me? I will meet you in the wave pool. I will be the pink arm floaties on.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-44639802628336714962010-04-20T14:55:00.006+09:002010-04-20T15:06:58.539+09:00

I had a reason to visit the local Shin-U International Centre this week. This is the place foreign residents are encouraged to go if they have any queries above living in Japan or the local area. The Centre even has "welcome" written on the front door in about 15 different languages and other paraphernalia about the place suggests staff there do speak English and several other languages.So I

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-5273715642643929742010-04-19T08:39:00.004+09:002010-04-19T08:55:33.079+09:00

I never really knew what a cauliflower ear was until I met my husband. Even then, it still took me a while to figure it out - who ever looks at peoples' ears? For those who don't know, a cauliflower ear is when the skin of the ear is separated from the cartlige, with bleeding occurring in between. The blood then calcifies or hardens, and as a result, the ear then becomes bumpy, hard and somewhat

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-88949337622959947422010-04-16T07:23:00.001+09:002010-04-16T07:31:04.963+09:00

I got sent a bunch of motivational posters specifically related to Japan, and quite spot on. Scary stuff.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-65512884266231568022010-04-15T14:44:00.003+09:002010-04-15T14:48:19.114+09:00

I have no words to describe the "Shaking Hip". The picture really says it all. It is what it is...shaking hip.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-13968564971029513352010-04-14T14:53:00.006+09:002010-04-14T16:56:49.815+09:00

My husband and I arrived in Tokyo this morning...and within a short time, we had created ultimate chaos.To fill you in. Whilst we were back in Oz, we moved apartments here in Tokyo. Well, somebody moved to us, so today we returned to our new home for the first time. We were exhausted to say the least.A few hours later, we were both woken up by this gentle sound floating through the house. It

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-739331578396943932010-04-13T16:12:00.007+09:002010-04-13T16:28:09.507+09:00

Sosumi Sushi Train, located in the basement of the Westin Hotel in Sydney, is one Japanese restaurant I will not be hurrying back to. To say I was disappointed was an understatement!With a menu including various traditional sushi train dishes such as agedashi tofu, seaweed salad and of course a range of sushi, I thought my hubby and I were in for a treat at Sosumi.Not so. First of all, the

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-62079876172975133382010-03-30T09:42:00.004+09:002010-06-14T08:09:44.752+09:00

I am getting hitched this week. We are not having a first dance, but if we did I bet it would go a little something like this...It's time to boogie!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-42456661771727109292010-03-25T15:49:00.003+09:002010-03-25T15:55:13.860+09:00

I was very "lucky" to road test some Japanese beauty products for an article I wrote for Weekender. I say "lucky" because some of them were wonderful...and some of them were definitely detrimental to my natural beauty hehe.Read here to find how I went with some of the more wacky beauty products available on store shelves in Japan: The Price of Beauty.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-70336057259941272182010-03-23T09:24:00.005+09:002010-03-23T09:27:58.473+09:00

So this isn't strictly a Japanese commercial but it IS to do with tea. Lipton Tea to be precise.I do love me a bit of Hugh Jackman, especially the dancing variety.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-12507479902102525782010-03-22T13:48:00.003+09:002010-03-22T13:52:58.360+09:00

Spotted at a Roppongi pet store: A young rhesus monkey, in a cage far too small, looking extremely bored.This is extremely sad. The poor, little thing was on sale for about AUD$5,000. For more information on how Japanese view their pets and animals, read this article in the Weekender magazine.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-10472394584248233902010-03-17T20:37:00.004+09:002010-03-17T20:41:52.901+09:00

Ok, so we are all so used to looking at the infamous Shibuya from the second level of our trusted Star Bucks. So for something different, why not cross the road and head to LOHB for some great food and a new appreciation of Japan's most notorious crossing?Check out what Weekener magazine had to say about LOHB Oriental Dining right here.All I can say is that looking down on it all from this view

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-31075854672418291312010-03-15T20:08:00.003+09:002010-03-15T20:14:25.212+09:00

You're not fat, you're just significant. Ron Bennett says so.I really am Japan homesick.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-57642085644780157382010-03-11T09:16:00.008+09:002010-03-11T09:41:31.053+09:00

Tetsuya's salmonIt seems like my fiance and I crave a good Japanese meal the second we leave the country. We love Japanese food and find that on our travels, we eat away through the local produce as well as the local Japanese restaurants. Which is how we found ourselves at Tetsuya's Restaurant in Kent Street, Sydney, earlier this week.Tetsuya's is a whole experience - and one of the few times I

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-29342123769647733472010-03-08T00:51:00.007+09:002010-03-08T01:04:09.039+09:00

School bullies do not discriminate. Princess Aiko has been off school this past week due to some classroom bullying, as reported on BBC News.It is a definite step forward for the Palace to allow this to be publicized. It took a long time for the Palace to come to terms with and be open about the anxiety and depression suffered by Princess Masako, Princess Aiko's mother. It is said her illness

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-18188897484371314802010-03-04T01:48:00.004+09:002010-03-04T01:53:11.008+09:00

This week, Tokyo in Heels talks print club. Check out the blog here: Print Club Craziness

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-70296751969230430762010-03-03T01:45:00.002+09:002010-03-03T01:47:32.085+09:00

Spotted: a Japanese man in Cape Town, wondering around the Waterfront with a helmet on. No lions and elephants within at least a 200km radius but maybe it was just in case?? Loving South Africa and loving the fact that Japan wacky can be found all across the globe.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-58213984151089966392010-03-01T16:51:00.003+09:002010-03-01T16:59:03.733+09:00

It has colour, it has crazy and, most important of all, it has "nice muscle!" And I want it.

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-69678707959754843442010-02-26T06:41:00.002+09:002010-02-26T06:45:27.898+09:00

Just some shoe sampling out on the trains of Tokyo.And who said disco was dead?!

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849529.post-12149318132207702822010-02-24T05:22:00.005+09:002010-02-24T05:56:44.370+09:00

This article by Brett Iimura appeared in the revered Weekender magazine of Tokyo: Tackling Bilingualism: Helping your child to take advantage of Japan's multicultural environment.Illustration by Ricardo CostaThe article starts with the sentence "The question no longer seems to be whether to raise children bilingually or not, but rather how to do so."As the daughter of someone who is actively

Miss Rizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670510065209216336noreply@blogger.com0