The Air of Someone "KY" in Japan
By an Australian living in Tokyo The Air of Someone "KY" What does KY ケーワイ means? The Japanese have a way of using the English alphabet as abbreviations for Japanese terms. One recent term that I particularly like is “KY” which stands for “Kuki wo Yomenai” (the inability to read the air.) The “air” in […]
Different types of workers in Japan
Differences Between "Se-ishain" and "Haken-shain" By an Australian living in Tokyo My husband recently met with a former colleague and a friend from his university. The colleague was a man who was recently released by the company because he was a “haken-shain” (short-term contract worker). His friend works for the government’s public employment office. My […]
Socializing in Cyberspace in Japan
Socializing in Cyberspace By an Australian living in Tokyo In Japan, Internet relationships have a dubious image. There are frequent news reports of Internet romances that end up in murder. Many criminals publicize their crime on the Internet before committing them. Indeed, there are sites where people “socialize” by committing suicide together or take part […]
The Anatomy of a Monster Parent in Japan
By an Australian living in Tokyo The term “monster parents” has exploded in popularity since it was coined in 2007. Yoichi Mukoyama, a former teacher and now an education commentator on NHK, wrote about the increase of parents who made unreasonable demands on teachers and schools. Catchy and easy to understand, it described a type […]
The Decline of Neighborly Relations in Japan
Greeting Your Neighbors When Moving in By an Australian living in Tokyo When I got married to my Japanese husband, one of the rituals I had to perform as a new bride was to greet all the neighbors of my in-laws. My husband, my mother-in-law and I went to about six houses bringing them each […]