Where can I listen to Japanese train and bus station melodies and onboard announcements, preferably without installing RealPlayer? My previous go-to archive is 404ing. My Japanese is mediocre but good enough to help me navigate sites.
posted by avocet on Dec 25, 2009 - 6 answers

俳句フィルター：Help me find great winter haiku in their original Japanese, but with English translations. [more inside]
posted by Cogito on Dec 22, 2009 - 3 answers

Name that Japanese movie: seen onboard Japan Airlines in 2002-2003. Salaryman becomes obsessed with building a space rocket in his back garden. [more inside]
posted by Beautiful Screaming Lady on Dec 7, 2009 - 5 answers

What's it like to work as a foreign hostess in Japan? Really. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 2, 2009 - 14 answers

Some last minute business brings my girlfriend and I to Tokyo this December, and we'll be spending a week's vacation there as well. We've been to Tokyo before, so what can a couple do out of the city (but nearby) during winter? [more inside]
posted by destrius on Nov 21, 2009 - 7 answers

I've searched here, there, and everywhere for information on the optimal time/date for viewing this year's Leonid meteor shower from my little corner of central Japan. Has anyone else out there been able to find something with a world clock style of interface or am I reaching? I checked the IMO, but found their schedule unwieldy.... [more inside]
posted by squasha on Nov 16, 2009 - 6 answers

Has anyone heard of a mural painting called "The Wedding of Princess Ka'iulani" commissioned on his return home by a Japanese businessman who visited Hawaii and was moved by her short life? [more inside]
posted by LadyOscar on Nov 13, 2009 - 0 answers

Visafilter: I've been hitting a brick wall with the Japanese consulate regarding same-sex partners and dependent-visa eligibility. Any Mefites have experience with this sort of thing? [more inside]
posted by azuresunday on Nov 9, 2009 - 8 answers

I'll be visiting Tokyo for the first time over the new year. I arrive on 12/30 and plan to return to the states on 1/06. Looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do (I understand most shops and attractions will be closed on and around the new year).
posted by aladfar on Nov 9, 2009 - 8 answers

I'll be in Tokyo in a few weeks, and I want to buy a new winter coat while I'm there. Budget: $250ish. I'm looking for something fairly simple, classic and durable. I'm not going to have too much time for shopping, so I'd like suggestions of specific shops I could visit, and if possible, links to online stores so that I can have an idea of what to expect. [more inside]
posted by Athelthral on Nov 5, 2009 - 12 answers

How widespread is free, open WiFi in Japan (Tokyo especially)? [more inside]
posted by teem on Nov 2, 2009 - 11 answers

I just moved in Tokyo, where I'll stay for a year. I need a cellphone and I'm leaning towards getting an iPhone. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by remi on Nov 1, 2009 - 16 answers

There is a video making the rounds that is supposedly from an extreme Japanese pranks show called "Panic Face King." I have been unable to find any additional information on this show, which leads me to believe this is not the real name (or not the correct translation). [more inside]
posted by phonepimpster on Oct 27, 2009 - 7 answers

Where can I get the best (strongest) mints in the world? [more inside]
posted by cazoo on Oct 23, 2009 - 11 answers

Help me identify a anime from my childhood about a superhero alien with boob death lasers. [more inside]
posted by spamguy on Oct 19, 2009 - 2 answers

Is it possible to use my Japanese Toshiba 810T in the States? [more inside]
posted by greasepig on Oct 16, 2009 - 5 answers

Yet another question about moving to Japan. [more inside]
posted by dubitable on Oct 11, 2009 - 18 answers

There's something about an Edo period setting. Recommend to me some [more] books/movies/anime/video games. [more inside]
posted by lilnublet on Oct 6, 2009 - 27 answers

Planning a couple of week visit to the Kansai area in late May, mostly Kyoto and Osaka, but with some side trips, including a longer visit to Hiroshima/Miyajima. Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by GenjiandProust on Oct 6, 2009 - 6 answers

Birthday Gift Filter: Where to find a plush, luxury hotel style bathrobe on sale in Japan? [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah on Sep 27, 2009 - 6 answers

I will be traveling to Japan for 2 weeks Want to use my iphone mostly for non-cell usages: mail, maps, etc. 2 questions: are prepaid sim cards available for iphone if i jail break it in Japan and how common are free wi-fi spots in Tokyo if i want to go airplane mode to avoid ALL data charges?
posted by dougiedd on Sep 25, 2009 - 8 answers

My fiancee will be staying at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo for 2-3 days, with minimal spare time. What shopping options are very close by that she could visit for geek/tech/gaming/unique gifts and souvenirs? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Sep 23, 2009 - 5 answers

Cooking classes in Tokyo in October. [more inside]
posted by johanze on Sep 23, 2009 - 1 answer

Do the U.S. military bases in foreign countries, esp. Western Europe and Japan, help those countries keep their military budgets low so that they can afford things like, I dunno, universal health care? [more inside]
posted by nax on Sep 21, 2009 - 52 answers

Does anyone know of any web sites that provide you spoken manga? Specifically what I'm looking for is audio files for manga, read in Japanese, so I can listen to it and follow along in the manga I already own. Sometimes I have my Japanese wife read a manga to me, but often she is too busy or unwilling. I can read it myself, of course, but my Japanese is not yet good enough to know proper pronunciation, intonation and rhythm, and so on, so I find it helpful if someone reads to me. Anyways, any ideas?
posted by dbooster on Sep 13, 2009 - 1 answer

My lovely partner is off to Japan for three weeks. What neat stuff is there to do? Details to follow: [more inside]
posted by Jilder on Sep 2, 2009 - 2 answers

Travel filter: if you were going to spend 4-6 weeks travelling in Japan with a five year old boy, where would you go and what would you do? [more inside]
posted by Megami on Aug 30, 2009 - 18 answers

Where can I find a distressed cotton Japanese navy "rising sun" flag? Or just a regular cotton one so I can distress it myself? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Aug 28, 2009 - 19 answers

Two weeks in Japan (first time)... suggestions? [more inside]
posted by cgs on Aug 23, 2009 - 22 answers

I'm trying to figure out the title of a movie I saw on tv a few years ago. It was an English language horror movie set in Japan; the main characters were a western family (I think they might have been from the US, but they could have been Canadian) who were living there because of some family member's job. [more inside]
posted by Half-a-Dozen Paper Cranes on Aug 17, 2009 - 4 answers

Advice on bringing a small quantity of legally prescribed Ritalin (methylphenidate) and other prescriptions for personal use into Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and the Philippines? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 12, 2009 - 7 answers

Last minute Japan travel: after making an error with timing I need to arrange one-way travel from Tokyo to Kumamoto quite quickly. What are the cheapest options? I have looked into flights and trains (for the 17th of August) and both seem expensive (about £200-£250 a ticket). I am in the UK at the moment. Would it be worth waiting until we arrive in Japan? Perhaps trying to get last minute flights at the airport? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Aug 11, 2009 - 17 answers

Where can I buy a kiseru in the Osaka area tomorrow? (A kiseru is a traditional Japanese smoking pipe.) I have looked at all kinds of shops and haven't found any. I'd rather not order online. Some people back home want them as souvenirs. I am staying in Osaka, so I am within easy range of Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
posted by twblalock on Aug 10, 2009 - 8 answers

Help my friend name his inn in Kyoto [more inside]
posted by Bixby23 on Aug 6, 2009 - 20 answers

Can you recommend any live music venues in Tokyo? I'm interested in seeing local bands, particularly instrumental 'post-rock' and electronic music. [more inside]
posted by carnival of animals on Aug 3, 2009 - 4 answers

I've got a bad back and neck from playing piano and double-bass a large part of my life, and lately working a lot at the computer. Since I'm in Tokyo for another couple of days or so, I thought I'd ask around for the absolute best massage in town, that also won't break the bank. (It's a pretty sizable traveler's bank, but I'm not rich.) I've seen the (in?)famous massage where a woman (men are too heavy me guess) walks on the back and cracks the joints. Is that something recommended? Looks darn cool! :)
posted by avocade on Jul 31, 2009 - 3 answers

Possible passport problem while catching a connecting flight in Shanghai [more inside]
posted by Tiresias on Jul 29, 2009 - 4 answers

What will the weather be like in Japan at the beginning of September? I have googled and got an idea – warm and rainy! – but have a few specific questions and would welcome personal experience! [more inside]
posted by schmoo on Jul 27, 2009 - 12 answers

Japan & South Korea Filter: Please help me find things to do in Fukuoka, Japan and suggest places to go as I travel back through South Korea's Busan, Daegu, and finally Gyeongju. [more inside]
posted by Knigel on Jul 24, 2009 - 8 answers

Buy Yukata and calligraphy (shodo) set in Tokyo. I usually don't buy souvenirs on my trips, ever, but if they can be considered tools or clothing, I might go for it. [more inside]
posted by avocade on Jul 24, 2009 - 9 answers

I have a working working holiday visa, ready to move in Japan in just a few months. I have no plans of where to stay or where to work whatsoever. Am I crazy? [more inside]
posted by remi on Jul 17, 2009 - 25 answers

My sister and I are returning from Seoul in mid-August and have a 6 hour layover in Narita. We're not interested in going to Tokyo, since we won't have enough time, but are very keen on exploring the town of Narita. My question is, given the unpredictability of immigration lines, security checkpoints, etc., is 6 hours enough time? [more inside]
posted by foulowl on Jul 9, 2009 - 13 answers

Where can I buy an unlined or lightweight men's linen jacket or similar like this for very hot, humid Kyoto summer? Must be worn with white dress shirt, tie and black pants. Degree of difficulty: 46L/XL and shipping to Japan. [more inside]
posted by planetkyoto on Jun 25, 2009 - 14 answers

I'm going to be spending three weeks at my inlaws in Japan over summer where it will be super hot and humid day and night - simply stepping outside makes me sweat. Any recommendations for clothing that will make it a bit more comfortable and bearable? What types of material are best? any specific brands / items (preferably from the cheaper end of the spectrum)
posted by mairuzu on Jun 19, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm interested to buy a 16GB iPhone 3GS tomorrow, without a contract. The little problem is I'm living in Canada and will soon be moving to Japan. [more inside]
posted by remi on Jun 18, 2009 - 10 answers

Why do so many (most?) classic Japanese side-scrolling games scroll left to right? Mario, Sonic, R-type, Megaman and plenty of other big names all go in the same direction. Why? [more inside]
posted by Lorc on Jun 18, 2009 - 16 answers

Is mid December too early for good skiing at Niseko, Japan? [more inside]
posted by girlgeeknz on Jun 11, 2009 - 1 answer

"Trailing spouse" experiences moving to Japan? [more inside]
posted by em on Jun 5, 2009 - 20 answers

Japanese Classes/Bootcamps in Los Angeles? I'm looking at possibly spending a lot of time in Japan in little over a year, I'm going to be studying very intensely on my own as well. I'm worried that I'd sign up and pay for a class and it be kind of casual and not geared towards those looking to really learn the language. Thanks!
posted by mattsweaters on May 28, 2009 - 1 answer

How much spending money do I need for 10 days in Japan? And: help me eat vegetarian while I'm there. [more inside]
posted by Kirn on May 27, 2009 - 19 answers