Blogs on Japan

Blogs on Japan has started a new feature where we interview different bloggers who blog about Japan. If you would like to be interviewed, please contact me! Also if you are looking for some interesting blogs on Japan, take a look at the previous interviews. Today we in for a Long Countdown.

Describe your blog in one word.

Nick Ramsay. You won’t get a more accurate description than that!

If you could introduce one of your posts to new readers which one would it be and why?

Oh my Gomi! This was one of my earlier posts and is still one of my favorites. I wrote about the crazy recycling and rubbish disposal rules I had encountered, and talked about one particular bag of “gomi” I carried around for five years!

What blogs do you read?

Japan Probe, Tokyo Times, Jason’s Random Thoughts and Michael McKinlay.

What is your favorite place you have been to in Japan and why?

The climb was a struggle, but I’ll never forget standing at the top of Mount Fuji. While hundreds of people gathered on one side of the summit to see the sun rise, I stood on the other and watched the most amazing shadow of the mountain grow on the clouds.

How long have you lived in Japan?

I’ve been here for just over ten years. That’s nearly a third of my life!

The best thing about Japan is…

The people. You don’t often hear them whinging like me and my fellow countrymen, i.e. the British.

The worst thing about Japan is…

The people. Sometimes, I wish they’d all band together and complain about something. Maybe then we’d see some positive changes!

One thing about Japanese culture that I will never understand is…

Why a Japanese hanko is necessary. I lived without one for my first six years in Japan, but when I went to open a second bank account, they insisted I get a hanko. My objections fell on deaf ears so I went to the 100 yen shop and bought a hanko that had the kanji for “nishi” because I’m from the “west”. To my surprise, the bank accepted it even though it wasn’t my name.

What is the coolest gadget you have used or seen in Japan?

Those vending machines in some fast food restaurants. They saved my life when I first came here and couldn’t even speak enough Japanese to order dinner. I just put my money in the machine, pressed a button, and gave the little ticket that came out to the guy behind the counter. Easy.

What is the most delicious food you have had in Japan?

McDonalds. Okay, if I must choose something Japanese then I’d have to say “hoshigagki” - dried persimmons.

What is the most disgusting food you have had in Japan?

It goes without saying that “natto” is disgusting, but I also had a honey-covered grasshopper which I wasn’t too keen on.

Who is your favorite Japanese celebrity?

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I do like Japanese dramas. So, I’d have to pick Kusanagi Tsuyoshi. He was brilliant in “Koi ni Ochitara” and again in “Boku no Aruku Michi”. I also love his impersonations of Ronaldinho and Japan soccer coach Ivica Osim on SMAPxSMAP.

What are some things you’d like to do in Japan but haven’t (due to time or money)?

Take my wife out for dinner!

Haha, well let’s stop the interview here then so now you have the time, sorry I can’t help you with the other part! Thanks for the interview!