Melanie Toye dreams of Japan

I spent about three months, on and off learning to speak (not read) Japanese. I signed up to www.Japanesepod101.com and received easy and not too long Japanese online classes. What I liked is, you could select what the English words were and what the Japanese words were.  I found the year subscription price, quite affordable, if broken down how much I would be spending a day. For example, I could use the online classes any time of day or night, for a long period or a short period.  I did like how they spoke in English and then in Japanese. I also liked that they had the normal easy starting off Japanese language learning, such as numbers and introducing yourself. But what I really liked is you could also learn full sentences. I like to learn full sentences, because I feel like I can say cooler stuff than just trying to say one word.  If for Christmas or the New Year, you want to learn Japanese, I strongly suggest you learn from www.Japanesepod101.com. 

  Image sourced via:  Pokemon “My Pikachu” Plushies Released In Japan, Features Unique Design For Each One – NintendoSoup The hard part about travelling to Japan is the sizing of plushies that either have to be posted home (because they are too big for the plane or suitcase) or just left behind. :(  I can imagine the Plushie stores in Japan just filled with all of my favourites, from Pokemon to Kirby to Hello Kitty and then the none brand plushies, like Unicorns (one in every colour thanks) and just cute ones like strawberries or cherries. And then what about Disney favourites, like Winnie the Pooh and Minnie Mouse?  As you can see the list just keeps growing.  Yes, I am aware there are sites where you can order special Japanese plushies, like Pikachu in different themes like Christmas Pikachu. And these are sites from Japan that ship to you.  But imagine, travelling to Japan and just being consumed by all the plushies you could think of. That would be amaz...

Image sourced via:  Japanese Craft Paper for sale | eBay I love craft, scrapbooking supplies such as scrapbooking paper, stickers and washi tape.  What I find limiting in Australia is there is not much Japanese style cute craft supplies. (Yes, I have even tried Aliexpress.com).  My friend has been to Korea and she said the craft stores were amazing. I imagine in Japan the craft stores are legendary.  Just absolute cuteness and traditional styles and the latest cool stuff like Kirby and Pokemon. (Ok, I do have Kirby and Pokemon stickers, but one can never have enough when it comes to craft).  The tricky bit for me is ... do I fill a whole suitcase up with craft? How will the plushies fit in? Oh the dilemma.  My friend went to Japan and I asked her to get me a postcard. I thought that would be easy but she had no luck and then said, well they don't sell postcards in Australia either. Fair point.  But imagine the wrapping paper? Absolutely divine. I am in...

  Image sourced via: en.puroland.jp Personally, I am a huge Hello Kitty fan. I have always liked Hello Kitty but this year she has taken off. I have Hello Kitty mugs, a bag, knee high socks, key chain and even thinking about crocheting my very own Hello Kitty plushie.  So it makes sense, one day, when I travel to Japan, I will visit Sanrio Puroland in Japan.  What is at Sanrio Puroland in Japan? It’s awesome to see that there is a parade and show at Sanrio Puroland. In addition, rides and attractions and also food is available.  Where is Sanrio Puroland located?  Sanrio Puroland is in Tokyo in Japan. When I travel to Japan I will be visiting or maybe even staying in Tokyo, so it is fantastic that Sanrio Puroland is located there.  The closest station is at Tama Center Station, which is only a five minute walk to get to Sanrio Puroland, which is very handy.  Ticket prices For the most up to date ticket prices, click here:  https://en.puroland.jp/la...

  Image sourced via:  https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.XOHDX0viynbn-1SgMRnADAHaEL?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain I spent some time learning the Japanese language verbally, not reading/written. However, I have found it hard to keep it all in memory. I think I did it too fast. Instead of focusing on maybe 5 key sentences a week, or even just words. I tried to learn about 30 sentences in a week. It didn't work.  I know only remember a few key words, such as Arigato (Thank you), Sumimasen (Sorry/Excuse Me), Watshi wa Mel des (I am Mel). Plus some counting numbers, such as 1 - 10 in Japanese. I am disappointed in myself, but I feel, I may have made it too difficult in a short number of time, trying to learn.  In addition, I do not have a chance to practice it very much, although, I do seem to add it to conversations of Japan, but then I only remember those above words.  I want to learn. I need may be a word a day? Or a sentence a day? And then every day, repeat the word/senten...