Aitas Japanese Language School Toronto Blog

MONKEY MAJIK / Magic words

2012-01-24T23:22:00.002-05:00

魔法の言葉 (Mahou no kotoba- Magic words) by MONKEY MAJIK
Very popular pop-rock band group in Japan.
Two Canadian brothers, Maynard and Blaise Plant, both perform vocals and guitar.

MONKEY MAJIK - KIZUNA Ambassadors LIVE in Toronto, will be held on Feb 19 (Sun) in support of Japan’s recovery from the devastating damage caused by the Earthquake and tsunami.

Snow White

2011-12-03T02:00:00.009-05:00

Snow White / 白い恋人たち (Shiroi koibito tachi) by Keisuke Kuwata

This is sung by Boyz Ⅱ Men.
A cover of the above original song.

One of our favorite winter songs :)
Enjoy!!

Don't Wanna Lie

2011-12-01T23:53:00.002-05:00

Don't Wanna Lie
by B'z (Japanese hard rock duo)

Enjoy!!

Flying Easy Loving Crasy

2011-10-12T22:43:00.008-04:00

Flying Easy Loving Crasy
by Toshinobu Kubota & Misia

Japanese R&B - A Big Name Collaboration Song!

Enjoy!!

March to Tomorrow by Keisuke Kuwata

2011-09-08T04:14:00.004-04:00

"Ashita he no March" by Keisuke Kuwata

明日へのマーチ　（March to Tomorrow）
NTT DoCoMo walk with you 2011　campaign song

Enjoy!!

L'Arc~en~Ciel - GOOD LUCK MY WAY

2011-07-15T01:07:00.007-04:00

L'Arc~en~Ciel is a very popular rock band in Japan. "Good Luck My Way" is their 20th Anniversary 1st single released on June 29, 2011.

Enjoy!!

EXILE / Someday

2011-06-28T00:27:00.002-04:00

EXILE is very popular pop dance group in Japan.
Someday is one of their hit songs.

Enjoy!!

Learning Japanese Apps, Japan Travel Apps

2011-05-19T12:29:00.003-04:00

Use all the technology available to you.
There are plenty of apps out there that can help you learning Japanese and even traveling in Japan. The following are the apps being used by our students.

All the available resources that you can get on the Internet would be a great help!

Tokyo Metro	(Aitas Student's comment) An incredibly useful app I downloaded on my iTouch for Tokyo was the Tokyo Metro. For $1.12, I was able to use it offline and helped direct my route with complete ease. However, getting to and from stations is one thing - you also need to know which exits to follow once you get out of a train, otherwise going the wrong exit at a big station like Shibuya will lead you pretty far from your intended destination.
Real Kana	Real Kana $2.99 The iPhone version of Real Kana for Hiragana and Katakana Practice
iKana touch	(Aitas student's comment) It costs $3.99, but for the price, offers a lot of useful features. It provides a flash-card feature that can quiz you on hiragana, katakana, and other character sets. You can build custom flash card sets (where you select specific characters to add for testing.) It also keeps track of your incorrect answers, so you can practice just those ones. It even provides a writing feature that teaches you how to write the characters. It's a good way to practice the character sets while taking the GO or TTC.
Kotoba	Kotoba is a full Japanese dictionary for free!
StickyStudy	StickyStudy: Kanji Lite (Free) Learning Japanese? Taking the N5 exam? This is the only flashcard app you'll need - and it's free! StickyStudy: Kanji $7.99 Japanese kanji and vocabulary study for JLPT. Stroke animations, example sentences/compounds and full editing.
Midori	Japanese Dictionary $9.99 Midori has a native Japanese handwriting recognition that can recognize kanji and hiragana. It is the most convenient way to find kanjis that you have never seen.
Anki	(Aitas student's comment) One good software is Anki. With it, you can access pre-existing decks, like minna no nihongo, or create your own decks.

Do you have something else you’re using that’s not on the list above?
Let us know and drop some comments about why you like the app!

Itoshiki Hibiyo (O Endearing Days)

2011-05-16T14:17:00.011-04:00

いとしき日々よ (Itoshiki Hibiyo）平井堅
O Endearing Days by Ken Hirai

This song is the TV Drama 'JIN' Ending Theme. It was released on May 4th 2011.

Enjoy!

Learn Japanese verbs

2011-05-15T00:41:00.002-04:00

Ame ni mo makezu (Not losing to the rain)

2011-04-11T00:14:00.006-04:00

雨にも負けず(Ame nimo makezu）

Thank you World!
Jackie Chan, Andy Lau and many Asian performing artists staged a charity concert in Hong Kong to raise funds for victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

The lyrics "Ame ni mo makezu (Not losing to the rain)" is a famous Japanese poem written by Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933).

Translation of the poem in English
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ame_ni_mo_Makezu

Japanese Actor Ken Watanabe did a reading of the poem.
http://kizuna311.com/

Complaints Choir of Tokyo

2011-04-10T20:46:00.007-04:00

Complaints Choir of Tokyo

Enjoy!

天城越え(Amagi Goe)　by Sayuri Ishikawa

2011-02-21T12:37:00.015-05:00

天城越え（Amagi Goe）by 石川さゆり（Sayuri Ishigawa)　
Title (English): Crossing Mt. Amagi (released in 1986)

Sayuri Ishikawa is one of the famous Japanese Enka singer in Japan.

Enjoy!

蒼いバラ（Aoi bara）　by 安全地帯（Anzen Chitai）

2011-01-04T01:27:00.004-05:00

蒼いバラ Aoi Baraby 安全地帯（Anzen Chitai)

Anzen Chitai was one of the most successful rock bands in 80s. They released a new song last year after 7 years of absence.

Enjoy!

流星（りゅうせい）　by コブクロ（Kobukuro）

2010-11-09T00:29:00.008-05:00

流星（りゅうせい）by コブクロ（Kobukuro)　

Enjoy!

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2011

2010-10-19T12:59:00.003-04:00

What's the JET Programme?

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme seeks to help enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The Programme aims to enhance foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and young professionals from foreign countries.

Applications for the 2011-2012 programme are now available online here.
Deadline: Tuesday November 30, 2010

General Information Sessions in Toronto:
RSVP needed: information@japancg-toronto.org

-Tues. Oct 19th (6pm-8pm)
Cosulate General of Japan
Uptown office (6 Garamond Court, Suite110)

-Thurs. Oct 21st (6pm-8pm)
Cosulate General of Japan
Downtown office (77 King St. West, Suite 3300)

(Canada) JET Programme Official Website:
http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/jetcanada.html

JET Programme Official Website:
http://www.jetprogramme.org/

Former JETs from AITAS
http://aitas.ca/experience.html

Bless by L'Arc～en～Ciel

2010-10-11T16:17:00.003-04:00

Bless by L'arc-en-ciel　
One of the biggest hit song in the first half of this year.
‘L’arc-en-ciel’ is a very popular Band in Japan. …..I hope you like this song.

Enjoy!

TOILET (トイレット) at Reel Asian 2010

2010-10-11T11:02:00.013-04:00

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Nov 9 -15

Title: Toilet
Director: Naoko Ogigami
Date: Nov 13 (Sat) 7:15pm
Place: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Av @St. George
Story:
Three siblings - a nerdy engineer, a brilliant pianist, and an aspiring air guitarist - struggle to relate to their estranged Japanese grandmother after the death of their mother. Shot in Toronto and featuring a Canadian cast.

Official website: http://www.reelasian.com

Hotaru by Masaharu Fukuyama

2010-09-09T00:03:00.013-04:00

蛍（ほたる）by 福山　雅治（ふくやま　まさはる）

Masaharu Fukuyama it the most popular Male celebrity that Japanese women want to marry ヽ( ´ー`)ノ.:*:☆:*:'

Enjoy!

STAY by Kobukuro

2010-08-09T12:07:00.004-04:00

STAY by コブクロ

Kobukuro is one of our favorite singers.

Enjoy!

Kiseki by GReeeeN

2010-07-10T22:08:00.010-04:00

キセキ by GReeeeN

This song got the greatest hit in Japan last Year,
and it became the most popular in Karaoke music.

Enjoy!

LOVE RAIN by Toshinobu Kubota

2010-06-11T10:46:00.005-04:00

LOVE RAIN ～恋（こい）の雨（あめ） Toshinobu Kubota 久保田利伸

Toshinobu Kubota is a famous Japanese R&B singer.
Enjoy his new song!

Famous Japanese Enka singer- Fuyumi Sakamoto

2010-05-13T13:13:00.007-04:00

また君（きみ）に恋（こい）してる by Fuyumi Sakamoto
Mata Kimi-ni Koi shiteru

This song hit number one in Japan over the last few months.　Fuyumi Sakamoto is one of the famouse 'Enka-singer' (Enka: Japanese country music).This is the first time for her to sing a pop song.

Monkey Majik - Sakura

2010-04-18T21:50:00.006-04:00

Monkey Majik is very popular pop-rock band group in Japan.
Two Canadian brothers, Maynard and Blaise Plant, both perform vocals and guitar.They have been living in Japan and working in the Japanese music industry for over 10 years.

In this spring, their first SAKURA song was released and got into the news.

Enjoy the SAKURA song which Canadian created. The PV is also nice.

TOMORROW WALTS by Toshinobu Kubota

2010-03-14T18:17:00.005-04:00

Toshinobu Kubota is a famous Japanese R&B singer.
Enjoy his new song!

Leraning Japanse Verbs

2010-01-27T08:05:00.004-05:00

This is a Youtube video clip recommended by our student.
Leraning Japanse Verbs is fun!!

HERO (ヒーロー) by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

2010-01-14T15:16:00.012-05:00

This is a great cheer-up song for Japanese salaryman.
"Dad（おとうさん）, you are my Hero!!"

HERO(ヒーロー) by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

逢いたくていま　by MISIA

2009-11-15T23:50:00.006-05:00

Enjoy the music with beautiful background scene.

Aitakute Ima 逢いたくていま
by MISIA

Enjoy AITAS COMIC!

2009-11-08T09:55:00.008-05:00

Experience AITAS through our 3 minute Manga

Private Japanese lesson / Japanese tutoring

2009-11-02T14:58:00.016-05:00

It was a long wait. But, finally.....
We could offer you a private lesson from the 2010 winter term (Jan-Mar).
Due to the high volume of requests, we decided to make more rooms for the one-on-one class and change the fees more reasonable.
Here you can see tuition fees.

The new time schedule is set as follows.
* 5:10pm - 6:50pm / 6:50pm - 8:10pm (80 minutes),
* Once a week (Mon, Tue, Wed, or Thu)

Note: The registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
So early registration is recommended.

>>Register today if you are interested.

AITAS School Slideshow

2009-10-14T12:25:00.001-04:00

Slideshow - Japanese Class, Culture Class & Conversation Club.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

2009-10-08T12:14:00.012-04:00

What's the JET Programme?

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme seeks to help enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The Programme aims to enhance foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and young professionals from foreign countries.

Applications for the 2010-2011 programme are now available online here.
Deadline: November 27th, 2009

General Information Sessions in Toronto:
RSVP: Call 416-380-2307 or e-mail information@japancg-toronto.org

-Oct 20th (6pm-8pm)
Cosulate General of Japan
Suite 3300, Royal Trust tower, 77 King St. West

-Oct 22nd (6pm-8pm)
Japan Information Centre
6 Garamond Court

JET Programme Official Website:
http://www.jetprogramme.org/

Former JETs from AITAS
http://aitas.ca/experience.html

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

2009-09-29T14:58:00.012-04:00

Don't be late!!
The application deadline is approaching: OCT 2ND (ＦＲＩ), 2009

Only the on-line application will be accepted.
» Toronto site http://buna.yorku.ca/jlpt/

The JLPT is conducted both in Japan and outside of Japan to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of primarily non-native speakers of Japanese. The test is administered around the world once a year in December. Testing centers in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.

» Official site http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en/index.htm

Second Cup

2009-09-28T15:01:00.006-04:00

Exclusive to AITAS Students

Now you can get 15% off coffee or tea by showing AITAS student card !
Only at Second Cup 170 Bloor Street West

People in Osaka

2009-08-20T11:37:00.003-04:00

Hilarious clip about people in Osaka.

波乗りジョニー -桑田佳祐

2009-07-20T23:25:00.005-04:00

Naminori Jonny 波乗りジョニー
by Keisuke Kuwata 桑田佳祐

ranked the most favourite song, listening on the beach, in the Oricon (Japanese music charts) ranking.

Beautiful Kyoto pictures

2009-06-20T23:08:00.008-04:00

Fidelia-san,
Thank you for sharing beautiful Kyoto pictures!!

Song by Mika Nakajima "Sakurairo Maukoro"　
中島美嘉　"桜色舞うころ"

AITAS Japanese Conversation Club

2009-05-14T09:23:00.006-04:00

It is to create the opportunity for you to speak Japanese with native Japanese people in a friendly atmosphere!!　

If you are Level 2 (Elementary Level) or above at our school, you can participate in Aitas Japanese Conversation Club.

For more info about our school activities, http://aitas.ca/activities.html

ただ、ありがとう -Monkey Majik

2009-04-20T18:11:00.006-04:00

Main vocals are Mr. Maynard Plant and Blaise Plant brothers.
They are Canadian singers who are acting in Japan!

Enjoy!!

桜坂 -福山雅治

2009-04-13T09:25:00.004-04:00

Another Sakura song.
Sakurazaka by Masaharu Fukuyama
Enjoy!!

Good Bye My School Days- ドリカム

2009-03-03T14:03:00.003-05:00

Good Bye My School Days by Dreams Come True (ドリカム）
Enjoy!!

そばにいるね- 青山テルマ

2008-12-25T14:15:00.007-05:00

Sobani iru-ne by Aoyama Teruma with Ayaka.
Enjoy!!

さくら　ケツメイシ

2008-12-19T13:52:00.003-05:00

Sujoy-san,
Thank you for introducing this wonderful SAKURA song.

Eternally- 宇多田ヒカル

2008-11-29T20:14:00.004-05:00

It is another new song by Hikaru Utada.
Enjoy!!

花になれ- Hana ni nare

2008-11-24T12:06:00.004-05:00

花になれ by Flumpool

This song is "Top 1 Downloading Ranking" in Octber
It is their major debut single.

Enjoy!!

もっと遠（とお）くへ　レミオロメン

2008-08-27T02:34:00.011-04:00

This is one of the Beijing Olympic theme songs in Japan.
Enjoy!!

Gift - Mr. Children

2008-07-09T13:41:00.008-04:00

Mr. Children has been very popular in Japan since their debut in 1993. Their new single "GIFT" has just released. Enjoy!

Niji (Rainbow)- Aqua Timez

2008-05-27T14:25:00.012-04:00

This is a theme song for Japanese popular drama "Gokusen".
it is one of the latest hit songs in Japan.

Funky Monkey Babys - Lovin' Life

2008-03-28T01:33:00.003-04:00

Do you know that we have sooooo many Sakura songs in Japan?
In this season, you can hear those songs anywhere !!!!!

It is one of the most popular latest 'SAKURA' song.
Enjoy!

Kobukuro - Sakura

2008-03-28T01:31:00.002-04:00

Do you know that we have sooooo many Sakura songs in Japan?
In this season, you can hear those songs anywhere !!!!!

It is one of the most popular latest 'SAKURA' song.
Enjoy!

Ikimonogakari - Sakura

2008-03-28T01:26:00.008-04:00

Do you know that we have sooooo many Sakura songs in Japan?
In this season, you can hear those songs anywhere !!!!!

It is one of the most popular latest 'SAKURA' song.
Enjoy!

Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008

2008-03-05T14:09:00.009-05:00

"5 star restaurants guidebook in Tokyo"

Take this guidebook with you when visiting Tokyo next time!!

Jero - Enka singer

2008-03-05T13:48:00.004-05:00

Jero is a cool Enka singer.

(Lang-san, thank you for sharing this info.)

MATSUKEN SAMBA

2008-02-15T21:46:00.002-05:00

MATSUKEN SAMBA
It is a really unique collaboration -Brazil samba & Japanese Shogun

This song and dance fascinated everyone all over Japan.

Sen no kaze ni natte - Masafumi Akikawa

2008-01-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

This song is the TOP1 best sellers in 2007.
Enjoy!!

Flavor Of Life -Hikaru Utada

2008-01-18T23:07:00.002-05:00

This song is the TOP2 best sellers in 2007.
Enjoy!!

Tsubomi - Kobukuro

2008-01-18T23:04:00.003-05:00

This song is the TOP3 best sellers in 2007.
Enjoy!!

Saigo no kawa (The river of last moments)

2007-12-20T07:54:00.001-05:00

Today, I introduce you one of the famous Japanese song in 2007.

CHEMISTRY
Saigo no kawa (The river of last moments)

Enjoy (^0^)//

Aoku Yasashiku by Kobukuro

2007-11-04T01:50:00.001-04:00

It is a theme song of Japanese Drama 'Dream Again'.

Enjoy!!

Alones by aqua times

2007-10-09T16:55:00.001-04:00

The "Alones" is a theme song of Japanese popular animation program "Bleach".

Enjoy!!

Sora wa marude

2007-09-06T12:39:00.003-04:00

I would like to introduce the music band "Monkey Majic".
Main vocals are Mr. Maynard Plant and Blaise Plant brothers.
They are Canadian singers who are acting in Japan! This song "Sora wa marude" released this summer and got a Megaton hit. Now they become very popular all over Japan!!.

Main vocals are Mr. Maynard Plant and Blaise Plant brothers. They are from Ottwa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(^0^)/

I am so impressed by their background and feel very familiar with them.

Maynard-san(left side in the screen) came to Japan through the JET program in 1997. He had worked as a ALT(Assistant languaeg teacher) for three years in Aomori, Japan. Then, he started a music band with his Japanese friends and brought his brother(right side in the screen) to Japan.

This is their hit song 'Sora wa marude'. Enjoy!!

Meet up in Tokyo

2007-08-22T09:04:00.001-04:00

Kyoko and Masa went back to Japan this summer.
We met Aitas members in Tokyo!!! And went to "Tokyo Bon Dance Festival" and a retro Izakaya.

Japanese Culture Class on July 27th 2007

2007-07-30T11:16:00.001-04:00

We have a Culture Class at the end of regular course.
Calligraphy, Paper craft , etc.

Oshiri kajiri mushi

2007-07-23T15:40:00.001-04:00

This song titled
'Oshiri(bottom) kajiri(bite) mushi(insect)'.

This song is getting very popular in Japan because of the
cute picture & funny idea.

When you have not enough energy or losing courage,
This insect will bite your bottom and cheer you up!!

Japan Trip -Marilyn

2007-06-14T13:50:00.001-04:00

Marilyn-san,

Nihon no Shashin wo okuttekurete Arigatou!!

Yakitori
- おいしそう~（＾０＾）

Famous Hida Beef
-めったに食べられません。

Japanese Vending Machines
-たくさん飲み物があります（＾０＾）

Cha-soba　
-おいしそう～

Crab restaurant
- 大きいカニですね～

Oden
-私の大好物（だいこうぶつ）です（＾０＾）

Sad Can
-おもしろい看板（かんばん）ですね～

Farty dog
-かわいい絵（え）ですね～

Japanese Culture Class on June 1st 2007

2007-06-05T14:33:00.001-04:00

We have a Culture Class at the end of regular course.
Calligraphy, Paper craft , etc.

J-pop Ashita Harerukana

2007-05-22T15:45:00.001-04:00

Kyoko's most favourite singer
"Keisuke Kuwata (Southern All Stars)"

New single with English translations

明日晴れるかな (Ashita Harerukana)
Will tomorrow be a clear day?

This is one of the hottest song in Japan, now!(^0^)

J-pop WINDING ROAD

2007-05-22T15:32:00.001-04:00

This is my recent favourite song!
Ayaka & Kobukuro

Enjoy!!

Travel guide to Japan

2007-05-22T11:30:00.001-04:00

Japan National Tourist Organization

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

Japanese government site providing information for

regional guides, convention locations, museums,

and important starting information.

JNTO North America Visit Japan Campaign Website

http://www.japantravelinfo.com/top/index.php

Accomodation Search

http://www.jnto.go.jp/a-search/search/search_form.php

Reserve hotels and ryokan at Japan's leading online

hotel reservation sites

Japan Guide Books

9 Tips on how to become a successful Japanese speaker

2007-04-16T14:27:00.003-04:00

When you enroll in the group course,
now you can receive a manual (42 pages)
"9 Tips on how how to become a successful Japanese speaker."

At Aitas, no matter what level you are at, including absolute beginner, your teacher uses only Japanese. This is called the Direct Method which will help you improve practical Japanese communication skills.

You might be thinking "Is it possible for me to learn Japanese without using a vehicular language? "

This manal will help guide you through your Japanese study smoothly at Aitas Japnanese Language School.

Classes at Aitas are designed based on our special language-learning method to bring you the best outcomes. Understanding it before you start will help you follow the smooth path of learning Japanese.

Japanese Culture Class on March 16th 2007

2007-03-26T00:47:00.001-04:00

We have a Culture Class at the end of regular course.
Calligraphy, Paper craft , etc.

We would like to share the photos of last culture classs on Mar 16th '07 with you!!

Flavor of Life -Hikaru Utada

2007-02-08T12:46:00.002-05:00

This is the hottest song in Japan, now!

Flavor of Life by Hikaru Utada

Enjoy!

Seasonal Greetings

2006-12-25T18:30:00.001-05:00

Raymond-san,
Thank you for sending your lovely CG card!!

------------------------------------------------------

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
to all my NIHONGO NO GAKOU NO TOMODACHI !

Here's something I've made to celebrate 2007:

http://www.takohako.com/newyears2007

<< Click on the picture and enjoy it!!!

Copyright (C) Raymond Ng. All rights reserved

Japanese Conversation Club

2006-12-25T17:12:00.001-05:00


It is a club activity at Aitas Japanese Language School to create the opportunity for Canadian to speak Japanese with native Japanese people in a friendly atmosphere. Enjoiy it !!

Student's blog, Christian san

2006-12-23T18:02:00.001-05:00

I am happy to introduce you the blog by one of our students, Christian-san!!!!!
DOUMO ARIGATOU(^0^)//

************************************************
Finding fun ways to learn Japanese
http://makinasu.blogspot.com/
************************************************

Thank you for visiting us, Christian-san

2006-12-20T22:07:00.001-05:00

Christian-san,
Thank you for visiting us,.

Christian-san went to Japan two years ago after took our Japanese course.
He's living in Himeji, Japan.

He just came back to Toronto only for Christmas holidays.

Doumo Arigatou!!!!!

Student's website, Lang-san

2006-12-20T21:39:00.001-05:00

I am happy to introduce you the website by one of our students, Lang-san!!!!!

DOUMO ARIGATOU(^0^)//

************************************************
Finding fun ways to learn Japanese
http://www.learn-japanese-fun.com/
************************************************

Francis- the JET program (2)

2006-12-17T19:31:00.001-05:00

AWA ODORI Festival

This video link should illustrate that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcIofL7qLbU

Each group has a unique dance style and costume colours. Our group (with new ALTs) was called Awasowa-ren.

Even men and women within a group had a unique dance style. The men dance lower down (in the legs) to show power and the women dance in a more elegant and graceful way.

ON OUR WAYThe streets were very crowded as we move on our way to the many stages where the spectators are to do our performance (attached pics). It was high energy from start to finish, here’s a short clip of what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-4s7Z1GNd0

Although it looks like a sea full of people, we were all organized in line groups so we had to remember who we were dancing with in our groups. Most of the ALTs didn’t know what they were doing but it was fun nonetheless just to dance.

We drank a lot in between dances to keep going.THE PERFORMANCEI remember going through probably 4 different stages where cameras and spectators were everywhere watching us. It was so lively, lots of laughter and cheering. We danced as a group so we weren’t embarrassed at all at how we were dancing.

There’s a saying which can be found in the lyrics of the song in this festival: “the dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so lets dance”. And yes, I agree it’s more fun to dance than to watch.

Here’s another clip of the performance the ALTs did (I couldn’t video tape myself while I was dancing so I waited until I was finished and took this clip of the people behind me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-EqITrC7k

NEXT TIME: how are your Christmas celebrations going? They celebrate Christmas a bit differently in Japan. I’ll explain more about that and also talk a little about my Halloween celebration I did with the students which from that point on, changed my whole experience as a teacher. All this in my final e-mail of 2006!

Until then,

LE-Sensei

Asimo falls and can't get up

2006-12-13T14:50:00.001-05:00


Norm-san Doumo Arigatou! Thank you for sending us an interesting file. This robot name is ASIMO! Enjoy!

Japanese Culture Class on Nov 16th

2006-11-17T11:15:00.001-05:00

Thank you for coming in a Culture Class on Nov 16th 2006. The culture class is held at the end of your course quaterly a year.We make Calligraphy, Paper craft , etc.

Francis- the JET program (1)

2006-10-12T13:35:00.002-04:00

Francis-san,
Thank you for sending us your updates from Japan!!!

Francis-san has had a opportunity to teach English in Japan through the JET program.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hello! (or as the Japanese students say: “ha-roo”)

And how are you?

This letter is to let everyone know I’m in Japan and am doing well as I embark on this great adventure. Things have been quite hectic at the start but it was a smooth transition and I'm very grateful for that. Adjusting to a foreign world with a different language is not easy but I’m taking things little by little and a day at a time.

Things finally have settled down and I've adjusted to a routine as everyday situations get easier to handle. I’ve finally found the time to write these e-mails and I will do more so in the future as I explain in detail about the culture and life in Japan from my perspective.

Attached are some pictures I’ve taken during my stay in Japan. Please enjoy them!

NEXT TIME: I will explain about where I’m staying in Japan and my situation.
Write to you later!

Francis

JR JAPAN RAIL PASS

2006-10-07T12:40:00.002-04:00

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is the most economical way to travel
throughout Japan by rail.

A regular round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs around
30,000yen($291CAD). You can purchase a 7-day JR pass for less.

Not only for all express trains, it is also vaild for a JR buses and ferry.

If you are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad
for sight-seeing, under the entry status of "temporary visitor,
you are eiligble for a JAPAN RAIL PASS.

There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS:
Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.

A JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be purchased inside Japan. You must purchase an Exchange Order from an authorized sales office or agent before you come to Japan.

[JR RAIL PASS official website]
http://www.japanrailpass.net/

[Tickets office in Toronto, Canada]
JTB International (Canada) Ltd.
Carlton Tower 1510-2 Carlton St.
TEL 416-367-5824
http://www.jtbi.ca/en/

NoBlige

2006-10-01T11:32:00.001-04:00

==============================================
Erin's music band show -Band name: NoBlige
==============================================

Our student, Erin-san is a Korean singer!
Erin-san held her band concert last month at Innis Town Hall.

She is the great singer!!!!!!!!!!
Her voice is sooooooooooo powerful!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin-san looked so different from her appearance in the
Japanese class ^0^//

We all enjoyed the pleasant time and share the joy with about 250 audience.

Thank you for the wonderful night, Erin-san.
We are looking forward to the next one!!!

==============================================
Band name: NoBlige
Kind of music: alternative rock.

For further info(in korean)..
http://club.cyworld.com/NBLG
==============================================

Sujoy- the JET program

2006-07-16T18:51:00.001-04:00

Sujoy-san,

Thank you for sending us your updates from Japan!!!

Sujoy san has had a opportunity to teach English in Japan through the JET program.

--------------------------------------------------------------
At a recent function at Yanahara's library, the librarian quickly snapped my picture and zipped over to a computer, printed it out and them made a mock uchiwa fan for me. Try telling me I shouldn't have tears in my eyes.A few more pics from my panda-headed performance in May.Final month. Yikes. But there is much to look forward to.

Japanese Conversation Club on June 23rd

2006-07-07T01:17:00.001-04:00

We are holding thee Aitas Conversation Club twice a month.

This is a club activity to create the opportunity for our students to speakJapanese with native Japanese people in a friendly atmosphere.

The Club is open to only current and past students from level 2 who enrolled in our regular course.These are the photos at the club on Fri June 23rd.

A postcard from Darren-san

2006-07-03T11:56:00.001-04:00

Thank you for sending us your lovely postcard from Japan.
It was all written in Japanese!!! SUGOI!!

Darren-san visited in Beppu, Kyushu in Japan,famous as a hot-spring town.

This is a picture of "Tatsumaki Jigoku".

This intermittent spring is one of the largest geysers which shoots up boiling water vertically.

This geyser has come to an object of world's attention as is a shor-interval spout.

It erupts every 25-30 minutes for about five minutes.

Kanji T-Shirts

2006-06-28T00:15:00.001-04:00

Denys-san,

Thank you for your information on the follwoing site.

http://www.jbox.com/SHRT/

This site is a very special place where you can find over 2000 rare products from Japan. (Japanese toys, candy, magazines, Japanese study aids, and much more.)

This shirt features clear, clean text and a message that is perhaps best translated as "Now accepting applications for Japanese girlfriends." Features a nice red "rising sun of Japan" in the design. You never know what conversation this T-shirt could start, or where it might lead!

Denys-san was wearing the T-shirt!!

This shirt proudly proclaims you as a sake-bito, literally a "person of sake" or someone who loves to drink all forms of alcohol.

Vincent -san was wearing the T-shirt!!

Tokyo trip - Edwin

2006-06-26T11:27:00.003-04:00

Edwin-san, thank you for sending us your email .
____________________________________________

Konnichiwa!

I just come back from Tokyo.
It is an awesome city.
I just love it.^^
I went there with two of my friends and stayed for five days.

We went to a lot of places such as Senso Ji, Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ginza, Akihabara, Harajuku, Shibuya and so on.

I shopped and ate a lot. I like the ramen^^
Also, the cell phones in Japan are so nice.
I wish we can use it in Canada.

I used my Japanese a lot this time but sometime they know i am a tourist and speak to me in English. -.-" I need to work hard on my Japanese. Also people are really friendly. We tried a ramen store outside Shinjuku station at night and the cook was really nice and took pictures with us. haha. I have attached some of my pictures in Tokyo.

Student's Blog, Isaac-san

2006-06-22T09:57:00.001-04:00

Isaac-san,

Thank you for your email!!!!!
I enjoyed reading your blog!!!
The title "I've heard about you Japanese co-workers and you're crazy after-work drinking parties."(2006.06.21)

Hi,

So as most of you know I've just moved to Japan for a year. I'm having the time of my life, and I've finally started up a blog so that I can share it with the rest of you.

Please take a look from time to time, and write me and email to let me know how things are going.

The blog is at

http://isaac-ezer.livejournal.com

regards,

Isaac

Japanese Conversation Club on May 25th

2006-06-03T22:24:00.001-04:00

The Aitas Conversation Club takes place at our school twice a month.

This is a club activity to create the opportunity for our students to speak
Japanese with native Japanese people in a friendly atmosphere.

The Club is open to only current and past students from level 2
who enrolled in our regular course.

These are the photos at the club on Fri May 25th.

Japanese Culture Class on May 26th

2006-06-01T13:38:00.001-04:00

Thank you for coming in a Culture Class on May 26th.

The culture class is held at the end of your course quaterly a year.
We make Calligraphy, Paper craft , etc.

Japanese Language School vol.02

2006-05-27T07:59:00.002-04:00

Patrick-san,

Thank you for sending us
Japanese school information in Japan

(An email from Patrick)

I have a good suggestion for Japanese schools. The kuyakusho has very cheap and very good classes. I think this is true for all regions in Tokyo, but I'm not sure about other cities. I was taking classes at Nerima kuyakusho before I started working. They have two types of classes.

One is a real Japanese class, where they use Minna No Nihongo. It was a very good class. I think the level 1 class covers chapters 1 to 15, and the level 2 class starts at chapter 15. I'm not sure if the kuyakusho has a level 3 class. The level 1 class costs 2000 yen, and lasts for about 2 months.

The class is 2 days each week, starting around 10:00 in the morning. It was a big class with about 20 people, but it worked very well, and it's very cheap. I definitely recommend it to people who are not working during the daytime.

The other type of class at the kuyakusho is called a volunteer class. It is one day per week, and costs 500 yen per month. It starts around 10:00 in the morning as well. They use volunteer teachers, and teach in small groups of around 3 people. This type of class is very informal. I don't think they follow a lesson plan, they just teach anything you feel like learning. If people have the opportunity to take the volunteer class for a while before starting the real level 1 class, it will make the level 1 class much easier.

I was taking both of those types of classes at the kuyakusho before I started working. The formal (2 days per week) class was very useful. It was probably as good as Aitas. The volunteer (1 day per week) class is not as effective for learning, but it was fun, and I got to practice speaking Japanese every week.I continued the volunteer class after I started the level 1 class, so that I could learn as much as possible.

After I started working, I joined a normal, private Japanese school. There are many of these schools, and they are all expensive. The one I'm going to now is called ARC Academy
(http://www.arc-eg.com/nihongo/).

They have 3 locations in Tokyo, and 3 locations in other cities. I'm going to the Shinjuku school. I have classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings. I think the cost was around 70,000 yen for 3 months. I don't know if this school is as good as Aitas, but I feel like I'm still learning a lot, so it's probably a good school. They also use Minna no Nihongo, so at least I know I am still learning in a good way. They are also teaching Kanji from a separate textbook. I can't remember the name of this textbook, because I didn't buy it. :) We usually learn 3 new characters each week.

Maybe ARC Academy is a good enough school to recommend to Aitas students.There are many many schools all over Tokyo, so there might be better ones as well. People can also take private lessons if they want. At some schools, you can take private lessons once per week for about the same cost as taking group lessons. I think group lessons are better for me, for two reasons: One, I know that I am following a pattern that suits many people. And two, I can learn from questions the other students ask that I might not think of asking by myself.

As you know, many schools here use Minna No Nihongo. If Aitas students want to keep using the same textbook, they can do a web search and find a school that is close to them. All schools offer a free trial lesson, like Aitas. So people can try the school before they sign up. Please tell people not to pay for a school before taking a trial lesson! If the school doesn't offer a trial lesson, then there is probably something wrong with that school.

I think there are some bad schools here, just like there are bad English schools in Toronto.I would like people to know not to sign up before they are sure they will be comfortable with the school and the teachers. Luckily ARC Academy is not one of the bad ones. At least, the Shinjuku school is ok.

Japanese language school in Japan vol.01

2006-05-25T11:22:00.002-04:00

Michael-san

Thank you for sending us
Japanese school information in Japan.

(An email from Michael)

The school that I can recommend is called the Central Japanese Language School located in Mita. (http://www.cjls.org).

It is very small, reasonably priced and is very flexible. If somebody is coming for month or more/less they can fit them in. The class sizes are also the smallest of anywhere I could find in Tokyo, teachers are really nice etc.

Tokyo trip - Winnie

2006-05-21T19:25:00.001-04:00

Winnie-san, thank you for sending us your lovely photos.

These are the pictures that Winnie-san took during her Tokyo trip in Apr 2006 ^0^//

Link: Experience in Japan
>>Click here for more details

Our students share their experiences in Japan.
They went to Japan as a visitor, volunteer, english teacher
or student; on a working holiday; or for business, etc.

Japanese Conversation Club on May 9th

2006-05-14T01:12:00.001-04:00

The Aitas Conversation Club takes place at our school twice a month.

This is a club activity to create the opportunity for our students to speak Japanese with native Japanese people in a friendly atmosphere. The Club is open to only current and past students from level 2 who enrolled in our regular course.

These are the photos at the club on Tue May 9th.

Link: http://www.aitas.ca/conversation.htm

Student's Comments - Silmar

2006-05-14T00:44:00.001-04:00

Silmar-san, thank you for sending us your feed back.

"I have been a Japanese learner most of my life. Because of the types of school that are out there, I was never able to enjoy my full ability of learning/reading/writing Japanese.

Aitas Japanese Language School made that possible. I have regained my knowledge from what I have learnt in the past in just ONE level!!!! I cannot wait to learn more and continue my studies!

The classes are taught as if we were in Japan, no English allowed, even for explanations. But believe me: I speak more than 5 languages, most of which I have learnt on my own. My acquired self discipline, the fact I used to be a language teacher myself, and that I am a Senior Corporate Training Consultant today, makes me one tough puppy to please.

Aitas has proven me there is always somewhere using the best methodology. Courses that treat adults as adults, breaking the barrier of the boring A-B-C taught in other "Mickey Mouse" language schools. Aitas has got it all.

Another advantage is the Conversation Club:

I was surprised on how much I knew and how much I was able to commune in a few hours. They invite real citizens of Japan to sit down with us and make conversation. It was amazing! I will try not to miss any club nights!

Thank you Aitas for giving me the gift of another language. Even if someday, I spend some time in Japan, the moment I come back home, I will run back to you in order to continue my studies and not forget what has been the product of arduous labour on both ends.

Silmar"

Romeo and Juliet

2006-05-07T22:24:00.001-04:00

(Keiichi -san, Kyoko, Tamara-san)

Tamara-san Doumo Arigatou

Thank you for inviting me your wonderful ballet performance, Romeo & Juliet.
I was so excited to see you dancing!! It was soooooo nice!!!!!

Tamara-san is a ballet dancer, The National Ballet of Canada.
Keiichi -san, Tamara's boyfriend, is also a dancer and Sololist!!!

Japanese Conversation Club on April 28th

2006-04-30T00:37:00.001-04:00

The Aitas Conversation Club takes place at our school
twice a month.

This is a club activity to create the opportunity for our
students to speak Japanese with native Japanese people
in a friendly atmosphere.

The Club is open to only current and past students
from level 2 who enrolled in our regular course.

These are the photos at the club on Fri April 28th.

Link: http://www.aitas.ca/conversation.htm

Hanami in Japan vol.03

2006-04-25T13:36:00.001-04:00

Andrew-san Hayley-san

Email wo Doumo Arigatou.
Thank you for your email from Japan!

......................................................................................

Sensei, Kyoko Sensei,
Konnichiwa (^!^) and Happy Easter from Japan!

We decided we needed a vacation and o-hanami and
onsens would be perfect!!

So we spent 2 nights researching and booking flights
and ryokans that took internet reservations ...
most places require calling to reserve.

Cheers,

Andrew and Hayley

Japanese drama- Rondo 輪舞曲

2006-04-19T21:36:00.002-04:00

Lau-san, Email wo Doumo Arigatou.
Thank you for your email, Lau-san.

Lau-san sent me a file of his favorite Japanese drama song.
Unfortunately, I could not upload it to this weblog^^;
......................................................................................
The song is さよなら³ / Sayonara³ by RUI, Lee Seung-Chul(Korean singer)
This is an ending Theme song in Rondo輪舞曲(the title of Japanese drama)
......................................................................................

Japan and Korea’s biggest names star in this big-scale drama.
Yutaka Takenouchi(Japanese actor)
Choi Ji Woo (Korean actress)

I have not watched the drama yet unlike Lau-san.
But, once I listened the song, it touched my heart.
It is so romantic!!

For details on the drama:
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Rondo

For details on Japanese drama
http://www.j-fan.com/drama/

Japanese TV dramas are probably the biggest form of entertainment in Japan. The biggest and most popular actors and actresses in Japan appear in TV dramas, unlike in the U.S. where the biggest actors appear almost exclusively in movies.

Aitas Japanese Language School Toronto Blog

MONKEY MAJIK / Magic words

Snow White

Don't Wanna Lie

Flying Easy Loving Crasy

March to Tomorrow by Keisuke Kuwata

L'Arc~en~Ciel - GOOD LUCK MY WAY

EXILE / Someday

Learning Japanese Apps, Japan Travel Apps

Itoshiki Hibiyo (O Endearing Days)

Learn Japanese verbs

Ame ni mo makezu (Not losing to the rain)

Complaints Choir of Tokyo

天城越え(Amagi Goe) by Sayuri Ishikawa

蒼いバラ（Aoi bara） by 安全地帯（Anzen Chitai）

流星（りゅうせい） by コブクロ（Kobukuro）

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2011

Bless by L'Arc～en～Ciel

TOILET (トイレット) at Reel Asian 2010

Hotaru by Masaharu Fukuyama

STAY by Kobukuro

Kiseki by GReeeeN

LOVE RAIN by Toshinobu Kubota

Famous Japanese Enka singer- Fuyumi Sakamoto

Monkey Majik - Sakura

TOMORROW WALTS by Toshinobu Kubota

Leraning Japanse Verbs

HERO (ヒーロー) by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

逢いたくていま by MISIA

Enjoy AITAS COMIC!

Private Japanese lesson / Japanese tutoring

AITAS School Slideshow

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Second Cup

People in Osaka

波乗りジョニー -桑田佳祐

Beautiful Kyoto pictures

AITAS Japanese Conversation Club

ただ、ありがとう -Monkey Majik

桜坂 -福山雅治

Good Bye My School Days- ドリカム

そばにいるね- 青山テルマ

さくら ケツメイシ

Eternally- 宇多田ヒカル

花になれ- Hana ni nare

もっと遠（とお）くへ レミオロメン

Gift - Mr. Children

Niji (Rainbow)- Aqua Timez

Funky Monkey Babys - Lovin' Life

Kobukuro - Sakura

Ikimonogakari - Sakura

Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008

Jero - Enka singer

MATSUKEN SAMBA

Sen no kaze ni natte - Masafumi Akikawa

Flavor Of Life -Hikaru Utada

Tsubomi - Kobukuro

Saigo no kawa (The river of last moments)

Aoku Yasashiku by Kobukuro

Alones by aqua times

Sora wa marude

Meet up in Tokyo

Japanese Culture Class on July 27th 2007

Oshiri kajiri mushi

Japan Trip -Marilyn

Japanese Culture Class on June 1st 2007

J-pop Ashita Harerukana

J-pop WINDING ROAD

Travel guide to Japan

9 Tips on how to become a successful Japanese speaker

Japanese Culture Class on March 16th 2007

Flavor of Life -Hikaru Utada

Seasonal Greetings

Japanese Conversation Club

Student's blog, Christian san

Thank you for visiting us, Christian-san

Student's website, Lang-san

Francis- the JET program (2)

Asimo falls and can't get up

天城越え(Amagi Goe)　by Sayuri Ishikawa

蒼いバラ（Aoi bara）　by 安全地帯（Anzen Chitai）

流星（りゅうせい）　by コブクロ（Kobukuro）

逢いたくていま　by MISIA

さくら　ケツメイシ

もっと遠（とお）くへ　レミオロメン