Learn Japanese easily! When you first visit Japan, people will probably ask you if you’ve been there before. You’ll want to tell them, “It’s my first visit to Japan.” You’ll also want to be able to ask others whether they have visited Japan before. Once you get past this step, it’s critical that you know whether to use formal or informal Japanese. And, you’ve got to use them both correctly. This Beginner Japanese article teaches you how to use hajimete (“for the first time”) and other important words you’ll use when you talk about your first trip to Japan. You’ll also find an indispensable review of Japanese formal and informal speech and an explanation of when to use each one. Don’t miss the awesome chart and practice sentences in this Beginner Japanese article!

Vocabulary: In this article, you’ll learn the following words and phrases:

moo – “already” (adverb)

tsuku – “to arrive at, to reach” (verb 1)

okiru – “to wake up, to get up” (verb 2)

yoku – “well, very”

tsukareru – “to get tired” (verb 2)

sama – (pol) “Mr.” or “Mrs.”

aruku – “to walk” (verb 1)

hajimete – “for the first time”

nikkei – “Japanese descent”

Burajiru – “Brazil”

umareru – “to be born” (verb 2)

sodatsu – “to be raised” (verb 1)

mago – “grandchild”

Jitsu wa – “the truth is, actually”

Grammar: In this article, you’ll learn the following words and phrases:

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

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yoku

“well”

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Yoku is the adverbial form of the adjective yoi or ii (“good”), and it means “well, nicely, properly,” or “often.”

*For more information on adverbial form see Nihongo Doojoo: Beginner Series Season 4 Article 5

For Example:

1. Yoku dekimashita.
   “Well done!”
   Literal translation: “Could do well.”
2. Yoku tabemashita.
   “( I ) ate a lot.”
   Literal translation: “Ate well.”

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nikkei

“Japanese descent”

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The first Chinese character means “sun, day,” or “Japan.” The second Chinese character means “lineage, system,” or “group.” When the name of a country follows, it refers descent. However, it is nikkei that describes Japanese descent, not nihon-kei.

1. Correct: nikkei Burajiru-jin
2. Incorrect: nihonkei Burajiru-jin

For Example:

1. Nikkei peruu-jin
   “Japanese Peruvian”
2. Mekishiko kei amerika-jin
   “Mexican American”
3. Furansu kei kanada-jin
   “French Canadian”

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umareru – “to be born”

sodatsu – “to be raised, to grow up”

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The particle de follows the place one was born or raised. Check the usage in the examples.

For Example:

1. “I was born in Mexico.”
   (Watashi wa) Mekishiko de umaremashita.
2. “I grew up in France.”
   (Watashi wa) Furansu de sodachimashita.
3. “I was born and raised in Japan.”
   (Watashi wa) Nihon de umarete, nihon de sodachimashita.
   (Watashi wa) Nihon de umarete, sodachimashita.

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hajimete

“for the first time, first time”

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Hajimete is an adverb, so we generally use it with a verb. However, to mention that it is one’s first time experiencing something, we use the sentence structure “[ noun ] wa hajimete desu.”

For Example:

1. (Watashi wa) hajimete nihon ni kimashita.
   “I came to Japan for the first time.”
2. Nihon wa hajimete desu.
   “It’s my first time in Japan.”
3. Nihon wa hajimete desu ka.
   “Is it your first time in Japan?”

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Grammar Review

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In this article, we are going to learn more about formal and informal speech by reviewing the past tense of a verb.

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“I’m tired.”

Formal: Tsukaremashita.

Informal: Tsukareta.

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How to create the formal past form of a verb:

1. Change the verb into its corresponding –masu form.
2. Drop –masu and add –mashita.

For more information see Nihongo Doojoo: Newbie Series Style You and Beyond Article 23

For Example:

Dictionary Form / –masu Form / Formal Past Form

aruku / arukimasu / arukimashita

neru / nemasu / nemashita

How to create the informal past form of a verb

1. Change the verb into its corresponding –te form.
2. Drop –te and add –ta.

For more information see Nihongo Doojoo: Beginner Series Article 24

For Example:

Dictionary Form / -te Form / Informal Past Form (-ta form)

aruku / aruite / aruita

sodatsu / sodatte / sodatta

okiru / okite / okita

neru / nete / neta

umareru / umarete / umareta

suru / shite / shita

kuru / kite / kita

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Review:

Please rewrite the sentences in informal form.

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1. Watashi wa Burajiru de umaremashita.
   ___________________________________________________________________
2. Watashi wa Burajiru de sodachimashita.
   ___________________________________________________________________
3. Kyoo wa yoku arukimashita yo.
   ___________________________________________________________________
4. Nihon ni hajimete kimashita.
   ___________________________________________________________________

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Please rewrite the sentences in formal form.

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1. Kamakura ni itta.
   ____________________________________________________________________
2. Yoku, neta.
   ____________________________________________________________________
3. Kinoo nani shita?
   ____________________________________________________________________

To talk about belly dancing in Japan, we have to first meet the history of belly dancing.

Japan is not the first country in the word to have belly dancers in. In fact, when you combine the words “belly dancing Japan” people look at you as if you were totally mad. In fact the phrase “belly dancing Japan” has a lot of sense because there are really good belly dancers in Japan, so to speak. But let’s see where and when belly dancing originally comes from.

The history

Belly dance comes from Arabia in Asia. In Arabic (raks al-baladi) it means dance of the people. It is an art form with a long history. The origins of Bellydancing can be traced back some 5,000 years. Belly dancing was originally for women only. No men were allowed to participate or to watch the dance. It was for women and only for women. It helped women in childbirth, as the intense undulations helped to more or less remove birth pains. Later still, belly dance moved to the harem of sultans.

There, beautiful ladies danced for the pleasure of the sultan (Arabic king) and his bezyrs( Arabic ministers). When there were diplomatic guests from China and Later (During Osman’s empire) from Japan, coming to sultan’s palace, they had to watch and finally they started to love the dance. That’s how, firstly by vague, unsure descriptions, “belly dancing Japan” started to make a little more sense. But it was really hard to make it just from being a spectator. The girls, even, in Japan were considered as “exotic dancers” which is not true nowadays anymore.

Why were they considered “exotic dancers”?

Because opium in Japan was very very popular. It was very probable, when in Japan, when a visitor wanted to try their opium, it was served by a beautiful Japanese woman, who, as a bonus, as a belly dancing Japan girl, offered the stranger a belly dance. As belly dancing propagated in Europe too, European prostitutes often offered them a belly dance as a bonus, as something “exotical”, as something “Japanese”. So western people started to call belly dancing “Japan” girls exotic dancers and more offensive things, while it was exotically only for them…

Nowadays

Nowadays, belly dancing “Japan” girls and boys are common but they are not very famous…

Kyoto offers travelers of Japan an interesting alternative to Tokyo. This beautiful city is a blend of the modern and the ancient, with many reminders of this city's past, and its place as the cultural heart of the country. The main residence of the Japanese Emperor was in Kyoto from the eighth century until the nineteenth, when it moved to the current capital, Tokyo. There is plenty to see here since, unlike other cities, Kyoto sustained no damage during the Second World War.

Kyoto is a true experience of unique history and culture. In order to see everything, you will need to allow plenty of time to visit as many of its' attractions as you can. If you are only able to visit for a short period of time, decide which places you want to visit most, rather than trying to rush around them all.

There are many temples in Kyoto that offer a glimpse of the varied nature of Japanese culture. They are also historically and architecturally interesting. You will find that many of the attractions recommended to Kyoto tourists will be temples of some sort.

The two predominant religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto; each having their own temples. The most impressive Buddhist temple in Kyoto is the Golden Pavilion Kinkakuji, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The two highest floors are encased in gold leaf, which is reflected in the pond below, connecting the heavens above with the earth below. The importance of this temple to Buddhists comes from the shrine within it, containing relics from the life of the Buddha.

The nearby Silver Pavilion, or Ginkakuji, was intended to be a complement to the Golden Temple, with a contrasting covering of silver leaf, but this plan was never carried through. The Silver Temple is there before much plainer than its neighbor, although it does have its own simpler charm. There are two peaceful gardens here; one with a pond surrounded by a rockery, where you are supposed to move around and experience the changes in perspective that ensue; and another where sand has been sculpted into meditative patterns, creating a very calm atmosphere. Both are perfect antidotes to the stresses of travel and jet lag.

Another Buddhist temple, definitely worth a visit, is the Pure Water (Kiyomizudera) Temple. This world-famous temple is recognized by UNESCO for its unique value, and has been named as a site of world heritage. It has stood since the eighth century when it was founded by one of the oldest Buddhist sects in Japan. It looks over the city of Kyoto from a nearby hill, surrounded by woodland. The view of Kyoto from the temple's terrace is breath taking! There is also a beautiful fresh spring here from which the waters are believed to have healing powers.

There are two Zen temples that make an interesting addition to the main Buddhist ones. The Heavenly Dragon (Tenryuji) Temple was once the residence of an Emperor. When Go Daigo died, his home was made into this temple in remembrance of him. The name was chosen when a priest who was dozing nearby dreamed that a dragon appeared from out of the river. When he woke, he concluded this was a sign that the Emperor's spirit had not found peace in death, and that the temple should be placed there in order to appease the uneasy spirit. The current building was only built about a century ago, after the eighth in a series of unfortunate fires, had damaged the various incarnations of the temple. However, the gardens date from the fourteenth century, and offer a peaceful space for a quiet walk.

The second temple, and a world heritage site, is called the Peaceful Dragon Temple (Ryoanji). The Zen garden here is best example of its kind that you will see. There are carefully placed rocks and furrows of sand that have been raked into precise patterns, creating a haven of calm within the simple walls of clay.

The Shinto religion is more unique to Japan's culture than Buddhist, although the difficulties here do give an impression of a Buddhism molded to Japanese minds. Two of the local Shinto forms provide interesting activities in Kyoto. The first is the Fushimi Inari, dedicated to the rice god. If you do visit, keep a look out for the many ornaments in the form of foxes. These were traditionally the animal messengers of Inari. The shrine is beautiful and peaceful; especially in the evening light. The most stunning feature of this temple are the various spectacular gates or tori around it.

Even more examples of these gates are found at the second local Shinto temple. Heian Jungu is a nineteenth century temple that is dedicated to two Japanese Emperors, Kammu and Komei. It was built to commemorate eleven hundred years since the founding of the city. At the end of each October, the Jidai Matsuri festival is held here. Thousands of people parade and celebrate the day when Kyoto was made the capital of Japan, despite the fact that it no longer holds this honor.

There are also some interesting places to visit if you are less keen on temples. The Imperial Palace is a spectacular complex of buildings with many beautiful gardens and interesting architectural features. The current palace was constructed in the eighth century, as similar to Tenryuji, it too has suffered from a number of fires. Numerous Emperors have also chosen to be crowned here at the Palace.

The district of Gion is one of the most famous features of Kyoto. An exciting day can be sent wandering its charming streets, trying to spot a geisha or maiko in traditional dress. Geisha are trained entertainers, and not as is often believed, prostitutes. The area has been well preserved so many of the buildings date from the Middle Ages and there is a unique atmosphere appealing to most tourists.

Kyoto is also a busy modern city, and offers excellent shopping among other things. This gives those of you less interested in historical sights an opportunity to spend time seeking out the latest fashion and technology.

While Western liberal secularism has come to be ridiculed as yet another form of a repressed organized religion, it seems that the Japanese have figured out a way to truly live as they wish. Where else would you find someone who is born within one religion, marries under entirely different customs, and dies as a member of a third religion? Although Shinto is Japan's indigenous religion (or, more precisely, spirituality), with most births registered with Shinto shrines, the population follows Buddhist and Christian practices as well. Japan is a role model for tolerance in our increasing polarized world.

Shinto in Japan
Shinto, literally meaning "Way of Gods," is Japan's indigenous religion. You will come across several denominations of Shinto in Japan. The most widespread is Shinto Shinto followed by Folk Shinto and Sect Shinto. The imperial family of Japan follows its own brand of Shinto known as the Imperial Household Shinto. Much of the Shinto religion in Japan has been influenced by Buddhist practices. Ko-Shinto, or "Old Shinto" aims to follow the original Shinto prior to the introduction of Buddhism.

Buddhism in Japan
In Japan, you will find mainly three forms of Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is most common. Nara Buddhism is practiced in some parts of the country, though not as much as Mahayana. With the arrival of Buddhism in the sixth century, both Shinto and Buddhism were practiced in tandem. However, in 1886, the two were separated as part of the Meiji Restoration. In this separation, Shinto got the status of the official religion. Today, when they pass away, the Japanese choose to be cremated according to Buddhist literals. In general, they use Shinto for events relating to life, while Buddhism is for events relating to death and the afterlife.

Christianity in Japan
Christianity was introduced in Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Toyotomi Hideyoshi of the Momoyama period imposed a ban on Christian missionaries, but the ban was drawn during the Meiji Restoration in 1873 and missionaries again started spreading their message. Western Japan has been most heavily influenced by Christianity, although Christian weddings are emerging as a constant alternative to traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies through Japan. Wedding chapels are even being designed as churches. The Japanese also celebrate other Christian holidays and traditions such as Christmas and Valentine's Day. Interestingly, the men are the ones who receive chocolate from the women on Valentine's Day in Japan, only to give back on a separate celebration of love known as White Day.

My friend, guitarist Brian Hughes, toured with the Chieftain’s in Japan as an opening act with Loreena McKennitt. He then went on to perform with the Chieftains in North America and Europe when they were promoting their album Santiago. In Japan they played about ten shows between Tokyo and Osaka, mainly at soft seat classical concert halls. The seating ranged from 1500 to 4000 capacity. They were booked through the agent Plankton who specializes in Celtic music. Although the audiences were enthusiastic Brian felt that Celtic music was still a niche market in Japan.

Celtic Music and Traditional Japanese Music: A Comparison

If you listen to many of the traditional Japanese folk melodies they have a bittersweet quality that is similar to traditional Celtic music. The Japanese minor pentatonic scale is different from the western one but some phrases especially when they go into the major could easily be bits of Irish or Scottish folk songs. If you look at the traditional transverse folk flute the shinobue, it is really not that different from the fife, or Irish flute in terms of fingering. The technique of sliding and taping with the whistle or the shinobue are also similar.

Where to Find Celtic Music in Japan

The major labels in Japan all have Celtic music under license and CDs are available as imports. A reputable distributor of Irish music in Japan is a company called Music Plant. I think they probably are affiliated with Plankton. JVC (Japan Victor Corporation) directly signed the group ANAM. They have recorded two albums for JVC and have toured Japan three times. A talented young musician from England, Tim Edey who played button accordion on my latest album Celtic Heartland just joined the group recently. There was a company in Tokyo called Trinity who was specializing in importing traditional Celtic CDs but I am not sure they are still in operation. Brian Cullen an Irishman from Wicklow now living in Nagoya has his own label for marketing his own material called Celtic Otter music and he has published collections of ballads.

There is a Celtic festival held annually in Tokyo at Ryutsu Center. They have music and dance performances, fashion shows, arts and crafts exhibitions and seminars and workshops.

There is an organization called CCE Japan that provides lessons for most Irish instruments as well as Set Dance and Gaelic. CCE Japan is the Japanese branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, an association for promoting

Japanese Musicians Specializing in Irish Instruments

There are some quite accomplished Japanese Celtic musicians. Isao Moriyasu, who began as a classical recorder player, now specializes in Irish flutes. He lectures at Kunitachi Music College and has written a book on Irish music. He often performs with his wife Masako who plays Celtic harp, concertina and bodhran. Mayumi Nagaura who is a member of The Rising Pints, also has her own group called BIRD. She is a really good accordion, tin whistle and bodhran player. She has encouraged many other Japanese to learn Irish instruments.

Western Celtic Musicians in Japan

There are a few musicians who have formed groups with foreign and Japanese members. Examples include the Rising Pints and the now defunct Eye Wish as well as a group in Sendai called Callanish.

The Pub Circuit in Japan

There are many Irish pubs in Japan such as Dubliners, O’Carolan’s, The Pint, The Warrior Celt, Shamrock that regularly have music. Irish pubs all have regular sessions as well. Because rent is at a premium particularly in the major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto the venues are smaller than you would expect in America or Europe. Like many jazz clubs in this country the capacity ranges from as little as 50 to 200 comfortably. Brian Cullen reports that the Osaka Dubliners claims to have had 600 customers on a St. Patrick’s day a few years ago. I would say that must be the maximum and that is after a few pints. Westerners are usually surprised by the amount of the cover charges. Generally to see a band a 3000 yen cover charge is pretty typical. CD prices are still about 2500 yen as well.

While Celtic artists are not household names like major rock stars, the interest in Celtic music is likely to continue to grow in Japan for some time to come.

© 2005 Ron Korb – All Rights Reserved

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Who would have expected a nascent revival in an economy that's been sluggish for the past decade? A series of timely events have commingled into a propitious mix for the Japanese economy. Already, there are sure economic indicators promising a growing opportunity. There are burgeoning but relatively untapped sectors of the Japanese market which offer many exciting inroads. There is still time to ride the Japanese wave. It's growing big and fast on the arc of the 2020 Olympics. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors in April 2015 alone, pushed near the 1.8 million mark. That is just one month. Japan looks set to be on the way to break another tourism record by this year end.

"The Nikkei may have rallied 50% over the past two years, but the prevailing positive impact of Abenomics means it is not too late to benefit from investment growth in Japan." (Emma Wall, 9 April 2015)

I. Abenomics

We can expect a period of political stability since, Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, is still in control. Also, he has the support of Haruhiko Kuroda who was appointed Governor in March 2013. Kuroda heads the Bank of Japan and shares similar views to the Prime Minister. He is supportive of his plans.

II. A Weakening Yen

The yen's declination is transforming Japan's reputation as a newly affordable destination. It is no longer a prohibitively expensive place to visit. The weak yen has made Japan a very attractive holiday option and is turbocharging the country's tourism industry. Foreign visitor numbers have surged, while the Japanese are doing more sightseeing at home.

III. Surge in Tourism

The signs are obvious. There are increasing stores selling second-hand branded goods, employing Mandarin speaking staff to cater solely to the Chinese mainlanders. A combination of Abenomics and a weakened yen has paid off into a surge of tourists from the Chinese mainland. However, the Chinese were not the only tourists.

There has been a steady influx from Taiwan, Thailand and Korea as well. These tourists are coming in by the droves and spending like never before. When you take a walk in any major shopping precinct or attraction, you will hear Taiwanese and Chinese accents, and some Thai. In Bic Camera, a mega electronics store spanning 7 levels of electronic goods, the announcements are made in Mandarin, Korean and Thai. The English version was starkly missing. At Kansai International Airport, you hear and see more than 50% of tourist arrivals there are Chinese mainlanders, with possibly Taiwanese in the mix.

Historically, there is already a strong and regular Korean presence in Japan. There are Korean trains established into the Japanese way of living, where you see Kimchi as a staple item in Japanese supermarkets, and some Korean dishes offered as a common dish on the menu. Takadanobaba, in Tokyo and its surroundings has a robust Korean population. A flourishing Korean economy has been sending an increasing flow of Koreans into Japan, especially as the prices of Korean goods and services has risen significantly.

"Finally, the next most significant development outside of corporate governance reform has been the takeoff of Japan's burgeoning tourism industry. Chinese tourists visiting Japan was up an astounding 80% in 2014, representing a new area of ​​substantive demand. For example, Fukuoka, a gate city in the Kyushu Island with 1.5million residents, welcomes the same number of tourists (1.5million) per year, mostly arriving from China. of any weight restrictions placed on luggage. The economic contribution of tourism is roughly the equivalent of adding 1.5 million people to the population of Japan because so much money is spent. " (David Thorpe, 18 June 2015)

Sources:

• Morningstar
• JP Morgan

This is a broad ranging topic that requires an exhaustive account of history and sociology. Since I live in Japan I will give you just a few points to explore based on my experience living and working here in Japan. How has Japan changed since ancient times to the present has a lot to do with the national identity and character associated with Japanese culture.

In Ancient Japan, the Japanese were an agrarian people. They toiled in their fields and farmlands yielding crops, vegetable, and fruit that they would either sell on the market, trade with others, or give to marauding samurai. In terms of wealth the Japanese were poor, but they shared what they had. They were generous and thoughtful.

There was a strong sense of community amongst the Japanese people and a strong devotion to the hierarchy. That means following socially acceptable norms of the times, and not questioning this hierarchy nor the government. You did what you were told.

Strong community cohesiveness was very important for the Japanese back then, even during the most difficult of times. Giving was more important than receiving. Trust was not earned, it was given regardless of who you were. Your word was your bond.

Virtues such as patience, kindness, mercy, and devotion to the martial spirit were common place. Letters and the arts flourished in ancient Japan and people strove to excel in these areas. There was a sense of wholesomeness and purity that transcended money and power.

Modern Japan has all but forgotten about the core virtues. Many of them focus only on their jobs and careers while caring very little about other people. Trust no longer exists outside of each person’s closed community, and people no longer greet strangers nor do they open their doors to them. The computer is the new paradigm for socializing. Young people have become more withdrawn from society, no longer able to deal with the pressures of dating, marriage, and career.

Many young working professionals have settled for mediocre positions within their companies because they have no interest in being promoted. Japanese culture has lost a lot of its appeal with the younger generation. Japanese kids are more interested in Christmas and Halloween and celebrations that have nothing to do with their own culture and history. Selfishness has replaced generosity. The ancient ways of Bushido are no longer taught in modern academia, and is considered old and outdated. Where there was trust, now there is fear. Where there was hope, now there is doubt.

What’s left are fragmented pieces of Japan’s culture. You can still see the culture in its cuisine, but little by little you see more fusion concepts being adapted into Japanese cooking. National sports such as Sumo, Judo, and Kendo are no longer considered sacred and pure, now these sports are tainted in scandal over criminal allegations of misconduct.

You can still see the beautiful kimonos being worn on special occasions. Classical theater can still be enjoyed. Japan still observes its culture, but not as much as during ancient times. Times have changed, and Japan is changing with the times.

September 14th, Japanese PM embarked on his two day journey to India for annual Indo-Japan summit. The visit was particularly significant, coming as it did in the background of BRICS summit and post-doklam crisis. It would be worth mentioning here that Japan was the only country which openly endorsed India's stand in Doklam crisis. The bilateral visit achieved little concrete success except for the much hyped bullet train inauguration. Their joint statement provides us with an excellent document to review the outcome of this visit. We will also try to compare it with last year's joint communique to get a better perspective.

Bullet trains: win-win for Japan, 'might-be-win' for India

Speaking on its inauguration, PM Modi thanked Japan for providing bullet trains "almost free". Japan has pledged a soft loan of Rs. 88000 crore at 0.1% interest. While on the face of it, the rate appears to be too generous, in reality it's too costy if seen from Japanese perspective. The BOJ offers loans at almost zero rates to combat deflation so anything above zero percent must come as a win. It gets an opportunity to advance its surplus, idle money profitably and that too without any technology transfer. This will come as a face palm moment for many news anchors who were peddling these rumors. Given India's existing inflation differential which is predicted to remain on similar lines it's only going to get costlier paying this debt. India's upward growth trajectory and yen's volatility is only going to aggravate the situation. And this is not all, add to this the costs to be incurred in ancillary projects like providing connectivity to new stations, providing parking spaces etc. and what we get is a colossal figure.

But there's obviously a way to salvage this cost. If India is able to generate employment, if this experiment is able to kick start local innovation and manufacturing, if we are able to make the present route profitable (which seems undesirable now), then, yeah, this might turn out to be golden egg . But there's lots of ifs and eliminating them is an uphill task.

China: the elephant in the room

There's a lot of mention of word 'Indo-pacific / Asia-pacific' in both these statements. Given the inherent tensions between China and japan over sovereignty of Senkaku and Diaou islands and between India and China over border, it seemed logical for their interests to converge. From discussions on North Korea to maintaining peace in Indo-pacific region to OBOR, the joint statement has it all. But there's a noticeable absence of the mention of UNCLOS (it appears only once) and South China Sea. Perhaps that's no longer a burning issue thanks to the pliant nature of ASEAN and other countries party to the conflict.

The rather long mention of North Korean crisis is surprising, since there's very little for India to offer here. It's a pressing issue for Japan, no questions about that, but India's abhorrence to military solutions and its penchant for non-interference, there's greater possibility of it remaining neutral. It also came as a coincidence after last month when a top US Pacific commander spoke about '' greater '' Indian role in resolving Korean crisis. Déjà vu! 1950s.

The other thing that joint communique mentions is OBOR. The statements almost entirely mirror India's concerns and its inclusion can be taken as a diplomatic success. Be it concerns regarding debt management or better financial management or sovereignty issues, the communique has it all. It's rather interesting given the fact that Japan did send a high level delegation to OBOR summit held in May this year.

Other significant arguments include the two countries willingness and determination to work together in infrastructure and other development projects in Africa and strengthen relations with ASEAN. But it's the talk on terrorism that has shown a marked improvement. Unlike last year's, this year's statement explicitly mentions JeM, LeT, AQ, ISIS and their affiliates. The call to stop "cross-border movement of terrorists" has remained unchanged though.

The missing blocks

While the visit was high on theatics and visuals, thanks to bullet train, it turned out to be a missed opportunity for movement on defense and energy deals. While the energy talks are obviously assuming on how fast the two countries move on complete implementation of nuclear deal, it's the defense deals that are in limbo. No major movement was visible in the sale of US-2 amphibian aircraft. All that the joint statements statement is the "Japan's willingness to provide" it and "the high degree of trust between the two countries".

Another not insignificant is the reference to joint development of infrastructure in Chabahar port. While 2016 joint statement makes an explicit mention, 2017 appears to be silent on it. Looks like US sanctions on Iran are hanging heavy over Japan now.

While Japan still remains India's largest donor and a notable FDI provider, the trade has been on a downward spiral. It has steadily declined from $ 14.51 billion in 2015-16 to $ 13.61 billion this year. The exports to Japan too have halved and trade deficit has widened. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2011 was expected to boost bilateral trade in goods and services but is far from realizing its goal. Compare this with $ 71 billion trade (mostly one sided) between India and China and the difference between trade relations become starkly visible.

There's a huge potential of growth as far as Indo-Japan relations are concerned. Instead of working on piecemeal initiatives like bullet train or some projects in Africa, what is required is a comprehensive approach to remove roadblocks ailing trade relations. Post Paris climate deal, there is huge opportunity in energy sector. Given our energy requirements and determination to harness clean energy, Japan's technology could come in handy. The civil nuclear deal would be a cherry on the top. Much differences remain on two countries stand on trade related issues as is visible from their negotiations at RCEP, WTO etc. Effort should be taken to harmonize their views on sticky issues like IPRs, ISDS, tariffs etc. The defense talks too need to be taken on priority basis. The two countries need to coordinate more closely on different world issues at international fora's. Enhancing People to people relations will open new avenues of cooperation. The bilateral visits provide us with a chance to review relationships and identify bottlenecks and in case of India and Japan, despite the bromance between the head of states and inherent goodwill between citizens much remains to be done. As they say, Ye Dil Maange more .

Japan dating agencies are very eager to address the need of foreigners who are attracted to Japanese women. No one can deny that Japanese gals are unique, as they are sweet and have a calm yet pleasant demeanor. Men who are driven wild by the chink eyes and white, supple and soft Japanese skin can now have an easy way to meet the Japanese girl of his dreams. Thanks to the internet and all the pleasant things it brings to every one.

Meeting the perfect girl needs patience and perseverance. Who knows you can find her with the help of one of the dating agencies? One must be bold enough to claim that one true love even it is through online. Here is a list of some of the hottest Japan dating agencies:

1. The Transpacific Marriage Agency (TMA). The Transpacific Marriage Agency has started in the year 1994 making it possible for pretty Japanese women to get connected with foreigners and have a good marriage. It is not everyday that the one you want comes along. Thanks to this agency, many Japanese women are happily settled across the globe or in Japan too.

2. The Tokyo Dating Agency. Tokyo, being the capital of Japan, leads the nation to making it possible for Japanese women to be introduced to the world. Being proud of the dainty and sweet Japanese women, Tokyo helps them search for the man who can give them love and security. Either in Japan or outside this country, Tokyo dating agency can help interested foreigners to find a girl who can meet his needs and love too.

3. The Japanese Women Marriage Agency. Japanese women are very much ready now to take on the world and meet men from different races. The Japanese Women Marriage Agency is one tool on finding the Japanese woman of your type whom you can really fall in love with and finally bring to the altar to exchange vows with. Japanese women have good hearts and faithful. They are committed to the married life once they have vowed to love you. Happiness is all you’ve got.

4. The Japanese Marriage Agency. Marriage is one need that most people would like to live with in order to have a fruitful life. The Japanese Marriage Agency is committed to connecting people who might find their happiness with a Japanese citizen. With all the glory of Japan, a Japanese girl is certainly one pride that any man can have. This agency has helped hundreds of foreigners to find a nice, warm and loving Japanese woman and marry her to keep her a loving wife.

5. Asian Dating Agency. Asian Dating Agency is a dating agency for Asian men and women. They offer online and offline services to make Asian couples have the time of their lives. Asia is fantastic. Its people made it so. The spark starts with a fantastic date.

To meet someone whom you think you have waited all your life does not happen by chance. It happens by choice. If you feel you are longing for an Asian woman, a Japanese one, online agencies can surely help you. There are many choices and your mind might twirl with all the beautiful girls there. Thanks to Japan dating agencies, all you have to do now is to dig deeper in order to know her and ultimately, love her.

As a serious martial artist, I spend my time around people who devote huge chunks of their lives to the martial arts. Many of these people have dove right into the deep and life-changing journey that is the progress towards mastery. Many of these same people are also deeply interested in the history and the exciting legends that surround the lives of the great martial artists of the past. I am quite conversant in the many tales of derring-do of the likes of Miyamoto Musashi, Yagyu Muneyoshi, and Hattori Hanzo, to name a few. Tales like theirs have inspired generations of budding martial artists to continue and pursue mastery in their chosen art. These tales serve an important purpose and give the modern martial artist a link to the rich history of the martial arts.

Something else I hear pretty frequently is the phrase, “I wish I lived back in feudal Japan.” Granted, I understand quite well where the person who says this is coming from: the gilded sengoku jidai (warring states period, ~1450-1603) that is kept alive in the legends is a place of adventure and honorable combat, a place where legends live and freedom is won at the blade of a skillful sword.

However, as one with a good working knowledge of the conditions of the sengoku jidai, I steer away from these statements of longing. There are a number of easily overlooked or quickly forgotten simple facts that put the kybosh on these dreams real fast. The answer to the question: “would you want to live in feudal Japan?” should almost certainly be, “NO WAY!”

Let’s take a look at why:

For one thing, the name sengoku jidai really says what it means – Warring States. This time was tumultuous and chaotic, with life expectancy down in Japan as low as it was in Europe during the same period. In Europe, the low levels of cleanliness ushered in by the post-plague years, coupled with bad diet and lack of working medicine, lowered the life expectancy to below fifty. In Japan, despite the healthy diet and working knowledge of natural medicine, life expectancy was worse than or equal to that of the average contemporary European. This was due almost exclusively to the rampant war that occurred between the many feudal states that divided Japan. The chances of being involved in a battle were high – for everyone, not just the warrior class. The peasants and craftspeople, commoners and courtiers, all were equally threatened by the advancing and constant tide of war.

An important note about war – war requires weapons, and weapons require steel. Constant war also requires large groups of people, most of whom are poorly trained conscripts. It would be a poor decision to outfit large groups of conscripts with expensive, high quality weaponry. These people were often furnished with low quality, secondhand gear, often scavenged off of the dead after battle. Battles, marching, and general army activities caused more than average exposure to the elements. What resulted was a nasty equation: poorly trained conscripts, combined with cheap steel weapons and exposure to weather, yields rusty, weathered weapons in the hands of a great many people on the front lines of an encounter.

This puts the feudal Japanese literally at the center of Tetanus Junction. The convenient tetanus inoculations of the modern era are taken for granted by most, but for the feudal Japanese samurai, conscript, or any other person, sustaining even a scratch could spell death through the agonizing onset of lockjaw. This is not even to mention the health risks of being present on a large battlefield covered in corpses of men and horses lying out in the open, strewn with discarded weapons, many of which are rusty.

Even if one won the fight and defeated his opponent, the risk of tetanus or other infection from small wounds sustained was high. The Daimyo (lord) Ii Naomasa, a vassal of the famous Tokugawa Ieyasu, sustained a firearm wound in the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and spent the next year and a half lingering before he died of complications from the very same wound. And remember, as a lord under the victor of the battle and soon-to-be ruler of all Japan, Naomasa had access to the best possible medical treatment available. It is interesting to note that a tactic utilized by some ninja (special operatives) in sengoku jidai, was to allow their throwing blades and spikes, swords, and other cutting weapons to rust. This allowed them to present frightening, visibly extra dangerous weapons in battle, striking fear into the hearts of those opposed and giving the ninja the upper hand.

In addition to the general state of war and the disease hazards posed by battle, the fact was that even the poorly trained conscripts so disdained by the samurai were expert warriors in comparison to most human beings today. For most, even their grandparents had been born during a time when war was ever-present. The idea of fighting to preserve house and home was second-nature to nearly everyone. One would be hard pressed to find a person in that era who was not familiar with conflict intimately – even amongst the clergy. The level of familiarity with combat meant that a great deal of the population was at the very least accustomed to the use of some weapon or another, even if the standard ones were not allowed, as in the case of non-samurai, who were legally barred from possessing swords after the late 1580s. The feudal Japanese were nothing if they were not a people painfully familiar with war. From the children entering battle at ages that would not earn them a middle school diploma in modern society to the young housewives wielding naginata (halberds) against marauding home invaders, there were few, even among the low classes, who had not seem more death and conflict than most people alive today.

In short, feudal Japan was a place that was war-torn, exposed people to high risk of battle-related disease, and had a populous that was nearly ubiquitously familiar with war and warfare. One of the reasons that people like Miyamoto Musashi and Hattori Hanzo were and are looked up to so greatly is that they managed to succeed and thrive in feudal Japan, despite the rampant war, the battle illnesses, and the general warlikeness of their fellow Japanese. The sheer level of knowledge and skill these people learned through their life experience must have been staggering! Beyond the three big issues I have covered here, there are countless other factors that made the lives of the feudal Japanese difficult and dangerous, even in peacetime. So, when you build your time machine and ask me if I want to go back and live in feudal Japan, I’ll be saying, “No.” Good luck out there, though!