Squat toilets

Thanks for this Rachel - I didn't think of it... And I know a few of us are asian, but this still could be relevant... and you may not ever have to use one (we rarely did for the whole of 2003 in Japan)...

BUT...

You need to read this.

In most places (the apartments we're renting, shopping centres) there are western style toilets. But in train stations, conbinis (convenience stores) and perhaps in Biwako, this might be something to be prepared for. 

Being prepared means having talked to someone of the same sex about using them, and actually using them in a 'safe' environment first. Secondly, you should always have a little packet of tissues with you (sold everywhere in japan - even given away as advertising outside train stations!!).

Learning benri (useful/handy) Japanese

Following on from Joisu chan no language question...

I found a really useful site that it would be worth spending a few minutes at each day if you want to have a crack at some Japanese. There are games, videos, mp3s and lots of tips.

The site is not well organised, and you'll need to scroll down to get some explanations... I strongly recommend you continually explore this site!

I learned how to ask a child what kind of comics they like to read!

http://www.genkienglish.net/genkijapan/menu.htm

If you don't want to play around online, get this and be reading it:

http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/Primary/Region/ASIA/North_Asia/Japan/PRD_PRD_1819/Japanese+Phrasebook.jsp?ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=1408474395181057&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302025808&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441764317&bmUID=1224088034822

-d