merchant or samurai

Last year, 13 Dec 08, I met a man in his 60s, my dad’s friend. Well, I met him in Kyoto and spent time with him for almost 1 whole day. He is an interesting man and I love talking to him. He speaks good english, btw.

I was very happy to meet him and perhaps the same thing as him. He himself likes to meet foreigners and exchange ideas. I have to say that he is not a typical japanese. He is not queit, he studies insect! Could you believe it? I have to say it was an enriching day spending time with him. Of course at times I was wondering whether people think we are strange because I was pretty young and he was pretty old and we dont look like father-daughter. Then…

Anyway, I just wanted to recap our topic of conversation as a remembrance for myself. So, what did I learn from him?

1. He is engaged with foreigners. Yeah, since university days, he did have foreigners friends and kept in touch with them, especially all those who specialised in insects. Well, apparently he came from a wealthy famliy so he can spend time doing such vocations and in fact, helping his eastern european friends during their political turmoil.

I learnt of his generosity and vividness to learn. Many years ago when he sent money to his eastern europe friends, the government took the money which he sent through the post office. So, what he did was, he slipped the money in between the dried insects he sent to his friends to investigate. Wow, what a clever idea!

2. I learnt about his opennes and  ingenuity. I was surprised he dared telling me many stories of which some of them a little bit out of bound. He told me of his sickness, diabetes. He also told me about his doctor in osaka who was also deceased matsushita san’s doctor.  He also told me about his daily activities and his family.  btw, I am pretty sure he did not lie.  He did say many other things, but I prefer not to disclose them.

3. This point is perhaps something that I need to bear in mind and stamp it. He told me that his ancestors were merchants. In those days, people were crazy to become samurai. But his ancestors chose to become merchants and became very wealthy because of that. In the context of Japanese culture, merchants is the lowest social class. So, well, you figure it yourseld.

I guess the world never changes.  As the past idolised samurai, there are things that today’s world idolised and it makes us blind of other things as it seems lower class and well, we just don’t think it is worth doing.

Well, it really got me thinking!

chinese new year

Gong Xi Fa Chai!

Yeah, happy prosperous new year . I have never really thought so much of the significance of the wish until today! New year is very important not only for resolution, but it is a new expectation, a new hope and a better future.

That is my wish for this year. Last year was great! But, this year would definitely be better!

My family do not really care about tradition, yeah thanx to my dad who dislike inconvenience. So, I grew up not knowing its importance. But as I journeyed my life, I begin to unfold its significance, the family gathering, the giving of ang bou and many others. Of course we need to see it in modern light. Today, I spent the new year among my friends. Yeah, I am not going back. I could not in fact. But, I really treasured what I have. The friends I have and the opportunity to know them and spend time with them. There will be time when I have my own family, there would be hardly any time for friends, wouldn’t it?

Today’s wisdom

An honest answer
       is like a kiss on the lips. Prov 24:26 (NIV)

I am going to start blogging everyday. At times, it is just difficult to keep the schedule as I have other things to do and this week has been pretty hectic. For this reason, I am just going to enlist what I learn everyday from the bible. Err.. I am not going to give a thumping preaching, not my duty at all. I would like, however, to enrich myself in daily wisdom that I may behave appropriately and honorably everyday.

Well, as for today, the thing that caught my eyes is the important of the right answer. As I am embarking a new journey as a consultant, beginning with financial consultancy, I am of course must not only be equipped with the right knowledge and tools, but really the wisdom to know and understand the clients and just sincerely give the right answer to their needs.

I am, however, a little worried about what an image financial consultant would bear. But today, I met a friend who is really affirming me and supporting me. Well, despite the possible rejection, we still need someone who can advice us on our financial issue. It was an honest answer and it really affirmed me to go forward.

in the beginning

Today, 19 Jan’09, exactly last month I came back from Japan, excited, full of hope. I thought everything will be great. I will start my career as a designer, not clothes, but chips.  I was hopeful, till the day I came to the office to sign the contract and the manager told me (us) that it was an impossible thing due to the current and going financial crisis. I was a little shattered, not so much for the job, but from the way they treated me (us). It was so easy to tell YES yesterday, last week, last month, last 3 months and say NO today. Not taking into account that they deal with people with feeling and emotion. I was pretty upset, again not so much for the job if I need to emphasis, but for being lied to. I know they didn’t mean it that way, nobody thinks they did, but they did. There goes my valuable training in Japan. Not a total waste though, I picked up Japanese, I built new relationships and I built myself. I identified my strength and weakness, I am really happy the way I am.  To find myself was the greatest thing during my 15 month in Japan.

Back to the job, the truth is somewhat I am pretty happy that I am not employed. It released me from the compulsory bond and somehow I am no longer tied to be an engineer. I was worried though, what I am going to do and how I am going to account to my parents. There was disappointment and fear, but in general I took it very positively. Somehow I know this is not my path.

So, after that, I went home for christmas and new year. I met 2 cute nephews of mine and I was really happy to see them. I miss them. Huaa… Just to make the story short, my siblings are doing great, my parents are well too. Everyone is very happy. The only thing was, they were worried about me. Yeah, who wouldn’t? Knowing my age, my career… so… I was a little broken with what happened. I know they love me, but there are things that they said they hurt me. Of course I could not tell them. Anyway, I would not take anyting too hard.

So, in the beginning of the year, I am back in singapore. I was clueless. I do have some ideas, but not sure how to implement them. I did contact people and asked them for help or advice. It happened that I met a long time friend who told me to join her as financial consultant first. Well, I will not elaborate about her. Anyway, I am taking her advice and I registered for the exam.

Today, I went for the first exam, on the capital market and insurance basic rules. Thank God I passed. I was worried because not ample time to study and revised. This thursday will be another test. Wish me all the best.

That is all for now

about

I will again start to write a blog that will record my sojourn in Singapore. I hope I could write and blog interesting things that I observed, thought and did.

So, who am I?

Well, I am an idealist or should I say used to? I don’t know. Anyway, I spent almost an entire year of 2008 in Japan and it did change me. I have no intention to elaborate about that. I will blog about it though, but in private.

What am I doing now? I am soon going to embark on a new journey as a financial consultant. Well, I know that singapore is highly populated with such professions that it kinda has a stigma to it. But, I dont care! In fact, I am pretty excited about it and I am now thinking of the possible market. hehehe.

a new beginning

yeah, I am back in singapore. Well, there have been a sudden twist of fate as out of a sudden, i have become very free. As the year started, the time I spent in Japan was like a dream. It is a reality now. Again, I am back to square1. I could not believe it myself, but somehow I have not where I should have been. Everything  just crumbled before able to take off. Now, I need to think about my future in the midst of crisis.

So, I will just continue this blog and perhaps start to write something more essential. Gosh, how???

the last lap OLD

Well, this post is definitely a month old late. Thanx to my busy schedule! Anyway, the last 3 months in Japan is just a wrapped up for all the 12 months I have spent here. The last 3 months is not the time for me to push myself a bit harder be it in work or japanese learning or travelling. The last lap is meant for me to analyse how my life so far, to contemplate and completing things that are yet finished. The last 3 months are also the time for me to prepare and gear myself for the life back in Singapore. Indeed, Japan experience is great. I love it. It opens my eyes for many things that I have not seen before.

I love this place because I am away from the pressure I used to have. Sad, but true. Before I came to Japan, I have been pushed from every side, be it about career, having a bf and getting married of course (roll eyes), pressing hard for my faith and many many things that I have unconsciously bore. Evreyday I was so busy with meetings, catching up with friends and many many works. I have forgotten private time, just to chill out and relax and just stay home, wathing a comedy. Yeah, I don’t remember doing that.

In Japan, it is pratically a sabbatical leave. I almost have no responsibility, not many peopl to meet, no meeting of course and no pressure to do what is expected of me. I feel the freedom. I can think on my own and decide what I want to do. I do what I like and appreciate many things, be it people, nature and even the way of life here. Again, having said this, it does not mean Japan is easy to live or the most interesting place in the world. The life here is tough for the local. For sure, if i am to live here a year or 2 longer, i will feel the pinch. In Japan, everybody needs to follow the system and anyone who is different may feel uncomfortable.

As of now, I will go back to sg very soon, in about 7 weeks. So, basically I need to start packing and sending my things back and of course I need to buy some soveniours to make sure that people know I have been really living in Japan and friends will not feel neglected by me not giving anything after living here for so long.

If anyone would like to know how to survive in Japan, it is simple. Try to think as the local and do what the locals do. Just learn the language, it is not an easy language, trust me! But interesting enough that I could pick up the language pretty fast. It seems the words are inside me that when i heard the words, it connects. Strange, but true! It took me ages to decipher english, but japanse, if not for the kanji, i could have done much better.

One of the most important thing is to know the way of thinking. At first, we may be mistaken by their behaviour, but after 1 year, we will grasp what is actually on their mind. Not easy, but interesting in a way. Hehhe

As the time of going back is nearing, there is only 1 thing i need to do. yeah, I need to master the fashion here and the make-up. Gosh, it is damned difficult and pricey. Hua… But that is practically my goal for the last 7 weeks. Ganbarimasu…

milestone3 OLD

Oh no, I am going for my 7 month in Japan. So, what do I think of Japan? Is it as exciting as what Nihon’s fans think? well… well… it depends =P

Reviewing milestone2, it is rather far-fetched. I need to make it more down to earth this time.

So, the plan for the next 3 month is the following:

1. Travell

yeah, I will be doing some travelling. I have not decided on the place, but will make these 3 months a relax period.

2. Work

Hmmm, will continue to do my best. get along with colleagues and supervisors. making positive contribution and positive in all matters.

3. Spiritual life

errrr it is a question mark.

4. Japanese

Will be working on my kanji.

5. other skills

yeah, will be learning other things too.

milestone2 OLD

Period: January-March 2008

Obejctives: (tentative)

1. Work: will going to another section, will just do my best, not sure what to expect

2. Neighbourhood: will try to join a cell group?

3. Japanese: will go to the next 300 kanji, making it 600 altogether. This will definitely take more than 3 months . Will try to finish the beginner level.

4. Fashion. Will master the art of make-up and fashion. Will not go out of the house without make-up!

5. Travel: will be greatly reduced! stay home months! Honey moon has ended

Summary of the 3 months:

1. Oh c’mon, give me a break. This is what I can say about work. Starting this year, the work has been really hectic as in really really hectic! I have started to see what working means to Japanese. It is their life, it is perhaps the center or almost the center of life of every men or women as well. I see the total devotion of work and the good spirit towards work. Yeah, most of them do good works. I have to say it is a thumbs up. I guess that is why Japanese products do have refined quality. It has to pass through so much strict testing and re-testing and double and triple check. yeah, but they come with a huge cost. Everyman works long hour.

Ok, so what have I learnt? I guess whatever I am learning is basically the Japanese style of working/ training. It is definitely not what I think before, so it is not to be compared. There are defnitely ups and downs moments, times when I could not take it anymore. yeah, not if one does not understand the culture, it is tough. I said once again, tough!

Anyway, everything is generally ok. I met new friends in the office and they are nice to me.

2. Ah, I have also joined a cell group in my church. well, it is not as I expected, but I learn to understand what it is done in a certain way. =). I have been trying to build my spiritual life here too. Not easy, I have been missing bible reading and praying, but I keep trying. Hang on…

As for neighborhood, it is just no time! However, I did go out with my japanese friend from the church. But I guess that is as far as I go to know the people.

3. Japanese language is just tough. Kanji-wise, no way. I only know around 200 kanji. The bottom line is, no time to revise the kanji. It is hard enough to have time to learn Japanese. yeah, tough. Besides, language  must be used frequently of which I need to meet more people. However, starting this year, things have been pretty tiring, taihen desu ne.

I will work harder on the next quarter, defnitely will use it more often and learn new grammar and words.

4. fashion and make-up. Improving, I guess I have used light make-up when I went out. However, fashion wise is not yet. I need to set budget for clothes. -_-”

5. Travell… hehhehe I have just visited the area in my perfecture, hakone, odawara.. The only routine leisure I did was onsen, it is relaxing considering the cold weather. hehhehehe…

that’s alll..

milestone1 OLD

 Objectives:

1. Adjustment to the new environment both neighbourhood and office

2. Building relationships with the the people I come into contact with, in the office, apartment, neighbourhood and church

3. Doing my job

4. Learning Japanese (basic, first 300 kanji)

5. Learning fashion (basicc)

6. Travelling

Progress:

Summary of the quarter:

1. As far as adjustment is concerned, it is good. I have found good shopping malls, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores and many things in the neighbourhood. I have even been to the library in my area. The library is indeed way below singapore’s sophisticated library. Over here, the library is small, almost run down (IMHO) in terms of book collection, not many visitors and almost no english books except a small 2-level shelf. Apparently, Japanese does not borrow books from the library, either rent or simply buy. However, I do believe the library in the university must be of good selection.

As for office, it is good. I knew all the people in the group and have talked and tried to build relationship with them. It is interesting to know about the company structure in the Japanese company and again we can see the imperfection in the seemingly perfect scenario. The poeple here is nice and helpful. I love their hard-worked and serious attitude towards work and their spirit of ownerships. Amazing! It is a hard virtue to be observed in singapore and perhaps in many other countries.

2. Relationships is a hard topic. I have quite a little problem with the people with whom I come with because of language barrier. However, in general everything is good. I have met several interesting people be it in the office, in the japanese class and in the church. It is great. I have to admit that I love meeting new people and start a chitchat. Hehehhe. I love to hear new things, to know what happens at the other side of the world and the kind of works people are doing. Yeah, really glad to be able to meet people of various background and nationalities.

3. Job-wise, it is ok. I have learnt quite a bit of new things and the work is good. I am glad that I do not have to do over-time as other colleagues.

4. Japanese. Sigh, this is hard. Japanese is not an easy language and well, there has been absence of classes for the past 3 weeks, so I have not been using it. So, the state of my Japanese is pretty bad and there are so many things yet to learn and catch up. Kanji-wise, it is tough, I think I only managed to know around 150 kanji. Not easy. At the moment I am not able to spend the time for the kanji, it needs tremendous amount of time. Anyway, I will work harder this year. yeah, very very hard.

5. Fashion. This is an interesting topic . Yeah, there is a slight change now. I have been learning about fashion and make-up. Errrr practically I use my free time to read magazine and learn about how to do the make-up. Yeah, much time has been spent. I have done many window-shopping as well. I have yet bought the clothes as I need to think carefully what I need. I plan to buy a pair of boots, but it is so expensive and many clothes which are equally expensive. -_-” how to solve this issue of pricing? However, interestingly I have grown interest in shopping and all the ladies-stuff. It is interesting.

6. Travelling. Hmmm hehehe, ok lah. I went to Hakone, a village near mount Fuji. It is a place where mt Fuji can be seen clearly. I have gone to Nikko as well, a beautiful place. I love to sightsee, but now I realise that everywehere in Japan is almost the same. Errrr…. it is just equally beautiful .

First 6 weeks  

1. Office: working on it. It has not been that easy especially the language barrier. Both of us speak either broken english or broken japanese. Friends: working on it. A little trouble in understanding each of us, all are apparently very different. Neighborhood: quite ok. Have been familiar with the complicated train systems, have been adjusted to the life of convenience store, supermarkets, bento, cheaper eating establishment and simple cooking.

2. Relationships is hard. It takes time and effort and trust. Working on it. As for church, sigh… not yet know anybody. I am quite shy to approach them. Definitely need to put more effort.

3. Training… so far so good. Still a long way to go. The only problem is my sleeping behaviour. I fall asleep very easily, problem still unsolved.

4. Japasene. Working on it. Attending 3 times japanese class. I must be nutz or total nerd. It is quite stressful and tiring, but well, I do not have anything to do at night. I better maximise the time into good use. As for kanji, it is a real sturggle. Currently, I know around 100 kanji, basic grammar and simple comversation.

5. Fashion: a BIG problem. I do not have an interest in shopping, but will try to find the solution.

6. Travelling: Kyoto (the city and Nijo castle covered), Yokohama (the bay area), Tokyo (Tokyo disneyland, Odaiba, Factory outlet, Tokyo Dome, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Tokyo tower, Asakusa and Ueno).  Note: transportation is really painful on the budget.

The first 6 weeks: