Latest news with #Konnichiwa
GMA Network
a day ago
- General
- GMA Network
Wanna learn Japanese? The Quezon City Public Library has free online classes
Did anybody say Konnichiwa? The Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) is once again offering free online Japanese language classes beginning on June 19. According to a press statement, the classes are designed for beginners and cover basic grammar, vocabulary, everyday greetings, as well as the basics of writing systems Katana and Hiragana. Classes will be led by instructors and trained volunteers from Jellyfish Education Philippines, Inc., which is QCPL's official partner since the program's launch in 2019. 'The QCPL's Free Online Language Class opens doors of opportunity for every QCitizen—reminding us that in Quezon City, learning knows no limits, and progress begins with knowledge,' QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said in the statement. The classes are free of charge but are limited to the first 500 participants. Interested parties must register through the Facebook page of QCPL. Once registered, they will receive a confirmation email. They must confirm their attendance within 24 hours otherwise, their slot will be given to the waitlisted. Since its 2019 start, the free Japanese language Program has already produced more than 3,500 graduates. It continues to be among the city's most in-demand learning programs. Apart from the two-hour class on June 19, there will be five more rounds of the free Japanese classes this year, according to the QCPL website. — LA, GMA Integrated News
NDTV
08-05-2025
- NDTV
Heading To Japan? Must-Know Dos and Don'ts For First-Time Travellers
Japan's charm doubles during the spring season. Every street and corner lights up with vibrant cherry blossoms, also known as sakura. It feels as if the country is bathing in a sea of pink and white. Besides this natural wonder, the Land of the Rising Sun also draws keen travellers for its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks like the secret gardens of Nara, Tokyo's revered Senso-ji Temple, Kyoto's ancient temples, and the majestic Mount Fuji. If a Japan getaway is on your mind, remember these travel guidelines, as the country maintains strict etiquette. Here Are 5 Dos In Japan: 1. Do Get Internet Access ASAP You need an active internet connection to navigate the train systems in Japan. Physical SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi are things of the past in this tech-savvy country. So, soon after landing in Japan, get hold of Jetpac's EPIC Japan packs, which will not only help you navigate but also allow you to stay in touch with family and friends and post all your holiday snaps. 2. Do Return Empty Trays And Clean After Yourself Japan is known for its cleanliness, and this cultural norm extends to dining etiquette. Once you finish eating at a restaurant or a fast food joint, it's an unspoken rule to return the tray to a designated area. Remember not to leave dirty plates on the table and dispose of any trash properly. 3. Do Learn Basic Japanese Phrases Although many people might speak English in big cities, some local neighborhoods may have fewer English speakers. Simple phrases like "Hello" (Konnichiwa), "Thank you" (Arigatou), and "Excuse Me" (Sumimasen) can help you connect with the locals, understand their culture, and make a positive impression, turning your vacation into a joyful experience. 4. Do Use Public Transport Public transport in Japan is a whole different world. Trains, buses, and subways are extremely punctual, clean, and easily accessible. The stations are equipped with maps and signboards written in both Japanese and English for easier navigation. Additionally, public transport is super affordable compared to taxis or car rentals. 5. Do Maintain Silence On Bullet Trains Bullet trains are known for their serene and calm environment. As a traveler, you must maintain decorum while riding on them. Speak softly, avoid loud discussions or raising your voice, and refrain from making phone calls. Trust us, the peace you'll feel during the journey will definitely enhance your experience. Here Are 5 Don'ts in Japan: 1. Don't Stand On The Wrong Side Of The Elevator In Japan, elevator etiquette changes according to the city you are in. For example, in Tokyo, you must stand on the left side, whereas cities like Osaka and Kyoto demand that you stand on the right side. Pro tip: If you're confused, simply follow the locals. 2. Don't Use Yellow Currency Exchange Booths When opting for currency exchange, never withdraw cash from the traditional yellow currency exchange booths. They charge a huge sum of money that can empty your pockets quickly. Instead, always rely on ATMs found at convenience stores to withdraw cash. They are easier to operate, open 24/7, and offer better rates. 3. Don't Walk Around Smoking And Eating As part of Japanese conduct, it is considered impolite and disrespectful to smoke and eat in public places, especially while walking. Instead, enjoy your meal at designated areas and have a puff at train stations, bus stands, or parks. 4. Don't Harass Sacred Deer In Nara Deer roam freely in the streets, parks, and temples in the Japanese city of Nara. These sacred animals are considered to be the messengers of God. So, if you encounter a deer on your way, don't tease them, as they are protected by law. Approach them with respect and feed them only the crackers provided for that purpose. 5. Don't Tip Service Staff In many Western countries, tipping service staff is perceived as a sign of good service, but not in Japan. Offering monetary tips to attendants is considered rude. The country swears by hospitality, known as omotenashi, which ensures customers receive the best service without the need for additional monetary rewards. Now that you're aware of the dos and don'ts of visiting Japan, we hope you'll be better prepared for your first trip.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB's Tokyo Series a Hit with Fans and Collectors
Konnichiwa, Collectors. The baseball season is officially underway, with the Dodgers sitting at 2-0 after sweeping the Cubs in the Tokyo Series. The games, featuring Japanese MLB stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki for the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki for the Cubs, was a huge success, with more than 25M fans in Japan tuning into the opening game. The series was also closely followed by collectors, with Topps releasing a special set of Series 1 cards, Complex, Topps and artist Takashi Murakami collaborating on suite of cards and merch that had lines snaking around retail outlets, and even MLB auctioning off jerseys, balls and bases from the games. Which makes us wonder, how did MLB authenticate and list all of those items for auction so quickly…? And here's our answer! published a deep-dive of MLB's authentication process, which aims to ensure the legitimacy of game-used memorabilia. Since 2001, MLB has authenticated over 10.5M items, including jerseys, baseballs, and other equipment. The authentication team, composed of former law enforcement personnel, catalogs and records items using a hologram system and a strict chain of custody. The long-read is a fascinating look at how items like the ball from Ohtani's first hit of the season, or Imanaga's jersey from Game 1, go from field to the auction block. A rare copy of baseball's most iconic card, the T206 Honus Wagner, known as 'The Connecticut Wagner,' is set to be auctioned in Goldin's Spring Vintage Auction starting May 21. The card, a PSA 1, which last sold publicly in 2010 for $282,000, is expected to sell for significantly more this time around, with estimates cresting the $5M figure. Meanwhile, another T206 Wagner, this one graded PSA Authentic (Restored), is heading to auction through Mile High Card Company, with the sale kicking off April 7. A copy of the other contender for 'baseball's most iconic card' is up for auction, and it arrived there under unique circumstances. Back in 1980, to settle a $100 debt tied to a game of pinochle, a man accepted a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in lieu of a crisp Benjamin. The card was then stored safely for 4 decades until it was inherited by his grandson, who got it graded (SGC 2.5) and sent it to Fanatics Collect for auction. The sale ends tonight, and at press time, bidding was already at $36,000, making the card-over-cash decision a very lucrative one. Hey! Are you reading Mail Day yet? Those who are got the hot tip to pick up J.J. McCarthy rookie cards on Tuesday, a day before news broke that he was likely to be named the Vikings starter headed into the upcoming NFL season. And Mail Day readers got the scoop on the new Capris Sun Moon Punch, that has collectors holstering their plastic straws to preserve the limited edition pouches. The next Mail Day, known in certain never-wrong circles as the most entertaining read in collectibles, drops Tuesday. To follow up on a story we've been tracking at Above the Mantel, the leader of a crime ring that stole and melted down priceless sports memorabilia, including Yogi Berra's World Series rings and Roger Maris' MVP awards, has been sentenced to an 8-year prison term. Earlier this month Thomas Trotta plead guilty to the crimes, including targeting museums and private collections to steal irreplaceable artifacts. In addition to the prison sentence, Trotta was ordered to pay over $2.7M in restitution. Today begins one of the best stretches in all of sports, March Madness. Heading into the tournament, all eyes are on freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, after he injured his ankle in the ACC Tournament. Flagg is expected to play, and his sports card market (and firm status as the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft) will be strengthened by a strong run in March. Think Flagg and Duke can win it all? Join Mantel's Bracket Mayhem on Yahoo Sports, where the winner will take home a box of 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald's All-American Basketball Mega Box. Your collection deserves a community. Download Mantel and subscribe to the Above the Mantel newsletter today.
