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It`s the end of the year and so I thought I`d do a best of Undercover in Japan. I didn`t do one last year so today`s is for the six months I blogged in 2004. I`ll have one for this year in the next few days:

1: Nepalese pipe music

My experience with a meeting for foreigners as an excuse for Japanese people to show off their mediocre opera singing skills and a Nepalese man to put us all to sleep with his pipe music (and possibly rob us at the same time.)

2: My tale of cockroach war

A cockroach was spotted at nineteen hundred hours taking temporary shelter under a cushion on the floor. My sentry - Reiko - had spotted the enemy and after having alerted her commanding officer - myself - and taking refuge on a chair, battle lines were drawn…

3: English teaching tips

Concerning the fat kid and sports questions.

4: Japanese personals ads

These are found in the back of magazines for the foreign community in Japan. The Western/Japanese combination provides excellent comedic fodder. Sample ad:

Handsome WM seeks attractive JF who also has herpes. Lets not worry. Email….

5: More Japanse personals

6: Yet more Japanese personals

7: Tales of woe on the telephone.

“S. san? Do I look like a S. san for Pete`s sake? I`m English. Go away before I call the police.”

8: Christmas in Japan

All in all the Japanese have embraced it as it is a fun festival no matter what your beliefs. This is a time to give presents, thank those around you and decorate your house with bright lights. It`s no wonder they like it.

Tags: Japan, Osaka, Asia, Quaisi, Kansai, Expat, English, 2004, Best, Of