Comments for ConstantineInTokyo.com

Comment on Midnight Runner: One Man’s Experience Teaching English in Rural China by Arizona

Arizona — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:40:40 +0000

A bit late, but I want to chime in.

I am an American who studied Business and Mandarin in college and I will fly to Tokyo in July to join the Jet Program later on this year.

I agree with many of his points, and it’s refreshing to find another Westerner with experience with China. I love the Chinese language, and have worked very hard at it in order to obtain a proficient level. However, although I have Chinese friends that I get along with well, I have to admit their mindsets are in serious need of reshaping.

They are more prideful in their country even compared to Americans during times when nationalistic propaganda runs high. They also seem to have a completely ignorant perspective on the rest of the world.

It’s different than the Japanese, who are just naturally undecided. Japanese people strive to be indifferent, while most Chinese people believe in their strong, distorted, censored views. The difference between these two mindsets is enormous.

I was also similar with him in the sense that I fell in love with China while many of my friends were very interested in Japan. However, I realized early on that I wouldn’t be as compatible with Chinese people compared to people of other East Asian countries (including Taiwan which I consider to be a different country, without their distorted visions of eliteness)

I will always like the Chinese language more than the Japanese language by far (and I am proficient in both) but I will always like Japanese behaviors and mindsets more.

Comment on My Facebook Page Was Hacked and Deleted by Joe

Joe — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:15:51 +0000

“Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace” Dalai Lama

Comment on われわれ日本人: We Japanese, You Gaijin by 本道

本道 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:01:42 +0000

hey,
I just stumbled upon this post accidentally.
I can relate to most you write about, it’s my second year in Japan.
I know it’s tough.. but I hope it’s worth it.

So, I just want to say:　ファイト！

Comment on JET Program Application Process: How Does JET Select Candidates? by Juvenal Moniz Amaral

Juvenal Moniz Amaral — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:24:44 +0000

JET programed i just found from web side when i access the net and this information i do not know exactly. and I really interest with this programed if it has opportunity for young people i would like to apply this programed that all my short information soon i am waiting for you. here is my address: i am Juvenal Moniz Amaral. from Timor-Leste currently i am studying at University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL) and now i am seventh(7) semester of English department and faculty of education art and humanity. here my phone number + 670 780 41 986

Comment on JET Program Sample Interview Questions by Harley

Harley — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:33:26 +0000

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you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You understand therefore considerably on the subject of this topic, produced me in my opinion believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated except it’s one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

Comment on JET Program Sample Interview Questions by Kelsey

Kelsey — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:39:16 +0000

Thank you for posting this! My interview is in 2 days and I’m super nervous! This is very helpful for preparation

Comment on JET Program Application Process: How Does JET Select Candidates? by JET 2nd-timer

JET 2nd-timer — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 21:39:28 +0000

Fabulous perspectives on experiences shared at your site! I was a JET ALT back in 1999 – 2002 in Chiba-ken, and I loved it! I reapplied to JET again and was just granted an interview. One reason I’m reapplying is that the program notified that ex-JETs CAN return. I also want to get back into teaching after working outside of the field since leaving JET, and I want to be immersed in the language again to push my Japanese fluency further to pass the JLPT exam (passing N2 level is my goal).

Do you or anyone reading this have any quick insight, experience, or advice regarding the interview questions the second time around, or the likelihood that I will be accepted as a second-time JET participant before I go into the interview this coming week? Does anyone know how much harder the interview is for previous JETs??? Anyone know the interview questions asked of second-timers??? Thank you, in advance!

Comment on Absolutely Grotesque: Feminist Literature in Japan by Christine

Christine — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:58:24 +0000

Thank you for writing this! I came across it today while researching for my JET Interview later this week. I was looking for some resources on what feminism in Japan looks like. Will have to check it out.

Comment on JET Program Application Process: How Does JET Select Candidates? by Tif

Tif — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:27:54 +0000

Hi,
I want to say thanks for the awesome information. Your blog has been a great source of guidance for me during my JET process. Your advice on the JET application helped me so much, and next week I’ll be interviewing! I have dreamed of participating in JET since my freshmen year of college. It’s exciting to see it slowly coming together, so I wanted to thank you.

Comment on Film Review: Pascal Laugier’s MARTYRS (2008) by Horror Movie Medication

Horror Movie Medication — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:47:03 +0000

Wow. That is an in depth review. I don’t know if I can look that deep into any movie. Especially one that (in my opinion) isn’t that deep. I was wondering, if you had to take a step into the picture, how would you categorize this movie?
I took a shot at it my self on my blog. I would love to have another critic give me some feedback on a review.

http://horrormoviemedication.blogspot.com/2013/02/martyrs-its-type-of-movie.html

Check it out, let me know.