Category Archive: For KCP Students
The recent final exam day at KCP was a momentous occasion, as the test results of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)* were delivered to the school. In order to advise students well, we checked scores for each student, then asked for their feedback on how they did on the test. We found out that one of our students, Ms. Li Miao, scored the top score in Japan this year! Another KCP student had the same achievement last year, and now we have another. This great news made everyone happy and beaming with pride.
KCP Flickr
Ms. Li Miao, of MS level class, earned a total score of 368 points for reading / listening comprehension, and she got full marks for the writing test. We made a short video showing the interview with Ms. Li Miao so that you could see how she has been studying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F19Ofd3H4BY&feature=colike
Ms. Li Miao said she makes it a custom to go see her teachers about 3 times a week to have extra reading comprehension tasks, and she has been solving about 60 questions per week through the extra task works. She used a Japanese phrase which, translated into English, is “We tend to be good at those things we like.” She said that her personal interest in reading Japanese novels and comic books (she is a member of the co-curricular manga animation club) has helped her learn and understand the Japanese language and its nuances in greater depth. We would like those of you who share the same ambitions to learn from her efforts and experiences to achieve success in your own goals. Good luck!
*Description of EJU from the Japan Student Services Organization website:
“The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions.”
Tags: EJU, EJU top scorer, KCP student, KCP student Li Miao, Li Miao
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KCP students may be known for thirsting for excellence in the Japanese language, but they are also a creative bunch, skilled in several other areas, like music. (Did you know, music and language skills often go together?) A few days ago, KCP held an event for students to perform what they had practiced in their co-curricular activity classes. They also shared their talents, much to the delight of the audience.
Mathieu Leduc of Canada and another student did a fantastic job as emcees.
Ian Jones was among some very accomplished musicians who entertained us with their deft playing.
Everyone listens in enjoyment as the students sing Japanese tunes.
At the end of the show, participants gather for a group shot to commemorate the happy and successful event.
To see and listen to the performers in action, check out the video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD1_FT49EnU&context=C3990975ADOEgsToPDskLsxZwKS3BRzRXNOZXBQNe7
Some fuzzy shots from the video–
Tags: Ian Jones, KCP japanese songs, KCP performance, KCP students, Mathieu Leduc, music performance KCP
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The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is an exchange program that appoints people from various countries to work in Japan for a year as Assistance Language Teachers (ALT), Coordinators of International Relations (CIR), or Sports Exchange Advisors (SEA). The program is handled by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Currently, 39 countries take part from all over the world, including the United States, Australia, Italy, and Indonesia.
JET Programme pre-departure seminar in NYC. | leesean
According to the JET Programme’s website, its objective is “to promote internationalisation in Japan’s local communities by improving foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level.”
If you are interested in being a JET participant, it’s vital to first have a good grasp of the Japanese language and culture, as well as a cultural sensitivity to societies different from your own. You can gain leverage by taking Japanese language courses at your college or university. You can also attend study abroad programs that can help you hone your Japanese written and verbal language skills while experiencing Japan first-hand.
KCP language learning class. | KCP Flickr
One such study abroad program is offered by KCP International Japanese Language School. Its thrust is for students to be totally immersed in the Japanese language while better understanding the rich and vibrant culture of Japan. And KCP students rate the teachers at KCP–arguably the most important aspect of the program–very, very highly. Added to that, KCP focuses hard on keeping costs low.
As of this year, 4,330 people worldwide have been recruited to the JET programme. If you want to apply or get to know more about the JET Programme, you may visit their official website.
Tags: Assistance Language Teachers Japan, Coordinators of International Relations Japan, Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, Japanese exchange program, JET, JET Programme, Sports Exchange Advisors Japan
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Halloween is generally not celebrated in Japan, but the U.S. students there have brought it to KCP. It’s a great occasion for people to get together and have some fun.
This year, Halloween fell on a weekday. So KCP students came to school in all sorts of costumes, from funky hats to head-to-toe cuddly cat attire. Seeing them brought as smile to everyone’s faces. After all, it’s not everyday that you see your classmates dressed up in outrageous outfits and striking funny poses.
Some KCP students were invited to a party at Hosei University. They played Bingo, met new friends, and were even given small gifts. It was an enjoyable event for all!
KCP students ”channeling” their costumes. | KCP Flickr
KCP students show off their treats. | KCP Flickr
KCP students clowning for Halloween. | KCP Flickr
Tags: KCP, KCP celebrates Halloween, KCP Halloween, KCP Halloween 2011, KCP International, KCP student costumes, KCP students, KCP study abroad
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The Ikebukuro dormitory for KCP students is just 30 minutes from the school–a real find, in the world of the famous Tokyo commute. Ikebukuro, a thriving entertainment and commercial district, is also one of the busiest commuter hubs, where over more than a million people pass through every single day. It’s the place to go shopping at the many department stores, be entertained by the uniquely Japanese Otaku culture, or simply relax over a fine meal at a restaurant.
Ikebukuro street scene | Harry Vale
Ikebukuro has a fascinating history. During the Taishō and Shōwa periods, it was known as “Sugamo,” where foreign laborers and artists chose to live because it was not as expensive as other places in Tokyo.
The word “Ikebukuro,” “pond bag” in kanji, is derived from three sources. The first is a tale that there was once a lake shaped like a person holding a bag in the northeastern part of the area. The second is folklore that there were several lakes of varying sizes, which resulted in the idea of a bag full of lakes. The third tale is about a turtle carrying a bag on its back that emerged from the lake. At the center of the city is a statue of an owl called “Ikefukurō-zō,” a well-known meeting place.
Check out some of the large department stores in Ikebukuro such as Tobu, Seibu, and Marui. If you want to fiddle with the latest models in gadgetry, visit the giant electronic stores Yamada Denki and Bic Camera.
Bic Camera in Ikebukuro | James Nash
If you fancy taking in the sights of the city, stop in at Sunshine 60 Observation Deck. Its enclosed lower level and open upper level deck give you a breathtaking view of Tokyo. You can also marvel at Sunshine City, a city within a city.
Sunset over Ikebukuro. | irrational_cat
Sunshine City is a 240-meter-tall skyscraper housing a multitude of restaurants and shops you can pass through on your way up to the observation deck. There are a planetarium, aquarium, museum, and indoor theme park on your way up. Can you imagine?—All of this is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Ikebukuro dorm.
The Sega store | luisvilla
Tags: Asia, Ikebukuro, Ikebukuro dorm, KCP dorm, KCP dormitory, Sunshine City
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For a student in Tokyo, time and money are major concerns. Though you want to be thrifty with food, you still want to make sure you’re eating healthy food that tastes good. Also, with hectic schedules, you might prefer to study or absorb Japan’s culture rather than cook. A convenient solution is to eat out or buy prepared meals.
Tokyo can be expensive if you don’t know where to get good, affordable meals. Still, there are several dining places whose prices won’t put a hole in your pocket.
The term “B-class gourmet” was coined in 2009 when simple but tasty budget meals were made available. It’s a smart, frugal way to dine. Japanese pubs known as izakayas and meat-grilling restaurants called yakiniku offer these B-class gourmet meals.
Here are some affordable options for eating out in Tokyo, from B-class gourmet meals to mega-cheap restaurants that offer you a hearty meal.
Sukiya | CLF
Sukiya – a restaurant chain that serves delicious gyudon, curry, and donburi. Prices vary depending on the meal, but most are way below ¥1000 ($13). They are all around Tokyo.
Kin no Kura Jr. – the well-lit interior of this izakaya has a traditional Japanese ambience. It’s open from 7 days a week, 5-11:30pm. All items are ¥284 (roughly $3.67). Opened in May 2009 by Sanko Marketing Foods, it’s one of the pioneering pubs to offer a set price for food and drinks. It has over 165 items on the menu, including meat dishes, sushi, and fried food snacks. Part of the fun is picking what to eat.
Tsukiji Sushi-Go-Round – all plates are priced at around ¥120 ($1.54) and offer a fresh assortment of sushi. You choose your plates from a revolving conveyor belt. Store hours are 11am-11pm. There are other conveyor-belt sushi places that are also affordable. In some restaurants, the plates are color-coded and priced according to color.
Sushi-go-round. | craigemorsels
Bucchigri Sakaba – another low-priced Japanese pub that opened in December 2009. The food and drinks in the menu range from ¥105 to ¥399 ($1.36- $5.17), but most are priced at ¥294 ($3.81.) Skewered beef ribs, or gyuu kushiyaki jyo karubi, is a crowd pleaser.
Typical yakiniku. | singingbeagle
Yakiniku Haykuenya – yakiniku means “grilled meat dishes,” and this establishment specializes in delicious and affordable grilled food. Prices range from about ¥100 – ¥500 ($1.30-$6.46.) The most expensive is yakiniku negi shio tan, or salted tongue with green onions, at ¥500 (approx $6.46.) They have generous portions and homemade desserts. The interior has a trendy vibe. Store hours are 5pm-5am, 7 days a week.
Note: Prices are subject to change, so check these places out soon!
Tags: affordable dining, b-class gourmet, Bucchigri Sakaba, budget meals, Kin no Kura Jr., Sukiya, Tokyo budget food, Tokyo food, Tsukiji Sushi-Go-Round, Yakiniku Haykuenya
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Students living in dorms in Tokyo say they prefer to buy meals rather than cook from scratch. Ready-made bento meals are a top choice–they’re both nutritious and convenient. They’re easy to find and affordable–and they’re complete meals you can bring home and heat in a microwave.
Bento booth. | Ris@i_hate_u
Students buy them at most konbini (convenience stores) around Tokyo–7/Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Most stores are open 24/7, and they offer an array of sweets, meals, and snacks as well. You can also buy bento boxes at bento shops, restaurants, department stores, and even train stations.
Origins
The word bento (弁当) came from southern Song Dynasty slang, from the word “convenience,” in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when cooked and dried rice, or hoshi-ii, came about. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, from 1568-1600, intricate wooden lacquer boxes held bento at hanami (tea parties). Bento culture rose during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and flourished until after WWII, when standardized food was supplied for school lunch boxes.
Bento box. | ignote
Interest in the bento box returned in the 80s, when it was readily available at convenience stores and was a cinch to heat up in a microwave. Bento boxes are now often made of polystyrene instead of metal or wood.
The bento box
Bento boxes are containers, often with divisions to separate the food portions. They vary in design, shape, and material. They can be disposable or exquisitely hand-crafted lacquerware. Traditionally, they contain rice, meat or fish, and cooked or pickled vegetables.
Homemade bento. | WordRidden
Commonly, bentos contain curry, okonomiyaki (savory pancakes of fish, meat and/or vegetables), tempura (battered, deep-fried seafood or vegetables), teppanyaki (grilled meats), tonkatsu (fried and breaded pork cutlets), or yakitoi (chicken grilled in skewers). They are all usually served with rice and noodles.
Japanese creativity is evident in the design of bento meals. Kyaraben, or “character bento,” are made to look like popular characters from manga and anime. Oekakiben, or “picture bento,” are designed to look like people, flowers, buildings, and the like.
A kyaraben design. | saotin
Tags: bento, bento box, Japanese food, Japanese food box, ready-made meal
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Travel Insurance
Many people never think of purchasing insurance to cover unexpected events during a trip. But the recent and continuing events in Japan point to a more careful strategy.
For the benefits, trip insurance is a great value. At STA Travel, a company that offers student travel insuranc, a travel insurance policy for 90 days (the length of a semester) is less than $350. Covered among many other reasons for cancellation are (1) mandatory evacuation or public official evacuation advisements (where there is no mandatory evacuation issued by local government authorities) at your destination due to adverse weather or natural disaster; and (2) physician-ordered emergency medical evacuation.
Another travel insurance firm, TravelSafe, also covers “mandatory evacuation or public official evacuation advisements (where there is no mandatory evacuation issued by governmental authorities).” It includes “flood, burglary, or other natural disaster.”
Medical Insurance
In addition to your own health insurance, KCP provides students with minor medical and accident coverage that begins the day after arrival in Japan and lasts through the last day of the program. However, KCP coverage is designed as a “top up” policy only. Students must be insured through another insurance policy while in Japan or while on any independent travel excursion. It is your responsibility to secure additional coverage before departing for Japan.
Make sure your existing plan will cover you while abroad. Read through the insurance policy thoroughly to understand your plan’s limitations. The KCP plan does not cover major medical, and exclusions include: (1) dental disease; (2) pregnancy, childbirth, premature birth, or miscarriage; (3) any pre-existing condition. Students who visit a doctor while in Japan may have to pay out-of-pocket fees.
Students planning to attend KCP longer than one term and who will therefore be obtaining a long-term visa, will participate in National Health Insurance. These students will be responsible for any charges to join and maintain National Health Insurance coverage.
Students who do not have health insurance or who wish to purchase additional insurance may find the following links useful:
CISI—Cultural Insurance Services International 800.303.8120
www.culturalinsurance.com
CMI Insurance 800.677.7887
www.studyabroadinsurance.com
HTH Worldwide 888.350.2002
www.hthstudents.com
One never wants to think of a trip having to be postponed or cancelled, especially if it’s an eagerly-anticipated trip. But that doesn’t stop crises from emerging.
As you are considering your options for study in Tokyo, we suggest you consider insurance as well.
Tags: CISI, CMI Insurance, HTH Worldwide, Japanese language school, medical insurance, STA Travel, study abroad, travel insurance, TravelSave
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Conditions in Tokyo continue to evolve. Rolling power blackouts are routine now, and food shortages and alerts still occur. Current power usage in Tokyo is about 30,000 megawatts, and last July it went up to 50,000 or 60,000 megawatts. This summer, Tokyo’s power supply is expected to fall 20,500 megawatts below last July’s peak consumption. Thus, continued rolling blackouts are likely.
Mr. Kimbara, the Principal of KCP, wants you to understand that the Tokyo government is trying to have everyone conserve electricity, which means that the air conditioning will likely not be at full power. It can get very hot and humid in Tokyo during the summer. So the government is asking every citizen and organization to help out. If you plan to attend over the summer, be prepared to conserve power routinely.
Students who are highly sensitive to heat and humidity may want to consider deferring your program to a time of year that is not so hot. Summer and summer short term students have until April 20 to let us know their plans without financial responsibility minus application deposit.
With such inconveniences, most Tokyoites are taking these things in stride. They think of all this as a small sacrifice to put up with these inconveniences while their fellow citizens are really suffering to the north. The people in Tokyo are showing calm resilience in dealing with the situation. See these news items.
People power: Tokyo’s power-saving efforts
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110320002400.htm
Japan may consider daylight saving to curb power use following earthquake
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/japan-may-consider-daylight-saving-
to-curb-power-use-following-earthquake.html
Tags: energy conservation, Japan earthquake
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You have received several emails regarding KCP’s Spring program. I’m sure all of you now are keeping a close eye on the news, and have been in discussions with your parents and/or home universities about your plans to attend the Spring session. As always, we want you to make an informed decision about your spring attendance based on the facts, discussions with parents, and home schools.
From the information we have, it appears elevated levels of radiation did approach Tokyo for a couple days, but these levels did not pose a health risk to the population according to experts in both the U.S. and Japan. The World Health Organization continues to monitor the situation and has reported that as of today that there are no health risks in Tokyo from radiation. The Ministry of Education has not asked, recommended or ordered KCP to close its doors.
KCP is still holding class and, absent any unsafe conditions, plans on continuing operating during the spring. We recognize that the travel warning by the State Department is still in effect as of today. There may be another warning, or they may resolve most of the issues at the Fukushima plant by then. We understand the concerns that many of our U.S. partners, parents, and students have regarding the current situation in Japan. We have sent an email regarding various options offered to our spring students. Please try and return this option form before March 29. Please take into consideration discussions with your family, current news events, and advice from your home school.
Tags: KCP
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