Speed up your snail mail

Everyone knows the internets are the fastest way to get things done these days, but sometimes you still have to rely on the post office. Recently, I had to back-and-forth some important documentation with extreme haste, so I made use of the post office’s 速達 (sokutatsu) express delivery service, and it really came through for [...]

Peperoncino-infused olive oil

I’m far from an expert cook, but I’ve banged around kitchens long enough — enjoying myself in the process, I might add — that I’ve learned how to whip up a tasty dish or two. I am also, as I have mentioned before, a cheap bastard.
It is the convergence of these two points [...]

Discount shopping at Hanamasa

I’m a cheapskate by necessity. I don’t eat out much, and I scout around for the best prices when shopping.
With this On the Cheap category of the blog, I’ll be sharing some of the places that have allowed me to be the bitter, frugal little man I am, as well as where to find [...]

Writing the rirekisho

The following sample 履歴書 (rirekisho) and a blank template are available for download as Microsoft Word documents at the end of this walkthrough.

For ease of explanation, we’ll be looking at a rirekisho that’s already been filled out. Here’s what one looks like, split into two halves for ease of viewing. (Click any of the following [...]

Know your rirekisho

These entries will show you how to write a 履歴書 (rirekisho), a Japanese-language resume and arguably the most commonly required document when applying for a job in a Japanese company.
I’ve tried to make this walkthrough as user friendly as possible, but by the very nature of the subject matter, I have to assume on the [...]