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Diary

【No. 2233】Attakē (あったけぇ - Heartwarming)

Dec 2, 2023 23:11
Attakē

Today, I played The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes.

This game is designed for online cooperative play.

Since it was released over eight years ago, it took me a long time to find other online players. However, the players I met were very kind and cooperative, even to a beginner like me.

During this time, I thought attakē (あったけぇ) to the kind players.

Attakē is a casual way of saying atatakai (温かい - meaning "warm") and is also a slang phrase derived from a manga. It is used when you are touched and warmed by someone's kindness.

【No. 2227】Hito Shigoto / Hito Anshin (一仕事 / 一安心 - A Substantial Task / Temporary Relief)

Nov 26, 2023 18:37
Hito Shigoto / Hito Anshin

Today, I finished hito shigoto (一仕事) and am now in a state of hito anshin (一安心).

Since hito (一) means "one," and shigoto (仕事) means "task" or "job," the literal meaning of hito shigoto is "one task."

The term hito shigoto can mean a small amount of task or a substantial task, depending on the context.

In addition, anshin (安心) means "relief," so the literal meaning of hito anshin is "one relief."

The term hito anshin can mean relief for the moment, used when an anxious situation is temporarily resolved.

In my case, the above hito shigoto was a major anxiety, and completing it has allowed me to feel hito anshin.

【No. 2224】Super Mario RPG

Nov 23, 2023 22:00
Super Mario RPG

Today, I completed the remake of Super Mario RPG, which was released last week.

The original version was a collaborative production between Nintendo and Square, released in 1996 for the SNES.

In other words, this remake comes 27 years after the original version.

Super Mario RPG is a unique entry in the Super Mario series, featuring an interesting story and integrating various action elements into its battle system.

Playing this game made me feel like watching a comical puppet show; it was adorable, funny, and enjoyable.

I really loved the TV commercial that aired about 27 years ago, in which the enemy character, Piranha Plant, sings an attractive song. I can still remember and sing the song even now.

Unfortunately, I did not have an SNES and could not play it. However, through this remake, I have discovered what a wonderful game it is.

【No. 2223】Gowasan de Negai Mashite wa (ご破算で願いましては - Starting Afresh)

Nov 22, 2023 21:39
Gowasan de Negai Mashite wa

Have you ever used soroban (そろばん - "Japanese abacus")?

In one of the Japanese abacus calculation exercises, a student adds numbers read aloud by an instructor. This exercise usually begins with the phrase gowasan de onegai mashi-mase (ご破算で願いましては) or simply negai mashite wa (願いましては).

Go (ご) is a polite prefix, wasan/hasan (破算) means "to reset the abacus to zero," and negai mashite (願いまして) means "please." Therefore, the literal meaning of gowasan negai mashite wa is "please reset your abacus to zero (for a new calculation)."

As a child, I heard this phrase almost every day in abacus classes.

By the way, now I am almost in the state of hasan (破産), meaning "bankruptcy."

【No. 2220】WarioWare: Move It!

Nov 19, 2023 17:29
Today, I completed the story mode of WarioWare: Move It!

The concept of the WarioWare series is saitan (最多 - "most"), saitan (最短 - "shortest"), saisoku (最速 - 'fastest'), featuring various minigames, also known as "microgames," each lasting about 5 seconds.

As the title "Move It!" suggests, this game is played by moving. By the way, the Japanese title is Chō Odoru (超踊る), which means "super dancing."

Since many of the games were played by holding the Joy-Con controllers and moving your body, it was tiring but fun.

In the story mode, when you run out of lives, a "Revival Ritual" occurs. Here, if you perform a little embarrassing pose called "Sacred Pose," you can revive.

In other words, if you can endure the embarrassment, you can continue the game.

【No. 2219】Chiikawa Restaurant (ちいかわレストラン)

Nov 18, 2023 09:46
Chiikawa Restaurant

Yesterday, I introduced Chiikawa (ちいかわ), a very popular manga in Japan.

The day before yesterday, Chiikawa Resutoran (ちいかわレストラン - "Chiikawa Restaurant") opened in Ikebukuro and became a hot topic.

At this restaurant, you can enjoy various decorations and meals related to Chiikawa.

On the same day, new Chiikawa goods related to the restaurant went on sale. However, many of them quickly sold out.

(I managed to buy a T-shirt with Hachiware designed on it and a luncheon mat.)

Chiikawa goods continue to be ejiki (餌食 - meaning "prey") for tenbaiya (転売屋 - meaning "resellers") today.

【No. 2218】Chiikawa (ちいかわ)

Nov 17, 2023 19:53
Chiikawa

Have you heard of Chiikawa (ちいかわ), which has become a social phenomenon in Japan.

Chiikawa, also known as Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu, is a very popular manga drawn by illustrator Nagano. It has been seriezed on X(Twitter) since 2020.

Nanka (何か) means "something," chiisaku/chiisai (小さく/小さい) means "small," kawaii (かわいい) means "cute," and yatsu (やつ) means "guy" or "something." Therefore, the literal meaning of the title is "something small and cute."

The surreal combination of adorable characters and realistic, absurd stories is believed to be one of the reasons for its popularity.

My favorite character in Chiikawa is Hachiware (ハチワレ), who looks like a cat.

【No. 2213】Dangan Tsuā (弾丸ツアー - Whirlwind Tour)

Nov 12, 2023 20:56
Dangan Tsuā

Today, I embarked on a dangan tsuā (弾丸ツアー) to visit four Doragon Quest Walk souvenir spots in Kagawa in a short time.

Since dangan (弾丸) means "bullet," and tsuā (ツアー) means "tour," the literal meaning of dangan tsuā is "bullet tour."

Here, a bullet is a metaphor for sightseeing in a very short period at a very rapid speed.

Such trips are quite popular in Japan due to the well-developed transportation system.

However, sometimes I wish I had enough time to enjoy the sight at a slower space.

【No. 2212】Tenparu (テンパる - Panic)

Nov 11, 2023 20:54
Tenparu

Today, my lab students participated in their first academic conference.

Both students and I were quite nervous, and one student was in a state described as tenparu (テンパる).

Tenparu is a slang term that describes a state of panic caused by nervousness or anxiety.

It originates from the mahjong term tenpai (聴牌), which refers to the state of being able to win with one more tile.

Originally, tenparu literally meant a state of readiness to win, however, now it has taken on a negative connotation, associated with the state of nervousness.
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【No. 2211】Udon Prefecture

Nov 10, 2023 22:55
Udon Prefecture

I am currently on a business trip in Kagawa.

Kagawa is famous for udon (うどん - "wheat noodle"). It ranks first in Japan for both "udon ans soba consumption" and "number of udon and soba restaurants per 10,000 people."

Furthermore, the most common type of food service business in Kagawa is "udon and soba restaurants," followed by "coffee shops."

Because of these facts about udon, Kagawa is sometimes called "Udon Prefecture."

This name is sometimes used on the official website of Kagawa, which shows the prefecture's deep love for udon.

By the way, olives of Shodoshima Island in Kagawa are also very famous.

【No. 2206】Omatsuri Kakaku (お祭り価格 - Festival Price)

Nov 5, 2023 16:20
Omatsuri Kakaku

Yesterday, I bought some yakisoba (fried noodles) at a university festival that was set at an omatsuri kakaku (お祭り価格).

Since omatsuri (お祭り) means "festival,' and kakaku (価格) means "price," the literal meanign of omatsuri kakaku is "festival prive."

Omatsuri kakaku is a phenomenon often seen at Japanese festivals and events where prices of foods and goods are set higher than usual.

Caught up in the festival's fun atmosphere or valuing the special experiences unique to the event, visitors tend to pay higher prices without thinking too much about them.

Please be careful that there may be cases where the omatsuri kakaku is unusually high.
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【No. 2205】University Festival 2023

Nov 4, 2023 16:40
University Festival 2023

Today, a university festival was held at my university.

In my laboratory, we introduced our studies to the visitors.

Since our room was located in the corner of the building, I expected that there would not be many visitors. However, we could hardly take a break for the six hours of the laboratory introduction.

The students looked exhausted, but I think it was a good experience for them.

When I went out of the building during lunchtime, I found many people were bustling about.

Then, I bought my lunch from a food stall, and as I expected, it was omatsuri kakaku (お祭り価格).

I will introduce the term omatsuri kakaku tomorrow.

【No. 2201】Tarenagashi (垂れ流し - Streaming Continuously)

Oct 31, 2023 17:52
Tarenagashi

I often work while doing tarenagashi (垂れ流し) of YouTube videos or music.

Since tare (垂れ) means "dripping," and nagashi (流し) means "flowing," the literal meaning of tarenagashi is "dripping and flowing."

Originally, tarenagashi referred to the continuous release of undesirable fluids such as wastewater or excrement. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the continuous streaming of videos or music.

Currently, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ONE PIECE anime, all episodes (1081 as of today) are being live-streamed repeatedly.

This streaming started on October 29 and will continue 24/7 for over a year, and I am now doing tarenagashi of this anime.

However, while memorable episodes are streamed, I often find myself pausing my work, reducing my productivity.

【No. 2199】Nurugē (ヌルゲー - Easy Video Game)

Oct 29, 2023 16:51
Nurugē

Today, I completed "Super Mario Bros. Wonder."

It was a very rewarding and fun game.

This game provides various features for those who are not good at action games. For example, you can choose invincible characters, equip badges to enhance character abilities and cooperate with players online.

However, relying too much on these features could make this game nurugē (ヌルゲー).

Nurugē is short for nurui gēmu (ぬるいゲーム), the literal meaning of which is a lukewarm game, indicating an easy-to-clear game.

This slang term can be used to describe various easy situations in addition to games.

【No. 2196】Basashi (馬刺し - Horse Sashimi)

Oct 26, 2023 18:19
Basashi

A few days ago, I had basashi (馬刺し) in Nagano Prefecture.

Since ba (馬) means "horse," and sashi (刺し) means "sashimi (sliced raw meat)," basashi literally means "horse sashimi."

Have you ever had fresh 'basashi'?

Basashi is typically eaten with condiments like ginger and green onions to remove the distinctive smell and dipped in soy sauce, but fresh basashi does not have any bad smell.

In addition, while basashi is low in calories and fat, it is highly nutritious and delicious.

Fresh basashi can only be found in some prefectures such as Kumamoto, Fukushima, and Nagano. If you have a chance, please try to have it.
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  • 3 min read

【No. 2191】Business Trip to Nagano

Oct 21, 2023 23:59
Business Trip to Nagano

Today, I went to Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture to present at a conference.

Since it was a day trip, I did not have much time for sightseeing, but I had planned to visit Zenkoji Temple for about an hour before the conference.

However, after arriving at Nagano Station, I accidentally took the wrong bus, and it went in the opposite direction of Zenkoji Temple for a while.

I panicked and got off the bus, running and taking some buses, but when I arrived at the entrance gate of Zenkoji Temple, there was no time left for sightseeing.

From there, I ran for several tens of minutes towards the venue and eventually took a taxi.

I was very exhausted.

Incidentally, the conference presentation ended successfully, and I enjoyed some delicious horse meat dishes in the evening before returning home.

【No. 2186】Jirihin (ジリ貧 - Gradually Becoming Poor)

Oct 16, 2023 20:09
Jirihin

I could say that I am in a situation described with the term jirihin (ジリ貧).

Jirihin is short for jiri jiri to mazushiku naru (ジリジリと貧しくなる).

Jiri jiri (ジリジリ) is an onomatopoeic word representing something moving slowly and gradually forward or backward, mazushiku/mazushī (貧しく/貧しい) means "poor," and naru (なる) means "to become."

Therefore, the literal meaning of jiri hin is "to become gradually poor."

In addition to its literal meaning, jiri hin can also be used to describe that the situation is gradually getting worse.
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【No. 2183】iPhone 15 Pro

Oct 13, 2023 22:08
iPhone 15 Pro

Today, I received the iPhone 15 Pro.

I am excitedly setting it up.

So far, I have used the iPhone in the sequence of 4s, 5, 6, X, Xs, and 12 Pro.

This upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro is the first time in about three years.

I feel that the appearance of the iPhone used to change almost every year, but I did not notice a significant difference in the design between the iPhone 12 and 15.

However, the battery on my iPhone had deteriorated so much that it could only last three to four hours, which is why I decided to upgrade this time.

(The main factor in the battery degradation is probably a geolocation-based game, "Dragon Quest Walk.")

I have sometimes used Android and Windows Phone.

My favorite was the BlackBerry KEY2, which has a physical keyboard.

I would consider buying a new BlackBerry smartphone when it is released.

【No. 2181】Dokagui Kizetsu-bu (ドカ食い気絶部 - Overating Fainting Club)

Oct 11, 2023 18:53
Dokagui Kizetsu-bu

Sometimes, I am about to become a member of the dangerous dokagui kizetsu-bu (ドカ食い気絶部).

Since doka (ドカ) is a prefix representing a great degree of something, and gui/kui (食い) means "to eat," dokagui (ドカ食い) means "to eat excessively" or "to overeat."

In addition, kizetsu (気絶) means "fainting," and bu (部) means "club," making the literal meaning of dokagui kizetsu-bu "overeating fainting club."

When you overeat high-calorie and carbohydrate-based foods such as McDonald's humbergers, your bloof sugar level rises rapidly, making you sleepy.

Such people who consume a large amount of carbohydrates and then sleep as if they were fainting are colloquially referred to as members of dokagui kizetsu-bu.

This is a dangerous and life-threatening club, so please do not join dokagui kizetsu-bu.

【No. 2178】Yūyū Jiteki (悠々自適 - Leisurely)

Oct 8, 2023 18:34
Yūyū Jiteki

Someday, I would like to live a life that is described as yūyū jiteki (悠々自適).

Yūyū jiteki is a four-character idiom that means to live a free and quiet life away from the troubles of the world.

Yūyū (悠々) describes a state of being relaxed and calm.

In addition, jiteki (自適) means to enjoy things as one's heart desires.

A life represented by either yūyū or jiteki is wonderful, and combining them makes it even more awesome.

Unfortunately, I might be leading a life far from both yūyū and jiteki today.