Student rants
Let us begin on a note of tolerance and goodwill, with two similar reactions to the letter from student J. in southern Japan with fellow student troubles (Lifelines; Nov. 25, 2003).
Kevin thinks she should not complain. “It’s interesting that she notes the students’ nationality and that she feels they need to “learn a lesson.”
He believes J. is imposing her own cultural values with little or no thought of those of the students in question. “She should examine her need to punish people who don’t conform to her expectations.
After all, why did she think it fair to award a joint prize? Because both students are Cambodian? That deserves some thought too!”
Efacho is also trying to understand why J’s upset over the students’ demand for 1st and 2nd prize. “How many played the game; what were the rules? Why not give them their prizes? I would want a separate prize.”
English Abroad
Akira in Shiga Prefecture writes: “I would like to study English in Australia. How can I find information?”
The Embassy of Australia at 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 8361; Telephone: (03) 5232 4111, in English and Japanese, has an education centre on the first floor.
Since Akira lives a distance away, he should write to the Education Officer at the above address for information.
Or he can access the embassy’s Web site at www.australia.or.jp and search the education section.
Help!
John needs assistance in fixing his computer (the Internet has crashed) in or around Fujisawa in the Kanagawa area. Anyone out there?
Info recap
Now for some queries relating to info supplied in previous columns.
Hairdresser
Lydia recalls us introducing a hairdresser in Kamakura (Lifelines Nov. 7, 2002), remembering only that the owner speaks good American English.
Menage a Trois (0467-23-2350) is on Komachi-dori, about halfway between the JR station and Hachimangu shrine. The salon is on the third floor (walk up, no elevator or wheelchair access), with a women’s wear shop at street level. The name is in Japanese and French. Ask for Chibo-san.
Clothes dryer
Robert asks where he can buy a large, robust and efficient gas clothes dryer, as seen in coin laundries? He recently bought a state of the art Japanese washing machine but has been unable to find a comparable dryer.
Referring to Lifelines (April 5, 2003), Gaikoku Kaden (0422-796406; fax 0422-218019) imports appliances from the USA, U.K. and Europe.
The address is: Kaniyon Plaza Building 1F, 1-11-12 Minami-machi, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi. Web site (predominantly in Japanese but with enough English to find what you are looking for and establish prices): www.gaikokukaden.co.jp