CoFesta Final Presentation 2012

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

I had mentioned in my earlier post about CoFesta Foreign Student Ambassador Organization. After participating in the organization & went to some of their event, finally it was the time for presentation. The presentation was like the final event of the year ; we present our idea on how to improve the CoFesta to make it better in the future. 

So, on 5th of December 2012 (Wednesday), it was time for the presentation. The presentation was divided into 2 sections which were group & solo presentation. There were only 3 groups & 3 persons presented in each category. The presentation took place at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. It was the place that really shocked me. At first, i thought that we gonna present it just to the company staff that is responsible for the CoFesta. But then, we were told that the minister had a great interest to hear our opinion and that's when it involved. I was going to perform in front of the minister! Lol....it was really like 'there's a butterfly in my stomach' but it's not only just a butterfly, the feeling was like there's a dragonfly too. 

Nickelback World Tour 2012

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

As stated on the title, in this post i want to express my feeling during the Nickelback World Tour concert that i went to. In fact, it was my first ever live concert. After 21 years of living, finally i got the chance to go see live concert, here in Japan. 

A brief introduction of Nickelback :

Nickelback is a canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Nickelback's music is classed as hard rock, post-grunge and alternative rock. Nickelback struck my heart since their song entitled "How You Remind Me" became famous & it was around 2004 (when i first entered my secondary school). 

Autumn in Japan

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

Actually, it was already quite late to tell a story about autumn. Because it is already winter season here in Japan. It's freezing cold & I can't stand it. Always sitting beside my heater every time. Anyway, despite of telling a long story, i think it would be better for me to just post a picture of autumn in Japan. let the picture told the stories itself. 

My Doppelganger

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

I owned a bicycle. An old granny's bike or they called it ままちゃり (mama-chari). A simple granny's bicycle without a gear. Installed with only a bell and a dynamo lamp. Now, why should i be talking about a bicycle? I'm sure everyone of you who are reading this right now are wondering why. Let me make it clear that, the facts of living in Japan is that a bicycle became one of the necessities to live (mostly will). 

My old bicycle

Let me continue my story...

Rise my generation : Malaysia's future leader

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

"We are the cream de la cream, we are being sponsored to study on a full scholarship to study abroad & be a professional in your career so that you can come back and repay your country." 

Those words are often heard to remind us that we have a big responsibility towards our country. Yeah, i realized that i am not in a comfort zone. Me, along with my generations are the future leader for our beloved Malaysia. 

Well, that's enough for the introduction. Actually, what made me geared up to say something so inspirational like that was because of 1 occasion that really made me think my responsibility. My responsibility to contribute to my country when the time comes. The occasion/event was Global Leadership Outreach Program 2012 for student studying in Japan.

Tokyo International Music Market 2012

Assalamualaikum & good evening, 

On two of my post before, i have told CoFesta Student Ambassador Organisation that i have joined in and some explanation about it. So, in this post, i want to tell about one of the many events that i have participated. The event was Tokyo International Music Market 2012 (TIMM). 

The event was held on Thursday, 25th October 2012 at Zepp Divercity, Le Daiba, Odaiba, Tokyo. Actually, i got classes on that day but with a high enthusiasm to follow one of the program that promotes Japanese Contents, i rushed directly after class to Odaiba. Furthermore, since i've joined this organisation (the ambassador), i want to experience it myself on how the task should be handle.

CoFesta Orientation

Assalamualaikum  & good evening,

After explaining about what is CoFesta Foreign Student Ambassador on my recent post (you can find it here : http://irzed.blogspot.jp/2012/10/cofesta-foreign-student-ambassador.html)

In this post, i want to tell about one of the step i need to take in order to be qualified and be choosen as the foreign student ambassador; the orientation. 

The orientation was held on 18th of October 2012 (Thursday) at Nihon Seinenkan Hotel (日本青年館ホテル) which is located in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The orientation took place at the hotel's conference room. From the email i received from the CoFesta committee, he told me that the meeting place will be at the exit gate no.3 at the nearest train station which is gaienmae (外苑前) and there will be a person-in-charge waiting for us to lead the way to the hotel. 

CoFesta Foreign Student Ambassador?

Assalamualaikum & Good evening,

During early of this month, i've been asked by my friend to register for CoFesta Foreign Student Ambassador for this year. He is a cambodian who have finished his study here in Japan and now is doing his internship in one of job-hunting company in Japan. He is quite an active person as he is usually involved in such ASEAN/foreign student programme or events. Maybe i should be lucky and grateful that i've met him and became one of his friends; as i can get many infos regarding such activities/events from him. 

Well, back to the topic of CoFesta.....maybe you are wondering what the h#ll is CoFesta means? Well....you're not alone as I'm wondering too (during that moment). Well, i'll exlain a little about it here....right in this post. 

To the south we go : Nagoya trip

Assalamualaikum, good evening & こんにちは,

Map of Japan

After 4 days of travelling to the north part of Japan ; Sapporo, Hokkaido. Now, the next trip brought me to the south of Japan which is Nagoya. Nagoya is located in Aichi Prefecture. (Refer to picture above), Aichi Prefecture is numbered 23 while the place i'm living is numbered  14 ; Kanagawa Prefecture. Seems near right? Well, proceed the reading and you will know how long it takes to reach there.

Travel to north of Japan : Sapporo

Assalamualaikum, good evening & こんにちは、

Map of Hokkaido

10th of September 2012 - As my 2nd trip during summer vacation, me with 5 others of my friends (that made us a total of 6 persons) went to the north island of Japan which is Hokkaido island. For an image explanation, please look at the image above.There are a lot of places to visit in Hokkaido but we only managed to visit Sapporo, Hokkaido. As it would cost us more if we want to tour around hokkaido....we can't rent a car because most car-rental company won't allow us to rent a car by only using an international license, they want a japan license for it. Since none of us have a japan license, we can't rent it. To take a tour around hokkaido using public transportation? Better don't even think about it. It would cost you soo much...

illusion at Trick Art Museum, Odaiba, Japan

Assalamualaikum & good evening, 

In these post, i just want to show some of eye-illusion picture that occured at Trick Art Museum in Odaiba. I got the opportunity to visit Odaiba since my far-away lived friend came to Kanagawa for a visit during summer holiday. As it's been our tradition to always entertain guest that come to our house, i took a day-off at my work place (the best part was i didn't inform my senior, just escaped it like that), and we went to Odaiba, Tokyo for some fun. 

The famous gundam robot at Odaiba Diver City

Climbing the highest mountain in Japan : Mt. Fuji

View of sunrise from top of Mt. Fuji

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

Mt. Fuji : the highest mountain in Japan. Also regard as one of 'Japan's Three Holy Mountains' along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is a special place of scenic beauty, a historic site and has been submitted for future inscription on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Finished on the introduction on Mt. Fuji. I want to tell a story regarding my experience on climbing the highest mountain in Japan. Honestly, i never climbed any mountain before nor do i have any interest in mountain climbing. Back in Malaysia, the only highest 'natural place' that i've climbed before was Broga Hill. Though, it was just only a 'hill', compared to 'mountain', the hill are just nothing. 

Syawal di perantauan! Part 2

Assalamualaikum, good evening & こんにちは、

After you have read the first part, which was on the first day of Syawal (1 Syawal of 1433H), in these post i want to tell about what happens to me on the next day of Syawal. Actually, celebrating Syawal in Japan is not soo much fun compared to Malaysia. The only feeling of Eid Ul-Fitr was during the 1st till 3rd day of Syawal maybe.

In the 1st chapter, i have told about me celebrating my Syawal and performing my Solat sunat Aidilfitri at Malaysia Embassy in Shibuya, Tokyo. Then, we have like a mini reunion with my ex-JAD lecturer at Shibuya. During the night. we have a little fireworks play. My lecturer invited me &　some of my friends to play fireworks with his 2 little childrens so that we can have a feeling of Raya maybe. Well....we used to play fireworks back in Malaysia during Aidilfitri. So, here's a few pictures of it. 

Syawal di perantauan! 1st day of Syawal (Part 1)

Assalamualaikum, good evening & こんにちは,

It's already in the month of Syawal ; where we, muslims all over the world celebrate our glorious winning day after successfully completed a month of fasting during Ramadhan. This special celebration is called Eid Ul-Fitr or in Malay Language, we called it 'Hari Raya Aidilfitri.'

いよいよ今はもうシャワルの月。ムスリム教のヒジュラのカレンダにより、シャワルはラマダンの月の後；シャワルの月も我々にとって勝つ日という意味も持ってる。なぜかというと、ラマダンの時に、我々ムスリム教は一ヶ月間断食をしなければならない。それは神様；アッラーの命令であるから。

だから、一ヶ月間断食を成功したら、我々に特別な祭り（と言える）をお祝いして、その祭りは       Eid Ul-Fitr あるいはマレー語でハリラヤと呼ばれてる。

Having a splendid iftar at 池袋 (ikebukuro)

The city of Ikebukuro, Japan at dusk

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

As i'm writing this post, it's dated 25th Ramadhan 1433H or 14th August 2012, 8.50 in the morning local time (Japan time). We're in the last 10 days of Ramadhan which is supposed that we search for Lailatul-Qadar night or also be-called as 'night of a thousands month'. Insya Allah we may find it.

I want to share my iftar experience on the last 5th of August 2012. Actually, my friends are going back to Malaysia on the next day, so i decided that we have some kind of 'iftar blast' before he going back. As we gonna miss each other for about 1 & a half months since the summer holiday end at the end of September. So, after doing some homework via searching the 'world wide web' and asking my other friends, i've found a great place for us to hangover. It was a mediterranean restaurant located in Ikebukuro (1 of the many big cities in central Tokyo), Japan. 

本厚木の花火大会 (Summer Fireworks Festival)

Assalamualaikum,

When it comes to summer, one of the many events that would be held during this season is fireworks festival. Each city in Japan will perform their own fireworks festival. So, on the last 4th of August, i had the opportunity to join the fireworks festival held by Hon-Atsugi, Atsugi city. 

Despite the tiredness i felt after 8 hours of working, i directly met my friends at the decided spot & we went to see the fireworks together. 

7th ASEAN Festival (live from Japan)

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

First of all, in the blessing month of Ramadhan, i would like to wish all muslim out there Happy Ramadhan/Ramadhan Kareem. Alhamdulillah, thanks to Allah The Almighty that we still live till today so that we got the chance to experience Ramadhan of 1433H or in western calendar ; 2012. Hope we can get the goods from these blessing month. Insya Allah. 

Just a little bit introduction to greet my fellow muslim brotherhood in these month of Ramadhan.

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Back to the title of the topic, i want to share one of the event i've participated in. The 7th ASEAN Festival was held on Sunday, 8th July 2012 at Roppongi Hills Hollywood Plaza, Tokyo. Yeah, you can say that it's a classy place. The name is quite similar with 'Beverly Hills' in US. Still, there's not much difference as it's the place where rich people lives.

Official poster

I was invited from my senior to participate in the fashion show during the festival. As the name given "ASEAN Festival", many countries that participate in other than Malaysia, & for sure South East Asian only!

Kamakura - 伝統的な町 (chapter 2)

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

For anyone who accidentally bumped into this post, i recommend you to read from chapter 1 or you can access the link from HERE . This post continue from previous post. Do enjoy...

After 4 of us finished eating our 'Obama Presidential' ice-cream, our 2 other friends arrived in Kamakura. They got class in the morning, so they can't join us early in the morning. So, we met them at 小町通り (Komachi Street, also known as shopping street in Kamakura).

 Entrance of the Komachi Street

Kamakura - 伝統的な町 (Chapter 1)

Assalamualaikum & good evening,

 「皆様、こんにちは…

今回のポストは僕の参加したサークルのひとつの活動について、今シェアしたい。僕の参加したサークルは ESS と呼ばれて、英語コミュニケーションのサークルだ。英語コミュニケーションの　　能力を高めるために、僕たちESS のメンバー鎌倉へ行って、鎌倉のこと英語で話した。だから、　このポストも全部英語で書く。じゃ、皆日本人の友達に；どうぞ、英語の練習！」

I've experienced most tiring but really wonderful weekend during my stay here in Japan. It had been a busy weekend for me as i need to wake up as early 7 in the morning (local time GMT+9). Just imagine! Wake up soo early especially on weekend....but nevertheless, it were a precious experienced. 

Tour to Enoshima

Assalamualaikum & good evening to all reader,

On last Sunday which was on the 1st of July 2012, my friends and I went to Enoshima. We planned to go to Enoshima because one of our friend who lived in Kansai decided to visit us in Tokyo. He, who is currently studying in Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto came to Tokyo during weekend holidays.Thus, there weren't too many days for us to be together, just a short 2 days to have a fun.

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My Generasi

Assalamualaikum & good evening,


Try guessing the picture below?

I can guarantee that all of you can guess correctly what item is that. In fact, there are some of you who even know deeply about the product. 

In this post, i don't want to talk about the product above; which is an Apple Ipad 2 nor anything that have any relation with Apple.

Hakone : Where nature still flourish

Salam & こんにちは、

 今回のポストはゴールデンウィークの休みで、俺の行ったところについて話そう。今回の旅行地は　箱根です！箱根は、静岡県に近い神奈川県南西部の一角、箱根カルデラ近辺の一帯を指す地名。 地図の上では、行政区画としての箱根町におおむね重なる概念である。古来東海道の要衝であり、「天下の険」と謳われた難所箱根峠のふもとには宿場や関所が置かれた。近代以降は保養地・観光地として発展。各所に湧く温泉や、芦ノ湖、大涌谷、仙石原などがとりわけ有名である。

  箱根は俺の日本人の友達から知られた。彼は穏やかな場所が大好きだから、そのような場所がよく知ってる。さらに箱根は今俺の住んでる場所と近いので、すげー便利だと思う。あの日、東海大学前駅から10時ぐらい出発。小田急線で小田原まで向かった。次は、小田原に着いたら、箱根フリーパスを買った(Hakone Free Pass) 。箱根フリーパスは「箱根にいる間で交通機関を何回も無料乗れる」というチケットだ。いいんでしょう？

The example of Hakone Free Pass

(Taken from internet)

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When imagine about Japan, we will always wondering about gadget, technology stuff, skyscrapper and those kind of things. Sometimes we forget about the beauty of the nature in Japan; the scenery of Mt. Fuji.

Fuji-Q Highland : Pump your adrenaline to max level

Salam & こんにちは、

 今年のゴールデンウィーク (Golden Week) の休みは、俺たち；11人ぐらい富士急ハイランドへ　行った。実は、俺たちの行った日は昭和の日の休みですけど、ゴールデンウィークに近づくだから、ゴールデンウィークの休みと言える。

 俺たち全員11人はみんなばらばらに住んでいるので、富士急ハイランド駅で会うと決まった。あそこで朝11時ぐらい、集まって、チケットも買って…じゃ、一日中の楽しいを始まり！
 

チケットは 5000 円 (Free Pass) と呼ぶ。

見て！入るチケット！写真もあるよ、すげぇ~

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On the last 30th of April 2012, Monday : we're having a 'Showa Day'. I'm sorry because i can't explain what is exactly Showa but in a simple term, just know it as a public holiday here in Japan.

My plaything arrived!

Salam & こんにちは、

On 28th of March 2012...finally, the time has come.

 My plaything that i've ordered finally arrived.

Yes, this is what i meant.

An Alienware gaming desktop.

Alienware X51

Online shopping in Japan

Assalamualaikum & こんにちは、

As you may know, Japan is one of the most modern country in the world. Thus, an online shopping has becoming a trend in a modern country like Japan. Just shopping as much as you want via online & your order will be send directly in front of your house. Most importantly, 100% safety. No case like, buying a handphone online & only stone mortar (batu lesung) sent to home. ;P   Seriously, no need to worry about fraud or untrusted seller here in Japan.

東海大学の Welcoming Party

Salam & こんにちは、

今回は俺を参加した留学生の Welcoming Party について話す：

土曜日、2012年4月21日に東海大学のログハウスでパーティーを行った。そのパーティーの目的は東海大学生と一緒に混ぜて、お互いにもっとよく知られる。特に来たばかり留学生だ。だから、俺は「友達を作りたい」という目的に向かって、そのパーティーを参加した。結果は、本当に良かったと思う。いろいろな友達をできて、食べ物も美味しくて（実は、ジュースしか飲めなかった）。そしてそのパーティーでやったゲームも勝った。BINGO のゲームだ！

ログハウス！

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On last Saturday, i participated in 'Tokai University Welcoming Party' that was exclusively made for us; foreign students. The party was held at Tokai University Log House (as shown in the picture above); starting at 3 o'clock in the evening until around 6 in the evening.

Tokai turns into motor show

Salam & こんにちは、

先週の金曜日に、東海大学の12号館へ歩いていたように、そのビルの前でいっぱい人を集めると見た。俺はそのときですぐ好奇心になった。時間を無駄にせずに、その集まった人々へ行った。「何がある」という気持ちを知りたい。じゃ、あのとき俺を見たことは：

This is it! Lexus LFA right in front of my department building!

どう？今の気持ち。すごいだよねぇ～

俺もあのとき本当にびっくりしたんだ！「何でこのような車ここにあるんだ？何のためこれ？Exhibition とか個人的の使用か？」という質問ずっと頭に浮かんだ。

あそこに少数な人を聞いた後、答えが見つけた。そのすごい車は…実は、学科の研究のためだ！動力機械工学科の！へぇ…そんな。まさに研究のためでも、本当の車を使うか？そのうえ、普通の車じゃなくて、Lexus LFA だよ！本当にすげぇ車だ！

さっすがな動力機械工学科。

じゃ、俺もそのような研究をやりたい。来年、また来てねぇ LFA 。俺の研究のため、ふふふ～

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Just trying my ability to write in Japanese. Hope can write much longer next time.

Bon Appetit! いただきます～

Salam, Selamat Sejahtera & こんにちは、

For this time, i want to make it like a special edition post. A post about food.

Yeah, food!!

Dishes that i've cooked throughout 3 weeks in Japan. But, not everyday that i'm hardworking enough to cook...especially on the early arrival in Japan. Had soo much thing to settle and in fact my home in the early days, don't have a complete equipment to cook. So, honestly it's just around 10 dishes that i've cook. Seriously, i'm proud of myself. I never thought that i could cook like this...all were in perfect taste, not too salty, tawar or anything. It's perfect....well, that's from my own taste-bud & my housemate do agree with it. ;D

お花見! Hanami in Spring...

Salam to readers & こんにちは、

Ever wonder what is Hanami? Well....let's see the picture below?

This is called sakura

Close-up picture

So, after viewing all the photos above, have you got the answer of what is "Hanami"?

If you're guessing hanami is some sort of flower, you're WRONG.

In fact, Hanami is some sort of activity.

Where you have a picnic under a bunch of sakura tree.

Like this :

This is JAD Hanami gathering at 昭和記念公園

Yes, it was like that...

having a picnic under the sakura,

It is called "Hanami".

Which means : flower viewing activity

Back to the story i want to tell ; during my arrival here in Japan, i have the opportunity to see sakura bloom & join the hanami event that held every year. For your information, sakura only bloom on the first 2 weeks in the Spring season. Then after that, it will gradually wilt.

So, on my first hanami event, we went to 小田原城公園 (Odawara Castle) which is just around here. We took 小田急線 (Odakyu Line) to 終点 (final station) which is 小田原 (Odawara). It was actually like a Tokai Hanami lead by our ex-JAD lecturer, Aziz Sensei. Now, he's pursuing his phD. in Tokai University. So, enjoy the picture :

View from top of Odawara Castle.....you can see the perfect blue sea.

Finish of the 1st hanami, next my 2nd Hanami event is at 昭和記念公園 (Shouwa-Kinen Garden) which is quite far from my place. It is near 八王子 (Hachioji) and we have to take a number of train and change station several times before reaching our destination here. This time, it is JAD hanami gathering. So, enjoy the next phase of Hanami picture.

Either than picnic, it's a perfect place to perform jamaah too...

Other than sakura, there's a tulip too

Rows of beautiful flowers...mostly tulips around here

Us....無限大たち。Unfortunately, i'm not in the picture. Went somewhere else...

So, that's it. Hope all of the pictures that full of beautiful flowers do mesmerize you. Well, in fact of Japan is one of the most advanced country in the world, maybe you only thinks of gadget-gadget and all the skyscrapper towering above the city of Japan. Well, at least i do have such way of thinking...before. Seriously, they (the Japanese) really take a good care of their nature...that's why Japan is rated in top 10 countries which practice recycle in their daily life. Hence, their environment are still full with the beauty nature of God's creation. Allah Akbar

Till next time, i'll update my blog again sooner or later. Just do keep following/stalking my blog yea~

Sekian, salam...

Land of The Rising Sun...here I come!

Salam & こんにちは、

Finally, the time has come...after 3 years of waiting, it's arrived. To further my study in Japan. I departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, 24th March 2012, 11.30 pm (local time).

Thanks guys for sending me off....

"brotherhood never dies"

Anyway, that's the only photo i have in my laptop during my departure at KLIA. Wish to upload a family picture that was snap before i enter the gate, but i don't have it. My sister didn't upload it in her facebook....yet!

So, the adventure continues as i enter the flight ; MAS MH088 with the other 28 of us. The journey to Narita Airport, Tokyo took around 7 hours. During the 7 hours journey, i just slept tightly in my seat & only woke up when it's time to eat. hehe....

Japan Visa & flight Ticket

Around 7 in the morning (Japan time) arrived in Narita International Airport. We have been told that Narita is 1 of the busiest airport in the world. Luckily for us, as we arrived early in the morning, there aren't a lot of people and all of the entering Japan process went smoothly, especially the Japan Immigration.

The luckiest 1st trip to Japan

From Narita, we were welcomed by some of our senior who stayed near Tokyo and been taken to Hachioji by bus that has been specially reserved by JICA (a consultant who take care of our affair in Japan). We stayed in Hachioji Seminar House while waiting for our senior to take us to our respective place. It's a great time at Hachioji since we got a free meal....3/4 times a day. Plus, we just free most of the time. So, we decided to take a walk around since it's quite bored to just stay in there.

Hachioji Seminar House....unique architechture

First, we just dare to have a walk near the Seminar House....to 7eleven which is about 10-15 minutes walk. Oh yeah, i forgot to mention that during that time, it's around 2-5 degree celcius. Especially on the day i arrived at Narita, it was 0 degree celcius....damn freezing cold!

After a few days stayed there & after our senior, Rifqi took us out to see the outside world....we have the guts to travel to 'Minami Osawa' & 'Akihabara'.

Minami Osawa (南大沢) is just near our Seminar House. Just take a bus until last stop to Minami Osawa; it's a place for shopping. While Akihabara (秋葉原) or most of us just called it 'Akiba' is quite far. In fact we have to take quite a number of trains and have to change at certain station. Akiba is famous for gadget and action figure.

1st time to Akihabara....Rifqi as tour guide. ;p

In front of 1 of the Halal restaurant that can be found in Akiba.

Siddique~

Inside~

2nd time to Akiba...coming by ourselves.

Okay, i think that's all for now. I will continue to update my blog and i can promise to all of you reader out there, as there are a lot more things to come. Just keep reading. Thank you.

Sekian, salam