Superhero Smile Precure---A must know if you have a daughter in Japan

I, personally, didn't want to be the un-cool Mom, who couldn't keep up with my 4 year old's daughter's latest craze, so I did my research....

Introducing "SMILE PRECURE"

This generation of Trick-or-treaters
Come Halloween, you'll be thankful you're up-to-date on "Smile Precure", when you don't have to wonder who all of the pink-haired girls are running around trick-or-treating.

Ultra Happy and Cool
You probably know who Anpanman, Ultra-man, and Pokemon are, but do you know Smile Precure? I am sure you recognize the pink haired anime girl, with the short skirt (well, all Japanese anime female characters all have, don't they?), big eyes, who hangs out with her blond, orange, green and blue haired friends? She is EVERYWHERE. On clothes, shoes, notebooks, stickers, cups, bags, masks, movies, cartoons... My daughter and her friends prance around the playground shouting magical chants from this cartoon series, then transform themselves into mini super heroes. Because of this series, Isabella's friends, who speak no English, all can say, "Ultra Happy" and "Cool" in English.

Precure, WHO ARE YOU?
Until last year, I had no idea WHO this pink-haired phenomenon was and thought my daughter was asking me to take PURIKURA photos. (Purikura is a term for the photo booths they have, where you can decorate your pictures afterwards. Not to be confused with the cartoon I am referring to, PuriKYUra, which has an oh-so slightly different pronunciation).

Well, the cartoon series name is Smile Precure (pronounced "Purikyura) プリキュア, aired 8:30AM every Sunday on Asahi TV. Last year, the series name was Sweet Precure. The series takes on a new name every year (for publicity) and is the hippest anime and a MUST KNOW for girls who are kindergarten aged through elementary school in Japan.

Story Summary
The mega-hit series this year is about five girls, from Melhem Land, who call themselves "Sweet Precure" and are trying to save earth and all of the other planets from "Bad End Kingdom (an outer space evil planet)." Bad End Kingdom creatures are using "bad energy" to make a "bad end" for all.  Miyuki, an 8th grade girl comes across a "smile pact", which turns her into a "precure wizard", giving her and 4 of her friends magical precure wizard powers. These colorful girls are determined to keep "SMILES" on planet Earth through, light, fire, thunder, wind and water.

(*words in quotation are all direct katakana-ized English words actually used in the series) 

CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

The main Precure character, 14 year old Miyuki Hoshizora, has pink hair and with the "smile pact", becomes "Cure Happy". She is bright and outgoing but a little ditsy at times. When she is super happy, she likes to say, "ultra happy!"

Cure Happy has the power to make a wall of light.

Akane Hino, A.K.A. "Cure Sunny", from Osaka, is the head-strong, spit-fire character of the group. She is always telling jokes and making people laugh.

Cure Sunny has the power to create Purikura Sunny "fire". With a wave of her hands, fire develops into a volleyball shape, which she then can throw onto the enemies.

Yayoi Kise, A.K.A. "Cure Peace" is a bit of a cry baby, but she is always putting forth 100% into everything that she does. She likes to draw pictures.

Cure Peace has the power to create Precure Peace "thunder".

 Midorigao Nao, A.K.A. "Precure March", is the bravest of the group. When she transfers into Precure March, her hair turns to a bright green distinguishing "triple ponytail".

She holds the power to make "wind".

Reika Aoki, A.K.A., "Precure Beauty" is the "big sister" type of the group. She has her act together and serves as Student body President at her school. But... don't make her mad! Though outwardly she is calm and collected, when she is upset, she becomes the scariest of the group.

Precure Beauty has the power to make "water and ice".

"Candy" is an adorable creature from Melhem Land who is in search of the Precure powers. Miyuki "Cure Happy" stumbles across this little pet when she is running late for school. "Candy" loves to dress up and always keeps up with the latest fashion trends.

She likes to say the word, "cool".

*Images from the official Smile Precure site.

Ordering "safe" radiation-free food, fresh farm in Kyushu

Yes, I admit. I am one of those moms who is very concerned about food and water here in Tokyo. Although the government says it is safe (of course they have to say this), I want to take precautions.

I order my vegetables and rice from Green Grace, a farm in Kyushu. I know there are a lot of options out there, but this is not only in the "safe" zone, it is very high quality and DELICIOUS. The grapes are the sizes of plums (my daughter prefers them to ice cream-no joke), the cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, the brown rice is fragrant, the peaches melt in your mouth, the eggplants are very flavorful...I could go on. Just in general, I recommend this place and knowing that it is in a safer region of Japan, makes me feel all the better:

If you could find vegetables this quality in Tokyo, they'd be 3 times the price.

The website is all in Japanese, but I was able to translate an order form into English. You just fill in the order form and email it to the farmer with your name, address and telephone number.  Don't write any messages to them, because they do not speak English (writing address in English is OK). They ship two times a week and it is payment upon delivery.

Website (so you can get an idea of the "freshness")
http://www.green-grace.co.jp/

I don't know how to upload an excel file to my blog, but if you send me an email, I will reply back with the form.

As I said, they don't speak a lick of English, so if you get a reply in Japanese back, ask a friend or your spouse's assistant what it says. Usually, it just specifies when the vegetables will arrive. They ship on Tuesdays and Fridays, so I usually get the order a day or so after.  You can always ask me as well. It's worth a try.

Anyways, drop me an email if you want me to send you the order form. I'm sorry I couldn't post it to the blog. Does anyone know how to post files to a blog?

I am happy to help: janica@japan-cast.com
If I don't reply, email again or comment on the blog. It could have gone into my SPAM.

Rainy day? My top 3 INDOOR play centers

Here are my 3 favorite indoor play centers and one outdoor "luxury" park

Asobono
If you want to reward your kids for good behavior, then take them to Asobono. It is one of the biggest indoor play centers in Tokyo. It is located in the Tokyo Dome area, so there are plenty of things to do aside from going to Asobono, if you want to make it a full day trip. There is a food court directly across from Asobono, as well as an amusement park with a huge ferris wheel, just down the road. ASOBono is divided into five themed areas: “ocean”, “town”, “train station”, “forest”, and “babies-only area”.
There is a HUGE ball park, themed "ocean", where all of the balls are blue and there is a boat for the kids to play on, wall climbing, rope climbing and slides. There is also a big air trampoline, go-fish boat, magnet wall decoration area, board game room, doll dress up land, play house area, baby play area, town shopping area, and more...
Access: 

Plan on lining up on the weekends and national holidays.
If you get there first thing in the morning, you can avoid a long line. Just after lunchtime seems to be the peak line up hour.

*I think it is around 800 yen/hour for kids and adults pay just for the first hour/not charged for subsequent hours.

Kid-o-kid キドキド
Kid-o-kid, Kawasaki, is the default place we go to on weekends. It is a place we take them when we want them to be able to run around freely, without going outside to a park. It has a big air trampoline, air trampoline race track, big air rollers, dress up corners, block building, big ball pool playground area, sand pit, baby area and more. It is a pay by the hour system. Since it is located in a department store building, there are plenty of places to eat and a huge parking area. There are several kid-o-kids, but we prefer the Kawasaki/Yokohama location. It is a 30 minute, easy drive and is the largest location. Since only my husband drives here, when I go with the kids, I will just take the train from Shinagawa. It's a 10-15 minute or so train ride, direct to Kawasaki station, followed by a quick 5 minute walk. It's not bad at all using the public transportation.
*Adults are 300 yen in total. Children are 600 yen/hour.

HOURS	10:30-7PM
TEL	044-221-1560
Address	Kawasaki Lufon 9th Floor, 1-11 Nisshincho, Kawasaki shi, Kawasaki-ku
Parking: Yes

住所	川崎市川崎区日進町1-11　川崎ルフロン9階
最寄駅	JR川崎駅東口・京急川崎駅

 Closest station: JR Kawasaki station, East Exit, Keikyu Kawasaki Station, About a 5 minute walk, ask for Lufon Department store. It's on the 9th floor.  Pretty straightforward directions.


Niko Niko Park
*This is an outdoor park
*100 yen entrance fee for kids 2 and up, 300 yen for adults

This is a gated park that has so many fun slides, a sand box, picnic area and more. You will pay a couple hundred yen to enter, but it is much better than a typical park, gated (feels safe). They also sell ice cream and have excellent picnic grounds. There are a variety of vending machines as well for snacks and drinks. It is a "luxury" park.



Park name: Meijingumae-en, Niko Niko Park
Address: 1-7-5 Kita Aoyama, Minatoku
Closest station: Aoyama Ichome (10 minute walk) or Shintomicho (5 min walk)
Train directions here: http://jorudan.co.jp/english/
Pay parking lot next to park.

施設名称	明治神宮外苑 　にこにこパーク
住所	〒107-0061 東京都港区北青山1丁目7番5号
TEL	03-3478-0550
FAX	03-3478-0550

My new baby: Coping with sibling jealousy

It's been a week and a bit since I posted, but here's my excuse:

I had a beautiful and healthy baby boy last week! I was very happy that I made it to 37 weeks because I had been in the hospital in August for risk of preterm labor. My goal was to make it to the minimum week for full term and I did! Hooray! I also avoided a 9-11 birthday. He was born on 9-12.

I have had a broken foot for 3 months now, which made delivery a bit atypical. Doctor Sakamoto delivered Lincoln with me on my side, to lessen the pressure on my broken foot. I won't go into too many details, but I guess I wasn't "relaxing" my legs properly for the delivery in this position and everyone kept telling me to "relax". So, I snapped. "YOU be me and just TRY to relax!!!!" My husband sympathized and did the right thing that husbands should do in labor (or anytime). Just agree with me.

They say that two is company, but three is a crowd. 

Well, that describes my life now, with a 4 year old, 2 year old and now an infant. Life is busy. Life is full of surprises!

SIBLING JEALOUSY
Coping with sibling jealousy is my current step.
I am doing the 5 basic things I did when my first son was born.

1. Talk to them about being a big brother and sister. Compare big and small, big boy vs. baby.

2. Clap when my 2 year old is gentle to the baby and reinforce what a big boy he is

3. Whenever the baby does something cute, like smile, I recognize that my other kids can do that already and easily. I have them show me too and everyone gets recognized.

4. I make extra effort to hold my other kids when I am not feeding or burping the newbie.

5. I give them chances to hold Baby too and make a big deal of what good siblings they are.


What do you do to cope with sibling jealousy? I'd love to hear! Please share.

Japanese kindergartens

Some of the international kindergartens in Japan are EXCELLENT in quality. 
There are no language issues, teachers can understand a non-Japanese view-point, they are very aware to specific food allergy needs, the application procedure is simple and straight-forward, often times, there are special teaching techniques incorporated (such as my favorite school, Eton House).

However, there are other options for mothers who want to try out the Japanese school system:

My 4 year old daughter is currently attending her second year of kindergarten at a Japanese private school in Tokyo (there are 2-3 years of kindergarten, before moving on to 1st grade at a separate facility in Japan). She loves it. She has so many friends, the school ground is like a park, the security is excellent, the teachers are very sweet, and there are so many school events and activities. She is already learning to play the harmonica at school. It is a GREAT environment.

I am speaking from my personal experience, living in Tokyo, Minato-ku. Every region is different and schools vary. Check your local ward office for specifics for the schools in your area.

Families who:

• Want a place closer to their home and/or 
• are on a budget and/or 
• simply want to try out the real Japanese school experience
• Want to raise their children to speak another language
• Want a school with a large playground
• Want to be an active part of Japanese society

What you need to know in applying for kindergarten in Japan:
Pros:

• Larger school grounds, big facilities
• Very good education
• Reasonably priced
• A chance to raise a bilingual child
• Kindergarten care-takers, very sweet
• Very attentive to children
• Children start at the age of 3 or 4, for a bright future
• High security with large gates
• Excellent school events. You can experience gym day, music festivals, concerts, school excursions and more.
• A great chance to meet local Japanese mothers and get advice on what Japanese do, where they send their children for lessons, play time, etc.. i.e. you are not stuck in a bubble, going to the gaijin hang-outs.

Cons:

• A pain to apply for 
• Language barriers
• Possible bullying once in elementary (I have not had bullying in kindergarten since the kids are so small). 
• Mother needs to follow up on English reading and writing at home

Fees: 

• Public schools are under 10,000 yen a month
• Most private schools are around 30,000 yen - 50,000 yen a month
• Additional for uniforms, registration fees and supplies (but not much)

Application procedures:

• These will begin in the fall for the April start, school year.
• If you have moved in mid-term, you can be accepted to a public school, but most likely not a private school until the following school year.
• Go to your local ward office to get a list of kindergartens for your area
• Contact the kindergarten to inquire when the general explanation meeting is
• Go to the school to receive the application form (it will be in Japanese). Go with a bilingual friend if you cannot speak Japanese.
• Fill out the form in Japanese (have a friend help)
• You will need:
• Employment information
• Possible tax receipts
• ID
• Turn in the application, by hand, on the specified date at the earliest time. Do not be late. No exceptions.

For private schools, additional procedures for application:
Private schools, especially in Minato-ku, are very difficult to be accepted to. 

• Include a family photo on the application. Professional photos are best, in formal attire.
• Include a passport type photo of your child, in a white or navy shirt or blaze
• Attend all orientation and explanation meetings in a navy or black suit. Fathers must wear a suit jacket.
• Hand in your application in a navy blue or black suit 4 hours before the gate opens. 
• If the date to turn in the application is October 1, 9AM, be there at 5AM (or earlier). The earlier you are, shows that you are dedicated and gives you a good number to apply for a spot. I arrived at 4AM and was still #100 in line. Plan to spend half of your day in line.
• Bring black slippers to the school, as you will be required to take off your shoes and have your own slippers.
• Your bag should be conservative and black or navy.
• Your child should be in a school uniform looking attire. Navy and white, blazer, black dress shoes
• Your child needs to have white school indoor shoes at the interview. You can purchase these shoes at any local shoe store or online. Ask for "uwabaki" shoes.
• Nothing flashy. Don't wear your hair, or your child's, in anything other than black or blue elastics or conservative ribbon.
• Take a crash course in Japanese so you can handle yourself in the interview. Bring someone to translate and assure the school that you will be on top of everything, despite the language barrier.
• Enroll your child in a Japanese daycare before going to the school interview, to get his or her language skills up to par.
• You must show up as a couple to the school interview, with your child. Dress in navy blue or black suits and your child in school-uniform attire. Try your best in Japanese before you resort to English.

Language requirements:
For private schools, since of the fierce competition, mothers are usually required to speak Japanese.
For public schools, they do not require the mother speaks Japanese, but you will need to get a good friend who can  help you through the process. Once accepted, find a mother who speaks English who can help you, as there are a lot of things required at a  Japanese kindergarten.

Once you are admitted:

• You must attend the orientation meeting on the specified date. No if, ands,  or buts. Mark this on your calendar, just in case, several months in advance.
• Have your child's immunization records handy, as well as your bank information and certified signature to fill in for payment.
• Make friends with a fellow Japanese mother who can help you through the process. Each school is different. If you have not made a friend just yet, bring a bilingual friend, your spouse's assistant at work, your Japanese teacher---anyone who can help you.
• Mark all school events clearly on your calendar. There are a lot. You don't to miss them. They are so much fun and your child needs your support.
• Iron nametags on all clothing, socks, underwear, bags, etc.
• Check the orientation pamphlet for more information.
• If you are a mom who can sew or hand-make items, you will be loved, as these type of hand-made items are required for school fairs. If you can't sew, don't sweat. Put good ol on-line shopping to use or ask someone in the states for her help. My mother picked me up some hand-made goodies at the local thrift store by her home and mailed them to me. I was proud to say that I didn't make it, but they were sent from Grandma (I didn't mention that she did not make them though). lol.

If you have any questions, contact me, and I'd be happy to offer guidance.

With this exercise, my kids will eat VEGETABLES!!

So, a few months back, my 2 year old son decided that he only like bread and rice. I tried everything to get him to eat his meals. Finally, I used a bit of psychology with him. I started with just broccoli and made it into kind of a Popeye type vegetable. My 4 year old helped me as well.

Check kids' muscles after they eat the healthy food:
I would eat broccoli and then feel my muscles. They got bigger. So, did my daughter's. Then, I checked to see how high Isabella could jump and ... WOW, she could amazingly jump higher AFTER she ate the broccoli.

This could mean one thing: Broccoli has magical powers!

Check to see how high they can jump
Now, when my son is eating, I make a really big deal about his big muscles and after he has finished eating, we do jumping exercises. When I am really desperate, I give him broccoli and have him jump right after. I continue this the whole meal time. Ideally, I want to wait for the jumping, as it can get too exciting and over-ride meal-time.

Involve friends:
When my 4 year old's friends come and play over lunch-time, they always will eat their vegetables for me. I have jumping games during or after meal-time. I play games to see who eats the most vegetables (and insist that they are the strongest afterwards).

Still not working? Try pancakes.
Another easy way to get them to eat their vegetables, is to blend up a variety of vegetables into a pancake mix. These make great snacks too. I make them in bulk and freeze them into individual portions in ziplocks.

Please share!!
Please do share what you have done to get your kids to eat their food. I'd love to know! There are still days that I struggle!

3 kids, no car? Tokyo? How?

I've been in Japan for 15 years.

I currently have a 2 year old son and a 4 year old daughter. My third baby is due any day now.

So, I had a friend ask me the other day, how I plan to get around with three kids, without a car.

First of all, I do have a license... in the states. I let my Japanese one expire because I never used it. I can drive, but I have no confidence to park. Plus, I have found ways to make it possible to travel with children using the public transportation system. It's not that bad. It keeps me fit. The Japanese moms all do it. Why shouldn't I?

WAY 1: Mama chari, bicycle

I have a bike, with a seat in front and back for two kids. My daughter has a bike as well. When Xavier was small, I would strap him on my chest and put Isabella in a seat. I go very slowly and am a cautious driver. I would not attempt putting three kids on the bike. That is just too ambitious. 2 works.

WAY 2: Trains

If I know the route in advance and can confirm that there are elevators on all stations involved, I can use my Phil and Teds double stroller. If I do not know, then I bring my one push Japanese combi stroller that fits just one kid, but if I put the seat all the way down, I can squeeze two kids in, for emergencies.

I am VERY strict about my kids holding on to the stroller in the train stations and will not let them go on the trains with anyone else but myself or my husband. I do have a back-up back-pack "harness" (i.e. baby leash) for my 2 year old, just in case. I won't take any grief for this, as it is for his safety.

I also utilize a baby carrier.

It sounds tricky at first, but it isn't that bad. It has made me tough and I get a work out without going to the gym.

I use this site to plan my train travels in advance. It does not have elevator information but at least I know where to transfer, time to allot, etc. I always add 10-15 minutes though when I am traveling with kids, as the transfers are not as smooth when I need to walk further for elevators, haul a stroller down stairs, etc. Again, this is not that big of a deal for me. It is just part of my life and I accept it.

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

***SAVE THIS SITE. IT IS PRICELESS!!!

For destinations that I frequent on a regular basis, I often make the trip solo or with just one child, to do my own research on where the toilets are in the stations, elevators, walking time to destination, etc. This comes in handy when going to Gotanda, to Akachan-hompo, the children's department store mecca.

Way 3: Bus

There are bus routes available in English, that are very helpful. I suggest taking a day to locate local bus stops and find out where the buses go. It is fun for kids to expolore with you and they'll be fighting to see who gets the turn to push the button for the bus to stop. You can play "I spy" games and have real quality time with your kids when taking a bus.

The official website in English: http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/bus_op.html

Way 4: Travel when my daughter is at school

I have to be organized, but with a bit of planning, anything is possible. I do my errands and running around when Isabella is at kindergarten.

Since I have been here since a teenager, I am very accustomed to public transport and don't think that it hinders too much. It takes some getting use to, but completely possible.