Preparing for Study Abroad in the Smartphone Era! One Week Review of the New Model "OPPO Reno9A" by an Ordinary 20s Girl

New Model "OPPO Reno 9A"

After writing a blog post expressing my anticipation for the release of a new smartphone model, OPPO JAPAN announced the release. 

There were even teasers before the announcement, adding to the anticipation surrounding OPPO's new device. As expected, it was announced on schedule, bringing relief.

Finally, I made the switch to the OPPO Reno 9A, which was released on the 21st, June. Since I had been planning to upgrade my phone before studying abroad, my wish came true.

Overall Impression

When I purchased it from the official OPPO store on Rakuten, it came with the OPPO Encore wireless earphones.

While some say that the OPPO Reno 9A is not much different from its predecessor, the OPPO Reno 7A, for someone like me who had been using the Reno 3A, which is three years old, it felt like a continuous evolution.

As an average person who is not particularly knowledgeable about smartphones, I would like to record my thoughts on three key points this time.

Long Battery Life

Just like the OPPO Reno 3A, OPPO smartphones have excellent battery life. Moreover, they are designed to have long-lasting batteries. In the past, I often considered upgrading my phone due to battery issues after about two years, but with OPPO, I was able to use my previous phone without stress until the end. Since my previous phone had the same feature, I have high expectations for the battery life of the Reno 9A.

Also, it might be due to my change in usage after leaving my parents' house, but I appreciate that the charging cable is thicker and less prone to breakage. When I had an iPhone, I had to twist and turn the charging cable to find the right direction to charge without disconnecting it.

Dual Camera and Selfie Camera Simultaneous Shooting

There was a feature that I wondered about when I saw the advertisements: the ability to simultaneously shoot with the rear and front cameras.

As the name suggests, when taking a photo, the screen splits into two, allowing you to capture images from both directions at the same time. In the ads, two people were taking pictures together, and I thought, "That would be great."

But maybe it could be the savior for solo travelers as well. Taking a good selfie with the background requires some skills, but with this simultaneous shooting mode, you can capture both the scenery and yourself in one frame. Moreover, the image quality from the rear camera is excellent, and you can include yourself in the photo.

Since I will have more opportunities to do things alone during my study abroad, I want to use this feature actively while being cautious of my surroundings.

Malaysia-themed Customization

I hadn't specifically set up themes on my previous phones, but OPPO's existing selection of themes includes an Asia series.

It's impressive to see stylish designs available for free and unique concepts that are not often seen in Japanese smartphones, which shows that it's an unique Chinese manufacturer.

And when I was researching this time, I found that there was a Malaysia-themed option in the selection of themes.

For the lock screen, there was an illustration of an open car passing in front of the Twin Towers. Additionally, when unlocking the phone, there are dedicated icons for popular apps like Instagram and Facebook. The pastel color scheme is cute but not overly so, which I liked.

Since I found this, I plan to keep this theme for a while.

Minor Drawbacks

However, not everything is perfect. One drawback is that the screen is large, making it difficult to handle with one hand.

For pressing buttons, using the one-handed mode and shifting the buttons towards your dominant hand can solve the issue, but it can still be tiring due to its size.

It seems like they are suggesting to operate it with both hands without pushing myself.

A Companion for Study Abroad Life

A smartphone is essential for shopping, payments, and taking photos. I often write blog posts using my phone as well.

I'm looking forward to it being my companion during my study abroad journey!

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Learning at the Atomic Bomb Dome on a Day Trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima - Part 3

Sokoiko! Cycling Tour

Before going to Hiroshima, I had signed up for a cycling tour. The tour was conducted by a local guide who grew up in Hiroshima. We used the "Pisukuru" rental bicycles to get around the city.

Interestingly, this tour is also extremely popular among foreign tourists through TripAdvisor.

On this day, it was a weekday, so I was the only participant in the Japanese tour. Although I could have had a one-on-one tour in Japanese, I decided to join the English tour since I had the opportunity. I was a little nervous!

The other participants were from the UK and New Zealand. Everyone was a native English speaker!

Peace Memorial Park

At the beginning of the tour, after exchanging brief greetings and self-introductions, we first left the park to pass by the front of the former "Shima Hospital," which was the ground zero of the atomic bomb explosion. By physically moving through that area, I could grasp the sense of distance.

From there, we cycled out of the park again to reach the Aioi Bridge, which was a landmark during the atomic bomb attack. From the bridge, we had a view of the Peace Memorial Park.

The monument of Sadako Sasaki, known for folding thousands of origami cranes, was also well-known. The statue was created in memory of Sadako Sasaki, a girl who developed leukemia ten years after the bombing and continued to fold origami cranes in the hope of recovery. The cranes folded by Sadako can be seen in the museum. According to the guide, in her final days, Sadako couldn't move freely and had to use a toothpick to fold the cranes.

Perhaps because it was a weekday, I encountered several groups of elementary school students performing ceremonies where they offered folded cranes while singing prayers and reciting poems. As someone who attended a Catholic school, I had experienced Christian prayers before. When I went to Okinawa for peace education, we prayed at various locations and even had a Mass at the end. However, it was my first time hearing songs and poems praying for peace, and just being present there made me feel united with everyone's emotions.

A-Bomb Cherry Trees Planted by G7 Leaders - Memorial Monument

On the way to the next location, we were introduced to a recent attraction, a small fenced area with a young cherry tree. This cherry tree was planted by the G7 leaders during their recent summit. The tree was grafted onto a base tree that survived the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, making it a second-generation A-bomb cherry tree.

I thought that the enclosure could have been more elaborate, but I am looking forward to seeing the tree grow and bloom in the future.

From there, we headed to the central area of the park, where the Memorial Monument stands. Many people were gathered in front of the monument, and by looking straight ahead, we could see the Atomic Bomb Dome. During the Peace Memorial Ceremony and other events, this area becomes a stage and is not often shown. However, the guide informed us that there are stones in the water with the words of the monument translated into various languages.

Red Cross Hospital

Next, we passed through the arcade shopping street and made our way to the Red Cross Hospital. Being on a cycling tour allowed us to move around easily.

While being encouraged with phrases like, "Japanese people can navigate crowded places easily, so you can do it too!" I realized that this was actually my first time riding an electric bicycle, and as a Japanese person, I might have struggled a bit with the operation. Along the way, I learned about Hiroshima's city life and daily living from the guide.

We arrived at the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital, which is preserved as a memorial park called the "Hiroshima Red Cross Atomic Bomb Hospital Memorial Park." I listened to the guide's explanation while looking at the distorted window frames that were actually warped by the bombing. I had the opportunity to hear stories about the people of Hiroshima that are not covered in textbooks, and it made me realize that the events of the atomic bomb are still recent enough that we can hear firsthand accounts from those who experienced it, and the problems caused by the bomb are still ongoing.

While savoring the stories, we also visited the Hiroshima Electric Railway depot and rode our bicycles through the city. The tour ended in the shopping street.

Impressions

Throughout the tour, there were various stories about Hiroshima's history and the events of the atomic bomb. In those stories, the subject was often "My aunt" or "My grandfather," referring to the guide's close relatives.

I believe that these stories shared by a local guide from Hiroshima are valuable.

Personally, I feel a bit regretful that I couldn't hear the experiences directly from the generation that lived through the war, as they were not very open about talking about it. However, I want to internalize the stories I did hear and find a way to pass them on to others.

Additionally, I participated in the English tour this time, and the guide took care to ensure that I understood everything, so I was able to join without any worries. By the way, I realized once again that I am good at listening to English.

While it is possible to visit each location individually, I think it was worthwhile to participate in the tour to learn the stories behind each place, understand the meanings of monuments and fountains, and receive guidance along the way.

Since the guide also supported my study abroad in Malaysia, it further strengthened my determination to do my best!

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Learning at the Atomic Bomb Dome on a Day Trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima - Part 2

As mentioned in the previous article, I had considered Hiroshima as a place I wanted to visit before studying abroad, and I finally planned a whirlwind trip of 2 days and 0 nights in Hiroshima.

After a 12-hour overnight bus ride, I arrived in Hiroshima a little after 9:20 in the morning.

From Hiroshima Station to Peace Park

Hiroden Streetcar

Since the overnight bus arrived near a Seven-Eleven convenience store close to Hiroshima Station, I headed to Hiroshima Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. I had already eaten some bread that I purchased at a service area during the bus ride, so I didn't need to eat anything there. I passed through the newly opened souvenir shops and headed straight to the streetcar station.

To go from Hiroshima Station to the Atomic Bomb Dome area, I had the option of taking the Hiroden streetcar, a local bus, or the tourist-oriented loop bus called "Meipuru-pu."

The streetcar and Meipuru-pu had the same fare, and if I didn't have any time constraints, I thought it would be better to buy a one-day bus pass so I could get on and off at various places. However, I had a mission to return home on a bullet train in the evening, so I decided to take the streetcar only for the round trip between Hiroshima Station and the Atomic Bomb Dome, paying the regular fare.

The train got crowded with a group of elementary school students who seemed to be on a school trip from the Kansai region and a group of kindergarten children on an excursion. Since it was a weekday, there were hardly any Japanese tourists, mostly international tourists.

Most of the trains go to the Atomic Bomb Dome, so there wasn't much to worry about, but there were a few that didn't. Even though I could understand Japanese, I was still unsure which train to take. Instead of struggling to listen to the somewhat difficult-to-understand announcements with a certain atmosphere, I thought it would be better to ask at the ticket counter or check the train number on the guide map.

Visiting Peace Memorial Park

I took the streetcar and after 8 stops, I reached the Atomic Bomb Dome-mae Station. As soon as I got off, I could already see it. Since the overnight bus ride was long, I had been reading the peace education materials provided by the Hiroshima City before and on the morning of this day.

I walked around the Atomic Bomb Dome, checking the names of places, bridges, and the appearance of buildings. The Atomic Bomb Dome is also a World Heritage site. The buildings with their skeletal structures standing out, contrasting with the ordinary cityscape around, told the story of the magnitude of the atomic bomb's impact.

I joined the sokoiko! cycling tour around Peace Memorial Park and its surroundings, so I would like to write a detailed review about that experience separately.

Exploring Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

After the tour, I entered the Peace Memorial Museum. It had been renovated, and the exhibits were reorganized for better preservation of the materials.

Upon careful observation, it took about 2 hours, give or take, to explore the museum. I happened to coincide with a group of school trip students, and they were really nice, giving up their spots for me in the crowded area, saying, "Let her see since she's taller than us" (I could see over their heads). They were told to spend about 45 minutes due to the schedule with the volunteer tour. I felt that it was definitely not enough time.

As I had seen in a documentary on NHK before, on that day, elementary school students in Hiroshima were gathered to the center of Hiroshima city.

The young men were probably conscripted as soldiers.

Additionally, during that time, it was common for people to get married and have children once they turned 20. There were many exhibits with photos of people who lived in the city, searched for their children in the city, and later died or suffered from the effects of radiation exposure. The diaries and medical records portrayed vividly the aftermath of the atomic bombing.

Saying "war is bad" or "the atomic bomb should never be dropped again" may sound brief, but coming to this place and learning about that day instinctively evoked those emotions within me.

I hope that the leaders of the G7 countries who visited this place also felt the same way.

Hiroshima's sky revealed many faces. 

While participating in sokoiko's cycling tour, the cloudy weather turned into clear skies, and I was delighted. However, by the time I left the museum, it started pouring rain with thunder.

I used my folding umbrella to move to the National Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Although I had heard about the unstable weather in the forecast, I was surprised by the sudden change. 

Even on a day trip, it is essential to carry rain gear just in case.

The National Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall

The National Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims had a different atmosphere from the museum; it felt like a place for prayer. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, it seems. 

After visiting the museum, surrounded by elementary and junior high school students, and considering that most people couldn't make it here due to the rain, I descended down a spiral ramp into an extremely quiet space. It is said to symbolize going back in time, counterclockwise like the hands of a clock.

Beyond that, there is a "Peace Prayer and Memorial Space." A panoramic photo depicted the cityscape after the bombing as seen from the hypocenter, and in the center, there was a monument resembling a fountain overflowing with water, dedicated to the people who sought water after the atomic bomb was dropped. 

The tiles on the wall represent the number of casualties known at the time this place was established.

At the end of the visit to the Peace Memorial Park, I was able to offer a quiet prayer.

Impressions of the Peace Memorial Park

I had thought of visiting other tourist spots if I had time afterward, but the timing was tight, and it started raining. So, I returned to Hiroshima Station and changed my Shinkansen reservation from the 19:00 to the 17:00 train, heading back towards Tokyo.

At the Peace Memorial Park, I had the opportunity to contemplate peace and find inspiration through the museum and other monuments. It was a positive experience for me.

Furthermore, it was impressive that not only foreign tourists on the train but also people from various generations and nationalities had come to this place with the intention of visiting.

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Learning at the Atomic Bomb Dome on a Day Trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima - Part 1

Planning a Trip to Hiroshima before Studying Abroad

When it comes to Hiroshima, it is known as the place where the world's first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. With the possibility of nuclear use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the G7 summit held in May, the world's attention has been increasingly focused on Hiroshima.

Every time I saw news or documentaries about Hiroshima's atomic bomb, and especially the Atomic Bomb Dome, and realized that I had never visited these war memorials, I felt a sense of regret.

Although I had opportunities to contemplate peace in places like Nagasaki and Okinawa, when I recalled those experiences, Hiroshima and the Atomic Bomb Dome came to my mind as places I wanted to visit just like the others.

By the way, I have been to Hiroshima itself, and maybe I have passed by the surrounding areas, but I only have memories of visiting Miyajima. Moreover, at that time, I was obsessed with the game "Sengoku BASARA," so I probably only thought of it as the land of Motochika Mori.

When I thought about going to Malaysia and becoming someone's "first encounter with a Japanese person," I decided to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome once.

However, due to my study abroad arrangements, I had to go for vaccination and make preparations on weekends, and there was work that I had to finish intensively on weekdays before flying to Malaysia. Therefore, I decided to take a day off on a weekday and turn the trip to Hiroshima into a day trip.

This time, I want to write about the journey to Hiroshima and everything leading up to the arrival.

Boarding the Overnight Bus

For this trip, I chose the overnight bus as the means of transportation. I am a veteran of overnight buses, having taken a 14-hour round trip on the famous "Hakata-go," known as the king of overnight buses, from Tokyo Shinjuku to Fukuoka Hakata. During my student days, I often took these buses because I could start my activities early in the morning.

This time, I chose the Orion Bus (Comfort seats) to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima, which takes about 12 hours. The boarding point is the Tokyo Station Kajibashi parking lot. The bus is equipped with power outlets or USB ports for charging smartphones, and there are breaks approximately every 2 to 3 hours during the journey.

Visiting a Public Bath in Ginza

Now, I thought Tokyo Station was the nearest station from the bus stop named "Tokyo Station Kajibacho parking lot." However, when I checked on Google Maps, it turned out that Yurakucho Station was actually closer.

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If I could just remove my makeup, I wouldn't mind waiting until the next morning or even the end of the trip to take a bath. But since I had the chance, I looked for a place where I could take a bath. Among the options, I found a sento (public bath) called "Ginza-yu."

I was surprised to find a sento in Ginza. When I entered, it was a spacious and relaxing sento, which I couldn't believe was located right in the heart of the metropolis.

The wall of the women's bath was decorated with fireworks from the Sumida River, making it glamorous.

The bath was quite hot. I'm not sure if it's really for a specific reason, but according to the reviews, it seems to be at a temperature preferred by Edo locals.

Asked for Directions by Foreign Tourists

After getting out of the bath and until I boarded the bus, I wandered around Yurakucho, cooling off from the heat of the bath and doing some window shopping.

Then, a group of female travelers, who I assumed were probably from South Korea, approached me and asked in English for directions to Sanrio World (a huge Sanrio shop).

I knew about Sanrio World, but since I tend to get lost around the theater district from Yurakucho, I checked the directions before guiding them. It's funny to think what would have happened if I hadn't been a Tokyo local.

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I had given directions in broken English before, but it had been a while since I used English in the city like this. Thanks to the results and motivation, I felt that I could explain more smoothly than when I was a student. 

As it was around 21:00 and the shops were gradually closing, I headed to the bus stop in the parking lot and boarded the overnight bus.

There seemed to be fewer people traveling on long-distance overnight buses on weekdays, as even though it had 4-row seating, there was no one sitting next to me.

Although I have taken overnight buses and express buses before, this was probably my first time riding the Orion Bus due to the route and schedule. It quickly became dark compared to other buses and the lights were completely turned off.

Usually, I would wake up a bit during the breaks, so I had a memory of being unsure of when it was okay to get off during a bus trip where there were no passenger drop-offs and it was just a break for the driver change. This time, it was refreshing to be able to get off during every short break. 

At the Service Area in Okayama, I found Momotaro.

And the next morning, I arrived in Hiroshima around 9:00.

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A Story and Souvenir Found on a Tokyo Downtown Otsuka "Neighborhood Tour" for Overseas Visitors

OMO Ranger's Neighborhood Tour

During my stay at OMO5, I participated in a local tour called the "Neighborhood Tour" led by the OMO Rangers, the staff known for their expertise in the area.

Blissful Girls' Trip in the Neighborhood: OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka produced by Hoshino Resorts

The tour was titled "Otsuka is full of charms! Neighborhood tour"（大塚の魅力が満載！大塚オタクと行くご近所巡り）

While visiting the shopping district, we had the opportunity to shop around, ask for recommended photo spots, and inquire about recommended dinner restaurants and shopping spots.

In this blog post, I would like to share my memories and the wonderful souvenirs I discovered during the tour.

1. Sen'nari Monaka Honpo

The first place we visited was Senn'nari Monaka Honpo. This shop is known for its an-butter monaka, a type of dorayaki (a traditional Japanese dessert) without the sweet bean paste filling. It is also called "Japanese Pancake" and was featured on a TV program hosted by Matsuko-DX.

As most of the products were sold out by the afternoon, I revisited the shop the next day to get some souvenirs for home.

The unique shaped monaka was adorable and heartwarming. I thought it would be a perfect farewell gift for my friends in Japan.

They kindly served tea and the monaka skins, so I took a short break there.

千成もなか本舗

2. A Spectacular Spot Where Skytree and Yamanote Line Converge

During the walk, I was introduced to a unique spot where we can enjoy the breathtaking view of Tokyo. Even though the weather was a bit gloomy that day, you could still see the beauty of the surroundings. It was the kind of place we would normally pass by without noticing, but thanks to the OMO Rangers, I got to explore it.

3. Yajima-en Tea Shop

Lastly, we visited a tea shop called Yajimaen. The shop owner, Mr. Yajima, who is a great storyteller, warmly welcomed us.

Their specialty is the Green Tea de Earl Grey, a drink made by infusing Earl Grey tea with Japanese green tea, resulting in a refreshing flavor. You can enjoy it at the OMO5 Otsuka café, and it's even available as an all-you-can-drink option during breakfast.

Since the tea bags are dry and easy to carry, they seem like a great souvenir for my friends studying abroad in Malaysia. Plus, if there are any leftovers, I can enjoy them myself.

お茶屋「矢島園」

Souvenir Dilemma for Study Abroad

I had a previous experience where I failed in choosing a gift when I gave a Daiso (a popular 100-yen store in Japan) fan to my host family in New Zealand, only to find out they already had an exquisite fan left behind by a previous Chinese exchange student.

This time, I am going to a country where there is also a Daiso, so I thought I should avoid Japanese goods from Daiso.

Besides, I have a preference for products with stories behind them.

And isn't it amazing to hear stories directly from the shopkeepers?

I'm not sure if Yajimaen sells their products on Amazon, which would be convenient even after going abroad. But I plan to buy some before leaving Japan, considering the limitations on bringing items with me and checking the import regulations.

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Getting 5 Vaccinations in One Go Before Studying Abroad in Malaysia! What's the Pre-Travel Schedule? Which Preventive Vaccinations Did I Get?

Pre-Travel Vaccinations

When traveling to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, it's important to take precautions against diseases that we might not encounter while living in Japan. While there are no mandatory vaccinations listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, there are recommended ones that it's good to have.

I had heard that it takes about six months to complete the vaccination process, so I was planning to get them done early. However, work became busy starting in April, and before I knew it, it was already three months before my trip.

But I want to reassure busy students and travelers that it's not a problem to get vaccinated around this time. I'll share my experience and details about the vaccinations, including the procedures and costs.

Choosing a Travel Clinic

Travel clinics or clinics that specialize in overseas travel consultations and vaccinations are available for pre-travel health consultations and vaccinations.

Since I'm not good at making phone reservations, I searched for a clinic that offers online reservations and operates until late in the evening. I chose MARU Clinic, located in Tokyo Station Marunouchi. It's a branch of Tokyo Business Clinic, and it had reasonably good reviews.

I came across keywords like "MARU is not good" and "Tokyo Business Clinic is suspicious" during my search, but those were probably clickbait titles to attract attention. Overall, there didn't seem to be any excessively negative reviews.

If I had to point out something, it would be the long waiting times.

Process of Travel Vaccination

The clinic is located in a steel building directly connected to Otemachi Station.

I made a reservation for priority fast-pass (not a specific time slot) in advance. However, as mentioned in some reviews, the clinic is mainly used by people who work on weekdays, so it was less crowded on weekend mornings.

The clinic primarily focuses on beauty and fatigue recovery injections. If someone is unwell, they are seen at a different clinic on a separate floor, which provided a sense of security during these times.

I was guided to a counseling seat at a counter, where I filled out a medical record form. After a short wait, a nurse came to assist me.

Although it may be a trivial detail to note at a clinic, all the nurses were cute and kind.

Since I am going for long-term study in Malaysia, I decided on the vaccinations based on the recommended vaccination table displayed on the counter and my own immunization record book.

As I'll explain later, I decided to get all five vaccinations on the same day, even though I was told it was okay to split them into different days.

At this clinic, I received the vaccinations and made the payment at the same counter where I had the counseling session. After a medical examination by the doctor, the nurse who initially assisted me administered the vaccines.

I was a little nervous about getting five shots, but they were all done in one go. Although they stung a bit, the injections were done very skillfully. It's no wonder since this clinic deals with a lot of injections! And the nurses are cute! (Just had to mention it again!)

The tetanus shot was a bit more painful, and I felt a slight sting, but otherwise, everything was fine. By the way, they had informed me in advance, "This one tends to be painful for some people," so I was mentally prepared!

Costs and Considerations

When it comes to self-pay treatments, the expenses can be higher compared to regular hospital consultations, so it's essential to keep this in mind! I had seen some places that only accepted cash for self-pay treatments, so I'm glad I was prepared for that.

I was also worried about being recommended unnecessary vaccinations, but it turned out not to be the case.

Vaccinations before Studying Abroad: What Should You Get?

Initially, I planned to receive vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus, but in the end, I received the following vaccinations. Only for Hepatitis A, I will need an additional dose in Malaysia after six months.

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus (combination)
• Typhoid Fever
• Mumps
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

During the conversation, I asked, "What is mumps?" It turns out it's another term for "parotitis".

Since I never had mumps or chickenpox during my childhood, I'm getting vaccinated this time. It seems that if you have already had these illnesses, you have natural immunity and don't need the vaccinations.

Additionally, some vaccines from childhood might still be effective if you're younger. The decision on which vaccinations to get varies from person to person, so if you plan to study or travel to Malaysia or other Southeast Asian countries and want to receive vaccinations, it's best to consult a clinic first.

Furthermore, not getting certain vaccinations doesn't necessarily mean you will contract those diseases, so it's a matter of personal preference. I heard of someone who went for a long stay without getting any vaccinations and returned without any issues.

Cost of Pre-Travel Vaccinations

I heard that if you get a full set of vaccinations, including those that may not be necessary for urban areas, the cost can reach around 100,000 yen because they are not covered by public funds.

However, the chart I saw today listed the same vaccinations for the Middle East and Asia regions. Considering the wide range of regions and different sanitation and healthcare conditions, I thought it's best to consult a hospital to determine the priority and which vaccines should be added or omitted.

When I went to obtain my maternal and child health handbook, I was told about my childhood vaccinations before traveling to the United States. It seems that the doctor at the hospital determined which vaccinations were necessary or not.

After that, I received routine vaccinations during my childhood overseas and also received what they call "imported vaccines" when I received vaccinations in Japan. But since I grew up without any issues until my late 20s, I didn't have any particular preference for domestic or imported vaccines.

In terms of cost, in my case, it was a little over 50,000 yen because I had additional vaccinations before my teaching practice and used imported vaccines to ensure I could continue the series in Malaysia.

I was prepared to spend more, but it was within my expectations and an acceptable range.

Feeling the Reality of the Journey

I haven't written about it on the blog, but I've been progressing with my visa application, and I'm getting closer to the point where I can travel. I'm starting to feel the reality of studying abroad.

I heard stories of people who were supposed to be assigned to regions where vaccinations are required a few years ago but had their trips postponed multiple times, which might have required them to repeat their vaccinations.

While some vaccines may have a several-year effectiveness, it shouldn't be necessary to get them all again. I hope I can travel without any issues, and I'll continue preparing with that in mind.

Three Reasons to Take the TOEFL Before Studying Abroad in Malaysia: A Comparison with IELTS

Studying Abroad with Eiken Qualification

When applying for language training programs, there was a section on the application documents where language test scores needed to be written. I was able to provide my recent HSK score for Chinese proficiency.

However, since I disliked English and never had the opportunity to take exams in English classes or study abroad, I suddenly realized that I still had the English Eiken Pre-2nd Grade certification from junior high school and only a TOEIC score in the 800s that I obtained during my second year of university. All of these scores were outdated.

Although it would have been fine to leave it as it was, I thought it might not look good, so I decided to obtain the Eiken Pre-1st Grade certification (skipping the 2nd Grade level) before applying for the training program. By doing so, I could showcase that I was putting effort into studying English even as a working professional, and successfully obtained the opportunity to study abroad.

I believe it's safe to say that passing the Eiken exam made it possible for me to go on a language training program.

Taking the TOEFL for Myself

However, after deciding to study abroad, I became curious about where I stood as an English learner compared to others.

Although I had a TOEIC score, I wanted to improve my speaking skills, so comparing my previous TOEIC score, which only reflected reading and listening, wouldn't give me a sense of satisfaction.

That's when the TOEFL and IELTS came up as potential exam options. During my university days, I thought these were the two major exams that had no relevance to me.

What are TOEFL and IELTS?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are internationally recognized exams that assess the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. TOEFL is conducted by an American institution, while IELTS is conducted by a British institution.

To be honest, apart from the Eiken exam, which is only recognized in Japan (although you do hear about "Eiken study abroad" at the middle and high school levels), I think either TOEFL or IELTS would suffice. However, I am considering taking the TOEFL. I would like to list three reasons for this while comparing it with IELTS.

1. It can be taken in Malaysia.

Even though it's an international exam, if I couldn't take it in Malaysia, I would have to wait until I return to Japan for the next opportunity. I once heard a story from a friend (from somewhere in the Middle East) who couldn't take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in their home country, so they had to travel to Europe to take it.

With TOEFL (and IELTS, as mentioned later), it can be taken in Malaysia. You can make reservations through the same website used for taking the exam in Japan, and it seems to be held almost every Saturday.

2. The typing format suits me.

I took the Eiken Pre-1st Grade exam using the Eiken CBT (Computer-Based Test) format, and since I'm accustomed to typing, it was easier for me to write English compositions using this format. I also write English emails on the computer at work.

While IELTS is a paper-based test, in the case of TOEFL, the Writing section is done on the computer, which I found appealing.

3. The cost is not significantly different.

Although it depends on the situation and whether students receive assistance from their universities, English exams can be expensive. The TOEFL and IELTS fees both exceed 20,000 yen.

In my case, I don't have a specific need for IELTS, nor is it significantly cheaper. If TOEFL is sufficient for my needs, I thought it would be better to start with that for now.

For a working professional like me, spending 20,000 yen for a stage performance might feel expensive, but it's not so high that it would strain my budget.

It would have been a significant expense during my student days, but for a working professional studying abroad, it's a reasonable cost.

Some Concerns about Taking the TOEFL

Since Malaysia follows the British English system, IELTS tends to be the preferred exam for university admissions. Although there may be universities that accept TOEFL scores, it is generally more common to require IELTS scores.

Also, IELTS can be used for obtaining a UK visa, whereas TOEFL cannot.

However, in my case, the purpose is to assess my language proficiency, and my goal for improving my English skills is not to attend a foreign university but to excel in Japan by using the language.

Although I would need to provide my scores to the company after completing the overseas training, there are no specific score requirements for study abroad or promotion.

Currently, it doesn't seem necessary for me to prepare for moving to English-speaking countries, so I am considering taking the TOEFL.

By the way, I have two friends who specialized in British English and took the IELTS for their study abroad in the UK, and both of them said they never wanted to take the exam again because it was too challenging.

The fact that such exams are being conducted in a field I had never explored before actually piques my interest. It may become an option in the future as well.

Since this will be my first exam other than the Eiken exam, I would like to think of it as a trial and approach it with a casual mindset.

Blissful Girls' Trip in the Neighborhood: OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka produced by Hoshino Resorts

Staycation in the Neighborhood

I visited OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka, a hotel produced by Hoshino Resorts in the city, for a staycation experience closer to home.

The idea came about when a friend invited me, suggesting, "Let's have a girls' gathering and chat before your study abroad!" So, we started looking for a hotel and decided to enjoy ourselves nearby.

The hotel is located in front of Otsuka Station in Tokyo. 

Sometimes, business hotels can be a bit far from the station, so I didn't have high expectations for the location of this new hotel. 

However, my worries were unfounded. As soon as we left the station, we could see the hotel building (housing the restaurant, Sizzler) at a distance that felt just right.

Since it's a station on the Yamanote Line, it was perfect for meeting up with friends, and we could even do some shopping in the area if we needed to.

Check-in to the Room via Self-Check-in

The hotel's front desk equivalent is called the OMO Base, located on the fourth floor. While it's easily accessible, I noticed that there were also international tourists leisurely enjoying the café space.

We checked in using the self-check-in counter (although the staff was there to assist us). We registered our card key and collected amenities ourselves. It felt convenient.

Inside the room, there was a tower-shaped sofa and bed, which created an intriguing atmosphere akin to a secret base.

Enjoy Local Flavors with OMO Rangers' Delivery Service

One interesting aspect of OMO hotels is that they have staff called OMO Rangers, who are local experts dedicated to helping guests enjoy the neighborhood.

For dinner, we ordered one of the neighborhood activities offered by OMO5 called "Go-KINJO Delivery Rangers." It allowed us to have freshly prepared dishes from nearby local restaurants delivered to our room. 

Each dish came with a message note attached, featuring comments from OMO Rangers, which added to the warm and local atmosphere.

Since we could specify the delivery time, we went out beforehand and stocked up on drinks and snacks from a nearby Don Quijote store. We spent the evening chatting endlessly.

Lately, conversations with close friends often revolve around topics like marriage, childbirth, and career, delving into deeper discussions. 

While I do discuss these matters with my husband, there's a different level of understanding and empathy when talking with fellow women of the same generation and similar circumstances. 

(Well, first and foremost, I'm grateful to my husband for allowing me to go on this girls' trip in the first place.)

Experience Review ☆ wicot Scalp & Hair Shampoo/Treatment

Fragrant Scalp Care Brand "wicot"

Normally, I use the rinse-in shampoo from Ma & Me and occasionally add a treatment when I take a bath.

Although it's convenient to share it with my husband, I wanted to change things up a bit, so I decided to try the trial set of wicot. It came with a generous 7-day supply♪

How was the experience?

As expected from a fragrant scalp care brand, the scent was really nice.

This time, it was a citrus-scented shampoo, and the refreshing fragrance filled the bathroom, making bath time a pleasant and uplifting experience. I hadn't come across a citrus-scented shampoo before, so I was happy about it.

In terms of usability, I was delighted with the treatment's texture, which was a bit closer to a hair mask. It felt like it thoroughly penetrated my hair and scalp.

Actually, I had used a mud pack from Okinawa on my hair the day before, and I didn't have enough time to properly apply any treatments or anything, so my hair was a little dry.

Maybe because of that, after the first wash, it felt "reasonably moisturized." It worked well when I applied hair oil.

But come to think of it, natural cosmetics without additives can sometimes make the hair a little dry, so it's great that it still felt moisturized.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it will be after 7 days!

Live-Action "The Little Mermaid" 2023 - A Review of the Disney Film@Shinjuku Piccadilly, Tokyo

Live-Action Version of "The Little Mermaid"

I went to see the live-action Disney film "The Little Mermaid," which was released on June 9th (Friday). It happened to be a day when I could leave work early for building maintenance, so I left the office without hesitation, skipping overtime.

I had been eager to watch it every time I saw the commercials because the song "Part of Your World" felt just like the voice of a mermaid.

I visited Shinjuku Piccadilly, where I had previously watched "Shikakenin Fujieda Baian," another film. Since the dubbed version had a star-studded cast this time, there were quite a few showtimes for the dubbed version, and I felt limited in options for the subtitled version.

I wanted to challenge the movie theater in Kabukicho Tower, but I couldn't bring myself to walk through the lively streets of Kabukicho on a Friday night just for "The Little Mermaid." I'll try it next time during a lively daytime.

What are my thoughts on the live-action "The Little Mermaid"?

Since I watched the subtitled version, the girls sitting next to me were speaking in French, and their first words after the ending were "Très Bien!" I wanted to say the same.

The story is almost the same as the well-known Disney animated film, so I'll skip discussing it, but the direction, visual representation, performances, and songs in recreating it were all excellent.

Some iconic scenes from the animated version were also reproduced in the live-action adaptation.

In addition, compared to when I watched the animated film, this version carried a modern message about complex family environments, people who yearn for and fear different cultures, and the dynamics within families.

Ariel's father and Eric's (adoptive) mother both had an overprotective nature, and when Ariel and Eric connected on that aspect, it felt like the song "Gold von den Sternen (Gold Falling from the Stars)" from the musical "Mozart!" could start playing.

Is there any awkwardness in the live-action Disney film?

In Japan, when live-action adaptations of animated films are made, there are opinions like "Don't ruin my character's image." I think creating a live-action version can be quite challenging.

Also, personally, although I didn't find any problems, I'll mention that there were some critical opinions as soon as the visuals were released for this movie.

Of course, humans cannot become animated characters, and it's not that we don't feel any awkwardness.

But for example, before I watched Broadway and Shiki Theater musicals, I saw the visual representation of Ariel in the musical and thought, "She has an ice cream cone on her head." However, when I watched the musical, it no longer bothered me.

There are occasional moments like that in this movie that can be slightly distracting.

However, any points where you feel like saying, "What is this?" might not be about the story of the film itself but rather the fact that the Disney version deviates from Andersen's original tale, which was about the "mermaid who doesn't turn into bubbles."

If you expect everything to be exactly the same as the animated version, it might shatter your dreams, but if you watch it as a new film, it was a beautifully crafted story that is hard to come by.

Disney films have extravagant trailers

Since it was a Disney film, there were many trailers for other Disney movies. One that caught my attention was "My Element," which features Tamamori Yuta from Kis-My-Ft2 as a voice actor.

But more than that, what caught my eye was "Wish," which is set to release this winter. It feels like Disney is going all out for their 100th anniversary. The English commercial mentioned November, and considering the Japanese promotion is for winter, maybe I can watch it while studying abroad in Malaysia.

Also, it seems that Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen will appear in the final installment of the "Indiana Jones" series, titled "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." I've only seen him as a villain, but his visuals are top-notch. I didn't know because there's always news about Harrison Ford.

When I watch foreign movies, I consider it as spending nearly two hours on English listening practice (or at least that's how I think of it). So, I'm excited to make time and go see various films.

Battling with Wisdom Tooth Extraction Before Studying Abroad!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

When considering my friends' experiences, it seems that most people have their wisdom teeth extracted between high school and college. Due to a few years of neglecting dental visits, my wisdom teeth remained intact until recently.

Last year, I had one wisdom tooth that was on the verge of developing a cavity, and it was suggested that since I was planning to study abroad, it would be better to remove all of them. Consequently, I decided to proceed with the extractions.

Unexpected Succession

I recently underwent the extraction of one of my wisdom teeth, specifically the lower right one that tends to swell easily. I thought it might also alleviate my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, but the improvement seems minimal.

The extraction was quite challenging, resulting in irritation and discomfort in my lips and tongue, making the first week quite tough. However, the situation has improved, and I have no issues currently.

What caught me off guard was that during the follow-up check-up a week after the first extraction, it was mentioned that the next one to be removed would be the opposite side, which usually doesn't swell. While it was indeed part of the plan to remove them all, it was unexpected!

I went for the extraction the following week, and this time it went smoother. I'm currently observing the progress after one week.

The immediate swelling was painful, but it seems better than the first extraction.

I hope that's the end of it and that the last remaining tooth doesn't require extraction. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask the dentist about it.

Well, I guess it's a relief that I won't have to deal with swollen and painful wisdom teeth several times a year while I'm in Malaysia. Let's stay positive and endure it!

What to Do with the Extracted Teeth?

My regular dentist didn't mention anything when I had my previous extractions, but this time, the dentist who performed the extraction asked, "Would you like to take your wisdom teeth home?"

Internally, I wondered, "What would I do with them?"

Considering the ongoing dilemma of what to do with my child's baby teeth and the fact that one of my extracted teeth had chipped and fragmented, I decided to have the dentist dispose of them.

Wishing for the Happiness of Japanese Singer Kis-My-Ft2: The News of 北山宏光（KITAYAMA Hiromitsu）'s Departure from Johnny's

Kis-My-Ft2's Graduation News

While surfing the internet at night, I came across the news of Kis-My-Ft2's 北山宏光（Hiromitsu KITAYAMA）'s graduation from Johnnys production.

Around the time of my teaching internship, I decided to learn about other Johnny's groups besides 嵐（Arashi）, and that's when I started listening to Kis-My-Ft2. Their songs became my background music for work and running at the gym.

My 推し（Oshi, favorite） has been Wataru Yokoo (including his unit, 舞祭組（Busaiku）), and it secretly brought me joy that we got married in the same year.

A New Beginning on the Same Day

I became a fan of Kis-My-Ft2 through their variety shows, and compared to my other hobbies, I've supported them in a broad but shallow way. (I really appreciate the fans who accept fans like me; they're so kind and likable.)

I acknowledge that my perspective is different from those who have supported them for a much longer time. But for me, as long as my favorite members are happy, that's all that matters. The members are also supporting Hiroki's new journey.

Moreover, it feels quite special that at the same time I embark on my study abroad journey, Hiromitsu and Kis-My-Ft2 are starting a new chapter.

Their new summer song is said to be titled "ともに（Together）." I want to continue supporting them just as I have been all this time.

Participating in JOICEP's Memorable Randoseru Gift Inspection Volunteer Activity♪

Memorable Randoseru Gift

"The Memorable Randoseru Gift" is an initiative by JOICEP (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers for Education Promotion), an international cooperation NGO known for its White Ribbon Run and Charity Pinky Ring.

The Memorable Randoseru Gift program involves donating used Randoseru (traditional Japanese school backpacks) from Japan to Afghanistan, supporting the education of children, particularly girls who lack educational opportunities, through international assistance activities. 

By receiving a Randoseru, children in Afghanistan are given the chance to receive an education, and these Randoseru from Japan have provided significant opportunities in the lives of Afghan children. The goal is for children to learn in school, acquire the ability to read and write, and gain knowledge and information to protect themselves and their families (source: JOICEP website).

I participated in this program by donating my own Randoseru about three years ago. In my case, the motivation to participate stemmed from my desire to find a way to deal with my Randoseru, which I still had in my parents' storage despite being over 20 years old, rather than noble intentions. It was essentially a decluttering effort.

However, the idea that the Randoseru I used for six years would find its way into the hands of someone overseas was somewhat exciting. I remember putting new school supplies like notebooks and pencils inside before sending it.

Randoseru Inspection Volunteer

This year, after a hiatus, the opportunity to participate in the Randoseru inspection volunteer activity arose, so I decided to take part. The location was a large warehouse about 20 minutes by bus from Shinagawa Station.

Due to heavy rain from a typhoon the day before, we started later than planned, but fortunately, the weather cleared up, providing ideal conditions for the inspection!

Initially, we confirmed the schedule and had a ceremony where we presented the Randoseru to the representative of the local partner organization from Afghanistan (middle school students played a major role!).

Then, we got down to work immediately. A tremendous amount of Randoseru had already been unpacked and placed there, but there were still more to go.

I was assigned to a group responsible for opening cardboard boxes and stacking Randoseru into piles. We divided into three groups: the group inspecting the mountain of Randoseru, the group packing them into boxes for shipment to Afghanistan, and the group taking on various tasks based on the progress of the work.

After a while, I moved to other groups' tasks based on the progress. At that time, I was surprised to find that the Randoseru were much lighter than when I used them.

I'm a bit worried if the child who received my Randoseru thinks, "What's this? It's so heavy!" at a level beyond expectation...

Carrying four Randoseru at once was quite laborious. Nevertheless, when I thought about how everyone's memories were packed inside this mountain (although much lighter than the one I used), it made the effort worthwhile.

During break time, we received souvenirs, such as candies from Afghanistan, and had the opportunity to listen to stories about local children. It was a fulfilling time that allowed us to learn and gain valuable experiences.

Volunteer Participation Certificate

At the end of the activity, each of us received a volunteer participation certificate.

It feels great to be able to say that I was involved in the Randoseru Gift initiative from start to finish (on the Japanese side), even though it has been nearly a decade since that day when I graduated from elementary school or sent my Randoseru from home. It's a feeling of being able to contribute, even if only a little, to the future of the children in Afghanistan who received the Randoseru. It's not about being a foreign country or Afghanistan specifically, but the fact that we were able to connect with someone through lines that wouldn't normally intersect. That's the meaning I find in participating in this event.

Although I don't have any Randoseru to give away in the future, I hope that by sharing my experience, more people will become aware of the Randoseru Gift as an option other than simply "throwing it away."

Reflections during Volunteering

By the way, the staff members and partner staff at JOICEP are amazing.

They are not event organizers but regular employees of the organization, yet they patiently explain what we need to do and even guide us to the storage area. They communicate with guests in English as if it were normal.

I realized that these individuals, who are working for the sake of others, possess the skill of "engaging" not only with people from distant countries but also with those within reach. Although this might not be a skill I need in my job, I think it would make a positive impact in other activities. After I complete my studies abroad and return, I want to become someone who possesses such skills.

When Will It Arrive? Longing for the New Android Device "OPPO Reno9A" Days

OPPO's New Product

As I mentioned before, I am an Android user and have been using the OPPO Reno3A (the one featuring Rino Sashihara in the commercials) that I purchased three years ago.

It's about time for an upgrade, and since I'll be studying abroad, I might need to take photos with my smartphone. Therefore, I plan to replace it with this year's new model.

OPPO releases new smartphones around June to July every year. After lowering the prices of the previous year's models, they usually announce the new products from late May to late June.

Last year, the OPPO Reno7 A, which was released in the previous year, became cheaper on the Rakuten Ichiba official website around April. So, I had hopes that the new model might be released early. However, that doesn't seem to be the case.

There is no information about the release of any new products at this point.

I thought they might release it during the Rakuten Super Sale or something, but apparently not.

Even when I searched, I only found news about OPPO recently discontinuing the development of their own semiconductors or the announcement of new smartphones in China.

Goal: Upgrade before studying abroad

Just before upgrading my smartphone, my phone case got a little damaged, but I didn't bother replacing it.

Considering that data transfer is smooth without iTunes, and it works well with Google unlike iPhone, I prefer sticking with Android, and I like the usability and cost-effectiveness of OPPO. So, I don't have any intention of being unfaithful to other Android products for now.

I want to upgrade before studying abroad, but I wonder if this year's new model will be available by summer?