Tofugu Poll: What do YOU want to see more of?

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So when I make my transition to (summer) full-time blogger, I’ll be writing a lot more posts on Tofugu (as well as my other blogs). I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. I’m excited, but also a bit intimidated. Writing 4-5 posts a week is a lot of content. That’s where YOU come in. I’d like to know what you would like to see more of.

Here is my thought process on posting. Normally, I only write about things I don’t see anywhere else (compared to a lot of blogs that just snatch and cite content from other blogs, being all sheepy). I don’t like being a sheep…and besides, why would anyone read Tofugu if they could just read another blog with the same content? I want to still stay true to that, so with that in mind, I’d love it if you told me what you are interested in. Let me know in the comments. Here are some starter questions for you if you need them:

  1. What do you like about Tofugu (and want to see more of)?
  2. What do you think Tofugu is lacking?
  3. What sections should be expanded?
  4. Would you be interested in more Japan “news” (in addition to the current cultural / language posts that Tofugu mostly consists of)?
  5. Any categories you would add

Anything else? Don’t feel constrained by the starter questions. Please get as creative as you want. I’d really like to improve, and ideas from readers have traditionally made Tofugu a much better blog! I look forward to reading what you have to say!

*Also, an update on the story portion of the Nara Mascot Contest. I’ll be reading them this coming week, and hope to announce a winner next week. Sorry for the delay on this part!

  • hai?

    I think it would be interesting to learn about the current news in Japan. Like when you had that article about the tanuki problem that they were having, i thought it was kind of interesting. Also, when you had that gossip about the morning musume marrying kamen rider (or something like that) it was also interesting.
    But the thing I liked the most was when you had articles about quirky things that they have in Japan that they don’t have here. I think it’s fun to learn about trendy things that kind of make you think, “SERIOUSLY, they like that kind of thing?!?!?”

  • http://kantanda.wordpress.com/ Mizuu

    Hi Koichi ^^

    I really <3 your projects, especially those in which you attempt to teach us guys something – you have talent for creating teaching materials, and I would like to see more of that, maybe less of news (to be honest, I am so inspired by tofugu and koichiben, that I finally set up my own blog on Japanese).

    Good idea would be to create some podcast / mp3 beside the videos, don’t you think?
    That’s my ideas for now. because I don’t see anything lacking really.

    I’m looking forward to your thesis results ^3^!!

  • WOTDsctoo

    My favorite part about Tofugu is the language posts. I think that conventional teaching material is good, but the best stuff in my opinion is when you teach things that aren’t normally taught in the classroom. For example, the posts about teaching samurai language or the different ways to say desu were pretty cool. If a portion of tofugu were to be expanded at my choice, it definately would be posts such as this, or language posts in general.

    My second favorite thing is the posts about the quirky culture things, like “hai?” said above. Of course, other, less quirky culture things would be cool too, but the ones that are the most fun are the ones that are totally zany. However, some of the drier ones may be a nice balance.

    As for news, I wouldn’t mind it, but it probably wouldn’t be as interesting, to me at least, than some of the other posts. But I think that if you integrated a cultural topic into a news post, I think you would be hitting two birds with one stone, and it would be informative and really interesting!

    As for what tofugu may lacking or any other categories I would like…I can’t think of anything at the moment. That’s a good thing. But if I think of anything later, I suppose I could post it…but I think tofugu is doing pretty well. :)

  • http://www.goddesscarlie.com GoddessCarlie

    For me, mainly anything and everything to do with learning Japanese. I also love your crazy videos. They are always fun. Regurgitating other people’s posts isn’t good, but adding more to the discussion or a different view is always interesting. I wouldn’t be interested so much in current Japanese events from here – Japan Probe is enough for me. I would rather more of a language-learning based stuff. If you can tie in current events with that, that’s ok. And sure, cultural practises can also be relevant.

    Audience is important, but remember to write about what you want to write about as well!

  • diojenisu

    I agree with WOTDsctoo on the language sections. Tofugu is unique at these things. I wouldn’t think to look up samurai language by myself, for example. But now Japanese archaism has begun to interest me, and you started it. As for what you lack, that would be more regular posts, but that’s solved.
    One thing i guess i could say is that i would like to see some more depth. By that i mean your honest, thoughtful ideas on Japan and the Japanese. For example, i was reflecting on the foreigners’ s view that the Japanese treat you very kindly and respectfully albeit with distance. And i thought that the reason the Japanese don’t try to welcome you into the culture is that they are not rude enough to do so. Most of them wouldn’ t have the nerve to push you into the side of Japan that they know by nature(and nurture). I don’t know, it ‘s just that you don’t see that kinda stuff on the net, by net people. Plus, it’ s aways thought provoking, exchanging ideas. Right?
    Sorry if i tired ya!

  • Rin

    I come to tofugu because the information here is found pretty much only here. I love the culture posts, and everything about the language. Like one of the others said I think seeing more Japanese news and current events would be interesting. Also all the I guess eclectic things you’ve done, like the samurai language thing, stuff like that is great fun and also super interesting.

  • Jesse

    I think having a “This Week in Japan” section would be great. Like how you guys started too back in Jan. Do a recap of the week news from Japan. I’d also be interested in learning more about Japan’s holidays and ceremonies. Other than that I’m content with what you guys post for us.

  • Pete

    I’d love to see some more posts or vids about learning Japanese. I’ve been learning for about a year and sometimes it feels more like I’m grinding and just putting in the hours. Tofugu/Koichiben helps make it fun again.

    Also ” This Week in Japan” should make a comeback

  • equath

    I agree with Pete. I think I’d like to know more about how the fluent/near fluent language learners are studying.

    I once talked to a guy who said the way he learned Japanese (after some minimal amount of previous study) was to force himself to think in nothing but Japanese for 6 months. Sounds great, but then I asked him how he talked to other Americans, and his answer was that he didn’t. I’ve been able to alter that strategy to instead try to translate everything I say in English to Japanese, in my mind; it’s really bringing out the level distinction in my proficiency. Another thing he mentioned was that every time he ran into new kanji (or kanji he had forgotten), he forced himself to write it a few times.

    My point is basically that knowing the specifics of what other good language learners are doing helps & motivates me to change my study habits.

    What do you study? How do you study? How long do you study? (ex: How do you study kanji?) I know previously you’ve mentioned that you memorize an article a day, or something to that effect, but how difficult is that article? How long does it take you to memorize the article? Do you memorize the kanji as well? I’d like the specifics so that I know when I’m letting myself slack too much, and when I’m at just the right pace.

  • http://youtube.com/profile?user=chokudori クリス

    As long as this site keeps true to #4, anything thrown on top of that just makes it better. However, I would like to see more of the ‘Tofugu’s Japan Week in Reviews’. I like the fact that I had a cluster of information all in one article. And last, videos are always good.

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    Very interesting that there seems to be interest in doing the week in reviews. I didn’t think people liked them that much…though, I suppose they are a good solution in terms of making sure Tofugu doesn’t become a “news” site, and sticks with the cultural/language learning aspects for the most part. Keep the comments coming, I’m learning a lot! Thank you!

  • Birubao Kun

    I very much like your approach on japanese learning. As Pete and WOTDsctoo put it. I’m particularly interested in your reviews of japanese learning materials.
    Thank you!

  • murasaki

    I agree with Pete and euath, I’ve been slowly teaching myself Japanese for a while now, and this site is a great resource. I’d like to see more reviews and tips, everything else is great in my opinion. Keep up the great work!

  • Chimiko

    OMG! A podcast with all the writers for Tofugu would be awesome! I’d love to hear it! ^_^.

  • http://icb2.com AOR

    I would really like sections on slang. Any sort of slang really, ranging from otaku, to seedy underground gay codewords to text message decoding. I think that would be very useful, in my opinion

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/CHESTERlikesSUBARU Chester_King

    Koichi,

    What AOR said gets a big second from me but my biggest concern is that you don’t feel tempted to do something because you think it’s going to be popular. Obviously, you’re not that kind of person so I’ll rephrase;

    Tofugu has a very distinctive Koichi stamp all over it. I always have this sense of an “about to graduate in Japan language/culture studies” vibe in your work and that’s been great. Now that you’ve graduated it’s time for the “big leagues” so to speak . I and I’m sure many other viewers/subscribers enjoy seeing Japan through your eyes. As long as you keep it real to your own personal interests, it will feel fresh and be enjoyable to watch no matter how potentially esoteric. Just keep doing the great job you’ve been doing and ignore what I and others are saying and you will be the next Lion King.

    - Chester

    p.s. In case any of this stuff enters your subconscious, I wouldn’t mind seeing you talk about….

    1. Rise of drift car culture with a visit to a drifting event.
    2. A visit with Emily (Applemilk1988)… she seems extremely intelligent; and troubled….
    3. Your own personal likes and dislikes about living in Japan and Japanese culture (a serious critique as it were) with a point-counterpoint to growing up American.

    Of course…. I never mentioned any of this……

  • http://www.tofugu.com Viet

    A visit with Applemilk? Haha… It’ll be one interesting visit.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/CHESTERlikesSUBARU Chester_King

    Yeah… it would either be a totally cool, funny, and perhaps bizarre video or……..

    the END of all things, shattering glass……TIME one livid, final flame…..

    I’m hoping it’s the former……..but that’s just me.

    .

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    I don’t see too much of the ‘extremely intelligent’ … troubled is more accurate

  • diojenisu

    For some odd reason i agree. But people don’t always portray their real selves on the net, anyways…

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/CHESTERlikesSUBARU Chester_King

    * puts on psychoanalysis hat *

    I sense she’s a bit of a lost soul looking for direction. I see frustration, depression, and general melancholy throughout her entertainingly chaotic videos which is, sadly, “interesting”. She mentions she has become very happy now that she lives in Japan, much more so than growing up in America; perhaps Japan is a form of escape for her but apparently she’s been studying Japanese for many years so it all makes for interesting soap opera.

    * takes off hat *

    In any case, you (Koichi) and Miss Applemilk are my two current “guides” to anything Japanese.
    Two very different approaches and both very much appreciated.

  • Digger

    The content here really is unique, isn’t it? I noticed that before…anyway, aside from more additions to the ‘Animals’ section, here’s what else I’d like to see:

    1. Advice on how to talk to people/fit in/make a good impression in Japan. (Notes on ediquette, customs, societal expectations, etc).
    2. Keep the videos coming.
    3. Uhh…..I guess……..just keep it up if ya’ can. I’ve only been around a short while, but I like this site. Its fun and it motivates me somehow.

    So yeah!

    over and out

  • Digger

    Oh yeah–I agree! You can’t get that kind of “practical speaking” stuff from books, always. (‘Course, I know you’re not *in* Japan and such things change constantly, so this could be hard….)

  • http://aruri.deviantart.com 8Dhi

    What I love about tofugu is that the posts are really funny and unusual 8D I really like the videos and learning the language. Here are some other things that I think would be really cool to read about:

    + Book reviews: I’d love to see more reviews of different textbooks for learning Japanese and what you would recommend, ranging from different levels of course. Or just any resources you think would be an asset.

    + Movie/JDORAMA/music reviews: lol. There’s some great entertainment there, and it would be cool to see what you thought or recommend. And I’m always ready to watch some new jdorama XD

    + Technology/Design: I’m a nerd when it comes to technology, toys, art. I know Japan has something new/weird/awesome things going on.

    + “A visit to..”/ “must go here”: I really liked how you talked about Nara in one post. Maybe if you talked about the cities in Japan or smaller areas/places as well. I love looking at the architecture in Japan, especially small places like the backstreets and shops/etc.

    + Fashion: I’d love to see Erin write more fashion articles. From street/urban wear to cosplay/lolita, traditional/ceremonial garb, weird beauty products, etc.

    Hope these give you guys some ideas 8DD Happy blogging

  • WOTDsctoo

    Hmm…judging by that response I don’t think I detect any sort of desire whatsoever to meet with Applemilk….

    which is unfortunate. XD I’d enjoy the video.

  • gueru

    Veamos… talvez algo de noticias actuales en Japon y talvez algo de historia de la gramatica para ver si se entiende mejor ;D

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    unfortunately we are in three different states, so that makes doing a podcast kind of hard. I suppose we could skype it and record it that way…hmm.

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    Animals, eh? Hmm, I think that’s Erin’s job :)

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    no something something espanol

  • http://www.vlogly.com jaered

    unfortunately we’re in three different states. Maybe we could do something via skype, or something.

  • http://tofugu.com Tofugu_Erin

    Oh, indeed.

  • http://tofugu.com Tofugu_Erin

    Too shy to do a podcast right now, haha.

  • http://tofugu.com Tofugu_Erin

    I was thinking of doing another little fashion article, actually. Thanks for the feedback!

  • BRiaN

    Let’s see..sometimes something about real news in japan and sometimes about grammary history to see if you understand (it) better.

    thats my translation.
    Even though My spanish sucks…
    but as to the site….
    I think you should (of course) add more japanese blogs that involve teaching a few things,but like gueru said, something so we can practice reading and see if we are understanding it.
    I’d also like to see more of the “japanese textbook reviews” so we can see what are the other [good] things out there.

  • http://icb2.com AOR

    “Veamos… talvez algo de noticias actuales en Japon y talvez algo de historia de la gramatica para ver si se entiende mejor ;D”

    Let’s see…Perhaps some current events in Japan and maybe some grammatical history, just to get a better grasp of things ;D

    That’s what he or she…You know.

  • gueru

    jeje…

  • gueru

    gracias…. es que me dio pereza =^.^=

  • Kitsune

    Current News in Japan from your point of view would be awesome, I’d also like to see some information on where certain phrases in Japan came from (ex. Not even a kitten around, to say that there are no living creatures around), and I love hearing about Japanese culture… Perhaps a comparison between the different dialects of Japan… I know that Osaka and Tokyo tend to have the most discernable differences in language (including using completely different words for insults… My teacher mentioned that to say Baka in Osaka is the equivilent of swearing harshly at people, but in Tokyo its simply considered to mean idiot. Apoligies to anyone who knows the Osaka dialect and was insulted, it’s simply the only example I know of.).

  • Chimiko

    I’ve done online podcasts/conference calls with friends in two other different states too. Using Skype is a pain in the behind, but as long as you don’t have Windows Vista, it should work fine. For recording I recommend Audacity, it’s the most simplest free recording software out there.

    I hope you do try it, it’d be awesome to listen to. And Erin, don’t be shy! ^_^;; I’m sure you sound fine *pat pat*

  • Chimiko

    I think a great idea is to suggest different ways to go to Japan, for personal travelling, study, or work.

    In any case, I’ve enjoyed most of the content here. I’m sure it is difficult because you cater to so many other people. But good luck, I’m sure you won’t disappoint.

  • emiko

    i want to see an article on cooking or food, since i’m trying to start making bento boxes ^^

  • Xhilononi234

    インターネットの日本語のしんぶんがいいです。Emikoさんのりねんもいいです。

  • Xhilononi234

    インターネットの日本語のしんぶんがいいです。Emikoさんのりねんもいいです。

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    I'm looking forward to your thesis results ^3^!!

  • http://www.handbags-club.com/ Designer handbags

    I'm looking forward to your thesis results ^3^!!