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Hanami (Sakura Flower Viewing)

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Steve

Many visitors will tell you that while Japan is a beautiful country, there is something special about the springtime when the famous Japanese cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Starting in the month of April, the country erupts in a riot of beautiful cherry blossoms, known as Sakura in Japan. Nearly every street, park, and shrine in the country features a number of these beautiful blooms, and the Japanese people take pride in their country’s unique display. Each year, the event is recognized with Hanami, or flower viewing, which is also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Taking part in Hanami has been an important social event for the Japanese people for centuries. Hundreds of years ago, Japanese aristocrats would spend time beneath the blooming cherry trees along with artists, musicians and poets. While the name “Hanami” means simply “flower viewing”, the meaning that this time of year has to the Japanese people is far more complex. Cherry trees, or Sakura, hold a special place in Japanese culture and society, and the blooms show up everywhere from fine art to candy wrappers. To the Japanese people, the blooms are representative of the beauty of women, and the presence of the blooms for only ten days a year demonstrates the transiency of beauty. While the flower is one of the last in the country to begin blooming, it is also the most beautiful and showy of Japanese flower varieties.

The most traditional way to enjoy Hanami is to visit the parks, shines, and temples where these blossoms flower. Listening to traditional Japanese music, taking part in the dancing and drinking alongside local people, or even attending a tea ceremony are all ways that a visitor can participate in Hanami. Today’s Hanami celebrations are more like parties or picnics, giving locals and tourists alike a chance to bond with each other outdoors. One of the most exciting things for visitors is the chance to wear a Yukata, which is a cotton kimono, during the celebration. Those who are interested in a more mild experience will want to head to a smaller, local park where most of the viewers are older. However, those looking for a rowdy, rollicking time will want to head to the large celebrations in bigger cities at night. Some of the larger festivals feature street vendors who sell food and souvenirs at the festival, drinking, karaoke, and dancing. There are also romantic nighttime Hanami sessions where couples stroll through the darkened gardens and drink tea. These festivals are held at some of the most famous gardens in the country, and many of the trees are lighted to illuminate the blossoms.

It is hard to pick an exact date for attending a Cherry Blossom festival, since the flowers begin blooming on different days of the year. Since the flowers bloom only when conditions are right, you should plan on attending during a several week long period in April, if possible. There are a number of organizations that offer cherry blossom forecasts, but most are only accurate within a few days or a week. In this busy, modern country, Hanami is a special time for the people to take time off and reflect on the simple joys in life. Visitors who come during this magical time will never forget the experience.

Snowboarding at Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Steve

Much like Colorado’s winter paradise of Aspen, Niseko is the premiere place for snowboarders in Japan. There are two main ski and snowboard areas in Hokkaido, but the powder in Niseko is of the deep variety that snowboarders crave. Despite the low altitude of the area, Niseko has consistently great snowboarding conditions from December to March every year. Much like Aspen, some of the worlds best skiers and snowboarders can be found taking advantage of the incredible conditions and luxurious setting of the area. However, unlike Aspen, vacationers can afford to enjoy Niseko without going broke. After large investments from a group of Australian investors, Niseko is enjoying a rebirth as the premier spot for vacationers interested in snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports. While the area is beautiful year round, for those interested in a vacation where they can enjoy snowboarding, Niseko is a trip not to be missed.

The runs in Niseko are world class easily equal to the best runs in Europe or the United States. There are a total of about 40 kilometers of runs in the area, and about a quarter of them are considered advanced, so there is something for snowboarders of every ability level. Thanks to the influx of cash from investors and tourists, the facilities in the area are excellent- and they are continuously expanding. For those who want to spend an entire vacation on their boards, check out the wide variety of “board in, board out” accommodations on the mountain- you can find anything from budget backpacker hostels to first class ski lodges and furnished apartments as well as more traditional Japanese style hotel and ryokan lodging. While there are a growing number of places to stay, if you want to be sure you’ll be able to stay where you want to, be sure to book early- especially during the areas best snowboarding season in January and February. Despite the popularity of the area, most snowboarders will be pleased to find that it doesn’t become excessively crowded, except during the New Year’s holiday when prices rise and lift lines often get far longer.

The Niseko area is divided into three sections- the most popular is Hirafu, with Annapuri and Higashiyama coming in at as close seconds. There is another area, called Hanazono that is a short distance away and ideal for people who want to get away from the crowd and who don’t mind colder snowboarding conditions. Hirafu is popular due to the large ski lodge zone, the many places to eat, exciting nightlife, and large number of hotels. Hirafu is on the warmer, sunnier side of the mountain, making it more temperate and better for less experienced snowboarders and it offers spectacular views of the Niskeo valley. Annapuri and Higashiyama are also gifted with beautiful views of the valley, but they often become crowded more quickly and have longer waits.

One of the features that many snowboarders enjoy most in Niseko is the active night life. Many of the runs are designed for night boarding, so you can sleep in late and then enjoy the snow late into the evening. The nightlife in the area includes bars and clubs, and the dining in the area provides delicious food at nearly any hour. There is a mix of traditional Japanese cuisine, including superb sushi bars, as well as European and American fare in the area. After a day of snowboarding, be sure to head out of an onsen bath (or soak) before bed to make sure you’re ready to get out and enjoy another day of snowboarding.

Another reason that so many people enjoy snowboarding in Niskeo is that the resort area is easily accessible by bus from several of Japans larger airports. You can even take a train and enjoy several of Japans best snowboarding areas- a favorite for many visitors is to start in Sapporo Teine, then take the train to Asarigawa Onsen and visit Otaru City, then finish the trip with a short bus ride to Niseko. Those who are able to obtain a driver’s permit in Japan can easily rent a car and drive to Niseko- many companies even provide snow tires and chains to make the trip safer. If bringing your equipment sounds like a big hassle, you’ll be glad to find out that Niskeo has a number of rental shops that offer everything from skis and snowboards to clothing to ensure that you are properly equipped. If your idea of a dream vacation is to spend time enjoying some of the best snowboarding in the world, Niseko is a trip that will not disappoint!

SGCafe Urban Youths Guide

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Steve

SGCafe Urban Youths Guide is a Japanese based online business directory and one of the largest youth portals in South East Asia. The directory enjoys a high traffic with over thousands of views in a month. It serves as a platform to different websites to get more recognition and an online lead by registering themselves there. The directory possesses a vast collection of quality business websites relating to Dining, Shopping, Entertainment and Hobbies, mainly targeting the youth.

SGCafe’s exceptional business directory caters to the varying needs of the individuals by providing them with genuine website links along with their addresses and telephone numbers. The websites relating to Dining Services, which are further subdivided into Buffets, Cafes, Curry Houses, Izakaya, Japanese Fusion, Japanese Restaurants, Ramen Stall and Sweets are listed. The directory provides five or more websites in each of these categories, making it easier for the people to find their best nearby dining in spots.

SCGafe directory

The second category is related to Shopping, an activity which is endeared by almost everyone on this planet. Links relating to Beauty and Cosmetics, Japanese Retail Chain, Shibuya Fashion store and Japanese Street Fashion store are enlisted, providing people, primarily women, a way to find appropriate and suitable websites for themselves that cater to their shopping needs the best.

Thirdly, the directory provides numerous Entertainment websites, pertaining to Arcades, Cinemas, Karaokes, Parties and Chill Outs. The youth is mainly attracted towards this category as the websites enlisted contain high quality content and are committed to provide best possible services to their audience. Lastly, it contains relevant web pages under the head of Hobbies. This part is mainly concerned with providing people with the links that best satisfy and guide their spare time activities. The pages related to Anime Figurines Shops, Anime Merchandise Shops, Trading Card Games, Deco and Crafts, Model Kits, Toys and Collectibles and Video Games are listed in this category.

All the websites registered in the directory are genuine and trustworthy. The directory enjoys a high level of experience as it has been serving people for many years. It includes websites from all the main countries of South East Asia and enables the visitors to add up their own as well. Moreover, the website also provides people to search their desired websites by simply typing in the product’s name and an address or a zip code to save the time they would otherwise spend on by going through each and every category.

Media Contact:
Justin ~ social@sgcafe.com ~ Singapore
http://directory.sgcafe.com/

[Heart in Azamino] New Song To Check Out

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Steve

There’s a new single out by Noyzfera2 called “Heart in Azamino” that sounds pretty cool. and you can find it in the Apple Store. So check it out, launch iTunes, and listen to the preview! It’s available in the Japan Apple Store (as well as the USA store).

Coming of Age Day (Seijin Shiki)

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Steve

Seijin Shiki, also known as Coming of Age Day, is an important time for Japanese youth. Each year on the second Monday of January, the people of Japan gather to recognize those who have reached (or have almost reached) the age of adulthood in Japan which is commonly considered to be twenty years. At the age of twenty, Japanese youth are able to vote, drink alcohol, and they become subject to the adult legal code of the country. Seijin Shiki is called an “Adult Ceremony” by many, recognizing the importance of becoming a productive adult member of Japanese society.

In most parts of Japan, the ceremonial portion of the holiday takes place in the morning, and all of the new adults that live in an area are invited to take place. Many ceremonies are held at local or prefectural offices, and the new adults are encouraged to bring important members of their family and close friends. Government officials give speeches telling the new adults about the importance of becoming part of adult society. In many places, small gifts are given to the honorees to recognize this important occasion.

Celebrating Coming of Age Day is very important to families, and many women will wear furisode, which is a special kimono that is usually purchased for a young woman by her parents for the occasion. Furisode are made from fine, brightly colored silk and they have very long sleeves- in fact, furi means swinging and sode means sleeves. This type of kimono is usually only worn for important social events such as tea ceremonies or at the wedding of someone close to the young woman. Purchasing a furisode can cost as much as $3000, so many women will rent one or wear a cherished keepsake passed on from a family member. Women often got to beauty salons to have their hair and make up done, and they will also need assistance in putting on the furisode. Men who are participating in Seijin Shiki generally wear a nice business suit, although some choose to wear the traditional hakama which is a dark colored kimono.

The history of Coming of Age Day is rooted in an ancient ceremony known as Genpuku, during which young boys were taken to a local shrine where they received adult clothing and hairstyles. In most cases, boys also received their new, adult name. While the ceremony was once restricted to noblemen and the sons of samurai, the tradition eventually spread to all men. Later, women were included in a special ceremony called mogi which occurred between the ages of 12 and 14. In 1948, the Japanese government recognized the ceremony officially and set the date to January 15. Later, in 1999, the date was moved to the second Monday of January.

When the ceremony is complete, usually sometime late in the afternoon or early evening, the newly appointed adults usually go to private parties where they will drink, sing, and dance as they celebrate their newly found adulthood.

Mac tech support service TokyoMac launches for English speakers in Japan!

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Steve

Are you an English speaking Mac user in Japan? If you need support, I found the answer to your problems!

American entrepreneurs Aaron & Josh have recently founded a new remote tech support service at TokyoMac.com where expats and other English speakers can visit to get help with Apple OS X products. They are currently offering a special price for new customers of only ¥1,017 (about $12 USD) for their first hour of tech support. Payments are easily made using the worldwide PayPal service. They are in the process of adding more team members to expand available service hours.

They know sometimes there are not many tech support choices in Japan that offer service from easy to understand native English speakers, and wanted to offer this new option to the English speaking community. It’s great to see Apple Certified and A+ Certified professionals offer affordable solutions living or traveling abroad. They are also on Facebook and are looking to make some new friends on there, so make sure to drop by their FB page and say hi!

Smile! An Android App in English or Japanese

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Steve

Here’s a fun Android app you should check out. A friend of mine designed it, and it’s free to download through Google Play.

If you have a better idea for some text or description of the app, please leave your comments below in this post! Feel free to leave a review too.

Smile! is an age guessing game in English or Japanese. Try and guess the ages of real people. See how old everyone thinks you are. Great as an ice-breaker at parties.

Visiting Tokyo (Travel Guide)

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Steve

To begin, here’s a wonderful site to help you navigate the train lines in Tokyo: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/index.html

JR Train Map:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf

Tokyo Metro Map:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/rosen/rosenzu/pdf/rosen_eng.pdf

Points of interest according to station/area:

Akihabara (via Yamanote, Sobu, and Hibiya lines)

Famous for having one of the largest electronic shopping areas, it is also the birthplace of maid cafes (where young ladies dressed as maids serve guests food and play games or sing songs).

Akiba Town Guide: http://www.akiba.or.jp/english/

Large eclectic shop found in Akihabara and other areas throughout Tokyo:
Don Quijote http://www.donki.com/c/shop/shop_en.php?lang=en&shopid=98

Ryogoku (via Sobu line and Oedo line)

Famous area for Sumo and history in Japan. You can visit the sumo stadium, sumo museum as well as the edo history museum (usually very easy to spot random sumo walking or biking around the area). http://www.ltij.net/tokyo/ryogoku.html

Tokyo Dome City (Suidobashi station via Sobu line and Mita line)

Amusement park (with rollercoasters) games and restaurants. http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/

Tokyo (via Yamanote, Chuo, Marunouchi and Tozai lines)

Great area where you can find the Imperial Palace (near Otemachi station via Tozai line) http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/koukyo.html

Fountain park and restaurant nearby and a great shopping/dining area in Marunouchi (across from Tokyo station). http://www.marunouchi.com/e/

Also home to Tokyo’s Cotton Club for fine dining, well mixed drinks and fantastic live Jazz shows. http://www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/en/

Asakusa (via Ginza line or Asakusa line)

More traditional area with Sensoji Temple (with the large red lantern). There are rows of stalls selling traditional gifts and food. Usually has entertainment or a festival happening.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html

You can take a boat cruise from Asakusa to the lovely Hamarikyu gardens right in the middle of the city and continue on to Odaiba island.

Odaiba is more of a tourist area with large shopping malls but it also has the giant and unusual Fuji building, quiet beach and an old fort at the end of the beach by Rainbow bridge. At night you can have drinks on the deck of some restaurants and get a beautiful view of the water, Rainbow bridge and traditional Japanese floating restaurants (lit up boats called yakatabune) http://www.funasei.com/fsei_english.htm

Odaiba Aqua City: http://www.aquacity.jp/en/
Venus Fort: http://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html

There is also a futuristic floating bar that goes around Tokyo Bay: http://www.jicoofloatingbar.com/main.html

From Odaiba, it’s very easy to reach Ginza (via Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines)

Famous for designer shops and the Sony Building, where you can play with Sony products, dance on the musical stairs and check out the various attractions they have every season. http://www.sonybuilding.jp/e/index.html

Heading West from Odaiba you will find Roppongi (via Hibiya line and Oedo line)

Roppongi Hills and Tokyo MidTown are great shopping and dining areas. Roppongi Hills has an observation area http://www.roppongihills.com/en/

Roppongi has a lot of foreign clubs and bars that I recommend avoiding due to the types who tend to hang around there. Lots of women looking to get a man with money and a lot of hostess clubs/massage parlours looking for men with money as well.

Tokyo MidTown has the Suntory museum of art, fantastic restaurants, Fuji Gallery and nice architecture/art pieces. Also famous for winter decorations and events http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/en/

Continuing west, you’ll hit Daimon (via Oedo line and Asakusa line) and Hamamatsucho (via Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line)

It’s a short walk to Tokyo Tower, Pokemon Center, and Zojoji Temple. Near Tokyo Tower, there are many nice cafes and restaurants as well. http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/index.html

Shinagawa (via Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line)

Generally a business area, there are great shops and restaurants including the Singapore Seafood restaurant http://www.restaurant-mrs.com/english/shoplist/seafoodrepublic_data.html

The Prince Hotel in Shinagawa has a nice, small aquarium and theatre –also has lovely illumination at night.

After Shinagawa, there is Ebisu (via Yamanote line)

This area is one of the best for dining and Ebisu Gardens is a very nice area for dining and shopping. There is also a beer museum located there. http://www.tokyoessentials.com/ebisu.html

Very close to Ebisu, you’ll find the famous areas of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku.
Shibuya (via Yamanote line, Ginza line, Hanzomon line and Fukutoshin line)

This is where you will find the famous scramble crossing from every movie about Japan. Very busy area at any time, it’s very lively and exciting at night. Lots of shopping and dining, it’s a great place to experience the true hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Harajuku (via Yamanote line) or Meiji Jingu Mae (via Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line)

Harajuku is the place to see the fun and colourful youth of Tokyo dress up and parade down the famous Takeshita street. Though hectic on the weekend, it’s the best time to visit and see the most eccentric costumes around. http://www.virtualjapan.com/wiki/Takeshita_Dori

Also very close to Meiji Jingu Shrine, it’s a wonderful contrast to Takeshita street. http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/

A five minute walk from the shrine will take you to Omotesando, a tree lined street with rows of high-end shops and cafes. Omotesando Hills is an interesting building complex of shops and restaurants. Check out the small side streets to discover interesting shops, salons and private galleries. http://www.omotesandohills.com/english/

Finally… Shinjuku (via Yamanote line, Chuo line, Marunouchi line and Oedo line)

Shinjuku has rows of shopping malls (like Marui, Isetan, Odakyu and Keio), Japanese Izakaya restaurants (great food and inexpensive), Karaoke places and more.

The south exit will lead you to Takashimaya shopping mall and southern terrace area with lovely displays and decorations.

The West exit is surrounded by large shops and has Mosaic Street which is a small street going uphill with beautiful lights, displays and decorations. Also has a few cute little shops along the way.

The East exit is where the younger crowd hangs out near Studio Alta (mostly shopping for young girls) but heading down the main road, you will hit all of the major shopping malls in a row.

Very close to Studio Alta, you can access the Kabukicho area. I don’t recommend going there at night as some people can be shady and love tourists, but if you would like to see Tokyo’s darker nightlife, in terms of pachinko parlours and hostess clubs, it’s worth a peak.

Japanese Sword Museum
It’s a 10 minute walk from Hatsudai Station along the Keio train line that leaves Shinjuku Station.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/facilities/museums/83dn3a000000eg9y.html

Great Restaurants

Kaiten Zushi – Shibuya

A great conveyor belt sushi place in Shibuya that offers a deal where you promise to eat at least five plates within 20 minutes or so and if you can finish within that time, you are welcome to stay longer to eat more plates. This is one of the more popular sushi restaurants, so they have a time limit for people so they don’t just sit there taking up space.

EN Izakaya – Shibuya

Japan is famous for their izakaya, which is a Japanese pub. There are many different dishes for snacking on and the drinks are usually cheaper than most places. This is one of the nicer izakaya that I’ve been to.

La Rochelle – Shibuya

Certainly not for budget eating, it’s fine French dining from the famous chef Hiroyuki Sakai. I’m not sure if you know him, but he was one of the “Iron Chef Japan” chefs. Great service, presentation and it’s located on the 32^nd floor of Cross Tower above Shibuya.

http://www.la-rochelle-sby.com/facility/

Lockup – Shibuya

Jail/medical themed restaurant that has waitresses dressed as nurses, guys in prisoner and monster outfits in a dungeon-like setting. Guests sit in jail cells for their dining experience and can order a variety of strange dishes including drinks served in test tubes.

*on the map, I marked two areas that Lockup could be at. I’m sorry, I can’t remember which intersection it is exactly –but it’s one of those two.

Ginza Lion – Ginza

A chain of beer halls that started in Ginza in the late 1800’s, Ginza Lion serves a variety of dishes and drinks. When you travel around Ginza, you’ll find several in the area.

Kudan Kaikan

Historical hotel and restaurant that may interest you: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fv20081212a1.html

Ninja Restaurant – Akasaka

A ninja-themed restaurant the entire experience is like none other.

http://www.ninjaakasaka.com/

Going to graduate school? Get help with your personal statement

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Steve

With so many talented Japanese students pursuing advanced degrees in the United States, the graduate school personal statement has emerged as a key component used by admissions officials to admit only the truly exceptional candidates. EssayEdge boasts an unparalleled network of Ivy-League graduate editors ready to help with this challenging task. We can help edit your MBA, Graduate, Law or Medical school essay. Our editors provide a remarkable pool of experience, having professionally edited tens of thousands of grad school admissions essays, and understand today’s fast-paced and ultra-competitive admissions landscape. EssayEdge helps you connect one-on-one with these expert editors, offering a variety of service options that can provide a polished edit and detailed critique in as little as 24 hours of submission. Our edits go way beyond correcting minor grammatical mistakes, also providing substance and style recommendations that help you make an impact on admissions officers. Your dedicated EssayEdge editor shapes your essay with the attention and polish needed to illuminate you in the best possible light.

Today, grad school admissions essays are much more important than they used to be. Unlike impersonal parts of your application such as test scores and GPAs, your essay is intimately connected to you and you alone. That’s why they call it a graduate school personal statement: because it needs to be personal! Without this vital part of your packet, how will you stand out to the admissions officer who reads your application? How will you communicate what makes you a uniquely qualified applicant who is more than just a collection of numbers? What will convince the person who reads your application that you deserve to be admitted over the thousands of others competing for that same spot?

Get help with your graduate school personal statement now at http://www.essayedge.com
See the page in Japanese at http://www.essayedge.com/graduate/japan

5 Toys You Might Find Only in Japan

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Steve

It is common knowledge that the Japanese have always loved their gadgets, both children and adults. They also have a tremendous flair for the unusual, and it’s an open secret that most of the unusual gadgets that they develop remain for domestic consumption only. As far as toys are concerned the Japanese toy companies have always been innovative, and look to develop toys which will, in a way, help to educate their children.

The Misemono Doll
The Misemono Doll was developed during the 18th and 19th centuries, and was regularly featured in the travelling carnivals of Japan during that time. The misemono doll was part of a presentation given to children at that time to help them understand the concept of pregnancy and giving birth. In effect the Misemeno Doll’s stomach could be opened to reveal a baby developing inside, and how it eventually would be born

The Popping Edamame
Anyone who has ever visited Japan will more than likely have tasted the Edamame, although they may not be aware of it. Edamames describe a type of baby soybeans that are grown only in Japan, and are always picked just before they blossom and become ripe. What makes the Edamame baby soy beans so popular in Japan is not only that, they taste so good, but also children of all ages love to go through the experience of popping them out of their pods.
An enterprising Japanese toy manufacturer came up with the idea of creating a toy version of the popping Edamame that works all year round. It goes without saying that the children can’t eat the beans that they pop, but instead the toy manufacturer has painted each bean with a happy face.

The Dream Cat Venus
The Japanese are not particularly well known for being animal lovers, but their love for gadgets can overcome that. That’s why they introduced the Dream Cat Venus, or
“Yume-Neko Venus,” to give it its local title. The Dream Cat Venus is a toy cat that not only is exceptionally lifelike but also comes equipped with very sophisticated touch sensors. That means when you stroke the artificial cat it will display all the attributes of feline behavior without any of the other issues involved in owning a cat, such as letting it in and out all day long, feeding it and taking it to the vet.

Automatic Action Figures
Although automatic action figures tend to be popular all over the world, the Japanese toy makers seem to go that bit further. A good example is the President Barack Obama automatic action figure, which is getting really popular. The Obama doll comes with different costumes so kids can dress him up as a samurai fighter or a Wild West cowboy or anything else that takes their fancy. And should Obama fail to win the next election, they can always whip off his hands, head and feet and exchange them with those of Mitt Romney.

The Tuttuki Bako Finger Game Box
One of the most obscure games that you will find only in Japan goes by the name of the Tuttuki Bako Finger Game Box. In this slightly unusual game, children of all ages play with a cube shaped box in which the insert the finger. As soon as they do so, a choice of several digital representations appears on a backdrop screen. Children take a lot of pleasure in watching the digital finger attack little objects that suddenly appear inside the cube. Go figure!

Contributed from Mike. He enjoys blogging about toys and games. Mike is also a regular electronic toys reviewer for several online publication. At the moment, Mike’s favourite toy is the Furby doll!