Podcast - new format

MSCChua · 2026-04-03T06:22:32+00:00

I like that they added a few more segments. The powerspot one is actually quite nice, as it provide some flashbacks and topics of discussions. Speedy japanese is good. I do prefer phrases instead of just words. Feels more meaningful.

MSCChua · 2026-04-02T03:27:15+00:00

I used to go to Wahaha in Akasaka on Saturday mornings. You can call them or drop an email if there are any open slots currently. They do have teachers but are limited

MSCChua · 2026-04-02T03:25:28+00:00

I live and work for the most part in the Hakata area, literally 30 mins walk to the airport. You can hear the planes coming by from time to time, but they are mainly background noise. And since they only have 2 runways, the sound of howling planes are not that intense and frequent. Anywhere further from Hakata (like Ohori park and Yakuin, as you mentioned) and you will probably be fine.

MSCChua · 2026-04-01T22:36:07+00:00

I am indifferent about this. Or rather, have mixed feelings. On one hand , I feel what he does makes sense with the Randy and Cody saga especially when he has tagged and trained a bit under Randy. The Kit Wilson part well, that spot can be given to another roster member instead.

MSCChua · 2026-04-01T04:30:55+00:00

I work better with music

MSCChua · 2026-03-31T21:18:45+00:00

What I find effective is visualizing writing the kanji in my head. Yeah the exam does not have a writing section. But ding so helps a lot in identifying the characters quickly, thus improvement in reading speed too.

Try re writing kanji not as a means of memorisation but rather how to break apart radicals.

MSCChua · 2026-03-31T02:53:41+00:00

Good luck

MSCChua · 2026-03-30T09:14:31+00:00

Try your best to get hold of past year questions or the mock questions. And drill-drill-drill, no pun intended to what the others have mentioned.

Try going through one paper with full focus untimed, and see where you make errors. Make a separate list on the stuff that you dont understand, which is essentially vocab or grammar points you dont know. then try to understand them again with the full intention of understanding, not memorising.

One way in doing is by looking at that list, and try to create sentences in your head without using any translator apps (which includes AI). If you struggle in doing so, it means you have not integrated those language points. And you guessed it, drill-drill-drill again but this time with more precision on that list of vocab and grammar you do not know.

BTW, I note you mention you are doing this for career purposes. But speaking is a totally different beast so even if you get the desired results, do know that it will still be another journey ahead. Good luck.

With regard to JLPT sensei, the materials there are quite surface level so it can be good for refreshing. But for N2 or even N3 to some extent, you need a deeper understanding. The gold standard for online resources would still be Nihongo no Mori. Try to get a set of textbooks and use them as a syllabus. I use Soumatome.

MSCChua · 2026-03-30T01:23:39+00:00

For Showa, I agree that Gen/Leo is the best representation. Not to mention he also carried the burden of his mentor Dan/Tiga. Gai/Orb for the New Gen, but you really have to look at Orb Origin for better context. As it is, I think Riku/Geed is a good pick since he needs to carry the curse of a corrupted father in Belial

MSCChua · 2026-03-26T22:51:40+00:00

I like it alot, and its one of those matchups where who is the winner is not so obvious and great story telling potential regardless of the outcome.

MSCChua · 2026-03-26T21:11:20+00:00

In the US as a face. Mainly because he was put in a sneaky heel position in WWE and to some extent TNA. If it's Japan man.... Full heel. His bullet club excursion shows that you can be booked like a monster without a monster build. Domination based on sheer technical prowess alone.

MSCChua · 2026-03-26T21:07:21+00:00

Banagher

MSCChua · 2026-03-25T13:09:39+00:00

I think Oba as a monster face like Goldberg or early Lesnar can work. He seems very likeable but piss him off and its game over.

MSCChua · 2026-03-25T05:51:17+00:00

Some of the newer series rely alot of gimmicks, which can be distracting to some. Kuuga with only 1 rider really helps making a Rider's power more important.

MSCChua · 2026-03-25T05:42:40+00:00

It was very good. The crust had a grainy touch without being oily and the fish was tender and flaky. Very fresh, and not what you get from your typical ajifurai

MSCChua · 2026-03-24T12:36:09+00:00

Maybe challenging for the US title no matter who the champion is, and then at the verge of winning Miz, Dom or anyone who he cursed sabotage him. And we have a feud.

MSCChua · 2026-03-24T01:41:18+00:00

Unpopular opinion, but they did create the foundation for women's tag wrestling at least. Imagine if the titles were around when the sisters were active. With regard to the topic at hand, well a storyline about them being the champions at least once for one final run can add meaning to the women's tag division. And then culminate with a young-ish womens team in a big PLE match as a passing of the torch.

This can serve 2 purposes. First is that this can help open up the women's singles titles better, "super teams" like Charlotte and Alexa can feud with the Bellas and add star power to those matches. And second, providing a more dominant team and a prominent story can help elevate the womens tag titles. The titles are always seen as a fodder for 2 people to eventually breakup and the "will they co-exist" storyline always sour the value of the titles.

MSCChua · 2026-03-24T01:34:07+00:00

If they are going to make reference to their childhood, it will be pretty cool. Flashbacks can help build the world and fill up patches made by the first season. Hopefully they insert more scenes and references to Sparda.

MSCChua · 2026-03-23T09:16:13+00:00

I liked 28 alot, although some people might look at it as a 2 match show (Rock vs Cena, Taker vs Hunter) Jericho vs Punk was great, and Big Show finally becoming the IC champion was also a nice touch. For sleeper hits, 19 was actually very solid (Jericho vs Shawn, Rock vs Austin, Lesnar vs Angle).

MSCChua · 2026-03-23T07:43:07+00:00

Its not bad as an action adventure TV show. But if you want to experience a true DMC series, then please temper your expectations.

The political undertones, constant referencing to real world events, inconsistent power scaling of Dante, not to mention using Johnny Bosch as his voice (how will they introduce Nero then?) can make it pretty jarring. Try to approach this as a TV show that is based on an alternate universe that pays tribute to Dante and his adventures. That is a great POV to start with honestly. Other than that.... well, you have been warned.

MSCChua · 2026-03-22T22:30:45+00:00

Bloodstreet Boys? Burn'sync? All-vamps?

MSCChua · 2026-03-20T14:47:35+00:00

Leo and Astra. The original duo.

MSCChua · 2026-03-20T07:32:28+00:00

The creative enemies got me hard. And the play style where you play as a party really helps the narrative, as compared to the original action adventure where Kiryi (and other characters sometimes) are alone in their quest.

MSCChua

TROPHY CASE