Halloween in Nagoya

Sep 27, 2024 By William Farrow

As the years go by, old heads in the various foreign communities have noticed something: Halloween only seems to get more popular. The Japanese public has a more general awareness of the event and it has begun nicely occupying the general public's mind in that open spot after Silver Week...[ Click to read more ]

Kawagoe Festival 2024

By Michael Stigall

Taking place annually on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of October, the Kawagoe Festival is the pride of the City of Kawagoe every year and has over 360 years of traditions behind it.  The entire "Little Edo" area of town is blocked off to automobile traffic and the Karazukuri Old...[ Click to read more ]

Halloween in Tokyo 2024

By Michael Stigall

Halloween is probably one of the greatest examples I can think of when I reflect on how Japan has changed over the last decade or so as well was the friction generated by those changes. You see, once upon a time in Tokyo, celebrating Halloween meant dressing up in a costume...[ Click to read more ]

Tokyo Game Show 2024

By Michael Stigall

The Tokyo Game Show is an annual trade show for video game developers held at Makuhari Messe Convention Centerjust outside Tokyo. First held in 1996, the Tokyo Game Show is among the world’s biggest video game related conferences.  It is well attended by big-name game developers to launch new products and display their latest innovations...[ Click to read more ]

Halloween in Kansai

Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Halloween has grown in popularity in Japan in the 21st century ever since Tokyo Disneyland hosted a big Halloween party in 2000. Nowadays, you can find themed events both big and small up and down the country. Halloween in Japan is a tad different from what you might expect in...[ Click to read more ]

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Halloween in Hiroshima

By Justin Hanus

Halloween is one of the popular western celebrations that Japan has embraced in recent years, in part due to the increase in the country’s American expat population. As might be expected, Japan puts its own unique slant on proceedings. You won’t see trick or treaters out knocking on people’s doors...[ Click to read more ]

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Halloween in Kumamoto

By Justin Hanus

Halloween isn’t as big a deal in Japan as it is in the U.S., meaning you won’t see places filled with jack-o-lanterns, witches’ broomsticks, or cobweb decorations. However, Halloween has become a thing over the past couple of decades. Japan began to embrace Halloween when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first...[ Click to read more ]

Family Days Out in Kumamoto

Aug 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Located in the north of Japan’s Kyushu region, Kumamoto prefecture has a rich culture and plenty of affordable attractions if you’re looking for a day out that all the family can enjoy. From fun outdoor activities to educational experiences, here are a few great destinations if you’re looking to keep...[ Click to read more ]

Getting Your Daily Bread – Bakeries in Nagoya

By William Farrow

Nagoya often stands out for it distinctive cuisine. The traditional favorites like miso katsu and hitsumabushi usually come to mind when thinking of foods here. However, Nagoya is more than things slathered in red miso and fried to varying degrees. Offering a delightful blend of local flavors and European-inspired confections,...[ Click to read more ]

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Beating the Heat at Tokyo’s Waterparks

Aug 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall

According to the latest weather reports, us Tokyo residents will be experiencing high temperatures until October. While we are basically at the zenith of heat in August, it is still going to be awhile before things get comfortable. So what’s something to do when the air outside is thick with...[ Click to read more ]