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 ]
Taiwan Ramen – Famous Nagoya Meibutsu
By Bert Wishart
Nagoya's cuisine is pretty different from traditional Japanese fare. While most of the best-known Japanese dishes are famed for their subtlety, delicate, and refined tastes, with its spicy red miso and peppery tebasaki, Nagoya cuisine is known for having a kick to it; none more so than Taiwan ramen! What...[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Nagoya
By Ray Proper
The Japanese are very conscious of the seasons changing around them, often celebrating little, or not so little, milestones between each to mark the transitions between their much-touted "4 distinct seasons." Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts, for example, are there one day but gone the next as the season...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Your Daily Bread – Bakeries in Nagoya
Aug 30, 2024 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 ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
By Ray Proper
No one wants to be part of a disaster, but if you have to, Japan is one of the best places to do it. From building codes to government and civil procedures, the Japanese government has built pretty good infrastructure for use "in an emergency." While they do a good...[ Click to read more ]
Your Summer Must-Eats
Jul 31, 2024 By William Farrow
Summers in Nagoya are hot. Hot and humid. Humid and miserable. Miserable an...you know what, let's stop there. While the summer heat often is at the forefront of everyone's mind, there are some excellent food choices out there for residents that are worth braving the heat and humidity. Furthermore, residents...[ Click to read more ]
Your Guide to Bugs, Wanted and Unwanted
By William Farrow
Bugs are usually at the bottom of the invited guests list for any residence. Japan is home to a rather diverse amount of insects from cute butterflies to large, venomous centipedes normally found only in the recesses of our nightmares. Summertime brings increased insect activity all over the country, which...[ Click to read more ]
Surviving Summer Weekends with Kids
By William Farrow
With summer comes summer vacation. What was once a strong, fond memory of days with no school or responsibility and the only challenge being determining which order to play with what toys takes a stark change in tone and goals when you find yourself on the parental side. Remote workers...[ Click to read more ]
Luxurious Getaways Right Here in Aichi
Jun 28, 2024 By Bert Wishart
So, the summer is upon us, which means it's traditionally the time to take a break and get away for a while. However, that's not always possible. It could be that the weak yen is hurting your chances of going abroad, perhaps you're too busy with work to make a...[ Click to read more ]
Do You Know Nags? – Uncovering Nagoya’s Hidden Gems – Part 7
By Bert Wishart
Whether you’re new in the city or are a Showa Gaijin, Nagoya is a city that always surprises. New restaurants, shops, and drinking establishments spring up all the time, and you can be wandering down an oft-trodden street and come across an ancient temple that you’ve never seen before. We...[ Click to read more ]
