Get the Wind in Your Summer Sails with Water Sports in Aichi

Jun 28, 2024 By Bert Wishart

When I first moved to Nagoya, I was pretty happy because it was right near the coast. I had visions of the sorts of beaches one sees in Thailand or Okinawa. Unfortunately, though the Ise and Mikawa bays are meccas for fishing, they are not exactly the most picturesque of...[ Click to read more ]

Kiyosu Castle, The ‘Other’ Nagoya Castle

May 31, 2024 By Bert Wishart

For first-time visitors to Nagoya, Nagoya Castle is usually the first port of call. This is kind of understandable, as both its grandness and its location makes it an obvious focal point. That said, having been built after the Warring Period (15th-16th century) had come to a close, it is...[ Click to read more ]

Spice up Your Life with Nagoya’s Thai Restaurants

By Bert Wishart

Japan is rightly celebrated for being a nation of phenomenal food. From sashimi to oden, from yakitori to yakiniku, there is so much to love about the local cuisine. However, wasabi and Taiwan Ramen aside, there is nothing that really clears out the sinuses, spice-wise. Which is why, for you...[ Click to read more ]

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Checking out Tamamiya-cho, Gifu’s Most Eclectic Night Spot

Apr 30, 2024 By Bert Wishart

While Nagoya's nightlife hotspots of Sakae and Meieki have a lot to say for themselves, it could be argued that what they make up in variety of establishments, as they tailor towards the after-work crowds, they can lack in personality. If you want to find somewhere in which you can...[ Click to read more ]

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Let’s All Go to the Keiba-jo! Where to See Horse Racing Near Nagoya

By Bert Wishart

Though it has much changed over the centuries, keiba [horse racing] in Japan is not merely a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in the nation's fabric. With a history going back to the 8th centruy, when its role was of a more religious bent, horse racing remains today...[ Click to read more ]

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Akechi Mitsuhide – The Chūbu Traitor Who Shaped Japan

By Bert Wishart

If you've been watching the epic Disney+ remake of Shōgun (and if you've not, you need to remedy that!) then you most likely have been impressed by the character Lady Mariko. A strong woman in a male-dominated world, she is by far the best (or at least well-rounded) character. Perhaps...[ Click to read more ]

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Chubu Walkathon and International Charity Festival 2024

By Admin

The Chubu Walkathon is an exciting event that raises money for charity and offers a great family-friendly day in the park for adults and children alike. The Walkathon is not just a walking course. This fun and memorable family event has excellent food, live music, stage shows, a children’s activity...[ Click to read more ]

Leaving Japan? Better Get Some Souvenirs!

Mar 26, 2024 By Bert Wishart

It is said that nothing is certain in this life but death in taxes, but I would like to add one more to that: change. Since coming to Japan, your life has probably undergone quite a lot of changes, with new experiences coming thick and fast. But now it is...[ Click to read more ]

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Tenmusu – Nagoya’s Other Shrimp Soul Food

By Bert Wishart

When outsiders think about Nagoya's meibutsu [local specialties], a few things will spring to mind. Miso katsu will be one, and tebasaki will be another, but ebi furai will quite possibly be highest on the list. These immense deep-fried shrimp are as Nagoyan as Nana-chan, and you can get them...[ Click to read more ]

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Getting Arty – What’s on in Nagoya’s Galleries

Mar 25, 2024 By Bert Wishart

Art lovers in Nagoya have been a little disappointed in recent years. Firstly, the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts closed down in 2018, and now the Nagoya City museum is undergoing a renovation that will not see it reopen until 2026. However, there are still some great exhibitions be be...[ Click to read more ]

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