Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament
Apr 16, 2015 By Ray Proper
Seeing a sumo match is an important check mark completing any extended visit to Japan. Sumo is the Japanese sport in which a 'rikishi,' or sumo wrestler attempts to force another wrestler either out of the 'dohyō,' or ring, or to force them to touch the ground with a part of their...[ Click to read more ]
Ice Hockey in Nagoya
Apr 02, 2015 By Ray Proper
Did you know there are at least 5 ice hockey teams in and around Nagoya? From children’s to adult teams, there is no reason to go without just because you live in Japan! You can find the list of rinks and the team affiliations below. [spacer height="1px"] Osu Skate Center Downtown...[ Click to read more ]
Noritake Garden – Nagoya’s Ceramic Star
Feb 27, 2015 By Bert Wishart
Aichi is well known as a centre of Japanese industry, but what is less well known is that it is also the birthplace of one of the world’s leading ceramic dinnerware "china" brands, Noritake. In Japan the word Noritake evokes images of high quality and prestige, it is to Japan what Wedgwood is to England....[ Click to read more ]
Toyota Plant and Museum Tour
Feb 26, 2015 By Bert Wishart
As the third largest producer worldwide, there can be no doubting the importance of the automobile industry to Japan’s economy, and here in Aichi we are at the heart of it. Of particular emincnce is the Toyota Motor Corporation. By production it is the largest automotive producer in the world...[ Click to read more ]
Girls Day and Hina Matsuri Events in Nagoya and Aichi
Feb 23, 2015 By Ray Proper
March starts out with a holiday for girls. The aptly named “Girls Day” coincides with the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), or Peach Blossom Festival, featuring a very traditional display of dolls. Complete doll sets will contain representations of the Emperor and Empress, three female attendants, five musicians, and assorted nobles...[ Click to read more ]
English Speaking Nail Salon in Nagoya
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You can get your nails done in Japan too, in fact the "nail art" they do here is pretty impressive. In general, the services are similar, but not exactly the same and those little differences can be a bit confusing. If you brave the unknown and try it out...[ Click to read more ]
Naked ambition – Take part in Konomiya’s Hadaka Matsuri
Jan 27, 2015 By Bert Wishart
“You make your own luck in this world,” as the saying goes. Whoever coined the phrase could have been thinking of the Hadaka Matsuri in Konomiya, but making your luck here is no simple task. It takes strength, perseverance and a (perhaps sake induced) imperviousness to the cold. If you...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsuhinode in Nagoya 2015
Dec 24, 2014 By Ray Proper
Among the many customs associated with "oshogatsu," or New Years, are a good many firsts; from the first trip to the shrine to the lesser practiced first tea ceremony of the year, New Years in Japan is about moving forward and marking the occasion. A popular first is the practice...[ Click to read more ]
English Speaking Childcare / Babysitting Services in Nagoya
Dec 08, 2014 By
Babysitting was not a “thing” here, generally, until somewhat recently. Traditionally in Japan the woman stays home while the man works, while families lived with their parents and extended families much more often than in other countries, thus lessening the need for a stranger to come into the home. Over...[ Click to read more ]
Hiwatari Shinji – A Buddhist Fire Walking Ritual
Nov 27, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Winter in Japan can get a touch on the chilly side, can’t it. So, what’s the best way of warming up? Sitting under a kotatsu? Attaching hot kairo heat pads to your body? How about walking through fire? Okay, maybe the latter one is a bit extreme, but that doesn’t stop the...[ Click to read more ]
