Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama
Nov 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
This year went by quick. It seemed like only yesterday that summer would never end and now, all of a sudden, it is time for the holidays. Or maybe autumn in Japan just feels that short. The upside of the encroaching cold is looking forward to the year end holidays...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in 2024
By Michael Stigall
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part. The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it will be gone by morning on December 26th. Without fail, every bell, light, and garlands; every decoration will come...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Best Flea Markets
By Michael Stigall
With the holidays coming up, you may be thinking of what to get for your special someone. Or if you're heading to your home country, you may be wondering about finding the perfect souvenir. If you’re searching for a truly unique curio or gift for someone here around Tokyo or...[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo International Film Festival
Oct 31, 2024 By William Farrow
It is no surprise that the country of legendary and lasting film directors like Akira Kurosawa, Ishiro Honda and Yasujiro Oz would have an international film festival. As of 2024, the Tokyo International Film Festival is on its 37th run and will be held from October 28th until November 6th....[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo Ramen Festa
By William Farrow
I will open this with a confession: This article was painful to write. Not in the sense of finding the prose to convey the message nor in the sense that the subject matter was utterly devoid of inspiration to help its transition to the written word, but rather...well...just look at...[ Click to read more ]
Kawagoe Festival 2024
Sep 27, 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 ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
Aug 30, 2024 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 ]
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 ]
