Who to Root for in Kumamoto: The Three Biggest Sports Teams
Nov 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Japan is big on sport. The most popular team sports are football (soccer), baseball, basketball, and rugby. Of course, there’s also sumo wrestling as well as golf and tennis. It’s always fun when you have a local team to root for, especially when you move to a new area. This...[ Click to read more ]
Bicycling in Japan from 2024 on
By William Farrow
From 2024, the rules governing cylists and drivers via the Road Traffic Act have been amended. This round of revisions is particularly focused on cyclists compared to previous revisions. In 2022, bicycle accidents were nearly one-fourth of all total accidents in the country. Influenced by these trends, the Japanese government...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Celebrations in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
New Year (Shogatsu) is a time for big celebration in Japan. Seen as a period of cleansing and renewal as well as an opportunity to welcome in the New Year, festivities tend to last from January 1-3, with many people taking this period off work. There are various ways to...[ Click to read more ]
A Driving Obsession – Where to Play Golf in Hiroshima
Nov 28, 2024 By Hugh Cann
The history of golf in Japan stretches back more than a century. The country’s first golf club was established in Kobe by a group of British expats way back in 1903, and the Japan Golf Association was set up one hundred years ago in 1924. Japan’s “golf boom” came in...[ Click to read more ]
Snow is Here, Get Your Gear: Ski and Snowboard Shops in Nagoya
Nov 27, 2024 By Bert Wishart
As an avid cyclist who rides daily for their commute, I tend to fear the winter months. Nothing does for the motivation like the icy wind biting at your fingers, nose, and toes. But there is one bright side because, as I ride deeper and deeper into Gifu each morning...[ Click to read more ]
The Kobe Dating Scene
Oct 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Are you a singleton in Kobe looking to find a suitable partner? Here’s what to expect plus a few tips on how to meet potential significant others and where to go to for a memorable first date. Japanese Dating Culture Dating in Kobe is influenced by the national dating culture...[ Click to read more ]
Renting a Car in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Want to explore Hiroshima by car? There are plenty of car hire options if you don’t want to go through the hassle of buying or importing a car after moving to the area. Hiroshima has some good public transport options but cars offer that added convenience. Renting means you can...[ Click to read more ]
National Parks to Visit Near Kumamoto
Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Just beyond the borders of the city, the prefecture of Kumamoto is filled with natural beauty. Explore the mountains and forests, with shrines scattered in between, by visiting some of the national parks. Aso-Kuju National Park Spanning Kumamoto and Oita prefectures is Aso-Kuju National Park. It is named for Mount...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese? Here’s How to Start
By Justin Hanus
It’s no secret that learning Japanese is difficult. Learning any language is no easy feat, but Japanese is particularly challenging — it can even seem impossible when you’re a complete beginner. However, by taking the right first steps, you’ll build a strong foundation upon which to progress and reach your...[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Nagoya
Sep 27, 2024 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 ]
