Flower Power! Getting Outdoors And Staying Safe
Apr 30, 2021 By Bert Wishart
It's frustrating. Every time it feels like Aichi has turned a corona corner, there's another spike, followed by tighter restrictions, and yet more events fall by the wayside. Of course, we want to be responsible and halt the spread, but there is a mental strain that results from spending so...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Odawara
Apr 23, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Once again, it's time to introduce a little-known section of the Greater Tokyo area that probably isn't too well known about, perfect for a day trip outside the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo. So let's hop on the Romance Car and head to the other end of the Odawara...[ Click to read more ]
Most Interesting Vending Machines in Kansai
Apr 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus
One fascinating facet of Japanese culture is the prevalence of vending machines. Virtually anywhere you go, you’ll find them — many offering products you’d never see in the vending machines of your home country. Kansai is no exception to this phenomenon. Gacha Toys A few years ago, gacha toy vending...[ Click to read more ]
Cultural Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Japan
By Justin Hanus
There are major differences between Japan and western countries, many of which are apparent in everyday life. Since the last thing you want is to be a nuisance, it’s crucial to learn the basic dos and don’ts beforehand. Do: Bring a Small Gift Bring some small gifts from your country...[ Click to read more ]
Skate Parks in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Skateboarding has grown in popularity across Japan in recent years increased by the fact that it is due to make its debut as a sport at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Skate parks are not as common as in the US or in Europe, where they can be found in...[ Click to read more ]
Get a Scooter License in Japan
Apr 13, 2021 By Ray Proper
If you live in a major city in Japan, you do not need much to get around in a car or scooter. The public transportation system is convenient and will generally get you where you need to go. There are times in the city when a scooter is convenient, such...[ Click to read more ]
Converting your Foreign License to a Japanese Driver’s License
Apr 01, 2021 By Ray Proper
Each prefecture in Japan has different rules and requirements for driver licensing. For the most accurate information, please contact the licensing center in your area directly. Foreign license conversion in Japan can be divided generally into two groups, depending on what country issued the foreign license. [spacer height="1px"] Please note...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Five Teams of Summer: Baseball in Kanto
Mar 27, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Japan is a modern-day mecca of sports, having hosted several tournaments in the past and being the hosts of the upcoming World Rugby Cup this fall and the 2020 Summer Games. Answering the question, "what sports do you follow" with soccer or rugby will get you into a long conversation...[ Click to read more ]
How to switch to “Bargain Mobile” MVNOs in Japan
Mar 25, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
It was bound to happen to me at some point, but the way it happened is a bit out of the ordinary. I switched mobile phone provider recently… Actually make that mobile data provider as this was for my iPad, but that distinction doesn’t matter these days because data is...[ Click to read more ]
Getting a mobile phone plan in Japan (Spring 2021 update)
Mar 24, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
The mobile phone landscape has gone through an almost complete shake-up in the last two years. There are myriad choices available for those that are not only just getting started to live in the country, but also for those of us more “seasoned” expats that may have been just sticking...[ Click to read more ]
