Lost Items in Japan and Shareikin Rewards
Dec 16, 2014 By First Admin
In Japan there is a very old system of "lost and found", based on a 1300-year-old system preceding Japan's urbanization or unification as a nation. Small lost-and-found centers all over Japan have been used for centuries, even to facilitate the return of food and produce to their original owners. In...[ Click to read more ]
Japan: To Drive or Not to Drive?
Dec 10, 2014 By Ray Proper
When discussing the pros and cons of driving in Japan, one of the most common questions that comes up is whether a car is really necessary at all. Those relocating to the one of Japan's major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka soon find upon arriving that most large...[ Click to read more ]
Dive on in – Public Swimming Pools in Tokyo
Nov 11, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Swimming is, it is often stated, perhaps the best form of exercise, and as a nation that takes its health particularly seriously, it is perhaps no surprise to find that there are swimming pools for public use all over Japan. So, whether it is to improve stamina, help with muscle...[ Click to read more ]
Toy Shopping in Nagoya
Oct 28, 2014 By Bert Wishart
So November is here and, for the more prepared of you, that means its time to get the Christmas presents sorted, particularly finding this year’s must-have toys for your kids. While you can still order G.I. Joes and Barbies from online stores back home you may find that your child’s...[ Click to read more ]
Using Kerosene Heaters in Japan
Oct 20, 2014 By
Outside of Tokyo and other urban areas, central heating is not really a thing in Japan. High end properties will off such amenities, but generally heating your entire home uniformly is avoided, as heating spaces not being actively used is seen as wasteful here. Instead, rooms in the home are heated...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Fairy Tales You Can Read with Your Children
Oct 14, 2014 By Bert Wishart
If you have children there is perhaps nothing more rewarding than reading them bedtime stories. But let’s face it, there is only so many times that you can read The Gruffalo or Little Red Riding Hood. As such, why not add an extra layer of interest to your quality time, for...[ Click to read more ]
Gyudon at Yoshinoya – Beef Bowls for Everybody!
Sep 02, 2014 By Ray Proper
“Gyudon,” a (beef bowl) belongs in the Japanese category of a donburi, or bowl dish. It is made with beef and onion ladled over a bowl of rice. The beef and onion are prepared with soy sauce, mirin, sugar and sake. This actually tells you very little about the flavor,...[ Click to read more ]
Tebasaki – Famous Nagoya Meibutsu
Aug 05, 2014 By First Admin
Famous foods for any given area in Japan are called meibutsu. Osaka meibutsu is okonomiyaki (as is Hiroshima's meibutsu, but they have their own famous style of the same dish), and in the mountains of Nagano it is Shinshu Soba. My favourite meibutsu of all is one of the meibutsu of...[ Click to read more ]
Churches and Places of Worship in Nagoya
By Ray Proper
The Nagoya International Center does a good job of keeping track of these; if you do not see what you are looking for here, try here! [spacer height="10px"] Nagoya All Saints International Church provides a weekly opportunity for personal renewal, spiritual growth and soulful refreshment for all those who seek it....[ Click to read more ]
Securing your Home in Nagoya Against Burglary
Jul 28, 2014 By Ray Proper
Although a very safe country to live in generally, not even Japan is completely free of crime. It is easy to let one’s guard down living in a safe and comfortable city like Nagoya, but continued awareness and vigilance will ensure the safety of your home and family. The goal...[ Click to read more ]