Personal Name Stamps – Inkan / Hanko
Feb 24, 2014 By First Admin
Whether or not you have lived in Japan long term or short term, or perhaps even just visited briefly, you are probably aware that in Japan people use a personal name stamp in place of signing their name by hand. There are several different kinds of name stamps, called INKAN...[ Click to read more ]
The Japan Cat Network
Feb 16, 2014 By Ray Proper
Animal-lovers, might want to visit The Japan Cat Network, a registered nonprofit organization working to reduce Japan's stray and abandoned cat population using the effective TNR (trap, neuter, return) method, to stop the cats from reproducing and adding to the problem. They also run fostering and adoption programs for those who...[ Click to read more ]
Recognizing the Signs For Novice, Disabled, And Elderly Drivers in Japan
Jan 21, 2014 By First Admin
Did you ever wonder about those four strange magnets, a yellow and green leaf, an orange and yellow leaf, a blue and white clover, or a yellow and green butterfly, sometimes conspicuously attached to the front and rear of cars all over Japan? I was really hoping for a conspiracy,...[ Click to read more ]
Mt Togoku Fruits Park in Nagoya – Fruit Picking
Oct 28, 2013 By Ray Proper
Fruit picking is a popular family activity in Japan, and farms across the country offer the opportunity to pick fruit directly from the tree from their orchards. Typically farms will charge visitors a set amount for a set period of time; fees range from 800 to 3000 yen or more,...[ Click to read more ]
International Driver’s Licenses in Japan
Oct 16, 2013 By Ray Proper
We are still getting reports that drivers presenting International Driving Permits (IDPs) at the licensing center are being told to come back once their existing permit expires. Drivers need to understand that although there is one law, there are different interpretations of it by police in each prefecture. We recommend...[ Click to read more ]
10 Things Japanese People do in Autumn
Sep 05, 2013 By Ray Proper
Dig up the old camcorder for Sports day festivals at schools Bring along a book for reading at your favorite outdoor spot as the temperature cools to bearable Picking, roasting, and eating "kuri," or chestnuts. Recipe for "kuri gohan" Tsukimi (moon-viewing), Tsukimi dango (rice cake) to eat while "celebrating the beauty...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Camping in Nagano, Shiga, and Gifu Prefectures
Aug 29, 2013 By First Admin
You might not think it, but there are opportunities for hiking, climbing and camping around Nagoya. In fact, near by Nagano, Shiga, and Gifu Prefectures offer some of the best opportunities in Japan. Camping areas in Japan tend to be a bit more formal than just hiking off the side...[ Click to read more ]
Hangover Helpers in Japan
Aug 24, 2013 By Ray Proper
The day of drinking [caption id="attachment_33403" align="alignleft" width="150"] Ukon no chikara[/caption] The land of the rising sun seems a little slow on the rising part most days. From drinks after work to goodbye parties, New Years, forget the old year, hanami, fall colors, karaoke, birthdays, deaths... ugh... I am getting...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Food Shopping 101
Aug 13, 2013 By First Admin
One thing about coming to a country where the main language is not English, you're either tied to the food that you can read or recognize, or you have to learn to read a certain amount of packaging to avoid sugaring your coffee with baking soda! For instance, did you...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Your Scooter License in Nagoya
Jul 19, 2013 By Ray Proper
If you live in Nagoya itself, you do not need much in the way of a car or scooter to get around-a bicycle would likely be more than sufficient. For those times when it is just a little too far, the public transportation system is pretty convenient and will generally...[ Click to read more ]
