10 Things You Shouldn’t do with Chopsticks in Japan
Jun 12, 2014 By Ray Proper
No idea where I learned how to use them, but somehow I have become quite adept at manipulating these little sticks. I was once asked to eat in front of an entire kindergarten classroom filled with children so they could watch how I did it. "See, if he can do...[ Click to read more ]
Oasis 21- A Spaceship in Sakae
May 25, 2014 By Ray Proper
Most people who visit Sakae have been to Oasis 21 (Sakae Station, head towards the bus terminal!), but you may know it by some other name. I personally referred to this structure as “that UFO looking thing in Sakae” for quite some time- I am not renowned for my ability...[ Click to read more ]
Importing Pets into Nagoya
Apr 08, 2014 By Ray Proper
When relocating to Japan you may find yourself unable to give up your family pet for the duration of your life in Japan, but don’t worry because you don’t have to! The process of importing a pet into Japan is time consuming, but it is not hard. One thing you...[ Click to read more ]
Playing Sports in Nagoya – Go Play Outside!
Mar 30, 2014 By Ray Proper
Playing sports regularly goes a long way towards maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Especially while living far from home in Japan, it is easy to fall into the trap of isolation and the bar scene makes for an easy solution, but do not overlook the option of playing sports!...[ Click to read more ]
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 ]
