Your Guide to Autumn Eating in Nagoya
Oct 31, 2024 By William Farrow
It has come to my attention that we write a lot about food for this blog. This is a good thing, really, as we will never run out of content as Japan (and in my humble opinion, particularly Nagoya) is a foodie paradise. However, there is a challenge for our...[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo International Film Festival
By William Farrow
It is no surprise that the country of legendary and lasting film directors like Akira Kurosawa, Ishiro Honda and Yasujiro Oz would have an international film festival. As of 2024, the Tokyo International Film Festival is on its 37th run and will be held from October 28th until November 6th....[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo Ramen Festa
By William Farrow
I will open this with a confession: This article was painful to write. Not in the sense of finding the prose to convey the message nor in the sense that the subject matter was utterly devoid of inspiration to help its transition to the written word, but rather...well...just look at...[ 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 ]
What Makes Kumamoto Sake So Special?
Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Although sake is the most famous Japanese alcoholic beverage, in Kumamoto (and, in fact, on the entire island of Kyushu), shochu is more common. Nonetheless, Kumamoto has a strong sake culture and creates a drink that is unlike what you find elsewhere in the country. To understand why that is,...[ 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 ]
Halloween in Nagoya
Sep 27, 2024 By William Farrow
As the years go by, old heads in the various foreign communities have noticed something: Halloween only seems to get more popular. The Japanese public has a more general awareness of the event and it has begun nicely occupying the general public's mind in that open spot after Silver Week...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Landmarks and Buildings in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Kobe isn’t one of Japan’s most major cities – indeed, Osaka and Kyoto are more well-known in the Kansai region – but it is steeped in a fair amount of history and boasts a number of identifiable landmarks. Opened to foreign trade over 150 years ago, it’s a city with...[ Click to read more ]
Halloween in Kumamoto
Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Halloween isn’t as big a deal in Japan as it is in the U.S., meaning you won’t see places filled with jack-o-lanterns, witches’ broomsticks, or cobweb decorations. However, Halloween has become a thing over the past couple of decades. Japan began to embrace Halloween when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first...[ Click to read more ]
