Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Tomonoura: Cruise the Inland Sea
Jun 29, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Most residents of Hiroshima have at least heard of Onomichi, if not had the opportunity to visit. Onomichi is a small shipbuilding town nestled on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, aka Seto Naikai, to the East of Hiroshima. Among Japanese people of a certain vintage, it is probably...[ Click to read more ]
Umeshu: A Tangy Plum Liquor and Japanese Tradition
By Hugh Cann
If you live in Japan, you have almost certainly tried, or at least seen, "ume." These hard, reddish, berry-like and squishy looking pale prune-like plums on a plate, or seen one or garnishing a bowl of rice. Ume, or "prunus mume," in Japanese ume, is actually an apricot but is...[ Click to read more ]
Dealing with Kids During Coronavirus in Tokyo
May 27, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
As a father of three elementary school-aged children in Greater Tokyo, I know the struggle that most parents have been enduring ever since schools were told to close back in mid-March. At the same time, my wife and I were told to work from home and the whole nation went...[ Click to read more ]
Test Your Air Conditioner Before Summer Comes
May 25, 2020 By Admin
We recommend you test run your air conditioner at this time of the year. Manufacturers get busy with inquiries and repair requests when summer comes, and it could take a long time before your air conditioner is fixed if there is a problem. Here is how you can test your...[ Click to read more ]
Great Music from Kansai
May 22, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Kansai has been responsible for some great music over the years with everything from rock to electronic music to northern soul having its own distinct scene. Osaka in particular has rivaled Tokyo when it comes to producing globally influential acts. Here is a selection of some of the most successful...[ Click to read more ]
Smartphone and Computer Repairs in Hiroshima
Apr 30, 2020 By Hugh Cann
As a foreign national while one can get by on an ordinary day-to-day basis with many things these days in living in Japan, there are somethings that can get complicated. Smartphone and computer repairs is one of those potentially mendokusai (bothersome) things, right? You will find that language is less...[ Click to read more ]
Staying entertained while #stayinghome in Tokyo
By Jason Gatewood
Every 2 or 3 months in this space, I write a piece introducing a community in Greater Tokyo and encourage readers to take a trip to check it out themselves. Perhaps the most challenging thing about the novel coronavirus pandemic is my missing these attractions. Since none of us can...[ Click to read more ]
Keeping your Social Distance while in Japan
Apr 28, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
While the “lockdowns” that are seen in many countries are currently impossible to put into effect in Japan because of how the laws are interpreted, it is still up the upmost importance to follow the recently unveiled San Mitsu Rules (三密対策) and avoid the following: 密接 Misetsu - avoid talking...[ Click to read more ]
Things to do in Tokyo during Rainy Season
Apr 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
We’ve braved yet another cold winter, sat out under the pink trees during hanami season, and seen it warm up steadily with our minds starting to look towards the barbecues, beach trips, and bon ordori festivals of summer. But we have to get through three or so weeks of dreary,...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Hot Drinks in Kansai
Apr 20, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Socializing in Japan is done around drinks, both hot and cold. Hot beverages are enjoyed in both winter and summertime, brewed at home or in cafes. Here is a selection of what you can find in the Kansai region. Japanese tea Japan has an influential tea culture, and it is...[ Click to read more ]
