Here’s what has changed with Japan’s new cycling laws
Jul 01, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
You’ll be forgiven for thinking that many of the bicycling laws you may have grown up within your home country are heavily enforced in Japan as well since there is more bicycling traffic here than most other places in the world, but the reality is starkly different. While there are...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Western Tokyo’s “backcountry”
By Jason Gatewood
I’ll be the first to admit that 2020 has not been kind to we who like to explore, trek, and wander outdoors. We’ve all become more adept at video conferencing apps, picking out the most stylish face coverings, and knowing which restaurants in our area. But nothing can replace the...[ Click to read more ]
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 ]
