Miso Katsu, Nagoya’s Number One ‘Soul Food’
Mar 28, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Ask anyone around the country what springs to mind when you think of Nagoya, and you might be surprised to learn that it's not the castle. Nor is it Toyota or the TV Tower. No, when Japanese people think of Nagoya, many think of miso katsu. From International Cuisine to...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Concert Venues
Mar 26, 2019 By Matt Mangham
Several times a year, someone will say to me that they miss live music. And while they may really mean a favorite band or venue back home, if you love live music there’s no need to go without, even in a city as relatively compact as Hiroshima. Concerts can be...[ Click to read more ]
Art Museums around Hiroshima
By Matt Mangham
I wrote elsewhere this month about where to look for live music in Hiroshima. Now let’s talk a little about the visual arts. Again, if you count galleries and exhibitions in coffee shops and other venues, the possibilities immediately expand to fill more time than you probably have. For the...[ Click to read more ]
International Festival of Extreme Sports
By Matt Mangham
For three days in April, downtown Hiroshima will take on a new vibe as crowds of breakdancers, freestyle BMX riders, parkour players and other extreme athletes converge on the site of the former municipal stadium just north of Peace Park for FISE Hiroshima. FISE, which stands for Festival International des...[ Click to read more ]
Planning Your Visit to a Sumo-Beya
Mar 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Attending a match at a sumo tournament is just one way to experience real-life sumo. Another is to visit a sumo stable (or sumo-beya) where professional wrestlers live and train. In fact, visiting a sumo-beya will give you a better understanding of the culture of wrestling. Plus, as tournaments are...[ Click to read more ]
Good Places to Meet Expats in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
With around 44,000 foreign nationals living in the city, Kobe has a sizeable expat community that includes many Americans and other English-speaking residents. The city has many international bars, nightspots, and venues where you can go and meet other expats as well as a few clubs, organizations and facilities geared...[ Click to read more ]
Interesting Facts About Kansai
By Justin Hanus
The second most populous region of Japan after Kanto, Kansai has been a historically important part of the country with a rich history and many lasting traditions. The busy cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe have all played a part in shaping Kansai's distinct character, which charms residents and visitors...[ Click to read more ]
TeamLab’s Digitized Hiroshima Castle
Feb 23, 2019 By Matt Mangham
teamLab (and yes, that’s the way it’s capitalized) is an artist’s collective based in Tokyo that bills itself as taking an “ultra-technological” approach to its work. The group was founded in 2001 by Toshiyuki Inoko, a University of Tokyo engineering student. Today the group has grown to over 400 members,...[ Click to read more ]
Top Japanese Pastimes to Explore for Yourself
Feb 15, 2019 By Justin Hanus
A great thing about Japan is there’s always something going on or something to do. By learning about the most popular pastimes, you’ll be able to properly experience the culture. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find at least a few authentic Japanese hobbies or activities you’ll enjoy. Manga and...[ Click to read more ]
Mexican Food in Hiroshima
Jan 28, 2019 By Matt Mangham
The rest of the world’s foodies may cast a longing eye toward Japan, but let’s face it, if you live here sometimes you just want a decent taco. Once upon a time, this was surprisingly difficult, but no longer. Hiroshima has at least two good Mexican options now, while an...[ Click to read more ]
