Kobe’s Gift to the World – Karaoke!
Nov 01, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Of all the things that Japan has given the world karaoke may be the most fun. It was Kobe's own Daisuke Inoue who launched the craze of the "empty orchestra" nearly half a century ago. The Osaka-born Inoue was a drummer and band manager who came up with the idea...[ Click to read more ]
Goshikizuka Kofun: Kobe’s Ancient Sacred Pyramid
Oct 30, 2017 By Justin Hanus
In the Christian world this is the time of the year for All Souls' Day when the memories of the deceased are commemorated. Many religions celebrate the departed at other times. Monuments to the dead are some of the world's most revered tourist attractions, the Taj Mahal in India and...[ Click to read more ]
Look, Up In the Sky – It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…Yes, It’s a Plane
By Justin Hanus
People have been fascinated by spotting aircraft ever since Orville and Wilbur Wright bumped a fabric-covered airplane into the sky from the sand dunes in North Carolina in 1903. Even now, when more than 100,000 flights take off and land somewhere on the planet every day, plane spotting is pursued...[ Click to read more ]
Tricks and Treats for All Ages at USJ for Halloween
Sep 07, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Although Universal Studios Japan is an exciting outing any time of year, during the Halloween season, USJ’s additional tricks and treats make for a particularly entertaining way to spend some free time. Whether you’ve got a whole family tagging along or you’re looking for a fun social option with friends,...[ Click to read more ]
Digging into the Rituals of Clam Digging
Aug 24, 2017 By Justin Hanus
They begin showing up on the beaches in late spring and continue to gather all summer long, armed with small rakes (kumades), plastic buckets, and mesh bags. It is Shiohigari time - literally “hunting in the tides.” The Japanese tradition of digging in the sand for shellfish, mostly clams, is...[ Click to read more ]
Horse Archery on Display in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
In the history of warfare there has seldom been a more impressive warrior than the horse archer. Riding a steed at full gallop, letting go of the reins with both hands, and leveling a bow and arrow against the enemy was truly a fearsome sight on the battlefield. These highly...[ Click to read more ]
Suma Aqualife Park: A Full Day of Fun at Suma Beach in Kobe
Jun 28, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Kobe is a city built on the water and Suma Seaside Park is the people's link to the sea. Suma Beach stretches for two kilometres and offers white sand framed by pine trees; it is a fixture on the annual list of the country's best beaches. Summer means sunbathing and...[ Click to read more ]
Cutting the Rug Japanese Style – Take a Japanese Dance Class with WAK
By Justin Hanus
For the first 40 years of her life Michi Ogawa was "an ordinary housewife with no experience working outside the home." She prepared meals, looked after her four children, and drove her professor husband to his classrooms. She was well-educated and traveled often with her family. On her journeys, Ogawa...[ Click to read more ]
Disposal of Large Garbage and Electrical Items in Tokyo
Jun 12, 2017 By
First, contact your ward’s disposal office to make a reservation for the collection of your items. Please note that there will be a small fee for the disposal of these items. Large Garbage Items that are approximately 30 cm X 30 cm X 30 cm or larger (i.e. furniture, bedding etc.)....[ Click to read more ]
Cool Down with Shaved Ice This Summer
May 23, 2017 By Justin Hanus
If it is summer in Japan it is time for kakigori. Kakigori is the nation's traditional hot weather treat - a mound of shaved ice sweetened with condensed milk and flavored with fruit or syrups. You can get your kakigori fix just about anywhere - in coffee shops, restaurants, at...[ Click to read more ]
