Seeing a sumo match is an important check mark completing any extended visit to Japan. Sumo is the Japanese sport in which a 'rikishi,' or sumo wrestler attempts to force...[ Click to read more ]
Did you know there are at least 5 ice hockey teams in and around Nagoya? From children’s to adult teams, there is no reason to go without just because you...[ Click to read more ]
Aichi is well known as a centre of Japanese industry, but what is less well known is that it is also the birthplace of one of the world’s leading ceramic dinnerware "china" brands, Noritake....[ Click to read more ]
As the third largest producer worldwide, there can be no doubting the importance of the automobile industry to Japan’s economy, and here in Aichi we are at the heart of...[ Click to read more ]
March starts out with a holiday for girls. The aptly named “Girls Day” coincides with the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), or Peach Blossom Festival, featuring a very traditional display of...[ Click to read more ]
You can get your nails done in Japan too, in fact the "nail art" they do here is pretty impressive. In general, the services are similar, but not exactly...[ Click to read more ]
“You make your own luck in this world,” as the saying goes. Whoever coined the phrase could have been thinking of the Hadaka Matsuri in Konomiya, but making your luck...[ Click to read more ]
Among the many customs associated with "oshogatsu," or New Years, are a good many firsts; from the first trip to the shrine to the lesser practiced first tea ceremony of...[ Click to read more ]
Babysitting was not a “thing” here, generally, until somewhat recently. Traditionally in Japan the woman stays home while the man works, while families lived with their parents and extended families...[ Click to read more ]
Winter in Japan can get a touch on the chilly side, can’t it. So, what’s the best way of warming up? Sitting under a kotatsu? Attaching hot kairo heat pads...[ Click to read more ]