Working at a cafe or bar, you meet a lot of different people. Perhaps you could compare the situation to a watering hole in the…

Studio Ghibli movies are pretty classic, especially the 1997 blockbuster “Princess Mononoke.” The animated movie is an epic story complete with demon curses, battles, and…

What people fail to think about when they are panic buying [manga] During the outset of the pandemic, like a lot of the world, Japan…

Preschools in Japan are a little different than back home. While there are poorly and expertly run academies, some of the more exciting nurseries seem…

Everyone Loves Charmy Charmy, a 4-year-old Shiba Inu lives with her owner @shiba_charmy and has gotten a lot of attention recently, even appearing on the…

Little gremlins are a different breed. While hyperactive at times—especially with sugar in their system—they are capable of surprisingly deep introspection. At particularly cogent times,…

Japan appears poised for hard times. Exports have plummeted and job losses and pay cuts are a haunting specter. Domestic demand, slammed late last year…

There is a bit of debate about how environmentally friendly Japan is. Upon a precursory glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this spick-and-span country is…

Many aspects of Japanese entertainment and culture are famous worldwide—Pokemon, Dragonball Z, and a host of other animes are universally recognized. Sushi restaurants are popular…

Does the ideal marriage actually exist? I would imagine not. Although rewarding, relationships involve compromise, patience, and endurance—just like anything else in life that’s worth…

Upon arriving in Japan, you quickly realize the country lives up to its image abroad: the landscape is beautiful, people are courteous, and there is…

Nakanojojo When he’s not designing apps for a famous IT company, Nakanojojo is enjoying his life in Japan as an artist registered with the Twin…

Modern interpretations of Wagashi As with many forms of culinary arts in Japan, respecting the old ways is not only important for maintaining continuity with…

Florentyna Leow, JAPAN Forward Every year on the 14th of August, the Matsuyama family loads up their car with 10 lanterns in preparation for the…

Obon Festival Obon is a Japanese festival taking place in summer which fuses belief in ancestral spirits and Buddhism. The main purpose is to welcome…