English Proficiency in Japan Is Surprisingly Low in International Rankings. Here’s Why.
As an ESL teacher for over a decade, I’ve taught a wide variety of classes. Whenever I meet new students, I naturally try to get…
Only in Japan
Repurposing Plastic Fish Soy Sauce Containers to Help Clean Up the Pandemic
Although a clean society, Japan does have some issues with waste. Rubbish sorting rules are notably detailed, and towns like Kamikatsu are stringent recyclers. Nevertheless,…
Karakuri ningyō: the world’s first robots
Robots and Japan are practically synonymous. The Japanese government and some of its biggest corporations see the 21st century as one of ‘human co-existence with…
Bō-taoshi: a game of several hundred men trying to knock down a pole
I have to admit, I got a bit desperate during the lockdown. I must’ve watched every standup special on Netflix at least twice, and found…
The discreet charm of Japan’s anti-smoking campaign
In common with other countries, the number of smokers in Japan is in steady decline. Currently, around 28% of Japanese men and 9% of Japanese…
Cat-themed car accessories by Japanese company can make your drive so much cuter
Japan has a great love for cats, and it definitely shows. There’s a wide array of cute but practical cat-themed items available in the country…
How The Japanese Economic Miracle Came to an End
In his book “Princes of the Yen,” economist Richard Werner explains the far-reaching influence and control that central banks wield over the future of a…
Japan Travel Spots: Where to see the most Idyllic Ajisai (Hydrangea) Scenery around Japan
Ajisai(紫陽花) means hydrangea in Japanese and the best time you can see these colorful and amazing flowers is from late May to early August, depending…
Survey of pet owners finds Japan’s dogs in rude good health
One of the most remarkable things about modern Japan is how quickly a country with practically no history of pet ownership has become a nation…
Doing a circuit of Mt. Fuji by car
After almost three years in Japan, and countless sightings of Fujimi-this and Fujimi-that, I still hadn’t had a proper look at Mt. Fuji. I’d seen…
Hello Kitty teams up with epidemic-fighting monster Amabie to hasten end of pandemic
If you’re interested in Japan and have been following some of the news in the last few months, chances are you’ve heard of Amabie. The…
The origins and legend of Tanabata: Japan’s “Star Festival”
One of the most important and most celebrated events happening in Japan during the summertime is Tanabata 七夕. This iconic event is celebrated on July…
Ordinances Banning ‘Smartphone Zombies’ Coming to Japan
At crowded public places in Japan, you are likely to see signs warning against aruki sumaho. Translated as “texting while walking,” the postings warn pedestrians…
Seven-Eleven Japan Begins Selling Life Insurance During Pandemic Scare
Japanese convenience stores are pretty amazing. Unlike their North American counterparts, they live up to their handle and provide a host of useful services and…
Rilakkuma’s first official wedding plan will add the cute Japanese character’s charm to your big day
In Japan, there’s lots of ways to add dashes of your favourite characters to your wedding day. For super fans of Pokemon, you can get…