Four recommended autumn limited-edition beers and “Chuhai” drinks to try this year
It finally feels and smells like autumn in Japan, and shops/ restaurants have already switched to this season’s limited-edition products and dishes. One of the…
13 things that I found unusual and that surprised me when I first moved to Japan
I moved to Japan around 5 years ago and although I had a Japanese background and have been learning about Japan’s culture and customs when…
Yokai of Japan: Top 6 Demons and Mythical objects you can find in Chiba Prefecture
Chiba-ken or Chiba Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan and is well-known for being the home of Tokyo Disneyland and the Narita…
What you need to know about Shisa Lions of Okinawa
Shisa (シーサー・Shiisa in Okinawan) can be found everywhere in Okinawa and they are a mix of dogs and lions. Most people refer to them as lions,…
Nostalgic masterpieces from the Showa Period: My Top Song Recommendations
The modern J-pop had as base the “pop tune “or “Showa Era pop” also known as Kayokyoku/歌謡曲 in Japanese. For those not so familiar with…
Differences between Hirosaki Neputa, Goshogawara Tachineputa, and Aomori Nebuta
Nebuta, Neputa, and Tachineputa are summer festivals held in the Aomori Prefecture. However, many people are confused about which is which. In this article, I…
Autumn Japanese Cuisine: Seasonal Dishes and Sweets Recommendations
Japan is well-known for its food culture, regional dishes, and its variety of seasonal foods. Autumn is one of the most awaited seasons that also…
Cats taking refuge from rain at shrine for cats look like feline deities
Japanese Twitter user and photographer @ttt_zegu952) seems to have a knack for capturing photos of wildlife such as deers and foxes frolicking in areas of…
Shamanism in Japan and Itako of Aomori- The Women who can Talk to Spirits
Those who are interested in the anime and manga culture part of Japan might already be familiar with the term “shaman” and “shamanism” from the…
Rapunzel cake from Japanese confectionery shop is just as lovely as the Disney princess herself
Disney characters are quite popular in Japan, and they’re often used as inspiration for some of the cutest food items. The classic pair Mickey and…
Recreate onsens at home with ‘Japan’s Famous Hot Springs’ bath salts
Japan has such an abundance of natural hot springs (called onsen, 温泉 in Japanese) that it’s become a national pastime to visit one just to…
Kawaii Monster Cafe collaborates with Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant for new Halloween menu
Flawlessly combining the bizarre with the cute, Kawaii Monster Cafe is the essential Harajuku experience rolled into one edible, rainbow-colored package. As soon as you…
Why Japanese People: how Westerners struggle with katakana borrowed words in Japanese
Japanese ain’t easy. Any Westerner who has studied for an extended period of time can tell you all about the trials and tribulations of becoming…
Artist of miniature items releases stunningly detailed “twilight” room with a lunar motif
Until recently, I never realized that Japan has a history of miniature art. Netsuke 根付, for example, was imported from China and appeared in Japan…
Skateboarding maid illustrator inspires maid cafe maid to skate IRL and photos look awesome
Skateboarding maids If you’re into manga and anime, chances are you’ve seen depictions of maids, such as this cute and very fall-appropriate illustration by Suzushiro:…