As some of our readers probably know, it’s a tradition in Japan to usher in the New Year by visiting shrines and temples to pray…

Just like in any profession, people sometimes make mistakes in the field of customer service, even in Japan. Whether it’s a mistake in protocol, a…

Japanese teacher’s real phrases to use in Japan Now that tourists can freely visit Japan again, we’ve begun a new series focused on practical Japanese…

Japanese Twitter user and nursing home helper 小山けんいち Kenichi Koyama (@kenny_gby) posted about an incident that he witnessed at a convenience store which initially made…

“That looks heavy. Here, let me help.” If you’re out shopping with a partner, family member, or friend and one of you is physically stronger…

Grape Shop: Delivering to the world Some of our readers may have already noticed, but in the past few months, we have been introducing unique…

The one-hundred-yen shop, where everything costs 100 yen or less, is not particular to Japan. But no other country can boast the depth and breadth…

Although everyone’s thoughts have been on the ongoing pandemic and forthcoming vaccine of late, Japan has silently made progress on another front. While it’s true…

Sometimes, kids emote more than you might expect. Part of the innocence of youth, I suppose. Nevertheless, photos of such children can be good for…

When people think of Marunouchi, the first thing that probably comes to mind is this image of salarymen, business, many offices, tall buildings, maybe not…

Japan continues to struggle to limit the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. As Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s prepares to step down, the number of daily…

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…

One of Japan’s most popular outlet malls, if not the most popular, is the Gotemba Premium Outlets located in Shizuoka, in Gotemba City. The mall…

In the post-pandemic “new normal” of self-quarantining and social distancing, doll makers have also been stepping up to the plate to make dolls that reflect…

A natural segue from a visit to the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park During your stay in Tokyo, chances are you will want to visit…