News

LIVING IN JAPAN

Halloween in Japan: From Kid’s Marketing to Shibuya Chaos

How did Halloween in Japan go from being a holiday for foreigners to an annual event that draws out millions across the…

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Putsun! The Sound That Japanese Telephone Makes Has Evolved

A recent tweet by a Japanese novelist about a correction she received from her proofreader shows how Japanese is changing with the…

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Japanese Business Etiquette: How To Say You “Got It”?

Have trouble with your Japanese business etiquette? You're in good company: a recent Twitter thread highlights how even native speakers struggle with…

FOOD

Why Japan’s Vanishing Ramen Shops Might Be Good News

The pandemic is putting more ramen shops than usual out of business. One expert argues that this might not be a bad…

TRAVEL

Don’t Miss Out on Japan’s Five Most Charming Prefectures

A 2020 survey reveals the most charming prefectures in Japan according to locals. Is your favorite amongst the top five?

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

How to Learn Japanese Online

Want to learn Japanese online? I introduce the methods and apps that will help you reach your Japanese language goals.

LIVING IN JAPAN

Residents Upset as Charmless Japanese Prefecture Now Less Charmless

For the first time in eight years, this prefecture is no longer the least charming in Japan - and that has some…

TRAVEL

High Court Blames TEPCO and Government in Fukushima Disaster

The Sendai High Court found the government and TEPCO responsible for the March 2011 incident - and increased compensation to the victims.