On Japan
Word from the streets of Japan



Movies for Nothing and Books for Free (May 13)
I’m cheap. I’ll be the first person to admit it. I don’t buy designer clothes; I don’t stay in five-star hotels; and I don&rsq...


Blood Orange Juice: "Ban has lifted" (May 13)
Finally, blood orange juice has arrived in Japan from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Southern Italy.  I never thought the d...


"Yukaku? Gone with the Times (May 12)
There used to be one of the foremost red-light districts down the road in the picture. One evening, Kobata Hiroshi, an acclaimed artist, guided us to ...


Ise Udon (May 11)
When you think about the Soul of Japan and what it means to many Japanese then one place comes to my mind: Ise Jingu (Shrine), the Mecca of Japanese S...


Shintenchi Okono Mimura (May 11)
It is said that when visiting Japan one must visit Hiroshima for its rich history and culture.  Most westerners, especially Japanese, who journey...


Yonezawa Beef (May 11)
Saka-No Yakiniku Shop of Yonezawa Centrally located yakiniki (beef shop) in downtown Yonezawa in Yamagata offers premium beef at affordable prices....


Hot Fresh Sesame Dango(dumplings) (May 10)
Dango time, a deliciously sweet rice dumpling loved and adored by Japanese and foreigners a like.  Yes, it’s that time of year again when...


Camping ! (May 9)
Camping season is upon us and it's time to break out last years camping gear and ready it for inventory. Let's go over the essentials. My personal fav...


Takashi's Diary - week 20 (May 7)
Name: Takashi.  Occupation:  Salaryman.  That`s about it, really.  Or is it?  Here`s what happened last week... Monday: ...


Battle of the Wasabi Loaded Nori Roll (May 6)
Lined up in five teams of eight battlers each, it is a race to choose the team leader who has taken a bite of the wasabi loaded nori roll ...