Category: Japanese culture

  • SIZUKU: Music beyond language barriers

    SIZUKU: Music beyond language barriers

    SIZUKU is one of the latest Japanese artists to show us all that music surpasses borders and language barriers. See my interview with her and her producer here: https://metropolisjapan.com/sizuku

  • Isehara: The Most Japanese Experience of Your Life

    Isehara: The Most Japanese Experience of Your Life

    Not far from Tokyo, you’ll find Isehara, an area home to Mt. Oyama and the nature and culture that comes with it. I recently visited this area on a tour that genuinely surprised me with how many cultural activities were packed into it. Take a look at my article about the tour that draws inspiration…

  • Organic and Earth-Friendly Markets in and Around Tokyo

    Organic and Earth-Friendly Markets in and Around Tokyo

    As the interest in sustainable living grows, so does the number of markets in Japan offering fun ways to achieve that lifestyle. Take a break from the faceless chain supermarkets and shops, and say hello to the local producers who come to sell their products face to face.  See my article with Metropolis here: https://metropolisjapan.com/organic-and-earth-friendly-markets-in-and-around-tokyo

  • teamLab Borderless Opens February 9 in New Tokyo Location (2024 Guide)

    teamLab Borderless Opens February 9 in New Tokyo Location (2024 Guide)

    teamLab Borderless reopens on February 9, 2024, in its new location at Azabudai Hills. With the closing of its previous Odaiba location in 2022, this new spot is bigger and better than ever before! See my exploration of the new location with Live Japan here: https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-roppongi/article-a0005466

  • The Community of Sento in Tokyo with Dina Kartit

    The Community of Sento in Tokyo with Dina Kartit

    Dina Kartit’s work in Japan was somewhat fleeting, but that cannot diminish the strong love of sento she formed while she was here. Sento are shared Japanese bathhouses. More casual than onsen (hot spring baths), Kartit found them a wonderful source of relaxation and exploration. See my interview with the former Timeout Tokyo writer here:…

  • Warming words for this chilly season

    Warming words for this chilly season

    Japanese winters can get pretty damn cold, depending on where you are. But there are tons of ways to warm up, like snuggling under a kotatsu (underheated table). To go with those warming ways are a ton of warming words, too. Take a look at how to express that warmth in Japanese in my Japan…

  • 6 Best Student Accommodations in Tokyo

    6 Best Student Accommodations in Tokyo

    In my latest client-sponsored article for Tokyo Cheapo, I explore some of the temporary living options in Tokyo, and why Waseda should be an area for you to consider for your stay. https://tokyocheapo.com/living/student-accommodation-tokyo/ #Sponsored

  • 12 Best Tokyo Food Tours

    12 Best Tokyo Food Tours

    Food tours are a great way to really connect with an area in ways that are just so hard to replicate by yourself. The tour guides have so much knowledge and insider routes that make the food itself a cultural experience. Here are 12 food tours in Tokyo I recommend you try out: https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/best-tokyo-food-tours/

  • The linguistic influence of tea in Japan is more than ceremonial

    The linguistic influence of tea in Japan is more than ceremonial

    Tea obviously has a huge role in Japanese history and culture, but to what extent does that flow over into the language? Learn some tea-related words with me in this language piece for the Japan Times (behind paywall): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/10/13/language/japanese-vocabulary-tea-ceremony/

  • Bonenkai: Should we forget the year or forget the party?

    Bonenkai: Should we forget the year or forget the party?

    Sometimes, you might get to the end of a year and be glad it’s over. And it seems that whoever coined the term 忘年会 (bōnenkai) shared that sentiment, as the three kanji individually mean 忘 (bō), forget; 年 (nen, toshi), year; and 会 (kai), party or meet-up. See my latest language piece for the Japan…