Tag: life in Japan

  • Recipe: Zesty ‘yuzu’ mince pies

    Recipe: Zesty ‘yuzu’ mince pies

    Whether you’re missing mince pies from back home or want to make some with a Japanese twist, this is my recipe for zesty and fruity mince pies using yuzu, grapes, satuma mandarins, and spices! See the recipe on the Japan Times (behind paywall): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/12/10/food-drink/recipe-yuzu-mince-pies/

  • 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…

  • Restaurant Casita: An Open Space Matches an Open Welcome

    Restaurant Casita: An Open Space Matches an Open Welcome

    Walking towards Casita, you feel a calm wash over you as the sounds of busy Omotesando fade into the distance. And that feeling of finding your own little corner of this stylish Tokyo district is something that continues throughout your entire visit, in a way that is only made possible by Casita’s warm hospitality and…

  • Recipe: Velvety kabocha soup

    Recipe: Velvety kabocha soup

    Squashes were never really a part of my diet back in the UK, and even though kabocha is basically available all year round in Japan, I still end up associating it with autumn and winter… So I love making my sweet and thick kabocha soup when I get the chance (my first recipe for The…

  • Kit Nagamura Explores Tokyo’s Backstreets

    Kit Nagamura Explores Tokyo’s Backstreets

    Kit Nagamura has explored all kinds of creative ventures, making a name for herself as a writer, poet, and photographer in her years in Tokyo. It was a fun and fascinating experience to interview her and follow her around the backstreets: https://www.tokyoupdates.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/post-1109/

  • Daily Interactions and Life in Tokyo with Thisanka Siripala

    Daily Interactions and Life in Tokyo with Thisanka Siripala

    Australian-Sri Lankan multimedia journalist Thisanka Siripala moved to Tokyo in 2015 out of an interest in the language and culture, and with the clear goal of becoming a journalist. https://www.tokyoupdates.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/post-1084/

  • The Language of Japan’s Moon Festival

    The Language of Japan’s Moon Festival

    You’ve likely already heard of Japan’s 花見 (hanami, cherry blossom viewing) season, but perhaps you haven’t heard of its more reserved, autumnal cousin, 月見 (tsukimi, moon viewing). Explore the language behind the early autumn festival with me in my Japan Times piece here (behind paywall): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/09/29/language/language-moon-viewing-autumn-harvest/

  • 5 Must-Visit Tokyo Chain Restaurants

    5 Must-Visit Tokyo Chain Restaurants

    McDonald’s and KFC are everywhere, but where can you get something that’s a little bit different without the crazy price tag? Here are five of Japan’s most well-known chain restaurants and what you can expect from them: https://japanspecialist.com/w/5-must-visit-tokyo-chain-restaurants

  • How to Really Celebrate Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

    How to Really Celebrate Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

    I thought about waiting until spring to post this one, but it’s always nice to think about the cherry blossoms even when it’s not the season! Here are a few ways to enjoy the pink petals, Japan style: https://japanspecialist.com/w/how-to-celebrate-cherry-blossom-season

  • When ‘English OK’ just isn’t enough, visit Lion Heart Dental International Clinic

    When ‘English OK’ just isn’t enough, visit Lion Heart Dental International Clinic

    I visited the charming international team at Lion Heart Dental in Tokyo to discuss their special skills and services all offered in English. Although I visited for a promotional article, I was genuinely impressed by the level of dedication and heart the team had: https://japantoday.com/category/special-promotion/when-english-ok-just-isn%E2%80%99t-enough-visit-lion-heart-dental-international-clinic