Insider Experience of what Earthquakes in Japan are like
This may come as a surprise, but there are a lot of earthquakes in Japan. Just joking, everyone knows that. However, coming from living on the east coast of the …
What is the Change Tray? Japanese paying etiquette
Something innocuous that stands out most, for some reason, while paying for my coffee. Something that has become second place to me but that I’ve never seen in my 30+ …
Japanese Conversation Classes in Yokosuka You Need to Know
Looking for Japanese conversation classes in Yokosuka? There are many options to choose from. Before moving to Japan, I had started self-teaching myself some basic conversation grammar and the three …
What is White Day? Japan’s weird reverse Valentine’s Day
If you recall my article on Valentine’s Day in Japan, then you’ll remember that it was purely girls giving chocolate. How’s that fair?! You may ask. May I present to …
The Tested Art of Finding a Trash Can in Japan Delivered
Are you use to with streets lined with trashcan to dispose of your used items? Not the case in the land of the rising sun. There is a fine art …
Valentine’s Day in Japan: Strange Twists on Western Culture
Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated on February 14th just like the rest of the world. However, the similarities may stop there. Of all the twists on Western culture, I think …
Driving in Japan Survival: 8 Things you need to know
Even though DiC tried to trick all of America’s youth by flipping the screenshots on Sailor Moon (anyone else remember that?!), Japan drives on the left-hand side. For us right-siders, …
4 Things you didn’t know about Halloween in Japan
Halloween in Japan, like most “western” holidays celebrated, has taken on its own form. It wasn’t until Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios in Osaka started their themed events (similar to …
Is Minna No Nihongo the Best for Learning Japanese?
Whereas the internet and apps seem to have taken over the language learning world, there is still a strong case for a clear and concise course in text. Having an …
When to Take Shoes off in Japan? Quick & Easy Etiquette
You may have seen my Instagram post where I talk about shoe etiquette in Japan. Yes, it’s in my lease to take shoes off in the house. This culture of …