Japan Implements the “My Number” System
My Number, Your Number, or the Government's Number? Is it a mandatory number? While many people wonder, if it will be used to encumber; there's...
Should Tattoos Continue to be Banned From Onsen in Japan?
Spring and early Summer means relaxation, travel, and for many people, it also means a visit to an Onsen (温泉; natural hot springs). As a volcanically active country,...
Getting Connected in Japan: How to find free or cheap Wi-Fi
Most travelers to Japan (along with your author) come from places where the second we hop off the plane in a new place, we...
Getting an International Driver’s License
A few years ago, I was hired to translate for an engineer who was being sent to the US to meet with customers. I...
The Decision-Making Powers of Janken
Picture this scene... You're at an Izakaya with your mates, all having a great time. It's towards the end of the evening when everyone...
Are Black folks in Japan weird?
Many times when black folk see other black folk, especially in places where there aren't many of us, an almost obligatory reverse head nod...
Job Hunting Season in Japan – Shuukatsu
It's almost that time of year again when you'll see many recent graduates in their best black suits, roaming the streets to attend interviews...
7 Ways to beat the Summer Heat in Japan
Japanese Summers are notoriously hot and humid. It’s the same story every year: After the coldness of Winter, we all look forward to that...
Big in Japan (Nagoya) – Adam Demby
Hey folks, this Month's installment of Big in Japan features a truly uniquely eclectic drummer from New Jersey in the US.
I met Adam many...
Undokai and Anarchism
If you are a parent in Japan and you have attended your child's undokai (運動会) or school sports day, then guess what: You're an...
