Renewing a Working Visa in Japan

Today is one of those days... The day most expats in Japan dread almost as much as going to the Doctor or Dentist. At...

Care Show Japan 2023 (Overview)

Japan's healthcare is well acknowledged as one of the best in the world. The country continually ranks at the top when it...

How to refer to your spouse in Japanese

What you call your spouse in private is your own business, but how you refer to them in public can be a more complicated...
Official Legoland Picture

Japan’s First LEGOLAND Opens in Nagoya

LEGO hold a very special place in many people’s hearts. Whether it’s the promise of a truly creative outlet for young minds, or the memory...

Pixels and Pint Glasses: Retrogaming Bars

Sometimes you wanna’ go, where everybody knows your game Life seemed a lot easier back in the 80s and 90s, but that's probably because I...
Playing Rock Paper Scissors in Japan

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...

Beer, Happoshu and “The Third Beer”

Several weeks ago when a friend came to visit, we decided to go to the convenience store to pick up a few beers. Being...

Demonstrating (for) Peace

When you were a kid and your parents told you not to do something but you did it anyway, that's just youthful stubbornness. When friends...
iaido master drawing his katana

Iaido–The Ancient Art of Swordsmanship Entering a New Age

For those who have never heard the word, Iaido is a Japanese martial art which trains you, in both body and mind, how to...

Highway Oasis: Destination Rest Stops

Recreation in Japan is serious business. Consider the people waiting in line for hours just for the chance to shake hands with a man...

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