Bridging Japanese Content and International Curiosity
Women Leaders, Awa-Odori Spunk and Much Laughter in Tokushima This place was the Awa Han (Awa Clan), across the mountains from Kochi, where Ryoma Sakamoto began his effort to forge a new future for Japan. I spotted the dancers as Continue Reading
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is one of the best examples of “omotenashi,” or Japanese hospitality. It’s a beautiful demonstration of welcoming and a truly signature Japanese experience. At Ginza Chazen, visitors can learn all about the traditional tea ceremony Continue Reading
Last week I was lucky enough to have lunch at Ginza Aster with a couple of friends. I had not been there before although I had heard that it was a quite a classy establishment and had walked past many Continue Reading
By Katharina Much of the Sushi Experience is Non-Verbal..making it perfect for International Guests When expressing himself, Shimizu-San talks with his entire body – with his hands and fingers, even with his eyes. That’s why booking a Sushi class with Continue Reading
As temperatures around the country fall, now is the perfect time to indulge in the Japanese pastime of onsen. Best described as a hot spring bathing spa, onsen is a long held tradition in Japan and the near endless supply Continue Reading
Ghost Stories Ghosts and spirits hold a place in the folklore of many cultures around the world. In the western world, Halloween, observed on October 31st, is a time for scary, spooky tales, while Latin America will celebrate the deceased Continue Reading
When I first arrived in Japan in 2001, Halloween was practically unheard of. The only Halloween events to speak of were bacchanalian parties held by foreigners, many inebriated past the point of public decency. The noise, the mess, and the Continue Reading
A Taste of Sunshine Just 2.5 Hours from Tokyo I planned to arrive in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture while the sun was still shining, but a speech in Chiba City delayed my arrival until long after the moon rose on this Continue Reading
Gold Nuggets of Japanese Culture Prospected by Fans Overseas On a summer hike with a family friend in Winter Park, Colorado, we meandered into a conversation about Japan, my home for 29 years. Wow, Japan! That is so great! Tenkara Continue Reading
I recently opened a new craft beer bar in Tokyo and I thought an article re the process of this would be interesting. After the forced closing of my previous beer bar in Aoyama (the building was being demolished to Continue Reading