Lifestyle
Learn how to join a community garden in Japan
Since moving to Tokyo last year, I have missed growing vegetables, a hobby I used to love. Living on the third floor in a small apartment means I can have a couple of pots of herbs on my balcony, but there is no space for a proper vegetable garden. That… Read
Chinese singles are looking for love in video chats — with thousands following along in real time
Steve Chen had never been in love. Last spring though, it happened. The 25-year-old met his first girlfriend in a way he couldn't have imagined before: a livestreamed video chat. Frustrated with traditional dating and using the apps, Chen jumped on a new trend among young, single people in China.… Read
Hamamatsu Festival showcases vibrant kites, colorful floats and lively parades
The Hamamatsu Festival is a lively annual event held in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka. It takes place from May 3 – 5. This festival has a history of over 450 years. It features beautiful kites and colorful floats. It also shows the strong community spirit among the townspeople. Kite battles have become… Read
Sailor Moon and others teach foreign tourists Japanese etiquette in Manga Manners art series
Manners are important in Japan, and while most of the country’s etiquette has its roots in common sense, certain points might not be so intuitive for visitors from other parts of the world. Thankfully, people in Japan are pretty understanding of innocent mistakes, and the locals are often happy to explain… Read
Cool moves at any age: Japan's figure skating scene grows up
Forget what is said about old dogs and new tricks -- try teaching someone in their 80s how to glide, spin and jump on ice. In Japan, adults young and old are doing exactly that by packing ice skating rinks for classes and recitals in figure skating, inspired by their… Read
Bluebells and other spring flowers can be nature's antidote to stressful times
Gilles Gui was looking for the magical purple bluebells that raise their heads each spring under the budding beech leaves of the Hallerbos forest, an annual explosion of color that draws crowds from around the world. And in these times full of stress and anxiety about wars, economic threats and… Read
Onsen etiquette: Things to know before using Japan’s hot springs & public baths
In Japan, bathing is more than just a way to get clean—it’s an ancient tradition elevated to an art form. Long regarded as both a physical and spiritual experience, communal bathing has historically played a key role in bringing communities together. Today, public bathing remains a cherished part of everyday… Read
As views on spanking shift worldwide, most U.S. adults support it, and 19 states allow physical punishment in schools
Nearly a half-century after the Supreme Court ruled that school spankings are permissible and not “cruel and unusual punishment,” many U.S. states allow physical punishment for students who have misbehaved. Today, over a third of the states allow teachers to paddle or spank students. More than 100,000 students are paddled… Read
Japan’s digital nomad visa explained: Who qualifies and how to apply
Japan finally launched its Digital Nomad visa in April 2024 — joining dozens of countries that now welcome remote workers. This new visa lets eligible freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees live and work from Japan for up to six months, with the option to bring along their spouse and children. So how does… Read
Finding love at any age in Japan: Advice & insights
We all know that the dating scene changes as we age. So, how does finding love at different decades of our lives play out for foreign women in Japan? Dating In Your 20s Dating In Your 30s Dating In Your 40s Dating At 50 & Beyond Dating In Your 20s… Read
