Lifestyle
5 positive classroom discipline tips for teaching in Japan
Considering a teaching job in Japan or are having some problems in the classroom? It can be hard to keep a cool head when you have a student who just won’t behave. You may be thinking, “Positive discipline? There’s no such thing.” But believe us, it is a tried and tested way of managing… Read
How do Japan’s host club hosts get their professional names? We talk with five Kabukicho pros
“What’s in a name?” some people ask, but the answer is “Quite a lot” when you’re talking about the men who work in Japan’s host clubs. A good host name has to be steeped in stylishness but also feel approachable, paving a smooth path to popularity with repeat and new customers… Read
Say it with a bouquet: Japan’s language of flowers
Red roses for love, the rose as June’s flower of the month… Although I have an avid interest in everything botanical, before becoming immersed in Japanese culture, I can’t say that I actively engaged with the meanings of flowers beyond the most popular ones above. But, in Japan, as well as… Read
Spicy fish egg theme park opens newest location in Gunma Prefecture
Theme parks are great and all, but they seem to keep beating the same dead horse of cartoon characters, video games, and thrill rides. It sure would be nice if the there was a park devoted entirely to masses of Alaskan pollock eggs encased in a thin membrane and seasoned with chili peppers for a change.… Read
Gundam manholes land in Sagamihara City adding to Japan’s impressive lineup of manhole designs
Manhole covers in Japan are more than just utilitarian, sometimes they have designs that add a bit more flair to the city streets. While originally they often incorporated local sights or specialties, these days localities can encourage more tourism by installing manhole covers inspired by popular characters such as Pokemon. Another… Read
Learn Ainu culture through digital art and projection mapping at the Kamuy Lumina event
Of all the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu are arguably the most well recognized throughout both the Japanese and international communities, and yet despite that, so little is really known about them. Although once the main population of Japan, the arrival of the migrating Yayoi people around 300 BC… Read
Set up shop: How to make an online store in Japan
Most people look to pursue a hobby or creative outlet during their tenure in Japan—photography, knitting, leatherworking, painting, woodcarving, etc. Eventually, you might get good enough to sell your product online, and for that, you’ll want an e-store. Not only is setting up an online store a great creative venture and a… Read
Japan’s thrill ride theme park finds new way to terrify: A slide over twice as tall as a Gundam
There are three major theme parks that make for doable day trips in the Tokyo area. Tokyo Disneyland is the place to go to experience the magic of Disney characters, Puroland is for the magic of Sanrio characters, and Fuji-Q Highland is for the magic of… well, feeling like you’re about to die thanks… Read
Uncovering the origin of the May 5 holiday - Boys’ Festival or Children’s Day
Girls’ Festival, or Hinamatsuri, is celebrated at the beginning of spring on March 3. So you’d expect Boys’ Festival to also be in store. Not quite. It turns out the Tango-no Sekku, or Boys’ Festival, falls on the same day that we call Children’s Day, which are both celebrated on… Read
Animal symbolism of shrines and temples in Japan
Anyone who spent enough time in the country knows that Japan loves animals. From animal cafes (which are not exactly nice) to Nara Prefecture’s pushy deer taking over the sidewalk, the nation’s love of animals is everywhere—especially at shrines and temples. Our furry friends play a big part in Japan’s religion and myths. There… Read
