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In this time of social distancing, we all need something to give us a bit of comfort. Nintendo‘s March release of ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, a new installment in the popular Japanese franchise, provides exactly this. This video game appears deceptively simple. You design a little avatar, and you run around your town, helping adorable animal villagers and building your home. The appeal of the game is clear, whether or...Read More

It’s happened. The COVID19 infection which started in China and seemed so distant, has now touched almost every country in the world. Some are handling it better than others, like Taiwan for instance. They have managed to contain the viral spread extremely well (195 as of the writing of this article) and keep toilet paper on their shelves! Move to the US and it’s a different story, with wide-spread panic...Read More

Hokkaido is another one of those locations in Japan that is often overlooked in favor of Tokyo or Kyoto. However, anyone with some time to spend in Japan should not miss out on the chance to explore the country’s most northern point.   This is particularly true for those who enjoy nature or skiing. But even if you don’t, Hokkaido has plenty to offer for most people’s tastes and interests all year...Read More

Just 3 hours by train from Japan’s Capital Tokyo, lies a prefecture known for its traditional Washi paper industry (including lanterns and umbrellas) and is a center for the Japanese swordsmithing and cutlery industries, Gifu – the home of Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Farmhouses in the this village are called “gassho-zukuri” whose shape resembles the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. It is one of...Read More

Unlike in many other parts of the world, New Year in Japan, or Oshogatsu (literally meaning “first month”) is not a big display of fireworks and champagne. Instead, it’s a very solemn affair that’s generally spent with family. In a way, it could be compared to how we celebrate Western Christmas. You can still find noisy parties and fireworks during Japanese New Year, but it’s not generally how the locals spend their New Year’s eve. Instead, most Japanese people will be home with their families. A lot of people even travel back to their hometowns over the holiday.  So how do you go about celebrating New Year the Japanese way? Read on for a crash course on the Japanese New Year!  Bring good luck to your family and home with auspicious decorations for the New Year If you have ever spent time in Japan during...Read More