Japan might be famous for lightning fast shinkansen and futuristic robotic for efficiencies but Japan is also a land of meticulous paperwork that may catch you off guard with its frequent form-filling rituals. Even after filling out details online to book a hotel room or when you visit a government office, you'll find yourself scribbling … Continue reading How to write well in Japan
Tomorrow, March 3 is ひな祭り (hinamatsuri), Girl's Day in Japan. In the previous blog, I have mentioned about Oguro Saburo's cute wooden and modern version of dolls for hinamatsuri that children's can play with: https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2024/02/03/japanese-brand-highlight-u-plan-by-oguro-saburo In this blog, I'll share about the traditional 雛人形（hina dolls) decorated. About Hina dolls When a girl is born, often … Continue reading Girl’s Day’s hina doll explained
This week, I finally ticked off one of my Japan bucket list, seeing sumo wrestlers in live action. Securing sumo match tickets has been quite competitive but the next best thing is watching them practice. Arashio Room in Nihonbashi Hamacho is a sumo house and they have a big window where bystanders can watch sumo … Continue reading Boost of morning energy – Japanese style
Last weekend, I was searching for a baby gift for my friends living in Australia. Gender isn't revealed so I wanted to gift a Japanese made, gender neutral baby gift. Initially, I visited Nakayoshi Library that creates warm, smooth wooden toys that is used by the Japanese Imperial household. However, their products were pretty much … Continue reading Japanese brand highlight: U-plan by Oguro Saburo
One of the things that Japan does well is stationery. I remember how disappointed I was when I moved to Australia when I was 12 and discovered only bland and practical blue, black and red pens were what every classmate used. I remember finding it quite surprised how unplayful Australia was! Now that I am … Continue reading Japanese brand highlight: Traveler’s Factory
Happy 2024! Although Japan started with a devastating earthquake on New Years day followed by a Japan Airline plane on fire at Haneda Airport on the 2nd, I hope you had a peaceful, safe and restful New Years. Even in central Tokyo, I felt the earthquake that was longer and stronger than what I had … Continue reading Japanese new years decorations, activities and its meaning
One of the biggest sporting events at the end of the year in Japan is 有馬記念 (Arima Cup) a horse racing that marks the last major horse racing event of the year. As my horse racing loving father-in-law is currently visiting Japan, we headed to Nakayama Racecourse, the day before the big cup on December … Continue reading Japanese horse racing experience
My whole family - my sister and her family from Germany and my parents living in Australia will all converge in Tokyo, Japan! We have been preparing our home for their stay and one of the items we've purchased are towels. Before moving to Japan, I haven't thought too much about towels. If I needed … Continue reading A soft hug from Japan – Imabari towels
Last weekend, for the third time since living in Japan, we visited PICA Saiko's lakeside lodge for the weekend. More about Lake Saiko in Yamanashi prefecture, the surrounding area and about the first visit to PICA Saiko in my previous blog: https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2020/09/12/a-weekend-of-lounging-by-the-lakes-and-appreciating-art-%F0%9F%8E%A8/ More about the second visit in 2021: https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2021/07/10/lakeside-barbecue-and-first-shot-of-vaccine/ Just like the last two … Continue reading BBQ in summer and bbq in spring in Hokkaido?
Last weekend, I finally wore my yukata (summer light weight kimono) 👘 to not just one but two summer festivals in Tokyo; one in Ginza and another in Nakameguro. For more information about yukata, please read my previous blog about yukata. Ginza's summer festival - Yukata de Ginbura ゆかたで銀ぶら (Yukata de Ginbura - wander around … Continue reading Strolling summer festivals in yukata
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