1,829 days have passed since I moved back to Japan after living in Australia for 18 years. 🎉 Writing this Native Expat blog has allowed me to reflect on how I was a week, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months, 1 year, 2 1/2years and 4 years since moving back to Japan. Here’s my … Continue reading Reflection of moving back to Japan | 5th year edition
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
After deciding a visit my parents and within 5 days, I was onboard a late flight to the Gold Coast, Australia from Tokyo, Japan. Quick recap for those new to this blog.... I'm Japanese who grew up in Australia during my teens through to twenties and have returned to my motherland, Japan since 2019. Since … Continue reading Reflection on visiting Gold Coast, Australia as a Native Expat
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
The warm Japanese winter have suddenly changed to frigid temperature which means one thing - JAPOW ski season! ⛷️ Last weekend, we headed to Hakuba for skiing. Compared to our visit during the pandemic in 2020 or in 2021, we saw a tremendous increase and in people and not just people - lots of Aussies … Continue reading Foreign invasion – change in Niseko, Japan
At the start of 2024, my husband and I enjoyed an overseas trip✈️ which was refreshing to immerse ourselves in different languages, climate, food and culture. I have once compared Australia and Japan after my first visit back to Australia where I have lived for 19 years. For that post, it was a comparison of … Continue reading 4 differences between New York and Tokyo
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
Months ago, my husband booked the season's first ski weekend in one of our favourite onsen town, Nozawa Onsen. As the international tourists are now back like pre-pandemic era and Japanese are 'revenge' traveling to catch up on the missed travels during the pandemic, everywhere is booked well in advance. As I unpacked my ski … Continue reading Ski weekend turned onsen weekend in Nozawa Onsen
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