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What about coffee in Japan?
Do you prefer tea or coffee? When I moved to Japan, I expected most people to answer tea. It fit my image of Japan as an incredible tea country: green tea, matcha tea, barley tea, oolong tea – you name… Continue reading
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Why do cookies in Japan have images on them?
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was smiling at me. No, not how you may imagine. Her face was printed on a cookie that a colleague had just left on my desk. It was shortly after she had taken office. I… Continue reading
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Wabi-sabi what?
In Japan, aesthetic and beauty are held to high standards. Design often has clear lines and forms. Few bells and whistles. Think fashion, architecture, furniture or the beauty of a geisha with perfect makeup and kimono. And yet, there’s also… Continue reading
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What’s so special about Japanese onsen?
It can be intimidating. And takes a bit of getting used to. But once I tried it for the first time, I wanted to go again and again. Now I go whenever I get a chance. Onsen, Japan’s natural hot… Continue reading
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Why is bowing so important in Japan?
I was stuck in a bowing loop. I had just left an excellent restaurant, and the owner bowed us farewell at the door. I bowed back. He replied by bowing a little deeper. I did the same. Several repeats followed.… Continue reading
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Ever climbed Mount Fuji into the clouds?
It’s cold. It rains. In fact, it pours. Your rain pants are dripping, your boots are soaked, your backpack is completely wet. You have 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) of elevation gain ahead of you starting from the 5th station. Overnight… Continue reading
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What’s with Tokyo’s umbrella management?
Lately, it’s been raining a lot in Tokyo. And when it does, umbrellas appear everywhere. While you see plenty of black and blue ones, what stands out are large transparent plastic umbrellas. Every convenience store sells them for ¥500-600 (US… Continue reading
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Matcha Mania?
Matcha is everywhere: in lattes, ice cream, protein bars, skincare and cocktails. During a recent visit to Osaka, I even had matcha beer! Probably for tourists. What used to be a carefully prepared tea in Japan’s traditional tea ceremony is… Continue reading
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Why do people take their shoes off everywhere in Japan?
You take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home. You remove them when you visit a traditional restaurant or a temple. Even in my office building, I’ve noticed people switching from their street shoes to slippers. Why? A big… Continue reading
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How high-tech is Japan?
Robots deliver your meal in a restaurant or collect dirty dishes. Others clean the lobbies of office buildings. AI robot concierges in train stations help you find a route or the next toilet. Smart toilets change the way you do… Continue reading
Japan Nuggets
Curious questions, candid answers on everyday Japan
