With more than 8 million tourists visiting Japan each year, many stereotypes have been created to explain Japanese culture to friends and family back home. However, there are almost always exceptions to these stereotypes, none more evident than those pertaining Japanese public transportation etiquette. Learn these 5 myths before your first trip to Japan so…

Recently, the news in Japan have been all about the car accidents caused by people with ages between 60-90 years old, reason why many of the elderly started handing in their license and giving up their cars so that they can make a difference and prevent more tragedies to happen. The Ikebukuro accident, also the…

The population in Japan is, no doubt, continuously shrinking. This is especially true in rural communities, where most young people are leaving in search for jobs in the bigger cities. The population decline in these places has also led to the decline of public transportation. Therefore, it is becoming more difficult for the elderly to…

Rice is a staple food in Japan. It has been cultivated across the country for many years and is synonymous with the general meaning of “meal.” However, the younger generation nowadays is increasingly eating junk food like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (クリスピー・クリーム・ドーナツ) or McDonald’s (マクドナルド) instead of rice. To promote the benefits of eating rice, Japan’s…

We all know how technologically advanced Japan is as a country. The Japanese are more tech-savvy than anyone else in the world. From small electric Itazura coin banks to huge magnetic bullet trains, the country is famous for its technological innovations. As Japan advances in every field, its population is aging rapidly. You must have…

Cheerleading is a highly recognized physical activity around the world. In Japan, it is popularly known as a sport that requires athletic ability and physical strength. Teams are divided into males and females and they compete with routines through different levels. But did you know that cheerleading is not only common among junior high school,…

Since arriving in Tokyo, there are so many everyday interactions and experiences that I have learned to love here. The Japanese hospitality, social etiquettes, and the amazing public transport system are obvious ones but there are a few other things that I see and experience that I absolutely love and very rarely see, if at…

It is very hard to find a babysitter in Japan. And even if you do, chances are the cost will be horribly expensive! What makes it worse are many households are “two-income” where both parents work to provide for the family. So who is left with the children then? – The Grandparents. The New System…

The transportation system in Japan is an area the country is very proud of. People living in Japan take the train, subway, taxis and buses as their main form of transport and so do tourists visiting the country. Transportation in Japan is also quite efficient and punctual. Buses in Japan, along with the train and…

If you have come to Japan, you’d be overwhelmed by the respectful manner of the Japanese. But when riding public transportation such as bullet trains or buses, it’s not hard to see young people sitting on the seats while there are some elderly standing. So of course this will lead you to doubt why these…