Most people know that the Japanese working culture is hard in terms of the amount of working hours and attention to details. If you want to get a job in Japan or work in a Japanese company in your country, understanding the culture and environment beforehand will be beneficial. View this post on Instagram A…

Being exasperated when playing a game or doing something that needs luck is a usual thing. But when buying something from a vending machine, we know what’s coming and that we’re getting it for sure. Unless the machine gets stuck at which point there’s the fight or flight reaction – some people kick the machine,…

As many as over a million young people in Japan are thought to remain holed up in their homes, sometimes for decades at a time, a phenomena known as ‘hikikomori’. Why is that? In Japan, hikikomori, a term that’s also used to describe the young people who withdraw, is a word that everyone knows. The…

Noodles are one of the staple foods in many cultures including Japan. A lot of Japanese dishes use noodles as the main ingredient, such as Ramen and Udon, dipped in variety of broths and topped with meat and veggies. Small shops, restaurants, and even food vendors during the festivals are filled with all kinds of…

jp.fotolia.com/ While it is the time of the year for preparing Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties in many countries, in Japan things are a little different. There is some version of Christmas social gatherings, while for New Year enjoy a few quiet days together with their families. There are many preparations, decorations and ritual,…

The extensive train and subway system in Japan is great, but also complicated. Cycling is a great way to commute to avoid the crowds. But of course, there are important rules that you should know before cycling in Japan. Basic Rules about Cycling in Japan jp.fotolia.com/ First of all, you should keep to the left…

Vending machines are a staple of modern life, and in Japan they are glowing from every lonely corner at night like some kind of urban lighthouses. They are certainly convenient, reliable, numerous, but in Japan they are also weird and fun and surprising. The majority of vending machines usually sell drinks or small snacks, but…

If you mention Japan, many people’s first thoughts may be the most famous cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although these are all great places to visit with their own unique charms, there are many other great cities in this country that are well worth a visit. Kobe is an underrated city, great for…

The Japanese word “Tengu” comes from the two words, “tian” and “gou,” which translates to “heaven” and “dog,” respectively, thus the name “heavenly dog.” Found in old Japanese folktales, Tengu are considered as a type of god in the Shinto religion but are mostly only thought of as supernatural creatures. Let’s find out more about…

Nagoya is located in Aichi Prefecture, close to Gifu and easily accessible from Chubu Centrair International Airport. Although in many ways it is a great city with lots of sights and things to do, some might argue that unlike large cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, Nagoya is not very popular for shopping as the…