Sushi recipe and dashi stock: mouth-watering source of umami in Japanese cuisine
I gave my English friend home-made sushi rice with some veggies and seaweed to enjoy it “roll it yourself (Temaki sushi)” style. The
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Imperial transition in Japan in 2019, abdication, coronation and the new era “Reiwa”
In Japan, a big imperial transition event in the royal family is coming up this spring. Current Emperor Akihito will abdicate the throne on April
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Where and how to validate / receive your Japan Rail Pass
You’ve got a voucher for your Japan Rail Pass. Great! But where and how can you validate / receive the pass? Midori-no-madoguchi
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Space Invaders 40th Anniversary special VR Games in Osaka Yodobashi 2018 – Never miss it!
You can’t miss the temporary Space Invaders VR Games at Yodobashi in Osaka if you are visiting Japan in 2018 or in January
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How long is the summer break in Japanese schools? How about spring and winter breaks?
Most elementary, middle and high schools in Japan have about 40 days of summer breaks, usually from July 20 to August 31. Winter
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Tattoos and Hot Springs (onsen) – tattoo-friendly hot springs in Japan and how to find them
Are there tattoo-friendly hot springs in Japan? How can you find out if they will let you in and how can you make
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Riding a train in Japan – Tips, manners and trivia including endless announcements and women-only cars
I use public transportations as much as possible when I’m travelling in a foreign country. You get to experience real life as a
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Digital Museum Tokyo – tickets, directions and more
Mori Building Digital Art Museum – teamLab Borderless is opening in Tokyo on June 21, 2018. Do you want to experience the “future”
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Liberal Democratic Party of Japan – Why can LDP stay in power for such a long time?
Liberal Democratic Party of Japan or LDP Japan has been in power up until now from its foundation in 1955 for the most
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Japanese letters and alphabets – how many are they and why do we use so many of them?
Japanese characters or letters have two sets of alphabets and one set of ideographic characters. Brief Introduction – Hiragana The first set of
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Emperor and Imperial Family of Japan – What you need to know about the world’s oldest dynasty
Emperor Akihito of Japan will step down from the throne in April, 2019 after almost 30 years of being on the throne. He
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Edamame – health benefits of amazingly nutritious green soybeans
What is Edamame? Since Edamame has become popular appetizer in Japanese restaurant everywhere in the world over the past decade, I get asked
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Why do Japanese always say san? – Honorifics in Japanese
Why does Mr.Miyagi say “Daniel san” in Karate Kid? What is the meaning of san? Ever wondered why Japanese people address people with
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Japanese Calligraphy – The Art of Shodo
Japanese Calligraphy is called “Shodo”. The word Shodo literally means the way of writing. Shodo is writing letters with a brush using Indian ink
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Types of soy products in Japan – Tofu, Miso, Edamame and more
Soy products such as soy milk and tofu have become really popular in western countries. They are healthier substitution for meat products, since
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Tea Whisk “Chasen” for Japanese Green Tea is a Piece of Art
Tea whisk “Chasen” makes the velvety thick texture of authentic Japanese green tea. Behind that velvety texture is the bamboo tea whisk called
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How to take a bike on a train in Japan
So, you brought your bike to Japan. You plan on travelling around Japan by bike. Unless you have plenty of time and are
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Why do people go crazy about the virtual idol, Hatsune Miku?
Hatsune Miku probably has the biggest fan base as a virtual figure. Every single her concert is sold out in a matter of
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Why do so many people in Japan wear face masks?
If you visit Japan in winter, you might find it strange that so many Japanese people are wearing surgical face masks. You see
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Why is a Shinto Shrine standing on a Buddhist Temple’s ground in Japan?
If you go sightseeing in Japan, chances are you visit both Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples. Your guide will explain to you that
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