If you head north from Tokyo for an hour on a bullet train, you will reach Nasushiobara. This area is a popular destination for alpine hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter and hot springs all year round. You can take a local bus from there for...
“Free schools” are on the rise in Japan, as the number of k-12 students with extended absence from classrooms (futoko) continues to grow, reaching the record high of 200,000 in 2022. Often triggered by bullying, the ratio of truancy is highest in...
A Japanese beloved TV show is aired on Netflix under the title “Old Enough!” and has been popular worldwide from the middle east to Europe. Although the reaction from the world apparently varies from “adorable” to “horrifying,” the Japanese have...
Have you ever heard of “Obon?” It is one of the traditional events held in the summer in Japan. During this period, people invite the spirits of ancestors who have returned to this world to make generous offerings to them, and the...
About 80% of consumers are willing to buy more eco-friendly and ethical products in Japan. Yet, when we want to eat an organic or plant-based diet, or purchase plastic-free or zero waste products in Japan, we might have difficulties discovering...
Community currencies are created worldwide today, to boost regional economies. Japan is of no exception, its interest especially in reviving stagnation of local economies. The stagnation is the result of dropping birth rates, not to mention the...
Ramen restaurant TowZen is located in Kyoto, in a quaint neighborhood just 10 minutes walk from the renowned Shimogawa Shrine. At the end of the cute entrance of greenery lays the entrance to the hidden ramen restaurant with a heartwarming decor...
Digital nomads! Imagine if you could work anywhere you want in Japan, moving houses as you please. All the houses are well-renovated, with gas, electricity and wifi available. And all of these would come at only a low monthly fee. Sorry for the...
Kyoto is one of the leading tourist destinations in Japan, well-known for its old shrines, temples, Japanese gardens, and ancient neighborhoods. However, the city’s charm does not end there. Its wide variety of accommodation is also something...