The Nintendo Switch is region free, and many (not all) games, including Xenoblade Chronicles HD, have the full Japanese text and audio available in the U.S. release of the game. No need to import from Japan! This is an amazing resource for gamers who are learning Japanese. Here’s my latest grab! Japanese: ありがとう。九死に一生を得た気分だ。 Romaji: arigatou….
Earth Celebration on Sado Island
In 2013 I went to the Earth Celebration festival on Sado Island. It was a wonderful experience and I hope I have a chance to do it again. Attending the the Earth Celebration is a real adventure. It’s a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, a musical treat, and a cultural experience….
Tottori Sand Dunes for an trip out-of-the-ordinary Japan Adventure
Looking for something different to do in Japan? Try Tottori Sand Dunes! Might be fun. This isn’t a location I would recommend to someone who is headed to Japan for the first time ever, but if you are already living in Japan and looking for something new to do, check it out. The Tottori Sand…
Japanese Lesson from Games: 人の上に立つ者
The Nintendo Switch is region free, and many (not all) games, including Octopath Traveler, have the full Japanese text and audio available in the U.S. release of the game. No need to import from Japan! This is an amazing resource for gamers who are learning Japanese. Here’s my latest grab! Kanji: 人の上に立つ者 Romaji: ひとのうえにたつもの English:…
Japanese YouTuber – 小豆島の漁師はまゆう Fisherman Hamayuu!
Well this is unique, and immensely popular. Ever wanted to learn a ton of fishing vocabulary, see some amazing seafood, or maybe learn something about Shoudoshima? Check out this Japanese YouTuber’s channel – he is a fisherman named Hamayuu and his videos regularly get more than 500,000 views. Learn about random sea creatures and eat…
Ways to move to Japan – International Job Far
If you’re reading this you probably do not need to be convinced that Japan is a great place to spend some time. If you’re thoroughly convinced and want to move to Japan, how should you go about it? One way is to get a job that will sponsor your visa to move to Japan. Step…
Japanese Lesson from Games: Wasn’t Even Human
The Nintendo Switch is region free, and many (not all) games, including Octopath Traveler, have the full Japanese text and audio available in the U.S. release of the game. No need to import from Japan! This is an amazing resource for gamers who are learning Japanese. Here’s my latest grab! Japanese: 俺は人ではなかった Hiragana: おれはひとではなった English:…
Kisaichi in Osaka – Hike to Kurondo Pond
If you’re looking for a low-key place to get some nature in the Osaka area you might consider a visit to Kisaichi to hike up to Kurondo Pond. The hike from Kisaichi Station to Kurondo Pond is about 1.5 hours. I hiked it with a seven year old and it took about 2 hours each…
Gion Festival in Kyoto circa 2005
Summer 2005, I went to Gion Festival 祇園祭り in Kyoto. Gion is one of the largest festivals held in Kansai. It is one of the three largest and most important festivals in Japan. Normally held in July, it is a treasured annual event that completely consumes all activity in downtown Kyoto. Some Japanese phrases to…
Fishing for Koi – Tsuribori
Looking for some wholesome fun in Japan? See if you can locate a kiddy fishing place in your area — they’re called tsuribori 釣り堀 in Japanese. Not actually fishing koi — they’re goldfish. This activity is family oriented. You’ll pay a fee to be able to fish for a set amount of time and you’ll…