If you visit Japan, there is a quiet food experience I truly hope you won’t miss.It is called soba. Soba is not flashy.There are no dramatic presentations or trendy long lines.That is because soba has long been a part of everyday Japanese life. Stopping by a small soba restaurant during a walk, sitting down, and…
Learning English Through Anime: Tanjiro Kamado In this English study log, we practice explaining the meaning behind a Japanese name in English.Our example comes from Japanese anime culture: Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Tanjiro is not just a swordsman who fights demons.His name itself reflects Japanese values, traditional life,…
As someone who grew up and lived in this area for over thirty years, I’d like to suggest a simple day trip around Kamakura. When visiting Kamakura, it’s best to travel light — both in plans and expectations.Come as you are, without dressing up or trying too hard.This town feels most comfortable when approached in…
If you feel as if a wall is standing in your way right now, blocking your path forward, it may not be a sign of failure. It could be a sign that you are about to grow. 1. Understanding the Cause Means You’ve Already Learned Something When things stop going well, the most important moment…
As I write this final post of the year, there has been a quiet sense of discomfort staying with me. I kept asking myself, “What is this discomfort I feel in my own writing?” Just as conversations carry different moods depending on the moment, writing also has its own atmosphere. Sometimes we change our tone…
Patience matters. It is not the same as forcing yourself to endure. It is not simply holding back or resisting pain. It is closer to perseverance. Patience is not about fighting against the flow. It is about allowing yourself to move with it. That does not mean it is always comfortable. In real life, things…
A simple and stress-free guide for first-time visitors to Kamakura Introduction If you are visiting Kamakura for the first time, getting there from Tokyo may look a little confusing.There are many train lines, many station names, and many directions. But don’t worry.Getting to Ofuna Station is actually very simple, and once you reach Ofuna, Kamakura…
Have you ever had a moment where you almost tripped, or almost dropped your phone, and thought, “Whew, that was close!”? In Japan, we call these moments “Hiyari-Hatto.” Hiyari means feeling a cold chill, and Hatto means being startled. Together, they describe those “near-miss” moments where something bad almost happened, but you got lucky. Generally,…
Unlocking the Secrets of Kamakura: What’s in a Name? ⛩️ When traveling through Japan, looking beyond the beautiful shrines and temples can reveal a deeper layer of history. Understanding the origins of place names—known as chimei—is a fantastic way to upgrade your travel experience and gain a profound insight into the Japanese soul. Today, let’s…
Is anger actually serving you? Most of us treat anger like a tool, but it’s actually a trap. It doesn’t create anything meaningful for your life. What happens if you just… stop? Even if it’s just for 24 hours. If you decide today is a “No Anger Day,” you will realize something immediately: You have…