Ayano Watanabe

Ayano Watanabe

Majored in International Liberal Studies at Sophia University. She is bilingual in English and Japanese.

Articles by Ayano Watanabe

fall anime 2025
Culture

Fall Anime 2025 Guide: 25 Most Anticipated Shows

The Fall 2025 anime season is overflowing with big sequels, long-awaited adaptations, and creative new projects. So the real challenge isn’t finding something to watch: it’s knowing where and how to watch what you want! We’ll introduce the 25 most important anime of the season, with details on the story, release dates, TV channels, and

By Ayano Watanabe
Japan Zodiac Signs: Perfect Guide To Juunishi Culture — cover image
Culture

Japan Zodiac Signs: Perfect Guide To Juunishi Culture

Learning about the twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac, known as juunishi (十二支), can be an eye-opening insight into Japanese culture. Unlike the Western zodiac — which is based on constellations with the sign changing monthly — the Japanese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle represented by animals, each carrying cultural meanings. Knowing about the juunishi

By Ayano Watanabe
halloween in USJ 2025
Things To Do

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2025: Special Rides, Shows, and Tickets

Halloween at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the most anticipated seasonal events in Osaka. For many foreigners living in or visiting Japan, it’s a chance to experience a Halloween celebration that blends Japanese creativity with world-class theme park entertainment. The best part is that even if you don’t speak Japanese, the thrills, visuals,

By Ayano Watanabe
October Festivals in Japan 2025: The Biggest Events and Where to Celebrate — cover image
Things To Do

October Festivals in Japan 2025: The Biggest Events and Where to Celebrate

October in Japan is one of the most charming months of the year. The weather is pleasantly cool, skies are clear, and autumn colors begin to spread across the country. It is also a season filled with cultural celebrations, harvest rituals, and lively events that bring communities together. For foreigners living in or visiting Japan,

By Ayano Watanabe
Oktoberfest Japan 2025: Beer, Music, and German Culture Across the Country — cover image
Things To Do

Oktoberfest Japan 2025: Beer, Music, and German Culture Across the Country

Planning to experience Oktoberfest in Japan this autumn? From Tokyo’s waterfront venues to Osaka’s open-air parks, Japan’s Oktoberfest celebrations offer a festive mix of German beer culture with local flair. Oktoberfest in Japan is not only a beer festival but you can enjoy the music and culture. It is not only for drinkers but also

By Ayano Watanabe
Keigo in Japanese business context
Job Hunting

Business Japanese for Work in Japan: Essential Keigo and Workplace Phrases for Foreign Professionals

Japanese business culture is built on respect, clarity, and professionalism. For foreigners working in Japan, mastering business Japanese goes beyond grammar: it requires understanding keigo (honorific speech), communication etiquette, and cultural expectations. This guide covers the essential aspects of business Japanese, from basic structures to advanced workplace expressions. Basics of Business Japanese Business Japanese is

By Ayano Watanabe
Universal Studios Japan Rides 2025: How to Maximize Your Fun — cover image
Things To Do

Universal Studios Japan Rides 2025: How to Maximize Your Fun

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of the country’s most exciting theme parks, where movies come alive through thrilling rides and thrilling worlds. In 2025, the park continues to attract millions of visitors with both classic fan-favorites and newly updated attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, knowing how to

By Ayano Watanabe
Minimum wage in Japan 2025
Society

Minimum Wage in Japan 2025: How Much You’ll Earn and What’s Changing This Year

The 2025 minimum wage in Japan marks a historic milestone. For the first time, every prefecture will see hourly wages surpass ¥1,000, reflecting both economic pressures and government-led reforms. For foreign residents, this shift directly affects both earnings and daily living expenses, making it essential to understand the latest updates, not just on minimum wages

By Ayano Watanabe
Momijigari in Japan
Things To Do

Autumn Leaves in Japan: Best Viewing Spots, Festivals, and Cultural Traditions

Every autumn, Japan turns into a breathtaking landscape of fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm oranges. This seasonal tradition, known as momijigari, is more than sightseeing — it is a cultural practice that dates back over a thousand years. For foreigners living in Japan or visiting in 2025, autumn leaves in Japan combine nature, culture,

By Ayano Watanabe
different ways of apology in japanese
Language

How to Say Sorry in Japanese: A Guide to Apology Culture

Apologies in Japan are more than simple words — they reflect respect, humility, and the desire to maintain harmony. For foreigners living in Japan, mastering the art of saying “sorry” can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen relationships at work, school, and in daily life. This guide explains not only the most common expressions but also the

By Ayano Watanabe
japan festivals must go in september
Things To Do

Top 10 Japan Festivals in September 2025

September in Japan is a month of change—summer’s intensity gives way to crisp autumn breezes, and communities gather to honor traditions that have shaped their identity for centuries. For foreign residents, it’s an excellent time to explore festivals that range from high-energy street races to quiet evenings under the full moon. Whether you’re interested in

By Ayano Watanabe