Long is a designer living in Tokyo.
Meet Winnie, originally from China, who studied art history at International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo. The decision to study in Japan was influenced by family, a desire to experience more cultures, and a turning point during COVID that made studying overseas in the “original plan” feel less realistic. In this interview, Winnie shares why
Meet Pascale, an American graduate from Washington, D.C. who studied Art and Japanese at university. The move to Japan didn’t start with a big life plan: it started with a short scholarship exchange in high school and a host family stay that made Japan feel personal. Later, moving as a student felt more manageable thanks
Stepping through the beaded curtains of a kissaten is like stepping back in time: the aroma of flannel-filtered coffee, the gleam of mahogany jukeboxes, and the low hum of Showa-era pop songs immediately drown out 5G Tokyo. This guide shows you where, and how, to savor that deliciously unhurried past. Top Retro Cafés in Japan
Japan’s anime pilgrimage map is expanding faster than the cast of a shōnen battle anime. From a fully realised Ghibli Park to a 17-metre Gundam looming over Expo 2025 Osaka, 2025 is the perfect year to plan an otaku grand tour. This guide distils the must-see spots and souvenir strategies you’ll wish you’d known before
Tokyo International University (TIU) is known for its commitment to global education and for offering a supportive environment for students from all over the world, and I can confirm this personally. As a transfer student who completed my degree in just two years at TIU, I want to share my experiences — the good, the
Japanese gakuensai fuse education, community and pure youthful energy into one unforgettable weekend. For foreign residents, they are the closest you can get to everyday school life without enrolling yourself! This guide explains how the festival evolved, what to expect on the big day and how your family can participate with confidence. 1. Why School
Japan’s waterways run through misty mountain valleys, dense cities, and straight into the Pacific. Creeks, canals, bays, and open ocean all sit within reach. That range is what makes fishing in Japan so quietly addictive. This guide breaks down seasons, licences, styles, and everyday etiquette, so you can fish with confidence and not feel like
Discover Matcha at a Glance In Japan, matcha is more than just a photogenic latte: it is a living thread that joins Zen Buddhism, samurai focus, and neon-lit cafés into the same cultural fabric. This guide explains how powdered green tea travelled from 12th-century monasteries to modern espresso bars, why regions such as Uji and
If you’ve ever seen photos of people in Japan throwing beans at someone dressed like a demon, that’s Setsubun. It’s a loud, funny, slightly chaotic tradition with a serious purpose underneath, chasing away bad luck and welcoming a clean start. Setsubun is one of those seasonal events that still feels very “everyday Japan.” You’ll see
Tsukimi (often referred to as Otsukimi) is one of Japan’s most cherished cultural events, celebrating the beauty of the autumn moon and the abundance of food granted to us by the harvest season. In 2025, Tsukimi falls on October 6, presenting a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in this timeless
Spring 2026 brings another enchanting hanami season to Japan, where cherry blossoms transform the country into a sea of delicate pink and white blooms. This centuries-old tradition of flower viewing draws millions of people to parks, temples, and riversides across the nation, typically running from late March through early May depending on the region. Whether