Heavy petting, Aichi style
The basic concept is simple. For many living in Japan, owning a dog, or even a cat, is simply impossible. Tiny apartments, long working hours and the appalling combination of claws and tatami mats makes... more
The Big Bang, Gifu style
In Gifu, there are two big firework displays within a week of each other. The first occurs on the last Saturday of July, and the second occurs on the first Saturday of August. Not only are... more
Fireworks displays around Chubu
In Chubu, summer means hot and humid weather, eating unagi (eel) and massive hanabi (fireworks) festivals. There are a huge number of these events throughout the region, from small neighbourhood gatherings through to massive events... more
Two unique movements in Aichi education
The Hundred Million Yen Project Have you seen a group of high school students, wearing different uniforms and carrying a box in their hands, shouting “Please donate to The Hundred Million Yen Project scholarship fund”? I... more
Riding the rails to Mie
This article is unabashedly in favor of train travel! Trains provide stress-free transportation, no sudden stops, restful seats, large windows, no smoking, and the hypnotic drone of the conductor's voice (probably imparting valuable information). Riding... more
Kushimoto: southern Wakayama paradise
It’s an often-repeated cliché that Japan’s history and culture have been shaped by its island geography, but in Kushimoto more than anywhere else I’ve visited that cliché feels like its true. The town hugs the... more
BUNGEES, BARBEQUES, AND BERRIES
The rushing wind tousled my hair as my feet shot up toward the clear blue sky. In a blur below, calm, green pond swept by, and with it sailed away the years of my adulthood.... more
Atsumi Hanto; away from it all
Atsumi peninsula is the one half of the enclosing pincers that define Mikawa Bay (the other half being the Chita peninsular). The northern side of Atsumi faces Mikawa Bay, the southern side straight out onto... more
Mt. Kinka, Gifu
If you like hiking, check out the hiking on Mt. Kinka, in a national forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gifu City. It has four trails up the mountain, with interesting things to do at the... more
Get to grips with the law
For many westerners, the Japanese administrative and legal system is somewhat of a mystery, irrespective of it being in a foreign language. I mean, why do people need a kouseki, or a juminhyou, or other... more
