Amazing Japanese Convenience Store Food – What to Expect at the Konbini

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ByBrianna
Amazing Japanese Convenience Store Food – What to Expect at the Konbini

A cheerful bell rings and staff members call out a polite welcome as you step through sliding doors and are met with a wave of warm, heavenly smells… This may sound like the grand entrance you would expect at a luxury resort-– but it’s actually the standard experience of popping into a local Japanese convenience store! For first-timers, a visit to a konbini (“convenience store” in Japanese) might seem overwhelming. While you may recognize some of the foods and drinks…

Working in Japan: What Visa Do I Need?

ByBrianna
Working in Japan: What Visa Do I Need?

Living and working in Japan is a dream shared by many adventurous souls hoping to start a new life. But in order to make that dream a reality, those hoping to move to Japan long-term will need to overcome the often nightmarish prospect of wrangling a visa.  No matter where in the world you go, navigating immigration laws and sorting out visas is a big process- and Japan has a love for paperwork and bureaucracy that makes it trickier than…

How to Teach English in Japan: Live in Japan as an English Teacher!

ByBrianna
How to Teach English in Japan: Live in Japan as an English Teacher!

  Are you dreaming of moving to Japan? Have you ever thought of teaching English in Japan? There are many opportunities waiting in the Land of the Rising Sun, but in order to stay longer than a quick vacation, you will need a working plan. Becoming an English teacher in Japan is a great option and is usually the easiest way for a foreigner to land a job. You may have heard about or even know someone who has taught…

Do They Have English Signs in Japan? Enjoy Japanglish!

ByBrianna
Do They Have English Signs in Japan? Enjoy Japanglish!

You’ve been dreaming of going to Japan for years- but perhaps that enthusiasm for the land of anime and sushi hasn’t quite carried over into your Japanese language studies. Oops! If your Japanese studies are still in the early stages or you don’t speak a word of Nihongo – you’ll need to rely on your English skills to help you navigate the Land of the Rising Sun. Before packing your bags and booking that flight, it’s a smart idea to…

Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

ByBrianna
Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

A cloud of soft pink petals coating the world in a blanket of springtime joy- it sounds like a fairytale or a scene from an anime. But in Japan, this beautiful dream comes true once a year- during cherry blossom season! Called 桜 sakura in Japanese, cherry blossom time in Japan is without a doubt one of the most famous and celebrated events of the year.  Read on to learn how you can time your trip right in order to…

Where to Find American Comfort Food in Japan

ByBrianna
Where to Find American Comfort Food in Japan

Japan has an array of smells and tastes that attract foodies from around the globe. In fact, the city of Tokyo has earned the title of the most Michelin-starred city in the world! But while Japanese cuisine is undeniably delicious, it is true that too much of even the tastiest thing can become tiring over time. Whether you are an American expat craving a taste of home or a fan of the decadent food from the Land of the Free-…

Why is Japanese so Hard to Learn?

ByBrianna
Why is Japanese so Hard to Learn?

Why is Japanese so hard to learn? Is Japanese really that difficult? It’s true that Japanese can be a hard language to learn, but it comes with a lot of benefits. You could watch your favorite anime without subtitles, play video games before their international release, no longer have to wait for manga to be translated, and be able to travel comfortably in the Land of the Rising Sun. Learning a new language opens many doors and unlocks countless possibilities-…

What is a Tatami Mat?

ByDavid
What is a Tatami Mat?

You’ve likely noticed that the flooring in Japanese rooms looks different than what we are used to in the West. This type of flooring is called tatami and, like many things in Japan, it’s quite interesting. What is Tatami? A tatami is a type of mat used as flooring material in Japanese rooms. Traditionally, the core is made from rice straw. Tatami produced in modern times often uses compressed wood chips or polystyrene foam boards. The History of Tatami Originally,…