Becoming an English conversation instructor is one of the most common ways to build a career in Japan. Despite that fact, it can be difficult to find accurate, balanced information on what the teaching experience is like and where it can lead. To address this issue, I reached out to my network to help me…
Tokyo Cycling: Discovering Nature along the Kanda River
Living in Tokyo can feel claustrophobic, especially if you live far from the city’s amazing parks and waterways. A perennial westside resident, I’ve often felt isolated from some of the best nature the city has to offer. Although I’ve been cycling in Tokyo since I arrived in 2009, my recent desire to connect with nature…
My Evolving Relationship with Japanese Television
Before moving to Japan, I visited the country on two separate occasions. During those trips, few things were more enjoyable than marveling at Japanese television after a long day of non-stop sightseeing. Like many things in Japan, the shows and commercials were strikingly different from what I was used to. Each night, my hotel-room televisions…
Tokyo Cycling: Riding along the Zenpukuji River
In previous articles, I’ve often mentioned that Tokyo’s rivers offer some of the best cycling the city has to offer. Major waterways such as the Arakawa and Tama rivers are obvious choices for long, uninterrupted rides. However, Tokyo’s smaller, lesser-known rivers can also be great for a quick, scenic ride—if you know where to find…
The Toyosu Fish Market: A Behind-the-Scenes Experience with Restaurateur Nobutaka Tsuchida
In the fall of 2018, the world-famous Tsukiji Inner Market shut down permanently, and all of its primary activity was relocated to a brand-new facility in Toyosu on the opposite side of Tokyo bay. The new Toyosu Fish Market is pristine and efficient; however, most will agree that it lacks the rustic charm of the…
Life Lessons from Living and Working in Japan: An Interview with Kokoro Media Editor-in-Chief Amélie Geeraert
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Amélie Geeraert, Kokoro Media editor-in-chief, ever since we started producing articles and building brands for combrains, the parent company of Kokoro Media, in 2018. Over the years, Amélie’s passion for Japan has inspired her to create some amazing articles including fascinating interviews with artists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from…
Don’t Overlook These 3 Things When Choosing a Tokyo Neighborhood
When it comes to home hunting in Tokyo, certain considerations, such as price and access to public transportation, are obvious. However, in dealing with the usual and unexpected challenges of finding a place to live in Tokyo, it’s easy to overlook a few basic things that can have a major impact on your health and…
Living and Working with Nendo, the Japanese Fiscal Year
When does a new year in Japan really start? The obvious answer would be January 1, just like many cultures throughout the world. However, there’s another “New Year’s Day” in Japan, and that’s April 1. When spring is in full swing, cherry blossoms bloom and life begins anew. Introducing the Japanese Fiscal Year: Nendo (年度)…
What You Should Know Before Visiting a Dentist in Tokyo
Take a stroll through any part of Tokyo and you’re bound to pass several dental clinics. The city has more than its fair share of dentists ready and willing to help you keep your smile bright. However, not all clinics and the procedures they offer are created equal. If you have recently relocated to Japan,…
3 Applications That Will Help You Read Japanese
After coming to grips with the soul-crushing inevitability of having to memorize over 2000 kanji characters, the next wall of frustration that Japanese learners face is reading the same books, magazines, and blog articles that native Japanese speakers do. Reading is essential for adding context to the constant influx of vocabulary, kanji, and grammar points…