The pandemic has changed many of our habits, especially how we buy things and our media consumption. Like many people, I have started buying online more, and I am also watching Netflix more than I used to. This got me wondering about the preferences of the Japanese people around me, and I have decided to…
My Japanese Learning Goals for 2021
I often write about the latest technology, applications, and software for learning Japanese. However, as many in my network are quick to point out, we shouldn’t let rote digital flashcard use overshadow practical learning methods. Eventually, we have to take your Japanese out into the real world by reading books, giving presentations, writing emails, and…
Basic Tips to Read Books in Japanese
As I mentioned earlier this year, one of my objectives for 2021 is to read in Japanese more and expand my vocabulary. Since last December, I have finished reading two fictional books and one poetry book, and am halfway reading a collection of suspense short stories. In the process, I reflected about a few tips…
The Top 3 Travel Destinations I’d like to Revisit in a Post-COVID-19 Japan
I was never much of a traveler until I started visiting Japan. Traveling in Japan magically combines adventure, safety, and convenience, with natural beauty and exciting experiences dotted throughout the country. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, COVID-19 has halted carefree travel throughout the country. For now, I’ll have to settle for reminiscing about…
3 New Tools for Learning Japanese in 2021
Those who have been following my Japanese journey know that I rely heavily on technology to augment my learning. This means that I’m always experimenting with the latest apps and software to make the process as efficient as possible. I use many of these programs simultaneously. For example, the Wanikani and Bunpro services go hand…
The Joy of Japanese Seasonal Products
A few years ago, a friend of mine asked me if I could bring them back a sort of Kit Kat that they had enjoyed so much during their trip to Japan. I had a look in several stores, and after further research, had to announce to them that I could not buy the requested…
Moving into 2021 in Japan
First of all, I sincerely wish you the best for 2021, wherever you are. Originally, I wanted this article to be bright and hopeful. I wanted to talk about what good things could be expected in Japan for the year to come. But this is proving to be difficult. At the time I am writing…
Looking Back on 2020 as a Foreign Resident in Japan
This time last year, I was in the middle of a whirlwind U.S. tour, working nomadically, while celebrating the holidays with my family and friends in Washington D.C., Nevada, and California. Upon returning to Tokyo in early January, I couldn’t fathom what 2020 would have in store for Japan and the rest of the world….
Getting along with Japanese Neighbors with Gifts
No later than last night, I took part in the economic exchange known as bartering. In the Japanese countryside, exchanging goods between neighbors or members of the same community is very common. People produce all sorts of products in their gardens. Exchanging fruits and vegetables with each other is a convenient way to prevent spoilage,…
4 Unconventional Tips for Finding an Apartment in Tokyo
Despite a resurgence of Covid-19 cases (at the time of this writing), entry into Japan remains possible via “phased measures of resuming cross border travel.” Under these circumstances, I’ve noticed that a few members of my international network have been able to move to Japan upon completing all of the necessary quarantine procedures. I can…