Having discovered these pearls of humor recently myself, I think it is a shame that senryu is not as well known as haiku, another sort of Japanese poem. Here is an introduction to senryu and its special humor, as well as a few examples that, I hope, will not miss to make you laugh. (All…
The Reason behind Japan’s 5 P.M. Chime
If you have been in Japan, you have probably noticed that at 5 p.m. every day, in most neighborhoods, a little music is broadcasted through speakers. Sometimes a voice is saying something in Japanese too. What is this music? What is its purpose? Is the phenomenon nationwide? Read on to find all the answers. Why…
Gogatsubyo – Why Does Japan Have the Blues during May?
Every May, many Japanese people suffer from gogatsubyo, which literally means “May sickness.” Even if that is not an official Japanese medical term, it refers to a real seasonal affective disorder phenomenon. According to a study about stress done in 2018 by the life insurance company Zurich, one Japanese out of four has experienced gogatsubyo…
Ajisai and Asagao, Two Flowers of the Japanese Summer
Japanese people are famous for loving and admiring flowers in spring, during which they gather in parks all over the country to enjoy hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. However, this appreciation for flowers does not stop there, and Japanese people observe the blooming of flowers every season. During summer, they especially appreciate two sorts: ajisai…
Escaping to the Edge of Tokyo on the Tamako Cycling Road
Living on the west side of Tokyo is affordable and convenient, especially if you live near Shinjuku. However, I often lament the lack of cycling infrastructure in this part of the city. Additionally, the dense urban sprawl between central Tokyo and the mountains to the west leaves few opportunities for cycling in nature. Fortunately, if…
Expressing Love in Japanese Culture
When you are interested in a culture and start learning a new language, for some reason, the word “love” and the phrase “I love you” are some of the first people usually want to know and remember. Maybe this is why you are now reading the article. While love may be universal, the ways to…
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…
Tsukemen: The Other Japanese Noodles for Ramen Lovers
Tsukemen is a noodle dish derived from ramen. It is an established theory that tsukemen came out of staff meals of the ramen restaurant Tai-sho-ken in Tokyo in 1955, and has kept growing in popularity ever since. The noun “tsukemen” is formed by the nominalized word of the Japanese verb “tsukeru,” which in this case…
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 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…