japan

Walking in Osaka: Dotonbori

Walking in Osaka: Dotonbori

October 8, 2024
Japan
When people talk about Japan, the main places that come to mind are "Tokyo", "Kyoto", and maybe "Hokkaido". There's other place often comes to mind, and that's "Osaka". But what's so special about Osaka, you ask? There's a reason why many people who visit Japan cite it as their…
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Thunder Tacos: A Taste of Mexican Food in Japan

Thunder Tacos: A Taste of Mexican Food in Japan

March 3, 2024
Japan
Having moved from Los Angeles to Japan, there are of course differences to grapple with. When people ask me about the thing I miss the most (besides family/friends), I always respond with "the food", specifically "Mexican food". For whatever reason, this cuisine hasn't found enough popularity in the country…
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Fossil Fun: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Fossil Fun: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

November 5, 2023
Japan
The last time I remember going to any sort of fossil museum was going to the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles when I was about 10. That was during the 90's, when dinosaurs were at the forefront of pop culture. The premiere of "Jurassic Park", "Land Before…
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A Charming Collaboration: Joetsu Aquarium & Animal Crossing

A Charming Collaboration: Joetsu Aquarium & Animal Crossing

October 1, 2023
Japan
Two of my favorite things are travelling and videogames. Though separate, there are occasions when the two are combined. We recently had such an opportunity while visiting the Joetsu Aquarium in Niigata, Japan. Most of the time, this aquarium is simply a very nice place to view aquatic creatures.…
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8-Bit Cafe: Nostalgia and Friends in Shinjuku

8-Bit Cafe: Nostalgia and Friends in Shinjuku

May 21, 2023
Japan
One of my favorite things to do is go to a nice bar or cafe with a small group of friends and simply chat. Years ago it was something done almost weekly, now it has become something of a rare occasion. When one of my good friends said he…
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Festival of Floats: Tochigi Autumn Festival

Festival of Floats: Tochigi Autumn Festival

November 13, 2022
Japan
One of the nice things about living in Japan is the chance to take in some of the culture. There are of course the scenic spots and historical sites. There are also the festivals, celebrations held anually or bianually, which bring a liveliness to the atmosphere, and enjoyment to…
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A Trip to the Ocean:Oarai Sun Beach

A Trip to the Ocean:Oarai Sun Beach

September 8, 2022
Japan
Even though I grew up in California, I was never much of a beach-goer. I'd occasionally take a trip with friends, but never felt the pull to go myself. Moving to a landlocked territory has turned my mind around on this, and a trip seemed more appealing. So a…
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Tochigi Coffee Festival 2021

Tochigi Coffee Festival 2021

November 22, 2021
Coffee
In life, the importance of simple joys can not be overstated. They are the small things within our days that provide a sense of relief, comfort, or escape. Like many, one of my simple joys is having a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. Years ago I…
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A Trip to See the Animals: Utsunomiya Zoo

A Trip to See the Animals: Utsunomiya Zoo

November 4, 2021
Japan
This past year and a half has certainly been crazy. Even after receiving my covid vaccine, it’s been a slow startup getting back to the way things were before. The biggest transition has been traveling. Even with a vaccine, I still feel the need to be careful and proceed…
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