Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
10 Answers
YouTube channels for life in Japan?
Recently ToneToEdo put me on to JapaneseCooking101 on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JapaneseCooking101) where you can find a variety of easy to follow recipe tutorials for a myriad of eats. I was wondering if anyone knew of other useful "life in Japan" style YouTube channels. It doesn't have to be cooking, anything that helps you out with day-to-day stuff here would be great to know about!
on Dec 4
On Going
17 Answers
Any idea for snowboard destination?
What's the best ski resort in Japan that is accessible by bus or train? I have been to Nagano. Any other recommendations?
on Jan 3
All Questions
1 Answer
What Chiba places, cuisine, events, experiences enrich your Japan life?
The Chiba Prefecture government's international affairs division invites foreign resident volunteers to share the Chiba spots we love. I can't attend because of work obligations, but I can share your faves by email. What in Chiba lit you up - food, shops, nature, festivals, events, and experiences? Conversely, what didn't work out or confounded you? Photo tax - irises at Noda City's Sogo Park.
on Dec 7
3 Answers
Which airline do you prefer?
If money wasn't an issue, which airline and / or air route do you prefer when traveling to Japan?
on Dec 6
6 Answers
What do you most associate with Wakayama?
Today, November 22nd, is Wakayama Prefecture Hometown Birthday. What do you most associate with Wakayama Prefecture? To be honest, I realized in writing about this 'birthday', that I know next to nothing about Wakayama Prefecture. I'm really interested to hear what your image of the prefecture is. Wakayama Prefecture Hometown Birthday post; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z8X5a-living_wakayama
on Nov 22
7 Answers
What do you most associate with Yamanashi?
Today, November 20th, is Yamanashi Prefecture Day. So... when I say "Yamanashi Prefecture" what first comes to mind? I love reading people's answers to these type of questions! It's very interesting how sometimes we all think of something different, and sometimes the same! About Yamanashi Prefecture day; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GB7VA-living_yamanashi
on Nov 20
2 Answers
Your "buy it for life" purchases in Japan
There's a reddit community I really enjoy reading called r/buyitforlife. As the name suggests, people outline purchases that they've made that truly stand the test of time. Kitchen items, clothing, shoes, etc... What have been your "buy it for life" items here?
on Nov 18
5 Answers
How well does your home country insulate homes compared to here?
One thing I struggle with is the lack of insulation in Japanese homes, with summers often feeling like you're living in a sauna and winters feeling like outside is the same temperature as inside. In saying that, my home country isn't fab with insulation either. They're still very much a nation of single paned windows and minimal stuff in the walls to regulate temperature well. Does your home country do insulation well compared to here?
on Nov 18
3 Answers
Do you wear kimono? When and where?
In what environments have you worn kimono, hakama, or other traditional clothing? My only kimono experience is Heian period garb - basket hat, veil, and hakama - at a regional festival. I'm curious about daily kimono wear. Have you found a community or school that trains you in kimono wear? How much time do you dedicate to dressing?
on Nov 16
10 Answers
What do you most associate with Saitama?
November 14th is Saitama Prefecture Day. I am curious, especially as I live there, what is the FIRST thing that comes to mind when I say "Saitama Prefecture"? About Saitama Prefecture Day; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmeY2-living_saitama
on Nov 16
6 Answers
What do you MOST associate with Oita?
Seen as there was a good response to the same question for Ibaraki AND today is Oita Prefecture day (although they don't celebrate it), what is the first thing that comes to mind when I say "Oita Prefecture"? I have written a post about Oita Prefecture day with what I most associate with it, but I won't write it here so as not to influence your answer, but you can read the post here; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/Mnv34-living_oita
on Nov 14
8 Answers
What do you MOST associate with Ibaraki?
Just for fun - what is the very first thing that comes to mind when I say Ibaraki prefecture? Today, is Ibaraki prefecture day and when I was choosing what photo to use for the feature photo, one place came to mind instantly. I don't want to influence your answer so I won't mention it here, but you can check it out in the article: https://ww2.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GReVv-living_ibaraki_ushiku_shi_ibaraki
on Nov 13
6 Answers
Japanese names you love?
I blogged yesterday about this year's top baby names in Japan, and there was quite a focus on nature and calmness in the most popular picks. I was wondering if there are any Japanese names you love for the meaning behind them. Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or even family member with a beautiful name. I'd be happy to hear what it is, and why you like it so much!
on Nov 13
13 Answers
How often do you use chopsticks?
I have just written about "Chopstick Day". The second "Chopstick day" of the year! I am curious; how often do you use chopsticks? For every meal? Once a day? With certain meals only? Occasionally? Never!?
on Nov 11