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's on your "generic" local manhole?
My local area has some specialty manholes (including some from the Gundam manhole project not too far away!) but the most common "generic" one features mountains and watermelon. Fairly representative of the region, I think! What's on yours?
4 hours ago
4 Answers
Do you have a favorite mascot?
The other day, on "Strawberry Day" I wrote about "Yoshimin", the strawberry mascot of Yoshimi. I thought it might be fun to introduce a few others, so I've just written about "Tokimo" the mascot of Kawagoe. And I plan to introduce a couple of my favorites. It begs the question, do you have a favorite mascot? And how about writing a post on City-cost about your favorite or a local mascot? Pictured "Umerin" who I plan to write about next!
5 hours ago
6 Answers
Who is your hero!?
Today, January 16th, is Hero Day. Who is your favorite hero, fictional or otherwise? The first one who comes to my mind for me is a real life person; Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland (moreover, the first female president), and a former United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights, among other impressive roles. I had the great pleasure of meeting her in December, a dream come true. I was trying to think about who my favorite fictional hero is. I have not come to conclusion yet! There is such a choice. Do you have one?
22 hours ago
2 Answers
International cuisine that's hard to come by?
In my region - Chiba-Saitama - there are many Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese restaurants serving authentic flavours. Which international cuisines do you see underrepresented in your area? Have you found any rare gems in the Kanto region? I miss Greek/eastern Mediterranean food the most...
on Jan 16
7 Answers
Japanese food abroad, awesome or not quite right
What's your experience of Japanese food abroad, whether in your home country or other countries you've visited? Most of my experiences in Vancouver, Canada, matched the quality and attention to detail you'd expect in Japan. Have you had mediocre or inauthentic Japanese cuisine in your travels? Tell us about your hits and misses. The photo - a matcha latte in Vancouver, Canada.
on Jan 14
4 Answers
Recommendations for next Christmas?
While its somewhat fresh in your mind, what gifts came into your house this Christmas and / or New Year, that you thought were really nice things to receive and / or really good buys, that you think might make a good present for someone else in the future? As you might see in the product reviews, I am going through some of the things I bought for the kids this year and thinking of what I was really happy with. And already thinking of next year!
on Jan 11
2 Answers
Under the radar winter festivals
There are some winter festivals that get a lot of hype, like the Sapporo Snow Festival, for instance. However, as someone who doesn't like crowds, I enjoy lower-key festivals a whole lot more. Do you have any favorite winter festivals that aren't really tourist-trappy? What makes them fun or unique?
on Jan 2
5 Answers
Your favourite robai, or wintersweet spots
To bust out of my winter funk, I want to take in some early winter sights and scents. What are your recommended wintersweet, or robai, spots? When are they at their best?
on Jan 1
3 Answers
Growing Mushrooms
Here's for a weird hobby. I just saw a video by an American Youtuber that I plan to watch about growing shiitake mushrooms. From what I've seen, it probably needs a bit of space. There was a local market in Fukuoka Prefecture that had a "mushroom room" where they grew and sold mushrooms like maitake and eringi. I also saw a video of a couple in Paris that built a mushroom growing shower room! The local hardware store sells "seeded" logs and shiitake mushroom growing kits. I have seen the logs around people's homes on occasion. It seems like a very odd, but sustainable hobby. Has anyone tried it, or is anyone interested to try this? I wonder how involved or beginner friendly it is.
on Dec 29
4 Answers
Yuenchi you recommend
For my next foray, I am considering yuenchi, amusement parks, where I'm going. Which domestic amusement parks do you recommend and why? Any you think aren't worth the effort or expense?
on Dec 28
5 Answers
How do you get all the goodness out of your naganegi?
My local supermarket has lots of cheap naganegi. I love the stuff and add it to stir-fry dishes and nabe hot pot. How do you store them? How do you get all the goodness out of the green ends?
on Dec 25
3 Answers
How do you feel about nuclear power?
This week, the mayor of Niigata officially approved the restarting of a nuclear power plant in Kashiwazaki. My home country doesn't use nuclear power, so it makes me a bit uneasy. How do you feel about it? Would you be comfortable with a nuclear power plant operating in your prefecture?
on Dec 24