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
16 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
Questions [education]
10 Answers
What is the most effective way to learn the Japanese language for you?
I wanted to learn Japanese what should I do first?
on Apr 1
4 Answers
News outlets specific to your prefecture?
What news outlets provide news specific to your prefecture? Are there news outlets for your prefecture in languages besides Japanese?
on Mar 30
6 Answers
Entrance ceremony clothes
Soon my kid will have his entrance ceremony at school, and I'm looking for those typical Japanese style ceremony clothes for myself. I'm 1.80m, not so skinny woman, which has huge problems to even find normal clothes in Japan. Does anybody have the same problem and might have any advice, where to get those ceremony clothes in a taller size?
on Feb 17
4 Answers
Places you recommend in your prefecture
Which places of scenic beauty, historic importance, and modernization do you recommend to visitors to your prefecture? I'm not asking for the "top 10" popularly promoted, but your reccos. Maybe places that visitors from abroad and foreign residents aren't aware of.
on Feb 11
3 Answers
City-Cost feature posts you recommend reading
When I click on the Blog link, I see four "Pick Up" articles, one of them mine, that are a little stale... Which posts in the last 3 months or so are insightful, current, interesting, or helpful? What would you like to see in the "Pick Up"?
on Jan 18
5 Answers
Japanese YouTube channels for interesting topics?
Are you listening and watching Japanese YouTubers who present interesting and quality content? I'm hooked on world traveler Bappa Shota, who treats global issues with great sensitivity. Although he appears to speak a few different languages, most of his narration is in Japanese. Which Japanese YouTubers do you recommend for interesting and insightful content?
on Dec 13
4 Answers
Contributing to your community?
An idea for a grassroots theme: What do you do that contributes to your community, whether it's a tight-knit family endeavor, something you do with a community group, a chamber of commerce, a city project, or a solo initiative? For inspiration and ideas, see my blog - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GloLq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chiba
on Oct 24
5 Answers
Trousers/pants for girls with POCKETS
Hi! My daughter is starting elementary school very soon and we’re looking for pants with pockets for her to put her tissues and hand towel in. We’re already familiar with the cute detachable pockets that can be clipped on the outside, but it would be great if we could get some pants that already have pockets. I’m not opposed to her using her brother’s hand-me-downs, but they don’t tend to end their time with him in the best condition. I’m also not opposed to looking in the aisles for what is deemed boyswear, but she does like cute, pretty designs. Has anyone had any luck with this? She still takes 110 or 120 cm, depending on the shop and style of clothes. Thanks!
on Mar 19
6 Answers
Would you like me to continue?
You'll never believe this... it's now 2023 and I left Japan nearly 6 years ago. I didn't post on this site for an extremely long time. In fact, I almost forgot I had this account. Whilst I don't have a Japanese phone number anymore (which means I can't convert my points) I was wondering if anyone who sees this post would like me to continue talking about Japan? If so, what would you like me to talk about?
on Nov 25
9 Answers
Eiken... where to start!?
Hi! What level should the average 6th and 5th grade child aim for in their first Eiken test? My son (6th grade) and daughter (5th) want to take it, so whatever the "norm" is I was thinking they could try one level up as they are "hafu" kids. They are certainly not fluent in English, but they are definitely way ahead of their peers. Any experience / advice welcome. Thank you. Photo just for colour!! Additional information - the first test is free in our town and the kids get forms at school to bring home, hence they want to do it!
on Jun 26
19 Answers
What are some good Japanese Dramas for Studying Nihongo?
One of my goals this year to focus on improving my Japanese Language Skill. So I'm looking for good Japanese drama to binge watch at the same time to study. Any recommendations?
on Jan 10
25 Answers
Passing time wisely
I’m thinking with all this time on my hands, i think I should probably be learning something new. The only thing I can think about is buying a bike and riding off into the sunset. What are you doing to pass the time wisely? The Rosetta Stone I downloaded recently still hasn’t been opened. Oh, and they’re now offering 3 months free I think.
on Mar 31