http://www.city-cost.comWed, 10 Jun 2026 02:21:55 +0900Living between the Tone and Edo Rivers in Higashi Katsushika area of Chiba Prefecture.enCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)http://img.city-cost.com/static/blog_campaign_icon.pnghttp://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKn2V-drink_productAsahi Beverage's Birely's Orange is a flat drink available in steel cans and, rarely, in glass bottles. It's made with Valencia oranges and unsweetened.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKn2V-drink_productThu, 04 Jun 2026 19:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKn2V-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KL5-drink_productBeverage company Itoen teams up with Zen-noh for a project to promote Miyazaki-grown citrus. This drink in a 500 ml PET plastic bottle is Miyazaki-ken Hyuganatsu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KL5-drink_productThu, 04 Jun 2026 18:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KL5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogLA-drink_productOkinawan brewery Orion released The Dark, was released in Okinawa in 2025. The dark lager is produced for the overseas market. Some retailers in other parts of Japan sell it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogLA-drink_productThu, 04 Jun 2026 18:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogLA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV28-drink_productKirin's brand of iMUSE flat drinks comes in 500 ml PET plastic bottles. Fruit Refresh Apple Mix has the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and iron.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV28-drink_productFri, 29 May 2026 09:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV28-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdZl-livingAs a former ESL instructor in my native Canada, I had an enriching experience teaching immigrants and refugees. It was challenging for me to adjust to diverse levels of English and needs. Some of the courses I was assigned to teach were for true beginners, people who were encountering foreign language education for the first time. Other courses were for proficient students under pressure to achieve scores on standardized tests such as TOEFL and TOEIC.I've been teaching in private high schools for most of my Japan-side career, so it was a bit intimidating to take on an adult EFL course. But here we go!Handout I made to draw out experiences and spur communicationThis spring, a 国際交流協会, a kokusai koryu kyokai, in a neighbouring city asked me to instruct a course for residents. I have to admit, I'm allergic to the idea of 英会話, eikaiwa, English conversation. Call me a snob, but I come from the TESOL field and a country that regulates language instruction. In contrast, in Japan, as long as you hold a business license or head a community organization, you can run foreign language courses.So I bit my tongue and had a go. The students warmly welcomed me, and I asked them about their needs and their previous experiences. One issue was that they'd inherited a textbook from the previous teacher. Not all content is culturally relevant to all members, so I riff and omit tasks and adapt as necessary.One aspect that surprised me is the needs of the students. Among the half-dozen who attend, three have relatives abroad, and two anticipate long-term experiences in countries where they need to use English.For novice and old hands like me, this is a good experience to connect with your community and share language.Do you teach a community English class? What resources do you depend on?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdZl-livingSun, 24 May 2026 13:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdZl-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wregg-drink_productGreen DAKARA, made by Suntory Beverage, is widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets. The flat drink is aimed at hydration with additional minerals. This version is shikwasa flavour.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wregg-drink_productSun, 24 May 2026 08:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wregg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6XgQ-drink_productKagome's Beyond Orange, with a question mark, is a 100% juice drink. The label tells consumers that the drink contains no orange juice, and asks them to guess what is in it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6XgQ-drink_productSun, 24 May 2026 07:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6XgQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaZx-drink_productIn May 2026, Suntory Breweries added Natsu Kaze Kaoru Ale to its lineup under the Premium Malt's label. The beer is brewed using sapphire hops and has 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaZx-drink_productSat, 23 May 2026 19:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaZx-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Yr3-foods_product7-11 confectionery recently added ni shu no goma chiizu kurimu no pan, two buns flavoured with white and black sesame and filled with cream cheese. The pair is 148 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Yr3-foods_productMon, 18 May 2026 21:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Yr3-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWagx-drink_productAsahi Breweries released a limited version of Asahi Super Dry, Reiryo Karakuchi, in May 2026. The summer-only version of the flagship beer is intended to give a cool sensation.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWagx-drink_productMon, 18 May 2026 21:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWagx-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogpW-drink_productAsahi Breweries released two ready-to-drink shochu highballs under the brand Asahi Ginon. This one is the lime-flavored version with no sugar and 7% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogpW-drink_productSun, 17 May 2026 07:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogpW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkrJ-drink_productOrion Breweries, best known for Okinawa regional beers, also offers shochu highballs. This one, 7% alcohol, is Shima Chu, a chuhai made with green shikwasa citrus.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkrJ-drink_productWed, 06 May 2026 19:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkrJ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAb2o-foods_productDaiichi Pan, a bakery company, supplies savoury and sweet bread products to vending machines. This item, bought in April 2026, is Bacon and Mentai Cheese.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAb2o-foods_productWed, 06 May 2026 18:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAb2o-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5mrq-foods_productIn addition to fresh deli items, 7-11 stocks retort-packed sides. This item is Potato Salad, is made with Hokkaido-grown Danshaku potatoes. The package is 120 grams.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5mrq-foods_productWed, 06 May 2026 09:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5mrq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgNa-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu Premium Beer, a "puremoru", is a lager-type beer with 5% alcohol. The beer, brewed since the late 1800s, often features art on the aluminum cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgNa-drink_productWed, 06 May 2026 09:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgNa-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaml-foods_productGlico Confectionery's perennial Pocky brand of chocolate-coated treats produces Welcome Pocky. The most recent campaign has four versions. This time I tried Strawberry Pocky "Future Reunion".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaml-foods_productMon, 04 May 2026 15:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaml-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQnZ-drink_productAsahi's Wonda canned coffee brand includes this blend with an evocative label. Loosely translated, it's "waiting and longing for you". The 185 g steel cans are sold in vending machines.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQnZ-drink_productMon, 04 May 2026 10:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQnZ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBk6j-foods_productTully's Coffee shops have takeout or eat-in sandwiches and sweets. This item is a small ham, cheese, and salad sandwich with broccoli. It's priced at 410 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBk6j-foods_productMon, 04 May 2026 10:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBk6j-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb459-livingIzumi, Kashiwa City rosesHow's your Golden Week plan shaping up? I have no big plans. So I'm taking it easy and enjoying spring close to home in the coming weeks.In some cities in Chiba Prefecture, home and business owners generously open their luxurious gardens to the public. I've got my eye on Kashiwa, Nagareyama, and Noda cities, where you can stroll and take in the hard work of green thumbs.Kashiwa City goes all out, holding a festival called Kashiniwa. Between May 8th and 12th, 65 locations, a word quiz rally, and workshops.For 19 years, gardeners in Nagareyama City have held an open garden event. The event runs from May 16th to 18th, featuring 15 gardens scattered around the city. I recommend the Edogawadai Station area for its abundant roses.Noda City's "garden friends", 10 gardeners, will open their gates on May 9th and 10th (and some again on June 7th).When you visit, you can take photos. The organizers remind visitors not to touch plants and use public facilities. Make a mental note of where the public park toilets are located.Does your community have garden events like this? When?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb459-livingSat, 02 May 2026 13:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb459-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md40O-living_educationImage created with CanvaThis week, suspicious news websites have been flooding my social media feeds. Topics are current issues, often providing factual details. But are these websites "real"? I went down a rabbit hole.One that keeps turning up in my feeds, Japan News Now (no, I won't provide a link to boost their clicks). Immediately, I noticed that the stories were provoking both genuine and trollish comments. Earnest foreign residents in Japan and random drive-bys, perhaps even bots, reply, contributing to the slop.A screen grab of Google's AI overviewMy curiosity got the better of me, so I started sleuthing. It turns out a company in Wyoming owns the website. That's not an indictment in itself. I grant that former foreign residents and bloggers write remotely. However, no principals' names appear on the Wyoming government website, and a fraud detection website lists a company with a similar name.This platform, City Cost, is a breath of fresh air and one of the last bastions of authentic voices of foreign residents. We may not be authorities, but we elucidate the experiences of foreign residents in Japan. Shout out to the authentic voices -Genkidesu, BigfamJapan, andSamoona,among others.Have you spotted other dubious Japan-related online content? How did you determine it was sketchy?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md40O-living_educationWed, 29 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md40O-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnXy-drink_productKirin's Sekai no Kitchen Kara (From the World's Kitchens) brand periodically introduces new flavours. This one is Torukeru Momo Frunyu, a mango-and-peach drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnXy-drink_productWed, 29 Apr 2026 08:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnXy-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRdbE-hobby_home_productLaundrin' produces scented products like fabric softeners and room deodorizers. This is a combination pack of Fabric Softener and Fabric Mist White Tea.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRdbE-hobby_home_productMon, 27 Apr 2026 16:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRdbE-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnr2-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaOn Sunday, April 26th, the weather was just right, not too cold, not too hot, and sunny. After I aired out my linens and did some laundry, I took a break at Shimizu Park to take in the Tsutsuji Matsuri, the azalea festival. This event is supposed to run until May 6th. The park reported that the flowers were about 70% the day before.Around the Azalea Cafe, the variety and abundance of blooms are impressive. But as you can see, the flowers are already starting to fall.The weather report for Tuesday indicates sun in the morning and overcast in the afternoon. Wednesday will be mostly overcast, too. It's probably the last chance to see the azaleas in their full glory.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnr2-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaMon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnr2-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md4nO-living_educationSince PM Takaichi's government opened in the autumn of 2025, I've been glued to the news. Her government is tightening immigration, attempting to address inflation, and securing energy supplies. There's a lot to keep up with, a firehose of information.There are lots of sources of English and other foreign language news that stay on top of these issues. Prolific blogger Genkidesu focused on news outlets that provide short-form and in-depth stories on Japanese politics. Here is a roundup of others covering culture, economics, and regional issues.I have a look at Nippon.com periodically. Journalists and academics contribute columns on current affairs, cultural shifts, economics, and government policy. While it is partiallly government funded, the articles provide background from both left and right perspectives. Even better, the in-depth articles are offered in up to half a dozen languages.East Asia Forum is a quarterly publication with a web platform posting daily. EAF has serious credentials, coming from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. The articles are peer-reviewed. Click on Japan in the header, and you'll see about 10 stories a month about politics, security, economics, and immigration.Unseen Japan is run by a small team of translators and interpreters with keen eyes for stories that are overlooked by bigger news outlets. You'll see columns about minorities, social movements, and what makes Japan tick.What reliable, timely Japan news platforms in English or other languages do you recommend?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md4nO-living_educationSun, 26 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md4nO-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnYy-drink_productIn Sapporo's ongoing series, Creative Brew, Aiomou debuted in April 2026. Made with a combination of domestic and imported malt, the beer has Shinshu Wase hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnYy-drink_productSat, 25 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnYy-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVakV-foods_productTohato Confectionery produces two flavours of Twister. Twisters a corn-based snack Twister Consomme Flavor is made with chicken consomme and seasonings. I found it at a 7-11.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVakV-foods_productSat, 25 Apr 2026 18:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVakV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z48nL-drink_productAlpaca cabernet sauvignon and white wine are widely available in Japan. In April 2026, Asahi Beverage offers two ready-to-drink canned versions. The red was good, so I tried the Lemon and White Wine version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z48nL-drink_productSat, 25 Apr 2026 16:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z48nL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPk5V-foods_productCalbee confectionery, makers of potato chips, refreshed it's Noko King, or Rich King, brand of potato chips in autumn 2025. This version is Cheese and Basil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPk5V-foods_productSat, 25 Apr 2026 16:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPk5V-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M959n-living_transportation_saitama_chibaOn the Tobu Noda line, I noticed these posters with prominent English language exhortations to mind manners. In a smaller font, you can see the Japanese language translation. I wondered to whom this campaign is meant to appeal.It turns out this is a project of Kodansha, a huge manga publisher. Using images from popular manga such as Attack on Titan and Blue Lock, the posters ask passengers to cover their mouths when they cough, bow correctly, and mind the gap on train platforms.All well and good, but the posters assume that riders read English and/or Japanese. However, the vast majority of foreign passengers on the train I ride daily are not English speakers, and are likely on the language learning continuum, from basic to conversant in Japanese. They may struggle with English and Japanese literacy. And they're frequent passengers who could benefit from guidance on cultural expectations.Have you seen this campaign? Do you think it is appealing and meaningful to visitors from abroad and foreign residents?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M959n-living_transportation_saitama_chibaFri, 24 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M959n-living_transportation_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJmO-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaOn Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, the Kanto region had glorious sunshine. On arrival at Kasukabe Station, I shot dozens of photos of the 藤棚, fujidana, or wisteria trellises at the west exit.Kasukabe City is known for a one-kilometer-long ふじどうり fujidori, or wisteria street. There are half a dozen varieties of wisteria, ranging from deep purple to ivory.If the sun favours the city, the citizens go all out for Fuji Matsuri on April 26th. Under the swaying blossoms, citizens show off music, dance, and traditional entertainment.This year, I'm hoping to take in 大道芸, daidogei, traditional street performance.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJmO-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThu, 23 Apr 2026 22:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJmO-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLkAv-foods_productNagareyama Otakanomori shopping center food court has a half-dozen food options. Ramen Hayashida serves gyokai tonkotsu tsukemen. The noodles and dipping sauce are 900 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLkAv-foods_productTue, 21 Apr 2026 18:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLkAv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaja-drink_productAlpaca cabernet sauvignon and white wine are widely available in Japan. In April 2026, Asahi Beverage offers two ready-to-drink canned versions. This time, I tried Alpaca Fruit Sparkling Grapefruit and Red Wine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaja-drink_productSun, 19 Apr 2026 19:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaja-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnaW-living_transportation_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaThe Tobu Noda Line, also known as the Urban Park Line, runs through the suburban cities of Kashiwa, Nagareyama, and Noda on the Chiba side of the Edo River. You'll see a mix of suburban sprawl and vestiges of 田舎 inaka, countryside. As the train approaches Unga Station, look up from your phone! The train station is named after 利根運河, Tone Unga, the canal that connects the Tone and Edo Rivers. It's a refreshing view with the green banks of the canal, trees, and some remnants of the canal's heyday.In the Meiji era, the river systems were the transport routes that carried goods and people between Tohoku and the capital. To shorten the travel time, a Dutch engineer was contracted by a private company to build a canal. It was the first canal in Japan designed after European models. This was a bustling waterway with riverboats and businesses. The expansion of roads and rail transport wasn't the death-knell for the canal. It was a typhoon in the 1940s.Now, it's a popular scenic spot. Ungamizube Park on the edge of the canal is a popular place to see nanohana and cherry blossoms. And it's got some quirky monuments. In the early 1900s, the Billiken charm, invented in America, took hold in Osaka. In 1913, the Tone Canal Company president erected a Billiken statue on the north side of the canal. He can't reach his feet with his tiny arms, so rub his feet and he bestows good luck.The same year Billiken arrived, the Tone Canal Company created a miniature version of the 88 Shikoku temple pilgrimage. Some temples have gardens with pillars inscribed with the 88, but this is different. It's a treasure hunt on both sides of the canal. Some are simple shed-like buildings, and others have decorative woodcarving. You can get a map from the Tone Unga Koryukan.The canal is also the site of the Tokyo University of Science Noda Campus. Attached to the campus is Risokai Memorial Nature Park with meandering paths, wetlands, and bamboo groves. Students and their professors are working on the restoration and preservation of the park.The more I wander around the canal, the more I discover. Cafes, restaurants, galleries, and a craft soy sauce brewery are within an easy walk of the station. As I learn more, I'll review some of the places I discover.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnaW-living_transportation_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaSun, 19 Apr 2026 17:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEnaW-living_transportation_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M95y1-drink_productAsahi Breweries brought out Asahi Gold in April 2026. The beer in 300 and 500 ml aluminum cans is 5.5% alcohol. It's a 100% malt beer brewed with barley.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M95y1-drink_productSat, 18 Apr 2026 19:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M95y1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3R01-living_foodI do a lot of cooking for one. In the last week, I didn't go out for dinner at all. Every day, I pack a bento bag with snacks and a bento box lunch. Dinners are a mix of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes, with some supermarket or convenience-store items to round out the menu. In the past week, I didn't eat out at all. Is that so unusual for a single?My typical bento box lunch with Thai green curry, salad, and riceA recent article on Yahoo revealed the results of a survey on family and solo meal habits. The results show that the proportion of singles cooking at home has risen. At this point, singles and family households eat home-cooked meals at about the same rate. It's a result of families cooking less. One meal that is in decline for families is breakfast.The data also reflects my own experience of cooking for one. Just like many of the solo cooks, I am selective about what I prep from scratch. Some dishes are labour- or fuel-intensive, so I pick up ready-made items. I tuck supermarket お惣菜 ososai, or side dishes into my bento box for variety and nutrition. On the other hand, families are going for convenience and expedience with prepared food.To be honest, some nights, cooking an evening meal and the next day's bento box lunch feels like a chore. But I like my own cooking, and I think I eat very well.Are your household cooking habits reflected in the data?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3R01-living_foodSun, 12 Apr 2026 11:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3R01-living_foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqgKl-hobby_home_productKao, a detergent maker, produces various mildew removers. This version, Kyoryoku Kabi Haida is a 400 ml refill version of their chlorine-based spray.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqgKl-hobby_home_productSat, 11 Apr 2026 14:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqgKl-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YkJ-drink_productAsahi Breweries released Style Free Triple Zero in March 2026. The label on this happoshu, or low-malt beer, indicates it has no purines, carbohydrates, or sweeteners.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YkJ-drink_productSat, 11 Apr 2026 12:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YkJ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkj90-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThe 桜吹雪 sakura fubuki, cherry blossom snow, blew pink petals onto my veranda last week. In northern Chiba Prefecture, green leaves have succeeded pink blossoms. Shimizu Park, one of Japan's 100 cherry blossom spots, didn't disappoint this year.If you missed the snowy flurry, there is another colourful display just starting at the park. The park celebrates its ツツジ tsutsuji, azaleas, from April 18th to May 6th.The park's azalea grove has about 100 varieties, including a Kirishima azalea that is three centuries old. The view from the observation deck in the middle of the grove is a riot of colours.Are azaleas blooming where you are? What azalea spots do you recommend?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkj90-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSat, 11 Apr 2026 08:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkj90-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaVZ-foods_productConfectioner Oyatusu Company produces Ebi no Sunakku. The wheat-based cracker is made with shrimp powder, including amaebi shrimp powder, and Seto Uchi sea salt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaVZ-foods_productMon, 06 Apr 2026 17:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaVZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YVe-living_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyoHow often do you use cash for purchases these days? On an average day, I swipe my IC card at train ticket gates and bus fare boxes, and shop using cashless payments on my mobile device. In a pinch, I'll pull out my credit card. I rarely have to break a 1000 yen note for a purchase. And when I do, that 小銭 kozeni, or spare change, jangles around in my wallet. So, I'm making the most of the ticket machines on my nearest train line.Tobu line ticket machine eats my old Suica card, no questions askedNo spare changeWhen my wallet gets heavy, I top up my IC card at the train ticket machine. Tap その他の金額, sonota no kingaku, or other amounts. Dump your spare change, 10 yen coins or more, to top up your card.Where was I?The ticket machines also display and print the history of your trips. This is useful for you and your employer's accounting. Tap 履歴表示 rireki hyoji, history display, and you'll see your recent trips. The machines can print your history, too.I'm on Tobu train lines for most of my trips. Do you find the same features on your train lines? Do you got some tips about the features of your line's ticket machines?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YVe-living_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyoSat, 04 Apr 2026 16:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2YVe-living_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJBK-livingThe view from the Edo River looking towards Tokyo from urban, nearly inaka, ChibaFor my first experience in Japan, I found myself far away from a major centre. My job took me to a small city crammed between the Seto Inland Sea and steep mountains. The clean air, gorgeous scenery, friendly people, slow pace of life, and hospitality were amazing.I lasted a year. It wasn't just isolation due to my lack of command of Japanese. I had a handful of foreign resident and local friends. All were single girls like me, eager to get out. The reason was simple. There were few young people our age, and even fewer men. Much of our social time was with people much older than us. It was enriching, sure. But we all knew our time there would be limited. Big cities with more opportunities to mingle, find employment, and stimulation lured us away.It's sad that, nearly 25 years later, it's much the same in many rural cities. Don't let the word "city" fool you. A city is a municipal designation that could cover anything from dense urban to agricultural communities. The epithet 田舎, inaka, or countryside, is liberally applied to cities far from major centres.A recent article in The Economist reveals stories of young women willing to live in rural cities. They face the same hurdles that my foreign and local friends and I did. Pressure to get hitched and have kids. And no swains to woo us.I'm lucky that I could make a life for myself in a place some would call inaka - a suburban and semi-rural region in the Kanto area, only an hour out of Tokyo. In my time here, I have been able to access education, socialize with my own age group, and feel settled. But my region is not nearly as removed as the places mentioned in the article.Are you in the inaka? What is it like for young people there? For young women?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJBK-livingSat, 04 Apr 2026 13:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJBK-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdg2-hobby_home_productIshigaki Sangyo vends imported and domestic cookware suitable for Japanese cuisine. This item is a No. 8 size donabe, earthenware pots, suitable for hot pot and rice cooking.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdg2-hobby_home_productWed, 01 Apr 2026 19:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQdg2-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgxY-living_ibaraki_chibaFor those of you residing anywhere between Kanagawa and Miyagi, you might have felt a jolt, a shake, or a roll this morning. Just after 10 a.m., while I was puttering around my apartment in northern Chiba Prefecture, I felt a first bump. The shake that followed rattled the dishes and made the floor roll. The quake, 5.0 on the Richter Scale, produced a Shindo 4 shake. At Shindo 4, you're likely to be startled by the first shock. The metal handles on my tansu rattled, utility poles outside my window swayed, and the floor rolled like a boat. No damage, just jangled nerves. The notifications on my phone came after the quake struck.My home is just about 10 kilometers from Ibaraki's "earthquake nest"I immediately tuned into らじる★らじる, NHK's radio homepage. In less than five minutes, NHK AM began a live emergency broadcast. The announcers made rolling updates of shakes in the affected regions and provided safety advice. Fortunately, there was no tsunami warning as the epicenter is well inland.The earthquake originated in the 地震の巣, jishin no su, the earthquake nest. This region in Ibaraki Prefecture is where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the continental plate. It's a spot with lots of natural beauty. I recommend checking out the Ibaraki Nature Museum there. It's on the western side of the rift, which creates Sugao Marsh.This vigorous shake is a reminder to update my bug-out bag and reacquaint myself with emergency communications.Did you feel the April 1st quake?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgxY-living_ibaraki_chibaWed, 01 Apr 2026 16:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpgxY-living_ibaraki_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngBm-drink_productAsahi Beverage furnishes canned coffee to convenience stores and vending machines. This product in the Wonda Coffee is BLACK The Aroma in a 185-gram steel can.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngBm-drink_productWed, 01 Apr 2026 13:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngBm-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaWB-drink_productDistiller Hamada Syuzou makes chill Highball spicy & citrus shochu. It's a barley-based shochu with botanicals. This is a canned highball version with 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaWB-drink_productWed, 01 Apr 2026 08:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXaWB-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngbE-foods_productIn addition to fresh deli items, 7-11 stocks retort-packed sides. This item is Hijikini, stewed hijiki seaweed. The 70-gram packet keeps in the fridge for a week.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngbE-foods_productTue, 31 Mar 2026 15:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngbE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrekX-foods_productHokkaido brand Mitsuba produces dairy products. This item is Yotsuba Tokachi cheddar. The 100-gram block of white cheddar is semi-hard and unsliced. I found it at Co-Op in Kasukabe City.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrekX-foods_productTue, 31 Mar 2026 15:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrekX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQvj-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaNoda City, where I live, is sometimes referred to as the "Noda Triangle". It's bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers, and the Tone Canal. It's got some famous sakura spots - Sakuragi Shrineand Shimizu Park. Both are spectacular and well worth the effort to travel to.But we've got some obscure and quirky spots, too. In 2021, I told you about Muryojin, a spectacular temple for shidare zakura and an atmospheric red gate.I've been going back every year to one more out-of-the-way spot, Sansha Jinja. The shrine, dating from the Kamakura period, honours Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine is a recent reconstruction (heavily damaged in the 3/11 quake), but it has some historic features. Ancient and soaring cherry trees grace the site.Behind the shrine proper is a fujizuka. These are Edo-era replicas of Mount Fuji. Back in the day, the elderly, infirm, and women excluded from the full rite climbed these simulacra to venerate the mountain.You might anticipate the sweet fragrance of cherry, but you're in for a surprise. Immediately on the west side of the shrine is the Pasco Tone plant. You'll be wrapped in the aroma of wheaty, yeasty bread baking!The trees were about 60% on Saturday, March 28th. The spectacle of 桜吹雪, sakura fubuki, or cherry petals falling like snow, is just starting in Noda City. See them before they're gone!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQvj-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSun, 29 Mar 2026 17:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQvj-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBkLY-living_moneyThis week, a notice from the municipal government came in the mail. It's yet another kanji learning experience and at the same time, a heads up on Japan's fiscal policy in 2026. The notice says that in April, residents will receive 給付金, kyufukin, a subsidy to counter soaring food prices. Municipal governments dole out the inflation-relief funds, so my city is giving each resident 5000 yen. That's about 7 kilos of rice, 25% of one month's commute to work, or a pair of shoes. Better than nothing, I figure. The stimulus package also provides energy subsidies until March 2026. I'm scared to open my April gas and electricity bills.The king and queen at Tokyo's Contemporary Museum of Art could use the 5000 yen for shoesBut the budget also an attempt to boost fertility rates. In April, everybody of working age will pay a premium through taxes, 250 yen a month. That works out to 3000 yen annually. The "singles tax" is getting a lot of press because of the demographics. The number of single-person households is now over 30%, so people like me, living alone with no kids, will subsidize families. Do I resent helping my neighbour's families? No.Is such a stimulus package fair and effective? Gakushuin University academic Suzuki Wataru presents some compelling cons. A biggie is that the blanket premium dings the young and unmarried, potential parents. They're paying more before the ring goes on the finger.What do you think about the stimulus package and response to the crashing birth rate?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBkLY-living_moneySun, 29 Mar 2026 12:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBkLY-living_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb4XJ-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaThe last few days in the Kanto region have been dreary, but today, Friday, March 27th, the clouds parted. So I hopped on the train to head to a lovely sakuara spot, the Tone Unga Canal.A Dutch engineer in the Meiji era designed the canal between the Tone and Edo Rivers. The canal provided passage for merchants transporting goods to the new capital, Edo. Today, it's a heritage waterway, Unga Mizube Park.Cherry trees lining the road next to Unga Mizube ParkIncidentally, I met foreign residents who live nearby and chatted while we watched the light change as clouds obscured and parted to illuminate the blooms.Yuki yanagi on the edge of the canalThe blooming of yuki yanagi, snow willow, coincides with the flowering of the cherries at the canal. You can take in the paper-white blooms alongside the ephemeral cherry blossoms.As of Friday, the sakura here are only half open. If the weather cooperates this weekend, you've got a chance to see the blooms here.Tell us about the bloom status where you are with a spot report!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb4XJ-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaFri, 27 Mar 2026 20:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb4XJ-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M957N-foods_product7-11 convenience stores carries a series of 8 products, "Machichuka", neighbourhood Chinese restaurant classics. This item is Komi negidare de ajiwau yurinchī, Chinese-style fried chicken with aromatic green onion sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M957N-foods_productFri, 27 Mar 2026 12:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M957N-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpg25-mind_body_productLion produces the Nonio line of dental hygiene products. Nonio Mouthwash Clear Herb Mint refill comes in a 950 ml bag with a cap. The mouthwash is not coloured.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpg25-mind_body_productThu, 26 Mar 2026 09:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpg25-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76rW-drink_productIn 2026, Suntory Beverage refreshed THE PEEL, a lemon ready-to-drink shochu highball. The drink is made with four types of lemon peel and 7% alcohol. It's priced at about 170 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76rW-drink_productWed, 25 Mar 2026 17:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76rW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngVE-hobby_home_productSugi Drugstore's own brand S Select carries deodorizers for various uses. This item is Sho kusa zai in a 240-gram container. It's suitable for refridgerators up to 600 L.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngVE-hobby_home_productWed, 25 Mar 2026 13:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MngVE-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wre2X-livingSeriously, how's your Japanese? For those of us going the distance in Japan, language proficiency is a major issue. How we navigate social and work contexts with our Japanese coworkers and neighbors depends on the environment. In my daily life, I feel confident I can communicate with my coworkers, friends, and neighbours. However, my literacy is a huge barrier. To manage email, read notices, and message my friends, I depend on translation and audio to read and respond. I'm sure there are a lot of us out there - able to communicate, but not near native level in Japanese.On the platform at Kashiwa StationHow did I manage? I had one year of formal Japanese language instruction at university in my home country. After arriving in Japan, I spent time on self-study and correspondence courses. Community language lessons at international associations helped. Beyond that, interaction with my Japanese-speaking friends and partner helped communication. Passing the JLPT N2 was a big hurdle and a confirmation that I'm working my way up to fluency.Inagaki Midori, a Juntendo University professor, identifies hurdles to Japanese language proficiency in her recent Japan Times opinion piece. She's a specialist in Japanese language education, language policy, and immigration studies. Her article reveals a significant deficit in the most recent policy decisions about permanent foreign residents. The new policy anticipates Japanese language proficiency but no specified benchmarks as yet.For some foreign mothers, maintaining the heritage language requires labour and precludes learning Japanese. The "old country langauge" is a net benefit to Japan, but not recognized. In fields like mine, where foreign language proficiency is important, many employers don't demand or value our Japanese language ability. In other fields, multilingualism is necessary. Consider those foreign residents working in imports/exports, health care, and tourism.Regardless of your Japanese language ability, you contribute to Japan's society.How do you feel about the impending requirements of Japanese language proficiency for permanent resident status?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wre2X-livingTue, 24 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wre2X-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJ2a-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThis morning in the Kanto region was overcast and cold, but the skies cleared up in the afternoon. The gloomy, cold days earlier spurred the cherry blossoms to bloom in my region, northern Chiba Prefecture, wedged between Saitama and Ibaraki. Time for prime cherry blossom viewing!The most recent Japan Meteorological Corporation cherry blossom forecast indicates this is the week. So with a break in the clouds, I headed for Shimizu Park, one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan.Let me show you around.On the west side of the park bordering the Zao River, the cherries are just starting to bloom. You can catch the last of the nanohana here, too.The peaches are at their peak, and the cherries are just starting to burst into bloom at the field athletics course.At the plum grove on the hillside, the shidare zakura has started its show. The park lights it up until 8 p.m. during the blooming period.How are cherry trees looking where you are? Spot reports, please!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJ2a-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaMon, 23 Mar 2026 19:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmJ2a-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyj27-foods_productNippon Ham's line of Entier sausages includes Olive & Basil. The finger-length vacuum-packed sausages come in double packs of four. They are available at Belc supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyj27-foods_productMon, 23 Mar 2026 07:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyj27-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gogq2-livingA street piano at Saitama Shintoshin Station, Urawa mascot, Kasukabe City Wisteria, and a doll display at Iwatsuki WardI admit I have days when I wonder what I'm doing here in Japan. My hometown and the people in it are an ocean away. I am conversant in Japanese, but still struggle with literacy, which costs me time and effort. Then I think about the reasonable cost of living, livable income, and quality of life. This week, an article in the Mainichi Shinbun reported the results of a survey on the life satisfaction of foreign residents in Saitama Prefecture. The figures suggest that most Saitama Prefecture foreign residents are pleased with the quality of life.On balance, I'm satisfied with my work life, based in Saitama Prefecture, and my home base across the Edo River in Chiba Prefecture. The survey results reflect my own experience. Following the customs and interacting with my coworkers and neighbours makes me feel "plugged in".For me, the big pluses of living here outweigh the struggles. As a non-driver, walkability and transport density mean that I can get where I want to go. The cost of living is rising, but food safety and quality are high.The survey results are congruent with other measures of foreign resident life satisfaction in other centers like Chiba City.Are you satisfied with your quality of life here?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gogq2-livingSun, 22 Mar 2026 19:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gogq2-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7by-living_educationI came to Japan a long time ago, and before I arrived, a year of Japanese language education was all I had. That brief instruction provided me a foundation in grammar, a few hundred kanji, and a smattering of expressions. It's been a long road to communicative use of Japanese. I get along adequately in face-to-face communication at work and in my social life. But I still have a way to go with reading, writing, and idiomatic usage.Samoona's recent blog post about her Japanese language learning journey gets me thinking about free resources I keep returning to.TsunahiroTsunahiro is a program of the Japanese Ministry of Education. Videos of authentic interactions, transcripts, and vocabulary banks introduce practical Japanese. It provides a level check, too. The resource tops out at the equivalent of CEFR B2. Even though I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N2, I still have some ticks, and Tsunahiro's resources humble me! I have listened and read the transcripts to polish my expression now and again.Tae Kim's GuideTae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese, published on Kindle and in paperback, is available for free on the website. The guide provides a wide range of grammar, expressions, and vocabulary with easy-to-understand explanations. Unlike most Japanese textbooks, which focus on formal Japanese, the guide provides examples of casual usage. It's great for getting along at work and at play.NHK Learn JapaneseFor an easy entry to learning Japanese, suitable for newcomers and visitors, I recommend NHK's Learn Japanese. Click on the level chart to see which programs meet your needs, from essential to "magical"!Exposure to InteractionSamoona mentions community language lessons. These are provided by 国際交流協会,kokusai koryu kyokai, international centers. They provide Japanese (and sometimes other languages) lessons for free or at a low cost. While the majority of the volunteers who "teach" the lessons are not professionals, interaction with them provides insight into the usage and meaning of the grammar and expressions that you're working so hard to acquire.How did you learn Japanese? What resources do you recommend for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level learner?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7by-living_educationSat, 21 Mar 2026 15:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7by-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkNd-hobby_home_productDetergent maker Lion packages NANOX eri sode spot cleaner in three packages. This version is the 650-gram refill package. The product is a laundry pre-treatment for light-coloured textiles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkNd-hobby_home_productSat, 21 Mar 2026 09:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPkNd-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreqX-living_saitama_chibaHappy Vernal Equinox, wherever you are in Japan or the northern hemisphere! The national holiday, 春分の日 Shunbun no Hi, falls on a Friday in 2026, so we get a long weekend. The holiday is also 彼岸 higan, an equinoctial remembrance of ancestors.Today's weather is "dreitch", as my Scottish family and I are prone to say when the weather is cold and dreary. The rain will let up tomorrow. We'll see sunny skies and experience warmer temperatures on Saturday and Sunday.A little relief is the アセビ (asebi), Japanese andromeda, blooming. On a stroll around Saitama Shintoshin Station environs, I spied this asebi with cascading pink blooms.It looks like tomorrow, Saturday, March 21st, will be a good day for laundry in most of Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreqX-living_saitama_chibaFri, 20 Mar 2026 11:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreqX-living_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weBo4-drink_productSuntory's line of Kinmugi Happoshu, or near beer, releases limited seasonal versions. In March 2026, I tried Hidamari no Sanpomichi, a lager type with 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weBo4-drink_productMon, 16 Mar 2026 21:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weBo4-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYaOB-drink_productIn March 2026, Sapporo Breweries released Sapporo Extra Move in their Black Label line of beers. The beer has 5.5% alcohol content and is brewed with foreign and domestic malt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYaOB-drink_productSun, 15 Mar 2026 12:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYaOB-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ry2-fashion_productHamamonyo is a textile manufacturer in Yokohama. This item is a furoshiki labeled Ume Ume Tsukushi furoshiki. The cloth is 100% cotton and 50 cm square.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ry2-fashion_productSun, 15 Mar 2026 08:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ry2-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQ80-fashion_productIori Store, an Amazon Japan vendor, specializes in linens produced in Ehime Prefecture. This item is a half-size towel handkerchief. It comes in three colourways.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQ80-fashion_productFri, 13 Mar 2026 17:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDQ80-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV9y-living_chiba_katori_shi_chibaDid you have to look up that big word in the title? I did, too! Some shrines, such as Kanda Myojin in Tokyo, celebrate only in odd-numbered years. It's a vestige of sumptuary laws that restricted wild celebrations. Other shrines in Japan celebrate on the 12-year Asian zodiac imported from China. Going all out for matsuri is a big deal.Once every 12 years, in the year of the horse, Katori Jingu in Chiba Prefecture puts on an elaborate festival. The celebration of 神幸祭 Shinkosai dates back 800 years, remembering the deity Futsunushi-no-Okami. He's credited with unifying the eastern parts of Japan. The festival has processions of people dressed in armor and Heian period garb.The festival is two days, April 15th and 16th. For the deets, see the Katori Jingu website.Does your region have a once-in-12-year celebration?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV9y-living_chiba_katori_shi_chibaThu, 12 Mar 2026 20:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjV9y-living_chiba_katori_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreJe-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaToday, Ichikawa City's Gyotoku neighbourhood is a bedroom community for Tokyo commuters. An interesting feature of the area is that only 25 years ago, the Tozai Line of the Tokyo Metro connected it. This historic Ichikawa area was a getaway for Tokyo residents during the Edo and Meiji eras. Where were they going? Shinshoji Temple in modern Narita City. Before train lines, people crossed on ferries, and the area was a transit point for river trade. Because transit didn't arrive until 2000, Edo-era historical spots remain.You can trace the steps of pilgrims of yore along Gongen Michi, a footpath that starts at Tokuganji. At this 400-year-old Jodo sect temple, founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, are enticing features for history buffs and martial artists. The treasures are an image of Emma, the god of hell, and documents left by the martial master Miyamoto Musashi.The rotating sutra repository at TokuganjiHead west along the footpath and you'll encounter 行徳千軒寺百軒 Gyotoku Sengen tera hyaku-ken, Gyotoku 100 temples. Today, perhaps not 1000, but dozens of temples line the old pilgrimage path.Gongen Michi wayfinding mapWe wandered back and forth between the footpath and Gyotoku Kaido, taking a rest at the heritage building Denshokan for a snack and a history lesson about omikoshi at the Old Asako Mikoshi Shop on the other side of the Gyotoku Kaido. Gyotoku is known as a centre for omikoshi craftspeople.Friendly guides filled us in on the symbolism and history of omikoshi at the Old Asako Mikoshi ShopThe neighbourhood has dozens of shrines and temples, some impressive, others forlorn, but worth a gander if you're looking for an uncrowded place to soak up some Edo atmosphere right next to Tokyo. I've written a dozen reviews about Ichikawa City. I'm intrigued and intend to visit for a third time to see the neighbourhood decked out in autumn colours.Have you discovered a "little Edo" spot that isn't widely covered by English-language media?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreJe-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaWed, 04 Mar 2026 13:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wreJe-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0yy1-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaThe warmer temperatures and sunny skies in the Kanto region drew me out of the house this weekend to Ichikawa City across the Edo River from Tokyo. I've told you before about the Nakayama Sando, the approach to Hokekyoji, the Kamakura-era temple with ties to Nichiren, the inconoclastic Buddhist monk. The sando is a retro shopping street, and the temple is interesting any time of year.In spring, Nakayama HInamatsuri brings out all the dolls for the festival. Dozens of shops display dolls of all kinds. When I stopped in at a cafe, I got a map of the events and displays. The festival runs from mid-February until March 3rd.A set of kimekomi dolls - the costumes pressed into incised lines on the dolls' bodiesThe air smells sweet as the Kanto region's plums and early blooming sakura, kawazu zakura, bloom during the festival. It's a visual and olfactory experience around the temple grounds.The fleeting blosoms, statuary, and pagoda are photogenicWondering what all the dolls are about and how they are ranked and displayed? There's an app for that! Hinadan - 雛壇 - a simple app on the Google Play and Apple platforms, congratulates you when you arrange the dolls in the right places.How and where are you observing Hinamatsuri this year?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0yy1-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaSun, 01 Mar 2026 11:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0yy1-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaaq-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaDo you remember the seasonal [SPOT REPORT] series from 2023? It was a treat to see through the eyes of other bloggers the changing seasons in their locales.On Friday, I dropped by Hokekyoji, Ichikawa City's Kamakura-era temple, in which Nichiren sought refuge from persecution. It's a complex with temples, a cemetery, and a pagoda. Just to the north side of the Sanmon gate is Chisenin, an independent temple within the temple precinct. The temple's kawazu zakura, with its round petals, is in full bloom.Are you seeing kawazu zakura blooming where you are?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaaq-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaSat, 28 Feb 2026 13:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZaaq-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvgg9-foods_productUHA Mikakuto Confectionery produces two versions of a sweet potato snack. This one is called Osatsu Tokki Plain. It's a 56-gram package of thinly sliced sweet potatoes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvgg9-foods_productThu, 26 Feb 2026 18:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvgg9-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnn1-fashion_productLocharron of Scotland is a mill that produces Scottish tartan wool textiles. This item is a Dress Stuart tartan muffler made of 100% new wool about 150 cm long.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnn1-fashion_productTue, 24 Feb 2026 12:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKnn1-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyjj6-fashion_productArialk is an Amazon Japan vendor carrying totebags, backpacks, and shoulderbags. This item is labeled as a unisex A4 size totebag. It's constructed of canvas.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyjj6-fashion_productTue, 24 Feb 2026 11:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyjj6-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KKA-fashion_productAmazon Japan vendor JKXOJKX carries five-toe socks for both men and women. The five-toe crew socks for women come in a pack of five. They are crew length and earth-toned.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KKA-fashion_productTue, 24 Feb 2026 11:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1KKA-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7P2-living_shopping_chiba_abiko_shi_chibaA morning appointment took me to Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture. It's a bedroom community for Tokyo on the north shore of Teganuma, the wide marsh between Abiko and Kashiwa Cities. On the train ride in, I noticed many plum trees in bloom in gardens and parks. So after my appointment I had lunch at one of the many noodle restaurants. Abiko's south side has many long-established independent restaurants. To walk off a hearty bowl of ramen, I took a walk indicated by the station front wayfinding map.In the Taisho era, Abiko was a retreat for scholars, writers, and authors, and acquired the nickname "Kamakura of the East". Some homes from the era remain, and I recommend Sugimura Sojinkan Memorial Museum and the Former Murakawa Villa. Like Kamakura, the city has rolling hills from which you can view the water. While it has many historic and ancient sites, it's not nearly as dense as Kamakura. It's an atmosphere reminiscent of the Kamakura landscape.I decided on a stroll to Funato no Mori, a wildlife preservation area. Along the way are Showa-era shops and lush gardens. This place isn't a huge tourist draw, so it's quiet and relaxing. The sights are quaint and minor, but I think that's part of the charm. It's the little things - a forlorn shrine bordering the farm fields, the satoyama landscape in the forest, and the birdsong. It feels like you're in the deep countryside, even though a busy suburban town center is just a few kilometers away.Before I returned home, I dropped in at the tourism information centre, Abishirube. During hinamatsuri season, local origami artists display intricate folded-paper doll displays.Are you drawn to an off-the-beaten-path historic spot near you? What makes it charming?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7P2-living_shopping_chiba_abiko_shi_chibaMon, 23 Feb 2026 10:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx7P2-living_shopping_chiba_abiko_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76le-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu premium brand has a line called Creative Brew. This beer, a winter-limited product, is a wheat ale with 5.5% alcohol. It's exclusively sold at 7-11.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76le-drink_productThu, 12 Feb 2026 15:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G76le-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogjW-livingWhen school got out on Friday afternoon, I thought I'd stretch my legs, walking the 30 minutes to the station. On the way, some senior high school students greeted me as they walked to our off-campus tennis court, and we got talking about their ambitions to study abroad. We settled on a lunch break meeting next week to continue the conversation.When I parted with them, I turned into a narrow residential street and pulled out my planner to scribble a note. While I was taking notes, a resident pulled their family car into the road, and at that moment, my eraser hopped out of my bag, bounced on the pavement, and right into a drain! I laughed, bowed at the diver, and went on my way.Not a minute later, I heard the footfalls of someone jogging behind me. It was the driver! He had pulled up the grate on the drain and retrieved my eraser. I thanked him profusely, bowed deeply, and made a mental note of his house's name plate. Next week, I'll leave him a thank-you note.My face is clearly not Japanese. Yet this guy went out of his way to return my lost item. On the eve of the national election, with heated rhetoric about foreigners and the noise of anti-foreign sentiment on social media, it is important to cherish positive interactions with our neighbours.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogjW-livingSat, 07 Feb 2026 14:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GogjW-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3RlY-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores stock chilled sides for bento and dinner. This one, Nukazuke Moriawase contains a few slices each of carrot, cucumber, and turnip pickled rice-bran style.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3RlY-foods_productMon, 02 Feb 2026 16:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3RlY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEn0y-foods_productKameida Seika's Happy Turn rice cracker snacks are coated in a sweet-and-salty powder. The "happy powder" is boosted to 250% for this version. It's sold in convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEn0y-foods_productFri, 30 Jan 2026 16:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEn0y-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glg4b-foods_productNihon Shokken, producer of soup bases and condiments, does nabe hot pot broth. Hakusai Shio Tonkotsu tsuyu comes in a 750-gram retort package. It's priced at about 300 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glg4b-foods_productFri, 30 Jan 2026 16:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glg4b-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7KW-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery's premium brand, Dars Cholocate, offers Dars Premium Hojun Cacao. The package contains 12 tablets of chocolate treats made with hazelnut paste.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7KW-foods_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 16:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7KW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpv4-foods_productAmazon seller Contour carries whole dillweed. It's packaged in 50-gram bags sold in quantities of 50 grams to 1 kilogram. The dillweed is grown in the US.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpv4-foods_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 14:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpv4-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yQg-drink_productSapporo Yebisu Creative Brew Wakana released in autumn 2025 can be found in the shops in 2026. The beer uses three varieties of Japanese hops. I found it at a Belx supermarket.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yQg-drink_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 10:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yQg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkeNm-drink_productSuntory's The Premium Malt's lineup produces Yubina Yoin, meaning "elegant aftertaste". The beer which touts a wine-like flavour, is available in 350 and 500 ml aluminum cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkeNm-drink_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 09:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkeNm-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVyO-foods_productYamazaki Bakeries supply various sweet and savoury bread products to vending machines. I picked up Ookina pizapan from a Namco-branded vending machine for 160 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVyO-foods_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 09:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVyO-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrJo-foods_productKoikeya Confectionery's Koikeya Strong potato chips got a refresh with three varieties in 2025. Nori Zanmai is a 53-gram bag of potato chips laden with nori seaweed.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrJo-foods_productSun, 25 Jan 2026 08:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrJo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7m2N-drink_productKikkoman, the storied soy sauce company based in Noda City, produces various kinds of tounyuu, or soy milk. The most basic version is unsweetened soy milk available in 1 liter paper packs.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7m2N-drink_productSat, 24 Jan 2026 16:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7m2N-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdRO-living_transportation_kanagawa_kamakura_shi_kanagawaFor a few years, I taught at a Kamakura City school, commuting a ridiculously long distance from my home base in Chiba Prefecture. You might wonder why I endured it.It was so enriching! The commute was a bit arduous at nearly 2 hours each way, but the benefit was a seat on the Shonan Shinjuku line against traffic each way. The quiet commute gave me time to read about the geography and lore of Kamakura City, the former capital of Japan.The school spoiled our students and faculty with an annual performance of 雅楽 gagaku. This is the hauntingly beautiful imperial court music performed by musicians based at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. The Shinto and Zen Buddhism heritage infused school life. Some days, we heard monks ringing bells as they walked old pilgrimage paths near the school. Occasionally, we caught the scent of incense wafting in the open windows when temples held ceremonies.On breaks, walking and hiking the paths along the ridges above the Kamakura valley provided perspective. The routes take you to the myriad historical and natural landscapes that have not changed in centuries.Kamakura is only an hour from Shinjuku Station. Within the city, the Ofuna Station area. overlooked by the massive Kannon statue, has a high rating on Walk Score. Within a 15-minute walk of the station is just about everything you need. And it's the gateway to the Kamakura valley.Two years of commuting to Kamakura City only scratched the surface. On walks in my free time, I encountered residents who gave me a glimpse into the vibrant life of the city. You could delve deep into Buddhism, arts and crafts, and cuisine as you make connections in the valley.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdRO-living_transportation_kanagawa_kamakura_shi_kanagawaFri, 23 Jan 2026 16:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdRO-living_transportation_kanagawa_kamakura_shi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mva0V-drink_productSapporo Brewery's Edelpils is a 100% malt Pilsner-type beer. Usually, this beer was only served on tap, but recently, the beer has become available in 350 ml aluminum cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mva0V-drink_productFri, 23 Jan 2026 14:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mva0V-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVX9-foodThe produce sections of supermarkets are full of citrus fruit right now. From December through late spring, Japan's unshu mikan, pomelos, and other juicy and tangy fruits are at their prime. I tend to go for unshu mikan, the ubiquitous Vitamin-C rich small oranges. When I can get my mitts on them, sudachi and shiikwasa are on my list. Their flavours add punch to savoury dishes.This week, my local has a limited supply of 晩白柚, banpeiyu. This citrus variety is a pomelo of unusual size! Banpeiyu typically weigh 2 kilograms, but some monsters weigh in at 4 kilograms. The growers are mostly based in Kumamoto and Shizuoka Prefectures.You can see in the photo an illustration of how to cut and serve the fruit. The fruit packs a lot of sweetness and it's juicy.Have you tried banpeiyu? Are there Japanese citrus varieties you prefer?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVX9-foodFri, 23 Jan 2026 12:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVX9-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrEy-fashion_productThe illustrator and author Atsuko Matano has a line of novelty textiles and accessories. This towel handkerchief made of 100% cotton has a cat and piano motif.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrEy-fashion_productFri, 23 Jan 2026 11:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrEy-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRJE-drink_productBrooklyn Brewery's Defender IPA, distributed in Japan by Kirin, is a 5.5% alcohol beer. The beer is in the West Coast style. It's noted for its fruitiness and bitter finish.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRJE-drink_productFri, 23 Jan 2026 09:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRJE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LJ1-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery's Dars chocolates includes a "premium" line. This one is Dars Premium Hojun Ichigo. The aromatic strawberry version is 46 grams with twelve tablets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LJ1-foods_productFri, 23 Jan 2026 09:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LJ1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpr3-food_chibaIn the last few weeks, the local supermarkets' produce sections have featured large displays of winter-harvested vegetables. One vegetable abundant from December to February is celery. It's not an Asian green veg, but one of European origin and widely used in Japanese recipes. When the big harvests come in, you might see larger stalks and discounted prices.In summer, マリネ, marine, or marinated vegetables chilled in the fridge, including celery, are the way to go. This winter, I'm stir-frying the bountiful celery. New to my side dish repertoire is celery stir-fried in olive oil and seasoned with pepper, sesame seeds, and soy sauce. They keep well in the fridge.A pro tip - even slightly wilted celery perks right up with just a few minutes in the fry pan. Two stalks made for a side dish with dinner and a bento-box filler. It was tastier than I imagined.Are you seeing a lot of celery at low prices in the shops? How do you prepare celery?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpr3-food_chibaFri, 16 Jan 2026 16:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLpr3-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go03j-living_food_shoppingDuring a visit to my hometown, Vancouver, I was impressed by the abundance of Japanese eateries. My relatives suggested that we visit a sushi restaurant in the South Granville neighbourhood with its many boutiques and restaurants. They raved about the sushi at a particular shop.As I tucked into some beautifully presented makizushi, I was disappointed. The non-Japanese staff were doing their best, but they didn't understand the essentials - sushi rice. The fresh fish was delectable, and the rice was beautifully fluffy, but the flavour was a big miss. The cooks, despite their best efforts, didn't understand the ratios of vinegar, sugar, and salt that go into classic sushi.Canadian sushi, ramen, and teppan yaki shops have endured. For the most part, they get the formula right - price, presentation, and authentic flavours. Canadian Japanese food fans expect the genuine article.Recently, the 農林水産省, Norinsuisansho, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported on the number of Japanese food restaurants abroad. According to their research, the number has fallen off in many markets.What has happened? Of course, global changes in tourism, as some countries have ehem, discouraged travel to Japan. However, beyond that, inbound visitors have likely experienced great food in Japan. Assential, a brand advisory organization, has a synopsis of the global Japanese restaurant situation. In the Americas, Europe, and Africa, Japanese food restaurants have seen an increase, while in Asia, they experienced a significant decrease.On your visits abroad, did you try Japanese food? Was it authentic or not quite right?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go03j-living_food_shoppingWed, 14 Jan 2026 17:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go03j-living_food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErDg-foods_productFujiya Confectionery's LOOK premium brand of flavoured chocolate variety boxes offers Milk Parade. The three milk chocolate varieties are creamy, feuillantine, and cookie crunch.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErDg-foods_productSun, 11 Jan 2026 14:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErDg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe5k-food_chiba_shi_chibaMy local supermarket offers a rotating menu of お惣菜, osozai, or side dishes, which come in plastic clamshell containers. If you've been following my blogs about cooking and sustainability, you're aware that I do my best to reduce plastic use and minimize food waste. So when I saw lotus, snow pea, and carrot salad in the cooler, I gave it a miss in favour of making my own salad.And over to the produce section I went. Lotus root, れんこん, renkon, is harvested in December and January. I live next door to Ibaraki Prefecture, which provides 95% of the crop, so they're very fresh. I love the delicate flavour and the crisp texture. I also scored a discounted package of さやえんどう, snow peas, another winter vegetable.The salad I saw had a creamy dressing, so I combined a few tablespoons of mayonnaise, a tablespoon of vinegar, and a dash of soy sauce. I cut the lotus root into rounds, then quarters, and the carrots into thin slices. I blanched each veg one at a time. Blanching the vegetables for 60-90 seconds brings out the colour, preserves flavour, and makes them tender. After they cooled, I tossed them with the dressing and some sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.The recipe yielded three servings, piquant, crunchy, and sweet.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe5k-food_chiba_shi_chibaSun, 11 Jan 2026 13:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe5k-food_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX3O-foods_productCalbee Confectionery's Poteto Chippusu Furenchi Sarada, widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores, is a tangy and sweet potato chip treat. The flavour imitates French dressing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX3O-foods_productSun, 11 Jan 2026 09:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX3O-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ybp-foods_productFor a limited time in early 2025, Calbee's Fuyu Poteto, winter potato, series offers potato chips dusted with three varieties of cheese and truffles. The 60-gram bag is available at 7-11.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ybp-foods_productSun, 11 Jan 2026 08:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ybp-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRLR-foods_productYuraku Confectionery's long-seller Black Thunder comes in various flavours. This version, Shifuku Bataa, is Blissful butter. The small single-size version is available at 7-11.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRLR-foods_productSat, 10 Jan 2026 17:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbRLR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpr2-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores' deli selections include retort packages of small sides. This item, Ishii no Meeto Bouru, Ishii's Meatballs, is made with domestic chicken.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpr2-foods_productSat, 10 Jan 2026 14:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpr2-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaRY-drink_productSapporo's Yebisu brewery celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2025. In celebration, Yebisu released a series of Premium Yebisu with four labels illustrated by manga artist Araki Hirohiko.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaRY-drink_productSat, 10 Jan 2026 13:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaRY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErxv-hobby_home_productDaiso 100 yen shops carries this stainless steel coffee dripper. The frame has three lobes that hold it over a coffee cup. The item folds easily for convenience.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErxv-hobby_home_productThu, 01 Jan 2026 10:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErxv-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpaq-foods_productCalbee Confectionery's line of potato chips, "Naritai", I want to be... features Chiizu naritai, I want to be cheese in limited quantities in December 2025 at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpaq-foods_productSun, 21 Dec 2025 13:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpaq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe02-foods_productKinakochoko is a Kinako bean powder flavoured chocolate treat made by Tirol Choko, known for their single squares of flavoured chocolate available at convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe02-foods_productMon, 24 Nov 2025 17:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe02-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaY0N-foods_productOyatsu Co., as part of a Mottainai Fish Utilization Plan, produces Sakana no Sunakku, a crispy snack made with konoshiro, or gizzard shad fish. The snack is available at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaY0N-foods_productSun, 23 Nov 2025 11:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaY0N-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVedp-hobby_home_productHaier, a Chinese manufacturer, makes non-freon refrigerators. The fridge capicity is 148 liters, suitable for a solo household. The fridge has tempered glass plastic shelves in the freezer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVedp-hobby_home_productSun, 16 Nov 2025 14:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVedp-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Y0k-living_education_narita_shi_chiba_sakae_machi_chibaDo you want to time-travel? Japan's many architectural heritage parks immerse you in history. You can imagine Edo-era life at dozens of museums with preserved manor houses. What sets Chiba apart is Boso no Mura, an experiential museum.My companion and I walked in from Shimosa-Manzaki Station on the Narita line. It's an unmanned station where you can swipe your IC card. The walk takes you along country lanes, past gardens and farms, and leads you to Sakatagaike Park. The park has something for everyone - a roller slide, camping spots, a wide pond with hungry koi and water birds. We saw tonbi, black kites, flying overhead. The park is dotted with kofun, ancient burial mounds. After Hyogo Prefecture, Chiba has the second-highest number of these grave sites. And the park also has some legends. You can read more in my review.The first of the Boso no Mura preserved buildings you meet is the former Gakushuin Main Hall. Decades before the establishment of the museum, this historic building in Tokyo was moved here. Many children of noble families, artists, and luminaries received their education in this hall.Within the museum gate is a machi-nami, a village of shop houses, each one offering an experience. Visitors can sign up for culinary, craft, and farming experiences. One that I want to try next time I visit is the blacksmith. Visitors craft a farming tool at the forge.My companion and I visited on 文化の日 Bunka no hi, the national culture day holiday. On the day, admission is free, food trucks gather, and you can see many regional traditional performances. We marveled at daidogei, street performances, listened to wadaiko, and got pelted with mochi at the festival hall.The visitors were intriguing, too. A middle-aged man pulled off his mask to ask us if we thought he looked European. It's true, some Japanese people have diverse roots. We shared a table with a woman who fed her Yorkshire terrier from her dish with chopsticks. What he didn't eat, she polished off with the same chopsticks. We took a break next to an elderly local guy who was all about baseball, professing admiration for the Blue Jays.Does your prefecture offer an experiential period museum I don't know about? Share in the comments.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Y0k-living_education_narita_shi_chiba_sakae_machi_chibaMon, 10 Nov 2025 20:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Y0k-living_education_narita_shi_chiba_sakae_machi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgv9Y-mind_body_productLulu Attack Ex Premium is an over-the-counter cold remedy. The preparation has 18 coated tablets for 2 days of cold symptom relief. The tablets contain ibuprofen and transexamic acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgv9Y-mind_body_productSun, 09 Nov 2025 10:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgv9Y-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gygna-foods_productNemu no Ki Okashi Kobo in Sakae Town, Chiba Prefecture, supplies sweets to vendors in the Sakae Town area. These sweets are simply labeled "plain" Nemu no Sato Kashi.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gygna-foods_productThu, 06 Nov 2025 15:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gygna-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjj5V-living_food_moneyFrom my kitchen, you can catch the aromas of all kinds of cuisine. Of course, I make washoku, but I also riff on Hong Kong, Thai, Mennonite, and Mediterranean dishes. The variety of foodways comes from my multicultural upbringing. You can read about my mashup New Year's food, too.For inspiration, I keep an eye on recipetineats, a food blog by a Japanese-born Australian. Her recipes cover a wide range of cuisines, and many use ingredients readily available in Japan. On this week's menu, hummus!To get started, I roasted sesame seeds in my frypan to make tahini. You might think this is a Mediterranean condiment, but it's also used in Chinese cuisine. It makes its way into Japanese dishes, too. In a fry pan, I roasted some sesame until golden, and then ground it in a blender with lemon juice, olive oil, and a little water. My low-power blender doesn't turn it into a thick sauce but a paste.I use a few tablespoons of the tahini paste in my hummus. A little more olive oil, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and a can of chickpeas, called ひよこ豆 in Japanese, result in a smooth, flavourful dip.I eat it with toasted English muffins and add it to bento box lunches as a condiment. This is a simple, no-cook dish with ingredients you can get anywhere in Japan.Do you make your own hummus? How do you make and serve it? Do you make or buy your own tahini, and what do you do to make the most of the sesame goodness?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjj5V-living_food_moneyTue, 04 Nov 2025 18:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjj5V-living_food_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yVg-foods_productIn October 2025, 7-11 released Jagamarukun, a steamed bun filled with potato and meat. The nikuman, or steamed bun, revives a variety popular in the 1980s.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yVg-foods_productFri, 31 Oct 2025 11:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yVg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgvB6-living_education_chibaThe Kanto region has many lovely traditional gardens. You'll find 日本庭園, nihon teien, surrounding pavilions and tea houses in municipal and prefectural parks. One favourite is the strolling garden surrounding Shohakutei, the tea house in Kashiwa no Ha Park.However, there is another variety of garden. Manyo botanical gardens cultivate the 160 species of plants mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. This 8th-century collection comprises 4,500 waka poems, filled with references to grasses, flowers, and trees. There are a handful of these gardens in the Kanto region. Chiba Prefecture has some spots. On a visit to Shiroyama Park in Tateyama City, you can walk 万葉の径 Manyo no Wataru, a path dotted with poems and their accompanying plants.Most recently, I strolled through Ichikawa City's municipal Manyo Botanical Garden. The garden perched on a bluff is an oasis of calm. I enjoyed leisurely reading the plaques displaying poems. The plaques indicate the Japanese and Latin names of each plant. I get inspired to read more and appreciate the native natural beauty.A bit out of the way is Sodegaura City's Manyo Botanical Garden in the city's park.Does your region have a Manyo garden? Are you interested in waka poetry?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgvB6-living_education_chibaThu, 30 Oct 2025 15:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgvB6-living_education_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaxB-living_food_moneyMy wicker shopping basket is small, a little tighter than the standard size you find in supermarkets. I shop nearly every day, usually spending about 1000-1500 yen on each trip. To be honest, I cruise the discounted items and consider the quality and value of the produce I buy. According to Yomiuri Shinbun, prices continue to rise due to logistics and the yen depreciation.As you may have noticed from my TtoE blog posts, I cook at home a lot to keep food costs down. Here's a recent photo of my food purchases.I'm doing well, since I rely on one of the cheaper supermarket chains. I've become more aware of how I shop. Last year, Genkidesu shared Japan's supermarket price scale with us, and I shop at the lowest prices during discount periods.This basket cost me a little over 1500 yen.How are you managing? What are you scrimping on?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaxB-living_food_moneyTue, 28 Oct 2025 18:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaxB-living_food_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXeWb-living_food_shopping_chiba_noda_shi_chibaAt Kawama Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line, you notice many foreign faces. The station is in the "Noda Triangle," the wedge-shaped area of the city bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers and the Tone Canal. The train station functions as a hub for various businesses, including import and export operations. These logistics centers employ foreign workers, and ethnic restaurants and shops thrive here.One place I don't dine in but order take-out food from frequently is Hana Pizza Joint. The name doesn't begin to describe what the South Asian chef can do. Her halal menu offers burgers, pizzas, and cakes made to order. My neighbour and I love her chicken shawarma dressed with secret sauce.On the north side of the station, you can stock up on South Asian spices at Kawama Spice & Halal Food. The small store is crammed with prepared foods, condiments, and spices at reasonable prices.Within sight of Kawama Station's south exit is a tiny Vietnamese enclave centered around Vietnam Pho. The restaurant serves classic Vietnamese dishes. Next door is a shop stocked with Vietnamese groceries, and above is a karaoke shop. You may want to brush up on your Vietnamese language greetings, as not all staff members speak Japanese or English. Nevertheless, the staff warmly greet all customers.Across from Hana Pizza Joint is a long-established Korean food restaurant, Kankoku Dining Kan. The owners are a big-hearted couple who offer Korean hospitality and beautifully presented yakiniku platters. Their chijimi is a hearty meal in itself. Part of the fun here is the K-pop soundtrack on the big display screen.A little walk south is Baby's Breath. It's an Italian restaurant run by a Japanese chef trained in Italy. The trattoria offers antipasto, seafood specialties, and artisanal pizza. It's a great place for a celebratory meal.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXeWb-living_food_shopping_chiba_noda_shi_chibaFri, 24 Oct 2025 19:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXeWb-living_food_shopping_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go0Bb-living_nagano_karuizawa_machi_naganoOn a research trip to Japan, a Canadian friend joined me for a day trip. She's a former Okinawa resident, so although she's familiar with the Kanto region, many of its attractions are new to her. I suggested we see Karuizawa, a Nagano Prefecture resort town that is new to both of us.Getting to Karuizawa necessitates a Shinkansen ride. We stood for 45 minutes because we didn't reserve seats. No bother. She caught me up on news from home, and together we marveled at countryside views.On arrival at Karuizawa Station, we immediately understood the appeal of the resort town. The modern and convenient station with some retro touches, such as the Karuizawa bori carved station sign. On the north side is the refurbished station memorial building.We were eager to see the waterfalls, so we boarded the Kusakaru Kotsu Bus and opted for the one-day bus passes. On the way, we experienced some deja vu on seeing the vintage villas and tree-lined streets. We joked that Karuizawa is Japan's version of Whistler, the mountain resort north of Vancouver, Canada. And we weren't wrong. The town's development as a Tokyo getaway was spurred by Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw. The town attracted foreign diplomats and wealthy Japanese. Today, the town has a strong Christian influence with many churches.The trip doesn't have to break your budget. While the Shinkansen ticket is a splurge, the one-day ticket on the bus gets you to many of the beauty spots. We saw Shiraito and Ryugaeshi Waterfalls, had lunch at the chaya at the foot of Mount Aso, and had delicious treats at an iconic coffee shop. We finished the evening with dinner at Kawakamian at the Tombo no Sato resort.I intend to go to Karuizawa again on my own, parasol in hand, next summer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go0Bb-living_nagano_karuizawa_machi_naganoTue, 21 Oct 2025 21:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Go0Bb-living_nagano_karuizawa_machi_naganohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvabV-drink_productIn October 2025, Kirin Breweries launched Good Ale. The beer, described as premium on the label, uses a different recipe from the standard, with fruity notes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvabV-drink_productMon, 20 Oct 2025 11:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvabV-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ke8-drink_productCoinciding with Osaka Expo 2025, Suntory produced a limited-edition beer. The beer, released in September 2025, is the result of the feedback of Suntory customers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ke8-drink_productFri, 17 Oct 2025 15:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Ke8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlveR-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaBetween my home in Noda City and the prefectural capital, I went on an excursion to Ichikawa City. I stopped at Shimosa-Nakayama Station on the JR Sobu line. The retro atmosphere starts here, with a little shotengai, or shopping street, along the approach to the temple. The street has many old-fashioned vendors, casual cafes, tony dining establishments, and take-out shops. Ascending the gentle slope, I stopped at Seikaen, a tiny preserved garden belonging to a local family with Edo era history. It's a nice spot with traditional garden architecture and manicured plantings.Further up the hill, you pass under the Kuromon, a black gate that intimates the importance of Hokekyoji. The temple is one of the Five Head Temples of Nichiren Buddhism. The iconoclastic Saint Nichiren started his preaching career here in the 13th century. The temple preserves Rissho Ankoku Ron, one of Nichiren's most important texts. Every year on November 3rd, the temple displays it to the public.The temple precinct surprised me with its vitality. Priests blessed a car with drums and chants, and visitors paid their respects at various halls. On the rise behind the main hall, I was drawn to Setsudo, a tiny Kamakura-era temple dedicated to the formidable female demons, the Rakshasas. I chatted there with a resident who noticed me picking up fallen juniper berries. She comes there each day to pay respects. I placed the berries on the edge of the chozuya, the hand-washing basin.I visited on a balmy late summer day. I intend to go again in either November for the autumn foliage or spring when the neighborhood displays dolls for Hina Matsuri.The images are my first experiments at digital scrapbooking with Canva.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlveR-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibaWed, 15 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlveR-living_chiba_ichikawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZeR5-drink_productOrion Brewery, based in Okinawa Prefecture, offers two versions of Nago craft-like beer in autumn 2025. Nago Shimaku White Ale is made with Okinawan-sourced ingredients.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZeR5-drink_productSun, 12 Oct 2025 11:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZeR5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8XPv-livingLike me, you probably correspond with your friends and family abroad by email and messaging apps. But no virtual communications beat handwritten missives. Well, my plan to send letters on classy and cute stationery is thwarted by the Canada Post strike. The labour dispute has been ongoing since November 2024. At the end of September, full strike action started again.Japan Post's latest news update on the situation cautions that mail sent to Canadian addresses may be returned. For now, items bound for the Great White North are in mail jail. Japan Post will release your posted item for a whopping 680 yen a piece.Assuming the dispute is settled soon, I'll prepare my holiday cards. But I imagine there will be a significant backlog.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8XPv-livingSun, 05 Oct 2025 10:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8XPv-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe8k-foods_product7-11 convenience stores released a specialty rice ball, Kishu Nanko Ume Hitotsubu Ume, in the Kanto region in September 2025. The rice ball is stuffed with a single, large kishu plum.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe8k-foods_productSat, 04 Oct 2025 13:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVe8k-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX6O-foods_productTokusan's Oni no yuzu ponzu oroshi is a condiment that blends yuzu citrus, kombu kelp, and grated daikon raidsh. It comes in a 400 ml PET plastic bottle. TheTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX6O-foods_productSat, 04 Oct 2025 09:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weX6O-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mkR-foods_product7-11 convenience stores roll out their autumnal selection in September and October 2025. A small item is the kuri takikomi gohan omusubi. It is a lightly sweet chestnut-flavoured rice ball.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mkR-foods_productTue, 30 Sep 2025 17:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mkR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnvJm-drink_productReleased in mid-September 2025, Iyemon Kyoto Cider is a sparkling non-alcohol drink. It is flavoured with green tea and yuzu. The 500 ml PET plastic bottles are 40 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnvJm-drink_productTue, 30 Sep 2025 16:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnvJm-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LLN-drink_productKashiwa Brewery, a small artisanal operation in Kashiwa City, aims to make the most of local products. In the Kashiwa Beer low-malt lineup, this one is brewed with koshihikari rice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LLN-drink_productMon, 22 Sep 2025 22:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LLN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYeex-living_shopping_kashiwa_shi_chibaNo matter if you're an old hand or a recent arrival in Japan, the Showa and Heisei eras aren't that far away in time. But what a different world it was. The Bubble economy ballooned in the 1980s and popped in the early 1990s. My hometown, Vancouver, was brimming with tourists and visiting students from Japan. Friends who worked at Whistler Mountain ski resort told me tales of Japanese dumping designer gear in their hotel rooms. The music scene took off with city pop hits like "Plastic Love" and "Sparkle".Heisei era ended a mere six years ago, but it feels like an aeon has passed. NewDays, the convenience store kiosks inside JR East train stations, remember the eras with a retro fair. The campaign ends on September 29th.At Kashiwa Station on the Joban Line, the shop features local products, too. I picked up Kashiwa Beer, which I'll post a review about later.When you pay with a Suica or Pasmo card, you earn points. Even better, you can enter a draw for a retro radio cassette player and a digital camera.Are you nostalgic for the Showa and Heisei eras? Tell us about your iconic retro experience before the Reiwa era, obachans and ojichans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYeex-living_shopping_kashiwa_shi_chibaSat, 20 Sep 2025 17:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYeex-living_shopping_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaYYD-living_foodIn August, a longtime friend from my hometown, Vancouver, messaged to say she had a free day in the Kanto region at the end of a research trip. We settled on a day trip to Karuizawa, the lushly forested resort town in Nagano Prefecture. We were first-time visitors, surprised at how the town resembles Canada’s southwest coast getaways.Genkidesu and BigfaminJapan's recent blogs, the Japan bust in Ireland and the sustained boom in Australia got me thinking about Japan and Canada’s connections. On the West Coast, at least, Japanese culture, especially food and drink, has boomed for decades.Memories of a Vancouver trip during the March 11th disasterCanadian visitors to Japan are continuing to increase, with over half a million Canucks visiting in 2024. The Canadian dollar value is higher than the yen, making a trip to Japan affordable. And the food and culture are not entirely unfamiliar to them.Vancouver probably has the highest density of Japanese cuisine restaurants in North America. The ubiquitous sushi and ramen are the heritage of Japanese immigrants. After the ugly displacement of people with Japanese roots during World War II, the descendants persevered and brought back their food culture.Between lunch and dinner, there are other enduring Japanese cultural connections in the city, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Powell Street Festival (during bon odori season), and academic exchange programs.I always keep in mind a remark made by an elderly Japanese professor - Canada and Japan are adjacent countries if you overlook the ocean between them.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaYYD-living_foodThu, 18 Sep 2025 09:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaYYD-living_foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKp0R-livingDo you, as a foreign resident of Japan, count? Japan's 総務省 soumusho, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, responsible for the census, says you do. The ministry conducts a census every five years. Anyone residing in Japan for three months or more must respond. It's the law.The first reminder of the upcoming census I noticed was a poster on a train. The slogan, いざ、国勢調査！Iza, kokuseichōsa! Time for the census! appears in videos and on posters.You can respond the old-fashioned way, by post. The notice that you'll receive by snail mail also provides an option for an online response. Even better, it's available in eight languages, including English and Japanese. The census runs from September 20th to October 8th.You can read the details on the English language census website.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKp0R-livingTue, 16 Sep 2025 14:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKp0R-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErWP-living_chiba_matsudo_shi_chibaWe’re well into September, the fourth, autumnal quarter of the year, but it doesn’t feel like it yet here in the Kanto region. Most days are still very humid and warm, and the evenings are cool. The month also has two holidays: 敬老の日, Keiro no Hi, which is Respect for the Aged Day, and the autumn equinox, 秋分の日, Shubun no Hi.I shot the photo of Higanbana at Hondoji Temple for my scrapbook calendarAbout 25 years ago, Japan implemented the ハッピーマンデー制度, or Happi Mande Seido, the Happy Monday system, which creates three-day weekends by adjusting some holidays. However, you can’t persuade the planet to change its solar schedule. The result is that the autumn equinox holiday falls on a Tuesday in 2025.Hang on for 2026 when Silver Week comes back. We’ll get a five-day break when the two holidays fall in the same week, with a bridging national holiday in between.This year, I'm looking forward to shorter work weeks and higanbana viewing. One of my favorite spots is Hondoji Temple, famed for its hydrangeas in the rainy season. It's also a great spot to see the flaming red flowers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErWP-living_chiba_matsudo_shi_chibaMon, 15 Sep 2025 09:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MErWP-living_chiba_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeY7-foods_product7-11's Cup Deli selection of okazu, or side dishes, includes some regional variants. This dish is called 5 Shurui Guzai no Nebaneba Hiyayakko. It's a vinegared dish with five sticky ingredients.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeY7-foods_productTue, 09 Sep 2025 15:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeY7-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrjk-foods_productReisei Negimiso Maze Men is a chilled noodle dish available at 7-11s in some Kanto region cities. The noodles are topped with menma, onions, moyashi, and minced meat miso.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrjk-foods_productMon, 08 Sep 2025 12:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJrjk-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZe6q-foods_productFancl, which produces food and health and beauty products. This 750 gram bag of germinated brown rice comes in a zip-top bag. Fancl says the rice is loaded with fibre and nutrition.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZe6q-foods_productWed, 03 Sep 2025 22:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZe6q-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVvo-drink_productSuntory Beverage's Horoyoi-branded Mizore Mango Sour is a limited-time (and limited-quantity) ready-to-drink shochu highball drink. It was first released in Taiwan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVvo-drink_productSun, 31 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWVvo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LZv-drink_productSuntory's Tennensui flat drinks are fortified with vitamins. This version is Kiritto Yogu, yogurt flavoured. The 590 ml bottlehas vitamin B6 and niacin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LZv-drink_productSat, 30 Aug 2025 20:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9LZv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RZX-foods_productIn August 2025, 7-11 convenience stores released Torumochi warabi choco minto in The Seven Sweets line of treats. The confection is priced at 150 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RZX-foods_productSat, 30 Aug 2025 19:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RZX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpK3-food_chibaThis summer is a bummer. In the Kanto region, we've experienced many nights described as 熱帯夜, nettaiya, tropical nights. This is a regular occurrence in Japan. Nighttime temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius. But this year is brutal.This week marks the hottest summer on record. My south-west facing apartment in a Kanto suburb swelters at 34 degrees when I come home in the evening. That's with the windows open all day.I have to eat when I get in, and a decent meal requires some cooking. A counterintuitive dinner approach is to start with soup and rice. This week, I made a big batch of soup inspired by The Woks of Life. The food blogger takes advantage of summer produce to create a simple and nourishing soup made with summer veggies.My Japanese variation is either canned Italian tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, Hokkaido potatoes, and cabbage. For added flavour, I add a dash each of hontsuyu, shoyu, and ponzu. An Italian-inspired variation adds oregano, parsley, and a bay leaf. Whatever seasoning I go with, I serve it with potato salad or rice.https://thewoksoflife.com/tomato-potato-souphttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250829/k10014906681000.htmlTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpK3-food_chibaFri, 29 Aug 2025 21:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQpK3-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaYn-foods_productAt 7-11 convenience stores, the Hiyashita mama taberu, eat it cold, series of sides offers satisfying small sides. This item is labeled Nikudango to Hanjuku yu de tamago.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaYn-foods_productFri, 29 Aug 2025 19:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpaYn-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yln-food_shopping_moneyThis summer has been busy for me. The heat has been merciless in most of Japan, including the Kanto region where I live. The net effect is that I haven't been cooking as often. And with the astronomically high rice prices, I've been resorting to convenience store items.You might be thinking, this conbini habit isn't economical. But I take advantage of the discounts when I can.Regular contributor Genkidesu asked us to share in a Q&A, the most underrated thing(s) about life in Japan. For me, it's got to be the approach to food waste. You'll see the sticker on the rice ball that reads エコだ値 - eco da ne, wordplay linking the discount to eco-friendly behaviour. In 2024, 7-11 won the Consumer Affairs Agency Commissioner's Award at the 2024 Food Loss Reduction Promotion Awards for this campaign.An underrated Japanese achievement isreaching food waste reduction targets and aiming to reduce more. I'm conscientious about how I shop and store food, influenced by Japan's initiatives.More about the food waste reduction targets - https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/05/japan-reducing-food-waste/#:~:text=Japan's%20Consumer%20Affairs%20Agency%20estimates,tons%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yln-food_shopping_moneyMon, 25 Aug 2025 08:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2yln-food_shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wke5L-hobby_home_productDaiso's own branded kitchen items include a wide variety of sponges. This pack contains two cellulose white sponges, each measuring 11 by 6 centimetres.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wke5L-hobby_home_productMon, 25 Aug 2025 07:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wke5L-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RnX-foods_productReleased in August 2025, Shoga Kombu Mazemeshi - ginger, kombu seaweed mixed rice - is an onigiri priced at 138 yen. The rice is flavoured with dashi stock.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RnX-foods_productSat, 23 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5RnX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mRn-foods_productKameidaseika's popular Kaki no Tane peanut and rice cracker snacks come in packs of 6 small packages. For a limited time, the snacks are flavoured with sansho pepper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mRn-foods_productSat, 23 Aug 2025 08:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7mRn-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3K1P-drink_productWaterpoint water dispensing vending machines are branded Fukai no Megumi and available at supermarkets. The vending machines dispense water with various levels of minerals.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3K1P-drink_productWed, 20 Aug 2025 08:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3K1P-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7bn-hobby_home_productDaiso 100 yen stores carry housewares at various price points. This wooden tray has a nonslip urethane coating. It measures 30 cm by 40 cm. It's priced at 500 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7bn-hobby_home_productTue, 19 Aug 2025 15:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB7bn-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeqJ-foods_product7-11 Cup Deli selection Goya Namuru contains carrots, daikon radish, greens. and bean sprouts. The label states it provides one-third of your daily recommended intake of vegetables.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeqJ-foods_productTue, 19 Aug 2025 13:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVeqJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weXkr-foods_productMalaniku Miso is a Korean cuisine inspired rice ball in 7-11's midsummer gourmet campaign lineup. The rice ball is stuffed with pork, green onions, and wood ear mushrooms.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weXkr-foods_productTue, 19 Aug 2025 11:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weXkr-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbR3P-foods_productIn July 2025, Koikeya launched Gokai Nori Shio, a variation on the Pure Potato seaweed-and salt-flavoured chips. The chips come in three package designs in collaboration with period drama "Berabou".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbR3P-foods_productSun, 17 Aug 2025 13:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbR3P-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpak7-hobby_home_productSugi Drugstore's own brand, S-Select, includes paper products. Oasis Cho Long is four rolls of toilet paper, each equivalent to four standard rolls, priced at about 530 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpak7-hobby_home_productSun, 17 Aug 2025 08:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpak7-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ylv-foods_productGinza Waffle, a sweets shop in Tokyo's fashionable Ginza district, offers Honey & Cheese Ginza Waffle. The package contains a single item, a stroopwafel.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ylv-foods_productWed, 30 Jul 2025 08:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Ylv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdOy-foods_productIn the summer matsuri season, 7-11 convenience stores offer Spice Sauce Flavour Tamago Soba Meshi. It's a rice ball intended to capture the flavours of summer festival food stalls.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdOy-foods_productTue, 29 Jul 2025 21:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPdOy-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAlWq-drink_productEnoshima Beer from Kamakura Beer Brewing is a craft American-style pale ale to celebrate the island. I tried it at a seafood restaurant in Fujisawa City.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAlWq-drink_productTue, 29 Jul 2025 20:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAlWq-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqVrp-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores' deli offerings in July 2025 offer this small but appealing dish. It's labeled in English as onion fish paste, vegetables, and bonito flakes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqVrp-foods_productMon, 28 Jul 2025 22:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqVrp-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjjk8-drink_productKirin Beverage's Hyoketsu line of shochu highball drinks continues the Mottainai project in 2025. It's an effort to reduce food loss. In July, Kirin offers Mottainai suika made with watermelon grown in Yamagata Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjjk8-drink_productMon, 21 Jul 2025 10:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjjk8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqyQ-foods_productFujiya Confectionery's Country Ma'am cookies has a limited-edition Lemon Cake variety. The box contains individually wrapped packets containing two cookies each.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqyQ-foods_productSun, 20 Jul 2025 14:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqyQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWJL-foods_productIn July 2025, Seven-Eleven released a new product , New York Buffalo Chicken Rice Ball. This is a hefty convenience store rice ball filled with chunks of buffalo chicken with sauces.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWJL-foods_productSun, 20 Jul 2025 11:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWJL-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3Dd-mind_body_productSoap producer Pelican packages three 80-gram bars of kakishibu, persimmon soap. The package indicates the soap is citrus and herb scented. I bought it at a Sugi drugstore.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3Dd-mind_body_productSun, 20 Jul 2025 11:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3Dd-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbNq1-drink_productSeven Premium Clear Cooler Salty Pine Sour is a limited-time ready-to-drink cocktail in a 350 ml can. It's flavoured with pineapple, shikwasa spirits, and salt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbNq1-drink_productSun, 20 Jul 2025 10:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbNq1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3AW-drink_productAsahi Beverage's Mitsuya brand of soft drinks offers Soukai Piichu, Refreshing Peach. The sparkling drink vended in aluminum screw top bottles is flavoured with peach extract.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3AW-drink_productSun, 13 Jul 2025 17:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mg3AW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWlo-hobby_home_productLaundrin' Tokyo produces laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and fabric sprays. Their laundry fabric softeners lineup includes Green Tea scent in a 480 ml refill pack.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWlo-hobby_home_productSun, 13 Jul 2025 13:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWlo-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY29L-foods_productA new noodle dish at 7-11 in June 2025 is Hiyashi Bukkake Himokawa. Wide, flat noodles are topped with negi onion, a simmered shiitake mushroom, and kamoboko fish cake.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY29L-foods_productSun, 29 Jun 2025 05:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY29L-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqKO-drink_productFujiya Confectionery, besides cakes and cookies, produces a line of squash drinks. In June 2025 Taiwan Lychee Squash was added to the lineup. The drink is priced at 160 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqKO-drink_productThu, 19 Jun 2025 16:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqKO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEW3y-foods_productIida Shoten, the famed Kanagawa ramen shop, supervises a summer version of hiyashi tantanmen for 7-11 convenience stores. This chilled noodle dish was released in May 2025.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEW3y-foods_productThu, 19 Jun 2025 16:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEW3y-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWYl-drink_productKyoei Foods is the Japanese distributor for MJB coffee. This 500 gram bag of Army Green. The beans are sourced primarily from Brazil and Vietnam. I found it at a Belx supermarket.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWYl-drink_productSat, 14 Jun 2025 18:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWYl-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0YD-living_chibaBeautiful and historic Shinto shrines are windows into culture and history. When I plan a trip to Chiba Prefecture destinations, I always research the shrines on my itinerary. They’re fascinating and sometimes quirky. I keep going back to these gems:Chiba’s City’s elaborate Myoken Hongu, dedicated to the North Star, is a must-see in Chiba City. The vermilion gates and eaves, the zodiac animal friezes, and the pond filled with koi tick all the boxes. The shrine’s festival in August has been celebrated every year since 1127.Sakuragi Shrine in Noda City, dedicated to rice seedlings, is best visited in spring to see the many varieties of weeping cherry trees. The shrine has many early and late blooming trees, too. If you miss prime sakura season, try again in October when the jugatsuzakura put on a show.Noda City’s Atago Shrine is one of Chiba Prefecture’s tangible cultural properties because of its elaborate wood carvings. Every new year, the shrine displays kadomatsu decorations are said to be the tallest in Japan.Funabashi’s Ohi Shrine has lots of visual appeal and some special features. The shrine dedicated by Prince Yamato Takeru to the sun goddess Amaterasu has a lighthouse, a boat-shaped shrine, and an elaborate sub-shrine with a facade reminiscent of Nikko Toshogu.For the warrior god Futsunushi no kami’s blessing, martial artists visit Katori Jingu. It’s a grand shrine with impressive decoration, mysterious kaname stones intended to prevent earthquakes, and a main structure that was supposed to be rebuilt in the Ise tradition. The rebuilding ceased in the 18th century.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0YD-living_chibaTue, 10 Jun 2025 08:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0YD-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxep8-foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of small sides, Cup Deli, occasionally features popular items. This one is bacon pepper macaroni salad, 1.8 times the regular amount.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxep8-foods_productTue, 10 Jun 2025 06:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxep8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gpE-drink_productKataoka & Co.'s Mon Cafe drip coffee packets are available at convenience stores. This version is Mon Cafe Premier Blend with five individually wrapped packets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gpE-drink_productMon, 09 Jun 2025 18:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gpE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2Ja-mind_body_productKao produces body sheets available at convenience stores. This version is Biore Zero Powder Sheet in packs of 10. I chose the lightly floral scented version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2Ja-mind_body_productMon, 09 Jun 2025 08:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2Ja-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqPm-living_chibaChiba Prefecture is replete with Buddhist temples. I’m not a Buddhist, but I gravitate to two schools - the esoteric Shingon and the salvific Nichiren version. The latter were founded by Nichiren, born in Kominato, a fishing village in modern Kamogawa City. The grandeur, serenity, and seasonal colour at these temples keep me coming back. Here are some I’ve visited (many on repeat!) and recommend to residents and travelers.The Niyo statues at the gate of Konjoin Temple nestled in Shimizu Park are the entre to the horticultural wonders at this Shingon temple. The gardeners display peonies in thatched shelters in winter, nurture a golden lotus banana at its best in August, and it is sheltered by soaring ginkgo trees that turn sunny yellow in autumn.Hondoji in Matsudo City is a Nichiren temple with a garden worth strolling in any time of year. I recommend seeing it in the rainy season, as it has a grove of 50,000 hydrangeas in many varieties. I recommend seeing it in June.A small, quirky temple in Matsudo City is Manmanji. This Rinzai sect temple has a ritual that welcomes parishoners to squeeze into the space between the Niyo statues’ legs for blessings at the new year and the spring equinox. When I lived in the area, a highlight of my evening was listening for the ringing of the bell to mark the evening prayers.A stunner in Tateyama City is Daijfuku-ji, known as Gakke Kannon, or the cliff-hugging Kannon temple. The geometry of the vermilion pillars, the ceiling with illuminated roundels, and the sea breeze are harmonious and intriguing.I was lured to Kamogawa City by the stories of Nichiren, the iconoclastic Buddhist thinker. He was born in the port village of Kominato, now part of Kamogawa City. Legend has it that a well gushed, tai fish teamed, and lotuses bloomed at his birth in this village. Tanjoji Temple is graced with statuary that depicts him as a child (a rare thing in Japan), intricate carvings of the sea’s bounty, and monumental roof tiles. A tourist attraction is the wild school of fish.You might think Narita is simply your portal to the world, but if you’ve got some time in transit, I recommend spending half a day at Shinshoji for the temple complex. The temple celebrates a victory over a hero or a villain, Taira no Masakado, who led a rebellion against the ancient capital of Kyoto. The temple is noted for its plum blossoms in early spring, the massive pagoda with images of Fudomyo, and goma fire rituals a few times a day.There are more awe-inspiring and tranquil temples in Chiba Prefecture. Got a favorite? A place I missed but you think deserves a mention? Leave a comment.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqPm-living_chibaSun, 08 Jun 2025 20:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqPm-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWDW-living_chibaA while ago, I told you about taking advantage of prefectural holidays. Not all celebrate the history and culture with a holiday, but many in the Kanto region do. Residents and visitors can visit attractions for free or reduced admission on this prefectural day off. The prefecture I live in, Chiba, goes all out on June 15th as a thank you to workers and residents of the prefecture.A freebie, the iris garden at Noda Sogo Park in JuneChiba Prefecture’s government website has PDFs with information about events in the prefecture's five regions. Some highlights are reduced or free admission for children to attractions. Check out zoos, farms, and Kamogawa Sea World.Chiba Prefectural Charms is my series of stories about this lovely and varied place to live and work. Check out the previous post in this series,Chiba Prefectural Charms - Antique Houses.Curious about Chiba Prefecture's regions and culture? Ask me!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWDW-living_chibaFri, 06 Jun 2025 16:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWDW-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlV3R-living_chibaThe rainy season in Japan can be trying. Sodden clothing and shoes, laundry that won't dry, and no breaks to put the futons out on the veranda test your endurance. The fan in my bathroom gets a lot of use, as does the dehumidifier machine.I still go on bike rides and shopping trips to inhale the fresh air. And take in the bounty of hydrangeas, which are called アジサイ ajisai, in Japanese. The most common hydrangeas display hues from light blue to magenta. Zekkei Japan posted an average of the blooming season based on averages, in the tradition of cherry blossom forecasts, in 2023.My potted oakleaf hydrangea, propagated from another plantAnother hydrangea you should look out for. カシワバアジサイ, kashiwaba ajisai, the oak leaf hydrangea. It's an import from North America that you can see in gardens and parks in the Kanto region. The cone-shaped, pendulous blooms are white or cream. In autumn, the leaves, which resemble oaks, turn red and orange.Do you want one? Like any hydrangea, they're easy to cultivate. You can stake stems into the earth, and new plants will form. Alternatively, take cuttings and put them in soil with rooting powder.Do you see varieties of hydrangea in your region? When is their blooming season?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlV3R-living_chibaFri, 06 Jun 2025 15:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlV3R-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWBY-foods_productUchibrori Brewing Company produces Dore Su, a vinegar seasoned with bonito and kelp broth and is lightly sweetened. The vinegar comes in a 500 ml glass bottle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWBY-foods_productThu, 05 Jun 2025 21:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWBY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBme3-drink_productAsahi Beverages' Wonda coffee brand offers various blends of coffee with options for sweeteners and milk. This version is Wonda Hare no Hitotoki, a single serving of coffee in a pull tab can.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBme3-drink_productThu, 05 Jun 2025 17:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBme3-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV25P-drink_productIn June 2025, Asahi Breweries released Asahi Draft Beer One Third, a 2:1 mix of Maruefu and Kuro Nama in the Kanto-Koshinetsu area. The beer is in limited production.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV25P-drink_productThu, 05 Jun 2025 17:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV25P-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLeYv-foods_productCalbee Confectionery's Potato Chips brand offers Yamitsuki Sosu aji in a 55 gram bag. The potato chips are seasoned with a sauce of garlic, spices, and onions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLeYv-foods_productWed, 04 Jun 2025 22:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLeYv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnDe-hobby_home_productThermos produces fry pans. This 30 cm frypan in the Durable Series comes in red and measures 8 cm deep. It's suitable for gas rings and IH (induction heating) systems.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnDe-hobby_home_productWed, 04 Jun 2025 22:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnDe-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJag-foods_productYamazaki Pan, supplies bread products to Namco-branded vending machines in the Kanto region. This item in their Pan Gurume, Gourment Bread, series, is Okina Hamu & Tamago.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJag-foods_productTue, 03 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJag-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveEV-living_chiba_chiba_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chiba_abiko_shi_chibaBefore I came to Japan, I’d only ever lived in houses built by generations before me. The first house my parents bought on the east side of Vancouver, Canada, was in the Craftsman style with high ceilings and a solar room with mullioned windows, erected in the 1920s. It’s still occupied. The next house was even older, a 1910 farmhouse in a rural community south of the city. The kitchen had an old-fashioned kitchen cooler cupboard from an era before refrigerators.The former Hotta Residence in Sakura City, Chiba PrefectureYou’re hard-pressed to find housing stock in Japan older than 30 years due to a preference for new construction. For a few years, I lived in a typical 1970s suburb in Chiba. While it was charming with tatami mats, a tiled bath, and capacious oshiire closets, fusuma, and shoji, it was falling to bits. It was fun to live the traditional lifestyle, but later I moved to a much more modern apartment. It has an up-to-date electrical system, and it’s easy to maintain.Chiba Prefecture has a few preserved gems, gorgeous houses that have survived for decades and centuries. I recommend visiting them to get a sense of the lifestyle of yesteryear.A treasure in Kashiwa City is Yoshida-tei, a manor built by soy sauce barons. One exceptional part of the main house on the estate is the 縁側 engawa, solid verandas that have endured because of the masterful construction technique. The main house is spectacular for its thatched roof.Another beauty with a mix of Edo and later eras is the Inoue Residence in nearby Abiko City. It’s out of the way but worth a look for its harmonious blend of Edo and Taisho period architecture. It’s got some wear, but that’s a testament to the life of the Inoue family that occupied the house until 2012.Chiba City has a few gems, too, with colourful histories. When you’re in Chiba City, you can wander about the Former Kamiya Denbei Villa and the cottage occupied by Pujie, the brother of the last emperor of China. Stroll between them, and take a breather at Inage Sengen Shrine and Inage Park with its trees with legs.On a visit to Sakura City, my companions and I appreciated the contrasts between the two heritage residences. The Former Hotta Residence has an atmosphere with echoes of a sumptuous lifestyle, with huge receiving rooms and a garden that takes advantage of 借景, shakkei, borrowed scenery. Also in the city is a vestige of the castle town, the 武家屋敷, bukeyashiki, samurai residences. Three remain, austere and elegant.There are so many more heritage houses in Chiba Prefecture. Which ones have you visited? Which resonated with you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveEV-living_chiba_chiba_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chiba_abiko_shi_chibaMon, 02 Jun 2025 22:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveEV-living_chiba_chiba_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chiba_abiko_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWEO-foods_productThis treat is a single cookie in 7-11's 7 Cafe line of treats. The cookie is made with Kyoto's famous Uji matcha and white chocolate chips. The cookie is 240 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWEO-foods_productThu, 29 May 2025 16:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWEO-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWER-drink_productIn spring 2025, Asahi Breweries released its first new brand of beer in seven years. The Bitter-ist, a 6% alcohol lager-like beer, is aimed at bitter beer fans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWER-drink_productThu, 29 May 2025 16:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWER-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLelv-living_medicalOne aspect of Japan’s social welfare I appreciate is the social insurance system. My home country, Canada, has a similar system. Like the Great White North, Japan requires all residents to pay into health, pension, and unemployment insurance. In your first year of residency, you don’t pay, as you don’t have a tax record yet. The premiums start in your second year. Company employees are enrolled in 国民健康保険, kokumin kenko hoken, national health insurance. Everyone else must enroll in 社会保険, Shakai Hoken, which covers pension, health, workplace accidents, and unemployment insurance.Mind the doorsKnow your obligationsAs a JET Programme participant in my first year in Japan, I didn’t think about the system, as I was a municipal employee and trusted the government office. Later, I started a contract with a private company, a dispatcher for Assistant Language Teachers. The management pressured me into enrolling in a foreign insurance company, and told me I didn’t have to pay into the Japanese system.I found another employer within a few months and realized I’d been misinformed. That’s a polite way of saying I was tricked into buying an insurance policy I didn’t need. The new company enrolled me in the Japanese system, and I eventually covered the back-payments. That previous company? Some but not all ALT dispatch companies border on ブラク企業 burakku kigyo, unethical and sometimes illegal practices. The General Union busts a lot of the myths spread by unscrupulous employers. Take their quiz to test your knowledge of the insurance system.Freeloader crackdown proposalIn May, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party proposed that newly arrived foreign residents prepay health insurance premiums. The LDP claims this is in response to ただ乗り tadanori, freeloaders. Statistics collected from some municipal governments indicate that 63% of foreign nationals are keeping up with insurance payments. The proposal includes creating two systems, one for Japanese nationals and another for foreigners.More information, pleaseAre Japan’s municipal governments informing foreign residents? Certainly, Tokyo does on TIPS, the Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site. The information is clear and concise. The national health insurance organization, 全国健康保険協会, provides an English language PDF explaining coverage.Has an employer given you wrong information about social insurance obligations? Did you take the General Union's quiz? How did you score?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLelv-living_medicalSat, 24 May 2025 08:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLelv-living_medicalhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO0e-fashion_productAyanokoji, a specialist in "gamaguchi" wallets and purses, produces a unisex long wallet made of #8 canvas and lined with sturdy cotton. The wallet is 23 cm long and comes with a strap.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO0e-fashion_productTue, 20 May 2025 21:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO0e-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY2l2-tech_productAmazon vendor SANDUODD makes an iPad mini 7 case in 10 colours. The thin and light case, with strong magnets, holds the device and a flap to hold an optional Apple Pencil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY2l2-tech_productTue, 20 May 2025 19:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY2l2-tech_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Exv-foods_productSeven Bakery line of bread products added this 138 yen bread roll in April 2025. The roll is stuffed with egg salad and labeled Watashi no Shiroi Koppe tamago sarada.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Exv-foods_productTue, 20 May 2025 17:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Exv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWRj-foods_productThis is a package of four amanatsu citrus briefly available at Belx Supermarket in a Chiba suburb. The growers of this variety use only organic fertilizer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWRj-foods_productTue, 20 May 2025 16:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWRj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dx1-foods_productYamazaki Pan, supplies bread products to Namco-branded vending machines in the Kanto region. This item, priced at 200 yen, is Tappuri Manzoku Sosu menchikatsu sando.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dx1-foods_productTue, 20 May 2025 15:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dx1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8D6-drink_productAsahi Beverage released a retro version of Mitsuya Cider in April 2025. Mitsuya Cider Classic's label has a throwback design and supposedly flavour. It comes in a PET plastic bottle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8D6-drink_productSun, 18 May 2025 17:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8D6-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWZ0-drink_productIn spring 2025, Asahi Breweries released two new brews in the Okinawan Orion brand. This time I tried Nago Shimakaze Pilsner made with rare hops and Okinawan-grown barley.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWZ0-drink_productSun, 18 May 2025 12:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWZ0-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqE2-drink_productIn April 2025, Coca-Cola added two new flavours to their PET bottle drink series. At a convenience store, I purchased Shain Maskatto, a Muscat grape-flavoured drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqE2-drink_productSun, 18 May 2025 08:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWqE2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWNV-foods_productLotte Confectionery's long-selling Ghana brand chocolate bars added a new flavour in April 2025. Ghana Matcha Chocolate is a 45-gram bar of tea-flavoured white chocolate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWNV-foods_productSun, 18 May 2025 08:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWNV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ADR-foods_productIn April 2025, Yuraku Confectionery introduced a premium version of their Black Thunder chocolate treat. Black Thunder Excellent has high-quality cocoa for a premium price.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ADR-foods_productFri, 16 May 2025 15:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ADR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZD7-foods_productDaiichipan, a bakery company supplies bread, rolls, and sweet confections This product, san shurui chizu pan, appears in Namco-branded vending machines in the Kanto area.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZD7-foods_productTue, 13 May 2025 22:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZD7-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROEe-fashion_productAmazon Essentials stocks women's clothing in a range of sizes. This all cotton machine-washable sweater comes in three colours and a range of sizes and price points.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROEe-fashion_productTue, 13 May 2025 16:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROEe-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPEx-fashion_productAmazon vendor Akanua offers this lightweight parasol-umbrella combo. The fabric is UV ray blocking, and it has a one-touch opening and closing mechanism.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPEx-fashion_productSun, 11 May 2025 21:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPEx-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWal-foods_productKoikeya, purveyors of snacks, released two varieties of potato chips in spring 2025. Kogane no Kaniku Yakishio and Umami Kobore Suji Aonori. Each bag is 55 grams.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWal-foods_productThu, 08 May 2025 15:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWal-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mve4d-foods_productStarting in April 2025, Calbee will release Poteto Chipusu Shoyu W Mayo for a limited time. The chips have twice the amount of mayonnaise flavouring as the previous product.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mve4d-foods_productThu, 08 May 2025 15:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mve4d-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2vjJ-foods_productYuraku Confectionery's long-seller Black Thunder usually comes in a small package for under 100 yen. This version, Hitokuchi Saizu, is priced at 100 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2vjJ-foods_productThu, 08 May 2025 14:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2vjJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnW2V-living_shopping_transportationWhen I step out of my house, the last thing I think about is how to dispose of waste on the go. Whether I’m on the way to or from work or お出かけ odekake, going out for the day, I dispose of PET plastic bottles or aluminum cans in the bins at train stations. I stash grubby stuff or packages in a plastic bag in a pocket for disposal when I get home.A vending machine with a bin for containers on a train station platformToday’s report about inbound visitors frustrated by the lack of garbage bins leaves me puzzled. The top concern for tourists, according to the Japan Tourism Agency, is how to dispose of garbage on the go, with over 20% of visitors claiming it’s an inconvenience.I don’t get how this is so inconvenient, but then again, I was influenced by William Gibson’s protagonist in Pattern Recognition. The main character, Cayce, relocates from the US to London and perceives the architecture of life as a “mirror world”, similar but subtly different from the US. I experienced echoes of this “mirror world” in Japan and on trips to the UK. Stuff works, people get along, and the experience is familiar and alien because the origins and technology have different roots but achieve the same ends.This is how I see the “inconvenience” of Japan’s waste disposal. The country’s history, culture, and infrastructure are different, so I’ve been accustomed to consuming and discarding things the Japanese way. It isn’t inconvenient if you know how Japan Inc. operates.Japan’s commercial infrastructure has waste bins at convenience stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres in most urban areas. You simply have to know where to look. Parks and festival vendors provide waste disposal, too. Getting rid of your stuff on the go is just a matter of adjusting to the way Japan’s “mirror world”.Are you like me, at ease finding appropriate waste disposal? Do you need tips on how to get rid of garbage on the go?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnW2V-living_shopping_transportationTue, 06 May 2025 18:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnW2V-living_shopping_transportationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWjq-living_educationWhat are you watching or listening to on YouTube while you putter at home or kill time on the train? In the Q&A, some of us bloggers asked about YouTube channels worth watching, especially about lifestyles in Japan. This got me thinking about some channels I subscribe to. Here’s my roundup of my favourites.Er, listening while cleaning and puttering around the house, image created in CanvaLife Where I’m From, Greg Lam’s view of mostly Japan life, has wholesome content about his Canadian-Japanese family and their explorations of Japan. I like how he gives you a view of the mundane. Some highlights are the video on the realities of cycling in Tokyo, tiny apartments, and middle-class government housing. He answers questions about why Japanese urban life is the way it is. New videos appear about once a month.Unpacking Japan, hosted by Tobias Bieker, is a podcast with a YouTube channel. Toby interviews foreign residents from all walks of life, asking questions that draw out his guests to provide insights into many industries. His interview with Chinyere about cybersecurity and personal finance is an eye-opener. New videos are posted a few times a month.Life in Japan’s videos, usually under 20 minutes, reveals the lifestyle of an American family of six (six!). The family hit the 10-year mark in 2024, and many videos chronicle their children’s experience of the Japanese school system.Where are you, City-Cost? The Japan Experience hasn’t posted a video yet in 2025, but go back for a look at 140 or so honest and insightful videos on their channel.Which YouTube channels reflect your experience of Japan? Have you got some reccos?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWjq-living_educationTue, 06 May 2025 15:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWjq-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6A4R-foods_productPasco supplies bread and confectionery vending machines. I got this Tapuri tsuna mayonezu snack for 160 yen from a Namco vending machine. The label recommends heating.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6A4R-foods_productTue, 06 May 2025 10:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6A4R-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4oX-hobby_home_productDaiso 100 yen stores stock a wide variety of kitchen cleaning items. This 100 yen kitchen sponge in the shape of a cactus is made from cellulose, a natural fibre.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4oX-hobby_home_productTue, 06 May 2025 10:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4oX-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY212-livingAbout 20 years ago, my work routine at a high school was brutal. I would wake up at 5:00 a.m., commute over an hour into Tokyo from the Chiba burbs, arrive at the door just as the custodians unlock the doors at 7 a.m., prep for and teach four to five lessons a day, stay until 5 or 6 p.m., and take a load of marking and more prep on the train ride home.The school’s expectations were high, but so was my motivation and job satisfaction. The remuneration was adequate, and I was learning a lot, mentored by some Japanese and non-Japanese veteran teachers. Was work-life balance okay? Nope. But I had the stamina and was enjoying the experience.Image generated with CanvaAccording to a recent Fortune report, workers in Japan are turning their backs on going the extra mile. About 45% of workers are engaging in 静かな退職 shizukana taishoku, as one author has translated the English term. So, how’s the competition doing? A few years ago, Gallup revealed that about 50% of American workers do the bare minimum.I’m not a fan of the term “quiet quitting”. It implies that the workers are to blame for low stimulation and motivation to do more.Have you heard some other expressions about work and motivation in Japan? Have you observed Japanese workers “quiet quitting”?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY212-livingMon, 05 May 2025 14:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY212-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZKv-living_chibaDo you volunteer in your community? I’m one of the volunteer cultural ambassadors for Chiba Prefecture, where I live. This month, the prefectural office asks us to share a youth project, NPO Origami, with our friends, colleagues, and communities. It’s a simple but powerful idea: write a message on a paper airplane.Share words with the world - image created in CanvaThe NPO, Origami, was hatched and nurtured by students and graduates of Chiba University, and has connected hundreds of student volunteers from universities across Japan. They’ve been involved in reviving defunct matsuri, supporting tourism for people with disabilities, and launching a suicide prevention program called Ikitech. The NPO aims to support young people in making connections and finding meaning in their lives.Until June 30th, Origami’s Paper Airplane Project accepts submissions from anywhere in the world. The organizers ask participants to write their values, song lyrics, or quotations on a paper airplane, and then submit a video or photos. There's a chance the videos will be displayed at Expo 2025 in Osaka.I'm consulting with the high school I teach at to see if our English club members can participate!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZKv-living_chibaSun, 04 May 2025 14:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZKv-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROPK-foodWhen I was a kid growing up in Canada asked about my favourite home-cooked meals, I told people it was my mother’s 酢の物 sunomono. My mom, who’s not ethnically Japanese, had learned it from a 懐石料理 kaisekiryori night school course. She adapted it with the guidance of the Japanese teacher, dressing wafer-thin slices of cucumber with a light and tangy dressing, flakes of salmon, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. It hit the spot with tangy and umami flavours, crunchy and smooth textures. In the 1980s, sushi had yet to take off, and ramen shops were unheard of in my country.Ryokan traditional food ways may be a surprise for visitorsFlash forward to 2025, and my hometown of Vancouver has a huge Japanese cuisine scene with izakaya, gyoza and ramen shops, and sushi bars. Japanese eateries now outnumber the city’s Chinese restaurants. Michelin mentions a dozen of the best.But what do we eat at home or when we’re feeling fancy in Japan? Sora News reported in late April that foreign visitors’ anticipation of Japanese food is colliding with ryokan meals. I’ve enjoyed traditional ryokan meals dozens of times, sometimes seafood-oriented and even vegetarian, at temple stays on Mt. Koya. Often, the meals feature local ingredients and dishes. The ryokan dining experience is an education in Japanese food culture.The only thing that makes me hesitate sometimes before I book a ryokan meal is the volume. At an Aizu Wakamatsu traditional cuisine inn, I couldn’t finish the meal, and it pained me. I didn't need to ask for a doggie bag because the chefs packed my leftovers for a bento lunch on the way home. That’s one of the best omotenashi ryokan experiences.However, inbound visitors leave a lot of food on the table because their experiences of "Japanese food" back home doesn’t match what they receive at ryokan. Kyoto ryokans are scaling back their kitchens in response since their businesses increasingly depend on guests from abroad.Do you like ryokan dining? What appeals to you or turns you off?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROPK-foodSat, 03 May 2025 17:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROPK-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWLY-educationI was a member of an Aikido school in my first year in Japan, I was surprised to be nominated for the 六級 rokkyu, 6th level test, within the first six months. It was a big boost to be celebrated when I passed. Japan loves its tests and has many to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a knowledge area or skill. Later, I managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at the N2 level. My coworkers congratulated me, and I felt more confident in reading and listening comprehension.Results from my 2025 high school English club surveyFor English learners, the EIKEN is a biggie. It’s widely used to demonstrate English skills, performed three times a year, with two rounds. The first is a paper test assessing grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening. The second round is an interview. This year, the EIKEN test regime has a new level, Grade Pre-2 Plus. It’s an intermediary level between Grade Pre-2 and Grade 2.Why’d they make one more test? The test authority says that many English learners find the step from Pre-2 to 2 is huge. EIKEN Foundation’s data says that each increment took about a year of study, but the gap from Pre-2 to 2 took one more year. The baby-step approach is supposed to give learners a bridge between the levels.Are your children or students taking this new test? How do they feel about this bridging step?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWLY-educationThu, 01 May 2025 19:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWLY-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dPQ-foods_product7-11's okazu, deli items include this small serving labeled in English as Chinese yam, bonito flakes, wasabi & soy sauce. The item is priced at 258 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dPQ-foods_productThu, 01 May 2025 16:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dPQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPal-drink_productIn October 2024, Kirin Beverage launched this functional drink IMUSE GREEN. It's a flat fruit-flavoured drink containing Kirin's own strain of lactic acid bacteria.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPal-drink_productThu, 01 May 2025 16:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPal-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeRZ-foods_productTakaki Bakery based in the Kansai region is known for its sweet confections and stone oven-baked bread. This package of four French bread loaves suitable for "Casse-croûte", light meals.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeRZ-foods_productThu, 01 May 2025 15:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeRZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E64-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaBack in 2023, we wrote spot reports in spring and autumn highlighting seasonal beauty. The spring spot reports asked us to share cherry blossom locations and statuses. Cherry blossoms are an awesome sight, of course, but the blossom period is fleeting. So, here’s a spot report about a profusion of spring blossoms in Noda City.A few weeks ago, the cherry blossoms were stunning. They didn’t last long, and by April 9th, a lot of the trees were already starting to get leafy. But the end of the early-blooming cherries became a backdrop to ハナミズキ hanamizuki, dogwood, lining many streets in Noda City. The dogwoods, imported from the eastern U.S. They resemble the Pacific Dogwood trees from Canada’s west coast, where I’m from. The flowers of Cornus florida vary from vibrant to pale pink, faintly yellow to white. They bloom right after the cherry trees.On April 20th, I sped around the neighbourhood on my bicycle and had a gander at Shimizu Park’s flowers. Today, ボタン peonies, are in full flower in front of Konjoin Temple.From April 19th to May 6th, Shimizu Park celebrates azaleas. There are hundreds of varieties in bloom in the azalea groves.On the western edge of the park, some late-blooming double cherry trees are still going strong.In your region, are cherry trees still blooming? How about dogwoods, azaleas, and peonies?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E64-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSun, 20 Apr 2025 18:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E64-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gXk-drink_productIchiban Shibori White Beer, a wheat malt-based beer from Kirin Ichiban, was released in April 2025. The beer is 5% alcohol. It's available in supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gXk-drink_productSat, 19 Apr 2025 20:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gXk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWAj-living_chibaOn a visit to Ushiku Daibutsu, the petting zoo at the foot of the huge statue had a very excited piglet. It gobbled up carrots, and its little tail whirled. It was the cutest. But it wasn't a domestic pig. It was イノシシ inoshishi, a wild boar. The little thing had distinctive dark and light stripes on its back, a pattern called ウリボウ uribou, melon. The piglets gradually darken when they're three months old. The inoshishi give birth to four or five piglets in April and May.I'm wary on bike rides in the Kanto region for rustling in the undergrowth, but I'm not too scared of wild boar. In Chiba Prefecture, they almost disappeared in the 1970s. But the population rebounded. They live just about anywhere with fields, woods, and marginal land. Lately, the Noda City Facebook page has reported almost weekly inoshishi sightings. And, as you might expect, the city is capturing them. They're a threat to agriculture as they'll ravage vegetable patches.Quite the opposite, meeting one is more excitement than you need (Shiroyama Park, Tateyama City)On bike rides to the Tone River, I've spotted all kinds of wildlife - hawks, pheasants, and tanuki. So far, I haven't tangled with an inoshishi at close range. They'll avoid people for the most part, but they are dangerous when they're excited. Chiba Prefecture has a safety leaflet for kids with furigana. The important points:back away slowlystay quiet (noises and shouting will startle them)don't throw anything at themif charged, crouch down and protect your vitals, as their tusks can gore youHave you spotted a wild boar?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWAj-living_chibaSat, 19 Apr 2025 10:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWAj-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmjY-foods_productTo celebrate the Osaka-Kansai Expo, 7-11 convenience stores produce a series of food items from around the world. The second series includes a Hawaiian-inspired pork, egg, and tuna mayo onigiri.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmjY-foods_productSat, 19 Apr 2025 09:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmjY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnX4-living_chibaIs spring happening where you are? And what phenomena mark the season where you are in Japan? For me, the first clue after 春一番 haru ichiban, the first wind of spring, is bug song.A kamikirimushi, 髪切虫 on my veranda - bush crickets are harder to capture in photosThis evening when I took a breather on my apartment’s veranda after dark, I was surprised by an early spring serenade, the whirring of bug song. Along with the cherry blossoms, the waking of the insects is a sign that spring is truly here. I hear three distinct varieties, some low, and some high, emanating from the brush along the canal near my house.The bugs started up in cherry blossom season, but quieted down during the rain. They’ve woken up in earnest this evening. These are Euconocephalus thunbergi, a kind of bush cricket called クビキリキズ kubikirikizu in Japanese. They whirr in the grass near the canal around my house. These folks are elusive - it’s hard to catch a glimpse unless they’re attracted to lights, but you can hear them buzzing away from April to May.Last summer, I shared with you my insights into bug identification with a post, What is that bug?!Are you seeing and hearing insects near you? Too early in some parts of Japan? Tell us about them!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnX4-living_chibaThu, 17 Apr 2025 20:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnX4-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWlR-living_saitama_shi_saitamaOn an errand to Saitama City's Urawa Ward, I transited through Urawa Station. At the civic square on the east exit of the station, I noticed banners celebrating さくら草まつり, Sakurasou Matsuri. It's a two-day display, April 12th and 13th, of delicate flowers. These are Japanese primrose, primula sieboldii, tiny blossoms that look like sakura. On the plaza, there were hundreds of specimens in little pots. There are horticulturalists selling the flowers and giving cultivation advice, too.So what's the big deal with these tiny, delicate flowers? They're Saitama City's symbolic flower. And they're threatened by development. The city protects Tajimagahara Primrose Grove, a national natural monument.If you happen to pass through Urawa Station on Sunday, take some time to see these pretty flowers.And a bonus, some 山草 sansou, mountain flowers at an adjacent display.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWlR-living_saitama_shi_saitamaSat, 12 Apr 2025 19:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWlR-living_saitama_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnD-shopping_moneyBack in May 2009, in response to soaring prices due to the rising costs of commodities, Japan implemented a cash handout. It was referred to as 定額給付金, teigakukyufukin, a flash benefit for any registered resident in Japan. Youth under 18 and elders over 65 were eligible for 20,000 yen. Anybody else got 12,000 yen. I didn’t just tuck it away, as I understood it was to be spent. I bought gardening supplies and grew a whole lot of pumpkins, cucumbers, and tomatoes that I shared with the neighbours. Thanks, Prime Minister Aso. The benefit had a marginal impact on consumption, but tourism-related companies got a boost.The 12,000 yen cash handout yielded a kabocha bonanzaIn response to the pandemic, the government provided a 100,000 yen benefit to all residents of Japan, including foreign residents. I put it away because three states of emergency grounded me. I spent a lot of time at home cooking as the school I was at moved to teaching online for months at a stretch. See my posts titled TtoE for cooking, and Plague Diary posts for the lost years.In the face of economic turmoil thanks to that Florida guy, Japan’s government is debating some kind of stimulus or consumption tax break. One proposal in the article suggests a one-time benefit of 30,000 to 50,000 yen, and another is a break of consumption tax.How far will 30,000 yen per person in your household go? If the government reduces consumption tax, would it be a break for you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnD-shopping_moneyThu, 10 Apr 2025 20:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnD-shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO7p-hobby_home_productIn the Daiso crafting and sewing section, look out for fabric-covered button kits. This package includes the pressing tool and 8 sets of aluminum buttons and backings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO7p-hobby_home_productWed, 09 Apr 2025 13:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRO7p-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWOX-foods_product7-11 convenience stores' cup deli, small servings suitable as side dishes or snacks, inclues Kanikama mentai mayo sarada, a salad of crab meat and mentaiko fish roe.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWOX-foods_productSun, 06 Apr 2025 21:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnWOX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWd6-foods_product7-11 convenience stores' selection of deli side dishes includes this potato salad with basil and a sprig of broccoli. The side dish is 258 yen before tax.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWd6-foods_productSun, 06 Apr 2025 21:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWd6-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnW-drink_productYuzu Double is a shochu highball in Suntory's Ichikyuroku (-196) lineup released in March 2025. The 7% alcohol chuhai is sugar-free and widely available in supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnW-drink_productSun, 06 Apr 2025 15:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AnW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4g1-fashion_productHapi Labo's casual and formal shoes for women are available exclusively at Besia stores. These Mary-Jane style shoes come in a variety of sizes for under 3000 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4g1-fashion_productSun, 06 Apr 2025 14:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX4g1-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmqdg-drink_productIn April 2025, Suntory Beverage released THE PEEL, a lemon ready-to-drink shochu highball. The drink is made with four types of lemon peel and is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmqdg-drink_productSun, 06 Apr 2025 14:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmqdg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZpY-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThe weather in the Kanto region cooperated with お花見, ohanami season, in the last two days, but it looks like tomorrow will be rainy. Falling blossoms and drizzle are forecast for Sunday, April 6th. Ah, well. It looks like today was the best chance to see the blossoms in fair weather.Right down the road from me is one of Japan’s top 100 hanami spots, Shimizu Park. It never disappoints! Even in overcast conditions, the park puts on a spectacular show of blossoms.Today, the park was crowded and road traffic was heavy. But I managed to catch this view of the sloping road on the north side of the park.The road that separates the two parksThe park is a jewel box of colours in many seasons with plums in early spring, cherry blossoms in March and April, azaleas in April and May, and glorious coloured leaves in November and December. Visitors flock to the park and it can get crowded. But it has a neighbouring secret hanami location. Across the road on the north side of Shimizu Park is…another park! Noda Municipal Park also has beautiful landscapes, lawns, and seasonal colour.Sakura with yukiyanagi at their feetToday, there were just a few families under the cherry trees at the municipal park. After you’ve enjoyed the atmospheric Shimizu Park, cross the road and amble along the paths.Still more blooms to come above forsythia plantingsFellow Kanto residents, do you recommend an undiscovered, uncrowded hanami spot?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZpY-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSat, 05 Apr 2025 17:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ZpY-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0RN-food_shoppingHow’s your grocery budgeting going this month? The Japan Times reports that for the fourth straight month, we’ve seen price rises on food and drink. Ouch. In anticipation of the April 1st price hikes, I stocked up on items that keep.However, prices for seasonal produce is reasonable after a spendy few months with winter and early spring veggies costing a lot more. But this week, the supermarkets are stocked with bargains - bunches of carrots and komatsuna and whole daikon, each about 100 yen.青首大根, aokubi daikon blue necked radish, in season until around MarchSo, what to do with a huge daikon? Still reconsidering recipes to cope with inflation, I riffed on some recipes that I found online using ingredients I have on hand. My easy-to-prepare and economical variation is daikon salad with green peppers and tinned mackerel. It took 10 minutes to make.Half a daikon juliennedA green pepper sliced thinly and roughly choppedA tin of mackerelThe dressing, too, is made from pantry staples.1 tablespoon of soy sauce1 tablespoon of rice vinegarA teaspoon of honeyA sprinkle of sesame seedsA half teaspoon of sesame oilI cut back on the sesame oil just for flavour. Most recipes call for more, but mackerel is oily enough. The dish was great on rice. Some recipes call this style のっけごはん nokkegohan, a one-dish meal of something over rice.How do you prepare daikon?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0RN-food_shoppingSat, 05 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0RN-food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWd9-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chibaJapan’s cherry trees have profuse blooms in spring, sure. They’re showy and a lovely way to welcome the season. But a cherry tree is not just a cherry tree. They come in myriad varieties laden with symbolism.Up the road from my house in a suburban Chiba Prefecture, Noda City, is a mixed agricultural and light industry area. At the edge of one farm field is a cherry tree that produces gorgeous blooms each year. I’m a plum blossom fan, but this one cherry tree captivates me every year and I must have a look when I get a chance on fair weather days. In the Kanto region, we’ve had inclement weather, rainy and cold for the last few days, but today, I had a chance to see this beauty.Japan has a bewildering variety of cherry specimens, with single, double, and weeping varieties. My neighbourhood cherry tree, at the edge of a farm field, is exemplary. It’s 紅白 kouhaku, both light and dark, and has blooms that droop on long branches. The blooms are single and double, and contrast with the dark branches.Do you have a beloved cherry tree near you? What makes it exceptional?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWd9-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThu, 03 Apr 2025 19:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWd9-living_education_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dX2-foods_productTo celebrate the Osaka-Kansai Expo, 7-11 convenience stores produce a series of food items from around the world. At a Kanto region 7-11, in recognition of China, is a kanitama onigiri.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dX2-foods_productThu, 03 Apr 2025 15:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3dX2-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxedP-living_chibaA recent post by a newcomer, TheMuggleWriter1997, really got me thinking about personal and professional growth. And it made me look back on my experiences here. Has Japan made me grow?When I asked a 先輩 sempai, a European who arrived in his early 20s, if I could interview him about how Japan shaped his experience, he offered a thoughtful and thought-provoking answer. He said that he simply grew into adult life, as he would have in his native country. He found his groove as he built family ties, worked with community organizations and government, and established his own business. All admirable achievements. But was he discounting the impact of Japan on his trajectory?His answer made me think back on my own history pre-Japan. When I was a kid, my parents enrolled me in a workshop with a newspaper cartoonist and we got featured in the news. Here in Japan, I’ve periodically appeared in the media. Later, I worked in the tourism industry and the field of English language education in Canada. Here in Japan, I carry on, participating in municipal and prefectural community organizations related to tourism and language education. My interaction with the community here is much like I would have experienced back home.The one aspect of my experience here that is different from my home country is working with other foreign nationals. You might think, wait! Canada’s constitution enshrines multiculturalism. This is true, so Canadians participate in many different cultures and languages in daily life. However, most of my coworkers, friends, and neighbours were Canadians, either born in the country or immigrants.I've adopted some practices of my colleagues, Japanese friends, and neighbours, but I see these habits as performative. Maybe I underestimate how much picking up customs and traditions can change how the newcomer thinks...Did your trajectory in Japan present growth experiences you could not have had in your home country? Are there career or personal growth experiences that you could only have here in Japan?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxedP-living_chibaWed, 02 Apr 2025 10:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxedP-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWjP-drink_productAsahi Brewery's draft beer, Maruefu, gets a new recipe in 2025. The beer ramps up from 4.5 to 5% alcohol. The malt beer has additional rice and corn in the recipe.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWjP-drink_productMon, 31 Mar 2025 21:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWjP-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVdX-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaIn the Kanto region, we've had wild temperature swings. On Sunday, I took advantage of the intermitent sunshine to visit Shimizu Park in Noda City. As predicted, many varieties of cherry buds have opened.Every year, Konjoin, the temple at the heart of the park displays specimens in front of the temple steps. This time, rather than just potted plants, the gardeners arranged cherry branches full of blooms accompanied by キブシ kibushi. The native kibushi produces flowers before leaves just like the cherry blossoms. The small, round flowers hang on long fronds that sway in the breeze.Also in the garden is what I think is アセビ asebi, which is known as andromeda in English. Their blooming period coincides with cherry blossoms, too. Watch out as the flowers and leaves of this plant are toxic to humans and pets.I caught the last of the モクレン mokuren, often called the Mulan magnolia. They're originally from China but found widely in Japan. They're grown all over the world, so you may know them from your home country. These flowers put on a show just before the cherry trees.On the shady north side of the park, a few delicate white cherry trees are blooming,and out by the car park on the west side is a row of vibrant pink ones.The weather forecast for the Kanto region says we'll get rain...But that shouldn't put you off cherry blossom viewing.Happy hanami!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVdX-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaMon, 31 Mar 2025 17:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVdX-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmvO-living_chibaI'm not a fan of monkeys since that time a little hairy hand stole my fishbait from between my feet. Or that other time on a car trip when a monkey bared its teeth at me after jumping into the passenger seat when my companions and I mistakenly left the car door open.But over time, I've slowly warmed up to ニホンザル nihonzaru, the Japanese macaque. They're cute, clever, and appear in a traditional entertainment called 猿まわし sarumawashi, monkey shows. I caught a human-nihonzaru duo at the local shopping centre today.So, how did monkey shows become a thing? Before they became street performances, they had magical powers. It was believed that monkeys could ward off pestilence, especially in horse and cattle stables. Monkey trainers would bring the monkeys to dance in front of the livestock as talismans against disease. Edo era prosperity brought them into the streets.If you meet a nihonzaru in the wild, give them lots of space, don't stare at them as it's a threat display, and if they have a go at you, don't turn your back on them. And keep your belongings close as they'll nick what they want.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmvO-living_chibaSun, 30 Mar 2025 15:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmvO-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VkJ-drink_productMitsubishi Foods collaborates with the candy brand Kamukamu for a novelty shochu highball drink. The drink flavour is the novelty. It's Nan no Aji? What flavour?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VkJ-drink_productSat, 29 Mar 2025 18:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VkJ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8XN-foods_productFrom February 2025, for a limited time, Calbee Confectionery's Poteto Chipusu Miso Panchi is available in convenience stores and supermarkets. The chips come in a 58 gram bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8XN-foods_productSat, 29 Mar 2025 18:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA8XN-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnvy-living_food_shopping_moneyMy yen buying power fading away by increments... image created in CanvaEarlier this month, Genkidesu brought to our attention the changing priorities of participants in hometown tax gifts. To help support local economies, residents who have relocated to larger centers can make a donation to their hometown. This ふるさと納税 furusato nozei reap gifts in return, with essentials becoming more popular than specialty goods.Well, have a look at furusato nozei again, as foreign residents can participate, too. And you might consider the essentials over the jazzy stuff, as prices are about to rise again in April 2025. You can read details about the price rises on NHK.At the neighbourhood supermarket, signs indicating 値上げ neage, price increases, on beer and spirits. In addition, major paper manufacturers are going to raise their prices for toilet paper by 10% or more.You're going to have to wring some more yen out of your wallet for fuel, too. Gas and electric prices will rise with the end of the government 補助, hojo, subsidies.You'll see I sprinkled this blog post with a few Japanese words. The changes in economics here are spurring me to read more Japanese language news, and in turn, I'm learning more vocabulary and kanji. Nothing like economic woes to stimulate language learning!Are the April 2025 price rises going to change the way you shop or use gas or electricity?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnvy-living_food_shopping_moneySat, 29 Mar 2025 16:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnvy-living_food_shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye73-foods_product7&i's own brand, Seven Premium, has many reasonably-priced snacks available at their group's supermarket and 7-11 convenience stores. This item is sour cream and onion flavoured potato chips.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye73-foods_productMon, 24 Mar 2025 17:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye73-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWy9-educationMy home country, Canada, enshrines bilingualism in its constitution. English and French have equal status and all federal government services are provided in both languages, and products, especially food, are labeled in both. Thanks to a rigorous education system, even though I’m removed from that context by 25 years, I can still comprehend texts and audio in French. Spoken? If pressed, I can manage basic communication in my other official language.The Tobu train system's signage displays four languagesThis issue came to mind recently when the New York Times reported on Trump’s executive order to make English the official language of the United States.My other passport country, the UK, doesn’t have an official language policy. About a half million people speak Welsh, another 1.5 million speak Scots (a dialect of which my family speaks), and then there are Irish, Cornish, and other languages and dialects. Note that the progenitor of the English we use today came into wide use after Henry IV became king in 1399. To get a sense of the sound system of 1300s English, check out Medievalist Dorsey Armstrong. The London version of English won and became the foundation of English we use today.So here in Japan you are immersed in 標準語, hyojungo, the standard version of Japanese. This language was initially based on Kansai dialect but shifted to the Kanto dialect when Edo became the capital of Japan. Even though the Edo version prevailed, you’ll still meet other versions. In my region of Chiba Prefecture, I encounter (and sometimes use!) sprinklings of dialect words and phrases. In the northern Chiba, some people still use the variant opesu for 押す osu, push. On either side of the Tone River in Ibaraki and northern Chiba, some people, when they’re hot, say kowai, which sounds like 怖い scary.Yet you’re also exposed to signage, promotional stuff, and product labels which are peppered with English and other languages. It turns out that Japan is one of the countries in the world that doesn’t have an official language. You’ll see many languages on train station signage, restaurant menus, and descriptions of services. I'm often surprised by imported food packages in other languages with Japanese labels stuck on the back. There is no language law like my home country, Canada, which has strict requirements for prominent official language labeling on products.Will Japan resist and continue without an official language policy?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWy9-educationMon, 24 Mar 2025 12:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWy9-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gbZ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaThis Sunday, I got out for a bike ride in my northern Chiba Prefecture city. The weather is balmy - about 21 degrees celsius and a light breeze. I got lots of chores done and observed that the cherry trees are full of buds. But I noticed the skies are not bright blue like they were a week or two ago. It’s a little dingy overhead. This is due to 黄砂 kousa, the yellow sand blown in from China’s deserts.No, China hasn’t got it in for us. It’s a natural phenomenon. Depending on the local conditions - the amount of vegetation, snow, and rainfall, the amount of fine sand that doesn’t succumb to gravity and drifts over Japan can vary widely. The Japan Meteorological Agency says that this powdery sand can reach the Pacific coast of North America.Back in March 2014, I observed a choking cloud of brownish yellow sand drifting over my city in northern Chiba prefecture. It can be pretty dramatic and reduces visibility.In the next three days, Japan Meteorological Agency predicts a high concentration of sand will drift over the Korean Peninsula to Honshu and Shikoku. You can see an animation of the predicted dust cloud on the JMA website. Want more info? The Ministry of the Environment has a Dust and Sandstorm Monitoring System with real-time and local info.The dust can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. A lot of sources recommend staying indoors, using air purifiers. If you must go out, wear a mask and when you come home, change your clothes. I won’t put my futons and laundry out for a few days.Are you in the path of kousa? What are your tips for this gritty spring phenomenon?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gbZ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaSun, 23 Mar 2025 16:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gbZ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqbB-foods_productFamilyMart's own product line, Famimaru, has a few varieties of this corn-based snack, Aerial. Zeitaku Butter Flavor comes in a 63 gram bag. It's priced at about 140 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqbB-foods_productSun, 23 Mar 2025 13:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqbB-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmq0g-drink_productIn March 2025, Sapporo Breweries released Sapporo Extra Move in their Black Label line of beers. The beer has 5.5% alcohol content and is brewed with aged malt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmq0g-drink_productThu, 20 Mar 2025 20:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmq0g-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z4Y-drink_productRoyal Swinkel's, a brewer with centuries of history based in the Netherlands, produced KANPAi! Pilsner for FamilyMart. This beer is an exclusive to the convenience store chain.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z4Y-drink_productThu, 20 Mar 2025 20:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z4Y-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVJE-foods_productFarmer Hiromitsu Kato grows this green vegetable, nabana, on his 20-hectare farm in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. The bunch of greens comes wrapped in paper with hinamatsuri figures.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVJE-foods_productMon, 17 Mar 2025 20:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlVJE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWKx-foods_productCalbee Confectionery's long-seller Consome Punch potato chips got a revamp in February 2025. The bold label reads Potato Chips Consome Punch 350% in a 52 g bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWKx-foods_productMon, 17 Mar 2025 19:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWKx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV2k4-foods_productKameida Seika released Kaki no Tane Umashio in March 2025. The 150 gram bag contains six small packets. The new flavor uses garlic and green onions for seasoning and turns down the heat.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV2k4-foods_productMon, 17 Mar 2025 15:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zV2k4-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWOO-living_educationWhen it comes to directing English language learners to easily comprehensible media, where do you point them? One source I suggest to my students intending to study in the U.S. is the Voice of America. More specifically, I recommended VOA Learning English. The website has easy-to-understand English lessons, comprehensible if slightly corny video lessons, and shorts that demonstrate the meanings of idioms commonly used in American English.English language education is Code Orange - image from CanvaThe American soft power, and arguably propaganda machine, took a huge hit on Saturday when VOA employees were put on administrative leave. The outlet provided news in dozens of languages besides English and in addition American-oriented English language education content.So, are there any other state broadcast sources that provide English language content for learners? There are. For British content and English learning, BBC Learning English is an invaluable resource. Australia Broadcasting Corporation, provides ABC Education with many resources for learning general English and Australia-specific content. Ever wondered how to pronounce place names in Oz? They have you covered. CBC, Canada’s national broadcaster, retired Learning English with CBC in 2021 and introduced Maruil, a digital project to support English and French language learning. However, it’s region-locked so you can only recommend it to your friends and relations in Canada.Are there any other state media you can recommend for English learners? Which commercial English learning news websites do you recommend?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWOO-living_educationSun, 16 Mar 2025 17:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWOO-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M939v-drink_productIn Sapporo Breweries' Creative Brew series of beers, Kaorimitsu is the 7th. This limited production beer is made with foreign sourced hops. The beer is available from mid March 2025.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M939v-drink_productSat, 15 Mar 2025 20:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M939v-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5A7X-foods_product7-11's own brand of snacks includes Kaisen Shio Senbei. They're flavored with a seafood broth flavor, ofscallops, shrimp, bonito, and clams, and soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5A7X-foods_productSat, 15 Mar 2025 18:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5A7X-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQj93-foods_productKokeiya Confectionery's Pure Potato Hokkaido Brand Potato Snow March Cheese Fondue features Snow March branded potatoes with with cheese flavoring. It's a limited-time product.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQj93-foods_productSat, 15 Mar 2025 17:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQj93-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWvn-foods_product7-11 convenience stores adds a small serving of steamed chicken and cabbage dressed with green onions and rayu, a spicy condiment. One serving is 215 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWvn-foods_productSat, 15 Mar 2025 10:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWvn-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AQn-living_educationReaders of and contributors to City Cost are English users, right? Likely many readers are current or former English teachers in a variety of contexts in Japan. So we all use English. But what do we mean by “English”?Recently, the British Council, which has a presence in Tokyo, explores the Future of English, examining the needs of English teachers, learners, and users around the world.For the project, David Crystal, a British linguist, gave a talk with PhD students on a broad range of his experiences and insights about the variation of English. Crystal talks about the perception of perceived standards versus accents that are tied to identity. There is no one monolithic “English”, yet English textbooks produced in Japan nearly universally present General American English.Like many foreign residents in Japan working in English education contexts, I’ve had some startling experiences when it comes to perceptions of “standard English”. Many years ago, a school asked me to record audio for a listening exam, and my variety of English was rejected. While I produce mostly General American English sounds, a few words I produce are “tells” that reveal that I was raised in Canada. Unconsciously, I produce what’s frequently called Canadian raising, a vowel quality which is higher than many North American speakers.But my experience of English language teaching outside Japan indicates that my variety of English doesn't make a singificant for English learners, including Japanese students of English. A casual experiment in a Canadian ESL school with a number of teachers raised in Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, revealed that our students - Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and other language speakers - noticed the difference in accents. However, they couldn’t identify what made them different. And when it came down to it, they acquired comprehensible English with their lovely variety of accents.Has your variety of English been questioned by colleagues in the Japanese English education context?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AQn-living_educationFri, 14 Mar 2025 21:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AQn-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmVD-drink_productSuntory's -196 process is used in their series of shochu highball drinks. For a limited time in February and March 2025, the sugar-free version of the chuhai features kiwi and grapefruit juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmVD-drink_productSun, 09 Mar 2025 17:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBmVD-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3d7P-foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of small sides, Cup Deli, varies by region and season. Found at a Kanto region 7-11 at a Chiba 7-11 is mackerel with grated radish, mushrooms, and ponzu sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3d7P-foods_productSun, 02 Mar 2025 21:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3d7P-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNP0Z-foods_productIn 2025, 7-11 convenience stores feature Korean-inspired dishes in a tie-up with the Korea Tourism Organization. This bowl is dak-hanmari, a Korean variety of chicken broth udon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNP0Z-foods_productSun, 02 Mar 2025 17:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNP0Z-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe52-food_saitama_chibaIn spring, you can see great swathes of yellow blossoms on the banks of the Edo River that separates Saitama and Chiba Prefectures. The cheery yellow flowers are 菜の花, nanohana, a wild and cultivated cousin of the cabbage family.Speaking of cabbages, the price has tripled compared to last year. This is due to poor harvests and they go for about 300-400 yen a head. Ouch. Also in the produce section in spring is nanohana. I picked up a bunch with for a mere 50 yen. With buds and flowers, too.Why buy a green that grows wild? Well, the wild nanohana on the riverbanks attracts a lot of dogwalkers. And I don't want to look suspicious with my cooking shears...To prepare it, I cut it into 2.5 cm chunks, blanched for a few minutes in boiling water. I dressed it simply with a splash each of ponzu, shoyu, and drizzled some sesame oil. It's both nutritious and appealing for its colour and texture.Have you tried nanohana in your cooking? How do you prefer to eat it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe52-food_saitama_chibaSun, 02 Mar 2025 11:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe52-food_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqj0-foods_productFujiya Confectionery's LOOK premium brand of chocolate sweets offers a combination of strawberry and white peach just in time for Valentines and White Day.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqj0-foods_productSat, 01 Mar 2025 17:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqj0-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWaY-foods_productFuruta Confectionery based in Osaka produces various kinds of chocolate treats.This 18 gram bar of white chocolate, like Furuta's milk chocolate version, has a boost of more almonds.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWaY-foods_productSat, 01 Mar 2025 16:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWaY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4ag-foodBack in 2020, I told you about eating your Japanese greens. At supermarket and produce stands, you'll see a variety of Asian vegetables such as hakusai, komatsuna, and taasai. I've even tried hyper-seasonal greens such as shukurai and zenmai (fiddleheads) at this time of year.It's late February and I'm taking advantage of a humble and ubiquitous green, spinach. In late February, the nearby supermarket here in northern Chiba Prefecture has reasonably-priced bags of this leafy vegetable. In heavy rotation in my kitchen is tomato-based pasta sauce, so in it went. The dish is simple, making the most of veggies in the fridge. To make the pasta sauce, chopped carrots and onions, sliced some shiitake mushrooms, and crushed some garlic. I fried it until glistening in a little vegetable oil before adding a can of whole tomatoes. For flavoring, I used oregano, parsley, cumin, a dash each of soy sauce and ponzu, and salt and pepper. After the sauce stewed on low heat, I heated the spinach until wilted. It went well over spaghetti.It's also accidentally vegetarian. A variation in my kitchen is the addition of dry sausage like this one. I grill it in the toaster oven before adding it to the simmering sauce.How do you like your spinach? Do you add Japanese flavors to your pasta sauces?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4ag-foodWed, 26 Feb 2025 15:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4ag-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWa2-foodGreen veggie prices are soaring at my neighborhood supermarket, but there are some cheap and delicious items. I picked up a bundle of ニンニクの芽 ninnikunome. These are garlic sprouts, shoots that grow from the top of a garlic bulb. At first I didn't know what I was looking at as garlic sprouts in North America are curly while the Japanese version are straight. A bundle of three priced at 70 yen is sufficient for a stir fry side dish with eggs.There are various recipes for this simple dish and though it is a two-step process, it's quick to prepare.In a fry pan with a dollop of vegetable oil, scramble two eggs on high heat and set aside. Cut the garlic sprouts into 2.5 cm lengths and stir fry them with grated ginger. Fry them until they start to glisten and brown. Add a tablespoon each of soy sauce and oyster sauce and return the scrambled eggs to the pan.Yes, the garlic is pungent. The dish also has two great textures with the fluffy eggs and tender and slightly crunchy garlic sprouts. I added the dish as a side in my bento box.Do you cook garlic sprouts? How do you prepare them?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWa2-foodMon, 24 Feb 2025 09:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJWa2-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0WK-living_saitama_iwatsuki_ku_saitama_shi_saitamaI live in northern Chiba Prefecture, wedged between Saitama and Ibaraki Prefectures. Most of my adventures take me to Chiba locations, but this time, I ventured into Saitama for Hinamatsuri. Hinamatsuri is a Shinto festival celebrated on March 3rd. It's marked by displays of ornamental dolls called 雛人形 hinaningyo. In late February, Iwatsuki Ward in Saitama City puts on a show of these exquisite dolls. My friends and I enjoyed the spectacle on February 22nd, and you have an opportunity to see the gorgeous dolls again on March 2nd for Hinamachi.This year, the Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum, a municipal facility, celebrates it's fifth year. The museum's exhibits are in Japanese and English, revealing the history and manufacture techniques used by Iwatsuki's craftspeople.The big draw is display of dolls on the stairs leading to Atago Shrine. It's impressive and visitors can hold the dolls for photos.If the weather cooperates, it's worth a trip to see this classic display of dolls and doll manufacture. My companions and I also dropped by the repurposed Taisho era bank building. Togyoku Taishokan has modern and antique dolls. Take your time to see some amusing variations on doll displays and decorations. One charmer for us was the snake, in honour of the snake year on the Asian zodiac, with a top hat.Does your community do a big doll display for Hinamatsuri? Tell us about it!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0WK-living_saitama_iwatsuki_ku_saitama_shi_saitamaSun, 23 Feb 2025 15:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0WK-living_saitama_iwatsuki_ku_saitama_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJW32-foods_productFuruta Confectionery based in Osaka produces various kinds of chocolate treats.This 18 gram bar of chocolate has a label that touts the refurbish with 25% more almonds.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJW32-foods_productFri, 21 Feb 2025 20:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJW32-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWL7-foods_productIn February 2025, 7-11 carries authentic Korean dishes approved by the Korea Tourism Organization. This Korean-style rice ball flavored with sesame oil has six ingredients.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWL7-foods_productMon, 17 Feb 2025 16:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWL7-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E0D-food_shopping_moneyThe orange glow from across the Pacific Ocean is getting brighter and frankly more ominous for the international order. It’s threatening my home country, Canada, with the looming threat of broad US tariffs on Canadian products. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged thinking tactically and strategically, and citizens are responding. Grass-roots movements to buy Canadian products and turning down visits to the US are building.Winter Olympics mitts my family sent me in 2010The tiny Canadian influence in JapanLike American citizen JTsu who identifies ways to fight to preserve institutions in the US, I’m looking at how to rally with my home country. Canadians in Japan are a tiny minority of the foreign population, just shy of 10,000. There are six times as many American citizens in Japan. The economic influence is small but there are strong economic and cultural ties. Though Japan is the third largest trade partner for Canada, the volume is not huge at 2.1% of Canada’s exports.Buying Canadian in JapanCanadians are turning their backs on US products and travel and the economic impact is starting to show. In solidarity with my fellow citizens, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for Canadian products available where I live but it's challenging. A lot of things we consume in Japan are produced in Canada but it’s not obvious. For example, the french fries you order with your burger are likely produced by Canadian company McCain, Japan’s largest supplier. You can get the product at Japan's Costco stores, too. For carnivores, pork products from two Canadian suppliers appear in supermarkets here. And when you kick back in the evening with a mass-produced Japanese beer, you’re probably drinking a brew with imported malt, hops, and barley sourced from Canada.I don’t have the yen for it, but if you do you could splurge on Canada Goose or a stay at The Four Seasons, both Canadian-based. I’m simply checking labels on supermarket and convenience store purchases to see what’s in stock. So far, I’ve picked up Harwood Canadian Whisky Highballs and Dare brand maple sandwich creme cookies. I'm applying my yen to domestic products, too, as always.Belx Supermarket stocking cookies - they contract with Dare in CanadaThese are only early days, but it looks like other countries and regions are in the crosshairs for tariffs from the orange administration.Are you changing your shopping habits in response to the abrupt...ehem...changes happening in the US? Are you keeping an eye on the possible effects here in Japan?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E0D-food_shopping_moneySat, 15 Feb 2025 15:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E0D-food_shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0XV-foods_productNoko shiro sundobu chige yo supu, richwhite sundubu-jjigae soup is imported by Moranbong Japan Foods. The soup base has beef bone broth and seafood.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0XV-foods_productFri, 14 Feb 2025 21:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0XV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeA9-drink_product7-11 branded Muto Sawa, or sugarless sours, are available at 7&i group supermarkets. I picked up this 7-11 Muto Yuzu Sawa at the Ito Yokado supermarket in Nagareyama.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeA9-drink_productFri, 14 Feb 2025 16:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeA9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E05-foods_product7-11 convenience stores' Cup Deli selection carries Kyabetsu no Asatsuke is a lightly pickled side dish with cabbage, cucumber, carrot flavored with kombu, ginger, and shiso.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E05-foods_productFri, 14 Feb 2025 16:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E05-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWAA-foods_productCalbee's Potato Chips Kodawari Ume aji are available at 7-11 convenience stores. This limited-time product released in January 2025 is flavored with kishu plums.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWAA-foods_productFri, 14 Feb 2025 15:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoWAA-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb7d-foods_productFor a limited time, in entrance test season, 7-11 convenience stores sell Toriten, a rice ball with an image of a Daruma doll. The rice ball is topped with chicken tempura, toriten.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb7d-foods_productThu, 13 Feb 2025 14:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb7d-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0g0K-drink_product7-11 branded Muto Sawa, or sugarless sours, are available at 7&i group supermarkets. I picked up this 7-11 Muto Lemon Sawa at the Ito Yokado supermarket in Nagareyama.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0g0K-drink_productThu, 13 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0g0K-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqpe-foods_product7-11 added Chicken, Carrot & Honey Mustard Sauce sandwhich in the summer of 2024. The package indicates how much protein and daily nutrition the sandwhich packs.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqpe-foods_productThu, 13 Feb 2025 10:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdqpe-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWy1-drink_productSuntory's sports drinks, widely available from vending machines and convenience stores, also offers concentrate. Dakara sports drink concentrate yields two liters.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWy1-drink_productThu, 13 Feb 2025 09:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWy1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Zea-foods_productQBB brand Baby Cheese is a mild processed cheese with camambert is a mild flavored cheese product. Chizu de Tetsu is fortified with iron and folic acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Zea-foods_productSun, 09 Feb 2025 16:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Zea-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRODk-drink_productKoime no remonsawa kasane remon, meaning rich lemon sour layered lemon, is a 4% alcohol ready-to-drink shochu highball from Sapporo. The sour uses two varieties of lemons.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRODk-drink_productSun, 09 Feb 2025 14:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRODk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyen9-foods_productThis melon pan offered by Pasco Confectionery, is laden with chocolate chips and lableled Choco Chip Melonpan. I found it in a Namco branded vending machine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyen9-foods_productSat, 08 Feb 2025 19:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyen9-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EZ5-foods_productKokieya Fried Potato brand potato chips released Nihon no Kamiwaza Kanazawa no Amaebi in late 2024. The domestically produced potato chips are flavored with amaebi and come in a 53 g bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EZ5-foods_productSat, 08 Feb 2025 18:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EZ5-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxerB-drink_productIn February 2025, Suntory releases a llimited time ready-to-drink shochu highball drink, Suntory Spring White Peach Chuhai. THe 350 ml aluminum cans have a festive spring vibe.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxerB-drink_productSat, 08 Feb 2025 14:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxerB-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObDd-drink_productThis Canadian Whisky Highball is available in 350 and 500 ml aluminum cans at 7-11 convenience stores. It's a simple drink made with 100% Canadian whisky and soda.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObDd-drink_productSat, 08 Feb 2025 11:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObDd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gkK-foods_productIn February 2025, 7-11 carries authentic Korean dishes approved by the Korea Tourism Organization. This small bento box lunch has kimbap, chijimi, and garnishes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gkK-foods_productSat, 08 Feb 2025 10:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gkK-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ8N-drink_productMitsubishi Foods released Kamu Kamu Lemon Sour in November 2024, a collaboration with the chewy candy Kamu Kamu Lemon. The alcoholic beverage was originally released in 2021.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ8N-drink_productThu, 06 Feb 2025 22:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ8N-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWKp-foods_productAsahi Village in Ibaraki Prefecture produces Asahi Chirimen, a winter variety of komatsuna available from December to February. This komatsuna has longer, darker, and frilly leaves.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWKp-foods_productThu, 06 Feb 2025 20:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWKp-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0LV-living_noda_shi_chibaI'm entranced by the sights, scents, and experiences of Noda City in Chiba Prefecture. It's a bit out of the way but offers many iconic and enticing experiences. The iconic Kikkoman soy sauce brewing scents the air with the earthy fermented aroma. In early spring, we're also enveloped in the spicy and sweet aroma of wintersweet, known as 蝋梅 robai in Japanese. Noda City's Shimizu Park is noted as a location to inhale the heady fragrance of these golden blossoms. There is a row of shrubs on the north side of the park that emit the sharp and sweet perfume.February weather in the Kanto region is fickle, and this morning we had bright sunshine and then overcast in the afternoon of Saturday, February 1st. Before the weather turned, I took in the first glimpse of plum blossoms in Shimizu Park's plum blossom grove.The park is famous for its cherry and azalea blooming seasons, but the plums are a delight for their variety of colors and subtle fragrance.Are wintersweet and plums blossoming where you are? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0LV-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 01 Feb 2025 16:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK0LV-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeD9-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores label this dish in English as "Barley bowl with beef & egg" but the label in Japanese says "Uma kara ushi yakiniku no ontama bibinba donburi".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeD9-foods_productSat, 01 Feb 2025 14:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyeD9-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObLW-living_education_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibaI take advantage of sunny but chilly winter days to go on day trips to places near my home in northern Chiba Prefecture. Antique and historical spots often beckon, and recently, an old but new destination caught my attention - a restored country manor in Kashiwa City.Today, Kashiwa City neighbors nine cities in Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures. The municipal area covers many rural areas, including the former Washimiya village on the bluff above Teganuma, one of the Kanto region’s biggest marshes. On this sunny Sunday, I rented a bicycle and ventured out on the cycling road along the marsh, slipping back in time.Along the way, I made a pit stop at Shonan Michi no Eki. The new “Tento” building, so named for its ability to connect the dots, draws visitors to the lawns, marsh vistas, and farm stands. On my visit, a choral group performed, their voices echoing off the eaves. Ranged around were food trucks. The michi no eki has some restaurants, a bakery, and a shop featuring a specialty of Chiba, peanuts. It’s worth a visit by bicycle or car as you pass through the region.I headed for the former Washimiya village. My first stop was Masakado Shrine, also referred to as Masakado Myojin. The upstart noble who attempted to overthrow the imperial order. The tl;dr version is that he raised an army, mounted an attack on imperial forces, and lost when he took an arrow to the head. The lore of the region says he was born and raised in the region around Teganuma Marsh, once controlled by the Soma clan. To placate the spirit of her vanquished father, Taira no Masakado’s daughter raised a shrine for him in the village. It’s remarkable for its ornate wood carvings. Near the shrine are many classic farmhouses displaying traditional architectural features. It’s a time warp with Edo-era farm storehouses.The former village is on high ground between Teganuma Marsh and is remembered as Washimiya, the eagle’s valley. Bellow are rice paddies bordered by a long avenue of cherry trees, a spectacle in spring. I was aiming for the newly restored Someya Family Residence, a manor with eight restored buildings. It’s a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the Edo era. The manor was recently designated as a nationally important cultural property and is open on Sundays.Social media pumps famous bamboo thickets but they can’t match the tranquility of this village’s Katori Shrine. You can approach the shady lane in front of the Someya manor or the torii gate at the main road. This Katori Shrine is wrapped in a shelter but visitors can still see the elaborate carvings of wildlife and dragons adorning the pillars. And I was the only visitor there. The knocking of the bamboo stalks in the breeze and sunlight filtering through the leaves was enchanting. And I was the sole visitor.Have you ventured into rural Chiba Prefecture cities? Have I enticed you to see a slow tourism spot? I’m happy to fill you in on highlights of the region.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObLW-living_education_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibaTue, 28 Jan 2025 16:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObLW-living_education_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2VN-mind_body_productBioré Zero Sheets are body wipe sheets that come in packs of 20 sheets. This version is Light Soap Scent. They're available at convenience stores and drugstores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2VN-mind_body_productTue, 28 Jan 2025 12:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2VN-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWB6-drink_productSuntory's offerings of wines includes the Delica Maison line. This time I sampled Sukkiri Shiro, a white wine that the product page suggests goes with savory dishes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWB6-drink_productSat, 25 Jan 2025 19:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWB6-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5AkO-living_education_chibaMy interaction with Japanese counterparts often revolves around my Japanese language proficiency. Last week, when I entered the genkan of the private high school where I teach, I chatted with some staff members who don’t speak English. We were overheard by a fellow English teacher whose attention was on her bag. When she glanced up to interject, she bugged her eyes at me. “Wait…That’s your voice?!” Usually, we converse in English, and she was surprised in a good way to hear my easy communication in Japanese. She assured me that her reaction of surprise was a compliment.Image created with CanvaIt took me a long time to become conversant in Japanese. I feel at ease most of the time, but my reading and writing skills are weak. I learned the language as an adult through infrequent tutorials with Japanese teachers. I was highly motivated - needing and wanting to understand and be understood by my colleagues, friends, and partner. Sometimes I worry I’m so far removed in time and space from my home country, Canada, that my English is a bit dated and I feel awkward when I read and hear buzzwords or memes. But my language fluency in my “mother tongue” (mother tongues, actually as I’m bidialectic) is quite solid as I consume a lot of media to stay current with issues and language usage.And then I’m confronted with the issue of kids in my lessons at a private high school. Some of my students are from families that have elected to relocate to Japan and others are the fruits of bicultural alliances. The kids may or may not have opportunities to practice the languages of their home country relations. I get it, as my family grappled with multilingual issues in my country of birth. Which language wins out? It’s often the national language as kids integrate into school life.And that results in the issue of “mother tongue.” Recently, filmmaker Kiho Park, a foreign resident with Korean roots, explored the language and cultural challenges of kids with foreign roots. His film reveals how kids struggle to communicate with their relatives abroad.He suggests a law to protect opportunities for people with foreign roots to learn their heritage languages. Language competence is a thread that keeps families connected across continents and oceans.My home country, Canada, has a robust multicultural policy, but Canadians struggle to maintain their heritage languages. It’s not just an immigration issue but also a question of indigenous cultures and language retention. Japan continues to experience an increase in the foreign-born population and all the languages they speak. Not to mention the preservation of dialects such as Hachijo and endangered varieties of Japanese.Coinciding with Kiho Park’s film project is a call for Chiba Prefecture residents to support young Japanese language learners. The impulse is to instruct kids with foreign roots to learn standard Japanese from people who are Japanese language speakers no matter their background.Do your kids, whether students or progeny, maintain their “mother tongues” or heritage languages? What resources do you depend on to maintain the languages?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5AkO-living_education_chibaSat, 25 Jan 2025 14:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5AkO-living_education_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjgV-foods_productKamogawa City's lemon farmers and Sawarabi foods cooperate to produce Lemon Rusk. The rusks are flavored with the Umi to Taiyo no Lemon variety. It's available at Yokado supermarket at Awa-Kamogawa Station.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjgV-foods_productSat, 25 Jan 2025 11:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjgV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWxL-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery's Pino line of ice milk treats periodically comes up with seasonal and limited-time products. Pino Sachertorte, released in November 2024, is semi-sweet chocolate with apricot flavoring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWxL-foods_productSat, 25 Jan 2025 10:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpWxL-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyeoj-living_food_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibaTo finish my Minamiboso trip, on day three I aimed for Awa-Kamogawa Station which is just a short stroll from Maebara Beach with a kilometer-long promenade. It was my last chance to catch the salt air and hear the surf. And surf is what this beach is all about. In summer, the beach opens to surfers and swimmers to enjoy the clear water and white sand. Of course, in winter there are few visitors, so I had the palm-tree-lined walk all to myself.I had breakfast at Pops, a cafe with good reviews on Google Maps. The beachfront cafe with an Australian vibe. I had a sandwich and coffee while recharging my mobile device at the counter seating.Then it was back to the station to catch the bus to see more sea life at Kamogawa Sea World. From Awa-Kamogawa Station’s west exit, I caught the hourly shuttle bus. It whisks you along the Kamogawa Bypass lined with thickets of wind-blown conifers surrounding the big hotels. The facility is big with 800 species and over 10,000 creatures. The big draws are the dolphin and orca stadia, and I just buzzed by.I was more attracted to “Aquaroam”, an exhibit that emulates the natural environments of sea creatures living in the region. You can get nose-to-nose with mudskippers and see deep-sea creatures here. And then there’s the jellyfish exhibit with 10 species where I spent a lot of time. They’re mesmerizing with their fluid and graceful movement. The food options are either cheap and bland or splurges. I recommend if you’re on a budget, get lunch before you go and maybe indulge in some snacks.In the late afternoon, I headed to Kamogawa Seaside Base for a craft beer and a snack overlooking Maebara Beach. It was a relaxing spot to take in the view of the surf and brace myself for a return to inland Chiba.The trip was relaxing, free of crowds even at Kamogawa Sea World, and I felt refreshed by the breezes off the Pacific Ocean and soothed by the sound of crashing surf.Are you curious about Minamiboso? Read my Minamboso Travelogue 1 and Minamiboso Travelogue 2 for my winter seaside trip.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyeoj-living_food_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibaFri, 24 Jan 2025 15:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyeoj-living_food_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EV1-living_food_transportation_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibaOn the second day of my winter trip to Minamiboso, the southern end of Chiba Prefecture, I started with a light breakfast at a local bakery just outside Tateyama Station and a 40-minute ride on the Uchibo line to Awa-Kominato Station. The trip takes you into the peninsula's interior with rolling hills, forests, and farms to the Pacific Coast. The clear winter sky, the year-round greenery, and the ocean waves soothed me. Periodically, the train stops at some stations so you can stretch your legs and inhale the fresh air.Awa-Kominato Station, northwest of Kamogawa’s center, accesses Kominato fishing port on Uchiura Bay. The location drew me because of its lore, onsen, food culture, and reputed miracles.About 15 minutes from the station is the heart of the fishing village. I stopped to rest at Tanjoji foot bath in a retired shop house.This is the first inkling of the port’s lore and hospitality. With clean and warm feet, I approached Tanjoji, the temple that has celebrated the birth of Buddhist saint Nichiren for 700 years. The imposing Niomon gate and halls date from the Edo era.I mentioned miracles, and this is where they are said to have happened. When St. Nichiren was born, a spring gushed forth, lotuses bloomed on the shore, and sea bream teemed in the bay. The temple’s halls have imposing kawara tiles and intricate wood carvings by Ichi no Hachi, the 18th-century artist.Sitting on the tatami mat in the temple’s hondo gave me some moments to appreciate the reverence for NichirenI checked my bag at Kichimu, one of the onsen hotels facing Uchiura Bay and headed for the dock for the Tainoura pleasure boat tour. The tour takes you to see the bay, the picturesque Benten shrine on a tiny island, and the school of sea bream. The fish are a living national monument that is said to be one of Nichiren’s miracles. There were only two other passengers besides me, and the boat’s captain directed us to open the hatches to see the creatures. As the captain threw bait, the sleek fish rose to the surface from the depths and swam around the boat. It was haunting to see this enduring natural wonder.For dinner that evening, since I didn’t book dinner at the hotel, I strolled back towards the station to a seafood restaurant. The waitress apologized saying that they were closing for the evening. Ah, well. As I turned to leave she stopped me. She recommended an izakaya a few steps away. I thanked her, and then she offered to phone the master to let her know I was on my way.The master at Hamakko gave me a warm greeting, and an orientation to local cuisine, and served me a Minamiboso classic - sangayaki. It’s minced fish seasoned with miso and aromatics and grilled in an abalone shell. The izakaya was a perfect wrap-up for the visit. I had good company chatting about Minato history, food culture, and travels with other diners and the proprietors.See Minamiboso Winter Travelogue 1 for my blog about Tateyama City.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EV1-living_food_transportation_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibaFri, 24 Jan 2025 13:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1EV1-living_food_transportation_chiba_kamogawa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeBW-foods_productKokeiya's Strong brand of potato chips has limited-time product released in January 2025, Strong Ume Zanmai potato chips available nationwide. The chips upgrade last year's popular flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeBW-foods_productFri, 24 Jan 2025 10:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxeBW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gAV-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu premium brand called Creative Brew continues to produce beers with novel flavors. This beer, Ibushi, which means smoked, uses beechwood to flavor the malt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gAV-drink_productFri, 24 Jan 2025 09:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0gAV-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2LN-drink_productTaking advantage of the craft beer market, big brewers are mass-producing beers labeled "craft". In January 2025, Suntory released Maruyaka Sutauto, a stout in their Tokyo Craft brand.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2LN-drink_productThu, 23 Jan 2025 21:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ2LN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqWJ-foods_productMeg Milk Snow Brand butter comes in various packages and quantities. This version in a paper container has scored in 10-gram increments. The package contains 10 pieces.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqWJ-foods_productThu, 23 Jan 2025 20:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqWJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AP0-living_food_shoppingThe latest foraging expedition at my nearest supermarket made my heart sink. So many staple foods are nearly double the price they were last year. The price of cabbage is through the roof due to poor harvests. This time last year, I told you about eating economically in 2024 and the same rules apply this month. Filling the pretty cane basket in that blog post costs about 20% more this year.Potatoes, too, are a bit dear right now. While on the hunt for spuds, I spied some grubby tubers labeled 土付き山芋 priced at 200 yen. These are yamatoimo, a tuber that looks like a hairy foot to me, but Japanese sources I read said they have lobes that resemble ginkgo leaves. So I thought I’d have a go. I realized they’d require a little labour to prepare, and after some Google-jutsu, I discovered that you scrape them with a spoon as they’re irregularly shaped and gooey.More Googling turned up a simple recipe. I fried them in a little butter until golden brown, dressed them with shoyu, and added some sprouts. I think they’d go well with any greens you have on hand - mizuna, bean sprouts, or mibuna. The resulting stir fry was a good combo of tender yamatoimo and lightly crunchy greens.Have you prepared this veggie in your home cuisine? Or at a restaurant? How do you recommend preparing it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AP0-living_food_shoppingSun, 19 Jan 2025 17:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7AP0-living_food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqrE-living_food_chiba_tateyama_shi_chibaWhile planning my winter holiday in December, I considered somewhere not too far away with ocean breezes and beautiful vistas. So I settled on a second trip to the southern part of Chiba Prefecture. Back in 2022, I explored the region on a bicycle. This time, considering the winter chill, I thought I'd bundle up for mostly train rides and walks.Minamiboso City’s neighbor, Tateyama City, is a summer destination for surfing, swimming, and chilling out. As you can imagine, winter’s quiet with few visitors. So why go here in the off-season? I’ll share with you a few gorgeous sights.The crisp winter air and blue skies mean that views of Mount Fuji across Tokyo Bay are spectacular from Tateyama Station. At the west exit, the station’s huge window facing west provides a good view of Mt. Fuji beyond a boulevard lined with palm trees. I strolled down to the water to Tateyama City’s version of a Michi no Eki, a roadside station. This plaza riffs on the idea, calling it Nagisa no Eki, a beachside station, with an aquarium that gives you a close-up view of the sealife that lives offshore of Hojo Beach. Next door, Nagisa Museum shows off traditional textiles including the spectacular maiwai, a stenciled kimono made to celebrate bumper fish catches. There’s also a tribute to Sakana-kun, the Fish Guy. The ichthyologist’s illustrations, memorabilia, and the “Gyobot” are displayed. I'm a sucker for Japanese portmanteaus. This one is a mashup of the word gyo, fish, and robot.I gave the on-site seafood restaurant a miss this time and had a leisurely lunch across the street at Tsumugi, an Asian cuisine cafe. The menu items, all about 1400 yen a plate, include Thai, Indonesian, and Japanese classics. I opted for taco rice which reminded me of Okinawa trips.I checked in that evening at a "micro-hotel", Higoro, in a reconditioned commercial building. It's a cross between a B&B and a hostel with cozy rooms, a shared bath and toilet, and a common room where guests can cook a meal. It's an innovative space with a craft gin distillery on the first floor. Higoro is diverse with business incubation, accommodation, and other projects.Higoro provided a map that directs visitors to shopping, sights, and dining. I picked the closest izakaya. I was in for a few surprises.The first one is that the master is not Japanese. He's a Turkish restauranteur who relocated from upscale Aoyama to open his izakaya, Fuga. The menu was a treat with Turkish dishes. I took a gamble on "Turkish gyoza", a variety of dumplings called manti in Central Asia. I felt a wave of nostalgia with the first bite as my Ukrainian-born grandmother often made a variation on the dish. Like hers, the meat dumplings were slathered with yogurt sauce, but in the Turkish style with olive oil.The master and the other guests and I chatted over drinks and I got a sense of the economic and social situation in the city. Unsurprisingly, Tateyama has a dearth of young people. We talked about the attempts at business revival in the face of the pull of Tokyo so close by. It was a good insight into how the city's businesses are responding.I had a good rest at Higoro and in the morning, I took my time in the common space with the sun shining and the pour-over coffee offered to guests.Have you been to the southern Boso Peninsula? Are you planning to visit?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqrE-living_food_chiba_tateyama_shi_chibaWed, 15 Jan 2025 16:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdqrE-living_food_chiba_tateyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWdp-living_food_shizuokaWe're well into January, but here's my belated Happy New Year to fellow bloggers and readers. I've been quiet lately because the year-end was very busy and I got sick!One remedy that makes me feel better and keep hydrated is mikan. And I'm on my third bag of these delights, 三ケ日みかん, mikkabi mikan. They're a variety of unshu mikan grown in Shizuoka Prefecture. They're lusciously juicy and sweet. They go down well when you're feeling poorly. And of course, they generate a lot of orange peels.What to do? I've told you before about my cardboard box compost,and JTsu told us about thebokashi method. Well, before I return them to the earth, I pour some hot water over them. This releases the oils in the peels and humidifies the air with an orange aroma. I use the orange water to rinse the kitchen counter and sink. It cuts grease, makes surfaces shiny, andsmells nice.What's your favorite mikan variety? How are you making use of your bounty of orange skins?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWdp-living_food_shizuokaWed, 15 Jan 2025 13:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEWdp-living_food_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnRV-drink_productSapporo Brewery's Yebisu line of beers includes Creative Brew, a project to create novel beer flavors. Hojicha no Yoin, the aftertaste of roasted green tea, uses top fermented yeast and hojicha in the brewing process.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnRV-drink_productWed, 01 Jan 2025 14:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnRV-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ9Y-drink_productSuntory released The Premium Malt's Kaori no Gohoubi in November 2024 for a limited run. The 5.5% beer is brewed with imported Hallertau hops. The label doesn't indicate the style.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ9Y-drink_productWed, 01 Jan 2025 10:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaJ9Y-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveYN-drink_productSuntory's limited edition Kuro Ale in the Premium Malt's line was released in December 2024. The 7% dark beer is brewed with black malt and aroma hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveYN-drink_productWed, 01 Jan 2025 09:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveYN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveyN-foods_productFamed tonkatsu restaurant Maisen located in Aoyama produces snack-sized versions of their tonkatsu sando, the pork cutlet takeout version of their signature dish. This one is a fish version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveyN-foods_productSun, 29 Dec 2024 14:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveyN-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2v8g-drink_productKamogawa Brewery is located in Kamogawa Seaside Base overlooking the city's sandy beach, Maebara. The Brewery produces three varieties of beer including the IPA I tried.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2v8g-drink_productSun, 29 Dec 2024 14:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2v8g-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93On-food_shopping_moneyDuring the pandemic years, when I had a surplus of time at home, I got into cooking. The variety and quality of produce in Japan make cooking at home fun, satisfying, and healthful. You can find my recipes and reflections on food culture here by searching TtoE.But I’m feeling the pinch of rising food prices and seeing an effect on my spending. Grocery runs are not as leisurely and fun as they used to be since grocery prices have risen dramatically. There are more price shocks to prepare for. In 2025, groceries are set to get more expensive, especially bread products. I’m researching how to bake bread at home to mitigate costs and maintain a good diet.So, here’s my latest grocery run for a single to give a sense of grocery prices. The items are a bit of a hodge-podge, not for a particular meal, since I’ve got some stock in the fridge and pantry to make meals. In the next few weeks, I’ll document my grocery purchases and the costs.How are you coping? Have you compromised on how you shop? How are you bracing yourself for yet higher costs in 2025?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93On-food_shopping_moneySat, 28 Dec 2024 14:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93On-food_shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWgo-drink_productKirin's Spring Valley Brewery offers a winter ale for a limited time only. The beer is brewed with a hint of cinnamon. The beer was released to retail shops in late November 2024.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWgo-drink_productSun, 22 Dec 2024 18:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWgo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe78-foods_productChibori Confectionery teams up with Mother Farm, the vast agricultural park in Chiba Prefecture to offer langue de chat made with milk sourced from the farm.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe78-foods_productMon, 16 Dec 2024 16:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxe78-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObkn-foods_productBelc, a supermarket china based in Saitama Prefecture, contracts with Canada's Dare Foods to bring Sandwhich Creme Cookes flavored with maple. I found mine at a Belx Supermarket.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObkn-foods_productMon, 16 Dec 2024 16:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GObkn-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWQY-drink_productSapporo Breweries continues a series, Yebisu Creative Brew, with Kokareko, smouldering incense. It's a dark lager with 5% alcohol. I found it at a convenience store.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWQY-drink_productSun, 15 Dec 2024 20:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDWQY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4kO-drink_productMinami Boso Natsu Mikan is a shochu highball, or chuhai, drink produced by Takara Shozo, a leading sake distiller. The label describes it as a "craft" drink with 8% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4kO-drink_productSun, 15 Dec 2024 11:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP4kO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLepv-foods_productA collaboration between Snow Brand Hokkaido Butter and Calbee Potato Chips results in Yukiin Hokkaido butter flavor potato chips in a 70 gram bag. The product is available through December 2024.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLepv-foods_productSat, 14 Dec 2024 14:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLepv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyegk-living_noda_shi_chibaIt's chilly here in northern Chiba Prefecture. But we're just at the peak of autumn colours. This afternoon, I cycled over to Shimizu Park, a natural beauty in Noda City,renowned for its fall foliage and spring blossoms.By now you know that the autumn leaves are much later this year than historic records. You can still see the fiery beauty this week in the Kanto region, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast.For those of you in the greater Tokyo area, bundle up as it's getting cold fast and go see while you can in the next few sunny but freezing days!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyegk-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 08 Dec 2024 16:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyegk-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E1v-drink_productSapporo With Beer White Ale is brewed with three types of malt and two types of hops. The beer is augmented with coriander and orange peel, typical of the witbier style.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E1v-drink_productSun, 08 Dec 2024 12:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1E1v-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWWq-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaAccording to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the Kanto region sees peak autumn colours this week. But since we're already into December, the glorious foliage coincides with winter illumination season.On my way to an appointment at Kashiwanoha Campus, the "smart city", I passed through the plaza between the Tokyo University satellite campus and a hotel to see a small but dazzling light display.Besides the requisite photo spot is an animated LED display wall that cycles every five minutes.I was encouraged to linger on this covered plaza with tall trees with twinkling light displays because it's also got community WIFI!Point us to some minor but soothing illuminations where you are!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWWq-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaTue, 03 Dec 2024 18:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrWWq-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveNd-foods_productSarada Sutori, an Amazon Japan seller, offers Koshibuki, a variety of Koshihikari rice grown in Niigata Prefecture. This 3 kg bag of rice is milled so that it doesn't require washing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveNd-foods_productThu, 28 Nov 2024 20:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MveNd-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AqD-food_shoppingI never turn my nose up at a deal on the 見本, mihon, the discounted produce that supermarkets often place on carts. This time, I scored a handful of giant shishito for 50 yen. I suspect the deal is the result of the varied colour. But to my mind, that’s a feature, not a flaw.Have you tried these peppers before? Shishito - look out for 獅子唐辛子, shishitogarashi on the label - are usually mild Japanese chili peppers. They’re typically green, slender, and wrinkly. But these guys were as long as my fork.A little Google-jutsu suggested that they’re best pan-roasted. I put a drizzle of oil in the pan and blistered them. Then dressed them with a sprinkling of furikake. In my case, I gave some aonori a good shake over them.But beware, as some shishito can bite back. Depending on growing conditions, some are pungent and even spicy. Some sources I read suggest you can avoid spicy “food roulette” by avoiding the ones that don’t have a lot of seeds. The ones I prepared were sweet and flavorful, but not hot. Get them now, as the harvest wraps up in November.How do you prepare your shishito?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AqD-food_shoppingTue, 12 Nov 2024 19:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AqD-food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWRR-living_moneyAs the squeeze on household budgets in Japan continues, we’re seeing incrementally higher prices on food and household products. I’m not going to compromise on groceries, but if I can replace a store-bought item with a homemade solution or repurposed materials, I will. I told you about tips for reducing waste and saving on costs back in 2020. I'm still at it having struck a lot of plastic stuff off my shopping list.New life out of old fabricsMy rag bag contains old towels, damaged linens, and worn-out clothing. I cut them down into rags, but they look messy and shed threads. So, I'm tidying them up and making them into durable thinks with the sashiko embroidery technique.I'm getting better at this!Relaxing straight stitchingSashiko, “little stabs”, is a simple straight stitch in geometrical patterns. It’s an easy technique with minimal materials. The indigo fabric I’m working on now has a pre-printed pattern which I’m using to practice my stitching. Gradually, my stitches are getting more consistent. I’m also practicing overlay stitching - working the thread back into the previous stitches to hide the tails.Free-hand stitching on old towels makes them stable and durableWhile you can create elaborate patterns with stitches, you can also just free-hand stitch on old textiles to make zokin. One inspiration I found is a YouTube channel, The Green Wrapper. A project that goes fast is free-hand stitching like she does resulting in a durable and cute zokin.Are you using a traditional craft to get more value from old stuff? What’s practical, attractive, and easy to do?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWRR-living_moneySun, 10 Nov 2024 09:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqWRR-living_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93lN-drink_productSuntory Breweries' Kinmugi, a happoshu or "near beer", offers a seasonal beer in October 2024. Nukumori no Madoakari is a low-malt beer made with a blend of hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93lN-drink_productSat, 09 Nov 2024 20:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93lN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjP5-drink_productTominaga Trading's series of Kajuhi, low-alcohol ready-to-drink shochu highballs with stylish and minimalist labels includes yonashi for a limited time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjP5-drink_productSat, 09 Nov 2024 12:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQjP5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AYD-foods_productThis limited-time product (released in October 2024) from Meiji is one of a variety of chocolate-covered macadamia nut sweets. There are nine pieces in the package.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AYD-foods_productSat, 09 Nov 2024 10:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6AYD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb97-drink_productSuntory Breweries and 7&i's premium line of products teams up in autumn 2024 to offer this 100% malt beer. Kaori Sowayaka 100% malt beer is available at participating 7-11 stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb97-drink_productFri, 08 Nov 2024 09:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOb97-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weake-foods_productFujiya Confectionery in autumn 2024 renews their LOOK line of chocolate treats. This version, Milk Parade, is a 43 gram package of three varieties of milk chocolate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weake-foods_productThu, 07 Nov 2024 20:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weake-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93mN-foods_productPasco Bread's Domestic Wheat Baguette is made from 100% domestic wheat. This baguette is made with domestic wheat flour developed for hard bread, fermented and baked in a stone oven.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93mN-foods_productTue, 05 Nov 2024 21:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M93mN-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Aj8-drink_productKirin's limted-time offering of Apple Cider Sour was released in autumn of 2024. The ready-to-drink shochu highball, or chuhai, is a whopping 9% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Aj8-drink_productTue, 05 Nov 2024 20:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Aj8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z8Y-foods_productBourbon Confectionery's Noko Chocolate Brownie is one of a series of rich chocolate sweets. The Noko Chocolate Brownie is a bar priced around 150 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z8Y-foods_productMon, 04 Nov 2024 09:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8Z8Y-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK09N-foods_productDars Zakuzaku nama kurimu from Morinaga confectionery is a 39 gram crispy white chocolate confection. The sweet has wheat puffs to lend it a crunchy texture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK09N-foods_productSun, 03 Nov 2024 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK09N-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye63-foods_productLotte Confectionery's Crunky brand of chocolate treats came out with Crunky Boya Shio Vanilla. The white chocolate treat is a single tablet easily broken for sharing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye63-foods_productSun, 03 Nov 2024 12:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gye63-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoW49-drink_productSuntory Beverage's brand line Kodawari Sakeba offers various kinds of ready-to-drink shochu highballs. Misoremon, a limited-time product launched in October 2024, combines lemon flavors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoW49-drink_productSun, 03 Nov 2024 12:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoW49-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPxj-foods_productKokeiya's potato chip brand, Pure Potato, offers Kitakamui Shiokara Butter as one of five varieties of Hokkaido-grown potatoes flavored with ingredients from the prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPxj-foods_productSun, 03 Nov 2024 12:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNPxj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VlJ-fashion_productThis commuter pass case with a retro textile design is offered by Noren, an Amazon Japan seller with Japanese-style novelties, housewares, and accessories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VlJ-fashion_productSat, 02 Nov 2024 10:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4VlJ-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK07N-foods_product7-11's Cup Deli small side dishes offers Hiyashitai Mama Taberu Chijimi, a small side of slices of Korean-style chijimi pancake made with nira chives grown in Tochigi Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK07N-foods_productMon, 28 Oct 2024 22:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK07N-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnky-educationAre you an ALT in Japan’s schools? Introducing yourself is a staple task for Assistant Language Teachers here at all levels. It’s a bit nerve-wracking. How do you make it accessible to very young learners if you do it entirely in English? How do you engage learners so that they respond in English?Mostly informationalAt a rural elementary school, I was asked to do a self-introduction lesson for their Grade 1 class. What could I possibly do, as the kids were likely to only know numbers, colours, greetings, and maybe some nouns? I was nervous and asked the homeroom teacher (HRT) for advice. His attitude was that we should give them a rich visual and auditory presentation. Every step of the way, from presenting maps, photos, and facts in English, I asked the students to repeat back in Japanese the information they were gleaning from the presentation.The wrap-up was a Q&A session mediated by the HRT. A tiny kid asked a zinger, “What’s the population of Canada?” This led to a comparison of Japan and Canada’s landmass (the second largest in the world) in relation to population. I was influenced by linguist Stephen Krashen’s classic demonstration of comprehensible input. Lots of repetition and clear visuals help understanding. The kids cannot produce the language, but they get enough stimulus to understand the meaning.Mostly languageFor higher grades, sure, I do much the same - visual stimulus, some Japanese-language handholding through text, but as much as possible, English stimulus. With junior high school students, I did a very brief (only five minutes!) introduction with hints about who I am and where I come from. I followed it with a questionnaire in Google Forms. Kids could ask me anything in either Japanese or English. In a subsequent lesson, I made a presentation in which I answered their questions.A screen-grab from a Google Slides presentation for a senior high school self-introduction lessonOne idea I’m eager to try next time I’m called on to do a self-introduction to young learners is the circling approach. The idea is to present a statement and then a series of questions about the statement. For a circling self-introduction I can imagine stating: I’m from Canada. I can follow it with questions such as “Am I from America?” and “Am I from America or Canada?” Are you expected to do a self-introduction in teaching situations you work in? How do you do it?See the previous posts in this series - English Language Matters: English Clubs in Schools, English Language Matters: Teaching Pronunciation, andEnglish Language Matters: the “weird” lack of practical in Japan’s academia.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnky-educationSun, 27 Oct 2024 12:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjnky-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWPZ-living_transportationThis afternoon, I got started on my winter getaway plan - a trip out to the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture. I live well inland, so to keep costs down, I thought I’d take advantage of the 青春18きっぷ, Seishun 18 Ticket, JR’s holiday deal.But all the English language pages I looked at took me to dead links. What gives? A bit of Japanese Internet-jutsu reveals that on October 24th, JR announced that the ticket periods and usage have been drastically revised.The original ticket scheme allowed five days of travel within a one- to two-month period on all JR lines and affiliated transport. The ticket was shareable, too, between up to five riders. The new scheme has two tickets, one for 3 consecutive days for 10,000 yen, the other for five costing 12,050 yen. That puts a dent in leisurely and flexible travel plans.The ticket's value has been diminishing for some time. Route coverage has decreased and overnight train services have been discontinued.Have you used the Seishun 18 Kippu? How much value did you get out of it? Will you travel on the revised ticket this year?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWPZ-living_transportationSat, 26 Oct 2024 18:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkWPZ-living_transportationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7ApQ-drink_productSuntory Beverage offers Fuyu no Yuzu, a yuzu citrus-infused shochu highball drink with 5% alcohol from domestic spirits starting in October 2024 for a limited time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7ApQ-drink_productFri, 25 Oct 2024 19:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7ApQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROQY-drink_productAs part of Kirin Beverage's Hyoketsu branded drinks, October 2024 sees the release of Mottainai Ponkan, a shochu highball drink made with discarded fruit grown in Kochi Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROQY-drink_productThu, 24 Oct 2024 19:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GROQY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR1E-hobby_home_productDaiso 100 yen shops stock items that are priced between 200 and 500 yen, too. This acacia wood cutting board with a handle is the size of a dinner plate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR1E-hobby_home_productWed, 23 Oct 2024 20:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR1E-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab20-living_education_isumi_shi_chibaIn the first blog post, I told you about an adventure in Chiba Prefecture’s Isumi City where a handful of foreign residents, volunteer cultural ambassadors, were treated to a tour of Izunaji, a temple decorated with the works of Nami no Ihachi, a master carver who’s left his impressions on dozens of temples.The origin of a masterwork? Winding country roads through agricultural lands rimmed by forested hills brought us to 行元寺 Gyoganji which overloaded our senses. This 1200-year-old temple’s hondo, the main temple, is decorated with brightly painted transoms and pillars designed by Takamatsu Matahachi, another Edo-era artist. While those are alluring, it was the neighboring reception rooms that our guide, Kataoka Sensei, wanted us to see.Kataoka-sensei’s thesis is that Hokusai’s Great Wave, the iconic image of towering waves, boats, and Mt. Fuji in the background, was inspired by the transom in the reception room at Gyoganji. The work, Nami ni Hoju no Zu, Jewels in the waves, bears a strong resemblance to Hokusai’s Great Wave image. It’s startling in its dynamism - catching waves in high relief just before they’re about to break, bearing flaming jewels.To respect the priest’s wishes, I refrained from taking photos of the treasures. You can read more about Kataoka sensei’s research and see comparisons of the images of Hokusai’s and Nami no Ihachi’s works in Nippon.com’s coverage, Nami no Ihachi: Did a Rural Wood Carver Inspire Hokusai’s “Great Wave”?Dynamic dragon glimpseAnd we weren’t done yet. With our senses filled with the images at Gyoganji, we were whisked away to a third temple, Shonenji. This temple in Chosei District, a little ways from Isumi City, is home to another stunning array of dragon images. To make it more alluring, it’s not indicated on Google Maps. This temple, originally founded in 1307 as a Jishu sect temple was converted to Jodo Shinshu sect in the 1500s. Much later, the temple received treatment from the Nami no Ihachi woodworking dynasty. Dragons with curled tongues, arabesques surrounding peonies, and a startling dragon carving decorate the temple today. When we visited, the priest was out on errands, so we couldn’t go in. But we could glimpse through the wooden grille a dragon in high relief with broad scales in high relief. Our guide told us that the image had terrified generations of children in the district. It’s considered one of the most elaborate and intricate dragon carvings in Japan.You might think these treasures are out of the way, but Nami no Ihachi and his descendants have left their works all over the Kanto region. When you visit Taishakuten in Katsushika Ward, you can see the carvings of the Nami no Ihachi descendants.Do you know other spots to see the five generations of carvers from Nami no Ihachi in the Kanto region? Let me know!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab20-living_education_isumi_shi_chibaTue, 22 Oct 2024 21:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab20-living_education_isumi_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o28-living_food_education_isumi_shi_chibaIsumi's Year of the DragonIsumi City on the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture is celebrating the 200th birthday of Nami no Ihachi, Edo Era carver of dragons and waves. On the invitation of the Nami no Ihachi preservation group, I and four other foreign residents received a tour of three stunning temples graced with his works.The group assembled at the prefectural office was only five foreign residents, though the tour was intended for 20. It was nice to see familiar faces, all volunteers with the Chiba Kun Global Partners project. We caught up in a mix of English and Japanese (and a smattering of Chinese) with one participant each from the US, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, and Canada.At first glance, the itinerary looked underwhelming - three temples and a lunch break. But I had underestimated the travel time and impact of the wonders we were about to see. And we were about to meet some passionate historical researchers and temple priests. Izunaji, the Tengu TempleThe first destination 飯縄寺 Izunaji, or Izunadera, started with fumbled introductions over the noise of the bus engine. Our hosts were eager to point out that carved in the eaves of the thatched gate are images of tengu swimming in the sea. It was the first intimation of the great art.Our tour was led by an unassuming guy clad in a t-shirt and jeans. At times he wondered if we were paying attention. I introduced myself and explained that I love tengu lore, have experienced Shugendo practices, and that I’m keen on history. He lit up and introduced himself as Kataoka sensei, the premier researcher of Nami no Hachi’s Chiba locations. While our team was chatting, he gave me a brief lecture on Nami no Ihachi.The wood carvings at the temples are the masterpieces of Takeshi Ihachiro Nobuyoshi, known as Nami no Ihachi. Nami means waves, and the hallmark of his work is the undulating movement of waves and seafoam he captured in zelkova wood. Born in 1752, Nami no Ihachi was the first of five generations of carvers to bear the name. Around the former Awa Province, now the cities of the southern part of the Boso Peninsula, are many of Nami no Ihachi’s carved transoms and friezes in temples.Nicknamed “Tengu Temple”, Izunaji has small and grand images of tengu, magical beings. The main hall has a high relief carved from a single plank of zelkova wood depicting a tengu imparting martial skill to Ushiwakamaru, who later became the samurai lord Minamoto no Yoshitsune.Kataoka-sensei told me that the tatami mats in the hondo main temple obscure a secret. The mats dampen the auditory experience of the “nakiryu”, the crying dragon depicted on the ceiling. He explained that the sound reverberating in a temple space is similar to Nikko Toshoku where priests use wooden clappers to “ring” the ceiling. Still, the ink painting on Izunaji’s ceiling is impressive.When the priest learned that two of us participants work in education, he proffered photocopies of English textbook pages with mentions of Ihachi and the Boso Peninsula. This made for great omiyage the next week at school.Ihachi Meshi for lunchOur hosts treated us to Daiyoshi, a shokudo restaurant that serves a local specialty in honor of the celebrated wood carver. Ihachi Meshi served by a number of the city's restaurants are set meals featuring eight items as Ihachi is a pun on eight. At Daiyoshi, we had a filling lunch of chirashi zushi with pickles.And then we were off to see the next temple in the Chiba countryside.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o28-living_food_education_isumi_shi_chibaMon, 21 Oct 2024 17:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o28-living_food_education_isumi_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1W7A-drink_productIn September 2024, Suntory launched ready-to-drink sours with Lipton tea for a limited time. This low-alcohol sour combines the famous black tea with lemon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1W7A-drink_productSun, 20 Oct 2024 20:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1W7A-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvKK-drink_productSuntory's &Wine selection of wines in 350 ml aluminum bottles are based on the concept of food pairings. Zeitaku Ringo is a white wine with apple juice to pair with sweets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvKK-drink_productSun, 20 Oct 2024 17:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvKK-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNKo-drink_productOorin sour is a low-alcohol (3%) beverage in the J-CRAFT TRIP series. The series is a collaboration with Ko Trip, a travel magazine and Mitsubishi Foods.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNKo-drink_productSun, 20 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNKo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqY8-living_saitama_chibaIn the last few days in the Kanto region, the temperature and humidity have been high, mornings misty, and nights mercifully cool. While it does feel like autumn, the expected start of the change of colours is a long way away. I check Japan Meteorological Corporation's Autumn Foliage Forecast, periodically updated, indicating the end of November for the big show.Still, there is a lot of colour to enjoy right now, and abutilons, アブチロン in Japanese, are blooming and full of buds right now in Saitama and Chiba Prefectures. The shrub is also called Indian mallow for its origin and flowering maple for the shape of the leaves.On my daily walk in Kasukabe City, this double variety makes me smile. It reminds me of the "room maple", the abutilon my family kept as an indoor plant. The winters are too harsh for them there.Are you seeing abutilons blooming in your region?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqY8-living_saitama_chibaSun, 20 Oct 2024 16:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqY8-living_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkED-hobby_home_productEarth brand (アース) Dani Yoke Spray comes in a 350 ml spray bottle. The formulation of botanical ingredients claims to repel mites, disinfect, and deodorize.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkED-hobby_home_productSat, 19 Oct 2024 12:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkED-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRBE-foods_productBefco Confectionery offers Hokkaido Rich Scallop Butter-Soy Sauce senbei crackers. The 40 gram bags contain rice crackers touted as "triple-dipped" in seasoning.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRBE-foods_productSat, 19 Oct 2024 12:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRBE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2BD-drink_productSuntory's Saishoku Kenbi red wine in a PET plastic bottle is a medium-bodied red wine made with imported grape juice and some additional fruit juices. It has 8% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2BD-drink_productSat, 19 Oct 2024 10:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2BD-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJjb-foods_productKokeiya Confectionery's Strong brand touts Oni Consome, a potato chip variety in a 53-gram bag. The potato chips are seasoned with meaty, vegetal, and consomme flavors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJjb-foods_productFri, 18 Oct 2024 22:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJjb-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WJ9-drink_productKirin's Gin Soda Mori no Ka is a ready-to-drink highball in 350 and 500 ml aluminum cans. The drink is based on juniper gin with citrus flavoring and 7% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WJ9-drink_productFri, 18 Oct 2024 21:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WJ9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Rn-hobby_home_productDaiso 100 yen stores stock many natural products in paper packaging. This item is labeled as white palm tawashi, an 8 cm wide scrub brush made from white palm fiber.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Rn-hobby_home_productFri, 18 Oct 2024 21:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Rn-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABVQ-foods_productCalbee Confectionery released two flavors of "Crisp", molded potato chips in early 2024. The two varieties are umashio and umami consomme flavors in 45 gram bags.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABVQ-foods_productFri, 18 Oct 2024 20:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABVQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnl0-drink_product7-11's exclusive line of Cycle.me products in austere white and gray packaging is a collaboration between food manufacturers and experts to provide nutrition and wellness balance. Cycle.me Citrus Mix Taste Soda has dietary fiber.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnl0-drink_productSun, 13 Oct 2024 13:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnl0-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX865-fashion_productCoen, a fashion brand, carries this ribbed high-neck t-shirt in a cotton polyester blend. It's machine-washable and comes in two sizes, M and L. Prices range from 1000-2000 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX865-fashion_productSun, 13 Oct 2024 10:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX865-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ygA-drink_productIn September 2024, Suntory launched Lipton Apple Tea Sour for a limited time. This low-alcohol fruity sour incorporates the world's most popular tea brand, Lipton.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ygA-drink_productSun, 13 Oct 2024 09:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ygA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WnD-living_transportation_saitama_chibaThe Tobu train lines come up with new campaign posters to encourage passengers to mind their manners. The messages on the posters often depend on puns.This autumn, the posters display もじり mojiri, substituting a word with a similar-sounding one. The creatures are weasels, called イタチ itachi in Japanese. "You're welcome" is rendered どうイタチまして douitachimashite. It also sounds a child's attempt at the mouthful of syllables. Cuteness overload!Do you notice wordplay on advertising or announcements? Do they tickle your funnybone or leave you scratching your head?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WnD-living_transportation_saitama_chibaSun, 13 Oct 2024 08:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WnD-living_transportation_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqox-living_chiba_kamagaya_shi_chibaIn mid-October, Chiba Prefecture has a plethora of autumn festivals to celebrate the harvest. I had a hard time choosing as many communities have one- or two-day extravaganzas.On Saturday, October 12th, I settled on 鎌ヶ谷市民まつり Kamagaya Shimin Matsuri, a civic festival in suburban Kamagaya City. This one-day matsuri, started in 1975, is today centered around Kamagaya City Hall. I took the Tobu Urban Park Line to get to Shinkamagaya Station, a junction for Shin-Keisei, Hokuso, and Narita Sky Acess lines besides the Tobu line.In 2013, Kamagaya City invited 相馬野馬追 Soma Nomaoi, Fukushima’s celebrated mounted samurai ritual procession. The crowd was hushed at the conch-shell fanfare and the armor-clad riders and horses posed for photos on the parade route.After the samurai horsemen returned to a nearby park, the exuberant 阿波おどり Awaodori, an imported tradition from Tokushima Prefecture, filled the street with the jaunty dance led by drums, shamisen, and fifes. When the dancers made their second pass, parade organizers dropped the barriers so that festival-goers could follow with their interpretations.Chiba residents who missed this one, mark your calendars for 2025 autumn matsuri season!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqox-living_chiba_kamagaya_shi_chibaSat, 12 Oct 2024 17:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqox-living_chiba_kamagaya_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkNY-living_food_medicalSearch my other blogs starting with TtoE (an abbreviation of Tone to Edo), and you’ll see many healthful, seasonal, and economical dishes I make. Some blogs are about dinners, others bento box lunches.I’m in the habit of cooking nearly every meal I eat, but sometimes I’m so busy that I don’t have time to cook rice and okazu side dishes. So I resort to supermarket bento box meals. Sure, they’re appealing, filling, and generally full of good nutrition. However, some lack veggies.One strategy I use when I’m in a hurry, hungry, and need a bento box lunch for the next day, is bento remake. This hamburg bento is 大盛 oomori, or large portion, which usually refers to the helping of rice.From my fridge and pantry stock, I prep some ingredients for fried rice. Twenty minutes later, I’ve got two meals - a donburi bento with some leftover chicken in a reused takeout containerand a decent dinner with lots of nutrition.One scary anecdote - a former foreign resident I know depended on bento box meals and got beriberi! The condition, called 脚気 kakke in Japanese, is the result of depending on rice for calories which means not enough Vitamin B1. The Japanese naval physician Takaki Kanehiro back in the 19th century is credited for realizing beriberi was resolved by nutrition. Be like Dr. Takaki.Do you get bento box meals? Do you think they're okay or deficient in healthful content?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkNY-living_food_medicalFri, 04 Oct 2024 12:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkNY-living_food_medicalhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRl8-living_chiba_shi_chiba_inage_ku_chiba_shi_chibaAbout 20 years ago, on my second sojourn in Japan, I found a home in Chiba City’s Hanamigawa Ward. With a weak grasp of Japanese and a sketchy ALT dispatch company job, I managed to find a tiny apartment within a 10-minute walk to a train station and explored on a rickety bicycle. My time there predates Japan’s explosive tourism boom, so there were few foreign language resources, and translating info was tedious. Serendipity and chance encounters with local people afforded glimpses of the city’s charm. So, while I had a rich experience there, I missed a lot of nuance.Taisho era villa window on Inage WardI told you about rediscovering Chiba City on a day trip, which was, in fact, a visit to the commercial and government hub in Chiba City’s Chuo Ward. Chiba City, divided into six wards with Chuo, the administrative center, is home to Inage, the smallest with its own distinctive character.Modern Inage was a seaside retreat in the Taisho era, but land reclamation projects created Maihama Ward facing Tokyo Bay putting about 3 kilometers of residential and industrial land between Inage and the shore. That landfill became Mihama Ward, accounting for the distance from Inage Seaside Park.I visited on a blazing hot September morning, heading for the shade. Inage Park, a rolling landscape recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 pine tree forests is noted for the 根上がりの松, ne agari no matsu, pine trees standing on their roots. You can imagine Tolkien’s ents plodding through the forest. The forest surrounds Inage Sengen Shrine, dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mt. Fuji. The shrine is on a man-made hillside built to resemble Mt. Fuji and its paths to the peak. While the shrine is a 1960s reconstruction, the shrine has a 1200-year history. I want to go back to see the Kagura dance performed at ceremonies.Adjacent to the shrine is a villa celebrated for its royal tenants. Aisin Gioro Pujie's Former Residence is a cottage, free to enter, where Pujie, the younger brother of China’s last emperor, lived with his Japanese noblewoman wife. What a story, too. They had an arranged marriage meant to create ties between Japan and Manchuria, their eldest daughter and her lover committed suicide when their relationship was opposed, and the family was pulled back and forth between Japan and China. The house has a lovely garden and a mix of western and teahouse-style architecture.My last stop was Former Kamiya Denbei Inage Villa. When you visit Asakusa, you can visit the historic Kamiya Bar, and at Ushiku in Ibaraki Prefecture, Chateau Kamiya. These spots are the legacy of Kamiya Denbei who created one of Japan’s first wineries. The Inage villa is his guesthouse that once had a view of Tokyo Bay.The first floor looks like an Edwardian era manor and the second floor has elegant Japanese-style rooms. There are many grapevine motifs in the carpentry. Take your time to gaze around to spot some fine details.Did you know about these historic connections in Chiba City?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRl8-living_chiba_shi_chiba_inage_ku_chiba_shi_chibaFri, 04 Oct 2024 11:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRl8-living_chiba_shi_chiba_inage_ku_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WNo-drink_productIn September 2024, Jinro, the Korean distillery famed for its soju, a rice-based alcoholic drink akin to vodka, launched Chamiboru. The series has two ready-to-drink versions, muscat and fresh lemon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WNo-drink_productWed, 02 Oct 2024 23:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WNo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkYDe-foods_product7-11 Convenience store's autumn 2024 takeout noodle selection in 2024 includes Shio Ramen Wantanmen in a mixed broth. it's just 500 yen and under 450 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkYDe-foods_productMon, 30 Sep 2024 21:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkYDe-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqKg-educationOne of the contradictions of English language education in schools is the rigidity of the test-driven curriculum and often unstructured enrichment activities. The former has, for all its problems, clear-cut objectives, namely getting students into universities. The latter are valuable learning opportunities requiring a bit of planning.High school English clubAt the private high school I teach at, I lead the English Speaking Society, an afterschool club activity. I have to be honest here. The last thing I want to do at the end of a day of teaching, assessment, and planning is teach yet another lesson. Never mind a one-room schoolhouse - the members are all levels and different grades. I have to plan something achievable, interesting, and fun. Even better, something that the members can take pride in and is good for school PR.A screenshot of the Google Form questionnaire resultsTo get started, I surveyed the English club members in a questionnaire using Google Forms. The questionnaire asked them about their English levels, interests, and goals. Reading, speaking, and meeting people who use English are high priorities for the members who range from basic to near-native to polyglot!The English club recommends…Google Maps reviews are invaluable, but even better are the place reviews here on City Cost. It’s great to read about our correspondents’ experiences. I showed the members a few and gave them a simple organizer and instructions. Review a place within a 30-minute trip from home by train, car, bike, or on foot with the location, description, and your impression.The compositions are in manageable bits totalling about 100 words. We’ll display them on a noticeboard which provides them with easy reading and community connections. They’ll also compile them for our next newspaper distributed to all classes.Talking to real peopleTo get the members talking to people, I adapted the KWL reading strategy - what do students know, want to know, and learn from course contents. Our school hosts exchange students who will be the sources of "content". The club members in groups are writing letters to invite the exchange students, each from a different country, to come give talks. Original material I made with CanvaTo get ready for the talk, they are researching the exchange students’ countries - that’s the “know” part. They’re formulating sets of questions about things they “want to know”. After they interact with the exchange students, their reports are the “learn” part. The reports go on display and appear in our newspaper, too.See the previous posts in this series - English Language Matters: Teaching Pronunciation and English Language Matters: the “weird” lack of practical in Japan’s academia.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqKg-educationSat, 28 Sep 2024 14:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqKg-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl5-foods_productIn anticipation of autumn, Fujiya Confectionery in August 2024 releases a flavor combo, Sweet Potato and Mont Blanc, in their popular LOOK brand of chocolate treats.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl5-foods_productFri, 27 Sep 2024 21:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl5-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3AV-foods_productJomon Ruins World Heritage Headquarters teams up with Koikeya Pride Potato brand to create. Jomon-Fragrant Scallop Broth potato chips. The chips are flavored with produce from historic Jomon regions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3AV-foods_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 19:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3AV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl9-tech_productDaiso 100 yen stores also stock items beyond the 100 yen range, including tech. This time I got a wireless rechargeable mouse for 500 yen which comes with a USB cable and a USB dongle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl9-tech_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 14:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNl9-tech_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wy5-drink_productIn 2024, Aseed launched Ie Bar, Home Bar, a series of ready-to-drink low-alcohol cocktails. The two offerings are Fashionable and Moscow Mule. Moscow Mule is 3% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wy5-drink_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 12:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wy5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonaA-foods_product7-11's take out noodles in the Kanto region has tsukehimokawa udon on the menu from August 2024. The wide noodles come with a garnish of green onion and tsuyu broth for dipping.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonaA-foods_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 11:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonaA-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jYk-drink_productThe Hub chain of British-style pubs produces a ready-to-drink gin and tonic with 5% alcohol. The product is geographically limited to Tokyo, Kansai, and Koshin regions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jYk-drink_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 09:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jYk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNveA-drink_productThis limited-time specialty beer is part of Suntory Breweries' Premium Malts series. In August 2024, Suntory released Akane Iro Ale, a limited-edition Red Ale.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNveA-drink_productTue, 24 Sep 2024 08:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNveA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2XL-drink_productTo evoke the atmosphere of autumn, Suntory offers Kaeri no Kinmokusei, a limited production Happoshu in August and September 2024. The happoshu is an amber ale type.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2XL-drink_productFri, 20 Sep 2024 10:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2XL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX82x-foods_productKokeiya, purveyor of myriad varieties of potato chips, revives Don Tacos tortilla chips in two varieties, Chili Tacos and Nacho Cheese. The company first introduced this product in 1994.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX82x-foods_productTue, 17 Sep 2024 22:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX82x-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8Rd-drink_productThis small aluminum bottle of sparkling red wine is made with Muscat Bailey A, a hardy cultivar of Muscat grapes grown in Yamanashi Prefecture with 12% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8Rd-drink_productTue, 17 Sep 2024 18:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8Rd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yAa-foods_product7-11's own brand of chilled noodles came out with this mouthful, a chilled hiyashi chuka with a slice of chashu flavored with garlic. The regular price is 640 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yAa-foods_productTue, 17 Sep 2024 15:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yAa-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo9k-drink_productOrion Breweries' Nago line of premium beers offer American Pale Ale in late summer 2024. The beer is brewed with imported malt and four varieties of hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo9k-drink_productTue, 17 Sep 2024 15:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo9k-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNv7A-educationMost of my Japan teaching experience is down here, but all of my home country experience was post-secondary and I'm good with thatWhile waiting for service at a Tokyo business, I struck up a conversation with a fellow foreign resident, talking about the journeys that brought us to Japan. Work came up, and that’s where we got into a deep discussion about teaching in secondary and post-secondary education. I was teaching at a private high school in Tokyo and told her about the courses in which my high school students wrote essays in addition to reading British and American literature. I wondered aloud if moving on to university instruction would be more stimulating.She shook her head and said she was glad to move on to another career as it was boring! She got tired of trying to get students to communicate in English. While an acclaimed communicator, she wasn't prepared as an English language instructor.Later, I spoke to other university instructors and discovered many cover the same content at about the level I teach in junior high school. Some of those university instructors were surprised by the classroom practices and the learner achievements I described. I had assumed that university instructors would be far ahead of me when it comes to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) best practices, and in turn, pulling their students’ English proficiency up. I’m not saying I’m a star teacher, but I was prepared with a post-graduate TESOL qualification before I came to Japan and adapted my practice to Japan's classrooms. A lot of the Japanese uni faculty I talked to have graduate degrees without the practica or nuts-and-bolts teacher training that I received.In conversation with Robert Swier, David Barker of Gifu University points to the elephant in the room when he says “... in Japan, the only requirement for a teacher at a university is a master’s degree, and it doesn’t have to involve any practical element at all. So, you could have a master’s degree in English literature, or history, or politics, or something like that.” In Barker's plenary speech at JALT 2019, he talks about receiving a visiting Cambridge trainer from London and the weirdness of the experience. The Cambridge trainer lacks the MA demanded by Japan’s universities, and the Japan-based instructors are unqualified to instruct in the program in London. You can see the whole presentation on teacher efficacy on YouTube.So, while I continue withteacher professional development, I let go of the dream of university teaching. The stimulating and rewarding situation I'm in now draws on my TESOL preparation. I could use the hefty university research budget, but I’m not under pressure to pump out articles like uni faculty are.See the first post in this series English Language Matters: Teaching Pronunciation.Images in this post were created with Canva.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNv7A-educationMon, 16 Sep 2024 11:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNv7A-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxN9B-foods_product7-11's own brand of The Seven Sweets brings us Mochiri Hottoku Chiizu, a Korean-inspired street food snack, Hotteok. The package includes a note, best heated in the microwave.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxN9B-foods_productSun, 15 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxN9B-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wqv-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores' lineup of ice milk treats introduces Choco Furomaju from August 2024. This ice milk bar made with mascarpone and cream cheese.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wqv-foods_productThu, 12 Sep 2024 15:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wqv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Qy-foods_productFujiya Confectionery's LOOK premium brand of chocolate sweets got a refresh in September 2024 with three new selections. This version is LOOK White Lovers with three kinds of white chocolate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Qy-foods_productThu, 12 Sep 2024 15:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9Qy-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqv6p-educationI spot teach the contrast between l/r when it's crucial, such as the difference between lend and rendFor those who teach English in Japan, so often there is pressure from your superiors, whether public or private school English departments or eikaiwa administrators for you, the English teacher, to provide a model of English pronunciation. However, the question is, what features of the language are you encouraged to teach and practice?So it was startling to me to read recent research with a searing indictment of the JET Programme which invites young people from abroad to assist English teachers in public and private elementary and high schools in Japan.The paper cites a source that says a meager 1% of JET Programme participants are licensed teachers or English language teaching professionals. While they’re expected to model pronunciation, very few of them have any knowledge of strategies to teach and provide practice in the prosody of Engish. It’s important to understand that Japanese is a syllabic language while English is a stress-timed language. The stark contrast means that Japanese learners of English who are trained solely in grammar struggle to hear the weak and strong words of spoken English. If you don’t know what to listen for, you won’t get the benefit of listening input.The writer’s research results show that many of the JET ALTs don’t draw on best practices in teaching pronunciation and often misinform their learners about the features of spoken English.English prosody isn’t a mystery as there are clear rules that determine which words receive stress and which are quiet, how sounds link, and how English speakers change the meaning of a sentence depending on pitch and volume. From an infographic I use in high school to teach and practice the contrast between emphasized content and reduced function wordsTeaching and practicing English rhythm makes a significant difference in listening comprehension and utterances of your language learners. Baruch College’s Tools for Clear Speech website has interactive tools and quizzes that are appropriate for junior and senior high school students besides adult learners. The British Council runs a free month-long online course in teaching English pronunciation starting on October 2nd. The coursework looks at not only discrete sounds but also intonation and struggles with perceptions about the teaching of English pronunciation. And you read that right, it’s free. It also includes a workbook chock full of resources to draw from.This is the first in a series of blog posts about English teaching in Japan.Images in this post were created with Canva.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqv6p-educationWed, 11 Sep 2024 19:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqv6p-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnbD-foods_productMajor baked products company Yamazaki packages four nikuman in a package. The package recommends microwaving the nikuman for 30 seconds. I found these at a Belx Supermarket.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnbD-foods_productSun, 08 Sep 2024 21:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnbD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oeE-foods_productKao's Kyukyutto brand of disinfecting dishwashing liquid comes in a variety of scents and packaging. This 700 ml container of dish liquid is thin rolls up for disposal.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oeE-foods_productSun, 08 Sep 2024 21:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oeE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8AL-drink_productMaxValu, a discount supermarket chain with stores across Asia, carries Top Valu products. This one is Muto Chuhai Lemon, a sugar-free ready-to-drink highball with &% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8AL-drink_productSun, 08 Sep 2024 20:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8AL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yBL-drink_productSuntory offers three limited-release ready-to-drink chuhai with regional fruit varieties from the middle of August. The Aki Budo chuhai features Yamanashi-grown grapes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yBL-drink_productSun, 08 Sep 2024 18:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yBL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo2W-hobby_home_productDaiso kitchen items include many types and styles of hashi, chopsticks. This set of two nejiri saibashi, twisted cooking chopsticks, are made of bamboo.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo2W-hobby_home_productSun, 08 Sep 2024 17:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo2W-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNqj-living_chiba_shi_chibaBack in June, I told you about the opportunity to observe and participate in the changing cultural landscape in Japan. As part of Chiba Prefecture’s multicultural initiatives, I got recruited to give “demae” lectures which send me to elementary schools to introduce my country to Grade 5 and 6 students. The challenging part for me is that, while I’m encouraged to include English-language elements in my presentations, the bulk of the content and activities are delivered in Japanese.In my presentation, I quiz the kids to draw on their knowledge and peke their interestOn my second assignment to a Chiba City public elementary school, the principal and a head teacher ushered the lecturers, a diverse group representing five different countries, into a spare classroom where we got to catch up. Our discussion about our presentations and experiences went back and forth in Japanese and English as we code-switched depending on our counterparts’ fluency in either language.A homeroom teacher escorted me to a grade 5 classroom where the students were prepared with a worksheet on which they’d made notes of things they know about my home country, Canada, and questions they’d like me to answer in my presentation. I greeted the class and while the homeroom teacher set up my netbook on the school’s network, I greeted each child and they read their questions to me. They were not the least bit shy! Each child appeared at ease with me, the foreign lady.The students interjected and raised their hands many times during the hour-long interaction in which I presented quiz questions with many topics they had previously researched and others that they had to deduct from hints. They made copious notes on their worksheets as I presented images, text, and some facts about my country that surprised and pleased them. One fact that impressed them was the number of Japanese cuisine restaurants in my hometown, Vancouver. Sushi, ramen, gyoza, and even izakaya restaurants dominate the restaurant market there.When the bell rang for lunch, I got mobbed by children from other classes asking me to autograph their notebooks. I couldn’t say no - lots of florid variations on my given name now grace their books.What struck me was how comfortable the kids were with a foreign visitor in their school. Over two decades ago, when I first arrived in Japan, I made visits to elementary schools where the kids saw me as a novelty and enigma. The elementary school students of 2024 are far more proactive and take it for granted that they can meet foreign residents and visitors. I suspect the ALTs have a strong influence when it comes to getting the kids comfortable with foreign faces and languages.The students could intuit the order of this conversation in French, Canada's other official languageAccording to this research paper, the 6000 or so elementary school ALTs take on a lot of responsibility in English language instruction. This appears to be an effect of homeroom teachers in elementary schools who don’t have to hold English teaching qualifications. Some interesting stats come out of that research, too. ALTs assigned to elementary school positions have a higher female and more Japanese-proficient profile than their junior high school counterparts. The net result is that elementary school students are likely to receive instruction from a female long-term foreign resident who speaks Japanese.So, otsukaresama to the homeroom teachers who have to stretch their capacities for cultures and languages, and thank you to the ALTs who provide direct interactions with Japanese kids.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNqj-living_chiba_shi_chibaSat, 07 Sep 2024 20:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNqj-living_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqJW-foods_product7-11 Convenience store's autumn selection includes Dashi Kaoru Shio Ramen, dashi stock infused shio ramen. It's under 400 calories and priced at a reasonable 460 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqJW-foods_productSat, 07 Sep 2024 12:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqJW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZaV-hobby_home_productDaiso, the 100 yen shop chain, carries various kitchen sink accessories and gadgets. This copper sink strainer comes in standard sizes. It appears to be copper-coated.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZaV-hobby_home_productSat, 07 Sep 2024 11:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZaV-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2PA-foods_productMaxValu, a discount supermarket chain with stores across Asia, carries Top Valu packaged products. This item is labeled Potato chippusu Norishio aji in a 60 gram bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2PA-foods_productMon, 02 Sep 2024 21:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2PA-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvEa-living_chibaBy now, you’ve seen the flooding that Typhoon Shanshan has caused in wide areas of Japan. As international news outlets started covering the storm’s destruction, my friends and family abroad began messaging and emailing me to see if I’m okay.Up here in the Kanto region, the impact of the storm’s slow crawl varies depending on the paths of the rain bands and the terrain. On Friday morning, there were light showers in Noda City as I boarded the train to head west to work in Kasukabe City which requires crossing the Edo, Naka, and Furutone Rivers. At each train bridge, I noticed the water levels were progressively higher and the rain heavier. I waded in ankle-deep water between flooded rice paddies with the rain coming down in buckets. A coworker who lives in west Tokyo left early Friday afternoon when she got updates on her phone to say her neighborhood was under evacuation.Bigfamjapan provided a good refresher on the alert levels and how notifications get sent to residents. I’m powering up my devices this afternoon in anticipation of the heavy rain expected on Saturday evening. To keep up with developments, I bookmarked NHK’s 防災・災害情報 bousai-saigai jouhou, disaster prevention information. You’ll see the colored icons that Bigfamjapan told us about, links to each prefecture, and up-to-the-minute announcements about risks and shelters.A view of the Edo River from Matsudo City in Chiba PrefectureSince I live in a low-lying area between the Tone and Edo Rivers, I also bookmarked the government’s real-time 川の防災情報 kawa no bousai jouhou map. Like the app Bigfamjapan recommends, the river website has clickable camera icons and cross-sections of the river levels and levee elevations. Even better, click the icon on the top right of the page for the English version.The dehumidifier usually gets tucked in a corner after rainy season...Stay safe and here's hoping Shanshan goes easy on you!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvEa-living_chibaSat, 31 Aug 2024 15:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvEa-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoeW-living_educationAugust is nearly over, and I can’t wait for autumn to start. It sounds like the bugs outside my window feel the same. In the last few weeks, there are welcome sounds of late summer. Near my apartment building there are bamboo thickets, stands of trees, and a river from which I hear higurashi at twilight and suzumushi late into the evenings. I know them by their calls, but I’d be hard-pressed to identify them by appearance.Original photo art made with LunaPicI told you before about resources for getting to know Japan’s birds,and I went down some rabbit (bug?) holes looking for insects. If you’re simply looking for native and endemic bugs anywhere in Japan, a good place to start is 身近な昆虫図鑑 (Mijikana konchū zukan), the National Parks Foundation’s guide to common insects. The search allows you to look up by name - family or species - in Japanese. If you don’t know the name of the insect, try searching with season, region, color, and the classification button which lists 14 types of insect.For bug-hunters who want to know every last taxonomic detail, try the Institute for Agro-Environmental Science’s Insect Inventory Search Engine. The search engine has both English and Japanese language search pages. For budding entomologists, it’s a great way to learn the taxonomy terms in both languages as there is a tree search for both Latin and Japanese classifications of insects.Now, I’m on the hunt for a smartphone app to identify bugs. I found a few, downloaded one, tried it, but got turned off by the in-app sign-up fee.Can you recommend a reliable bug-identifier app? A freebee?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoeW-living_educationMon, 26 Aug 2024 20:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoeW-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbj0-drink_productAsahi Breweries came out with Asahi Super Dry Dry Crystal in 2023. The beer has a reduced alcohol content at 3.5%. The beer is priced the same as comparable beers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbj0-drink_productMon, 26 Aug 2024 18:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbj0-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KW9-drink_product_sport_productUCC's 800 g bag of Kissaten no Special Blend coffee is available at a promotional price until August 30th. The coffee beans are sourced in Vietnam and Brazil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KW9-drink_product_sport_productMon, 26 Aug 2024 18:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KW9-drink_product_sport_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnEy-fashion_productThis compact folding dual-purpose parasol and umbrella made by Line Drops comes in 50 cm and comes in a pouch with a magic tape closure. The umbrella is made of UV-blocking fabric.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnEy-fashion_productFri, 23 Aug 2024 16:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnEy-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6obl-drink_productZen-Noh, the national agricultural cooperative, periodically releases products that feature regional produce. This drink, Okinawa Kajuku Shikuwasa & Pineapple Sour, is 4% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6obl-drink_productFri, 23 Aug 2024 15:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6obl-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX89Q-fashion_product_mind_body_productThis package of 30 powder sheets produced by Esselect is available at drugstores. The sheets are "fruity citrus" scented and contain hyaluronic acid, a skin toner.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX89Q-fashion_product_mind_body_productFri, 23 Aug 2024 14:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX89Q-fashion_product_mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN5Y-living_food_shopping_chibaHave you seen the price of fruit lately in Japan? A bunch of three bananas can run you over 200 yen. Apples and pears are in season now but they’re practically a delicacy. So when I spied a box of figs on the discount wagon, labeled 見本, mihon, or sample, for only 100 yen, I had to have them.The prettier figs as some of them were a bit damagedThe figs were grown somewhere in Chiba Prefecture (no specifics on where), and I messaged my neighbor, an elderly guy who grew up in rural Ibaraki Prefecture. He laughed when I told him I paid money for figs. In his youth, fig trees were abundant and gifts of the fruit were about as welcome as zucchini in my hometown of Vancouver, Canada. It’s not that figs or zucchini are unpalatable. But too much of a good thing, right?The fig, not native to Japan and likely either introduced from China or zealous Portuguese in the Edo era, is a lovely fruit but it spoils fast. My small haul got me five for 100 yen, and sure enough, one of them was over-ripe.My favorite way to prepare them is to roast them in the toaster oven on a lightly oiled aluminum sheet with ham and cheese. I sprinkled them lightly with pepper. When you roast them they acquire a creamy texture.Roasted in the toaster oven with slices of ham and cheeseI occasionally share my recipes for seasonal foods - search for TtoEto read about my dishes with Japanese ingredients and foreign foods with a washoku sensibility.Have you been burdened or gifted with figs or other late summer produce? How do you prepare them?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN5Y-living_food_shopping_chibaWed, 21 Aug 2024 20:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN5Y-living_food_shopping_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonRZ-fashion_product_mind_body_productMatsumoto Kiyoshi drugstore chain's own brand of cosmetics includes body sheets. This version is scented with citrus and verbena. The sheets also have hyaluronic acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonRZ-fashion_product_mind_body_productWed, 21 Aug 2024 15:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonRZ-fashion_product_mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jxY-drink_productSuntory offers three limited-release ready-to-drink chuhai with regional fruit varieties from mid August. This one is Akinashi Chuhai made with the Kosui variety of nashi pears.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jxY-drink_productWed, 21 Aug 2024 15:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jxY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNQv-drink_productAsahi Breweries' Daradara Ale with 3.5% alcohol, invites you to rest your wings. This limited beer variety is available in some parts of the Kanto and Tokai regions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNQv-drink_productWed, 21 Aug 2024 14:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNQv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqlX-foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of small sides, Cup Deli, varies by region and season. Found at a Kanto region 7-11 in August 2024, this is a variation of "nebaneba sarada".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqlX-foods_productWed, 21 Aug 2024 14:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqlX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRyq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaI’m a chronic customer at our local supermarket as it’s right in front of the station and a few steps from my apartment. I’ve told you about this very local place in a suburban Noda City, before. This Belx Supermarket’s management petitions the gods for food safety.This summer, 店長 tencho, the manager, invoked the muses by placing a ストリートピアノ, a street piano in the atrium. Next to the Yamaha upright grand piano is a sign that implores customers to disinfect their hands before playing.At first, I was hesitant to touch it. Would people be annoyed by my poor attempts at classical and folk music? As a child in Canada, my parents put me through a musical education and I had a beat-up piano at home. I hadn’t touched a piano since I graduated from high school. I worried that supermarket customers would not tolerate my fumbling attempts to play…Well, I worked up the nerve after an elderly neighbor lady gave an impromptu concert - Richard Clayderman classics and Disney theme music performed to the best of her ability. We got talking after she played. It turns out that she is mostly self-taught and struggles to read musical scores.Right, then. It was my turn! I hurried home and pulled a battered accordion out of the oshiere, an Italian-made instrument I bought second hand and lugged from Canada. I had a go with some pieces half-remembered, and through the magic of the Internet, I refreshed my knowledge of musical theory and found some scores to pieces I enjoy.Back to the supermarket street piano, I was surprised and heartened by the response from neighbors. They don’t mind my imperfect playing. Even better, the street piano has become a social hub. People gather, make requests, encourage all comers to play, and the music sparks conversation. A few times I’ve urged children to come and taught them simple and familiar tunes, one hand at a time. Through the magic of the street piano, I have learned the names and faces of my neighbors. And we teach each other the pieces we know.Are you looking for a public piano? Don’t be shy as anybody, learner, amateur, or professional can play. Try Daredemo Piano for locations in Japan and Pianos Pub for international pianos including hundreds in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRyq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaTue, 20 Aug 2024 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRyq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgxZ-foods_productCalbee Confectionery comes out with all kinds of imaginative regional and novel flavors. In the summer of 2024, Calbee released a line, BIRUCA. This version labeled in Japanese and English is chili and lime flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgxZ-foods_productTue, 20 Aug 2024 13:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgxZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2xj-foods_productKawatsuru Foods based in Wakayama Prefecture produces many varieties of pickles. This 150-gram pack of shiso-flavored umeboshi is labeled to indicate 10"% salt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2xj-foods_productTue, 20 Aug 2024 12:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2xj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9lJ-livingOne evening on my commute home, I was hungry and too tired to recall the contents of my fridge. The train pulled into my home station and I settled on a shokudo dinner, a cheap set meal at a traditional diner.At the counter a young man in a worn three-piece suit, a black necktie tucked into his breast pocket, perched on a stool sipping shochu. He eyeballed me intermittently while rummaging in his briefcase. I hadn’t been a target for nanpa, the Japanese-style pickup, for some years, and got the impression he was working up the nerve for an opening.He straightened his collar and then made his play, asking me if I lived nearby. I replied yes, and asked him the same. In response, he brushed his hand over his head and I noticed the juzu around his wrist, and it clicked. He was a Buddhist priest. From his briefcase he pulled out a battered fountain pen and deftly wrote a Buddhist verse on a slip of paper. I moved a little closer, and he began to explain he was returning from a ceremony and took advantage of the trip to enjoy some liberty. We chatted, him telling me about rising early, spartan meals, and tending the temple garden near the river.The shokudo ladies closed up, so he asked me to join him for a drink at a nearby bar. I hesitated, but he insisted with a warm smile. At the bar, the master called out “Irasshaimase” and waved his hand broadly. The bar was empty as it was still early in the evening, so we could talk freely about the challenges of temple life, the long but fulfilling days, the strict head priest ordering the young acolytes to copy sutras by kersoene lamp light. I was intrigued by his description of tradition.We forgot about the time but I began to drop hints that I had an early wakeup and wondered aloud how we could meet again. He froze as he was rummaging in his briefcase for a business card. He asked me the time and I checked my mobile phone - a quarter to 10. He raised his eyebrows and exclaimed, “Mongen da!” The senior priest’s uncompromising 10 p.m. curfew meant he had to rush to the temple gate.I caught the eye of the barman, motioned to my purse on the seat, and pushed the priest out the door. I flagged the first taxi I saw. He held my hand in both of his, and we looked into each other’s eyes. “You’ll make it! Oyasumi nasai”, I told him. And the taxi sped off towards the river.After I settled the bar bill, I stepped out into the cool evening air. Glancing down at the curb, I saw a glint - it was the battered fountain pen. The barrel’s worn inscription retained only the word “ji” for temple and the ji-mon, the temple crest depicting five small circles around a large one. I put it in my purse.The next weekend in fair weather I rode my bicycle to the river. Among the farmhouses and rice paddies were some shrines but no temple. Along the road, I hailed an elderly farmer on the road. I asked, any temple around here? He looked into the distance, and sighed, “Ah, see that Katori Shrine there?” He gestured to a torii gate. “Do you know the Meiji era? The country pulled down many temples in the haibutsu kishaku, you know?” he told me. “But our village resisted the movement,” I asked him where the holdout temples were. “Oh, the priests got old, few young ones to carry on…” he trailed off. “See that gate there?” He gestured to the Katori Shrine. “There was one that shared the precinct, but it’s gone. A fire destroyed it in the Bubble era. The priest was a stubborn old man. Always kerosene lanterns in the sutra hall,” he told me as he cast his eyes down. I apologized for my impertinent questions. He waved his hand, “No worry. Come back for Setsubun in February. It’s fun!” He led me to the temple gate, and to the side was a well-worn granite pillar. Carved in that pillar was a ji-mon, five small circles around a large circle, the pigment flaking off.I dug in my bag for the fountain pen adorned with the ji-mon, bowed, and pressed it into the old man’s hand. “Thank you! See you at Setsubun!” and rode back to my apartment in the center of the town.This is the third and last of my Spooky Japan stories for Obon 2024.See Spooky Japan 1: The Cyclist and Spooky Japan 2: The Girl on the Train for more curious tales.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9lJ-livingMon, 19 Aug 2024 17:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9lJ-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7lV-drink_productSuntory's limited edition Ryo no Oto Ale in the Premium Malt's line was released in July 2024. Based on the color and label, it's a Golden Ale with 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7lV-drink_productMon, 19 Aug 2024 11:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7lV-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY1B-living_chibaI admit that on Thursday, with the sun blazing and the temperatures scorching, I felt a little fear as the city public address system broadcast a voluntary evacuation and named the shelters in various neighborhoods. The precaution was taken as Typhoon # 7, named Ampil, approached the Boso Peninsula south of me. Today, August 17th, routine is resuming and transport is getting back on track as the typhoon moved out into the Pacific.It’s old news now, but it jolted governments, organizations, and community groups to mobilize support for foreign residents. The Chiba Prefecture government international affairs section emailed me and fellow volunteers to spread the word that the Chiba Convention Bureau and International Center staff were standing by to answer questions in multiple languages from foreign residents.The Edo River in flood near my home after a typhoon in 2019A Chiba community Facebook group immediately started message threads, and many foreign residents asked and answered questions about utilities, shelters, and announcements. We were able to keep company and help each other. One of the valuable links that one resident shared with us is the national government’s initiative to provide info for foreign residents. But when it came down to it, the community members themselves put non-Japanese-speaking residents at ease and translated neighborhood-level info in real time.Another platform, Reddit, has a recently created subreddit r/japanweather with frequent meteorological posts making it worth following. So far, it's got a lot of detailed images and text and it's gaining momentum.Ediit - corrected the name of the typhoon.Does your community - within your city or across your prefecture - have a social media channel to help foreign residents help each other? Which platform do you use?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY1B-living_chibaSat, 17 Aug 2024 20:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY1B-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRlJ-drink_productKirin's Hyoketsu line of shochu highballs, or chuhai, has this limited-time offering. Shio Lichi has 5% spirits and is made with imported lychee fruit and salt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRlJ-drink_productSat, 17 Aug 2024 14:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRlJ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2ld-drink_productKoushin Milk Products company packages this flat peach-flavored drink made with white peach puree. You can find the 900 ml paper cartons in some supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2ld-drink_productSat, 17 Aug 2024 13:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2ld-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KxO-livingIn the autumn of my second year in Japan, I landed a teaching position at a prestigious high school in Aoyama. The year before, in what felt like exile, I had soldiered on at a dispatch company assistant teacher job in the industrial stretch south of Chiba City. The new position was stimulating and fun and placed me right in the heart of Tokyo. Ideal except for the commute, 46 kilometers on the Chuo line from Chiba City. You might wonder why I didn’t jump at the chance to move to Tokyo proper. The Chiba apartment was cheap, close to the bay and the city center. So I gritted my teeth and commuted like thousands of other Chiba citizens.However, unlike the locals, I stand out with my fair complexion, wavy hair, and blue eyes. Furtive glances and sometimes cold stares of other passengers got to me at times. The surreptitious once-overs from young women possibly curious about the foreign cut of my clothes; businessmen ogling me over their folded newspapers; and leering young men snickering together about the gaijin girl on the train. If I could get a seat, pull my collar up to my ears, and my hat down over my eyes to read a book or poke at my phone, I could attract less attention.But one warm July afternoon I caught myself looking. I had left work at noon as it was exam time. I had marked papers all morning and the principal had dismissed the teachers early. The Chuo line wasn’t crowded that midweek afternoon so I sank into an available seat and let my eyes wander to the advertising posters to see how much kanji I could read, or to gaze out at the scenery. Of course, my glances passed over the faces of other seated passengers - the middle-aged salaryman dozing, a tiny obachan whose feet didn’t touch the floor, a high school boy fiddling with his mobile phone.Across from me was a Japanese woman my age, dressed for the office. A lot like me, I thought. As she looked up at the destination sign at Sendagaya Station, I caught a glimpse of her face for a second. She looked familiar. Had I met her somewhere, at a school event or a party? Her gaze met mine for an instant, and we both squinted at each other.Should I say hello? I was embarrassed as I couldn’t recall meeting her. Maybe she was thinking the same thing? And what if she doesn’t speak English? I was still struggling with small talk in Japanese. The kilometer of track between Sendagaya and Yotsuya Station felt ten times as long. As the train slowed on its approach to Yotsuya Station, the harsh sunlight was relieved by the shade of the road bridge overhead. The girl looked up from her lap and her eyes widened. In the shade of the road bridge my face was reflected in the window behind her. She caught the same view over my shoulder. We were looking into mirrors of each other. She was my double. The train doors opened as she gasped and dashed onto the platform. As the doors slid shut, she locked eyes with me, smiled broadly, and waved. I returned the favor.I never saw her again on the Chuo line. I wonder if she tells the story of a girl on the train.The story is more uncanny than hair-raising. Maybe Spooky Japan 1: The Cyclist gave you shivers?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KxO-livingFri, 16 Aug 2024 00:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9KxO-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOld-livingA quake alert in May 2020 on my ancient mobile phoneMy best friend back home describes her smartphone as a “techno umbilicus”. For most people in Japan, too, whether foreign or local residents, the devices are not just for watching anime and shopping online, but also lifelines to our friends and families and as a pocket translator.So what happens if you drop it somewhere? Or you’re caught in a major disaster and the cellular networks fail? The Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster laid bare the dwindling number of 公衆電話 koushuu denwa, public payphones and the lack of knowledge about where to find them.That Noto Earthquake story presents some startling numbers. Public payphones have dwindled from nearly a million in the 1980s to 121,000 nationwide. The good news is that although NTT is gradually phasing out public payphones, public buildings have emergency phones that don’t require coins to operate. But can you name a place in your neighborhood with a green public phone? I’m wracking my brains for one in my city! A little searching turned up an invaluable resource - NTT’s public phone maps - you can find your nearest one on NTT East and NTT West websites.Have you ever used a public phone in Japan? I have a foggy memory of using one to dial internationally about 20 years ago…NTT West has a guide on using one, including the emergency button.I have an ancient NTT phone card tucked into my wallet. I think I'll get another and keep it in the back of my train pass case. You never know when you or someone else will need one.When was the last time you made or received a call from a public phone? If you have phone cards to operate public phones, where do you keep them? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOld-livingThu, 15 Aug 2024 15:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOld-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oxl-foods_productFunasadaya, a traditional confectioner based in Ashikaga City, produces various flavors of imoyoukan, a wagashi treat made with potatoes rather than beans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oxl-foods_productThu, 15 Aug 2024 12:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oxl-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm83x-foods_productFutaba's ice cream and confections include this bitter chocolate ice milk treat. The label indicates that it's made with 30% Belgian chocolate. It's available at 7-11 and other convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm83x-foods_productThu, 15 Aug 2024 11:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm83x-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yx8-foods_productDandy Chocomint is a variation in Futaba Foods' Dandy brand of chocolate ice cream treats. The ice cream bar is exclusively available at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yx8-foods_productThu, 15 Aug 2024 11:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yx8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo0v-livingImage created with CanvaThe Yamaguchis, my downstairs neighbors and landlords, greeted me on a balmy August evening as I was heading out on my bicycle. Mrs. Yamaguchi told me they’d be occupied for the next few days with Obon. She held in her hands a small earthenware pot for mukaebi, the fire to welcome ancestors. “Ah, do you do Obon in your country?” she asked. My Japanese skills at the time was too weak to explain the wonder of Canadian Halloween, the jack-o'-lantern, and the rich ancestral knowledge my Scots-Irish grandmother taught me. I stumbled, “Um, yes, my family has a festival, but it’s in October. With the autumn harvest.” She smiled broadly. “Ah, well you are far from home. Why don’t you visit the temple up the hill tomorrow? We float lanterns in the stream. It’s a good experience for you!” I thanked her and considered the suggestion on my way down the shotengai shopping street. My destination was the izakaya on the invitation of some foreign and Japanese girls in our town. The staff greeted our party with a whoop, as is their custom, and we tucked into fresh seafood and delicacies. Of course, we all had a few beers in big daijoki mugs, and a few adventurous members had a taste of the local shochu. The Japanese girls in our party filled us in on local lore, and we Canadian and American girls admitted our awkward moments as newcomers. It was a lovely evening of camaraderie. After we settled the bill, my companions and I walked together through the hushed streets, and said goodnight in front of their respective homes, me pushing my bicycle along as we went. I was the last in our party and mounted my bicycle in the way I’d learned from the Japanese girls - steady, one foot on the close pedal, push, and swing your leg over. I whispered, “Oyasumi nasai!”, good night, and headed up the slope to the Yamaguchi house.It was silent except for the breeze rattling of the zigzag shide streamers on the straw ropes hung in front of the shotengai shops and the song of the crickets. I rounded the corner at the shrine to see the light of a bicycle lamp reflected in the bonsai shop window, then catching the front of a vending machine. Another cyclist was approaching, coming down the winding street. As the cyclist got closer, I heard the creak of the gears and the hiss of the brakes as the cyclist pumped them. He was an old man leaning over the handlebars riding on the left side of the road. Now, I wanted to be a good citizen, staying on the left, but I thought I’d give way so I veered to the right, in the middle of the street. Head down, he turned his handlebars towards me, coming fast. We were just meters away. I pulled again to avoid him, yet he aimed towards me now. In the instant that he would crash into me, I squeezed the brakes hard. A breeze blew my hair into my face as the figure passed through me. I looked over my shoulder towards the shrine and there was no cyclist to be seen.The next morning, I woke to peals of thunder. An early morning rain soaked the streets. Would the temple up the hill still hold the festival? As I was tucking trash under the net in the front street, Mrs. Yamaguchi noticed me. “You can still join us.” She said, “The weather will clear this afternoon. The summer weather is always like this.” In the evening, I joined the family on the plod up to the mountainside temple, the priests welcoming us at the gate. A priest pressed a paper lantern into my hand. “Here, you can write a message, too, for anybody you want to greet,” he said. Other parishioners were writing florid messages in kanji, some smiling, others holding back tears. My knowledge of kanji was so poor that I could only write Moon and Tuesday. So, among all the impassioned greetings to the ancestors of the town floating on that August night, there was one with a drawing of a bicycle. Good night, ojisan cyclist, whoever you were.Have you got a story of your Japan experience that gives you the shivers? This is the first of three I'd like to share with you as Japan celebrates Obon, the return of the ancestors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo0v-livingWed, 14 Aug 2024 19:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRo0v-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WDn-drink_productSuntory's lineup of Ice Gin and Ice Vodka has four variations. This one, Ice Gin Lemon&Lime in a 500 ml bottle is made with ice-filtered domestic gin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WDn-drink_productTue, 13 Aug 2024 17:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WDn-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jDY-livingFirst, my apologies to the Engakuji priests for my digital vandalism of their kanban. These days, temple signboards often display pithy sayings and words of wisdom. It's all in Japanese, naturally. In the old days, signboards like this were the first word on events in the Edo era. Now, it's digital.Like City Cost blogger PDecs, I have no TV, ignore X, and don’t plug into popular culture in Japan. See my posts? I focus on cultural phenomena, natural beauty, and locations of historical significance. Occasionally I pick up current topics, mostly those close to my experience. During the pandemic, I was sometimes out of the loop on current events in Japan. One big shock was learning second-hand from my coworkers about the demise of the beloved comedian Shimura Ken. I thought to myself, I adored this whacky genius lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. I had a good think about how to stay on top of current events with my passable Japanese reading and listening comprehension.There are many English-language media outlets in Japan from which you can get timely information. For national news, I recommend Kyodo News, the cooperative that provides media to news outlets in Japanese, English, and Chinese. The Japan Times, Mainichi, and Asahi cover national and regional events.The biggie, NHK World, provides news coverage in 20 languages besides Japanese. I’m no fan of the NHK guy at my door, but this resource is region-free and international, so I take advantage of it occasionally. I point my friends abroad to it all the time. One thing to note is that the coverage in different languages varies. For example, I noticed a story in the French language version that wasn’t covered in English. The stories in other languages may have English or Japanese audio (sometimes just background music) and other language subtitles. Foreign residents learning the Japanese language have yet more media to access. I recommend going to the NHK website and having a go. The main news website has stories in 優しい日本語, yasashii nihongo, easy Japanese, which clues you into background info and essential vocabulary to tackle the original stories.Sometimes I scour Japanese headlines, choose a story I’m interested in, and resort to translation websites. If you have a lot of Japanese vocabulary but struggle with kanji, try Hiragana no Megane. Cut and paste a URL into the website and you get furigana, the katakana readings of the kanji in the stories.What's your preferred news website? How do you get regional information?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jDY-livingMon, 12 Aug 2024 19:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3jDY-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5EE-livingOriginal photo processed with LunapicOn summer mornings before it gets blistering hot, I open the doors and windows and take a deep breath. It’s especially nice to get fresh air if I’ve depended on the aircon overnight to get a decent night’s sleep (some nights the temperature hovers at 27 celsius). And to me, there’s a distinctly different sweet and grassy scent in the air. Summer simply smells different to me.The region I live in has dozens of summer fireworks displays. From the banks of the Edo River near my house, I’ve watched multiple hanabi taikais from a distance. While I like the spectacle, the smell is pungent. The acrid smell of the fireworks comes from all kinds of ingredients - charcoal, paper, rice husks, gunpowder, and chemicals. The little handheld sparklers have a strong sulfurous smell that drifts through my neighborhood’s streets.Summer festivals are olfactory experiences, too. Last week, the heat took away my appetite, but a walk through the streets for Tanabata matsuri got me hungry. The yatai stalls entice festivalgoers with so many traditional and modern treats. The aroma that lured me in was the sweet and savory yakisoba.This summer, my city announces heat stroke warnings every morning about 10 a.m. I’m looking forward to the end of the week as rain is forecast. Rain can kick up pollen, leaf litter, fungus spores, and road dirt, of course, but if you live in a leafy neighborhood, it smells great. And when the heat subsides, I want to get out to see and smell some flowers, especially lilies which bloom in August. I read that lotus has a strong fragrance.What’s your favorite or least favorite summer smell?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5EE-livingMon, 12 Aug 2024 11:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5EE-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJEd-drink_productSapporo Breweries re-released Kuradashi Draft Beer in July 2024 after a 30-year hiatus. This beer appears to be a pale lager with 4.5% alcohol. It's available for a limited time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJEd-drink_productThu, 08 Aug 2024 14:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJEd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABDo-livingAs I sit at my desk fanning myself with an uchiwa, I can hear over the whirr of the air con the songs of the cicadas in the trees. Some summer evenings to beat the heat, I ride my bike near the bank of the Edo River where I can hear suzumushi, the bell ringing cricket, struggling to be heard over all the other bug songs. And then I think of iconic songs of Japanese summer.When I arrived in Japan on a sweltering August day over two decades ago, Utada Hikaru’s debut album “First Love” was the soundtrack of the summer. Sakamoto Ryuichi released his piano solo album BTTB, featuring “Energy Flow”, another track you heard everywhere.Since then, some summer classics have grown on me. Which summer songs get you dancing or singing along? The version of “Natsumatsuri” by Whiteberry, released in 2000, with its tale of missed chances gets me hopping. I usually chime in on the chorus at karaoke.High school kids tell me they adore the 2019 hit “Ao to Natsu” by Mrs. Green Apple. It’s a much more upbeat song with a great guitar break.A wild song with a hybrid samba and ondo beat is Shonnan no Kaze’s “Suirenka” from 2007. It’s raucous, cheeky, and gets you on your feet.Are these songs on your summer playlist? What songs put you in a summer mood?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABDo-livingTue, 06 Aug 2024 13:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABDo-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPZa-living_tochigi_ashikaga_shi_tochigiI’m on summer break from my teaching position at a private high school, so I’m doing occasional day trips around my home base in the Kanto region. Last summer, I told you about a day trip to Tochigi City, known as 蔵の街, Kura no Machi, for its antique atmosphere. I’m always curious about cities and towns described as 小江戸, Koedo, or Little Edo. Some other locations in the Kanto area that come to mind are Kawagoe, Saitama, and Sawara in Katori, Chiba.This time, I made a day trip to see the quaint and historic townscape of Ashikaga City. When I stepped out of Ashikagashi Station, I immediately noticed that though it was hot, the air smelled sweeter. It’s at the foot of peaks that feed the Watarase River that flows through the town so the air is clean. The breezes at the river crossing made the heat tolerable. Nevertheless, I took it slow, focusing on just the historic section of town.A soothing trickle of water on the stone-paved streetOn the way to the old town, there is a massive modern tower that houses the Ashikaga Museum of Art. In 2024, the city is celebrating the 100th birthday of Aida Mitsuo, the poet and calligrapher who spent his youth here. Now, you might think poetry is difficult, but Aida’s Zen poetry is elegant and simple, making it accessible to Japanese language learners.A two-minute walk from the museum, you slip back in time on Dainichidaimon-dori, the stone-paved street leading to the ancient temple Bannaji. The temple is a rare treat because, although it is a national historic site, it’s free to enter. The main temple, said to be the template for other Zen temples, is a living institution. And there’s a massive 600-year-old ginkgo tree that I’d like to see again in autumn.Bannaji from the shade of the ginkgo treeNearby, Ashikaga Gakko, Japan’s oldest educational institution, is stunning not just for its ancient history but also revival. After classical education fell out of favor in the Meiji era, the school closed, some buildings were pulled down, and the land an elementary school was constructed over it. In the 1990s the remains were excavated, the Edo-era gardens restored, and the remaining buildings became a museum and designated historic site.To finish my trip, I headed for Orihime Shrine to pay my respects to the two gods who preside over love and industry. It sounds like a strange combination, but the idea is that the male and female weaver gods work the warp and weft of a loom, so they’re petitioned for luck in love and the fruits of labor. A thunderstorm blew in while I admired the view and caught the breeze from the lookout there.The view spot at Orihime ShrineIn the blistering heat and cloying humidity, there was only so much I could see. After scratching the surface of Ashikaga, I’m planning a second trip to delve deeper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPZa-living_tochigi_ashikaga_shi_tochigiSat, 03 Aug 2024 13:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPZa-living_tochigi_ashikaga_shi_tochigihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wan-drink_productKirin Beverage's Hyoketsu brand offers a limited-time ready-to-drink shochu highball with Fuji apples grown in Nagano Prefecture. The drink is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wan-drink_productWed, 31 Jul 2024 12:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wan-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wa6-foods_product7-11's own branded bakery items includes kongari chizu pan, crispy cheese bread, a single bun with a grilled cheese topping seasoned with pepper. It's 138 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wa6-foods_productFri, 26 Jul 2024 10:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1Wa6-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonvl-foods_productTakeshita Seika, a confectioner, produced Special Black Montblanc, a variation on their Black Montblanc ice cream bar. This version is vanilla ice cream with a crunchy coating.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonvl-foods_productFri, 26 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonvl-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkpy-educationBack in 2021, another blogger here on City Cost asked how to prepare children for the Eiken, a widely used measure of English proficiency in Japan’s schools. You can read this overview of the test and how to support English learners to meet the test’s levels.The new Eiken e-mail task in 2024 (original image via Canva)Updates to the test in 2024In the first of three rounds of testing in 2024, some of the levels have new test sections that may change how parents advise their children and teachers coach their students. I teach at a private high school where my students were worried about their performance on the first stage, the paper test, that they took in June this year. The good news is that many passed so they could go on to the second stage, the interview test. To get ready, we worked through recent Eiken tests including the new test formats followed by mock interviews with their classmates.The details of the changes are available from the website in English, but here’s a summary. Essentially, the Grade 3 to Pre-2 levels have an additional writing task, and the 2 to 1 levels have an additional summary task.The good newsThe junior high school learners I teach did well on the additional writing task because they have good grammar and expression foundations. The test prompts have clear instructions that indicate the goals. The students easily responded to the question in the e-mail prompt and produced two follow-up questions to meet the word count.Not bad news, but challengingFor the levels above 2, an entirely different skill is required. The challenge is to produce a comprehensible summary using synonymous terms. This requires practice. If you’re coaching your own children or students, help them identify essential information and assist them in paraphrasing. For advice on how to write paraphrases and summaries, I suggest you and the learners study the Eiken writing advice from Kikokushijo Academy, an education provider with a great track record of assisting Japanese children educated abroad. Did your children or students have a go at the new Eiken test in June 2024? How did they fare? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkpy-educationWed, 24 Jul 2024 18:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkpy-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB69-fashion_productThese sandals with adjustable hook tape ankle, toe, and heel straps are available at Shimamura fashion stores. The rugged soled rubber sandals come in a wide size range.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB69-fashion_productTue, 23 Jul 2024 19:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB69-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8pO-foods_productNissin Foods' team of instant ramenologists have a trial-size version of Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Exclusive to 7-11 convenience stores, Otameshi U.F.O.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8pO-foods_productTue, 16 Jul 2024 16:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8pO-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNaa-foods_productMorinaga's line of Koeda chocolate treats, for a limited time in summer 2024, includes Setouchi Lemon-flavored white chocolate. The box contains 11 small packets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNaa-foods_productTue, 16 Jul 2024 13:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNaa-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yWb-drink_productSuntory Breweries features their Sui Gin in a ready-to-drink canned version. The gin soda is flavored with yuzu, green tea, and ginger. It's a limited-time product.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yWb-drink_productSun, 14 Jul 2024 14:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yWb-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoZ8-foods_product7-11 convenience stores carry regional and seasonal variations on bento box lunches. This one, gattsuri chikin nanban bento has a generous helping of rice and chicken nanban topped with tartar sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoZ8-foods_productSun, 14 Jul 2024 12:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoZ8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqZy-foods_productIn the summer of 2024, 7-11 convenience stores carries "repro retro" series products. This one, yaki kare pan 2001 nen is a grilled flat bun filled with vegetable curry.What caught my eye was the digital clock font indicating the year 2001.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqZy-foods_productSun, 14 Jul 2024 12:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqZy-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8nm-drink_productDaiso 100 yen shops carry Sangaria brand drinks in 190 g cans. These two drinks are Kaori Sowayaka Ume Soda and Hajikete Oranji Soda. The individual cans are priced at 60 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8nm-drink_productSun, 07 Jul 2024 14:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8nm-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7av-foods_productTomita Shokudo, the legendary ramen shop famed for its excellent tsukemen, offers a make-at-home version of tsukemen. The package contains two servings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7av-foods_productMon, 01 Jul 2024 15:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL7av-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOxZ-foods_product7-11 convenience stores and Ito Yokado promote local products with Chiba Prefecture Fair products.This melonpan is filled with whipped milk. The price is 168 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOxZ-foods_productMon, 24 Jun 2024 16:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOxZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NO-drink_productSuntory's ready to drink chuhai brand, Kodawari Sakaba has a new version, Kan Supparemon. The 5% alcohol lemon-flavored shochu has double the amount of citric acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NO-drink_productSun, 23 Jun 2024 18:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnxR-livingYou’ll see that many of the place reviews I write for temples and shrines indicate a cost of 5 yen. This offering is common as 五円, goen, five yen is a homophone for 御縁, en being connection, and go the respectful prefix. It’s essentially a way of greeting the temple or shrine.Overtourism firsthand at AsakusaWhen I was at Asakusa during Golden Week this year, I couldn’t get near Sensoji, the ancient temple, because of the dense crowds of tourists. I made my way to Sensoji Shrine where I could put my hands together and say “Thanks for having me!” In front of the 賽銭箱, saisenbako, the offertory box, but a young foreign woman stood with her back to the sanctuary, blocking the box. I wandered about the precincts for a bit until she moved on so I could do my offering thing. My detour took me past hordes of people snacking while walking and tatty tourist shops.A crowded Osaka shopping street, photo Satoshi Hirayama Is Japan too cheap?In the Japan Times last week, an opinion piece by a former tour guide suggests that Japan impose a reasonably leveled tourist tax to tackle over-tourism and to pump tourist revenue into projects to bring young and old visitors on excursions to experience rich cultural experiences in parts of Japan that don’t get attention on social media.I’m with her on this. Consider that Kyoto, ranked as a top tourist destination, has been facing bankruptcy. Despite the huge influx of tourists causing strain on the city’s infrastructure and bringing in cash, the city struggles with generating tax revenue. Japan Times’ Deep Dive explores the historical and political reasons why. One of them comes back to that coin you offer at the shrine or temple - religious-affiliated buildings don't generate municipal tax revenue.No thanks to two-tier pricingCity-Cost blogger Genkidesu wrote about the deeply problematic idea of a two-tier price system. As a tax-paying foreign resident, I would expect I would pay the local price. But does that mean that at landmarks and attractions, I’d have to show my ID to prove I’m a resident? What about Japanese citizens who may not look Japanese? Would ethnic Japanese from abroad exploring their roots have to pay the foreign visitor price? As Genkidesu says, this could set up discriminatory practices.Do you think a tourist tax is a solution? What impact would it make on your visitors from abroad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnxR-livingSun, 23 Jun 2024 17:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnxR-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8lm-foods_productCalbee Confectionery's line of potato chips includes this variety flavored with Shikwasa fruit and salt from Ishigaki Island. The bag is priced at about 130 yen for a 58-gram bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8lm-foods_productSun, 23 Jun 2024 13:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8lm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yRb-foods_productKokeiya's Strong brand of potato chips has a summer-only version, Strong Abareshi Shiso Ume potato chips available nationwide. The 52 gram bag has a suggested price of 150 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yRb-foods_productSun, 23 Jun 2024 11:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yRb-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqxy-hobby_home_productDixie Japan produces okazu, or side dish cups, to go in bento boxes in various sizes. The cups are made from bioPET, a plastic derived partly from plant-based resin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqxy-hobby_home_productSat, 22 Jun 2024 11:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqxy-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3qD-drink_productSuntory's The Premium Malt's brand of beer features this "Umibe no Eru", seaside ale, in June 2024. The beer is brewed with Saphir hops and Diamond malt.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3qD-drink_productSat, 22 Jun 2024 10:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3qD-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN0D-foods_product7-11 convenience stores and Ito Yokado promote local products with Chiba Prefecture Fair products. This product is a soy sauce-flavored onigiri with tsukudani and wrapped in nori.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN0D-foods_productSat, 22 Jun 2024 09:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN0D-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NV-livingMore than just synonymyYou, a foreigner with rudimentary Japanese language skills, walk into a shop and are confronted with a respectful response from the staff, using 敬語, keigo, the polite register of Japanese. If your only language experience is “kitchen Japanese”, the language of home, or textbook Japanese you may be flummoxed, perplexed, or stumped. Yeah, English is silly with synonyms. And so is Japanese. However, the synonymous words and expressions in Japanese carry meaning well beyond nuance. They show layers of relationships between people.That's all it takes, sometimesKatsura Sunshine, a Canadian performer of 落語, rakugo, the centuries-old Japanese tradition of comic storytelling, unpacks with humor the complex ways of expressing thanks from the most elevated to the most abject poverty of language and dereliction of decorum. A lengthy greetingOne afternoon, my sensei sent me off with some foreign visitors to a performance of 日本舞踊, nihon buyo, a traditional dance. I, a reasonably Japanese-fluent person, did my best to translate the introductions for each act, identifying the performers and their roles. Everything went smoothly until the formal ご挨拶 , goaisatsu, the formal greeting following the first act. The speeches continued for some minutes with much bowing and many rounds of applause, and my foreign guests were rapt, anticipating my skillful interpretation. They were incredulous when I translated the lengthy speech as “Hello and thanks for coming.” Yep, that was it.The power of a simple greetingYou’ll see signboards in many cities urging residents to greet each other. The city I live in has a few of these, some erected by the municipal government, and others by the PTA of the neighborhood school. I often greet people as I pass them but I don’t always get a response. It doesn’t bug me but it makes me realize that there are many new foreign and Japanese residents who might not be in the habit of greeting strangers. I suspect the pandemic has gotten people out of the habit.The other day at the shopping center, I took a break on a bench with 失礼します, Shitsureishimasu, excuse me, and the woman next to me asked if I spoke Japanese. We ended up chatting about the rising cost of living and our daily routines. And we might bump into each other the next time we're shopping, perhaps sharing deals and discounts.Do people in your neighborhood greet each other? Have you heard or used variations on greetings and thank yous?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NV-livingFri, 21 Jun 2024 16:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4NV-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3q3-livingHow’s your Japanese reading proficiency? I’m not the best reader of Japanese texts as my Japanese language education is spotty. I took a first-year university course decades ago, dropped in on Japanese language classes at international centers, and these days I use apps on my phone as often as possible to acquire vocabulary and kanji while reviewing grammar.I managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N2, but N1 intimidates me. I simply do not read enough to pull me up to that level.大学生活, daigaku seikatsu, university life, photo Engin AkyurtYasashii NihongoWhile reading up on the services provided by international centers, I read a lot in English, but I also encountered many webpages in 優しい日本語, yasashii Nihongo, easy Japanese. It’s a version of Japanese using simple expressions, fewer sentence structures, and providing furigana readings for kanji characters. The impulse to communicate in a simplified way arose after the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Chuetsu Earthquake. In those disasters, the ratio of fatalities of foreign residents was higher than that of Japanese people who could read, and heed the disaster response. Your survival in a catastrophe can hinge on how much you can comprehend. And you’re drinking from a firehouse of emergency notices. Yasashii Nihongo can save your life.Some yasashii Nihongo resourcesTo read a lot and fast, I recommend a few news websites that post current news in yasashii Nihongo. Check out Mainichi and NHK for their simplified news posts.In a pinch, you can push a website’s URL throughHirahira no Megane, a website that inserts 振り仮名, furigana, the kana glossing for kanji-laden texts. I tried it with news websites and it works like a charm.Do you read Japanese news and current events? Do you have some advice on how to read more? Some suggestions for reading tools?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3q3-livingThu, 20 Jun 2024 19:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3q3-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonlj-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyoIn my first year in Japan, I was a JET Programme participant, hand-held from arrival at Narita Airport by volunteers and officials until my placement in a small city in Ehime Prefecture. The JET Programme brings thousands of foreign people to Japan to serve as Assistant Language Teachers, International Relations Coordinators, andSports Exchange Advisors. Throughout my year in the program, I was plugged into the municipal hall, volunteer organizations, and fellow JET participants.You're somewhere around here. Image, PixabayIf you’ve come independently, through employment, family relationships, or as a student, where do you go when you need info about emergencies, garbage rules, or just basic life stuff? I recommend starting at the top, with prefectural international centers. You’ll get information in 優しい日本語 yasashii Nihongo, or easy Japanese, and other languages.The value of international centersMost municipalities and prefectures have 国際交流会, kokusai koryukai. These are international associations that connect foreign residents to community projects and resources. The scope of the resources varies, but you’re likely to find listings of Japanese language classes, connections to sister city associations, and multilingual living information.Residents in the Kanto region should have a look at the Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site (TIPS), Ibaraki International Association, and Saitama International Association. Like many international associations, they have multilingual staff who provide free consultations. The topics cover labor issues, insurance, family issues, pension, and insurance among others.A progressive prefecture, ChibaI happen to live in Chiba which is home to a large foreign resident population of workers and students. Earlier this month, I told you about participating in a multiculturalprojectas part of my volunteer service as a Chiba Kun Global Partner, a kind of cultural ambassador, making presentations in Chiba’s elementary schools.This project connected me with the Chiba Convention Bureau and International Center. The staff are friendly and helpful. The website has a portal listing consultations, including specialties such as legal and housing advice in multiple languages.Support for Japanese language learnersLike many international center websites, the Chiba Convention Bureau and International Center have a portal that directs you to municipal organizations for Japanese language instruction. I looked up Noda City where I live and discovered that there are low-cost lessons available at times convenient for working people.Are you satisfied with the services provided by your prefecture’s international association? What services have you used? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonlj-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyoWed, 19 Jun 2024 19:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gonlj-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJdP-drink_productThe Clear Cooler brand of ready to drink shochu highballs is exclusive to 7-11 group stores. In June 2024, a limited edition unsweetened version made from Okinawan shikwasa fruit is available.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJdP-drink_productSun, 16 Jun 2024 12:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJdP-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W6x-hobby_home_productDaiso's own branded cellulose cloth is a 100% cellulose cloth suitable for kitchen use. The natural fiber cloth in a plastic package measures 25 cm by 16.5 cm.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W6x-hobby_home_productSun, 16 Jun 2024 11:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W6x-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9rE-mind_body_productBarusan pairs up with book publisher Takahashi Shoten for these amusing bug-repellent stickers based on the Zannen na Ikimono Shoten, the Encyclopedia of Unfortunate Animals.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9rE-mind_body_productSat, 15 Jun 2024 22:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9rE-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB26-drink_productGreen DAKARA Salted Lychee and Yogurt is a flat drink in Suntory's DAKARA lineup. This canned version is available from vending machines. Another is in plastic PET bottles suitable for freezing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB26-drink_productSat, 15 Jun 2024 21:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB26-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL783-mind_body_productMandom's Gatsby Ice Body Paper Neroli scent is sold in packs of 30 sheets at drugstores. The mentholated sheets are made from cotton and are marketed to young men.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL783-mind_body_productSat, 15 Jun 2024 21:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL783-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKdr-drink_productIn 2024, Asahi Beverage is celebrating the 140th anniversary of Mitsuya Cider with the release of some retro drinks. I got Mitsuya Orenji, an orange-flavored drink, from a Namco-branded vending machine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKdr-drink_productSat, 15 Jun 2024 15:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKdr-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabdA-drink_productAsahi Beverage in June 2024 released the world's first - a ready-to-drink shochu highball with a full pull top and a slice of lemon. Two versions are available. This one is "plain", with no sugar or flavorings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabdA-drink_productSat, 15 Jun 2024 14:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabdA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNdd-shoppingImage, Korolina KaboompicsThis week, Genkidesu's post about place reviews reminded me of my motivations to do product reviews here on City-Cost. I get a lot out of the experience and hope they are informative for foreign residents learning the Japanese language.How I write reviewsIt takes me about 20 minutes to write a review. I usually have a look at the product and shop websites to find out details about the origin, features, and contents. The process encourages me to read the Japanese language info often with translation assistance as I'm still working on my Japanese literacy. I've learned heaps of kanji and Japanese wordplay on labels.Helpful reviews for readers and businessesReviewers are prompted to indicate the purchase location and price of the products. We have a chance to promote a locally owned businessor favorite Amazon seller with quality goods.I've become more aware of the origins of ingredients in foods, recurring seasonal offerings, and availability. Some reviews I had fun researching and writing - read about the backstories of kabosu-flavored potato chips, a "mottainai" drink that recovers value from discarded fruit, and a very cheap but drinkable beer.The reviews also reveal inflation and shrinkflation over the last few years.Have City Cost product reviews helped you as a consumer?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNdd-shoppingSat, 15 Jun 2024 11:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNdd-shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbdB-livingSecurity for a rainy day in Japan? Maybe not photo Alex KnightSo you think you'll spend the rest of your days in Japan as a permanent resident? As a spouse of a Japanese national, a highly skilled professional, or someone who soldiered on for 10 or more years in solid employment, you should meet the requirements for foreign residency.In 2023, Japan had 3.2 million foreign residents, of which a little over 880,000 are permanent residents. This year, a contentious issueis going after permanent residents who are delinquent on tax payments. As is, the requirements for permanent residency are quite stringent.The host of Retire Japan raises many questions about the validity of the rules and suggests the changes are a slippery slope that threatens erosion of the value of permanent residency here.Do you find the rule changes a threat? How do you suggest future-proofing yourself and your family in Japan?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbdB-livingThu, 13 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbdB-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6onR-foods_productA 500-gram container of a delectable sweet, shio kyarameru piinatsu, salty caramel peanuts, is produced by Fujisho, a peanuts specialist based in Chiba Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6onR-foods_productTue, 11 Jun 2024 23:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6onR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8gX-foods_productNEO Warabi Mochi is an instant version of the traditional Japanese sweet treat, warabimochi, a confection made with bracken starch and seasoned with kinako, a sweetened powder from soybeans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8gX-foods_productTue, 11 Jun 2024 23:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8gX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNdX-foods_productGlico Confectionery's Pocky snack, a crispy stick dipped in chocolate, is a long-seller. Choco Mint Pocky is back in the shops this summer for a limited time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNdX-foods_productMon, 10 Jun 2024 06:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNdX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5bk-mind_body_productGatsby facial wipes made from natural fibers are available in packs of 42 sheets at many convenience and variety stores. The sheets remove perspiration and rehydrate your skin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5bk-mind_body_productSat, 08 Jun 2024 17:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5bk-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB268-living_education_chiba_yachiyo_shi_chibaLast year, I told you about the growing need for language and cultural support for families, revealing a bit about my experience as a second-generation Canadian kid serving as an interpreter for my Scottish grandparents with their strong dialect. This is nothing to compare with kids in newcomer families encountering life in Japan with a very different language and culture.I got curious about opportunities to connect with the communities in Chiba Prefecture where I live. I took the plunge and applied to Chiba Prefecture's Chiba Kun Global Partners, a project to draw on the foreign resident population - business people, educators, students, and retirees.Coming together, photo MART PRODUCTIONWhen I applied to the project, I wondered how I could contribute. At the appointment meeting, the prefecture's convention bureau and international association staff invited me to participate in multicultural workshops in public schools.I was hestiant as I think I'm not nearly fluent enough to pull off presentations in Japanese...but I gave it a go. And it was not nearly as difficult as I had imagined, the young learners responding with enthusiasm and thoughtful answers.To support Chiba Kun Global Partners and associated outreach to the foreign community, I started a newsletter, Chiba Explorers. Please read my latest post, Roses and Thorns in Yachiyo City, about the first shot at a multicultural workshop/lecture.Does your community have a growing foreign population? Have you found a way to contribute to easing newcomers into their lives in Japan?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB268-living_education_chiba_yachiyo_shi_chibaThu, 06 Jun 2024 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB268-living_education_chiba_yachiyo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvYl-foodA recent post on a social media platform amused me. A visitor from abroad was confused and embarrassed when the staff of an izakaya saw the visitor to the door and waved goodbye while chuckling. They were likely pleased to have a polite and fun visitor (who mentioned in her post that she is conversant in Japanese) and happy to have her back someday.Even the reception from staff at chain restaurants is warmI frequent a few local bars, restaurants, and izakayas in my city and some neighboring communities. The staff know me from years of visits. Other patrons have become friends, too.A routine at these establishments is patrons greeting folks upon entry no matter whether they are regulars or newbies. The warmth isn't reserved for just regulars - all patrons take a moment to see off routine and one-off guests, too, as we hope they'll return to banter with us next time they're in our neighborhood.I advise foreign visitors and residents to take a chance to greet the other patrons, proprietors, and staff. You might get a warm welcome and send-off whether you are a regular or just passing through once a year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvYl-foodTue, 04 Jun 2024 19:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvYl-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoWj-moneyPhoto, Japanexperterna.seStarting this month, the national government is implementing a tax break of 40,000 yen per person. If you're a household of four, you'll see tax relief of 160,000 yen if your annual income is 20 million yen or less. On your pay slip for June, your resident tax will be 0 and if your income tax is under 30,000 yen in June, you'll see the remaining reduction in the following months. The government says this is a measure to fight inflation.Critics of the tax break say that it's an election ploy, holding out a carrot to voters. The worry is that further tax hikes are in the cards.For me as a single householder, the tax break means that over the course of a year, I get to keep about 3000 yen more a month. The break makes a marginal difference for me as my monthly hair salon appointment is up by 1000 yen and I pay 20-30 yen more for many pantry staples.Is this tax break significant for you? Or just a blip?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoWj-moneyMon, 03 Jun 2024 13:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoWj-moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G713P-foods_productNamco branded vending machines stock cheap snacks such as onigiri and confections. This time I sampled Mochi Mochi Crepe Namachoco from Monteur, a confectioner.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G713P-foods_productSun, 02 Jun 2024 15:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G713P-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Z4j-foods_productThis 52-gram bag of Stong Potato Chips promises domestically produced potato chips with intensely rich pizza flavor. They're available at convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Z4j-foods_productMon, 27 May 2024 21:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Z4j-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZd0Z-foods_productCaspikai Yoguruto, Caspian Sea Yogurt, comes in a 400 g plastic container with a lid. The yogurt is cultured with Lactobacillus Cremoris FC, imparting a gooey texture and mild flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZd0Z-foods_productMon, 27 May 2024 21:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZd0Z-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5vdv-living_familylifeGrandparents are getting olderMany of my childhood memories were from time spent with my father’s parents. While my parents were working, gran and grandpa looked after me, my sibling, and our three cousins. They fed, entertained, and took us shopping. My parents would remark on our new clothes and shoes on our return home.When I think about this time in my family’s life, I realize my grandparents were considerably younger than the grandparents of Generation Alpha, children born in the 2010s. The average age of marriage in Japan is now hovering at 30. The result is that on a baby’s arrival, the average grandparent today is about 10 years older than my generation.In my neighborhood, I’m acquainted with a grandmother who provides childminding for her five grandchildren, making meals, and chauffeuring them to appointments, She has said to me that she wishes her children could have started families earlier. Barriers to starting familiesPhoto DesignecologistThe population under 15 years old has fallen again in 2024 and it looks like it will continue to plummet. A telling read is CNN’s report from last year about elderly parents stepping in to match-make their adult children. The barriers then as now are the rising cost of living and stressful working conditions. It’s no wonder people aren’t getting hitched and having children.Tensions at workOn top of the economic pressures, Genkidesu told us about the rising criticism of 子持ち様, komochisama, “their lordships/ladyships with children”. The term uses a polite prefix and appends an honorific as a pejorative for parents who leave work to care for their children. It’s a symptom of the gap between those who have children and those who don’t and the work culture. Perhaps the heart of the issue is Japan’s work culture of presenteeism and dependence on employers rather than government agencies and subsidies to provide support for working families. The chatter on social media reveals that mothers doing most of the child care are bearing the brunt of the criticism with some expressing guilt at taking paid or childcare leave to take care of their kids. One argument raised by an NHK commentator is that everybody should be able to take their mandated leave without criticism, and if fathers take leave for childcare the pressure on mothers could be reduced.Genkidesu enumerated reasons why Japan is a great place to raise children. When I ask my younger colleagues and friends, many in multicultural relationships, if they want to raise their kids elsewhere, they prefer Japan as a good environment for families.Is Japan squandering its great environment and safety reputation? How can Japan relieve the pressure on young people so they can start families? How does the issue affect you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5vdv-living_familylifeThu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5vdv-living_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K43-food_shoppingA few weeks ago, I shared a blog about recipes to cope with inflation. I’ve taken to heart the idea of flexible recipes. In the last few weeks, I’ve taken advantage of the cheap and nutritious ingredients I’ve found at my local supermarket and incorporated them into my flexible recipes.In the last two weeks, a cucumber side dish in my home cooking has been in heavy rotation. Cucumbers were hideously expensive in early 2024, over 70 yen a piece, but recently my local has them for 200 yen for four. For bento and dinner sides, I’m making a yogurt cucumber salad. I season it with what I have at hand. In this dish spices and herbs from Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.Two thinly sliced cucumbersHalf a julienned carrotGood quality yoghurtSoy saucePonzuZa’atarAfter thinly slicing the cucumbers, place them in a bowl with a tablespoon of salt for 20 minutes. Drain them in a sieve and pat them dry in a towel. Return them to a bowl with the julienned carrot. Dress them with a splash each of soy sauce and ponzu, a sprinkling of za’atar, and a dollop of yogurt. Mix well and refrigerate to let the flavors blend.Say you don’t have za’atar. It’s all good. I’ve substituted ground sesame, salt, and pepper. It’s still zippy and has a satisfying crunch.Another dish I make often is simmered canned mackerel in tomato sauce. It's an easy dish to make with cheap ingredients. At a nearby supermarket, I found canned mackerel and whole tomatoes for 100 yen each.One can each of canned mackerel and whole tomatoesA glug of olive oilA clove of chopped garlicHalf an onion dicedZa'atarPonzuSoy sauceHeat the olive oil and fry the garlic and onions until translucent. Add the canned whole tomatoes and break them up. Season with a splash each of ponzu and soy sauce and a sprinkling of za'atar and simmer for 10 minutes. Break up the canned mackerel and heat it in the sauce. Serve over rice.I've done the tomato-mackerel dish with Italian seasoning, too. It's also deliciously stretched with chopped cabbage when you add the tomatoes.Do you have some economical and delicious recipes to share?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K43-food_shoppingWed, 22 May 2024 20:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K43-food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX80B-foods_productFamilyMart's brand of deli items offers Negishio de taberu Niwatori Karaage, a fried chicken thigh dish in a sesame oil sauce flavored with onions priced at 452 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX80B-foods_productTue, 21 May 2024 21:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX80B-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y5v-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores' Seven Premium line includes variations on classic snacks. This one, Seven Premium Mochimugi Okogesen is made with glutinous rice and barley.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y5v-foods_productTue, 21 May 2024 20:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y5v-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN97-transportation_workA tribute to my dad and his colleaguesMy father and his coworkers started bus driving in the 1970s when Vancouver, Canada was beginning to grow and faced a need for extensive and accessible public transit. Bus transportation was the go-to for shoppers and commuters until a rapid transit system was implemented in the 1980s. Sometimes I would accompany him on his routes, behind his seat and he’d shush me, telling me to refer to him not as “Dad” but “Mr. Driver”. I observed him patiently dealing with rush hour traffic, greeting regulars, people from all walks of life, the rich, the poor, and sometimes unruly passengers. It was invaluable to me to observe my dad and his colleagues interacting with the public.Riding the buses in JapanJapan’s extensive rail system gets me where I want to go most of the time but I also take buses. And I remember the experience of my dad and his coworkers. The interaction with bus drivers in Japan has similarities and differences from my transit riding experience in Canada.A Chiba Chuo Bus photo Yamato-iDifferences and SimilaritiesBoarding and fare payment can be a source of confusion for visitors from abroad. Depending on the bus route and the company providing service, passengers board at the front or rear doors. One rule of thumb is that commercial buses with incremental fares based on distance board at the rear doors and community buses charging flat fares allow boarding at the front.Bus drivers from abroadSoon, Chiba Prefecture bus passengers may be greeted on boarding by a new cohort of bus drivers. Nippon.com reports that in 2023, the number of foreign workers continues to rise with almost 16% of the service industry. Chiba Prefecture has started license exams in English for class 2, the category for bus and taxi drivers. This is part of the drive to address labor shortages by allowing specified skilled worker visa holders to fill job vacancies. Your bus driver may greet you in English or another language!Be a good passengerIn Vancouver, you hustle to get off the bus, rising before your stop or you might not make it to unloading. In Japan, theJapan Bus Association asks passengers to remain seated until they arrive at their stop. These days, modern buses have automated announcements for upcoming stops.A notice from 日本バス協会, Japan Bus Association telling passengers to remain seated until their stopGet an IC card and top it up before you ride. Of course, many bus companies allow cash fares. If you’re paying in cash, get a paper ticket on boarding and pay the fare on the display above the windshield. The easier way is to top up your IC card before you board. The good news is that bus fare boxes provide fare top-ups, too. I advise you to wait until other passengers get off before you ask for a fare top-up, usually in 1000 yen increments.Thank you, driversAnd thank your bus driver! These pros meet tight schedules while putting on friendly faces and many of them greet every passenger. A driver on my route who worked abroad likes to chat with me when ridership is low. He often sees me off with “Have a nice day! And Otsukaresama desu!”Have you had an exceptional interaction with a bus driver in Japan? Tell us about it!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN97-transportation_workMon, 20 May 2024 10:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN97-transportation_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO92-drink_productSuntory's line, the Premium Malt's has a new addition in May 2024. Nana Shurui Hoppu, seven varieties of hops, is only available at 7 and I Group supermarkets and convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO92-drink_productSun, 19 May 2024 15:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO92-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPvY-drink_productIn early May 2024, Suntory released a limited drink in the -196 line of ready-to-drink shochu highballs. This one is Double Apple with 6% alcohol. It's available at supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPvY-drink_productSun, 19 May 2024 14:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPvY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71QR-foods_productCalbee Confectionery, known for its potato chip lines, offers Potato Chips Kanjuku Kabosu flavor in a 58-gram bag. The chips were produced in a limited quantity.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71QR-foods_productSun, 19 May 2024 13:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71QR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYd8-foods_productHoko Co. is a food producer with a line of dairy products, Rorufu. This product, four pieces of natural cheese (made from domestic and imported ingredients) is flavored with edamame.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYd8-foods_productFri, 17 May 2024 14:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYd8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gone2-educationThe word count in Japan's schools is up photo SkitterphotoAre you an English language educator or ALT in Japan’s schools? You have a front-row seat for the ongoing drama of the changes to English language education that started in 2020. Since 2020, English language lessons have been official at elementary schools. In addition, since 2021, a new plan has increased the vocabulary range from 1200 to 1800 words in junior high school.For some perspective, a team of English language educators (one a professor at a Japanese university) reason that understanding any given text requires a minimum of 2000 words of English. Readers who have mastered this minimum list can infer the meaning of words they don’t know.It sounds rational, right? If teachers are systematic and provide a lot of reading, speaking, and reasonable goal-setting, it’s achievable. However, according to this damning news article in the Asahi Shimbun, learners are overwhelmed by the vocabulary range required in junior high school. I don’t blame them. As a Japanese second language learner, I struggle with vocabulary acquisition. If you’re like me, a JLPT N2 or N1 holder, you’re likely grazing the 5000-word level identified by the Routledge 5000 frequency list of vocabulary. Is this enough vocabulary knowledge to comprehend Japanese? You tell me!One of the telling bits of the Asahi Shimbun news article says “Students are taught 600 to 700 English words in elementary school but in a rather casual manner. That means they may have to learn up to 2,500 words in junior high, an enormous challenge for novice learners.” It’s an enormous burden on learners. Paul Borg, a researcher at Gifu Kyoritsu University has a different take on Japan’s English language education “failure”. The tl;dr version is that the ministry responsible for education doesn’t see the current situation of foreign language education as a problem.Are you children in the school system? How are they coping with the higher demands of vocabulary learning? Are you involved in the school system? What are you observing?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gone2-educationTue, 14 May 2024 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gone2-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNXE-living_health_kashiwa_shi_chiba_tokyoWellbeing and urban lifeIf you follow me here on City Cost, you know I listen to radio and podcasts. In other blogs on the health theme, I told you about the value of listening to podcasts to keep your perspective on your experience of Japanese life. Pau commented on my post about reaching 10,000 steps daily - listening on the next walk.Urban and rural Japan is walkable photo Satoshi HirayamaA recent rebroadcast of a CBC Radio podcast got me thinking about the quality of life in urban Japan. And most of us live in the conurbation of Kanto to Kyushu. Robin Mazumder, an environmental neuroscientist, examines how urban environments affect our mental and physical health. You could listen to his inspirational talk on your next walk.Japan’s walkabilityWhen preparing to move to Japan decades ago, I told my Japanese language teacher I intended to walk through Tokyo. She scoffed, saying the city is enormous. When I arrived, I looked out over the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories and my heart stopped when I realized the size and density of the city. That density, as Genkidesu responds to the recent ranking of Tokyo, makes it a top walkable city.It’s not just Tokyo. Many urban areas in Japan are dense with culture, services, shopping, and just about anything you need to do or see. A foreign visitor and I had a lovely time at Kashiwa no Ha a “smart city” that promotes the interaction of residents. The abundant street furniture and plazas provide space for people to encounter each other. We chatted with some other foreign residents who passed our way. But it’s not just cutting-edge environments like smart cities. Many suburban cities are easily walkable with everything you need within 15 to 20 minutes from your home base. And you might strike up a conversation, too. This contributes to your sense of belonging.How walkable?Walk Score is a resource that reveals and promotes walkable communities worldwide. Sure, it’s mostly focused on North American cities, but its algorithms also provide insight into global urban environments. My neighborhood scores low, but the walk score is higher if I go to the next train station. The upside of my neighborhood is the greenery. Around me are parks, nature preserves, and waterways which put distance between services and shopping. I depend on a bicycle to access places within a 20-minute ride of my home. However, according to this study, Walk Score is reliable for determining how accessible services, parks, cultural facilities, and dining are on foot from where you are.How walkable is your community? What makes it walkable?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNXE-living_health_kashiwa_shi_chiba_tokyoTue, 14 May 2024 12:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNXE-living_health_kashiwa_shi_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqyB-living_food_shopping_moneyInflation’s impact on budgetsThe increase in consumer goods in the past two years isn’t going to slow down soon. Nikkei reports that the weak yen also means more expensive imports. The Bank of Japan anticipates the inflation rate will rise from October 2024 to 3%. Genkidesu’s rhetorical question rings in my ears.World prices and grocery choicesLike many developed countries, Japan faces a rising living cost compounded by the falling yen. I’ve cut back on luxuries while increasing my income to compensate. Groceries are one part of my budget I won’t scrimp on. I spend a lot of time considering how I’m going to eat well and stay within a reasonable budget. So I put my apron on.Facing rising food prices in the US, The Bittman Project as reported in Mother Jones suggests a fresh look at the allocation of resources. They consider how pressed for time Americans are and the kinds of hard choices they have to make when shopping. For example, organic vegetables may not be within your budget, and ingredients specified in a recipe are seasonal, the same as Japan. The three sample recipes demonstrate how to adapt the dishes. The first two sound appealing and similar to how I approach Japanese-inspired home cooking.No measures, no recipeI’ve been making versions of satisfying and healthful vegetable soups. In May, abundant and cheap carrots are great for this. I scored a bag of carrots and a large white onion, each 100 yen. Fresh ginger is usually about 100 yen.Carrot SoupAn adaptable soup recipe, this time with carrots and served with toasted breadA glug of olive oilHalf an onion dicedA thumb-sized piece of ginger gratedTwo big carrots dicedSalt and pepper to tasteA tablespoon of yuzuponA cup of water or half a chicken bouillon cube dissolved in warm waterIn a big soup pot or deep fry pan, fry the onion until it is translucent. Add the carrots and ginger and fry for 8-10 minutes. Add the water or broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Cool and blend.I’ve substituted kabocha and sweet potato for carrots, added a clove of crushed ginger, and swapped gochujang for vinegar. I've served it with bread and other times as のっけご飯 nokke gohan, a one-bowl dish of toppings over rice.Are you adapting your cooking as the cost of groceries rises? Have you got some highly adaptable Japanese-inspired recipes?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqyB-living_food_shopping_moneyThu, 09 May 2024 10:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqyB-living_food_shopping_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2mk-drink_productKirin Beverage's Hyoketsu line of drinks has a limited-time offering of Mottainai Hamanashi, a 5% alcohol shochu highball, or chuhai with nashi pear juice from discarded but valuable fruit.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2mk-drink_productWed, 08 May 2024 20:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2mk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o0W-foods_product7-11's own brand offers small packages of traditional confectionery. This one, usuyaki senbei norishio comes in a 40-gram bag. It's priced at 100 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o0W-foods_productMon, 06 May 2024 17:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6o0W-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonA9-drink_productHonuma, imported from South Korea, is a 100% malt happoshu, or near beer the company added to their lineup of Prime Draft in 2023. The brew is available at Yokumart.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonA9-drink_productMon, 06 May 2024 10:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonA9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3j02-drink_productSapporo Breweries started a series earlier this year, Cocoro Craft. Cocoro Craft White Ale is the third in the series. The beer is sold in limited quantities at 7&i retail shops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3j02-drink_productMon, 06 May 2024 09:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3j02-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvnj-foods_productMonteur, a confectioner that specializes in chilled desserts, creates this version of "shuukuriimu" choux. This one has custard and whipped cream. The price ranges from 120-150 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvnj-foods_productMon, 06 May 2024 09:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvnj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNAP-drink_productAsahi Breweries released two ready to drink shochu highballs under the brand Gin Sour Ginon. This one is grapefruit-juice flavored with no sugar and 7% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNAP-drink_productSun, 05 May 2024 23:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNAP-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOq7b-foods_productYamayoshi Confectionery, known for its creative potato chip flavors, released the second in its "Mugen", endless, series of potato chips. In April 2024 it's "sarada aji", salad flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOq7b-foods_productSun, 05 May 2024 23:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOq7b-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdKv-living_taito_ku_tokyoAsakusa isn't my first choice for a Golden Week destination, but that's where I spent a morning on Saturday, May 4th. The objective was a field trip for my high school English club. They wanted to go to a location with a high density of non-Japanese people to do on-street interviews in English. They experienced lots of interaction. For every group that declined, another was happy to participate in a questionnaire they had prepared.I had anticipated the crowds would be dense. I estimate the volume of people is as high as the new year. However, this isn't that audience. It's masses of foreign tourists.The veranda of Sensoji was wall-to-wall people. I regret to say I gave it a miss. I saw people lounging on benches like beach chairs, others blocking the offertory box while craning their necks to peer into Asakusa Shrine. I wonder how the locals feel about the vast numbers of visitors ticking off locations on their tourism maps.Is this volume of visitors sustainable? A column by a University of Tsukuba researcher in East Asia Forum looked at the impact and response of the rising visitor numbers and ways to redirect attention to locations outside major centers.I love Asakusa, and I'll be back again during a less busy period.How can Japan get the economic and local interests in balance when it comes to sustainable tourism?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdKv-living_taito_ku_tokyoSun, 05 May 2024 11:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdKv-living_taito_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5pB-foods_productMeisei foods teams up with regional ramen shops to produce instant ramen bowls. This one is Kadoya Shokudo's wonton noodles with chicken broth, menma, and chashu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5pB-foods_productSun, 05 May 2024 10:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5pB-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkyP-drink_productThis limited-time specialty beer is part of Suntory Breweries' Premium Malts series. Soyokaze Ale features a malt made with Hallertau hops and Diamond hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkyP-drink_productSun, 05 May 2024 09:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEkyP-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRAX-drink_productKirin Breweries released a new standard beer for the first time in over 17 years. Harukaze an all-malt beer brewed with Ibuki hops is priced about the same as similar standard beers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRAX-drink_productSun, 05 May 2024 08:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRAX-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg10-drink_productItoen Beverage's Hiya Ume, chilled plum drink in a 500 ml PET plastic bottle is available at supermarkets. The label indicates that the drink contains natrium (sodium) and citric acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg10-drink_productSun, 05 May 2024 08:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg10-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB20O-foods_productNewDays convenience store's large rice ball - ookina onigiri is filled with sake and okaka, salmon and bonito flakes. It's available at Newdays locations in Tokyo and parts of Tohoku.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB20O-foods_productSun, 05 May 2024 07:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB20O-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8D1-foods_productYamazaki Biscuit Company is known for its Chip Star brand of potato snacks with various flavorings. This time, it's shrimp and yuzukosho flavoring in a package labeled "premium".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8D1-foods_productMon, 29 Apr 2024 21:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8D1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8gg-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu brand has a series, Creative Brew. The fourth version is Yebisu Juicy Ale. This 5% ale uses grapefruit and a mix of domestic and imported hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8gg-drink_productMon, 29 Apr 2024 10:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8gg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WZo-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_matsubushi_machi_saitamaLast Thursday morning April 25th, I woke up to bird song and balmy temperatures so I decided to cycle to work from my home in Noda City across rivers and countryside to Kasukabe City in Saitama Prefecture. I depend on a sturdy three-speed shopping bike, a “mamachari” as it’s commonly called in Japanese. In preparation, I checked Google Maps for places of interest on the way as I was in no hurry.The southeastern part of Saitama Prefecture is a mix of cities and small towns. The first leg of the journey took me along the Edo River to the Noda Ohashi, one of the major bridge crossings. I whizzed past trucks and cars waiting to exit the bridge into Matsubushi Town. Likely you've never heard of it because it’s wedged between the Edo and three more accessible Saitama cities and has no rail service.I aimed for Matsubushi Midori no Oka Park, a hill surrounded by trees, meadows, and ponds. On my visit, the wisteria was beginning to bud but the field of baby blue eyes was a profusion of blue reflecting the color of the sky.The park was uncrowded. Some visitors took part in "radio taiso", the instructions for stretching broadcast from speakers around the park. At the dog run, I greeted a man with his free-flying parrot.From there, I continued to a pond in Kasukabe City, Yakushinuma Water Park. It's unremarkable but it is a good cherry blossom spot. I stopped here just for a breather and a toilet break.When I glanced at Google Maps, I realized there are about a dozen temples within a 10 minute bike ride and aimed at Jorakuji, a Shingon Buddhist temple. It has a rare thatched gate and a temple bell that visitors can ring.The next stretch took me north along the Furutonegawa Midori Michi, the Furutone River Greenway. It was more beautiful than I expected.At some bends in the Furutone River, suburban life recedes into the background, and time stands still. The narrow path is suitable for walkers and leisurely cycling. There pocket parks with public toilets and benches along the way.At the northern end of the route, suburban Kasukabe City begins. I cycled through residential neighborhoods and shopping streets on the last leg of the trip to reach work.There are so many out of the way natural and historic beauty spots in the region.A few years ago, I told you about cycling through Minuma Tambo to beat the summer heat. It's another gorgeous cycling and walking route through a historic landscape. No crowds. No hype. Just tranquil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WZo-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_matsubushi_machi_saitamaSun, 28 Apr 2024 22:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WZo-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_matsubushi_machi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvAK-foods_productDPS, an import company in Japan, specializes in cheese. Their product line Cheeno includes this package of cheddar cheese made with milk from Ireland.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvAK-foods_productFri, 26 Apr 2024 21:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNvAK-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvxO-living_howtoWhen my brother and I were high school students in the 1980s in our native Canada, one of the highlights of our week was a simultaneous stereo broadcast of Miami Vice, the popular detective drama on Friday nights. We turned up the volume on our vintage stereo and settled in to savor the excellent soundtrack and riveting stories. And then our television tube failed. We then turned our attention to the radio and got hooked on listening without visual stimulus.Tune in wherever you are, photo Brett SaylesRadio and podcasts from abroadI continued my TV-free life here in Japan, depending on the radio for a long time to keep up with current events and pop culture. Often I tuned into Japanese language broadcasts sprinkled with some English segments. These days, podcasts are a conduit for audio of the world. To stay current with “the old country”, I listen to live and podcast broadcasts from CBC Listen. I also like to keep up with news and current events from the UK, so I catch various channels on BBC Sounds.But what about English radio and podcasts originating in Japan? Major news outlets and podcasters cover, culture, music, and news in the English language here.Podcasts from Japan in EnglishJapan Times has a monthly podcast called Deep Dive, about 30 minutes long, once a month. The podcasts also have transcripts to make it easy for English second language speakers to follow the topics. The topics cover stories about Japanese culture and the experiences of foreign residents. Now and Zen is another favorite monthly podcast that covers stories about culture, business, and arts. You’ll hear 40-minute-long interviews with foreign residents and Japanese who work in many fields. A lot of insights into business culture from a foreigner’s perspective help newcomers understand how to get along with colleagues.Do you want to hear a story? Uncanny Japan, a podcast hosted by Thersa Matsuura has a gift for appealingly retelling Japanese folklore. Her soothing voice lures you into spooky, heartwarming, and historic tales, sometimes retold from Japanese literature.Tim Romero delivers the straight goods about the business world in Japan with his podcast Disrupting Japan. This monthly podcast looks at how Japan is confronting change. He interviews people at the cutting edge of business and culture for his monthly podcasts which are about 40 minutes in length.What English-language radio broadcasts or podcasts on Japanese topics do you recommend? How about other language podcasts on Japan culture?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvxO-living_howtoThu, 25 Apr 2024 14:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvxO-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYL4-drink_productKirin Honshibori Premium four types of lemon and hyuganatsu is one of two premium chuhais in the lineup. The 5% alcohol drink contains lemon, lime, and citrus spirits.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYL4-drink_productWed, 24 Apr 2024 21:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYL4-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJVb-drink_productAsahi Beverage's Wilkinson Dry Gingerale has a new label and container in 2024. The 300 ml PET plastic bottle, rather than glass, contains the classic fizzy drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJVb-drink_productWed, 24 Apr 2024 21:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJVb-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wo9-foods_productPasco Confectionery teams up with Yamaya Foods for this mentaiko pan, a rice flour bread stick with mentaiko sauce. I discovered it in a Namco vending machine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wo9-foods_productWed, 24 Apr 2024 20:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wo9-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP93n-drink_productJabara Sour is one of a series of drinks produced in a collaboration between Ko Trip, a travel magazine, and Mitsubishi Foods. The sour is flavored with jabara juice and has 3% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP93n-drink_productWed, 24 Apr 2024 20:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP93n-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABpQ-drink_productOrion Beer, owned by Asahi Breweries, produces Orion The Premium. This beer is 5% alcohol and appears to be a premium lager. It's brewed with malted barley and regional yeast.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABpQ-drink_productWed, 24 Apr 2024 20:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABpQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoBB-living_chiba_shi_chibaIn the early 2000s, I lived in Chiba City and commuted into Tokyo to work. My experience there was limited at that time due to my busy schedule. I appreciated the location's convenient access to Tokyo but needed more time and information to explore. Two things that limited my understanding of the place were my then-low Japanese literacy and the need for more English language information about the region. Since the number of inbound tourists has soared, foreign language tourism information has increased dramatically.So, in anticipation of a business trip there, I checked out Google Maps and the Visit Chiba website and chose some places in Chuo Ward to see.I started at Chiba Station, recently renovated. It’s not too hard to navigate and fresh-looking. At the east exit, I noticed this massive interactive digital display identifying places of interest. It’s fun to play with.I aimed for Chiba Park after reading Lyssays story about it and the Oga lotus which blooms there in June. April is far too early to see them so I plan to go again when they do. The park is lovely in April for the koinobori above the boating lake and the wisteria blooming. After a stroll there, I took the Chiba Monorail back to Chiba Station and transferred to the line heading to Kencho-Mae Station. You get great views of the dense mix of towers and plazas floating over the city from the suspended monorail, the longest of its kind in the world.At Kencho-Mae Station, I stopped at Hagoromo Park, a paved square in front of the prefectural government building. It’s not much to look at today but hints at the city’s history. A pine associated with a legend still stands there. From there, I walked to Inohana Park where the mock keep of Chiba Castle houses the city’s folk museum.One of the guides at reception provided me with an English language pamphlet and another gave me a bilingual one on which to place the castle’s location stamp.Some other places I gravitate to in Chiba City are Chiba Shrine, dedicated to the North Star, Myoken, and the Chiba City Museum of Art. The latter is close to the shrine and is a curious mix of modern and classic with a tower built over a heritage building.I'm looking forward to my next visit to Chiba City to appreciate its quirks and charms.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoBB-living_chiba_shi_chibaMon, 22 Apr 2024 22:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoBB-living_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPDn-living_money_familylifeI want to be a funky, quirky old lady wherever I end up photo Ran LachSolo lifeIn my adult lifetime, I’ve shared homes in my native Canada and Japan with roommates who became dear friends and significant others. In the past five years, I’ve lived alone, learning to enjoy my own space. I don’t feel lonely. When not working, I participate in a Japanese martial arts school and volunteer with education and cultural projects. Sometimes I wonder about my life choices - no progeny and living separately from my partner - but I have a rich experience that keeps me going. And a huge number of people older than me live solo, too.Aging singlesA recent Mainichi article about population projections indicates that a whopping 10.8 million people will be elderly people living alone by 2050. If I remain alive in Japan by 2050, I’ll be one of those single elders. My partner, too. A lot of the aged Generation X and millennials have no children and will have a diminishing family support network as they had fewer children than their predecessors.Retirement planningI’ve been squirreling away savings and investments for decades while working for a private school corporation. A benefit of my employment is Private School Mutual Aid (PMAC), a system that provides welfare and pension for teachers. It’s part of Japan’s three-tiered pension system. The Japanese pension system requires a lot of research. In preparation for retirement, I’m reading up on various sources in English and Japanese. For a comprehensive English language overview I recommend reading Ben Tanaka’s Retire in Japan, and Mark Kennedy’s Real Gaijin, especially his post about How Much is Enough to Retire in Japan.Seasons of lifeWhen I first came to Japan, I thought I would only work for a year and go home. However, the culture grew on me, I became a part of communities here, and one year became decades. While old age is a ways off for me, I’m considering my options. Do I stay in Japan to become one of the massive cohort of single elders in Japan? Do I return to my home country or move to a third country when I retire? I've got time to research and plan, but it's never too early to consider where you want to live out your golden years.Are you single and considering remaining in Japan for the rest of your life? What are the pros and cons for you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPDn-living_money_familylifeMon, 22 Apr 2024 09:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPDn-living_money_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oy8-foods_productChiba kun no piinatsu age is a product of Chiba Peanuts Ltd. The 25-gram package contains five bags of fried peanut crackers. The product is available at souvenir shops in Chiba City.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oy8-foods_productSat, 20 Apr 2024 15:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oy8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabW0-educationDo you remember your first day at school? Was it in the first chill of autumn as it is in Canada, the US, or the UK? Or perhaps you were ushered into school in January in Australia’s summer? I vaguely remember the chaos of the first day at a Vancouver high school, scrambling to find my name on a roster with a crowd of other kids, some I knew, some I would soon make friends with. Most of us were accompanied by parents pushing us along in various languages (it has always been a multicultural city). We briefly met our homeroom teachers and then it was full throttle into lessons.The cherry blossoms coincided with the school opening in 2024, photo Luriko YamaguchiIt’s a very different experience in Japan with a lengthy induction of new students culminating in an entrance ceremony. Each scholastic milestone - elementary, junior, senior high, and university has a ritualized way of bringing new students, 新入生, shinnyusei, into the student body.A formal startEarlier this year, I told you about受験シーゾン, juken season, the grueling test regime for entrance into private six-year high schools, and prefectural senior high schools. Admission to these schools is recognized with highly ritualized entrance ceremonies. They typically feature the national anthem, the school song, a reading of letters from various community leaders, and speeches. At junior and senior high schools you’ll hear from members of the school’s committee, the principal, and a representative from the current student body, the 在校生 zaikousei. The last speech is from a representative of the incoming students. It’s lovely to hear the fresh voice of a new member of our school.If you’re embedded in the first-year teacher staff, you may have to appear on stage with your fellows, which requires you to dress the part. Many schools go all out with 礼服 reifuku, black formal dress - black suits, corsages for women, and white ties for men. This year, Those of us in other year groups were instructed to wear dark suits and white shirts.OrientationAt our school, orientation is a full two days. Students are introduced to the school, club activities, the rules and expectations, and introduce themselves to their fellows. The orientation precedes lessons for the new students. I’m already starting other grade lessons at our school and have a lot of time for preparation and paperwork. Most years I put in a brief appearance to say hello to introduce myself and the English club that I lead.Curiosity and warmthOn the first day, I noticed a new boy inspecting some of the architectural details of our school. It was fun to chat with him about the unique design and show him around the garden to see the plantings. On the second day, while my colleague and I were in a meeting, some new students on a break stopped by to say よろしくお願いします, yoroshiku onegaishimasu, the all-purpose greeting to say hello and ask for cooperation. It was lovely to see these proactive young people feeling at ease and ready to go.Are you a teacher who experiences entrance ceremonies? What were the highlights for you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabW0-educationThu, 11 Apr 2024 15:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabW0-educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71an-living_healthIn Japan, the spring is a time of transition at work and school. Schools start in the first few weeks of April and many workers may engage in 転職, tenshoku, changing employment. For many, this means packing up, moving, and doing a lot of paperwork. It’s full tilt in spring. There’s the promise of meeting new people, making friends, and learning new things.At my workplace, a private high school, everybody is up, smiling, and excited about receiving a new cohort of students. We’re welcoming some fresh faces in the staffroom, too - new teachers excited about starting their careers. I’m feeling buoyed by all the good energy.Golden WeekOne aspect of the Japanese fiscal and academic calendar that surprised me when I first came to work here is the rush you get in April followed by Golden Week, the four national holidays between April and May. This year’s Golden Week holidays for reference are:昭和の日 Showa no Hi, Showa Day April 29憲法記念日 Kenpo Kinenbi, Constitutional Memorial Day May 3みどりの日 Midori no Hi, Greenery Day May 4こどもの日 Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day May 5Two holidays are part of the Happy Monday System that moves holidays that fall on weekends to Mondays to create three-day weekends.Gogatsubyo, the post-holiday bluesDon't get burned out. Photo Andrea PiacquadioThe excitement of April and the long holiday in the glorious spring sunshine is a real mood booster. But I’ve got bad news for you. The next national holiday is a long way off - 海の日 Umi no Hi, Marine Day on July 15th. For some people, the energy and enthusiasm begin to fade and 五月病, Gogatsubyo, May Sickness, sets in. It’s not a medical term but expresses the malaise people feel as they are beset by challenges and adjustments after the holidays. Compounding the stress is tenkibyo, the meteorologically induced condition that sets in during the rainy season.Staving off the lethargyBut it’s not all bad and you can weather the changes. Besides the remedies I mentioned in the post about tenkibyo, there are many things you can do. First, go easy on yourself. When so many new things are in play, there are bound to be slip-ups and plans might not work out how you expect.And pace yourself. At work and school, schedule regular breaks to do something you enjoy. Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid coffee or alcohol late in the day as it might disturb your sleep. You’ll need a lot of energy to sustain yourself for full weeks from May until July 15th when you get that three-day weekend for Marine Day.Do you find the May to July stretch with no statutory holidays a slog? How do you manage? Do you have any tips on foods that help you get through it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71an-living_healthMon, 08 Apr 2024 09:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71an-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPxn-drink_productTopvalu, a brand you'll see at some discount supermarkets, produces this beer labeled Premium Draft Beer. The label indicates the beer is brewed with Hallertau hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPxn-drink_productSun, 07 Apr 2024 13:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPxn-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonBX-foods_productBibigo, a South Korean food company, produces a 200 gram container of gochujang (kochujan in Japanese). The sweet and spicy paste is made with fermented peppers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonBX-foods_productWed, 03 Apr 2024 11:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonBX-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoJ2-drink_productKirin's Namacha Hojisencha comes in various sizes of PET plastic bottles and is available in supermarkets and drugstores. The 300 ml bottle is priced at 135 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoJ2-drink_productMon, 01 Apr 2024 13:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoJ2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3vK-foods_productCalbee released a series of "Dream Tag" potato chip flavors in February 2024. This 64-gram bag of potato chips combines Kyushu salt and Seto Uchi lemon flavors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3vK-foods_productMon, 01 Apr 2024 10:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3vK-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WPY-living_healthThis is me on Saturday afternoons for about an hour, photoDilan LeeIn a recent discussion in a social media forum where Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and English language educators hang out, a member asked about students sleeping in lessons. I had to wrack my brains. Did any of my charges fall asleep in class? Not once did I have to wake a student. My colleagues and I keep the students engaged as much as possible. However, we know they need help with time management, playing games at all hours or cramming late at night. We’re also very clear with them that, if they’re feeling under the weather, not having a good day, or simply exhausted, they can visit the teacher’s room to talk to a teacher or the school nurse. Growing children and their need for restKids with growing bodies and brains need a lot of rest, but according to research from the University of Tokyo, kids are not getting enough. Ideally, elementary school students should get 9-12 hours of sleep, and high school students 8-10. But my kids are up late messaging, playing online games, and rising very early to make the homeroom assembly at 8 a.m. A lot of homeroom teachers’ counseling time is taken up by advice on managing study and sleep schedules. Every weekday morning at the school gate, I trail a half dozen sleepy junior high school kids on their way to the homeroom meeting encouraging them to hang in there until their energy kicks in about 10 a.m.Adults need more sleep than they’re gettingJapan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has been telling people to go to bed for a decade. MHLW updated its guidelines for the first time in 10 years, advising the average adult Japanese person to get more than six hours. The article also reveals that according to an OECD report, Japanese people sleep an hour less than the average of the surveyed countries at 7 hours and 22 minutes.I think I’m doing it rightFor the past few years, I’ve managed to sleep about 8 hours and 30 minutes most nights. My commute to work is under an hour each way and my working day is usually 8 hours, so I feel reasonably rested. I’m a big fan of my futon for restful sleep. When I’m at home on weekends or holidays, I usually nap without a timer in the afternoons and feel well-rested.Are you meeting or exceeding the MHLW guideline on rest?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WPY-living_healthThu, 28 Mar 2024 10:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WPY-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgvL-fashion_productFound on, Amazon Japan, kei's ha-ne five-toe socks come as a set of five in different colors. The socks are made of cotton, polyester, and a small amount of spandex.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgvL-fashion_productWed, 27 Mar 2024 18:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgvL-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2Ln-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThe last few days have been dreary, cold, and rainy here in northern Chiba Prefecture. However, we got a welcome respite from the rain today, March 27th. I've been keeping an eye on Shimizu Park, selected by Japan Sakura Association as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots. Today, the buds are starting to burst open.There is another flower that precedes the cherry blossoms. This is daphne odora, called 沈丁花 jinchoge in Japanese. The evergreen bush produces bell-shaped flowers in bunches around mid-March. While running errands on my bicycle, I catch the fruity, sweet scent. This time I found two bushes in front of Noda City's Shimizukoen Station east gate. Enjoy them with your eyes and nose only - the foliage and flowers are toxic and some people suffer skin irritation from touching them.Here's the sakura tax.These are early-blooming cherry trees in containers in front of the temple within the park. The cherry blossom festival runs until April 7th with food stalls and evening lanterns.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2Ln-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaWed, 27 Mar 2024 16:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB2Ln-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJvr-drink_productSapporo Breweries has released about a dozen beers in their Beer Surprise line since 2016. This one, Beer Surprise Shifuku no Kaori, is the first in IPA in the lineup.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJvr-drink_productTue, 26 Mar 2024 10:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJvr-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wdo-drink_productSokenbicha, owned by Coca-Cola, is a caffeine-free blend of ingredients inspired by kanpo, the Japanese adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine. It's available in drug stores in 300 ml PET plastic bottles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wdo-drink_productMon, 25 Mar 2024 21:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4Wdo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRJq-foods_product7-11 convenience store's soup with vegetables, chicken meatballs & ginger is flavored with ogon, or golden, ginger. The small serving of soup is 310 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRJq-foods_productFri, 22 Mar 2024 07:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWRJq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ynA-drink_productKirin Honshibori Premium 3 types of citrus and Shikwasa is a ready-to-drink chuhai cocktail in a 350 ml aluminum can. The 5% alcohol drink contains orange, grapefruit, lemon, and shikuwasa citrus juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ynA-drink_productWed, 20 Mar 2024 08:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8ynA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdom-livingMy mother has had five different names in her lifetime. On her original birth certificate, her first name has a distinctly German spelling, and her last name contains an umlaut, a symbol above a vowel to indicate the pronunciation. The diacritic disappeared when her family immigrated to Canada. At school, the spelling of her given name was anglicized. In her first marriage, she took my father’s surname and took her new husband’s name when she remarried. Today, we have different surnames because I continued to use my father’s name. She had the option to retain her name. But Japanese couples are forced to use the same surname, and in most cases, the husband’s name wins out.The rest of the worldBy custom and law in much of the world, it’s normal for women to retain their names for life. In my home country, Canada, women can opt to change or retain their names on marriage except in Quebec, where law requires that women be identified by their original name. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and his wife Sophie Gregoire (currently separated) have different surnames due to this provincial law. Nations follow the rule, too, including France, Netherlands, and by custom, South Korea, Spanish-speaking, and majority Muslim countries. Japan is an outlier when it comes to surnames.In Japan, there is no provision for women to keep their original surnames on marriage. Hyphenation isn’t allowed, either. This year, Japanese business leaders got behind Japanese women’s rights to keep their maiden names, gathering signatures for a petition to overturn the law.A working woman's ID, photo Ono KosukiThe case for keeping your nameThe short answer is that your name is your identity. The law as it is reinforces the idea that women are subordinate to their partners despite the push for increasing the profile of women in business and industry. And losing or retaining that identity has far-reaching implications. For women who started careers before marriage, it’s a muddle. Their hefty resumes, copyrighted or patented material are under their former name and require endless explanation.Another thing to consider is that the naming convention today only dates from the Meiji Restoration. The centralization of the government led to tax regulations that required all Japanese people to use surnames. In earlier times, the ruling class which bore surnames granted surnames to favored commoners.I didn't marry my Japanese partner even though it would have been a way to receive the benefits (tax and social welfare, allowances, etc.). However, the idea of losing my name is daunting. Like a lot of Japanese working women, I have a career with licenses, degrees, and work history all under my name. Marrying and changing my name would sever my connections to my cultural heritage, too.Marriage equality for allThen there is the growing call for allowing same-sex marriage. In March 2023, the Sapporo High Court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional. While the court doesn’t have the power to change the constitution, its decision adds to the momentum to recognize marriage equality. Japan has a long way to go to protect the dignity of the increasingly diverse population in Japan. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdom-livingTue, 19 Mar 2024 10:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdom-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WYD-drink_productChoya released a limited quantity of this gin and umeshu cocktail in a can at 7-11 convenience stores in the Kanto region starting in December 2023. The suggested price is 238 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WYD-drink_productMon, 18 Mar 2024 20:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WYD-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqNx-foods_productKanto region 7-11 convenience stores stock a wide range of "Cup Deli", small servings of side dishes. This one is labeled bean-starch noodle salad with chicken and soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqNx-foods_productSun, 17 Mar 2024 12:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqNx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZKR-foods_productBeisia supermarket chain has its own product line. This 156-gram package of mabo dofu labeled as "spicy" has two sets of mabo tofu base and powdered thickener.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZKR-foods_productSun, 17 Mar 2024 12:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZKR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNxJ-living_transportation_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_chiba_tokyoStudy your routesWhen I was working in central Tokyo, I had many route options for my commute. The fastest between my workplace and home was mad as I had to wade through Shinjuku Station, surf on crowded trains where I seldom got a seat, and navigate two transfers. Eventually, I gave up on that trek and opted for a brisk walk to a station on the Chiyoda Line, no standing, and found a straight shot to my home station on a directly connecting line. It cost me more time, but I reaped the benefit of an after-work power walk and a seat on the train to catch up on email, reading, and meal planning. It’s worth studying Google Maps and train navigation apps and websites to find your optimal route. For day trips, too, I tend to check all the possible routes for the least stressful journey. My Japanese friends advised me to consider my home base, work location, and route carefully. The result was a magic carpet ride thanks to a 定期券 teikiken, a period train pass, between my home, work, and many locations along the way where I could meet people any day of the week within Tokyo. These days, I live in the hinterlands of Chiba Prefecture, so long, Tokyo cheap rides.Get the most out of ticket machinesSure, you can slip your IC card into the ticket machines to top up your fare. But there are many more things you can do. I don’t bother with a teikiken these days as it’s not that advantageous to me. However, I get a lot of use of the ticket machines. When you top up your ticket, you have the option to pay in increments of 1000 yen, but have a look at another button - the “other amount”. I empty my random change into the ticket machines to lighten my purse. You can also print a history of your trips from an IC card. It’s useful for personal budgeting.Go on an epic day trip for pocket changeYou can get discount tickets for trains, but sadly, the prices have risen in 2024. However, a train ticket between two adjacent stations can range from 150 to 170 yen and take you on a day trip odyssey. JR East is okay with riders doing 大回乗車 omawari josha, which a grand circle ride. Get a ticket or use an IC card (no commuter passes allowed, however) and ride in a big circle within the train system. When you’re done the journey, disembark at a station adjacent to where you entered. It’s legal! Before you go, plan your route carefully, check the connections (some rural stations have infrequent service compared to big urban areas), and stay within the ticket gates. Some train fans suggest you bring your itinerary and take photos of train station signage in case you have to prove you’re not cheating your fare and have done a 一筆書きルート, ippitsu kaki ruuto, a one-stroke route within the train system.If you’ve got time on your hands, yearn for some different scenery, and want to try some regional food offered at shops within the ticket gates, this is a cheap, fun day trip. I’m researching a route from the Joban line down to the southern Boso Peninsula and back to see the countryside and catch ocean breezes. This will be a lifesaver in the scorching summer heat.What are your tips and tricks for train journeys? Have you done omawari josha? How was it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNxJ-living_transportation_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_chiba_tokyoWed, 13 Mar 2024 09:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNxJ-living_transportation_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabm9-foodAlthough it's chilly outside, there are signs spring is on its way. I've caught the sweet scent of daphne, called jinchogein Japanese, on my errands around town. There is another pungent fragrance from a spring vegetable - にんにくの芽 ninniku no mi, garlic shoots. In the last two weeks, I've purchased two bunches of these green, fibrous vegetables. They come in small bunches and they're not expensive. I got these ones for 70 yen.A little research turned up some Chinese stir fry and Japanese pickles and okonomiyaki recipes. I opted to stir-fry the shoots in olive oil and combined them with scrambled eggs in an interpretation of the Chinese way of preparing them.Ninniku no mi are loaded with fiber, and vitamins much like garlic bulbs. Keep in mind that they're also pretty whiffy.Do you eat these, too? How do you prepare them?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabm9-foodMon, 11 Mar 2024 10:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabm9-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqYg-foods_productIn honor of the 10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji's inscription as a natural world heritage site, Sanyo Food's Sapporo Ichiban noodles released Fujitaro, a tonkotsu ramen cup noodle in a novelty package.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqYg-foods_productWed, 06 Mar 2024 20:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqYg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN35-foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of small sides, Cup Deli, varies by region and season. This 180 yen cup of hakusai cabbage is seasoned with chili and garlic.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN35-foods_productWed, 06 Mar 2024 16:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyN35-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WeD-foods_productYamazaki Baking Co. makes a version of cheese cake that you'll see in supermarkets and convenience stores. This version is occasionally available from vending machines.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WeD-foods_productWed, 06 Mar 2024 16:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WeD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon7v-foods_productBoy Bawang is a brand of cornick, a snack from the Philippines. This cornick, a type of corn snack, is flavored with garlic and chilli powder. It's available at some Belx supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon7v-foods_productWed, 06 Mar 2024 16:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon7v-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1We5-living_educationWhat to expectGraduation from junior and senior high school is a big deal for families and educators alike and takes considerable preparation. In the days leading up to the big event, a student council or grade representative may make a formal speech to their teachers. Our graduating class rep spoke in the morning staff meeting on the school day preceding the ceremony. This highlight of the school year breaches the barrier between childhood and adult life as the rep takes a leadership role.On the big day, teachers come in early to get ready. You’ll see teachers made up immaculately in formal dress. Men teachers wear black suits, dress shirts, and white ties. Women teachers tend to wear formal black suits with discrete accessories, namely pearl jewelry and corsages. Some female teachers opt to dress in 袴 hakama, traditional divided pants derived from Taisho era style. This is the heritage of Shimoda Utako, an educator and poet of the Meiji and Taisho eras who instituted easy-to-wear hakama adapted from court dress for teachers and students. Graduation is considered a ceremonial event in the school year, so you’ll see the Japanese national flag displayed prominently, and all in attendance will stand to sing “Kimigayo”, the national anthem. The ceremony will usually commence with homeroom teachers conducting a roll call of members of each class, speeches by school administrators and community leaders, and finally, a speech from students. The first is from the current student representative, and the last word is from the representative of the graduating class. This year, our class representative got choked up at the point where he thanked parents and teachers for their support. There were a few tears. We finished with a standing ovation as we saw the students out of the hall for the last time.My first graduation experience in JapanAt a private high school in Tokyo, after all the staid formality, the senior high graduates made a slow and exuberant farewell. Heads of classes chorally shouted collective and personal expressions of gratitude to teachers and parents. It was a moving and bittersweet end to a long ceremony as they trickled out of the hall.Remarkable graduation ceremoniesAt a few schools I have taught at, some kids were regrettably lost during their school years. One school at which I taught suffered the death of a senior high school member. We had a special retrospective of her life before the formal ceremony so that all students could celebrate their experience with her. At another six-year school, a junior high school first year was killed in an accident. At every school event, his parents attended in his steadwith a framed photo of him.The pandemic situation impacted the graduation at which I teach now, and the exchange students showed their solidarity with their classmates. Though they had to return to their countries as the states of emergency were imposed, they returned to Japan to attend the graduation ceremony with their Japanese peers. Everyone, teachers, fellow students, and parents were moved by their resolve and support. Have you attended a graduation ceremony as a student, parent, or teacher? What are the similarities and differences from grads in your home country?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1We5-living_educationTue, 05 Mar 2024 11:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1We5-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdRR-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery has a long-selling brand of chocolate ice cream bars, Banchoko. This version, Banchoko melty caramel available exclusively in convenience stores is filled with caramel.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdRR-foods_productFri, 01 Mar 2024 16:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdRR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md51e-foods_productFujiya Confectionery's Look brand of chocolates includes this selection of three varieties of tea-flavored chocolate. The tea is from Shizuoka, Uji, and Ishikawa.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md51e-foods_productFri, 01 Mar 2024 16:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md51e-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABjq-foods_productCalbee Confectionery periodically releases novelty potato chips. Pizza potato mentai mayo flavored potato chips were released in February 2024 and supply will end in June.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABjq-foods_productThu, 29 Feb 2024 17:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABjq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdrN-living_medical_healthDrugs we take for granted abroadWhile on holiday in Thailand, I picked up oral contraceptive pills from a pharmacy. In Thailand, the pill is dispensed over the counter by pharmacists, but the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen is classified as a dangerous drug and kept behind the counter. Essentially the opposite is true in Japan - oral contraceptives are only dispensed by prescription, and there are any number of off-the-shelf ibuprofen preparations. When you travel in and out of Japan, or welcome friends and family from abroad, don’t take the availability of drugs for granted. What’s more, some drugs are strictly controlled or even illegal to possess in Japan even though you can legally obtain them elsewhere.Photo Anna ShvetsWhat you can and can’t bring from other countriesA well-meaning friend, a paramedic from the US, offered to bring me a care package of over-the-counter medications and a first aid kid. I begged him not to - many of the items he mentioned are classified as exceeding the Japanese limit of narcotic or stimulant drugs. According to the webpage of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Tylenol Cold, Nyquil, Actifed, Sudafed, Advil Cold and Sinus, Dristan, Drixoral Sinus, Vicks Inhaler, and Lomotil are in this prohibited category. In the end, we settled on a basic first-aid kit.I always advise my friends and family traveling to Japan to check with the Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare’s information about drugs you can bring. There is a list, too, of the controlled drugs. Your visitors can bring a one-month supply of paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, antibiotics, vitamins, contact lenses and solution, statins, and blood pressure medication. Surprisingly, cosmetics are limited to only 24 items of one kind. If the amount of drugs exceeds a one-month supply or is a medical device, your visitor will need to apply for a 輸入確認書 yunyu kakunin sho, a confirmation of importation of drugs. You can read all the details about the timeline and how to obtain the confirmation in this PDF.Disposing of unused medication and needlesWhen I was cleaning out my first aid kit of expired medicines, I wondered how to dispose of it. So I looked it up on my city’s website. In most cases, you remove the packaging and dispose of it as you do with plastic garbage, and the medicine goes in the burnable garbage. Used syringes are a huge issue in Japanese garbage disposal as workers get stuck with used needles improperly disposed of. Check with your municipal government website for clinics and hospitals that receive used needles. Some public facilities such as public toilets have boxes for sharps, too. What over-the-counter medicines do you count on as substitutes for familiar ones from home? If you or you or your visitors applied for yunyu kakunin sho, how was the process?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdrN-living_medical_healthWed, 28 Feb 2024 11:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdrN-living_medical_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNYk-foods_productKingodo is a classic senbei shop in Tokyo. These rice crackers, Koi shoyu senbei are bite-sized rice crackers dipped in two varieties of tamari soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNYk-foods_productTue, 27 Feb 2024 17:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNYk-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO4l-drink_productYebisu Citrus Blanc is the third in the series "Creative Brew" from Sapporo Breweries. The series draws on the knowledge and tastes of young brewers. This time, the beer combines Citra hops and lemongrass.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO4l-drink_productSun, 25 Feb 2024 18:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO4l-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPnZ-drink_productSuntory does a FamilyMart convenience store exclusive brew, Hoppu Sesshon IPA in their World Hop series. It's a 5% beer made with imported malt and Nelson sauvin hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPnZ-drink_productSun, 25 Feb 2024 15:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPnZ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G718e-hobby_home_productScotch Brite band corn-based sponge and the packaging it comes in are entirely plant-based. The packaging indicates the sponge won't easily scratch surfaces and produces suds.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G718e-hobby_home_productSun, 25 Feb 2024 12:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G718e-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn46j-mind_body_productDeonatulle brand's cream deodorant comes in a 45-gram tube. The deodorant is made with the mineral salt alum. I purchased it at a Sugi Drugstore for 980 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn46j-mind_body_productSun, 25 Feb 2024 11:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn46j-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WKv-drink_productThis small bottle of hojicha, roasted tea, is made by Kanehachi for supermarkets. It's labeled as "farmer grown with pride in cultivating our soil" sold at Belx Supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WKv-drink_productThu, 22 Feb 2024 17:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WKv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbb81-drink_productKirin's Tokusei brand of ready to drink shochu highballs features classic flavors. This one, Kirin Tokusei Lemon Sour is 7% alcohol. It's priced at just about 100 yen before tax.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbb81-drink_productSun, 18 Feb 2024 16:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbb81-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO1l-drink_productSuntory uses its flash freezing method to create this ready-to-drink shochu highball or chuhai. This limited-time drink is Haru no Shiromomo Chuhai with 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO1l-drink_productSun, 18 Feb 2024 13:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQO1l-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP4Z-food_wakayamaThis week, I ordered a box of assorted vegetables from Wakayama Prefecture that sells on Amazon Japan. You can read my review here.One of the items that intrigued me is 祝雷 shukurai, a vegetable related to mustard greens. It's not widely available and a new cultivar from a grower in Wakayama.I opted to make a quick pickle of the vegetable with a teaspoon of salt, a sprinkle of chili pepper, and a few tablespoons each of rice vinegar and kombu dashi. I don't have a fancy pickle jar. I just placed a plate and something heavy on top for an hour. The shukurai released it's liquid.And I'm hooked! They're lightly bitter and have a texture that reminds me of a hard-to-come-by food I've been craving - artichoke hearts. They've got a similar buttery texture and rich flavor.Have you discovered a vegetable new to you or unique to your region? How do you prepare it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP4Z-food_wakayamaSun, 18 Feb 2024 11:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP4Z-food_wakayamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yPa-foods_productYamazaki Biscuit Company's Chip Star brand of potato chips periodically features novelty flavors. This is Goma tantan to evoke the Chinese-inspired sesame tantan dish.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yPa-foods_productSat, 17 Feb 2024 14:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yPa-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoyk-drink_productJA Zennoh started releasing this canned sour in 2023. It contains 10% fruit juice sourced from six prefectures in the Tohoku region to reduce food waste.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoyk-drink_productSat, 17 Feb 2024 11:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoyk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq6o-drink_productOrion Brewery based in Okinawa Prefecture brews this specialty as a variety of their Nago beers, released in the winter of 2023/2024. This beer is labeled White AleTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq6o-drink_productSat, 17 Feb 2024 11:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq6o-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR5-drink_productSuntory uses its flash freezing method to create this ready-to-drink shochu highball or chuhai. This limited-time canned drink uses white grapes and has 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR5-drink_productFri, 16 Feb 2024 18:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9A-foods_productKokikeya Confectionery's brand, Karamucho, has this version - Sappari Ume, or refreshing plum flavor made with domestically grown potatoes. It's available in a 55-gram bag for 100 yen at supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9A-foods_productFri, 16 Feb 2024 18:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9A-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB24A-livingAn overlooked school subject?While looking over pamphlets for the programs and courses at the private high school where I teach, I was feeling chuffed because the English department featured me in a two-page spread touting our language immersion and cultural programs. I’m grateful for our efforts being rewarded and promoted. Then the home economics teacher piped up to ask if I noticed that 技術・家庭科 gijutsu-kateika, technology and home economics, are not mentioned in the curriculum guide. We got talking about the importance and differences in home economics instruction in my native Canada and Japan.A home economics textbook two-page spread about how we live in JapanMandatory tech and home ec studiesIn Japan, all children, not just girls, receive mandatory home economics instruction from elementary to junior high school. The lessons may only be once a week, but they teach children everything from how to care for infants to textile care to how to run a household. A two-page spread in an official textbook identifies cuisine unique to each prefecture, and another encourages learners to think about eating healthful, domestically-produced foods. The courses reveal to children how they can live their lives and encounter everyday personal and family care.The effect on familiesWhen I was an English instructor in Canada’s ESL schools, a frequent question from male students, especially Japanese men, was “How do I win over a date?” I always answered with the same two tips - tell them you can cook your national cuisine and you know how to run a household. And Japanese guys (and gals!) are well-informed. They learn basic sewing, how to feed and care for small children, what to do in emergencies, and even how to do basic woodworking projects all thanks to the tech and home ec instruction they get as part of 義務教育 gimu kyoiku, mandatory education. A home ec textbook page about how to fillet a fishIn 2023, a survey revealed that Japanese householders not only became more thrifty and mindful about their use of energy but also that dads have increasingly taken on household duties. They know both how and why it is important. I wonder, too, if this is a result of the ongoing work style changes that may reduce the burden of work so they can afford time for better division of labor in households.I'm from a generation in Canada in which expectations on girls and boys had rigid roles - boys got industrial education while girls got home ec instruction. I'm glad that I learned what I did but a little jealous of my young students in Japan who get the benefit of both. I'm also happy my young students in Japan's education system get expert help from educators who can guide them in life skills that contribute to their future family lives.Have you seen a tech and home ec textbook in Japan? For those of you with children, do they get to demonstrate their tech and home ec skills in your home life?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB24A-livingFri, 16 Feb 2024 15:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB24A-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6orE-foods_productThis box of assorted vegetables is sold by a Wakayama Prefecture grocer. There are 10 items (and possibly one more as "service"). The assortment varies greatly with the seasons.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6orE-foods_productThu, 15 Feb 2024 13:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6orE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR1-foods_productCalbee released a limited-time product in convenience stores and supermarkets in January and February. In the series Delux Potato, this one is French Salad flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR1-foods_productWed, 14 Feb 2024 18:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WR1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9W-foods_productKameda Confectionery with a huge share of the rice cracker market, offers a line "Asian Yum Yum", rice crackers featuring flavors from around Asia. This one is Thai-inspired rice crackers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9W-foods_productTue, 13 Feb 2024 20:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gon9W-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqnW-livingJapan’s low productivityLast month, Nikkei Asia reported on the coming challenges for the Bank of Japan as the annual 春闘, shunto, spring wage negotiations, get underway with plans to raise union salaries. The whole column revolves around the question of labor productivity. Japan has slipped to 30th place in the OECD ranking. Increasing labor productivity is a challenge because Japan’s work culture is resistant to change even as the working-age population shrinks.What are you doing down there? Photo Ben CheungMeetingsWhile the image of Japan is futuristic with cutting-edge robotics, it’s way behind when it comes to innovation in work culture. I guess the British humor and efficiency of the 1970s Meetings, Bloody Meetings just didn’t translate for Japan’s management class. When my foreign coworkers and I commandeered the weekly meetings at a Tokyo private high school, we adhered to the model presented in those educational films - PIPPS - plan, inform, prepare, structure, and summarize/record. We held meeting attendees to action plans and followed up on the results in subsequent meetings. This shook up our Japanese counterparts and streamlined a lot of our decision-making. Simple and clear, right?Some big issues identifiedSeethis McKinsey report (conducted by Japanese researchers) identifying issues that hold back the output of Japan’s workers. The researches describe seven habits that crimp Japanese firms' efficiency besides meetings upon meetings that lead to more meetings. The ones that stand out for me, considering I work in the field of education, are two - the lack of clearly defined roles and staff spending inordinate amounts of time on tasks other than direct customer support (in our field, immediate responses to students and families). To the credit of the administrators I work under, we’re fully embracing work style reform with clearly defined objectives which is reducing the busy work that has burdened our faculty.Busy workWhile seeminglypointless jobs in Japan abound as a result of the collective and consensus-building attitudes in Japan’s labor market, there are some things you have to keep in mind at your place of employment. You’re still going to run into situations where looking like you’re doing something is more important than output. You’ll see posts on social media from foreign workers who say that their superiors give them projects that don’t get implemented. Until there is some movement on the issues, you may be confronted with demands to complete tasks that make you look like you’re doing something.Is your employer addressing ongoing work style reforms? Are they making moves to increase productivity?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqnW-livingTue, 13 Feb 2024 10:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOqnW-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNYW-fashion_productThis machine washable crew neck long-sleeve sweater is made of a blend of cotton, modal, and polyester. It's available in over a dozen colors as part of Amazon Essentials.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNYW-fashion_productMon, 12 Feb 2024 15:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNYW-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZYV-foodWhen you hanker for a dish that your grandmother made, but can't easily obtain the ingredients or can't prepare it just like she did, what do you do? And you're in Japan, steeped in a rich food culture, made even more varied by regional specialties. A recent article in the BBC News got me thinking about how I have adapted my home cooking not to be novel or to pursue "fusion" cooking, but to satisfy my cravings and make the most of what is available.The column highlights Kung Food, a cookbook written by John Kung who has lived a trans-Pacific life between Hong Kong, Canada, and the US. He sees his cooking not as fusion cuisine but as an outcome of his "lived experience". He grew his audience on TikTok, appealing to people who have crossed cultures and cuisines.I get the impulse. I'm a second-generation Canadian whose parents came from two different cultures and settled in a third. A lot of adaptation and experimentation in my grandparents' kitchens resulted in some satisfying and good food. My Scottish grandfather became adept at tempura batter for fish and chips , learned from Japanese-Canadian neighbors, and perfectly deep-fried just about but ice cream. My Mennonite grandmother adapted her menu with foods and dishes borrowed from her ethnic Chinese neighbors using whatever was available in the shops. She made a mean rhubarb and apple torte.A little Japanese, a little Mennonite potato saladTalking to other foreign residents I learned that they, too, found ways to combine flavors from home. A Thai neighbor told me that she's substituted bamboo shoots for eggplants in some of her dishes. I try to stretch my cooking to adapt to what's around me and preserve the cuisine of my ancestors. In a tribute to my grandmother's boiled pierogies in tomato sauce, I sub in sui gyoza. I'm thinking next week, I'll make up a batch of sui gyoza with buttermilk sauce as an homage to the rich Mennonite way of serving pierogi. I've also done colcannon with hakusai and naganegi. This week, I did Japanese and Mennonite potato salad. Mennonite descendants are famed in Canada for their rich potato salads. I mimicked the zip of Mennonite potato salad with ponzu and chopped in some roast ham which is typical of Japanese potato salad.What culinary mashups do you do in your kitchen? Which food cultures do they draw from?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZYV-foodSun, 11 Feb 2024 17:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZYV-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVY6p-drink_productHyuganatsu Sour is a low-alcohol (3%) beverage in the J-CRAFT TRIP series. The series is a collaboration with Ko Trip, a travel magazine and Mitsubishi Foods.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVY6p-drink_productSat, 10 Feb 2024 11:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVY6p-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJe5-drink_productSuntory produced a limited quantity of The Premium Malt's Japanese Ale Harusora Ale as a spring beer offering in January 2024. The beer uses European aroma hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJe5-drink_productSat, 10 Feb 2024 11:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJe5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WEq-tech_product_foods_productCalbee confectionery's popular Potato Chips Giza Giza offers a limited time flavor, ume and katsuo - plum and skipjack tuna. The plums are sourced from the Kishu region.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WEq-tech_product_foods_productSat, 10 Feb 2024 10:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WEq-tech_product_foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9KW-living_howtoMany amazing travel experiences I’ve had were not just at atmospheric locations, but at the accommodations in which I’ve stayed during my travels. In 2024, I’m aiming to explore the prefecture and the wider region in which I reside. While making plans on where to stay, I consider what kinds of accommodations there are, price points, and how to book them. A Nara City ryokan, photo Mx. GrangerBusiness hotelsFor cheap and convenient, I opt for business hotels with Western-style rooms. These economical hotels have single or twin arrangements, en suite bathrooms, and comforts of home - towels, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, and hair care stuff such as hair dryers and bath caps. You might find an iron and ironing board in the closet, too. They usually have free wifi and TV (either complimentary or for a fee). They’re a good choice if you’re traveling solo. Traditional AccommodationTraditional inns range from comfortable to spartan. First, 旅館 ryokan are traditional Japanese inns most commonly found in hot spring resort areas, though you find some vestiges in urban areas, too. Typically, they’re in buildings with traditional architectural features. You doff your shoes in a genkan, and step up into the reception in slippers where the staff greets you and shows you to a tatami room. In your room, there will be a low table with tea things, but no bedding. Ryokan staff usually serve dinner and breakfast in your room (sometimes a dining hall), and arrange your futons when you’re out. Guests don yukatas while inside the ryokan or visiting the baths.A lovely ryokan I stayed at is in Aizu Wakamatsu City. Tagoto Cuisine Inn has delicious kaiseki course meals. The elderly ladies who run it ask that guests mind a curfew - they need their rest so that they can rise early to prepare the exquisite breakfast and dinners. The budget version, 民宿 minshuku, is often in out-of-the-way places. The service and atmosphere are similar to a pension or bed and breakfast - serve yourself, lay out your bedding, and dine with the hosts and other guests. At Odawara, I enjoyed a stay at Jiyu Jin no Shuku in a Showa-era building run by a kind Chinese gentleman who speaks Chinese, Japanese, and English. Guests can prepare meals in a communal kitchen.With the advent of room sharing, 民泊 minpaku were regulated in 2018. Since then, they’ve risen in price, but you can rest assured that compliant minpaku operators are following regulations for safety and health. When I book with minpaku, I prefer premises with hosts present. After all, I want to connect with local culture and people! One awesome private home I found on Hachijojima is Galaxy Guest House with out-of-this-world decor (mom is an artist) and comfy rooms.ShukuboFor quiet and meditation, consider becoming a pilgrim in Japan and stay at 宿坊 shukubo, temple lodgings. It used to be that only monks and worshippers stayed at temples but these days, many temples open their doors to travelers. At Koyasan, the heart of Shingon Buddhism, I reserved both a room and a Buddhist 精進料理 shoujin ryouri meal. These meals use non-animal ingredients. Koyasan has a website for their shukuboand for places all over Japan, see Terahaku (Japanese language only).How to book places to stayI recommend checking Google Maps. You’ll see price comparisons between different online reservation platforms and often the hotel’s direct contact information. Bear in mind room occupancy - some places book by the number of guests while others have rates for the room. When you travel with children, always confirm whether there are beds or cots for children as co-sleeping is the norm in Japan.Note that while travelers from abroad are required to show their passports to hotel staff, residents don't. As long as your home address is in Japan, you are not required to show ID, no matter what the staff claims.What's your preferred kind of accommodation when you stay in Japan? Have you stayed in a capsule hotel in a pinch? How about love hotels while traveling?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9KW-living_howtoFri, 09 Feb 2024 14:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP9KW-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZEV-drink_productSuntory's brand of Suntory Perfect Beer is a line of malt beers with zero sugar and carbohydrates. This "kuro" or black beer version has less than 0.5 g of sugar per 100 ml. It is a 5% alcohol beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZEV-drink_productMon, 29 Jan 2024 20:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0ZEV-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdpN-foods_productPopular Osaka Osho gyoza offers this "tokumori" package of frozen sui gyoza, or boiled dumplings. The package contains 884 grams with approximately 52 dumplings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdpN-foods_productMon, 29 Jan 2024 20:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZdpN-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8aQ-medical_healthLooking after your dental health in Japan photo Tima MiroshnichenkoA mouth full of traumaMy dental ordeals began with a family dentist in Canada who recommended dental braces, called 歯列矯正具 shika kyosei gu, often abbreviated to kyosei, in Japan. The worst of it was treatment for hyperdontia, 過剰歯 kajoushi, which runs in my family. Hyperdontia means you’ve got extra teeth so the dentist extracted four of mine in an excruciating procedure when I was a pre-teen.These extractions made way for full orthodontic treatment - upper and lower jaw “train tracks”, headgear which (thankfully I only had to wear at home), followed by permanent retainers, and finally a removable retainer to keep my upper teeth straight.And that trauma has made me wince just thinking about dental treatment in Japan. I tense right up and have flashbacks to hours and hours in the dentist’s chair to get cleanings and cavities filled around the brackets that grazed the inside of my cheeks. But I’m also grateful for the treatment - reduced tooth crowding means fewer cavities. And even though I dread going to the dentist, I want to keep my smile for as long as I can.Greatful for Japan's medical insuranceOne of the big benefits of the social welfare system in Japan that you ought to take advantage of is dental coverage. In Japan, whether you are enrolled in National Health Insurance 国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken, or are employed with a company and receive health Insurance 健康保険, Kenko Hoken, much of your dental care is covered. This is very different from my home country, Canada, where the national oral health insurance program only just started in 2023.Dental coverageIn Japan, either of the two insurance schemes cover cleaning, fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. For each visit, you will only pay 30% of the treatment. What’s not covered are ceramic fillings and crowns, orthodontics, implants, and whitening. The dental clinic I visited for a first treatment did a full on cleaning and repair of a chipped tooth for a reasonable cost of 4000 yen. The dentist says he can refurbish my ceramic crown for 1000 yen per visit, maybe just two treatments. Not bad.Appointments and language issuesUnlike medical clinics which often take walk-in patients, you book an appointment with a dental clinic. I recommend asking for a cleaning to have a look at the clinic’s interior and get a sense of the staff atmosphere. Even if you’re fluent in Japanese, you might need to brush up on some specific language. JapanesePod 101 has a list of dentist-related terms and phrases with audio. The dental hygienist remarked that even Japanese patients don’t know all the jargon, so I as a Japanese as a second language speaker shouldn’t feel bad.While in the chair, I try my best not to tense up and breathe deeply. But I still walk out of the dental clinic smiling but stiff and tired. I usually follow up with a soak at an onsen for the mental and physical health benefits.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8aQ-medical_healthMon, 29 Jan 2024 11:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8aQ-medical_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4g4-living_work_chiba_tokyoFor residents working in domestic businesses, either in the public or private sector, you may have noticed some gradual changes in the way your employer operates as 働き方改革 hataraki kata kaikaku, or work style reform, first instituted by the Japanese government in 2018 took effect. The ongoing reforms continue in 2024.Changes in routinesSince recording employee’s working hours became a requirement, I’ve had to make a big change in my routine. It used to be standard for teachers at the school to simply turn over their 名札 nafuda on a board in the staff room. Colour side up, you are away, white side up you are present. One of the tell-tale signs that work style reform was rolling out was the day our school principal handed out our nafudas to us as relics. We’ve been using a swipe time card system for precision time management since 2019.At first, we simply got in the habit of swiping our cards and our administration passed us handwritten notes and sent emails when we missed recording. Eventually, our administration introduced an online management system. We can make various applications from our mobile devices and the administration can track our mandatory paid leave use. Now the labor law specifies that working hours must be documented.The hustle at Shibuya crossing photo, Tony WuPaid leave The mandatory paid leave was another major change. By law, employees who have accrued 10 paid leave days must take at least five of them. There is a monetary penalty for organizations that fail to ensure employees take those five days. The reasoning is that surveys revealed that 16% of full-time workers had not taken even one in a fiscal year. Sure, Japan has Obon and New Year which companies customarily close for, and 16 statutory holidays. However Japanese employees were reluctant to take paid leave. Nippon.com reported on a survey in 2018 that revealed many reasons but I think they can all be summed up in one word - 面倒くさい, mendokusai, a lot of bother. Between the pressure to appear loyal to the company, not inconvenience and overload coworkers, and the dread of returning to backed-up tasks on return, taking time off is a hassle.Challenges in my specific work environment For me, it was an extra hassle as I’m on a fixed academic schedule. To plan for a day off, I might be able to exchange hours with another teacher. This prevents interruption to busy school schedules and keeps students on track. Because of the labor category under which my employment falls, I can’t use paid leave for days with no teaching hours. Mendokusai.The 2024 ProblemAnd then there is the 2024 problem - as part of the labor reforms, truck drivers will see their overtime capped starting in April. Truck drivers’ earnings are lower than the national average, but the long overtime they do has made up for it. The cap is a perfect storm - a reduction in capacity and lower earnings which are likely to turn off prospective professional drivers. The fallout may be that your online delivery may be backed up.Have the work style reforms impacted how you work? In what ways, good or bad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4g4-living_work_chiba_tokyoThu, 25 Jan 2024 10:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4g4-living_work_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoOW-foods_productThis packet of from Kokeiya's Niche Rich potato chips in a 70 gram bag is flavored with red snow crab, salted squid, and anchovy. The serving is 365 caloriesTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoOW-foods_productTue, 23 Jan 2024 13:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgoOW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K59-shopping_katsushika_ku_tokyoIf you follow my posts, you know I have a penchant for retro spots in the Kanto region. I gravitate to spots that have vestiges of the Showa era back to the Edo era. These spots ooze with charm. Recently, a visitor from abroad asked me for a timewarp experience that is quieter and slower-paced. She’s already experienced the frenetic tourist draws such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. So I took her to Shibamata, the overlooked and cozy neighborhood in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward. She was immediately charmed by the tiny station on the Keisei Kanamachi line which has a single track. Riders going in the other direction have to walk over the tracks to take the train going north. Right outside there is a statue commemorating the actor Kiyoshi Atsumi, star of “Otoko wa Tsurai yo”. The movie series set in the Shibamata neighborhood holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running movie series featuring the same actor in the starring role.If you haven't seen the movies, you can watch many clips on YouTube of the traveling salesman's thwarted love affairs and family drama. There's a museum on the bank of the Edo River to celebrate the series, too.Taishakuten Sando, the street that leads from Shibamata Station to Taishakuten, the Nichiren Buddhist temple, is short - you could walk between the two locations in less than five minutes - but there is a lot of atmosphere to soak up. The route is lined with old-fashioned sweets shops, pickle vendors, and soba and unagi restaurants.Our walk took us back in time and we paid our respects at Taishakuten as the priest rang the noon bell. The temple is famed for its exquisite wood carvings of scenes from Buddhist sutras and is surrounded by one of Tokyo's classic Japanese gardens, Suikeien.We finished our trip at Yamamoto-tei, the elegant tea house nearby. You can sip a cup of tea while gazing at the house's garden.This has to be one of my favorite east Tokyo neighborhoods. It can get crowded on weekends but it's mostly overlooked by international tourists.What's your favorite time travel spot in Tokyo? What overlooked neighborhoods do you recommend there?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K59-shopping_katsushika_ku_tokyoTue, 23 Jan 2024 08:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9K59-shopping_katsushika_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOdV-fashion_productThese thermal innerwear leggings are made of a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers. They are available on Amazon Japan in a wide range of colors and sizes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOdV-fashion_productMon, 22 Jan 2024 11:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQOdV-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPgL-drink_productSuntory's Horoyoi line of low alcohol ready to drink shochu highballs has a seasonal and limited-time product, Shiromomo to mikan in January 2024. It's priced at 148 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPgL-drink_productMon, 22 Jan 2024 10:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPgL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqa6-foods_productYamayoshi brand's Hokkai Kogane potato chips are made with the Hokkai kogane variety of potatoes and dressed with sea salt. The 46 gram bag is 150 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqa6-foods_productSat, 20 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYqa6-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrney-drink_productMinami Boso Lemon is a shochu highball, or chuhai, drink produced by Takara Shozo, a leading sake distiller. The label describes it as a "craft" drink with 8% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrney-drink_productFri, 19 Jan 2024 14:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrney-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRodv-living_education_familylife_saitama_chibaAfter the new year holidays, students in Japan hit the ground running when thousands of them start a grueling test process to enter high schools and universities. At the private six-year high school I teach at, we’re in the midst of 受験シーゾン juken shiizon, entrance testing for junior and senior high school, receiving hundreds of children and their families.Words of encouragment on Kitkat as the brand name sounds like きっと勝つ kitto katsu - certain victoryOn “Juken Eve”, January 9th, NHK television broadcast to coach families on how to interpret all the data on 受験票 jukenhyo, the examination ticket and provided words of encouragement from the announcers. There are many age groups to cheer on - university candidates, junior high school third years competing to get into senior high schools, and elementary 6th years aiming for private high school entrance.The school sideAlthough each year, the cohort of school age children shrinks, applications for private high schools in the capital region are up in 2024. Some schools entice families with science or technology enrichment while others have implemented English courses for returnees and accelerated English programs for domestic students. Increasingly, schools in the Kanto region are accepting bicultural and/or bilingual children who are nationals of other countries.And then there is a lot of preparation for these tests - weeks of effort on the part of the departments with testable subjects. Usually Kokugo, math, social studies and science are tested. A growing number of schools are including English, too, to adapt to the wants and needs of diverse students. The organization of these events requires meticulous planning and all hands on deck. And these are long with most staff doing a 12-hour day and administrators working long into the evening to announce results online or by email.The family sideThe test regime for prospective junior high school students are demanding as getting a spot provides them with エスカレーター学校, the escalator school experience, a six year combined junior and senior high school education which leads to the university to which the schools are attached. The benefit is that the child doesn’t have to test into each level of school.The test days at private high schoolsOn the test days, whole families attend to support their test candidate children. And it’s a commitment - testing starts at around 9 a.m. for multiple subjects and subsequent rounds in the afternoon. Results are announced on school websites (don’t lose that juken card number to log in), often late at night after all the scores have been finalized. It’s tough on the kids, but the outcomes are significant for families and children as success in passing selected exams can earn them subsidies and scholarships. For the long wait, often in a hall or auxiliary classroom, it's best for parents to wear comfortable and warm clothes, bring a blanket, and something to while away the time.Best of luck to all the children who are taking a shot at private school entrance this testing season.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRodv-living_education_familylife_saitama_chibaFri, 19 Jan 2024 10:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRodv-living_education_familylife_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y78-foods_productThis variety of Kitkats available at supermarkets in January 2024 are labeled Kohaku, red and white, in a paper package. There are 10 mini Kitkat treats with different messages.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y78-foods_productWed, 17 Jan 2024 15:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8y78-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRVq-living_food_shopping_howto_chibaInflation and “Shrinkflation”Are you feeling the pinch of inflation in Japan? Inflation rose 2.5% from 2022, but there is some good news recently as the consumer price index rises appeared to have slowed. Still, I find that prices for prepared food have risen and I’m observing “shrinkflation” - the price doesn’t change but the quantity of the product is noticeably lower. The biggest expense for my little household after fixed ones is food. I’m doing my best to keep my costs low while still enjoying quality and nutrition.Frugal shoppingBack in August, Genkidesu gave some solid advice about how to tackle the rising cost of living, with tips on shopping, energy use, and swapping. Nice told us about simple and wise purchasing of grocery items, too. She recommends discount shops such as Gyomu Super, Yamaya, going early or late to take advantage of discounts, and looking out for seasonal produce. Like Nice, I stopped using plastic shopping bags and I bring a basket or a furoshiki with me everywhere I go.My shopping basket which I fill for about 1000 yenMeals that are easy on energyCooking at home can be easier on the budget, but fuel prices are something to keep in mind. In the past year, electricity and gas subsidies have provided relief, but brace yourself for next year. Household electricity prices are projected to rise in 2024.In my little kitchen, I consider making meals with minimal prep and cooking time. Long-simmered meals aren’t on the menu. I told you about beating the summer heat with noodles, pickles, and a pasta cooking hack. In winter, 鍋物 nabemono, hot pot dishes are the most economical, nutritious, and filling meals. You can finish them with rice, udon, mochi rice cakes, or even ramen noodles. Year-round, I make rice in my donabe, the earthenware pot that most people think of as a vessel for hot pot. It only takes a few minutes to heat the donabe rice to boiling, and in winter, it warms your room as it steams the rice.The donabe gets a lot of use - rice, hot pot, and simple dishes like tsukimi udonI also make a lot of quick pickles, too. You can easily marinate daikon, carrots, and celery in soy sauce, and vinegar with flavorings of grated yuzu, kabosu, or ginger. An eye on the food budgetA method that many Japanese families rely on to keep their spending in check is 家計簿, kakeibo, a household ledger to bring attention to income and spending habits. The logic is that, as you carefully record all your income and costs, you become more mindful of how and why you spend. I keep a digital version of a budget but by accident.As much as possible, I use the PayPay app to track my grocery expensesI found that a digital payment app opened my eyes to my spending habits. I top up my PayPay app and check the history to see how I’m doing. The first month, I was surprised at how much I spent on incidental stuff and food, but over time, I figured out an estimated daily budget.Tonight's economical and flavorful dinner is what I call "fridge nabe", whatever's in the fridge. This time it's salmon, enoki mushrooms, carrots, and hakusai cabbage with a miso broth.How do you manage your food budget? How many do you have to feed?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRVq-living_food_shopping_howto_chibaMon, 15 Jan 2024 15:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlRVq-living_food_shopping_howto_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2rd-foods_productThis instant cup noodle is Kanda Matsuya Chicken Nanban Soba, a soba variety supervised by Kanda Matsuya soba shop in Tokyo. The tsuyu broth is chicken based.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2rd-foods_productSat, 13 Jan 2024 11:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ2rd-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgovY-foods_product7-11 convenience stores' 7 Premium branded chips are "nokosugiru", too rich, with Korean nori seaweed dusted on thick-cut ripple chips. The 60 gram bag is 148 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgovY-foods_productSat, 13 Jan 2024 11:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgovY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Zgn-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokaWhen you cradle a cup of Japanese green tea in your hands, you’re probably catching the fragrance and flavor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan’s largest tea-growing region. In the 1880s, former samurai looking to start a new life as Japan modernized claimed the Makinohara Plateau in what is now Shizuoka. The tea production spurred by export to tea-drinking markets abroad grew Shizuoka into a vast tea plantation. Today, Shizuoka grows 40% of Japan’s tea.The appeal of Shizuoka PrefectureWhile you can get to Shizuoka by Shinkansen, I recommend the slower route that the Ueno Tokyo line takes, hugging the ridges and revealing views of the bay. So far, my travels have taken me to Atami City for relaxing onsen experiences, and Shimoda City for its historical port for the Instagramable Perry Road. But there’s a lot more to Shizuoka in store for visitors.Waves and Mt. Fuji viewsThe city of Makinohara in this region has a mild climate and coastline that attracts beachgoers. At Sagara Sun Beach bordered by pine trees, you can swim in the shallow waters with a view of Mount Fuji. Also on this coast is Shizunami Beach, great for surfing and swimming, and nearby Surf Stadium PerfectSwell®, a wave pool where beginners to professionals hone their surf skills.Tracing the footsteps of the ShogunTokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who unified Japan, retired to Sunpu Castle in Shizuoka City. In nearby Makinohara City, many historic places are associated with him. He is known for supporting Sekiun, a Soto sect temple with exquisite wood carvings. Okaneya, the former home of his retainers, is a nationally significant historic property with a picturesque manor and gardens. The Shogun connection is commemorated at Iizu Suwano Shrine in the city.Grinpia tea and treatsGrinpia amid the plantations of Makinohara City is a tea production showcase. Here, visitors can sample teas, buy tea products in the retail shop, tour the tea factory, and experience tea picking in season. Grinpia sent a package of three representative items to sample.Nanaya Shizuoka Matcha Leaf Pie This baked confection captures the flavors of Shizuoka’s tea. The tea-leaf-shaped flaky pastry sprinkled with sugar contrasts with the rich flavor of the matcha paste filling. I indulged in two of these rich-tasting snacks and gifted the remaining pies to friends and put smiles on their faces.Shizuoka Makinohara Sencha Tea BagsI love loose tea leaves, but I won’t turn my nose up at tea bags. They’re no-fuss - portioned tea in triangular bags with long strings. These sencha tea bags have the characteristic mild astringency and grassy flavor of Japanese tea. The more you brew it, the deeper and richer the flavor becomes. The first cup I brewed from the tea bag was mild, but the second and third had more complex flavors.Shizuoka Matcha Mitsu SyrupThis is a treat that you can use in all kinds of traditional confections and fusion foods. The label suggests pouring it over kakigori shaved ice and pancakes. I drizzled it on my morning yogurt. The balance of tangy yogurt, tea, and honey is soothing. I’m going to try it in matcha latte, on buttered toast, and over ice cream.This post is supported by Makinohara City, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Zgn-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokaWed, 10 Jan 2024 09:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0Zgn-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WEn-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu brand has a series, Creative Brew. This is the December 2023 release, Hop Drip. The beer uses imported and domestic hops and has 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WEn-drink_productSun, 07 Jan 2024 15:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WEn-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn44q-living_money_education_familylifeNo matter if you’re single or a working family with children, you’re likely feeling the squeeze of inflation that has caused a rise in the prices of consumer goods, electricity, and fuel in Japan. You're probably bracing yourself along with your Japanese neighbors and friends for further bites out of the family budget. There appears to be some relief for families on the way in 2024.A tax break is on its way in 2024 photo Oleksandr PA big break for families with children in schoolsA significant break is the announcement of free tuition for all high school-aged children of families in Tokyo. Families of children who attend public and private schools in Tokyo proper will receive up to 475,000 yen. The subsidy extends to students resident in Tokyo and attending private schools outside of the capital. Osaka, too, earlier in 2023 announced a plan to abolish income limits on high school tuition fees. Here’s hoping that for those foreign residents who have children in major regions and teachers like me in public and private schools, the tuition subsidies take a load off our families. I wonder if the free tuition policy will give prospective families more options.Temporary reliefAs part of Prime Minister Kishida’s government stimulus package, tax cuts are scheduled for 2024. This is only a one-time 40,000 yen break for each person. The plan reduces national tax by 30,000 yen, and municipal tax by 10,000 yen. For a household of four, that works out to 160,000 yen. In addition, the government will pay out 70,000 yen to low-income households. This isn’t the first time that the government has provided funds to families with income under the income tax threshold. Earlier this year, the national government announced a third round of payouts of 50,000 yen per child.Support for young carersBriefly, during high school, my family members suffered a series of mishaps, and my sibling and I ended up minding our household for a few weeks. Keeping up with medical appointments, doing chores, and running errands distracted us from our studies. Fortunately, the temporary situation was resolved and we could focus again on our studies. Here in Japan, a growing number of school-aged children are caring for elders and younger siblings. The government is working on legislation to support children and university students who are young carers.Do you think the tax breaks and legislation will help your family, friends, and neighbors in 2024?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn44q-living_money_education_familylifeThu, 04 Jan 2024 09:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn44q-living_money_education_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNeX-hobby_home_productScotch Brite band cellulose sponge tawashi and the packaging it comes in are entirely plant-based. The sponge has a scrubber side that won't scratch surfaces.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNeX-hobby_home_productWed, 03 Jan 2024 19:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNeX-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71AA-drink_productKyoto-based craft sake brewery Kizakura offers this beer in the "Lucky" series to celebrate the cycle of the Asian zodiac. "Lucky Dragon" pale ale is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71AA-drink_productTue, 02 Jan 2024 15:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71AA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnWy-drink_productSuntory's Fukami no Zeitaku is a beer in the brewery's Master's Dream series. This beer is 5% alcohol brewed with a mix of domestic and imported malt. It's available at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnWy-drink_productTue, 02 Jan 2024 15:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnWy-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WWL-living_food_money_healthOne of the biggest differences between my kitchen in the old country and Japan is the ubiquity of gas tables. In my native Canada, virtually every rented accommodation I lived in had a stove with four electric burners and an oven. Not so here. Very few of the rented houses and apartments I’ve lived in, and even workplaces, had electric stoves.An amazing applianceAt first, I was scared of using the gas stove since I had little experience with them. But eventually, I warmed up to it. Most of the Japanese kitchens I’ve cooked in have a two-burner gas table with a fish grill mounted below the burners. They’re marvelous - some of them have great safety features such as child locks, timers, or automatically turn off when the kettle has boiled.My gas table with two burners and a fish grillA gas table featureAs fellow City-Cost blogger Jtsu learned through the experience of dealing with batteries, gas tables are connected to gas lines (either city gas or liquified petroleum or LP gas tanks) but not electrical. Gas tables usually have two large batteries for the ignition. This means that, even if the electricity fails, you can still have a hot meal if you’ve got gas.Health concerns about gas tablesInternational and Japanese media have picked up on the suspected health impacts of gas stoves. Earlier this year, The Japan News reported on American and Australian research that suggests that children in homes with gas stoves have a higher rate of asthma. When you burn a substance indoors, you’re going to get fine particulate stuff and gases including nitrous oxide.Augmenting your gas cooking with appliancesSo how do you maintain the air quality in your home? Harvard Health states the obvious - switch to electric. If you have a typical Japanese kitchen like mine, you’ve likely got an electric kettle, a microwave range, and/or a toaster oven. These kitchen tools do a lot of work. But for both long and quick cooking tasks the gas table is it.Less gas, better indoor environmentWhen cooking in the summer, I avoid not only heating the kitchen and laborious dishes but also the amount of fuel and fumes. I beat the heat with summer dishes including quick-cooking noodles and pickles. In preparation for cooking soba, somen, and udon, I boil water in the electric kettle so that I use less LP gas. I also tell you in that blog about my pasta hack - covering noodles with cold water in the frying pan to reduce the cooking time.VentilationI grew up in western Canada in a climate so different from Japan. And home heating and cooling systems are very different, too, with forced air and heated floors the norm in Canada. Here, most homes depend on aircon units and kitchens have both range hoods and vents. I was surprised by the louvered vents in each room (built in the 2010s). In winter, they are a heat leak, but vital for warm months to keep indoor air fresh. Every time you cook, turn the range hood on and make sure you've got the wall vents open.Do you reduce the amount of cooking you do on the gas table? Do you have techniques to share?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WWL-living_food_money_healthThu, 28 Dec 2023 11:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4WWL-living_food_money_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WWn-foods_productChiara brand boiled chickpeas are additive-free and come in paper Tetrapak containers. The chickpeas are available on Amazon Japan in flats of 16 items, each at 380 grams.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WWn-foods_productWed, 27 Dec 2023 17:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1WWn-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonnZ-drink_productSuntory Koi Shiro wine is a blended white wine made with imported grape juice. The label describes it as free of additives and antioxidants. The wine has 11% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonnZ-drink_productWed, 27 Dec 2023 16:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GonnZ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnnr-drink_productKirin's line of canned chuhais for a limited time includes Kirin Hyakunen Wakankitsu sour with a mix of domestic citrus juices. The drink has 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnnr-drink_productSun, 24 Dec 2023 19:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrnnr-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ooe-foods_productKokikeya's line of Pure Potato Chips includes this treat - truffle and rock salt thick-cut chips in a 52 gram bag for 150 yen. The rock salt is sourced in Italy.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ooe-foods_productSun, 24 Dec 2023 16:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ooe-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yyx-foods_product"Zeitaku", luxury Ippeichan yomise no yakisoba is a single-serving instant yakisoba dish. The box contains instant noodles, karashi mayonnaise and yakisoba sauce with more volume than the usual version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yyx-foods_productSun, 24 Dec 2023 12:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yyx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRooE-foods_productYakiimo cream daifuku is a 7-11 treat in the Seven Sweets product line. It's a round, palm-sized mochi rice cake filled with yakiimo paste and whipped cream.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRooE-foods_productSun, 24 Dec 2023 12:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRooE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP99V-living_workSome happy bonenkai memories but a lot of stress, too photo Vlad DeepMy guilty secret from the peak of the pandemic was that I didn’t regret the suspension of corporate 忘年会, bonenkai, the customary end-of-year party. The term means “forget the year”, a chance to let go of the past year and look forward to the next. You’ll see city centers crowded with tipsy, often suit-clad, folks spilling out of banquet halls and izakayas throughout December as they bid farewell to their coworkers before they blunder off to their family celebrations for the new year. You might also have to dodge other drunken people making their way home from parties with their fellows from clubs and social circles.I’m so not a fan. And I’m not alone. It turns out that a survey of working people in Japan reveals that 60% of them would rather forget the bonenkai just like me. So, why would you refuse dinner and drinks with your colleagues? For some, it’s the cost, and for others, it’s because they prioritize their personal time. It looks like the pandemic put a dent in workers’ enthusiasm for these parties. Let me tell you why I’ve never been a fan.I concede there is goodBig corporations put on sumptuous parties, and course meals at banquet halls and upscale restaurants. It’s awesome. You get to try all kinds of cuisine that you may not encounter regularly. One of the loveliest I’ve experienced was at an upscale restaurant in a major city. The whole event was paid for by the corporation as a gift to employees. We got to partake in a gorgeous course meal of French-Japanese fusion food with free-flowing drinks. We got to unwind, share anecdotes about the year, and give thanks to our colleagues. There are often speeches and performances that showcase our talents and achievements.But some not so good pointsSeating at some of these events can be a minefield. Japanese work culture is after all still very hierarchical. At one bonenkai, an ambitious department head seated me next to a former foreign dignitary claiming I was an Ivy League graduate, on the pretense that the name of my Canadian alma mater sounds similar to a prestigious American school. I was not impressed as I take pride in my school (bonus points if you can guess which ones he pretended to muddle up). At other times, I was demoted to the support staff table because nobody could figure out what to do with the foreign employee who didn’t fit the Japanese corporate mold. Still, I had fun catching up with the staff who make the machine work, and they were a lot of fun to talk to.This year, I’m bowing out of the work bonenkai and I have no regrets. I’m happy to start a new year in January at my desk like I always do after some R&R with my close friends and family.Is your workplace still doing bonenkai? How do you feel about it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP99V-living_workSun, 24 Dec 2023 11:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP99V-living_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK332-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaBetween the Tone and Edo Rivers in northern Chiba Prefecture, the frosty weather is right on time for 冬至 Touji, as the winter solstice is called in Japan. Genkidesu told us about appreciating the seasonality and yuzu bath tradition on this longest night of the year. Genkidesu also asked if residents do something special to mark the day.This year, I finally got to attend a special 護摩 goma, a fire purification ritual on this solar holiday. I’ve attended this esoteric Buddhist practice many times. The most dramatic on a mountainside with Shugendo practitioners, and the most intimate with a family in their home temple. Priests receive offerings and prayers written on wooden sticks which are then burned in a ritual fire accompanied by mantra recitation.At Kawagoe City, Naritasan Betsuin marks the winter solstice star festival, an astrological tradition, with a goma ritual. Anyone can attend. My friend and I were too late to make our offering specific to the ritual so we later got ofuda and omamori to mark the day.Naritasan giant vajra at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Hongyoin - interior photography is forbiddenWe appreciated the steadfast priests who read hundreds of names of petitioners aloud. This takes a long time. The sutra and mantra readings were done by the priests, but towards the end of the ritual, all present were asked to recite the mantra of Fudomyo, the wisdom king of the temple.Finally, one of the three priests gave a short talk about the significance of understanding your guiding star. He finished by telling us that the folk wisdom of eating foods with the character ん in the name isn’t a superstition but a mnemonic to help you remember to eat nutritious winter vegetables. Think carrots, daikon, and spinach called ninjin, daikon, and horenso in Japanese.Salubrious solstice to all!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK332-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaSat, 23 Dec 2023 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK332-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNN6-foods_productNiigata Prefecture's koshihikari omusubi, rice balls, are filled with aburi tarako, grilled cod roe, from Alaska in this 7-11 exclusive snack. The rice ball is 210 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNN6-foods_productThu, 21 Dec 2023 20:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxNN6-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgg9-living_nagareyama_shi_chibaFinally, the chill is in the air in the Kanto region and so my visitors and I put on our woolies to visit a lovely evening illumination spot in Chiba Prefecture.The plaza with tall trees between Nagareyama Ootakanomori Shopping Center and the train station is decorated with about 200,000 lights on structures and trees. The warm glow of the lights makes it a lovely spot for photos.The display is lit from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. until December 25th.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgg9-living_nagareyama_shi_chibaWed, 20 Dec 2023 16:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgg9-living_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJJn-living_shopping_transportationThis year, I’ve explored a few cities replete with historical character - places that retain Edo to Showa era architecture and atmosphere. I’m always curious about the momentous events that shaped the Japan that I live in now. But what about the Japan that will be? This past weekend, I took a visitor from abroad to see a vision of modern Japan that preserves nature, and culture, and looks forward, so I we explored Kashiwa no Ha, a smart city.Kashiwa no Ha Campus, the modern neighborhood of Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture has been developed in the last 20 years as a smart city in which infrastructure, economic development, community engagement, and the natural environment are big considerations. We started with a walk to T-SITE, a wide space over a retention pond that protects the area from flooding, provides green space for families with children and pets to play (lots of dogs here), and room for people can gather indoors. We were pleasantly surprised by passers-by who struck up a conversation - the planning means you're bound to feel at ease to connect with others.We strolled over to Kashiwa no Ha Park with wide spaces for recreation, a traditional tea garden, and a sukiya tea house, Shohakutei where we had matcha and sweets. Nearby is Konbukuro Pond, a nature museum that preserves a satoyama landscape with marshy woodlands and streams.We finished our visit to Lalaport Kashiwanoha, a mall directly in front of the station. It's spacious and brings the outdoors in with benches in the shape of kashiwa oak leaves and a rooftop garden.Have you visited one of Japan's smart cities? What do you think are the pros and cons of living in such a community?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJJn-living_shopping_transportationMon, 18 Dec 2023 21:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJJn-living_shopping_transportationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL774-drink_productSuntory's Kodawari Sakaba Yuzu Sour is a canned version of the izakaya soda, juice, and shochu cocktail. This version is 5% alcohol and labeled as a winter product.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL774-drink_productFri, 15 Dec 2023 16:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL774-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKKV-hobby_home_productShoshugen, an air freshener with a fabric wick, has two new varieties of "SAVON". This one comes in a refill package with a fresh wick. The scent is "freshly shampooed".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKKV-hobby_home_productFri, 15 Dec 2023 16:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjKKV-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabbY-foods_product7-11 Convenience store's own brand of freeze-dried single-serving soups are not just available indivdually but also in this pack of five. This package is five varieties of miso soup.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabbY-foods_productFri, 15 Dec 2023 16:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zabbY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvvW-drink_productSpring Valley, a revival of Kirin's original brewery, produces six varieties of craft-style beers. One of these is Afterdark, a dark beer as the name indicates. It has 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvvW-drink_productFri, 15 Dec 2023 15:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqvvW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ1n-living_education_howtoOn my first sojourn in Japan as a JET Programme assistant language teacher (ALT), I didn’t know anybody already in Japan. In my cohort, there was only one other person I knew, a fellow English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor from my hometown making the jump. Some of our former colleagues at the ESL schools had told us about the enrichment they experienced - learning a new language, navigating a very different culture and lifestyle, and picking up new interests. We were excited about the promise of adventure and learning. But would we make friends?You can meet people from everywhere here... photo Mikael BlomkvistSo close and so farAt the orientation in Tokyo, we met many fascinating participants before our send-off to our contracting organizations - city halls and prefectural governments. And we never heard back from them. I and my former colleague never met in that first year. We were all immersed in different work and regional environments at great distances in an era before social media, YouTube, and video calls.No (wo)man is an islandUnless that island is Tsurushima (an alias), tightly wedged between mountains and the Seto Inland Sea. In that high-density town, I met a dozen non-Japanese people working in local governments and running businesses. I also made local friends at the station-front pub, and a Buddhist temple, and found commonality with my Japanese coworkers. I was never lonely.But it was tough as much of the time, I was far away from family and friends back home. All the same, the year was a massive growth experience, learning a new language and adjusting to a different culture while meeting people with whom I could commiserate. A Second TryOn my second sojourn after some years teaching ESL back home, I took a dispatch ALT job. Once again, I was buoyed by the energy of a Tokyo orientation for newly arrived ALTs. However, this time I wasn’t a rookie and had a community already in the country - former students ESL students, and a handful of professional contacts from home who had preceded me to Japan. Even then, we were geographically separated.How to broaden your communityIt takes time to settle in, and while I stayed in touch with those old hands, I also metnew ones through various means. I participated in 国際交流 kokusai koryu associations that host events and Japanese language lessons. This led to volunteering at 涯学習センター shougai gakushu center, a lifelong learning center where I met learners and educators. In turn, I got involved in education associations such as ETJ, JALT, and ALTTO. While I don’t see members often, I know they are there when I have a pressing question about work and life.Share a passionGradually I made more connections who found their passions here in Japan - a Nihon Buyo dancer, a ceramics artist, a videographer for avant-garde films, and talented photographers. For me, the never-ending source of learning and camaraderie is martial arts. I learn as much as I get to teach about the discipline that I train in.How did you meet your friends in Japan, either local or international?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ1n-living_education_howtoFri, 15 Dec 2023 14:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ1n-living_education_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNNN-drink_productFancl and Kirin team up on the Calolimit brand of beverages. This one, Calolimit Apple Sparkling, is available from Kirin branded vending machines. It contains dextrin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNNN-drink_productThu, 14 Dec 2023 11:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNNN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WWg-foods_productEvery winter, Glico Confectionery releases seasonal versions of Pocky treats. This one is Fuyu no Kuchidoke. The other version is caramel labeled Fuyu no Kirameki.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WWg-foods_productThu, 14 Dec 2023 10:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2WWg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbb2-drink_productSapporo Breweries has released about a dozen beers in their Beer Surprise line since 2016. This one, Beer Surprise Koku no Shinzui, is labeled as "premium".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbb2-drink_productWed, 13 Dec 2023 18:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gbbb2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ole-livingPhoto Katherina HolmesDate techYears ago before apps on smartphones were a thing, I searched a dating website for someone anywhere who matched me closely, male or female. I cracked up laughing when my “best match” was one of my longtime friends. A few times, using that website, I met some lovely people both resident and passing through Japan. Some were simply buddies, others I had sparks with. But I never managed to meet my life partner through commercial dating websites.Recently, a life insurance company’s annual survey of 1600 couples who have married in the past year shows an increase in the use of dating apps. In 2022, City Cost covered the results of the annual survey when it was revealed one in five couples met via dating apps. This year, the ratio is one in four, the same rate as those who found their matches through work contacts.From a casual look at social media, there are some cautions about this method of meeting people. Some Japanese, like people anywhere, are looking for a hookup and not a relationship. You also have to be alert to proselytizing as some religious people use dating apps for recruiting rather than romance. Meeting and fleetingLike some of my female foreign resident friends, I’ve kindled relationships here in Japan with foreign resident sweethearts. I say were because the reality is that many foreign people are here for only a season, not a lifetime. Foreign guys I’ve dated stayed in touch as they became good friends. After all, they were great dates. On the other hand, I know a few foreign women who have found their life partners by getting deeply involved in the communities here.Nanpa cultureYou’re walking down the street or savoring a beer at the pub or enjoying a meal when a guy begins to chat you up. I experienced nanpa, the pick-up culture, in Japan a few times in my 30s and 40s. Sure, it’s random with some hits and misses. One evening at a local pub, a very friendly guy sidled up to me and started to introduce himself, a student at the local university. I was impressed by his candor and nerve. I had to decline his offer of a date because he was 20 years younger. I could imagine dating someone junior or senior, but for me, more than a 10-year gap is too much. Another evening, a man near my age approached me at a shokudo. He claimed he was a trainee priest at a nearby temple. The impromptu date ended up at a station front bar where we indulged in drinks and darts until he had to run home to meet the temple’s curfew. We rushed him to a waiting taxi to the temple dorm before his superiors closed up. He was the real thing - I later visited the temple where he was sweeping the garden walk. Meeting Right-sanFor me, it was a social circle focused on a Japanese tradition that brought me and my long-time partner into frequent contact. As we grew closer, we found more and more in common that went beyond the cultural and language differences. We’re always astounded we could find each other. How did you meet your partner - an old-fashioned way or through technology?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ole-livingMon, 11 Dec 2023 10:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ole-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8nb-drink_productPeriodically, Sappro Breweries produces Extra Draft, a variant of their popular Black Label beer. It's brewed with an increased amount of malt and aged longer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8nb-drink_productSun, 10 Dec 2023 14:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8nb-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8PO-living_tochigi_tochigi_shi_tochigiNo matter where you are in Japan, there are myriad structurall wonders, modern and ancient, to reflect and wonder at the imagination of architects, gardeners, and visionaries.The place that got me hooked on viewing historic houses was Garyu Sanso, a sumptuous villa in Ehime Prefecture. It’s a kind of folly with rambling structures overlooking water. The interior has subtle features of light, shade, wood, bamboo, and even a living tree as one of its supporting posts. If your travels take you to Ehime Prefecture, it’s a must-see.Closer to my home in the Kanto region, there are many Edo to Taisho era houses open to view. One favorite near me is Tojo-tei in Matsudo City, a 武家屋敷 bukeyashiki, samurai house of a Togugawa. It’s got a lovely garden with hybrid Japanese and Western aesthetic senses.Recently, on a trip to Tochigi City, my visitor from abroad and I were stunned by the carpentry of Okinajima, a cottage attached to the Okada Memorial Hall along the Reishi Kaido, the route the internment of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu followed. Before our visit, we weren’t aware of it, as Tochigi City hasn’t gotten a lot of English-language press. Shachi, protective fish, like those on the eaves of castlesThe house, part of a museum, has grand elements - a moat-like canal in front, a bamboo thicket to rival the beauty of famous locations in Japan, and inside, an interior that is made with fine and rare materials.Imagine the size and age of the trees in Japan's forests...You’ve got to see this place if only for the floor. A zelkova plank that spans the depth of the house, and the engawa corridors have shorter but no less impressive lengths of this wood flooring. You couldn’t build a house like it today. I wonder if any carpenter could even mill such a huge timber in a modern workshop. Each room has intriguing decorative ranma and millwork. There are many details to look at.A tokonoma with intricate carpentry in different materialsIn 2023, the house is under restoration but you can still enter to appreciate the interior.Have you found an antique house that isn’t widely promoted in English language tourism information? What makes the house stand out?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8PO-living_tochigi_tochigi_shi_tochigiSun, 10 Dec 2023 13:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm8PO-living_tochigi_tochigi_shi_tochigihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoXE-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Nippon Hop is a series of beers (four so far) featuring Japanese varieties of hops. It's a premium beer brewed with Furano hops from Hokkaido.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoXE-drink_productSun, 10 Dec 2023 10:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoXE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNka-living_shopping_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThe hero Sanada on a hagoita in the display at Kasukabe StationKasukabe City in Saitama Prefecture is known as 桐の街 kiri no machi for its heritage of paulownia wood chests of drawers. It's also known for its other crafts, such as straw hats and 羽子板 hagoita, the ornamental paddles used in a traditional New Year's game. On the platform of Minami-Sakurai Station, you'll see a showcase with these elaborately decorated paddles. It used to be that Kasukabe Station also had a large display, but since early 2023, it was removed as the platforms and lines are under construction.Every year in late December, the city shows off the heritage crafts at a market on the east side of Kasukabe Station. This year, it's on December 22nd and 23rd. The first 100 visitors get a chance to receive some gifts, too.The hagoita are of all sizes with all kinds of motifs - famous actors, sumo wrestlers, and historical figures. Because they're flat, they make good gifts for your visitors from abroad.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNka-living_shopping_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSat, 09 Dec 2023 12:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNka-living_shopping_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYvV-living_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaKasukabe City's claim to fame is Crayon Shinchan, the quirky anime and manga franchise. Other than the mischievous boy hero, the city has a lovely and ancient wisteria garden, Tokaen, and a station front street lined with wisteria arbors.Every winter, the city dresses up the station front with a sparkling light display until December 25th. The rotary at the west exit gets decked out and you can see the Crayon Shinchan billboard on the right.The wisteria trellises are graced with dangling blue lights that imitate the hanging blossoms.When you are on the Tobu lines transiting through Kasukabe Station on your way to Tokyo or Nikko, it's worth a look.If you miss it, you can always catch the display of moss flox in April, including Shinchan's cheeks (SFW).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYvV-living_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaTue, 05 Dec 2023 19:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYvV-living_transportation_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71BN-living_food_shoppingThe other day at the supermarket, I spotted a vegetable in the produce section. It looked enticing, but I didn’t know what it was and passed it up. Today, I thought I’d look out for this deep green brassica and found that there were some small heads of it on the discount cart. I scored a head of タアサイ taasai for 30 yen.So some searching revealed that this is a leafy vegetable originating in China. The name is a variant on the Cantonese name tatsoi. In English, it’s called a mustard or a variety of bok choy. I told you in 2021 about cooking winter veggies and how I’m amazed at the profusion of domestic varieties compared to my home country, Canada. So here’s one more, taasai.I stir-fried it in a dash of olive oil with minced ginger and a sprinkling of pepper. It makes a good bento box lunch or dinner side.If you’re curious about my economical, seasonal, and flavorful cooking, search for TtoE.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71BN-living_food_shoppingWed, 29 Nov 2023 20:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71BN-living_food_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNPD-living_transportation_howtoWhile on weekend drives with friends while I was living on Shikoku, we amused ourselves by spotting お遍路さん, ohenro-san, pilgrims to the 88 temples. Many of them are easy to spot because they wear white clothing and sedge hats and carry backpacks. In the year that I lived there, I managed to visit a dozen of the 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism who was born in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku. Someday I’ll book a month off and do the route. Meanwhile, when I plan a weekend trip, I check to see if there are any temples on other circuits.Monks at Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism, photo WolfgangMichelWhy do it?I’m not a Buddhist, but that doesn’t stop me. I find that reading up on temples in regions I want to visit gives me a target for my travels. And it fills out the historical timeline - I’ve learned a lot about the different eras of Japan and the influence of Buddhist thought on Japan’s culture. Many temples are surrounded by natural landscapes or have gardens and seasonal color. Epic journeysVisiting all the 88 Shikoku temples is a major undertaking - the route is 1200 km long. I managed to visit many and have fond memories of the surrounding towns and villages there. One of these days, I’ll book some weeks off to walk, cycle, and perhaps ride buses to complete the route. Another route I’ve stepped foot on is the Kumano Kodo. Rather than a single route, it’s a series of paths that connect sacred places in the Kii Peninsula. I got a taste of the Shingon Buddhist heritage at Koyasan, the sacred mountain, on a two-night stay where I got to savor a Buddhist vegetarian meal and participate in the gomataki fire ritual each morning at 5 a.m. and hear the Daito bell. My way up the mountain was via trains and the steep cable car that terminates at Gokurakubashi, “the bridge to heaven” station.Leisurely walks and day hikesNot all of my pilgrimages have been major undertakings. An easy route is a Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage in miniature in northern Chiba Prefecture. In the Taisho era local people plotted a path to commemorate the building of the Tone Canal between the Edo and Tone Rivers. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt trying to find all of them and I rely on Google Maps where some local person has pinned the tiny wooden structures. A traditional way to mark the new year is a 七福神巡り, Shichifukujin meguri, walks to temples that are identified with the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Tokyo alone has dozens of them, and there are another dozen scattered around the Kanto region.A little at a timeOn weekends, I sometimes visit 阪東三十三観音, the 33 Bando Kannon temples scattered around the Kanto plain. One of my favorites is Amabiki Kannon on one of Mt. Tsukuba’s ridges. My most recent target was Jionji, an ancient site in Saitama Prefecture that has been a destination for over 1000 years.A trove of information I refer to is Nippon Reijo, an extensive list of Japan's pilgrim routes and places.Are you a pilgrim, too? Which routes have you followed? Which ones do you recommend?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNPD-living_transportation_howtoWed, 22 Nov 2023 10:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyNPD-living_transportation_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJDk-foods_productEvery winter, Glico Confectionery releases Fuyu no Kirameki, a sweet and salty chocolate treat with caramel flavoring. This year, the sweet is available in small packets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJDk-foods_productMon, 20 Nov 2023 18:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJDk-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNjV-hobby_home_productThis laundry rack from HRURU seller on Amazon Japan is made of stainless steel and comes with 70 clips plus 20 extras. The folding rack weighs 1.29 kg.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNjV-hobby_home_productSun, 19 Nov 2023 13:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNjV-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Wl2-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaToki no Kane, the time bell of Kawagoe CityFor day trips, I gravitate to Kanto region places that have old-fashioned atmosphere and historic spots. My own town, Noda City, has some charming heritage from the Edo to Taisho eras represented by kura shophouses, manors, gardens, and temples. The density of these spots is low but each one charms visitors. But there are towns that have well-preserved Koedo, often castle or market towns that have streets that take you back in time.This past summer, I went for a stroll in Tochigi City and was impressed by the timewarp quality of the river promenade, the city’s streets, temples, shrines, and history. It’s not heavily promoted to inbound visitors, but deserves a look. When I was there on a sweltering August weekday, there were few visitors.I was hesitant to go to popular Kawagoe City because my impression was that it would be crowded with visitors from abroad. However, I found that many spots that drew me in were quiet. At Kawagoe Hachimangu, there was a handful of people and me, the only non-Japanese visitor.My next stop was Nakain, the temple that was the center of Buddhist activity in the castle town before Kitain became the big draw. The garden while there rivals the beauty of Kyoto’s famous temple precincts. The only other visitor there said hello and let me know that there was a winter-blooming sakura tree near the belfry. I got to linger and relax there before I continued my walk.My next stop was Kitain to get an omamori for a friend. There was much more bustle there but it was hardly crowded. I continued north towards Kawagoe Goten, the old palace. That’s when I encountered a crowd - the entire student body of an elementary school hurrying home around 3 p.m.The castle itself is sparsely decorated with a few suits of armor and some displays that describe the castle's history and restoration efforts. What surprised me was the garden with raked stones and green islands of plantings and stones. It’s tranquil and far from traffic so you can soak up the atmosphere.On my way back to the station, I walked along the Kurazukuri no Machinami, the warehouse district that draws the most visitors. It wasn’t so busy and I had a relaxing time windowshopping and people-watching.Which Koedo town do you recommend? When’s a good time to go?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Wl2-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaSun, 19 Nov 2023 10:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2Wl2-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY5r-drink_productSapporo Breweries has released this seasonal beer, Fuyu Monogatari, the winter's tale, since 1988. The beer is brewed from barley, rice, and hops. It has 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY5r-drink_productSun, 19 Nov 2023 09:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY5r-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPOQ-living_saitamaIn my first year in Japan, I encountered so many small details by accident. I just happened to glance a certain way or noticed a kanji on a sign that piqued my interest. One of the easily overlooked details I found in a garden below Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture. A sign pointed to a tiny garden feature that wasn’t immediately apparent. I puzzled over the kanji on the sign and spied the ladle, dipped it in the basin, and poured it over the stones below. A tinkling like a natural musical instrument sounded. I’d discovered the 水琴窟, suikinkutsu, the “water zither”.The suikinkutsu is an upside-down pot buried underground so that water dripping through the drain hole echoes against the ceramic walls that imitate the tones of the koto, the Japanese zither. Recently on a walk through Kawagoe City, I found one in a temple garden. Just within the gate of Myojzenji, a temple that is part of the Shichifukujin, or Seven Gods of Good Fortune route, is a sign that indicates the suikinkutsu. I leaned close as I rinsed my hands and caught the chime of the water running into the jar.Another Saitama Prefecture spot where I encountered a suikinkutsu is Zensouan, the rest house on the Soka Matsubara Promenade. The path has been trodden for centuries by pilgrims going to Nikko.While searching for more information about suikinkutsu, I turned up a database for the garden feature across Japan. Here’s a chance to hear one near you.Have you stumbled on a suikinkutsu? Tell us about it!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPOQ-living_saitamaFri, 17 Nov 2023 20:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpPOQ-living_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71RY-drink_productSapporo Grand Hop is made of all-domestic hops. It's only available at 7-11 convenience stores and was released in the autumn of 2023. The beer has 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71RY-drink_productFri, 17 Nov 2023 16:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71RY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4xO-drink_productFor a limited time each year (in November 2023), Kirin produces Ichiban Shibori Toretate hop, freshly picked Ibuki hops grown in Japan. The beer has 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4xO-drink_productFri, 17 Nov 2023 15:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4xO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY4r-money_education_workThe gold standard - The JET ProgrammeBack in the early 2000s when I first arrived in Japan, the JET Programme salary was attractive because the yen was higher than the Canadian dollar. Then, the salary was comparable to or higher than those on offer from English language schools in Canada. The timing was right for a challenging cultural and educational experience abroad.Getting in the genkan at Japan's schools, photoWhen I participated in the JET Programme, the salary was flat, but in subsequent years, a graduated salary was imposed. From the first to fifth year, the salary ranges from 3.36 to 3.96 million yen a year (up to 330,000 yen a month). In addition, many JET participants get subsidies for housing. The salary gives participants a lot of discretionary income. I could fund domestic travel and pursue cultural activities - tea ceremony and martial arts training. This is what the Japanese government built the program for - cultivating soft power by inviting young people from abroad to experience and promote Japan.A good startWhen people abroad ask about how to get into Japan right out of school or as a break from a career, I point them to The JET Programme. It’s true that the application process requires considerable paperwork, a long wait, and tempered expectations (it’s a lottery depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring committee’s attitude). But it’s the only good way for young, inexperienced, and unqualified people to get a taste of Japan’s education system from the inside while earning a living wage.Just as I was starting my JET sojourn as an ALT (assistant language teacher), Japan’s government broadened the laws for dispatch employment which allowed companies to hire ALTs from abroad outside of the JET Programme scheme. I wrote about the program’s history and the issues in 2022 - read up on the The ALT Job’s Current Reality Part 1 and Part 2.The sinking dispatch salaryA glance at job-finding websites in 2023 reveals that some dispatch company salaries are rock bottom, sometimes hovering at 200,000 yen a month. Yes, you can live on that salary as a single person in a smaller city with a lower cost of living than big centers such as Tokyo or Osaka. But the reality is, that a significant chunk of municipal budgets allocated for ALT hires goes into the pocket of a company and the ALTs receive minimal support in return. These companies depend on a high turnover. They can replace you with a fresh batch at a lower salary.The real “foot in the door”You’ll see many comments on social media using this tired expression, and just as many countering that dispatch ALT jobs are none of the sort. A real “foot in the door’ to working in a stimulating teaching position with security and decent compensation depends on qualifications and experience. Some of my colleagues have done it the hard way, completing advanced degrees or licenses while living on tight budgets and working. Others arrived with substantial CVs in hand and were able to establish careers in private high schools and universities. Good positions are out there if you have the skills and qualifications. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY4r-money_education_workTue, 14 Nov 2023 10:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkY4r-money_education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgqY-transportation_saitama_chibaAfter school got out today, I bid my students goodbye on the platform of Kasukabe Station and dashed onto the Omiya-bound train. But something was different. Did I take the wrong train? I noticed that the car'sinterior was devoid of advertising. And then I spied the color of the interior - not the modern Tobu Urban Park Line green and blue, but orange and beige, the retired colors.On November 1st, Tobu is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 8000 formation cars with a stamp rally that runs until January 8th of next year.For your retro train fix, if you get your timing right, you can ride the first car of the retro train which has a photo retrospective of the Tobu train lines. You might spot the train staff in retro uniforms, too, in the cab. Another nostalgic touch is the rotating mechanical destination signs.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgqY-transportation_saitama_chibaTue, 07 Nov 2023 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDgqY-transportation_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ9k-drink_productSuntory The Premium Malt's Golden Ale in Suntory's premium line that is available for a limited time. This beer is 6% alcohol and brewed with malt and hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ9k-drink_productMon, 06 Nov 2023 16:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weJ9k-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W2r-drink_productIn October 2023 Asahi Breweries' annual limited release labeled The Double appeared a exclusively at FamilyMart convenience stores. The beer label indicates a blend of ale and pilsner.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W2r-drink_productMon, 06 Nov 2023 16:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4W2r-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4mO-food_healthWhat’s for lunch?Japan has some healthful processed foodsIn weeks when I’ve got some time in the evenings, I prepare a healthful dinner of fresh food, often washoku composed of rice or pasta and some okazu side dishes while simultaneously filling the next day’s bento box lunch with a bit of variation on the evening’s meal. However, I can’t manage it every weekday evening and resort to convenience store purchases to get me through the day. But am I eating good food?Recently in the English language press, I’ve noticed more and more stories about the perils of eating ultra processed foods. A Brazilian nutritionist, Carlos Augusto Monteiro, devised a framework to describe the range of processing of foods in the 2000s called Nova and it’s been widely adopted around the world. The framework has four categories - minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed food, and ultra-processed foods.It’s the last category, with stuff that is, as he describes it, loaded with additives and ingredients that make them appealing and habit-forming. They're highly marketed and also profitable products that get you hooked and craving more. How does conbini food stack up?According to NPR, Japanese correspondent Yuki Noguchi deftly describes how good food is baked into the Japanese diet. She also reveals how appealing and nutritious Japanese convenience store food is - loaded with fresh ingredients and lots of vegetables. I’m in a routine of preparing three meals a day nearly every day, and often pick up lunch at the convenience store near my workplace. The food is tasty and loaded with fresh ingredients.It’s so easy to eat well in Japan because the Japanese public is accustomed to good, clean food, Noguchi says. She explains that the credit goes to training that children receive as part of the made-from-scratch lunches in schools. As a teacher with experience in Japan’s public schools, I came to appreciate the high quality, nutrition, and variety in school lunches. The experience introduced me to dishes I added to my home cooking repertoire. An extension of the healthful eating culture is “shashoku”, company cafeteria meals that are balanced with generous portions of fresh ingredients. My partner takes advantage of these economical meals at his workplace.Checking the shopping listAs I’ve gotten more proficient at reading Japanese, I can glean more info from product packages. One alarming thing I noticed is how much “other stuff” goes into mass-produced bread. I will pay a little more and go out of my way to buy from bakeries since the baked goods have far fewer additives in them.Bread that is likely to fall under Nova category 3I eat processed soy frequently, especially tofu and natto. According to the Nova classification, these are processed food, category 2. What about other soy products? I had a look at Open Food Facts, a database that lists the Nova classification for foods including over 800 products in Japan. While soy milk in the Japanese market isn’t listed here yet, you can see comparable products in other countries. It’s no surprise some are listed as category 4 and laden with additives. I’ll keep an eye on this database to see if it gathers more Japanese products in greater detail.Meanwhile, I’ll try to resist the potato chip aisle at the supermarket.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4mO-food_healthMon, 06 Nov 2023 11:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn4mO-food_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNrV-foods_productSugakiya brand in October 2023 released this cup noodle dish supervised by Menya Oyama, a ramen shop that specializes in Sano ramen, a permutation of ramen that originates in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNrV-foods_productSun, 05 Nov 2023 12:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvNrV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoqe-living_money_workEconomics taking a bite out of incomePhoto Jcastillor8The ongoing inflation and resulting “shrinkflation” has started to cut into my bottom line in the last year. It used to be that I could fill my grocery basket with fresh produce, canned goods, and deli items for about 1,000 yen. That was my budget for a day’s worth of food, breakfast, bento box lunch, and dinner, perhaps with a beer. These days, I find that the same basket of groceries costs me about 1500 yen. Give a working stiff a break, already.A living wageI can manage as I make a living wage with a stable employment situation with decent compensation. While I find that inflation bites, I can still put away savings and still afford to have a decent lifestyle. But it isn’t so for a lot of people, and they’re pretty much invisible. The Economist, a British weekly, reported in 2012 that Japan’s underclass - the elderly and working poor - were hardly accounted for in the statistics in terms of savings and property ownership. It was difficult to get a clear picture of how many working-age people are in fact working poor.More recently, Nippon.com in 2021 took a look at the numbers and identified a whopping 14% of the Japanese people as “the underclass” - people who are in precarious employment and hold fewer assets than their peers with stable income. Some 50-something Japanese guys I know experienced the “employment ice age”, when a generation that entered adulthood in the 1990s could not find permanent full-time employment. One of them gets by on part-time and day labor jobs, making it from payday to payday. And he’s a grad from a big-name university. Another guy I know graduated from high school during this fraught period and has been able to string together some dispatch and temporary jobs to make a decent living. He does alright because he handles his family’s farm on the side.Breaks on the wayWhile I have secure employment, I am also at the top limit of the salary scale that my employer offers. In the last year, every time I pay my gas and electric bills and fill my grocery basket, I notice the real difference in the earnings to inflation difference - real wages fell by 1.6 percent as inflation has risen.Recently, the government has been looking at reducing income tax to offset rising prices and stagnant wages. The plan for next year is to reduce income tax by 30,000 yen and residence tax by 10,000, besides subsidies for low-income families. For me, the 40,000 yen break I anticipate next year will pay for two months of groceries.Have you seen a rise in your income? How is inflation impacting you? Will the proposed tax relief make a difference for you?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoqe-living_money_workThu, 02 Nov 2023 11:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRoqe-living_money_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oYR-drink_productSpring Valley, Kirin Breweries' revival of the 19th-century brewery in Yokohama, released this Japan Ale Kaoru in October 2023. The beer has 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oYR-drink_productSat, 28 Oct 2023 16:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6oYR-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8rX-drink_productKirin Breweries every autumn since the early 1990s has released a limited-production beer, Aki Aji. The beer is brewed with a little over a third more malt than the standard beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8rX-drink_productSat, 28 Oct 2023 16:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wX8rX-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yr7-foods_productKodawari yanyomu no otsumami sanshurui kimuchi is an item in 7-11's Cup Deli line of sides. The dish includes three varieties of Korean kimuchi pickles for 220 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yr7-foods_productFri, 27 Oct 2023 20:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yr7-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABn6-livingRecently on social media, I noticed a lot of newcomers marveling at the heady scent they noticed wafting through their windows in October. The source is osmanthus fragrans, the fragrant olive. This flower, known in Japan as 金木犀, kinmokusei, blooms for a few weeks and perfumes the air with a fruity and herbal scent. The flowers are tiny golden bunches of orbs that grow on shrubs that can reach two or three meters in height.While it's a lovely fragrance, you might be surprised to encounter older Japanese people who associate the scent with toilet fresheners! It used to be the most popular scent for masking malodorous loos before toilet technology improved.But don't let that put you off. Some fragrance lines include the fragrance in their formulations. I discovered one unctuous cream that wraps you in the aroma any time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABn6-livingTue, 24 Oct 2023 19:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MABn6-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjK8r-hobby_home_productAmazon seller S Nemuri no san Shop's single comforter in five colors and three sizes is filled with Thinsulate material. This comforter is machine-washable.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjK8r-hobby_home_productTue, 24 Oct 2023 14:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjK8r-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab5A-foods_productAmong the Cup Deli items availabe at Kanto region 7-11 convenience stores is Otsumami Pirikara Goma Hakusai. This simple side is hakusai cabbage with simple dressing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab5A-foods_productTue, 24 Oct 2023 13:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zab5A-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbKB-living_education_howtoFinally, in the Kanto region, the breeze feels a little crisp and dry as autumn has arrived and Halloween is on the minds of children and adults. Last October, I told you how I introduce stories and Halloween lore with my Japanese students and friends. For the last 20 years in Japan, I’ve enjoyed sharing the festival with English language learners at elementary and high schools where I’ve taught. The activities I use with my English students can easily be used at home, too, by families that speak English.Songs for TeensWhile children and adults in Japan are becoming more familiar with the images of Halloween, they may not know songs that people around the world associate with the festival. One of my childhood favorites is “The Ghost of Tom”. In my elementary school music program, I learned a variation of the song as a choral round. You’ll see and hear many versions on YouTube including this one by an American high school concertchoir.Many Japanese people are familiar with The Nightmare Before Christmas, a masterpiece of stop-motion animation with music by Danny Elfman. Ten years before, Danny and his band Oingo Boingo wrote a catchy dance song, “Deadman’s Party”. The song has a great refrain, “Don’t be afraid, it’s only me/ Don’t be afraid of what you can’t see.” It’s fun to sing along and rock out to.Songs for Young LearnersYour youngest learners get a kick out of Halloween, too. With limited English, they benefit from repetition and easy-to-understand English songs. A song that lights up my elementary school students is “Five Little Pumpkins”, an arrangement by beloved Canadian singer Raffi. The song lends itself well to actions associated with words and phrases in the English language teaching approach called Total Physical Response (TPR). Each phrase of the song lends itself well to motions that the students can do to learn the meaning of the song, then do the actions along with the song, and then finally sing along. For very little children who can count to ten, a simple version is "Teasobi Eigo 10 Little Pumpkins" by a Los Angeles-based Japanese English teacher. It’s super cute. Anothersong, “Dem Bones”, began as a spiritual but it also lends itself well to TPR. Young learners can shake their bones along with the song while learning the names of body parts.Do you teach your own children or English learners Halloween songs, poems, or stories? Which ones do you find appeal to Japanese kids?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbKB-living_education_howtoTue, 24 Oct 2023 10:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbbKB-living_education_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ25V-living_food_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_sakuragawa_shi_ibarakiReaders of City Cost by now have read Genkidesu’s post about the most and least attractive prefectures, according to the annual survey of the Japanese public Ibaraki Prefecture to the northeast of the capital has once again secured its dead-last position among the 47 prefectures of Japan. Well, somebody’s got to be the last pick on the list. It’s a source of notoriety for the mountainous region bordering the Pacific Ocean.Remember last year, I told you about anticipating visits to uncrowded Ibaraki when the pandemic eased up? It’s one of my favorite places to get away as it’s replete with historical and natural beauty and easy to access.The row of kura storehouses on the old Mito Kaido in Tsuchiura CityOne of the places I adore, though not widely promoted, is Tsuchiura City for the timewarp of the Kijo Castle grounds and the gorgeous kura storehouses on the old Mito Kaido, including Machikadokura Daitoku.Tsuchiura City has been my starting point for cycling and hiking in nearby Sakuragawa City. Don't let the word city fool you - it's mostly comprised of agricultural communities and the western edge of Mt. Tsukuba. A monument at the Rokusho Shrine ruins on the approach to Mount TsukubaI recommend hiking or cycling to highlights such as Amabiki Kannon, a temple known for its cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and peacocks. One hiking route is a section of the Kanto Fureiai Nature Trail which takes you up mountain ridges, past shrines, temples, and satoyama landscapes.Another foray into deep Ibaraki took me to Daigo Town to see waterfalls and savor expertly prepared local soba noodles at Momijien.This autumn, I'm aiming for this underrated, uncrowded gem of a prefecture.Have you been to Ibaraki Prefecture? What was the highlight of your trip?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ25V-living_food_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_sakuragawa_shi_ibarakiSun, 22 Oct 2023 14:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ25V-living_food_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_sakuragawa_shi_ibarakihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgo6j-foods_productThis instant cup ramen available at FamilyMart convenience stores is supervised by "Suzukiya", a family-run ramen shop in Yokohama City. The soup broth is based on their porkbone-soy sauce ramen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgo6j-foods_productSun, 22 Oct 2023 08:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgo6j-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq72-drink_productSapporo Breweries' Yebisu premium brand has a line called Creative Brew. This beer is the second in the series, Creative Brew Orange. The beer appears to be an ale.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq72-drink_productWed, 18 Oct 2023 19:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq72-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg6y-foods_productCalbee's line of Honjaga potato chips is available exclusively at 7-11 convenience stores. One of the two varieties is Kaoru Nori Salt flavor potato chips.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg6y-foods_productSun, 15 Oct 2023 14:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDg6y-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYO5-foods_productKabocha Purinfu zakuzaku chocolate is a seasonal treat produced by Kabocha Co., a confectionery shop based in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. The pumpkin pudding-style crunchy chocolate is available at some convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYO5-foods_productSun, 15 Oct 2023 12:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVYO5-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP7x-drink_productKirin Brewery's Yawaraka Shitate is a limited-time beer available from October 2023. The beer, brewed using Kirin's signature shibori tate method, is wheat-based with 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP7x-drink_productMon, 09 Oct 2023 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpP7x-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71jP-living_moneyRemember back in August, I told you about some of my strategies for keeping the costs of cooling my home to a minimum?Judicious use of aircon, awnings, and uchimizu, sprinkling of water on hot surfaces around my home, kept me from roasting alive.In September, I continued with my austerity measures as the overnight temperatures in the Kanto region continued to hover around 25 degrees Celsius.Finally, it feels like autumn with a little evening chill.To take pressure off households, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has extended measures to relieve drastic electric and gas rate hikes beyond September, continuing until January 2024.The bottom line for me is that my electric bill for August hovered around 3000 yen and propane gas was about 1500 yen. A lot of cold showers and no-cook meals probably kept my costs down, too.When the cold weather settles in, I'll be returning to my routine of heating without going broke.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71jP-living_moneySun, 08 Oct 2023 15:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G71jP-living_moneyhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn45V-fashion_productConvenience Wear, a line of simply-packaged innerwear and basic clothing is available at FamilyMart convenience stores. This polyester blend camisole is about 1100 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn45V-fashion_productSun, 08 Oct 2023 10:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mn45V-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm85Q-drink_productSuntory's line of sparkling canned alcoholic drinks has two varieties, Aka-awa, red wine, and Shiro-awa, white wine. The two sweet sparkling wine drinks are 9% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm85Q-drink_productSat, 07 Oct 2023 14:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm85Q-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yQ7-drink_productItoen's line of Oicha green tea includes this 600 ml PET bottle version labled Koicha. The tea has no additives or sweetners and is made with domestically-grown green tea.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yQ7-drink_productSat, 07 Oct 2023 12:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8yQ7-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRove-foods_productKikkoman, best known for soy sauce, also produces other condiments. This Kihon no okazu tsuyu is a well-balanced basic broth for seasoning side dishes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRove-foods_productSat, 07 Oct 2023 10:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRove-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq42-drink_productElbee, a beverage company that packages drinks in 1000m cartons, offers Wanashi, Japanese pear water. The flat drink has zero calories and contains less than 1% juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq42-drink_productSat, 07 Oct 2023 10:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYq42-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3eA-foods_productHiyashi goma tonyu tantanmen is chilled tantanmen noodles with sesame and soy milk broth available at 7-11 convenience stores. The dish is 540 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3eA-foods_productMon, 02 Oct 2023 20:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK3eA-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR4d-food_healthThis summer was stiflingly hot, wasn’t it? It has taken a toll on my appetite, and I seek out foods and drinks that help me beat the heat and make use of seasonal vegetables. I keep coming back to the Okinawan diet. This summer and on into the lingering heat after the autumn equinox, I found a great recipe for a salad that incorporates two ingredients, one popular in Okinawan cuisine, and the other said to be a great antidote to summer fatigue.My summer go-to goya and umeboshi saladIt looks like the City Cost community is divided on goya, the bitter melon that is a staple of Okinawan cookery. The gourd which looks like the inspiration for movie monsters is a bumpy, green, cucumber-shaped vegetable with a bitter flavor and crunchy texture. The vegetable is available year-round, but at its best from July to September.Goya has an appealing color when blanched for 30-60 secondsThis vegetable is touted as a superfood that contributes to the longevity of Okinawans. The low-calorie, high-fiber gourd is loaded with antioxidants that are said to contribute to skin and digestive health. In addition, it is supposedly good for insulin control. Umeboshi is another food that’s said to beat the sluggish feeling some people suffer in hot weather. People in the old days consumed umeboshi to fight fatigue as it’s loaded with citric acid and pickled in salt. These days, it’s a tart and salty addition to your meals that stimulates your appetite.A recipe that combines both of these healthful foods is goya salad with ume dressing. The recipe is very simple and takes little time to prepare.The ingredients are minimal, too - two goya, 2 umeboshi, two splashes of soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of katsuobushi. To prepare the goya, slice it in half and scoop out the pith, then cut in half moons. Blanch the goya in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 30-60 seconds. Drain them in a sieve.For the dressing, pit the umeboshi and mince them. In a bowl, combine the ume pulp, soy sauce, katsuobushi, and sesame oil. Toss the goya slices in the dressing. I put mine in the fridge overnight for the flavors to combine.The first time I prepared this, I forgot the sesame oil and I didn’t miss it. However, it does give a nice, nutty richness to the salad. My secret to reducing the bitterness is to slice, blanch, and freeze the goya and thaw it out in the fridge for salad or other goya dishes.Are you an umeboshi fan? Do you love or hate goya? How do you like to prepare these two foods?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR4d-food_healthMon, 02 Oct 2023 09:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlR4d-food_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB50-foods_productSimilar to 7-11, FamilyMart stocks Kanto region 7-11 convenience stores stock small servings of side dishes. This one, okra and green beans goma ae, is 230 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB50-foods_productThu, 28 Sep 2023 11:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAB50-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL70D-drink_productItoen's line of Oi Ocha line includes Genmaicha with Matcha. The tea comes in a 600 ml bottle that incidates the ingredients for the tea are entirely domestic.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL70D-drink_productThu, 28 Sep 2023 10:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GL70D-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6a23-drink_productSuntory Breweries in 2023 continues to release versions of the Premium Malt's Diamond Hop. This version in the hop-decorated can is brewed with hops from the Czech Republic.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6a23-drink_productThu, 21 Sep 2023 10:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6a23-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykYb-foods_productFusakogane, which is available as an Amazon exclusive product, is a 5 kg bag of "musenmai", no-wash rice. The rice is a hybrid developed in Chiba Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykYb-foods_productWed, 20 Sep 2023 19:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykYb-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrlE-foods_productCalbee Potato Chips Shiawase Butter Triple is a limited-time potato snack in a 50 g bag available at supermarkets and convenience stores. The price ranges from 160 to 195 yen depending on quantity.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrlE-foods_productWed, 20 Sep 2023 10:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrlE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dvW-drink_productSuntory Beverage's Natural Water Special Lemon Squash is a sparkling lemonade available from branded vending machines and convenience stores in 500 ml PET bottles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dvW-drink_productTue, 19 Sep 2023 13:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dvW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkKy-drink_productTaking advantage of the craft beer market, big brewers are mass-producing beers labeled "craft". This one, Tokyo Craft Wiezen with 5.5% alcohol. Supermarkets stock it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkKy-drink_productSun, 17 Sep 2023 16:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkKy-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0B5k-foods_productShibuya's famed Kiraku chukasoba shop teams up with Sapporo Ichiban for this roasted onion shoyu ramen instant noodle cup. The instant noodle version was released in August 2023.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0B5k-foods_productSat, 16 Sep 2023 14:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0B5k-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv5V-foods_productMen's shio ramen is a cup noodle ready in three minutes. The package contains typical curly ramen noodles and a packet each of soup base and dried vegetables.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv5V-foods_productSat, 16 Sep 2023 11:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv5V-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoaW-drink_productSapporo's Craft Spice Soda, a ready-to-drink shochu highball, is flavored with spices and aromatic lemon peel and ginger. It has no added sugars and 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoaW-drink_productSat, 16 Sep 2023 10:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoaW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vJ8-foods_productCalbee's Sapporo Potato Long Roasted Garlic Flavor is part of its long-selling brand Sapporo Potato at convenience stores in July 2023. The bag contains 54g of crispy sticks.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vJ8-foods_productThu, 14 Sep 2023 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vJ8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPbRd-drink_productMeito is a dairy company that also produces various kinds of non-dairy drinks in paper cartons. This product, VC 3000 Lemonade, provides 600 mg of Vitamin C per 200 ml cup.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPbRd-drink_productThu, 14 Sep 2023 17:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPbRd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxPj-living_education_howto_tokyo_kyotoDo you have a project you want to illustrate with a classy image from Japan’s vast art heritage? Where can you find just the right one for your blog post that conveys a concept intrinsic to Japanese culture? Are you after historic or contemporary photos of locations in Japan? There are massive collections of images you can use, either licensed or public domain.What the Japanese law saysJapan’s copyright law specifies that the copyright on works ends 70 years after the death of the creator. This is similar to copyright law in other countries. Besides expired copyright works, many creators and owners dedicate their works to the public domain. You can freely use public domain images without a reference. Usually, when I use public domain images, I’ll include a link to where I found it.The MetNew York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, known affectionately as “The Met”, is the largest museum of art in the U.S. with over two million objects. Now, I’ve never been to New York but in the blink of an eye, I can go visit its Asian collection which contains 16,057 objects. On the website, you can search by keyword, material or type of object, and era. At the bottom of the images, look out for public domain designation.A hanging scroll by Shibata Zeshin appealed to me as it captures the spirit of autumn, The MetThe RijksmuseumThe Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is best known for housing Dutch masters’ paintings, but it also has a million objects of art including Asian collections in a dedicated pavilion. The Netherlands has had a long history of relationship with Japan and holds many artworks. You can browse the collections and stumble upon museum patrons’ own “sets” of images. One that I’m drawn to is museum patron VVak’s Netsuke, a set of these tiny sculptures in the museum's collection.Wiki CommonsBesides audio and video, Wiki Commons has millions of images that you can use freely as long as you follow the license conditions. You need to know what you’re looking for to get the most out of the search. I search by genres, artists’ names, geography, and eras. I’ve found historic and contemporary photos of places I've visited, many dedicated to the public domain.ColBaseThe full name of this database is a mouthful - the integrated Collections Database of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan. ColBase contains works owned by four of Japan’s museums and a research institute. All works are no longer covered by copyright. Some of the images have elaborate descriptions while others have brief notes.Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s cat painting has a note that Edo-era people believed cat pictures would ward off mice, ColBaseDo you have a favorite repository of licensable or public domain images? Which ones are easiest to use?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxPj-living_education_howto_tokyo_kyotoTue, 12 Sep 2023 12:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxPj-living_education_howto_tokyo_kyotohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYJJ-tech_product_drink_productT.L. Pearce Distillery in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture endeavors to create a distinctive craft gin using domestic ingredients. Tokyo Dry Gin with nine botanicals includes tangerine peel.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYJJ-tech_product_drink_productMon, 11 Sep 2023 17:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYJJ-tech_product_drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk17-foods_product7-11 convenience store's line of 7-11 Cup Deli items, small servings of okazu, includes this variation on macaroni salad. This one contains slices of egg and cucumber.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk17-foods_productThu, 07 Sep 2023 17:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk17-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPV2-fashion_productThese five-toed "free size" socks come in a set of five, each a different color. The nylon and polyester fabric of these lacy low-cut socks is very stretchy.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPV2-fashion_productThu, 07 Sep 2023 17:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPV2-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qpO-foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of small sides, Cup Deli, varies by region. This bacon pepper macaroni salad is available at Kanto region 7-11 stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qpO-foods_productThu, 07 Sep 2023 17:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qpO-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wry1X-foods_productAvailable at 7-11 convenience stores in the Kanto region, this dish is chilled pasta with steamed chicken and dressed with Kishu Nanko plums and "wafu" dressing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wry1X-foods_productSun, 03 Sep 2023 09:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wry1X-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ25q-living_healthYour mobile device is a window on perspective image Karolina GrabowskaOn social media, foreign residents spill their guts about their frustrations in Japan. Loneliness, interactions that leave newcomers puzzled, and of course, communication issues come up all the time. I’m not inured to these issues even though I’ve been in Japan for over 20 years. So how can a veteran or a newly arrived person cope? I’ve been listening to some psychology, philosophy, and language podcasts for some perspective.Perceiving ourselvesWhen it comes to meeting people, maybe it’s not about how you show up, but how you think you do. And across cultural and language lines, this is a huge challenge for newcomers anywhere and especially foreign residents in Japan. As I grow in my language ability and cultural savvy, I become more sensitive to how people receive me, but I still have experiences that leave me wondering. Could I have come on too strong or missed a mark somewhere in communication? Thinking about how I come off can raise my anxiety level and make me hesitant to get involved.So I was relieved when I listened to NPR's Hidden Brain interview with Erica Boothby, a psychological researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. She describes a phenomenon called the “liking gap” - people underestimating how much the other party likes them. She goes on to talk about her experience in another culture, too, where she herself thought that the people in the majority culture didn’t like her. I got confirmation of the concept after a visit to a local bar. While there, I chatted with patrons, feeling out of place and awkward at times. Some of the topics I couldn’t respond to as eloquently as I would like, and the topics I mentioned appeared to be met with quizzical looks. On the next visit, the barman told me that the other patrons in fact were looking forward to seeing me there again.LonelinessYet another topic that comes up routinely is loneliness and the struggle to create and maintain friendships with Japanese people. BBC Radio Four program All in the Mind has been exploring the topic of loneliness. One surprising podcast episode discusses the findings of a study that suggests that loneliness isn’t determined by how many people are around you. The radio show doesn’t just leave you hanging. The podcast has a discussion with psychologist Pam Coulter of the University of Manchester in which she and the show host explore strategies to overcome loneliness. Any of them could be applied to your experience in Japan.“Nihongo jozu!”You’ll see the memeeverywhere. It’s an interjection of many a Japanese stranger on hearing a non-Japanese person utter the most banal things in Japanese. The spirit and the timing of this compliment can either encourage or deflate you. As a Japanese language learner, there is always more to learn.A philosophical and language-oriented podcast I’ve discovered is Thinking in Japanese with Iisaku. He slowly and methodically touches on grammar, expression, and cultural topics that help you keep perspective on your language-learning journey and where you find your ground in Japanese culture. One of the startling topics is how some Japanese people don’t necessarily always use the correct language.Have you discovered some podcasts that illuminate Japanese cultural topics and cross-cultural topics that help you keep perspective?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ25q-living_healthThu, 31 Aug 2023 12:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ25q-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKbm-foods_productTo celebrate the 2023 harvest of potatoes in Hokkaido, Calbee produces this limited-time bag of konbu (sourced from Hakodate City) and soy sauce flavored potato chips.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKbm-foods_productMon, 28 Aug 2023 17:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKbm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY7o-drink_productKirin's ready-to-drink chuhai Honshibori Akikan released in August 2023 is a limited-time shochu highball made solely with 11% citrus juice, soda, and domestic vodka. The drink has no added sugar or flavorings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY7o-drink_productMon, 28 Aug 2023 16:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY7o-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d6Y-drink_productKoushin Milk Products company packages this flat plum drink made with nanko plums grown in Wakayama Prefecture. You can find the 1000 ml paper cartons in some supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d6Y-drink_productSat, 26 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d6Y-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX3g-foods_productYamazaki Biscuit's snack selection includes sesame oil and seaweed flavor potato chips. The cardboard tube has 45 grams of potato chips. The packaging indicates the portion is 235 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX3g-foods_productSat, 26 Aug 2023 16:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX3g-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjXk-drink_productSuntory Breweries' series The Premium Malt's includes this amber ale. It's 6% alcohol and available at some convenience stores. It's priced at 271 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjXk-drink_productWed, 23 Aug 2023 17:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjXk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKdm-living_minato_ku_tokyoIn preparation for running errands in Tokyo, I often look at Google Maps to see what is in the vicinity of my goal. This month, while scouring Shiodome Station environs where I had appointments, I discovered two spots that intrigued me. Usually, I’m on the hunt for traditional and historic locations, as you may have noticed from my blogs and reviews. But these two spots transported me to an entirely different place.Less than a five-minute walk southwest of Shiodome Station is a cobbled, winding street that leads to a piazza. All around the piazza are buildings with arches, colonnades, and cornices quite unlike any other place in Tokyo. This is Italy Street, a row of buildings around a square meant to evoke Tuscany. The spot attracts motorsports enthusiasts, and sure enough, a group of young men taking a break from riding their European-made sports bikes stood chatting at the edge of the piazza. I walked east under the train line to Italy Park. In the late afternoon sun, the white marble statues stood out in stark contrast to the dense plantings. It’s all very symmetric and formal.Now, I’ve never been to Tuscany, so I can’t say how authentic the park and piazza are but they did make me wistful for travel to Europe. One of these days…Have you discovered locations in Japan that whisk you away to another country?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKdm-living_minato_ku_tokyoWed, 23 Aug 2023 15:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKdm-living_minato_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYVo-foods_productThick and Spicy Dandan Noodles is a cup noodle available at FamilyMart as part of their own brand line of cup noodles. The cup noodle is only 138 yen and is ready in four minutes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYVo-foods_productWed, 23 Aug 2023 13:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYVo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP39-drink_productOtona Piiru Remon is a flat lemon drink in the Birerely's brand lineup produced by Asahi Beverage. The drink contain 3% lemon juice and a day's worth of Vitamin C.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP39-drink_productFri, 18 Aug 2023 09:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP39-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aj8-drink_productSapporo Breweries' new line, Cocoro Craft, offers it's second in the series. This time Tsukiakari Amber Lager is available exclusively at 7-11 convenience stores. The beer is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aj8-drink_productThu, 17 Aug 2023 13:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aj8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn24-drink_productKizakura Brewery based in Kyoto recently started brewing Kizakura Ryo, a pale ale with 5% alcohol. The beer label indicates that the ale recalls the qualities of white wine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn24-drink_productThu, 17 Aug 2023 13:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn24-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPR8-drink_product7-11 Convenience Stores' own brand of products sometimes presents a price saving. This cardboard box of five single-serving drip coffee packets is 268 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPR8-drink_productThu, 17 Aug 2023 12:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPR8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qA9-living_educationSome of my vintage English teaching resourcesRecently, a longtime friend opened a new cafe-bar space, and one of the ideas to use the lounge is to provide English language lessons to patrons. So he looked at me.Returning to tutoringWhile my first experience of English language teaching was adult English back in Canada, I transitioned to teaching in academic settings when I came to Japan. I’m a little out of practice when it comes to tutoring adult learners of the language. And to be frank, when I attempted tutoring English here in Japan a decade ago, I found that many of the adult students I picked up for trial lessons were simply looking for someone to talk to in English. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’m a language teacher, not a counselor. I got a little burned out on tutoring and stopped.A fresh perspectiveThe pandemic pushed a lot of educators around the world to adapt to remote teaching. Here in Japan, university instructors, eikaiwa workers, and school teachers met the challenge by sharing tools and practices through Online Teaching Japan, and I’m still using many of the great resources I learned from OTJ in my face-to-face lessons. So I figured I’d use these resources to add value to English tutoring for adults.Getting the ball rollingI made a Google Form to introduce the concept we have for the English lessons and gather some information about prospective students. Besides contact information and learning goals, we ask about hobbies and interests. This helps us personalize the lessons.Previously when I tutored, the lessons were not on any cycle. The students requested topics and skills they wanted to study, and we met each week with no end goal in mind. This time, I thought I’d take a different tack, and break the lessons into units. So I offer five lessons at a time. At the end of each unit, we can take a break, or the student can do a unit with another tutor (there are two of us).What do you know?In the old days, I would do an interview test with level-check questions that progress through grammar, expression, and vocabulary based on Canada’s standards. That takes time and if the student is stressed or tired, it might not give accurate results. These days, there are dozens of free online tests that check learner levels based on CEFR which is commonly used in Japan. A really quick one you can do in a face-to-face lesson is Cambridge English - Test your English. A longer one which your student can do on their own time is available on Zengengo, a powerful language-teaching platform created by a team here in Japan.Ironing out the wrinklesOur first student is a local entrepreneur who volunteers to try our English tutoring concept. He’s focused on improving his spoken English for business contexts, so I pick up news stories or videos from news websites. He can hear and read vocabulary and expressions useful for encounters with English-speaking clients. Our lessons are pretty free-flowing, but we have a focus. At the end of each lesson, I send an email with a review using online interactives, listening, or reading.Do you tutor English or another subject on the side? What do you find interesting or challenging about it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qA9-living_educationThu, 17 Aug 2023 09:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qA9-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnvm-foods_productFamilyMart and ramen chain restaurant Rairaitei team up for this cup noodle version of Umakaramen. The cup noodle version is sold at FamilyMart convenience stores for about 240 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnvm-foods_productWed, 16 Aug 2023 20:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnvm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKb61-drink_productOrion Brewery based in Okinawa Prefecture brews this specialty as a variety of their Nago beers, released in the summer of 2023. This one is Kolsch style.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKb61-drink_productWed, 16 Aug 2023 19:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKb61-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykb6-drink_productOrion The Premium is produced by Okinawa's iconic Orion Brewery. The Premium at 5% alcohol is a pale lager with malted barley and hops and made with yeasts indigenous to the island.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykb6-drink_productWed, 16 Aug 2023 18:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykb6-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12kA-drink_productOrion Brewery of Okinawa is considered one of the five major breweries in Japan. This beer, Hyotenka Chozo, is subtitled "cold and clear", a pale lager with barley malt, hops, and some unmalted barley.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12kA-drink_productWed, 16 Aug 2023 17:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12kA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MER3D-foods_productFamilMart convenience stores' own brand of products includes this onigiri rice ball. The rice ball is inarizushi gingoma nozawana. It's priced at 139 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MER3D-foods_productMon, 14 Aug 2023 21:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MER3D-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYXx-drink_productSapporo Breweries comes out with summer limited edition beers. This one, Sapporo Summer Pils commemorates the 55th anniversary of the Sapporo City beer garden.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYXx-drink_productMon, 14 Aug 2023 20:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYXx-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gLn-living_howto_chibaThis summer has been brutal all over the northern hemisphere, and Japan hasn’t been spared. In the Kanto region, heatstroke cautions became a part of the daily routine in July. Overnight temperatures in my city in northern Chiba Prefecture rarely dip below 26 C, and I’ve been running the aircon more than I’m accustomed to. Back in January, I told you about how to heat your room without going broke. Well, here’s how I am staying chill and trying to keep my bills reasonable.Aircon useOn social media and Reddit, you’ll see foreign residents asking how to use their aircon units frugally, and common questions come up. Which costs more, the dry function or the aircon function? Does it make sense to use the low-power function? A column in The Mainichi reveals that many Japanese people, too, aren’t entirely sure about aircon power-saving and efficiency. The takeaway is that if you’re only going out for 30 minutes, leave it on, and use an air circulator or fan with the aircon unit. The rationales are in the article. My aircon remote has a button labeled 省パワー sho pawaa, others may have エコ ecoSudare and AwningsTo keep the cool air in and the hot air out, it’s best to close your curtains during the day. But your room may feel cave-like. That’s where 簀垂れ sudare, reed, or bamboo blinds, come in. They’re cheap and easy to lean up against windows or mount to window frames. They shield your room from the hot sun and let the breeze in. And they provide privacy during the day - you can see out but passersby can’t see in.On the inside of my windows, I put up bamboo curtains, essentially sudare that are hung on a curtain rail. Like sheer ones, they diffuse the light and provide privacy, plus they lend a traditional atmosphere to my room.Shady bamboo curtains instead of sheer curtainsOutside the window, the south-facing veranda gets extremely hot. A cheap solution is awnings and fittings I found at Daiso. Two big awnings, two sets of hooks with screw-on brackets, and some clip curtain hooks secure them. Awnings, hooks, and clips all together cost me 800 yenUchimizuGenkidesu observed the practice of 打ち水 uchimizu used to cool surfaces. I’ve gotten into the habit of collecting water from my washing machine. Dousing the veranda floor makes it cooler to the touch. The entrance to my apartment is in a narrow walkway between buildings, so gusts blowing over the wet brick surface really do feel cooler.Have you got any tips for keeping your home cool?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gLn-living_howto_chibaMon, 14 Aug 2023 10:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gLn-living_howto_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL39-drink_productKirin's Hyoketsu brand of vodka-based coolers periodically features novelty flavors. This one, Mikan Cooler, or mandarin orange cooler, was released in July of 2023.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL39-drink_productSat, 12 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL39-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EDv-living_tochigi_shi_tochigiWhen visitors ask me where they can see Edo-era townscapes, I point them in any direction but the capital. It’s the smaller towns and cities that retain vestiges of historical Japan. Saitama told us about the concerted effort to put Kawagoe City, a “Little Edo”, on the tourist circuit. And I wrote about The Four Hokuso Cities of Chiba Prefecture which preserve the Edo-era atmosphere.A kura shophouse on the Reiheishi KaidoFor months, I’ve been teased by ads on the Tobu Noda line trains for Kura no Machi, Tochigi City in Tochigi Prefecture. A riverboat ride and classic kura shophouses lining the streets were enticing.I told you about my intention to take advantage of discount tickets on the JR lines to go further afield for cheap. Tochigi City is just within reach of my home base so the trip didn’t merit using a discount pass. I just took the slow trains up, about two hours from home.The literature museum in the former town hallFrom the north exit of Tochigi Station, the cityscape looks like any other modern, suburban town. I wondered if I’d made a mistake. However, the walk toward Kura no Machi Street sees the modern world recede and the Showa to Edo eras come into view.If you go, I recommend you stop at the tourist information “Kuranavi” to start. I only learned on my way back that they offer a smartphone app with discounts to businesses along the street.The former Tateno residence and store, a nationally recognized heritage buildingWalking around the town in August with the heat radiating off the pavement isn't something I'd recommend. I'll go back again in cooler weather to take my time to explore the town more.Have you visited "Little Edo" towns? Have you got a favorite?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EDv-living_tochigi_shi_tochigiFri, 11 Aug 2023 17:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EDv-living_tochigi_shi_tochigihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5E4X-drink_productNikko Brewing, "The Nikko Monkeys" started a series of Belgian-style beers in 2019. This one is Belgian Blonde - Un, at 6% alcohol. I found the beer at a Tochigi City restaurant.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5E4X-drink_productThu, 10 Aug 2023 09:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5E4X-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrybe-drink_productNatural Roots Studio Brewery in Mishima City, Shizuoka brews its beer from water sources in the Fuji Hakone area. Their West Coast Japanese Pilsner is brewed from imported hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrybe-drink_productMon, 07 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrybe-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ae8-foods_productNamco branded vending machines stock cheap snacks such as onigiri and confections. This bread product, Camembert cheese Danish, is labeled as panettone.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ae8-foods_productMon, 07 Aug 2023 13:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ae8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnA4-drink_productSapporo Brewery's Nihon Hop series offers its third specialty beer featuring Japanese hops. This pilsner-type beer is made with Little Star hops and has 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnA4-drink_productSun, 06 Aug 2023 15:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnA4-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvJq-livingI’ve been a homebody for the last three years, rarely getting out for trips. This summer with a lot of paid leave to use up, I figured I would explore the Kanto and Tohoku regions. I’m not a driver, so trains are my ride. But what a shock to see the looming price increases of train passes. Lucky for me, I can take advantage of the current discount train fares.The JR Rail Pass for your visitors from abroadAs a foreign resident, you’re not eligible to purchase the JR Rail Pass, but your visitors from abroad are. The pass allows travel on JR Group railways throughout Japan. Let your visitors from abroad know that in October 2023, the prices will rise from 65 to a whopping 77%. The good news is that your visitors can purchase the pass up to three months in advance, allowing your friends and family visiting in autumn/winter 2023 to take advantage of the current price.Train passes available for foreign residentsThis summer, I’m intending to explore the Kanto area on day trips. The best deal for me as a foreign resident is the Tokyo Wide Pass for 10,180 yen for adults valid for three consecutive days. My plan is to do day trips. Two locations I plan on visiting are only about an hour away, and a third is two hours from home. The value of the pass is pretty good - if I were to pay the full fare, the three trips would cost over 20,000 yen. The price is set to rise to 15,000 in autumn, but it will still be a good deal as it allows riders to hop on and off. A place I'd like to hop off and see in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture - photo DaderotAnother great value pass foreign residents can ride on is the JR East Pass for 20,000 yen. It’s valid for five consecutive days and gets you as far as Aomori Prefecture. Like the other JR passes, you purchase it three months in advance. The price of this pass is set to rise by 50% in October 2023.A deal for anybody in JapanOne more flexible option I’m considering is the Seishun 18 Kippu, a real steal for anybody in Japan - Japanese nationals, foreign residents, and visitors. The ticket is available in three seasons, spring, summer, and winter, but oh, the places you will go. You can use it for epic and slow train journeys, share it with friends on the same itinerary, or just do a lot of day trips non-consecutively. I’m tending toward the last option.In the next few months, I'll tell you about my trips!Have you or your visitors from abroad taken advantage of these train passes?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvJq-livingTue, 01 Aug 2023 11:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvJq-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3X8-foods_productJapan-based confectioner Calbee produces Jagariko, potato snacks in stick form, is usually priced between 100 and 150 yen. This version is "salada", vegetable oil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3X8-foods_productSun, 30 Jul 2023 17:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3X8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERDD-hobby_home_productThis window awning made of striped polyethylene fabric and finished with four aluminum grommets on the hems. The package indicates that the fabric is cuts light and UV rays.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERDD-hobby_home_productFri, 28 Jul 2023 16:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERDD-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYBx-foods_productAvailable at 7-11 convenience stores as part of their Cup Deli side dishes, Steamed chicken & Chinese pickles (shio zasai) with sesame oil is priced at 250 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYBx-foods_productFri, 28 Jul 2023 12:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYBx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we13b-drink_productAsahi Brewery's Shokusai comes in 340 ml and 485 ml aluminum cans with a pull tab lid. The beer is brewed from Aramis hops grown in France. It's available at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we13b-drink_productThu, 27 Jul 2023 21:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we13b-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vb9-drink_productKirin Brewery's Ichiban Shibori beer has a number of variations. This one, Toshitsu Zero, is a sugarless version. It's the same price, the same 5% alcohol as the regular beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vb9-drink_productThu, 27 Jul 2023 21:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vb9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLn9-drink_productKirin Brewery's Hyakunen Kiwami Lemon Sour is made with lemons fermented with the yeast used in the beer brewing process. It's 5% alcohol with 8% juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLn9-drink_productMon, 24 Jul 2023 21:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLn9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWp9o-drink_productKirin's Hyoketsu line of shochu highballs, or chuhai, has this new offering. Shiikwasaa sugar free with 7% spirits, soda, and shiikwasaa citrus juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWp9o-drink_productMon, 24 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWp9o-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E2v-hobby_home_productLion brand's Airis laundry water, a kind of fabric softener, comes in three scents. This one, Poolside, comes in a 480 ml bottle. It's suitable for handwashing and use in washers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E2v-hobby_home_productSun, 23 Jul 2023 14:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E2v-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2r3-drink_productKirin Brewery's Ichiban Shibori Chouhoujun is a limited-time beer variety that was released in June 2023. The barley-based beer is brewed with more wort than the regular beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2r3-drink_productSun, 23 Jul 2023 14:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2r3-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BnR-living_familylife_chibaA mini baby boomAt the institution in which I work, a private high school, we celebrate our colleagues’ new arrivals and chat about their children’s milestones. Lots of our community’s families are growing. However, Japan’s birth rate has fallen rapidly for the last seven years, with under 800,000 newborns in 2022. You might wonder what’s different about us. The salaries and retention of skilled employees while they are family-building are two big reasons.Outings with babyRecently, a correspondent on City Cost, shed some light on why Japan is a great place to raise children. The country has a good record of low child mortality, physical safety, and environmental health making it an attractive place to raise kids in the eyes of foreign residents. On top of that, there are many public amenities for children and babies.While parents are in transit, they can stop off at major stations on the JR East lines that have facilities for babies. You can even check while on the go, accessing a webpage for equipped restrooms inside the ticket gates at stations. The train company also has a page listing train station shopping malls with baby care spaces. Many of these malls have baby changing tables, stroller rentals, nursing rooms, electric kettles, and even microwave ovens. When you visit, look out for signs indicating ベビー休憩室 bebii kyuukei shitsu, baby rest room, and 授乳室 junyu shitsu, nursing room.Public spending Despite the great reputation and public services, Japan is experiencing the falling birth rate I mentioned above. In response, the government is working on a plan to increase expenditure to boost family support. The latest measure is a broadening of the eligibility for childcare allowances, opening up subsidies to municipal governments that provide free healthcare for children, and increasing lump-sum subsidies for newborns.While the national birthrate is falling, some municipalities are thriving. Nagareyama and Matsudo Cities in Chiba Prefecture are steadily growing due to the city planning around the transportation lines as they attract families by providing city-run daycare and bus services.If Japan’s national and municipal governments and commercial spaces are providing services, why is the birth rate so low? It comes back to what I mentioned about my employer - the security of good remuneration and a pro-family work culture. Surveys show that women of childbearing age can’t see themselves marrying due to low salaries.Do you see your family growing and being able to take advantage of all the positives of raising families in Japan?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BnR-living_familylife_chibaSat, 22 Jul 2023 23:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BnR-living_familylife_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dkd-foods_productHachidaime Gihe's collaboration with 7-11 results in premium rice balls with flavors that evoke traditional Japanese cuisine. This rice ball's filling is sardines flavored with chili pepper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dkd-foods_productSat, 22 Jul 2023 17:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dkd-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXnY-foods_product7-11 teams up with Kyoto's Hachidaime Gihe rice specialty restaurant for three varieties of omusubi, rice balls. This rice ball combines plum and hijiki seaweed.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXnY-foods_productSat, 22 Jul 2023 13:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXnY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYngm-foods_productKanto region 7-11 convenience stores stock a wide range of "Cup Deli", small servings of side dishes. Green beans and broccoli with sesame is 141 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYngm-foods_productSat, 22 Jul 2023 13:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYngm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXr2-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery's Pino line of ice milk treats comes up with new flavors periodically. Pino Umami afureru matcha flavor, released in March 2023, is made with Uji matcha.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXr2-foods_productWed, 19 Jul 2023 21:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXr2-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnbg-drink_productSuntory Breweries' line of The Premium Malt's Seaside Ale is a summer-only golden ale with 6% alcohol. The beer is one of a series of premium Japanese ales.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnbg-drink_productWed, 19 Jul 2023 20:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnbg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqYN-foods_productMorinaga Confectionery's Dars brand of chocolate candy released a new flavor in July 2023, Sorairo Miruku, blue sky milk chocolate. The chocolate treat is available at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqYN-foods_productSat, 15 Jul 2023 08:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqYN-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaFor the first time in four years, Noda City's "daradara matsuri", the endless festival, has returned. The festival is actually many small and large ones that stretch for about a month, culminating in a mikoshi paradeon July 29th and Tanabata dance festival on August 5th and 6th.This weekend, the events start with the Mikamachi festival in Noda's town center with parades of floats with images unique to Noda City. You'll see a giant frog effigy that brings rain and swallows floods.The frog's eyes are lights that strobe to the rhythm of the drumsThe sound of the matsuri is unique, too. Tacked to the frames of the mikoshi are large aluminum soy sauce cans, a tribute to the soy sauce brewing industry of Noda City.The huge lion float's aluminum can drumNearly every day there are shrine events or mikoshi processions in a half dozen neighborhoods across the city.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSat, 15 Jul 2023 08:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX02-living_fashion_workOne sultry August afternoon at the office as I was fanning my laptop to keep it from failing in the heat and humidity, and not even a whiff of a breeze through the open window, my boss poked his head in the door to say, “Even the breeze is on power saving mode.” I cracked up laughing and he ushered me to a meeting room with the air conditioning running.Look and feel cool this summer Photo Skylar KangCool BizMy employer was following Japan’s Cool Biz campaign. This push starts in May and continues until the end of September. The Ministry of the Environment started this initiative in 2005 as a way to reduce electricity consumption in the hotter months when offices crank up the air conditioning. The target temperature of 28 degrees (82 F for American readers) is still quite high but tolerable when you consider air conditioning reduces the stifling humidity of Japanese summer. Classy but cool guysAt work, the men have been wearing short-sleeved shirts and either slacks or casual trousers for months. They look sharp with their starched collars and even cuffs. It’s an easy way of dressing. Dress code for womenHowever, for women, it’s always a little more complicated. Just like any time of year, your business casual clothes follow a dress code - always cover shoulders, never show cleavage or collar bones. Skirts should hit below the knee and stockings are required. In summer, I can’t handle wearing stockings, so I don’t wear skirts to work. I find that roomy trousers with pleats or tucks in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are the easiest dressing for summer.Summer layersYou might think this is too much, but I usually wear three layers on top - an inner, a light shirt or top, and a cardigan. In my wardrobe, I’ve experimented with cotton tank tops, t-shirts, and polyester “inner” undershirts. The underwear wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and protect your clothes from perspiration. And the last thing you want is a top looking transparent and stuck to you if you forgo the inner layer. A cotton or cotton-synthetic blend cardigan is a great blazer substitute. A cardigan pulls your outfit together and wards off the chill of strong aircon.FootwearWhile flip-flops and slides are footwear staples in summer, don’t wear them at work! It’s not just a fashion faux pas in Japan. It’s also a safety issue. In an emergency, flip-flops and sandals without a strap around your heel won’t stay on your feet. It’s best to wear work sandals or shoes. I get by with slip-on walking shoes made of a breathable synthetic fabric. I keep them fresh by putting them out on sunny days.Commute comfortThe office is one thing, and then there's the commute. Note that on many lines, air conditioning temperatures vary a lot. The Keihin Tohoku Line air con is set to a chilly 24 C, but most other train lines range between 25 and 28 C. Depending on how you’re dressed and your tolerance for air-con, choose a regular or 弱冷房車 jakureibousha, mildly air-conditioned car. The difference in temperature can be 3 degrees and you’ll feel it. Your cardigan will come in handy.Working from Home?I keep a blazer and trousers within arm's reach for online meetings. Don't be like that guy! To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX02-living_fashion_workTue, 11 Jul 2023 20:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRX02-living_fashion_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk55-fashion_productAmazon Japan vendor Kyoto Raku has a limited line of small items made with traditional textiles and patterns. This is a cotton fabric covered pass case pockets and a D ring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk55-fashion_productFri, 07 Jul 2023 19:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk55-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12xD-drink_productSapporo Breweries appears to have a new line, Cocoro Craft. This one, Nagareboshi Golden Ale available exclusively at 7-11 convenience stores. The beer is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12xD-drink_productFri, 07 Jul 2023 19:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12xD-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkQ2-drink_productSpring Valley, Kirin's revival of the 19th-century brewery in Yokohama, released this summer craft ale subtitled Kaoru in 2023. The beer is 4.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkQ2-drink_productFri, 07 Jul 2023 12:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkQ2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3lx-fashion_productThis shoulder bag made from water-repellent nylon with unisex styling is available from NOTAG, a vendor on Amazon Japan. It's lightweight and has an adjustable strap.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3lx-fashion_productFri, 07 Jul 2023 10:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3lx-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdol0-living_shopping_kanagawaFor a weekend getaway in June, I pondered where I could have a relaxing, relatively uncrowded, and enriching experience. Somewhere I haven’t been before to break out of my habits, too. I settled on Odawara City for a two-day trip. I like to plan my own itineraries rather than depend on tours. My research in English turned up JNTO’s Odawara area page. Other than the castle, a children’s play park, and an observatory with a view, it directs visitors to nearby Hakone and Kamakura. The official guide to Odawara is lovely and highlights experiences, tours, shopping, and dining, and of course, the castle, but doesn’t have much detail.So what’s really there on the ground besides the castle and food? What I learned is that you shouldn’t count on English-language websites. The marketing for these kinds of promotions is aimed at inbound travelers. The English language PR usually paints a region or city in broad strokes - the natural beauty, famous attractions, bustling districts, and local cuisine.A highlight of my Odawara trip isn't promoted much to inbound travelers - Matsunaga Memorial HallI’m not knocking the attractive and informative prefecture travel information portals. One of the best I’ve seen is Ehime Prefecture which provides bird's eye and granular views to pique your interest. And then there are the two metropolitan hubs with rich and detailed information. Check out Go Tokyo and Osaka Info before you visit. But smaller cities don’t have much English language information. So here are my strategies for delving deep.Google Maps hit and missSo I looked up Odawara City on Google Maps and estimated some walking route times between the castle, my accommodation, and the historic villas and gardens I spotted dotting the area. While this method can turn up some hidden gems, you have to be a bit cautious with place names. Well-meaning netizens have contributed English place names to some map pins, but they may be garbled by machine translation. I suggest that, if you see an English location name that looks odd, copy and paste it into Wikipedia. Most Japanese language Wikipedia entries have the hiragana for famous figures and historic places.In Japanese, PleaseI’m at ease with communication in Japanese, but my literacy isn’t the best. Even if kanji baffles you, I suggest you look up 観光協会 kankou kyoukai, tourism association, for the city or region you’re planning to visit. The contrast between the Odawara official guide in English and the city’s tourism website in Japanese is startling. The Japanese page lists dozens of fascinating spots and illuminates the local history.And no surprise, at Odawara Station while there were dozens of foreign tourists on their way to Hakone, and just a few hundred meters outside the station exit, nearly no inbound tourists. On the walking route between the villas and museums, I stopped and chatted with locals and visitors from other regions.Which off-the-beaten-path spots do you recommend in the Kanto area?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdol0-living_shopping_kanagawaThu, 06 Jul 2023 19:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdol0-living_shopping_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvlm-drink_productTakara Shuzo, a shochu brewery based in Kyoto, offers this Odawara Lemon region-limited variety of shochu highballs, or chuhai. The 330 ml bottle is 8% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvlm-drink_productTue, 04 Jul 2023 15:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvlm-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12DD-education_workA few weeks ago, while taking part in an event that brings together students from schools across the Kanto region to an international event, I had a startling experience. Or should I say, both I and the participants were startled? On a break, the students, many Japanese and other nationals from English-medium schools, were discussing the day’s schedule in Japanese and appeared to need help. I interjected in English, suggesting how they could confirm the day’s procedures and their eyes bugged out. They took it in stride as I gave them some guidance, and later in the hallway, we chatted in Japanese.I wondered had they never met a foreign educator who speaks Japanese? While chatting with another foreign teacher accompanying his students, I learned that he is restricted from revealing that he in fact speaks Japanese. He wasn’t the only one, either. To be fair, when I first arrived as a JET Programme participant in a rural town in the Kansai region I could barely manage greetings and field questions. I quickly ramped up my comprehension and communication through a mix of self-study, a correspondence course, and the assistance of colleagues.At the private high school in which I teach, one of the biggest hurdles and yet a benefit to me as a Japanese learner is the morning meetings. In the first year, I depended on an English teacher to interpret for me, but I hated being a burden so I beefed up my knowledge of teacher jargon and “nichijo kaiwa”, daily communication until I no longer needed hand-holding. These days, I can fully participate and contribute to the operation of the school.But an ongoing issue is how I deliver my lessons. Of course, the material I use is all in English, but what about the interaction with the learners? I’m not cagey about my Japanese language proficiency, telling the learners that I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test to the N2 level, and prepare for N1. In lessons, I field questions in Japanese and respond in English with some interjections of definitions in Japanese, too.So many eikaiwa and public and private high schools want their foreign employees to use only English in their classrooms. I’ve even got flack from my Japanese counterparts about my interjections in Japanese though they themselves code-switch frequently in their own lessons.That got me thinking about my rationale for language usage in the precious time I have with my language learners. Why do I do what I do, how, and when? What it comes down to is expediency. If a student asks me about an expression they want to use, a nuance, or a word at a time, I’ll quickly define it and provide an example. A technique that costs a bit of time is giving instructions with demonstration multiple times entirely in English and asking the learners to summarize in Japanese what they saw and heard, me correcting and confirming until they catch all the meaning. It gives them confidence in their ability to comprehend instructions and carry out the task. Sometimes in lessons, I interject with narratives in Japanese to share my own language learning experiences. It puts the learners at ease to know that somebody from another part of the world once went through the same struggles they are now facing.As an eikaiwa employee, ALT, or another kind of language educator, have others shut you down for judicious use of Japanese language in your lessons?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12DD-education_workWed, 28 Jun 2023 16:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12DD-education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPZd-living_healthOn public transportation, there is no mistaking the priority seats. On many train lines, they’re indicated with a different color of upholstery and graphics to indicate that the seats are reserved for the infirm, expecting mothers, and caregivers accompanying small children.There are many graphics identifying impairments. One that I became familiar with through my experience as an educator nurturing kids with different abilities and as a caregiver to someone recovering from a stroke is the ヘルプマーク, help mark. It’s a red and white tag I initially mistook for a Swiss flag with its red and white design with an equal-armed white cross.You may see this mark affixed to the windows and bulkheads of train cars that have priority seats. It’s a catch-all indicator of people with impairments that may not be visible. People bearing a help mark may have prosthetics, health conditions, or disabilities that you can’t see.But there are many other “marks” that are not universal but commonly used in Japan to indicate that someone needs special consideration.On a city bus in Saitama Prefecture, I noticed this comprehensive poster that indicates a variety of “marks” for people that need a little more consideration. Some universal ones display a wheelchair graphic and the white cane mark for visually impaired people, but beyond that, do you know what these icons indicate?Keep an eye out for the 耳マーク, ear mark, which indicates that a business accommodates people who are deaf or have impaired hearing. Some more that are used in Japan but not commonly seen outside Japan are the cloverleaf on a blue background and the butterfly on a green background. These represent passengers who may need help on transport due to physical or cognitive impairments. One that may be more apparent to any rider on public transit is the amicable dog caricature, ほじょ犬マーク for assistance dogs for visually impaired people. No matter how their dog eyes melt your heart, it’s best to let the dogs do their jobs while their masters are in transit.Another that isn’t as common but may become more widespread is the ostomy mark - オストメイトマーク. Some universal toilets provide facilities for ostomy users. It’s something to look out for if you have friends, coworkers, or relatives who need these accessible toilets.While the blue and white wheelchair mark is international, Japan uses a white clover on a blue background to indicate disabled drivers 身体障害者標識 and a yellow butterfly on a green background for hearing impaired drivers 身体障害者標識.One mark I haven’t seen in the wild is ハート・プラスマーク, heart plus mark, which indicates patients with various medical conditions that may affect their mobility or stamina.Do you see these marks in your prefecture, too?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPZd-living_healthSun, 25 Jun 2023 12:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPZd-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnEo-drink_productKirin Beverage's Arginine V is a kind of sparkling energy drink containing 500 mg each of Vitamin C and Arginine in a 350 ml can. Note that it also contains caffeine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnEo-drink_productTue, 20 Jun 2023 14:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnEo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbEV-fashion_productCoen, a fashion seller on Amazon Japan, stocks short, boxy cardigans with 63% cotton and 37% polyester fibre that provides a cool sensation. They are available in black or white.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbEV-fashion_productTue, 20 Jun 2023 14:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbEV-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vDv-drink_productErubi beverage company's Momo no Roibosutii, Peach Roibos Tea, is made with domestically grown peaches. The 450 ml paper carton indicares that the juice content is 10%.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vDv-drink_productMon, 12 Jun 2023 16:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vDv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3Dq-living_familylifeAn experience I had as an elementary school student in Vancouver, Canada was interpreting between an elementary school principal and my paternal grandparents. One weird element was that the parties discussed my academic performance and social development. I fielded questions from the elders, my grandfather with his expectations, and the other reporting my progress.And what was the other weird element? The principal spoke English and my grandparents spoke their regional dialect of Scots. To his credit, the principal deciphered half of their talk. And my grandparents had a strong Scots identity that came out in their speech.Now imagine new arrivals in Japan with young children, speaking a language that doesn’t resemble Japanese and getting acclimatized to child-rearing and education practices while establishing careers. The Mainichi reported on a survey that reveals that foreign parents are participating at a lower rate in parenting support classes and consultation services. Those services are primarily delivered in Japanese. Also in the report, children are interpreting for their parents, much like I did, and it’s a tall order when a kid fields questions about health, school affairs, and academics. Considering the language and cultural barriers for foreign families, it’s no wonder that an estimated 8,000 children were not in formal education in 2022.Japan’s municipalities are going to have to up their game as the number of foreign families is expected to grow considerably. The labor ministry projects that in 2070, 11% of Japan’s residents will be foreign nationals as their numbers grow and the birthrate plummets.A situation that none of these reports touch on is the diversity of families, their cultures and languages. Among my neighbors and friends, I’ve observed an English-speaking husband and Japanese wife use French as their lingua franca because they met in that language. A family from India communicates in English and Japanese rather than either parents’ mother tongue. Many foreign spouses of friends speak English as their second language. Besides, I’m sure there are thousands of foreign residents like me who come from multilingual and multicultural households because of the immigration history of their families. My mother’s family has experienced immigration for two generations, acquiring languages and cultural changes with each international jump. People from multicultural families may be adaptable, but Japan presents a lot of unfamiliar situations for any family.Do you or families you know use English or Japanese as lingua franca because parents have different mother tongues? Have you faced challenges with family services because of language or cultural issues?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3Dq-living_familylifeMon, 12 Jun 2023 09:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3Dq-living_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK5d-drink_productYona Yona Pale Ale is brewed in Nagano Prefecture by Yoho Brewery. This one, Yona Yona is an American-style pale ale brewed from Cascade hops. It's 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK5d-drink_productWed, 07 Jun 2023 20:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK5d-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYr1-fashion_productCoen, a Japanese fashion brand on Amazon Japan, carries this high-necked 100% cotton t-shirt in six colors. The t-shirt is a boxy cut with sleeves above the elbow.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYr1-fashion_productWed, 07 Jun 2023 19:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYr1-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EP9-drink_productSuntory Triple Nama with an attractive can design that recalls the design of beer kegs is brewed with the triple decoction method. The beer is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EP9-drink_productTue, 06 Jun 2023 14:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EP9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lee-drink_productSuntory's Tokyo Craft series comes out with variations on IPAs periodically. This limited-release beer is 7% alcohol brewed with imported Citra hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lee-drink_productTue, 06 Jun 2023 11:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lee-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPkd-drink_productThe second in Sapporo's Nippon Hop series of beers is Guzen no Hoppu Golden Star. This one is made with Hokkaido-grown Golden Star hops and has 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPkd-drink_productTue, 06 Jun 2023 09:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPkd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8doa-foods_productHiyashi Chuuka with nine varieties of ingredients is 7-11 convenience store's own branded chilled noodle dish. Nine ingredients are included for 580 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8doa-foods_productSat, 03 Jun 2023 11:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8doa-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3vd-foods_productMorinaga's line of Dars chocolate comes out with Biscuit Sand Dars Milk, a classic ice cream sandwhich bar with ice milk flavored with chocolate. The bar is available at 7-11 convenience stores in May 2023.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3vd-foods_productWed, 31 May 2023 16:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3vd-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv42-food_choshi_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_kozaki_machi_chibaWhenever I mention to Japanese people that I live in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, I often get asked “Does it really smell of soy sauce?” It’s true! When the soy sauce manufacturers are in full swing, the center of the town is fragrant with the warm, malty smell of fermentation. This olfactory experience has been part of Noda City for nearly 400 years.Stylish Noda citizens in front of the shoyu brewery in Kikkoman's museum displayNoda is known as “Soy Sauce City” for its two manufacturers. The ubiquitous Kikkoman soy sauce and other condiments have their origin here, starting with the cooperation of eight soy sauce brewing families in the Meiji era. The one independent holdout is Kinoene, a company that is known for white shoyu made with more wheat than soy beans. Kinoene Soy Sauce, an industrial heritage buildingWhile Kinoene’s factory building, designated as an industrial heritage site, can be appreciated from the street, Kikkoman’s Monoshiri Shoyukan welcomes visitors by reservation to tour the factory museum. You get to see the manufacturing process, the history of the town, and the company’s memorabilia.Noda City isn’t the only soy sauce brewing center in the prefecture. Out on the Pacific coast, Choshi City is home to Yamasa, a rival to Kikkoman, and Katori City has Chiba Shoyu, a boutique brand that even does specialties like halal shoyu. Adjacent to Katori City is the tiny town of Kozaki. The tiny town’s road station, Hakko no Sato, features all kinds of fermented products. It’s here where you’ll find products made by Fujihan, a tiny brewer that’s been making soy sauce since the late 1800s. I participated in one of the soy sauce-making workshops with Takahashi-san, the president of the company.Make, and shake, your own soy sauce moromi mashIn plastic PET bottles, we combined salt sourced from the Pacific Ocean, water from the brewery’s own spring, and locally grown wheat and soybeans, the same ingredients he uses in his factory brewing. Takahashi-san explains the process and the chemistry involved in the process that results in moromi, the mash, that needs turning every few days to a few weeks.My PET bottle soy sauce in progressAfter many months of tending, I finally drained the brown liquid in a cloth bag. The result was a pungent and very soy-saucy liquid. But I’m afraid my first attempt failed. It smelled off. I might take another crack at it this year with the help of Takahashi-san’s workshop.Meanwhile, I stock my kitchen with a variety of soy sauces from each of the brewers. While they're all made from essentially the same ingredients, the koji and the balance of ingredients, and the types of vats they're brewed create subtle differences in flavor and body.Have you tried your hand at making traditional fermented foods in Japan like pickles, miso, or natto? How did it work out?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv42-food_choshi_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_kozaki_machi_chibaWed, 31 May 2023 08:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv42-food_choshi_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_kozaki_machi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BqK-drink_productAquarius, a sports drink produced by Coca-Cola, is usually a flat drink. This one, Aquarius Sparkling, available in 350 ml cans, indicates 1400 mg of citric acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BqK-drink_productTue, 30 May 2023 22:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BqK-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvyR-foods_productKoikeya Pride Potato Shodoshima Olive Salt chips are a limited-time-only offering available at 7-11 convenience stores. The 53 gram bag contains domestic potato chips flavored with olive oil and lemon juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvyR-foods_productTue, 30 May 2023 21:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvyR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERp1-foods_productThis specialty soy sauce, Shimosa nama shoyu, produced by Chiba Shoyu is, as the label indicates, a premium version. The 2 ml bottle is designed to preserve the freshness of unpasteurized soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERp1-foods_productMon, 29 May 2023 19:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERp1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxWQ-drink_productPokka Sapporo's Chelate Lemon drink is a lightly carbonated drink with 15% lemon juice (the juice of one lemon), royal jelly, vitamin C, and citric acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxWQ-drink_productMon, 29 May 2023 16:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxWQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12L1-drink_productSuntory's popular C.C. Lemon line of drinks includes this sweet and tart mix, C.C. Lemon Hojun Mix. It's sold at convenience stores and from some branded vending machines.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12L1-drink_productFri, 19 May 2023 16:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12L1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPLW-foods_productThis economically-priced 5 kilogram bag of rice grown in Ibaraki Prefecture is available on Mitsuhashi Rice. The rice is prepared so that consumers don't have to wash it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPLW-foods_productFri, 19 May 2023 16:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPLW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpZx-drink_productCoca Cola's venture into the ready-to-drink shochu highball market is the Lemondo series of canned chuhais. This one, Lemondo Homerun Size in a 500 ml can is the salty version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpZx-drink_productSat, 13 May 2023 13:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpZx-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrQo-living_tokyo_ehimeNiten ichiryu sword style demonstrated by two women practitioners at Tokyo BudokanMy journey into Japanese martial arts has been at times weird and challenging, yet enriching in ways that I couldn’t anticipate. It’s a complex and varied discipline and culture unto itself, both steeped in Japanese tradition and culture yet outside of the everyday.Ages ago in my home country, Canada, I had brief experiences with Japanese martial arts. Every August in my hometown of Vancouver, there is a summer celebration of Japanese culture, the Powell Street Festival. Dancing, drumming, and food are showcased. What always caught my eye at the event was the glint of the sun on blades and the swish of hakama, divided pants, worn by traditional martial arts practitioners. I was fascinated by the slow and methodical demonstration of Nihon Budo by practitioners of various traditional schools.On arrival at my assignment on the JET Programme, a local couple introduced me to aikido. The art is very different from the kobudo demonstrations I saw back home but is yet another expression of the Japanese martial spirit. In my one-year stint, I trained as much as I could and participated in testing to earn my first belt in Aikido. I got hooked on the martial culture and wanted to learn more about martial traditions.You might wonder, do you need to have mastery of the Japanese language for martial arts lessons? Yes and no. First, you need a little foundation in Japanese grammar and vocabulary. I suggest you apply yourself to Japanese language learning for greetings, basic expressions, and syntax. But beyond book learning, martial training is about experiential learning. Those who have exposure to language education may be familiar with TPR - Total Physical Response - a language teaching method that depends on verbal and visual cues to communicate actions. My first experience of martial instruction resembled this approach - teachers explained while demonstrating so I acquired basic vocabulary along with specialized terms.Finding martial schools could be serendipitous, as I mentioned. However, a more deliberate approach is researching various martial styles online. One source is Budo Japan, a media company that covers a wide range of disciplines in English (and other languages, too) and publishes Hiden, a journal of martial arts.A martial arts expert gave a glimpse intohistoric scrolls of dozens of traditional budo schoolsIf you’re based in Tokyo, you have access to a rich variety of martial sources. Every year in November on Culture Day, Meiji Jingu puts on a festival that includes classical martial arts demonstrations including yabusame, mounted archery, and a flintlock gun tradition. On the shrine grounds is Shiseikan, a dojo that promotes understanding of budo, the martial way, and michi, the way of life. Here, residents take classes in aikido, kenjutsu, kendo, kyudo, and judo.There are myriad expressions of budo, the martial spirit, in Japan. You might stumble on one in your community, or you might have to put in some effort to find a martial school near you.The martial way can open windows into the historical culture of Japan and help you discover ways to push your own capacity and make space in your life for Japanese traditions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrQo-living_tokyo_ehimeThu, 11 May 2023 08:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrQo-living_tokyo_ehimehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoYJ-foods_productKyarazawa Goriyo is a caramel ice milk bar in a series produced by Akagi Milk based in Saitama Prefecture. The novelty ice milk bars have amusing illustrations.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoYJ-foods_productFri, 05 May 2023 13:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoYJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3a4-drink_productAbashiri Breweries based in Abashiri, Hokkaido claims they brew Okhotsk Ryuho draft beer with water from icebergs. The beer is in fact a happoshu, or low-malt beer with 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3a4-drink_productMon, 01 May 2023 18:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3a4-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLWK-mind_body_productSteam Cream's body moisturizing cream comes in a 75 gram decorative tin. The cream derives its name from the process of quick steam processing, requiring fewer emulsifiers, and scented with natural fragrances.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLWK-mind_body_productSun, 30 Apr 2023 12:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLWK-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d9L-foods_product7-11 convenience store's line of 7-11 Cup Deli items, small servings of okazu, includes this variation on potato salad. A soft-boiled egg tops potato salad with mizuna greens.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d9L-foods_productSat, 22 Apr 2023 10:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d9L-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykvj-drink_productDyDo Drinko released Honey Lemon as a new product for spring/summer 2023.Honey Lemon is a flat drink exclusively sold through DyDo vending machines. It's made with fructose syrup, honey, and lemon juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykvj-drink_productFri, 21 Apr 2023 12:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykvj-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoxE-living_educationTokyo High School, Wikimedia CommonsIn February and March each year, a lot of work happens before the entrance ceremonies and inductions of new students. This intense period before the start of the Japanese academic year is filled with curriculum development meetings, deciding on materials, and assigning teachers to manage big deals - entrance ceremonies, exams, and school festivals. We get annual and monthly schedules to help us plan instructional days, meetings, and external happenings such as standard English tests and club-related events such as matches and concerts.A Day in the LifeLike a lot of schools in Japan, ours was challenged by the pandemic to move a lot of our communications and instruction online. Our school affairs department presciently moved to an LMS, a Learning Management System, and a robust platform for teacher communications before the pandemic hit. The result is, before I start my day, I can catch up with teachers on the train. This also means my day is starting earlier but with a clear picture of the day's flow.The school I teach at busses our students and the administration allows teachers to ride, too. Sometimes, on the bus, I catch up with students in my classes, encourage them when they’re running behind (and about to catch a scolding from their homeroom teacher), and counsel exchange students who are learning about Japan’s culture and language. I love hearing everybody’s stories about what they’re finding fun, interesting, and challenging.On arrival in the staff room, I might have a few minutes to settle in, and then teachers in each grade section huddle for meetings. We stand, get instructions from the grade head teacher, and interject when we have specific concerns - homework compliance and preparation for events.Then we race to our classrooms to meet our students. These days, we’re armed with notebook computers, connectors to our audio-enabled projectors, and handouts for the students. Depending on the school’s schedule, we may have two to four lessons in a day scattered over a number of grade levels requiring adjustment to the capacities of the students in front of us.The school I teach in now has eight 45-minute lessons a day, and other schools may have different schedules of 50 minutes. The non-teaching hours are filled with marking papers, online homework, and catching up with teachers who share the same classes or sections.I’m not assigned a homeroom with requisite lunch duties. I eat lunch at my desk in a spare period and reserve lunch breaks for fielding students’ questions, receiving homework, coaching for tests, and getting ready for afternoon lessons.After the scheduled lessons, a team of students clean our teachers’ room and we get ready for club activities. I’m the English club leader twice a week, so I wrap up at about 5 p.m. On days when I don’t have club duties, I finish at about 4:30 p.m.My days are full as I have 17-18 lessons in a week, but I don’t feel overwhelmed because there are many events that vary the schedule and give me breaks to score assignments, reflect and note take on student challenges and accomplishments. And I get lots of support from my fellow teachers with whom I can share laughs and commiserate.Are you working in an eikaiwa or assisting at a public school? What's your day like?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoxE-living_educationTue, 18 Apr 2023 10:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdoxE-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERgp-drink_productSuntory's line of premium beers includes Suntory Premium Malt's Pilsner. This beer from a major brewery relies on Czech Diamond hops and is brewed by double decoction.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERgp-drink_productSat, 15 Apr 2023 12:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERgp-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxOq-drink_productSuntory Old Whisky comes in an attractively labeled dark bottle. It's a genuine single-malt Japanese whisky produced using the traditional Scottish method of brewing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxOq-drink_productSat, 15 Apr 2023 11:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxOq-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYbZ-foods_productMorinaga's Parm line of ice cream came out with this limited product in spring 2023, a box of six bars of Lemon Scented Cheesecake. It's available in supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYbZ-foods_productSat, 15 Apr 2023 10:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYbZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrN4-drink_productAsahi's The Lemon Craft Green Lemon Chuhai is a premium canned highball drink with 7% alcohol and infused with five different lemon citrus ingredients.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrN4-drink_productFri, 07 Apr 2023 19:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrN4-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4v6k-living_howto_chiba_tokyoOne spring morning, as I was walking through the park on the edge of Teganuma Marsh in Kashiwa City, I came around the edge of a thick hedge and nearly stepped on a green pheasant. I don't know who screamed louder, me or the bird. He ran off to a rice paddy and we watched each other at a distance. What a way to get to know nature!The green pheasant, national symbol of Japan, is sometimes underfoot! photo coniferconiferThis encounter got me more and more curious about bird life in my region which is bordered by the Edo and Tone River systems. It’s become a habit to listen to and identify the birds by song. I’ve gotten to know dozens of calls and songs and gradually learned who all these creatures are.How to identify birdsThe NPO Bird Research has a treasure trove, their Sound Collection of Japanese Birds. For those not quite literate in Japanese and unfamiliar with bird names, the collection is a real help as the web page has an English version. Each bird is described with its common English, Latin, and Japanese name accompanied by sound recordings, a photo, and a text description of the bird calls and songs.The collection covers all of Japan, including rare and common birds, but it’s just a running list on a webpage. To supplement it, I downloaded the Merlin Bird ID app to my smartphone. This is a free app provided by Cornell University’s ornithology lab. The app supports over a dozen languages, including Japanese. When you start the app, download the Japan pack which takes a few minutes. The pack has photos, recordings of songs and calls, and data about the birds. You can identify birds by photo, audio, or description.How to find birdwatching spotsI’m spoiled for bird watching spots as my own neighborhood is teeming with wildlife. Noda City hosts an oriental stork preserve and release program at Kounotori No Sato and occasionally the storks fly over my house. Even if you’re in an urban area in the Kanto region, you can find great birding spots. Japan Nature Guides has a comprehensive resource, A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Japan Online, based on the out-of-print book with the same title. The guide lists birdwatching sites by region and prefecture.Some of my favorites are right in Tokyo. Mizumoto Park, the largest in the city, has observation huts around the bird sanctuary on the north side of the park. At Kasai Rinkai Park’s bird-watching center, there are blinds for photography and a loop trail through the seaside habitats. Shinobazu Pond in Tokyo is filled with birds in the winter, especially ducks. You might see visitors standing stalk still with birdseed in their hands with perching birds swarming them.Have you got a favorite bird-watching site? Have you got a soft spot for a particular species of bird?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4v6k-living_howto_chiba_tokyoFri, 07 Apr 2023 17:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4v6k-living_howto_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk7Y-food_healthOne of the delights of cooking in Japan is the variety of flavorful produce, many varieties of which were new to me when I first started my life here and began to learn about Japanese cuisine. I wasn’t always conscious of the nutrition I was getting but as I explored more uses of the fresh foods I found in the supermarkets my diet became more varied. As long as I have lots of variety on my plate, I think I’m doing well.A food that I neglected until recently was fungus. It’s not that I don’t like mushrooms. It’s just that, as a person raised in North America, my experience was limited to the most common mushroom you find on pizza and pasta - the button mushroom. They’re okay, with a spongy texture and meaty flavor.But oh, the cornucopia of mushrooms at Japanese supermarkets and grocers was an eye-opener! And it turns out that many varieties of mushrooms in Japan are high in nutrition.When you think of Japanese varieties, 椎茸 shiitake probably comes to mind. Compared to the button mushroom, the same amount of shiitake mushrooms on average has double the amount of fiber and protein. They’re also rich in copper, selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D. Shiitake mushrooms also contain beta-glucans and eritadenine, which have potential immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering effects, respectively. They’re meaty, too, so a good substitute in vegetarian dishes. I like to panfry them in butter, and pepper, and serve them over rice.Another mushroom I cook a lot at home is 榎茸 enokitake, the long, stringy mushrooms with tiny caps. They’ve got a mild and sweet flavor and a crunchy bite to them. Enoki mushrooms are a good source of potassium and fiber, even higher than shiitake. I experimented with different ways of roasting them sheet-pan style. My favorite way to prepare them is drizzled with a little olive oil with crumbled cheese melted on top and finished with hot sauce.The mushroom I always have in stock in my kitchen is シメジ shimeji, the small mushrooms that come in tight bundles. They have a slightly bitter flavor but the texture is great in everything from stir fries to curry to nabe hot pot. These mushrooms, like enokitake, are higher in fiber and potassium than shiitake, and pack a lot of antioxidants, too. My cooking tends to incorporate interpretations of Mediterranean dishes, and these mushrooms are great in simmered dishes like braised potatoes and tomatoes.Are you a mushroom fan? Do you have likes and dislikes when it comes to fungii?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk7Y-food_healthWed, 05 Apr 2023 10:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk7Y-food_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4vV-livingJapan's families are diverse, photo DS StoriesAn eye-opening first employment experienceIn my first experience of employment in Japan on the JET Programme, I recognized right away that I was in good hands. My supervisor at the city’s board of education took me to the registration desk and had me complete the process for the identity card which was then called an alien registration card. My supervisor slipped the card into a plastic sleeve with a sticker that covered my fingerprint. Until the foreigner registration system or zairyu card was implemented in 2012, the alien registration requirement of a fingerprint was condemned by the United Nations commissioner for human rights.I later learned that my supervisor was active in organizations that prevent discrimination against burakumin, a segment of the Japanese population that has suffered from discrimination based on a historic caste system. If this is the first time you learn about the issue, it isn’t surprising. Organizations that fight against this discrimination have often opposed the publication of the issue in the mainstream media. Issues include nosy prospective inlaws investigating their children’s marriage partners to see if they are from this group.An experience of blatant discriminationSome years later, while working for a company in Tokyo, I was shocked to see a good candidate for a job rejected because she had two children in school. My boss said she’d likely want to take a lot of paid leave for her children’s sake and passed her up for a less qualified single, male candidate.Same-Sex PartnershipsJapan’s constitution’s statement on marriage is solely between consenting opposite-sex partners. This means that same-sex partners are denied the recognition of marriage and family rights. Poll after poll indicates that the Japanese public is in favor of protecting same-sex partnerships.As of 2023, over 250 municipalities and prefectures in Japan have instituted partnership certificates and a growing number of governments have made agreements to mutually recognize the certificates. The certificates are intended to prove partnerships for housing, medical, and family affairs. Still, people in same-sex households have to rely on the good will of hospitals, landlords, and employers because their status isn’t nationally recognized.The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare’s dos and don’tsIn job interviews, I’ve been asked questions I deflected or refused to answer because the questions are discriminatory in my home country. I hadn’t anticipated being asked questions about my marital status or my family history. The good news is, there are laws on the books to protect you from discriminatory practices, especially in employment. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has a list of prohibited questions in job interviews to protect diverse job applicants.To protect the privacy and rights of women, minorities, and non-Japanese job applicants, and your privacy in general, the MHLW specifies that job interviewers can’t ask about your:family composition and family home to avoid discrimination against Korean heritage and burakmin descendantsbeliefs, religion, thoughts on organized labor, your reading habitsmarital status, plans for having children, and career longevityMHLW also provides a list of appropriate questions. Interviewers are encouraged to ask about your knowledge of the company’s profile, your skills, and your expectations of the job situation.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4vV-livingMon, 03 Apr 2023 10:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4vV-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1dA-foods_product7-11's lineup of ramen to go includes this spicy hakusai stamina ramen. For 580 yen, you get a hot bowl of ramen loaded with hakusai, carrots, bean sprouts in a garlicky broth.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1dA-foods_productSat, 01 Apr 2023 11:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1dA-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLdX-drink_productSuntory's Premium Malts line has nearly two dozen varieties of beer. This one, Kaoru Ale released a decade ago and still going strong, is a golden ale with 6% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLdX-drink_productSat, 01 Apr 2023 11:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLdX-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpbJ-foods_product7-11 teams up with Kyoto's Hachidaime Gihe rice specialty restaurant for three varieties of omusubi, rice balls. This one is gyu soboro, beef and sweetened soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpbJ-foods_productSat, 01 Apr 2023 09:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpbJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKZY-foods_product7-11's Premium Gold brand teams up with the legendary Chuka Soba Tomita to produce an instant version of their signature tonkotsu ramen dressed with pepper oil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKZY-foods_productSat, 01 Apr 2023 08:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKZY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoNa-tech_productThis 1 meter long cable with Lightning and USB A connections is available at some 7-11 convenience stores. The package indicates that the cable is made to Apple specifications.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoNa-tech_productFri, 31 Mar 2023 11:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoNa-tech_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7l7A-living_chibaIt’s a treat to read all the spot reports of cherry blossom views as the wave of pink spreads south to north through Japan. In my region, we’re seeing 桜吹雪, sakura fubuki, the petals falling like snow.In a Q&A, Genkidesu asked about favorite spring flower spots other than sakura. That got me looking again at my hanami outtakes - other flowers that bloom in March and April.Scattered among the grove of cherry and plum trees at my local park are many flowering plants with blooming periods that coincide with cherry blossoms.When I spied these pink and white flowers, I initially thought they were cherries, but they're in fact mokuren, magnolias.Magnolias can be found all over the world, but most of the species originate in China.Yuki-yanagi is a native plant in China and Japan. They've got delicate white flowers on long spikes.Mitsumata starts flowering in February and goes right through cherry blossom season. They're fragrant, too.Azalea, called tsutsuji in Japanese, can vary in their blooming period. In the Kanto region, I've noticed some start in early March. I'm looking forward to their showy flowers in April when they areat their best.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7l7A-living_chibaFri, 31 Mar 2023 08:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7l7A-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPyl-living_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaOn Monday, March 27th, I had some errands to run on the Tobu Urban Park Line. Every trip, I make a point of looking up as the train approaches the Tone Canal, the 8-kilometer-long waterway between the Tone and Edo Rivers. This canal, built in the Meiji era, was once an important transport link across the Kanto region, but as railways and highways flourished, it fell into disuse. Today, the water level is much lower than in its heyday and the steep banks are covered in grass and landscaping.It's a treat in late March to see this wide valley spreading out below you as you cross on the rail bridge. On both the north and south banks are rows of cherry trees. On Monday, with the sun struggling to break through the clouds, the blossoms are just at or past their peak.I stopped at Unga Station to take in the sight.Looking south across the canal, yukiyanagi and sakuraOn the north side is Ungamizube Park, a great lookout with two rows of cherry trees arching over the street.A sidestreet parallel to the canal that feeds Nagareyama HighwayOn a Monday afternoon, there weren't the huge crowds you might expect at more well-known hanami spots but quite a few people picnicking under the trees. You have to be careful crossing the two-lane highway as it is a very busy arterial road even in the middle of the day.On the east side of the highway is the Noda City campus of the Tokyo University of Science. The southern edge of the campus has its own avenue of cherry trees above the waterway.International students marveling at the blossomsI noticed a lot of drivers and their passengers slowing down to see the blossoms, and not a few impatient drivers leaning on their horns. I don't recommend that you come by car since there is nearly no public parking. The best way to reach the canal and park is on the Tobu Noda Line from Kashiwa Station (about 20 minutes).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPyl-living_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaMon, 27 Mar 2023 17:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPyl-living_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYn9-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSaishyoin's a winner with this beauty over the pathIn March, when I get a chance, I like to drop by Saishyoin, a small Shingon Buddhist temple just north of Kasukabe Station that serves the Tobu Skytree and Urban Park Lines. The temple was at one time the terminus for a horse-drawn railway that started at Senju in Tokyo.I walked the short route, less than 10 minutes, from the east exit of Kasukabe Station to the temple on Friday, March 24th, with the ceaseless drizzle and a few hints of blue sky over Saitama Prefecture. Despite the rain, the cherry trees are holding their blossoms well. And as you might expect, nobody is there!You know you are in the right place for cherry blossoms when you see the temple gate emblazoned with cherry blossom emblems.You're in the right place when you see the emblems on the gateWhen you step inside the gate, you'll see a gnarled mature cherry tree with frothy white blossoms over the path and a young weeping cherry tree bearing pink flowers. When I was there, they were nearing their peak.Walk west onto the path to the small cemetery and you'll see a hedge and a massive cryptomeria tree.The path through the tiny cemeteryIf you happen to be in Kasukabe City during a break in the rain, the temple is a peaceful place with hardly any visitors. It's also a good indicator of the condition of the blooms in other spots in the city. I recommend Kawakubo Park on the west bank of the Otoshi Furutone River with avenues of cherry trees on both banks. Even if you don't stop in Kasukabe City, be sure to look out the window of the train when you cross the rail bridge of the Tobu Urban Park Line over the river.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYn9-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamaFri, 24 Mar 2023 20:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYn9-living_saitama_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL6N-living_howtoThe other day, I saw an elderly man I didn’t recognize prop the door open to my neighbor’s apartment. He had baskets with cleaning supplies and equipment. I don’t depend on anyone for my cleaning, but I can imagine that for very busy families with households crammed with people and stuff, シルバー人材センター silver jinzai center cleaners or 便利屋, benriya handyman services may be a solution as they handle everything from cleaning to repairs to moving.Through trial and error, advice from friends and neighbors, and Google-Fu, I learned lots of great ways to keep my homes, everything from 4LDK houses to the 1LDK apartment I live n now in tip-top shape.Tatami CareI’ve had 畳 tatami flooring in many of the houses and apartments I lived in previously. The grassy scent and the soft surface are pleasant to my senses. However, caring for the mats requires a little caution. Whether you vacuum them or use a soft cloth to wipe them, go with the weave of the tatami as the surface is easy to snag and damage. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t get them damp as they can stain easily and mold is an issue. If you do spill something (here’s hoping it’s only tea), dry it thoroughly with lots of towels. Flooring CareThe apartment I live in now has no tatami with クッションフロア cushion flooring, the typical vinyl flooring you see in modern houses, in all rooms. While I miss tatami, I do appreciate how easy it is to maintain a cushion floor. All you need to do is vacuum or sweep it and then go over it with a damp cloth. Be careful with furniture that has rubber feet as they can mark the floor permanently.Futon CareThe only bedding I’ve ever had in my Japan life is 布団 futon. While I don’t mind luxuriating in a bed now and again, I find that they can’t be beat for restful sleep and ease of care. Mine go out on the veranda in all seasons. On rainy days, I lean them up against the wall or sling them over furniture to air out. You might see your neighbors beating them, but I think it’s just a lot of trouble, so I vacuum them on both sides now and again.And BeyondWhen I put my futons out on sunny days, the view of a little river from my veranda picks me up. However, I was alarmed by the amount of garbage falling into it. During the height of the pandemic states of emergency, I got into the habit of selectively picking up garbage. Because my city-issued garbage bags fill so slowly, it’s no bother to garbage pick and efficient use of the bags. And makes me feel happier when I look out and see the birds gathering there.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL6N-living_howtoFri, 24 Mar 2023 09:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL6N-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3X9-living_noda_shi_chibaWhile Noda City’s claim to fame is the spectacular variety and profusion of blooms at Shimizu Park, the city is also home to tranquil Sakuragi Jinja, the oldest shrine in the city which is dedicated to the fecundity ushered in by cherry blossoms.A little over a week ago, I told you about this treasured hanami spot, and how an elderly lady remarked that it would be a few weeks until the trees would reach their peak. Today in the Kanto region, the temperature reached a balmy 21 degrees, and the cherry trees responded. The splendid shidarezakura at the main gateMy usual bicycle parking spot, right in front of the shidarezakura at the gate, was blocked by pylons. A motorcyclist pulled up next to me, and I mentioned to him that the parking appeared to be prohibited, so we put our rides out of the way on the margins of the parking lot. But don’t worry, if you come by car, there is plentiful parking.The massive concrete toori gate was obscured by the shidarezakura in full bloom, and when the breeze blew the petals, visitors whooped with joy at the sight. Me, too, though I’ve seen so many spring seasons, the sight and even subtle scent took my breath away.In front of the shine’s main gate, a vibrant pink variety greets you. All over the site, you’ll see these lanterns, too, which are lit in the evening.A standard way of washing your hands at shrines is temizuya, a basin of flowing water to purify your hands and mouth, but this shrine provides a unique feature. It’s a sculpture labeled as 櫻花の手水処, Sakurabana no temizudokoro, a metal sculpture with water gushing over flower petals. Of course, there is a traditional basin, too, for the more conventional version.On a weekday when it's not too crowded, you can take your time to appreciate the splendor of the cherry blossoms.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3X9-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 23 Mar 2023 09:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3X9-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1YW-drink_productSuntory Beverage's Horoyoi line of low-alcohol shochu highballs, abbreviated to "chuhai" in Japan, has a wide range of limited edition and seasonal flavors. This one, Lime Gin Tonic, is 3% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1YW-drink_productMon, 20 Mar 2023 16:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq1YW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv0j-livingRecently on a social media platform, a comment came up about the differences between teaching English in various countries. I have only ever taught English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in my native Canada and English as a foreign language (EFL) here in Japan. The question got me thinking about the path I took and the differences between the two contexts in which I've taught.A change of place and a change of context when you work abroad photo, Andrea PiacquadioESL Instructor experience back homeAt ESL schools in Canada, to land a position, instructors must have a recognized TESOL qualification. The most common is CELTA, followed by post-graduate diplomas from local colleges and universities. On top of the standards required by the individual ESL schools, the schools themselves are regulated by a provincial agency overseen by the education ministry in my province. While it might be a lot of bureaucracy, it provides consumer protection for students and labor standards for staff.A day in the life in Canadian ESL schoolsIn the classrooms of ESL programs in Canada, I depended on whiteboards, textbooks, and photocopied materials. These days, when you look at language school job ads in Canada, the expectation is that candidates have digital savvy, too. Some schools ask for candidates who have experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and Moodle, to name a few.The typical work day and course duration, too, that I experienced in my Canadian ESL job are very different from how I operate here in Japan. The ESL schools, geared towards preparing students for standardized tests and to accommodate visa durations operate on short course cycles, most four to eight weeks. Each cycle, we instructed the learners based on the Canada Language Benchmarks and taught grammar, vocabulary, and usage in communication. The purpose was to help the students gain skills to support their attempts at tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS. The work day is intense - the schools I taught at scheduled lessons with brief breaks in the morning and afternoon. Teachers often prepped before the start of the work day, at lunchtime, and an hour or two after lessons finished, and sometimes the paid prep hours didn’t reflect the actual hours we put in.Finding a place in Japan’s teaching job marketThe independent and chain eikaiwas, English schools, in Japan bear little resemblance to the ESL teaching experience I had in Canada. Very few of the chain eikaiwas specify that job candidates have a qualification for English language teaching. Senmongakko, professional training colleges, or university language learning centers are similar teaching environments. These institutions usually require that teachers have at least a recognized qualification and experience with teaching adult ESL or EFL. Pivoting to secondary educationI found my niche in high school English language education. It’s a big adjustment to teach in academic programs where the standards are set by MEXT. Some things I appreciate about the environment are the academic year starting in April, with a cycle of terms. The school I teach with has a unit system that allows teachers to set short-term and long-term goals. The terms are separated by breaks, so I get enough time for reflection and refinement of our syllabus, and much-needed rest and personal time. The biggest adjustment for me was pivoting from teaching self-motivated adult learners focused on English language acquisition to teens whose English learning is only one element of their academic career. Sometimes in my lessons, I draw on my experiences as an ESL instructor in the old country, but a lot of my teacher practices I gained here in Japan.Have you pivoted to a very different work culture in the field you started in back home? What’s the same or different from your “old country” experience?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv0j-livingMon, 20 Mar 2023 11:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZv0j-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaqm-hobby_home_productSuper Orange is an all-purpose cleaner that comes in a 350 ml spray bottle refill package available on Amazon Japan. The product information recommends dillution.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaqm-hobby_home_productSun, 19 Mar 2023 13:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaqm-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY52-foods_productSanshin, a maker of various kinds of rice cracker snacks, offers Iburigakko potato chips. Iburigakko is a kind of pickle popular in Akita Prefecture. The snack is available at some 7-11 stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY52-foods_productSat, 18 Mar 2023 12:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY52-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EdW-living_noda_shi_chibaA beloved weeping cherry treeIn any season, Shimizu Park in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture is worth a visit for its variety of landscapes. The park is also listed as one of 日本さくら名所100選, Nihon Sakura Meisho Hyakusen, Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots.I visited Shimizu Park, Friday, March 17th, a gray day with the threat of rain, but I was rewarded with some great views of the cherry trees that are just starting to bloom.The park isn't too busy on a weekday and the parking lots are not nearly full. For those who come by train, make your way from Shimizukoen Station and follow the gentle slope that carries you east towards the park which is itself lined with cherry trees that are budding now.The park itself has 2000 trees including somei yoshino and shidarezakura cherry trees.I always stop by Konjoin, the temple at the heart of the park, where the garden is graced by a tree that was planted in the first year of the Meiji era, 1868. This tree is reliably the first to put on a show. On March 17th, it was near its peak.The sakura planted in the first year of the Meiji era is the first to bloomThe Meiji era beauty was nearly in full bloomAround the park, you see some more enticing pink and white blooms, but these are in fact magnolias that happen to share the same season as the cherry trees. They're no less beautiful.The hoary shidarezakura in the plum groveKeep going to the plum grove in the northeast corner of the park along a gravel path to take in the shidarezakura supported on bamboo poles. On my visit, the long vine-like branches were swaying in the breeze.This weekend rain is expected in the region, but Sunday looks like a good chance for clear skies and a high of 15 degrees. I recommend if you can manage it, come on Monday when the park is less crowded.If you miss the peak, don't be disheartened. The next blooming event is coming soon, azaleas in hundreds of varieties.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EdW-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 17 Mar 2023 21:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EdW-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2W8-drink_productOrion brand beer from Asahi Breweries has come out with Nago, a "craft" beer made with organically grown Okinawa wheat and citrus peel for flavor. It's available in some supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2W8-drink_productFri, 17 Mar 2023 13:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2W8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpo1B-foods_productCalbee brand every year has limited potato chip flavors in each season. For spring, the flavor is "umashio", sweet and salty ripple chips in a 60-gram bag.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpo1B-foods_productFri, 17 Mar 2023 13:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpo1B-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXkE-living_matsudo_shi_chibaThe Joban train line, originating at Shinagawa Station, carries travelers from hyper-urban areas of suburban Tokyo to rural landscapes in Ibaraki Prefecture as far as Tsuchiura Station. I suggest you stop at the stations within Matsudo City along the line to take in spectacular hanami or cherry blossom viewing spots in Matsudo City. One spot I highly recommend is Mabashi Station on the Joban local line, and the gateway to one of Japan’s treasures, a celebrated cherry blossom road.Mabashi Station’s cherry trees are a welcome sight for commuters, with a canopy of pink and white blossoms at the west exit of the station. A flurry of blushing pink blossoms at Mabashi StationAlso, you’ll see here a hillock with pines, stones, and an expanse of grass that is evocative of the landscape at a historical spot in the city, the Tojo-tei house and garden near Matsudo Station.The manicured garden evokes a teahouse landscape in front of the cherry treesBut walk a little further east of Mabashi Station and cross Route 6 to Sakuradori, the road that leads to the Tokiwadaira neighborhood. This road, Tokiwadaira Sakuradori, is designated as a 日本の道100選, Nihon no Michi Hakusen, or top 100 roads, by Japan’s Ministry of Construction. In spring, the road is flanked by mature cherry trees creating a meandering tunnel of pink blossoms. The designation was determined by the popularity with local people and the beauty of the scenery. It’s well worth a visit in spring.Tokiwadaira Sakuradori, designated as one of Japan's top 100 roadsThe blossoms are celebrated in the Tokiwadaira Sakura Matsuri, a two-day festival that falls on March 25th and 26th this year. The festival opens at 11 a.m. each day and one of the specialties in the city is dance. Hula, traditional Nihon Buyo, breakdance, and even belly dance groups take part. Another big part of the festivities is music with performances by ensembles from the city’s elementary and junior high schools.The long way to enjoy the blossoms at their peak is from Mabashi Station, walking the cherry tree-lined street. Before the festival, the route is a busy thoroughfare, so watch out for traffic.Note that there is no parking available during the festival. To take in the event rather than the long trek from Mabashi Station, I recommend a leisurely visit via Goko Station on the Shinkeisei line which puts you at the southern end of the festival route and then returning via Tokiwadaira Station. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXkE-living_matsudo_shi_chibaThu, 16 Mar 2023 06:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXkE-living_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3q4X-fashion_product_mind_body_productTours Japan kinmokusei, or sweet osmanthus, fragrance cream in a 10 gram tin is a blend of kinmokusei, shea butter, petroleum, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3q4X-fashion_product_mind_body_productSun, 12 Mar 2023 19:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3q4X-fashion_product_mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4bk-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaMany shrines and temples in Chiba Prefecture where I live are famed for their spectacular cherry blossoms. However, I stick close to home these days in the northern part of the prefecture. In Noda City, you can take in shidarezakura and other mature cherry trees at Muryojuin, an off-the-beaten-path location, or Konjoin Temple within popular Shimizu Park easily accessible on the Tobu Noda train line.Noda CIty’s got one more hallowed place that not only showcases cherry blossoms but is also dedicated to the tree and all it embodies. In the central part of the city is Sakuragi Shrine said to have been founded in the Heian period by a member of the Fujiwara clan. He enshrined two deities mentioned in mythology, one a goddess of grains and the other a god of thunder and blades. This pair looks after the new growth of spring and blesses the rice planting season.The shrine'sentrance with sakura blossom emblemsThe shrine is easy to get to on foot from Nodashi Station, just a 10-minute walk. For daytrippers in cars, there is ample parking at the south approach to the massive ootori gate. When I visited on March 11th, there were trees laden with buds ready to pop, fully flowering, and nearly finished with petals blowing in the breeze. Abundant blossoms on the approach to the shrineOne of the charms of this shrine is that in nearly every season, on any visit, you’re likely to see pink petals. This is because the shrine’s gardens nurture autumn and winter flowering varieties, too.Flanking the towering gate are a few shidarezakura, weeping cherry trees. While I was admiring them, an elderly lady next to me remarked that the buds will open in the next two weeks.Tall weeping cherry trees full of buds at the gateI second what the elderly lady said and suggest you time your visit for the last week of March when the trees will put on a show.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4bk-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaSun, 12 Mar 2023 13:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4bk-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPWO-drink_productSapporo Breweries has for some years released a limited-production beer, Sakura Beer. This year it was offered from late February 2023. Sapporo took over the Kyushu beer brewery dating from the Taisho era, inheriting this brew.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPWO-drink_productMon, 06 Mar 2023 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPWO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EOo-living_chiba_choshi_shi_chiba_narita_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chibaWhen I think of romantic places in Japan what comes to mind is nostalgia for past ages when life may have been harder but also slower and perhaps a little simpler. I must admit, I am influenced by European romanticism, a movement that was characterized by intense emotion and idealism in response to the increasing industrialization of the 18th century and a yearning for a connection with nature.This impulse coincides with the Edo and Meiji eras in Japan, marked by a momentous transition from feudal life to industrialization. It was also a time when the center of power in Japan moved to the new capital, Edo. But can you find Edo-era vestiges in today’s Tokyo? Yes, but the ravages of time, disasters, and rapid development have isolated the historical spots in pockets of the modern city. However, if you are looking for more heritage of Edo on the cusp between medieval and modern, you might want to look east to Chiba Prefecture where you’ll find the four Hokuso cities, Sakura, Narita, Sawara, and Choshi, places that retain much of the flavor of these past eras. The four cities have been designated as precious cultural heritage that recall the time when they supplied the growing capital of Edo and retain antique atmosphere.Narita City Temple TownWhen I pass through Narita Airport, I budget time to visit Narita City for Omotesando, the approach to Shinshoji Temple. Mid-February is a good time to take in the plum blossom festival at Naritasan Park. The park in a hollow in front of the towering pagoda is a lovely spot for a stroll with your sweetheart among mossy glades that lead to a pavilion on a lake. For me, the most evocative event in Narita City has to be the Gion Festival in July when the neighborhoods roll out their vintage floats with elaborate carpentry and hold an exuberant rally in the forecourt of Shinshoji Temple. The floats parade around the town center. The festival continues for three days of dancing and processions. I really feel transported to another time here.Sawara TownSawara, the old canal town that prospered during the Edo era is another place I like to go to leave the modern world behind. The Ono River which passes through the town is lined with shops and houses that haven’t changed much since the town’s heyday. In front of the shops, you’ll see steps leading down to the water as the canals were the means of moving goods to the capital. Today, the canal has old boats steered by women in traditional costumes. On the canal is a bridge that carries a gutter that releases water into the river creating a splashing sound, designated as one of the 100 soundscapes of Japan.Sakura Castle TownOn a mild day in January, I led a visiting friend to Sakura City, the castle town west of Narita. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out that, though the castle no longer exists (the massive earthworks are all that remain) a lot of the heritage of the town endures.We started at the samurai quarter where friendly guides gave us a tour of the houses and described the life of the occupants. We were surprised to see tea bushes in the garden - the samurai cultivated their own variety here. Inside, the well-appointed kitchen and living spaces give an impression of a slower time steeped in the culture of the samurai. Just west of the quarter is Hiyodori-zaka, a slope shadowed by tall bamboo that rivals more famous bamboo paths for beauty.But the place that really took our breath away was the Former Hotta Residence and Sakuratei Garden. This manor was built in 1890 by the last leader of the Hotta clan who ruled the domain. The spaciousness of the house and the delicate carpentry made it feel at once grand and intimate. We imagined the Hottas had festive banquets and quiet introspection at this sprawling country retreat.Choshi Port TownThe westernmost of the Four Hokuso Cities is Choshi, a port town I have yet to visit. I’m looking forward to catching the ocean breezes, feeling the salt spray, and strolling the streets this spring to enjoy the romance of the Edo-era atmosphere at this Pacific Ocean spot.Have you fallen in love with a region or atmospheric town where you live? What makes it enticing for singles and couples?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EOo-living_chiba_choshi_shi_chiba_narita_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chibaWed, 22 Feb 2023 15:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EOo-living_chiba_choshi_shi_chiba_narita_shi_chiba_sakura_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2eZ-foods_product7-11 Convenience store's sandwich lineup includes this broccoli, chicken, and caesar sauce-laden sandwich for 370 before tax. This juicy sandwich is seasoned with black pepper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2eZ-foods_productTue, 21 Feb 2023 20:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2eZ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Eg1-drink_productGodo Shusei's line of low-alcohol chuhais is a tie-in with the game Touken Ranbu. This one, 3% alcohol with grapefruit flavor, represents the character Kunihiro Yamabigiri from the game.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Eg1-drink_productSun, 12 Feb 2023 10:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Eg1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXV8-drink_productSuntory Breweries in January 2023 released two versions of the Premium Malt's Diamond Hop. This version in the gold-toned can is brewed with hops imported from the Czech Republic.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXV8-drink_productWed, 08 Feb 2023 20:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXV8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rV-foods_productHouse brand spicy curry is available on Amazon Japan in a convenient pack of 10 boxes. The curry in retort bags is labeled as "daikara", meaning very spicy.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rV-foods_productSun, 05 Feb 2023 12:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rV-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP8b-drink_productSapporo Breweries' premium Nippon Hop line starts in 2023 with Shinshu-Wase, a beer brewed with the Shinshu-wase variety of hops. It has 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP8b-drink_productSun, 05 Feb 2023 11:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP8b-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPYQ-foods_productLotte releases Ghana a 70-gram Premium Dark Milk chocolate bar, 40% heavier than their regular chocolate. It's made with cream from Hokkaido and quality cocoa beans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPYQ-foods_productSat, 04 Feb 2023 16:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPYQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8db7-foods_productMoringa's popular line of Dars chocolate has a premium selection. For a limited time, convenience stores stock Dars Premium Chocolate Ganache chocolate flavored with caramel and a hint of liqueur.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8db7-foods_productSat, 04 Feb 2023 16:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8db7-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rv-drink_productIn Kirin's line of honshibori, or fresh-squeezed, is shikikan, combining four kinds of citrus juice chuhai for a limited time from February 2023. The drink contains 15% juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rv-drink_productThu, 02 Feb 2023 20:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12rv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk5X-drink_productTakara Shuzo's Maruoroshi Shikuwasaa sour is a liqueur drink with no artificial sweeteners and has 7% alcohol. The product was released in spring 2022 and is available at some convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk5X-drink_productWed, 01 Feb 2023 21:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk5X-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3aO-foods_productSalted caramel monaka is a sweet treat available at some 7-11 convenience stores. It has caramel cream made with salt from Lorraine sandwiched between monaka wafers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3aO-foods_productWed, 01 Feb 2023 20:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3aO-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BQr-foods_product7-11 convenience stores have an extensive lineup of small dishes including this one, bean starch noodles with chicken and soy sauce. They're small servings suitable for one diner.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BQr-foods_productWed, 01 Feb 2023 20:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BQr-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ar-living_education_familylife_tokyoMy neighbor, a lovely Japanese guy in his 50s, has always referred to his sempai, senior, as aniki, a familiar way of referring to an older brother. I assumed it merely expressed the warm friendship between them. The two men are infrequently together, but when they are, you can see the resemblance. They told me after some time that they are, in fact, brothers with different family names.The two men are not shy about telling people that they’re brothers and that one was “given” to a childless aunt in their maternal line. They’re not the only ones I know. Among my friends in their 60s and 70s, a few have siblings that were raised by relatives who didn’t have children of their own. This pattern hasgradually diminished, but you might meet familial adopted people.Another pattern is adult adoption when a family accepts a son-in-law to carry on the family heritage. It may be surprising but the most common form of adoption in Japan is between a bride’s parents and new son-in-law to allow their heirs to bear their name and inherit their business and estate. Most sources say that about 90% of the 80,000 people adopted in Japan every year are adults.Tens of thousands of children live in institutions photo PixabayWhat’s stunning is the number of children in care who are not candidates for adoption. About 38,000 children are separated from parents who cannot care for them. Only about 15% live with foster parents. The majority are in institutions. The children face big hurdles to finding permanent membership in families. Two issues are that the child welfare system makes parental rights a priority, and parents are reluctant to give up access to their children.Full adoption of children into family registers, which indicates that the adopted child is the natural child of the parents, only came into effect in 1988. Only in 2017 did the government review “special adoption”, which describes this full process with the aim of doubling the number of adoptions to 1000 per year.There are foster families, too. November 2022 marked the 20th anniversary of the start of specialized foster care. The Mainichi reports about 25% of the children in foster care have mental or physical challenges.While there are great obstacles to adopting and fostering children in Japan, you can still lend a hand. If you’re in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center connects volunteers with community groups, some of which help children in care. Another organization inviting volunteers and donations is Mirai no Mori, a non-profit organization that provides outdoor experiences for children in orphanages.If you’re up for it, volunteering with children who have disrupted family life is life-changing for you and them. I briefly had a chance to work with children in care homes. Since many have experienced trauma, it’s best to keep topics to the here and now, providing experiences and activities that help them feel respected and empowered. It was heartwarming to guide children with tough histories camping for the first time. There were tense moments, some children approaching adults with trepidation, but over a week at camp, the children relaxed, laughed, played, and learned new things. I got to be an auntie and encourage, challenge, and support the children.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ar-living_education_familylife_tokyoWed, 01 Feb 2023 10:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ar-living_education_familylife_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERQN-drink_productSapporo Breweries released for the 13th consecutive year in 2023 a brew called Sapporo Classic. Offered in 300 ml and 500 ml cans, this lager beer is made with domestic ingredients.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERQN-drink_productTue, 31 Jan 2023 21:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERQN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EJe-drink_productThe Chita is a single malt whisky produced by Suntory. It's a straw-colored whisky aged in old casks with 43% alcohol by volume. The Chita is widely available in Japan and marketed abroad, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EJe-drink_productWed, 25 Jan 2023 13:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5EJe-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn7X-drink_productSuntory's line of beers labeled as Tokyo Craft includes Hanayaka IPA, a limited run of top fermented beer brewed with Musashino spring water and a blend of hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn7X-drink_productTue, 24 Jan 2023 18:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXn7X-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPLQ-drink_productOrion, a brand from Asahi Breweries, released Ichiban Sakura in late November 2022. This beer, offered annually, is made with dried cherry flower buds.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPLQ-drink_productTue, 24 Jan 2023 12:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPLQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d17-drink_productBeer Brain, a project to create a mobile tap room, produces this hazy IPA, Wonderwall. This 6% alcohol beer is brewed with Strata, Eldorado, Chinook, and Galaxy hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d17-drink_productTue, 24 Jan 2023 11:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8d17-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvK5-mind_body_productThese kairo pocket warmers produced by Kirigai and labeled in bold katakana as Magma are supposed to last 12 hours and heat up immediately upon opening the plastic wrapper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvK5-mind_body_productSun, 22 Jan 2023 12:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvK5-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdopk-fashion_productThis 100% wool sweater, indicated as merino wool in the product description is a crewneck sweater that comes in 17 colors and sizes S through 2XL. I got an L-size coral-colored one.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdopk-fashion_productSun, 22 Jan 2023 10:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdopk-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqDD-livingAll kinds of people work in municipal governments, photo fauxelsYes, you can, but in a limited capacity.ALTs in Public SchoolsA large number of non-Japanese working in municipal governments are JET Programme participants. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program has brought young people from around the world to work in Japan’s schools since 1987. The program has three different positions that place participants in municipal and prefectural government offices - Assistant Language Teacher (the most common) and Councilor for International Relations. A third one, Sports Education Advisor, is by invitation.Most JET Programme participants come to Japan from a cold start - applying to the program from their home country. But it is possible to apply to the JET Programme within Japan. For 2023-2024 applicants, the rule is you must not have lived in Japan more than six years in ten. You’ll have to apply to the consulate or embassy in your home city and interview there to get the process started.Municipal jobsAn alternative for foreigners who already have some experience in Japan’s schools and are conversant in Japanese is employment in a municipal board of education for ALT or CIR positions. To find these positions, it takes a little bit of terminology and search savvy. You’ll need some search terms, some of which I mention in the blog post about direct-hire ALT jobs. You might also want to look for 会計年度, kaikei nendo, or fiscally appointed jobs. And this is where it gets complicated.Fiscally appointed municipal employees come in two flavors, part-time and full-time. If you are part-time, you can work at other side jobs, but if you are full-time, side jobs are prohibited. On top of that limitation, your longevity is determined by the rules of fiscal appointment. At the end of the year, you have to compete for your job again. The good news is, if you are in good standing, you can be rehired up to two times for a maximum of three years.You might see non-Japanese nationals working in municipal offices in other capacities, too. My city hall has a part-time clerk who handles the reception of non-Japanese residents.Ongoing Issues Beyond ALT or clerical work, there are some ongoing employment issues with non-Japanese teachers in public schools. Back in 1991, the government opened up employment to non-Japanese nationals in positions other than those that are involved in public policy decision-making.Still, barriers remain. In August 2022, resident Korean teachers had a conference with MEXT and MOFA about the differing regulations that limit their employment. Although the national law says that non-Japanese can work as regular teachers, local governments deny them application to employment exams and limit their job categories.The takeaway is that yes, you can work in municipal jobs as a non-Japanese person with some limitations to the duration and capacity. If you want to get into these kinds of jobs, December through February is the peak time for hiring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqDD-livingThu, 19 Jan 2023 14:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqDD-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYny2-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaTaisho era kotatsu, RijksmuseumIn December 2022, TEPCO and other power companies announced subsidized rates from January to counter inflation and rising energy prices. You’ll get a break of about 7 yen per kilowatt hour. It's a little relief as the cost of living continues to rise.A big issue in the face of rising energy costs is keeping warm this winter - we're experiencing freezing overnight in the Kanto region.Average electricity billsSo, to figure out how to be thrifty with my energy use while keeping warm, I did some research. According to government statistics, the average electricity bill for a one-person household in 2021 was Y5452 and it rises by about Y1000 from January to March. My electricity bill for my 1LDK apartment in December 2022 was reasonable at Y3475. How am I managing? Judicious use of heat sources.Holing up in one roomMy 1LDK apartment is in a typical wood-frame building with single-pane windows and poor insulation. In the warmer months, I get good use of the whole space, but in winter I retreat to the 10-mat living and kitchen space which faces southwest. The sun shining in the southwest-facing windows warms my place, but at night, it’s frosty.The kotatsu-aircon solutionA kotatsu is a cheap heating option. Using a kotatsu on the low setting for eight hours a day costs less than 500 yen a month. Even on high, the cost is only about double. Warming just your legs and feet helps circulation and you feel warm. There are downsides, however - you can get stuck under it! When I work at home, it’s convenient for me as a desk space. I take breaks so I don’t become one with my kotatsu.The next most efficient is aircon. If you run an aircon eight hours a day, the bill ranges between 3000-6000 yen a month. I set mine to about 22 degrees.Now, here’s the counterintuitive part - if you use them together, you’ll be more comfortable and reduce electricity demand. When you run the aircon only, you may be tempted to set it higher because the warm air rises and your toes freeze. Turn the aircon down, set your kotatsu to low, and you can keep your whole self warm.Don't dry out!Winter air is dry as it is, and the aircon unit dries you out even more. Genkidesu has goodadvice about dealing with dry skin, including using a humidifier. If you don’t have one, you can humidify without a humidifier with things you have on hand.How do you heat your room? How are you keeping your costs down?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYny2-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaWed, 11 Jan 2023 11:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYny2-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbX3-foods_productMorinaga confectionery has a line of novelty ice milk bars. This one is Shimashima Umauma Ichigo, strawberry flavor, has 5% strawberry juice with chocolate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbX3-foods_productMon, 09 Jan 2023 11:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbX3-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPAj-fashion_productHanani slip-on sneakers are unisex shoes described as suitable for workplace footwear, walking, and sports. The fabric of the upper is polyester mesh available in seven colors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPAj-fashion_productMon, 09 Jan 2023 11:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPAj-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Zj-drink_productYebisu released this beer, labeled premium saison, in 2021. This one indicates it is a limited product in the sense that it is a low-production beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Zj-drink_productSat, 07 Jan 2023 14:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Zj-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP1Y-drink_productHachibudo punch is a low-alcohol drink served for decades at Asakusa's iconic Kamiya Bar. The drink is made with their own brand of liqueur called hachibudo sake.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP1Y-drink_productSat, 07 Jan 2023 12:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoP1Y-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qkQ-drink_productSorachi 1984 from Sapporo Breweries, labeled as "legendary hops", is a golden ale made with Sorachi Ace hops imported from the US. This beer is 5.5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qkQ-drink_productFri, 06 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qkQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkrZ-mind_body_productDaiso's own brand of household products includes this pack of 250 cotton swabs made with bagasse pulp. The package has a plastic film over a paper wrapper.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkrZ-mind_body_productFri, 06 Jan 2023 15:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkrZ-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvDZ-drink_productThis 200 ml drink box by Kagome is made with nine varieties of fruit juice. It's only 100 calories and the package says that it's packed with added vitamins.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvDZ-drink_productThu, 05 Jan 2023 18:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvDZ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdo6y-drink_productAsahi's The Double, available through Family Mart in 2019, has been rereleased in 2022. This half-and-half in a can combines a full malt beer and a Pilsner.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdo6y-drink_productThu, 05 Jan 2023 14:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mdo6y-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERBg-drink_productAsahi Breweries Yoru Beer, released in December 2022, is a black beer brewed with barley, malt, and coffee. It comes in 350 ml cans and has 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERBg-drink_productThu, 05 Jan 2023 12:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERBg-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Lv-living_education_howto_chiba_tokyoAsakusa's timeless KaminarimonThe METHow much do you know about the history of the place right under your feet? And how do you learn about the lore, and events of the locations you visit? Whenever I get the itch to explore my town or take a day trip, of course, I check Google Maps and look up sightseeing spots on travel websites. But to get a richer insight, I like to find out what happened and why wherever I’m going.Before I venture into my favorite part of Tokyo, Shitamachi, I have a glance at Exploring Old Tokyo, a travel and history blog written by a foreign resident. His perspective is that information on many travel websites is too thin, so he strives to tell the story of the places he visits. The last blog post went up in the autumn of 2021, but it’s still a great insight into the Edo to Taisho era that remains there.While I putter around the house or ride trains, I go down historical rabbit holes with Isaac Meyer’s weekly History of Japan podcast. Meyer, a former Ph.D. student at the University of Washington, covers medieval to modern events in great detail in a no-frills format. One of his recent episodes, The Wolves of Mibu, answers a lot of questions I had about the mystique of the Shinsengumi, a militia that had its headquarters down the road from me in Nagareyama City.Cultural Heritage Online is a digital source run by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s fun to browse. Click the Time Machine Navi for a scrolling display of treasures from all over Japan. The sliders at the bottom allow you to adjust era and region, and when you click on an item you get a larger view and links to detailed information.If that isn’t cool enough, click the search, type in a location name, and you’ll get thumbnails of art, documents, buildings, and intangible properties, too. The English side appears to limit the categories to artifacts in museums, but try the Japanese side for a narrow search of sites in a specific region or town. I found that the Japanese side allows a finer search. Click 分野 bunya in the menu to see dozens of categories. Click a thumbnail to see the specifics, and scroll down for maps.And one more tip - Your own city or town’s website has a 文化財 bunkazai or cultural heritage section with a listing of tangible and intangible cultural properties.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Lv-living_education_howto_chiba_tokyoThu, 05 Jan 2023 10:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Lv-living_education_howto_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3e0-foods_productMorinaga's popular Pino ice cream treat comes in boxes of assortments besides the small six-piece single variety. This one Pino Catcher comes with 24 pieces of strawberry, caramel, and vanilla treats.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3e0-foods_productWed, 04 Jan 2023 14:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3e0-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gke-drink_productFar Yeast Brewing based in Yamagata Prefecture, is an award winning brewery. This juicy IPA, Hop Frontier New Year IPA, is 6.5% alcohol brewed with New Zealand Nectaron hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gke-drink_productTue, 03 Jan 2023 12:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gke-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXLK-living_food_chibaLike a lot of people before they come to Japan, I imagined Japanese food to be dominated by sushi, ramen, and stir-fried dishes. But during my sojourn in Japan, I’ve indulged in regional dishes and hooked on washoku and bento box lunch making. The foods are varied in texture, and flavor, and provide full of nutrition.But what about other cuisines in Japan? Italian food, which took off here in the 1980s, both Japanized and authentic, is well-represented in restaurants and home kitchens. Curiously, Greek food restaurants and deli items, which you can find in virtually any city in North America, are not common here.I started looking out for other Mediterranean cuisine and I found some great restaurants such as Zakuro in Nippori which focuses on Turkish fare. But restaurants like this one are few and far between.So, I have started to incorporate Mediterranean cuisine into my home cooking. What exactly distinguishes the Mediterranean diet? This food is rich in olive oil, legumes, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and a moderate amount of animal products, in that order. A little careful shopping turns up many foods in Japanese grocery stores that fit with the food pattern.Popular olive oil, PixabayTo my surprise, I discovered that the first staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil, is not alien to Japan. Did you know that olive oil is Japan's number one oil, even ahead of sesame oil and other vegetable oil? Olives have been cultivated in Japan for at least a century, and Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea is famed for its olive oil production. There, olive oil is incorporated into washoku.Some of my favorite warming and filling dishes are Mediterranean with a Japanese twist. An easy dinner to prepare is spaghetti with olive oil, dried or pan-fried shitake garnished with negi, and seasoned with black pepper. In February 2021, I told you about how I use winter vegetables in my cooking. Tomato coconut pasta with Japanese greens is on repeat at my house. It’s so simple to make. I use one can each of coconut milk and either crushed or whole tomatoes with basil, parsley, and a bay leaf and toss either fettuccine or spaghetti in the sauce with some blanched greens.Fish is also a part of the diet and it’s easy enough to do on the fish grill of your average gas table. I also like to pop some salmon fillets in the oven toaster with butter and herbs. The fish is great for dinner or as a bento item.Beans are a significant ingredient in washoku and Mediterranean cuisine. One favorite at breakfast and for bento boxes is this simple salad using common ingredients found in Japan’s supermarkets.What I find is that it's easy to follow the food pattern - grains as the base with generous portions of vegetables, many domestic, in dishes that fuse Japanese and Mediterranean dishes.Do you cook dishes that riff off of Mediterranean food? Please share!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXLK-living_food_chibaMon, 02 Jan 2023 20:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXLK-living_food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK7O-drink_productAkashi whiskey is produced by the Eigashima Shuzo distillery in Akashi, Japan. It is made using a blend of malt and grain whiskies, aged in oak barrels (retired Bourbon barrels).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK7O-drink_productMon, 02 Jan 2023 15:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgK7O-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYmR-foods_productChiba Shoyu company, based in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, produces soy sauce and other seasonings. This product, Shimosa ponzujoyu, is made with domestic yuzu and lemon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYmR-foods_productMon, 02 Jan 2023 15:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYmR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ad3-drink_productKizakura Brewery based in Kyoto produces a line of beers. This particular canned beer is labeled Lucky Rabbit in their lucky animal product line. This one is 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ad3-drink_productSat, 31 Dec 2022 12:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6ad3-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERbg-foods_productFamily Mart stocks this 30 gram package of coconut chocolate candy labled 低糖質 low sugar. The treat is also low carb and the packaging is paper rather than plastic, printed with vegetable ink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERbg-foods_productMon, 26 Dec 2022 15:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERbg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvLk-drink_product7-11 brand and Suntory Breweries team up to produce this barley malt-based happoshu, a "third category" beer-like drink. The can indicates that this happoshu contains barley, hops, sugar, and barley spirits.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvLk-drink_productSat, 24 Dec 2022 11:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvLk-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we1VO-drink_productHonkirin from Kirin Breweries is a happoshu with 6% alcohol in the style of an American pale lager. The base is barley malt with hops, corn, and barley spirits.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we1VO-drink_productSat, 24 Dec 2022 11:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we1VO-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3p0-foods_product7-11's premium brand of products includes this hojicha latte monaka ice cream treat. The roasted tea-flavored ice cream with chocolate is sandwiched between two wafers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3p0-foods_productFri, 23 Dec 2022 09:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3p0-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqLD-fashion_productThese non-medical masks distributed by Meiho Medical are made in Viet Nam. The masks have a "3D" shape - they fold out to provide room at the front of the mask.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqLD-fashion_productFri, 23 Dec 2022 08:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqLD-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaO8-foods_productThe simple packaging on this frozen treat made by Akagi confectionery company indicates a black chocolate ice milk bar. I got this one at a 7-11 convenience store.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaO8-foods_productThu, 22 Dec 2022 15:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkaO8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpdm-foods_productKoikeya produces a line of potato chips made exclusively from domestically grown potatoes. This selection is generously flavored with nori seaweed flakes and soy sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpdm-foods_productThu, 22 Dec 2022 15:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpdm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj04-fashion_productAmazon Essentials is a private label brand owned by Amazon.com. The brand offers a range of everyday products, including clothing. This puffer jacket with attached hood is light-weight down filled.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj04-fashion_productThu, 22 Dec 2022 14:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj04-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dlv-drink_productWhite Beer from Asahi Breweries is a limited edition beer available in the Kanto region. This ale with an alcohol volume of 5% is made with hops, wheat, orange peel, and coriander seed.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dlv-drink_productSun, 18 Dec 2022 15:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dlv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXgK-foods_productPino, the bite-sized vanilla ice cream flavored treat from Morinaga confectionery has a limited-time product until May of 2023, packed to look like game consoles in collaboration with Sega. There are six different packages in all, each with a different QR code that takes you to an augmented reality game.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXgK-foods_productSun, 18 Dec 2022 15:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXgK-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykob-foods_productLawson's own brand of confections and sweets includes this roll, 明太ポテトフランス loaded with mentaiko fish roe and potatoes. This snack, new as of autumn 2022, is 160 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykob-foods_productFri, 16 Dec 2022 12:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykob-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Vj-drink_productSuntory Craft is a limited-release IPA-like happoshu or near beer with 6% alcohol. The label indicates it as "vivid bitter" with a malt brewed from Cascade hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Vj-drink_productThu, 15 Dec 2022 20:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12Vj-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrBE-drink_productCaptain Crow produced by Oraho Breweries in Nagano Prefecture is an Extra Pale Ale, a tribute to the English beer variety. At 5% alcohol it is similar to pale ales in its category.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrBE-drink_productWed, 14 Dec 2022 22:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrBE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvg8-living_shopping_yokohama_shi_kanagawaAs the nights grow longer and colder as we approach the winter solstice, winter illuminations are a great way to get you outside and accustomed to the chill and dark. On a trip to Yokohama City, I stopped by Yokohama Bay Quarter, a shopping and dining spot on the waterfront.On my way to Bay Quarter, I passed through the Sogo department store where displays of bright lights and Christmas decorations tempted me to linger. But keep going across the Kamome pedestrian bridge that connects the two shopping facilities.At the entrance to Bay Quarter, there were some small hints of Christmas decorations and lights, but nothing spectacular. Continue on to the third floor “hiroba”, the terrace between two wings of the building. Here you’ll find the 17th annual winterdisplay.This winter'stheme is a "Christmas Forest". The arbor on the terrace is a photogenic spot with a profusion of colors and lights. The trellis is decorated with a kaleidoscope of flowers, foliage, and ornaments that you can walk around and under. The challenge for photography is light and contrast. You want to bring a good camera to capture the details and sparkle, and your smiling face is lit by the glow of the light reflected off the garlands and decorations. It’s quite the sight.A kaleidoscope of flowers and greeneryBut what really warmed my heart was the 8-meter-tall live fir tree. In contrast to the riot of color of the arbor, the tree has champagne-colored lights and a warm, golden glow.An 8 meter tall real Christmas tree - my Christmas wish is a better camera!Under the boughs laden with decorations and lights, there is a quirky landscape filled with realistic and fanciful animal sculptures and cottages. For the young and young at heart, it'sfun to spot all the creatures under the tree.An owl duo tucked in under the boughsThe display opened on November 5th and continues until December 25th, lit up daily at 4 p.m. My visit was on a weeknight around 7 p.m. There were a few couples and a woman and her dog with a festive collar. The restaurants around the terrace are open until 11 p.m., some of them overlooking the display and some with outdoor heat lamps to cozy up.Maybe you can tuck your Santa letter into that box! To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvg8-living_shopping_yokohama_shi_kanagawaMon, 12 Dec 2022 11:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVvg8-living_shopping_yokohama_shi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKgA-living_education_workPreviously, in Professional English Teachers Part 1, I told you about the English teaching job market in Japan and how it differs from neighboring Asian countries, and the conundrum of determining the value of a teaching qualification.English in big, friendly kanji image IrasutoyaHere are some observations about professionalism in English education in Japan.A ticket gets you on the rideAt an elementary school, I observed a CELTA-qualified rookie teacher leading a Grade 5 English lesson. The ALT methodically set up the activity, all eyes and ears on the objective, and the teacher confirmed that learners understood the activity. He then arranged the learners in groups, gave them a game board, and let them rip. The learners enjoyed the game, but it was English-free, the ALT having done a brilliant job of setting the task with all English instructions, had missed the activity’s objective and the opportunity to teach English phrases for turn-taking and interaction.Baby, I was born this wayIn a community English program, I saw lower elementary students taught by an untrained teacher who confessed that he had a great struggle in academics due to a learning disability. This self-taught teacher’s learners demonstrated literacy and oral communication above grade level. The teacher’s natural talent was augmented by independent research on how to help the learners progress. I admit I felt humbled and borrowed from his technique. After the lesson, we talked about the lesson structure and I referred him to research that supported his pedagogy. He later read up and riffed on those resources. The takeaway is that to be effective, the vast majority of teachers need specific training and mentoring. You’re unlikely to get such support in for-profit businesses such as eikaiwa or through dispatch companies. You’re going to have to “level up” on your own initiative.Problems at the TopIt’s not just the ALT and eikaiwa industry to blame for the lack of skilled language teaching. A discussion between Robert Swier of Kindai University and David Barker of Gifu University reveals that many university English language instructors are talented and knowledgeable but not specifically trained in language education.They are not saying that university instructors are no good. They certainly are experts in their disciplines, but the university hiring committees don’t distinguish between MA holders and those specializing in teaching language. The perception appears to be that, if you are “native”, you can do the job.This perception is widely referred to as “native speakerism”, the belief that a person who comes from a country in which the majority speaks English is an authority on English usage and teaching. This undermines the role of linguists and language educators no matter whether they are native speakers or proficient non-native English users.Until Japan’s institutions can get over this belief, until the market for eikaiwa shrivels as the cost of living rises, Japan probably won’t get the point of specialized English instructors.I'm not saying you can’t make a rewarding career in English education here. It just means that you, the English educator, will periodically run up against outdated beliefs and low expectations that affect your career aspirations and remuneration. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKgA-living_education_workThu, 08 Dec 2022 10:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKgA-living_education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4q4-food_healthWhen I was an ALT at public schools, I got spoiled at lunchtime by the kitchen staff. They provided me with a generous helping of the nutritionally balanced school lunch. I got to appreciate the traditional assortment of dishes and the placement - a bow of rice on the left, a serving of soup on the right, and a range of three side dishes, called okazu, ranged along the back of the lunch tray.I never had to bring my own lunch as the menu at the schools was varied and nutritious. Eventually, I found other employment and had to provide my own lunch.Bento box convenience and caveatAt any convenience store or bento vendor, you can get an array of appetizing obento, the ubiquitous lunch box. But most of the commercial bento boxes are heavy on carbs and proteins with a smattering of pickled vegetables. While they’re filling they are a bit chintzy on variety and nutrition. A foreign resident sempai who skimped on her food budget relied on store-bought bento and eventually experienced a nutritional deficit that hurt her health.Making bentoIt’s better for your health and your budget to make your own bento box lunch. My habit each evening is to prepare a number of okazu, small dishes that can be part of your evening meal, and the rest items that fill out the next day’s bento box lunch.A common formula for bento box portions is to fill half your bento box with carbs, a quarter with proteins, and a quarter with vegetables that are high in nutrition. I often skimp on the carbs and load up on nuts, beans, and veggies.A recycled maku no uchi style bento box I filled with my own home-cooked okazuSalmon with various seasoningsI often roast salmon filets in the oven toaster with a dressing of crushed ginger and soy sauce. I’ve also experimented with garlic, parsley, and butter. Any way you do it, it’s an easy-to-prepare bento box item.Pad your bento with beansBeans are flavorful and rich in fiber and all kinds of nutrients. I like to augment my bento with simmered chickpeas or soybeans. You can simmer soybeans with hijiki, or marinate chickpeas. I’m partial to boiled chickpeas with diced celery drizzled with olive oil and equal dashes of ponzu and shoyu.Lots of veggiesI do vegetables all kinds of ways - stir-fried, roasted in the oven toaster, or steamed. Japan has a wide variety of vegetables in any season, so there are lots of fresh and nutritious choices and even a great abundance of winter veggies.The bento habitI don't get up at the crack of dawn to make bento. Instead, I pack the sides in the bento box while I'm making dinner, and add the rice in the morning.Do you make bento box lunches for yourself or your family? What are your favorite combos?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4q4-food_healthWed, 30 Nov 2022 11:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4q4-food_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4J0-living_noda_shi_chibaThe past week in the Kanto region had cold and rainy weather, and I wondered if the autumn leaves stuck to their branches. On Sunday, November 27th, we had vibrant blue skies with no clouds in sight. So I hopped on my bicycle for an afternoon ramble to see the colours at Shimizu Park.The momiji maples arching over a photogenic path in the park, creating a tunnel, are taking on vibrant hues. But the park was very busy with visitors, so I got back on my bike to see what I’d find at Kamihanawa Rekishikan, a historic house and garden in the city.By the time I got there, it was after 3 p.m. but the light filtering through the tall trees on the west side of the site lit up the garden. To my surprise, the only other visitors were a father and his small children. The young family and I were warmly greeted at the gate by a tour guide who can inform you of the history of the house and its occupants in Japanese and slightly rusty English (she hasn’t had much practice while Japan was closed to international tourism).She told me right away I was welcome to take photos of the garden but photos of the house interior are forbidden. No worry, as I was there to take in the exquisite garden architecture and the seasonal beauty.Before I had a ramble around the garden, she pointed out the best path to take around the main house, the tea houses, the household shrine, and the gardens. She also told me how the team of gardeners takes six days every year to expertly manicure the pines, maples, and other feature trees. And the garden architecture dating from the Edo era is as fine as anything you see in Tokyo or Kyoto.The enclosed garden in front of the master's quartersA single persimmon clinging to a branch in the household shrine gardenFallen momiji leaves scattered on the mossy pathThe momiji and even some of the ginkgo trees may start to turn in the next week, so you still have time to take in this secluded garden.The stone lantern in front of the main houseAdmission to the garden is 500 yen. The garden is a 20-minute walk west of Nodashi Station on the Tobu Noda Line. There's ample free parking, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4J0-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 28 Nov 2022 11:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4J0-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxjX-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_yamanashiRecently, Genkidesu told us about ways to get more acquainted with the prefectures in which we reside. Like Genkidesu, I've found that the pandemic has curtailed my wanderings and I’ve stuck close to home. While you may be bummed out by the situation, it’s also an opportunity to explore the region where you live or neighboring prefectures.And we’ve got lots of holidays on which to explore. Japan has sixteen national holidays to give you a respite from work and for your children, a break from studies. In addition to the statutory holidays, you'll also likely get a long break from your schedule for the observed holidays at Obon in August and Oshogatsu for the new year. In addition to these national holidays and observances, you may be able to take advantage of prefectural holidays.Prefectural Holidays in The Kanto RegionFor residents of the Kanto region, there are a handful of prefectures that mark their birthdays in November. The first up is Ibaraki Prefecture on November 13th. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday. WhileSunday is a day off for a lot of people, it still comes with some treats for visitors and residents alike. Many institutions such as museums and natural beauty spots are free or discounted admission.Saitama Prefecture encourages visitors and residents to explore the prefecture with a free ticket, an all-day pass on a number of train lines in the prefecture allowing you to hop on and hop off for a day.I'm tempted to visit Gyoda City for the ancient burial mounds, photo Saigen JiroYamanashi Prefecture celebrates the big day on November 20th. Many tourist attractions, gardens, and museums offer free or discounted admission for the day.I live in one prefecture, Chiba, and work in another, Saitama, so I’m intending to take advantage of the day off work on a discounted train ticket to see a location I haven’t had the chance to explore yet.The Chichibu Mountains in autumn, photo Koichi OdaPrefectures that Mark their HolidaysNot all prefectures have a citizen's holiday. Here's a list of those that do. As Genkidesu says, check out brochures at train stations and explore their websites to find out what's on.Fukui Prefecture February 7thEhime Prefecture February 20thMie Prefecture April 18thToyama Prefecture May 9thTochigi Prefecture June 15thChiba Prefecture June 15thKagoshima Prefecture July 14thHokkaido Prefecture July 15thFukushima Prefecture August 21stShizuoka Prefecture August 21stAkita Prefecture August 29thTottori Prefecture September 12thTokyo October 1stGunma Prefecture October 28thIbaraki Prefecture November 13thSaitama Prefecture November 14thYamanashi Prefecture November 20thWakayama Prefecture November 22ndDo you live in one of these prefectures? Does your prefecture have deals or treats on the day?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxjX-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_yamanashiFri, 25 Nov 2022 11:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxjX-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_yamanashihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERvv-fashion_productAmazon Japan vendor Tod Socks LLC carries 100% organic sheep's wool socks that fit feet 23-35 cm. The socks are crew length and ribbed to stay up. They're a natural heathered gray colour.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERvv-fashion_productThu, 24 Nov 2022 20:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERvv-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaKvD-foods_productYamayoshi snack foods, famous for their specialty potato chip flavors, once again has Kankoku nori, Korean nori seaweed potato chips. These are available at some convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaKvD-foods_productTue, 22 Nov 2022 20:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaKvD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2N5-foods_product7-11's niku gobouten udon is labled in English as udon with burdock tempura and beef in soy-based broth. The dish is iconic of Fukuoka Prefecture's udon style.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2N5-foods_productSun, 20 Nov 2022 13:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ2N5-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lrW-foods_productMorinagaconfectionery has a line of novelty ice milk bars. This one is Shimashima Umauma Caramel with caramel sauce, chocolate and a hint of almond.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lrW-foods_productSat, 19 Nov 2022 18:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7lrW-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrVE-drink_productAsahi Clear from Asahi Breweries is a beer-like happoshu that is primarily made from barley. The brew includes Cascade hops, widely used in craft brews.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrVE-drink_productSat, 19 Nov 2022 18:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnrVE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmP2a-drink_productNiigata Beer is a small craft beer brewer in Niigata City. Among the brewery's big lineup is this brew simply labeled Niigata Beer. It's a Belgian-style ale.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmP2a-drink_productSat, 19 Nov 2022 08:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmP2a-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqBP-living_education_workThe “English Teacher”Earlier this year, I told you about “leveling up” as an English teacher in Japan. The low bar for entry into the English teaching job market means you only need a bachelor’s degree in an English medium institution to meet Japan immigration authority’s visa requirement for eikaiwa and ALT jobs.Japan is an outlier when it comes to professionalism in English language education. Have a look at English teaching jobs in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea. These markets require candidates to have a minimum teaching qualification. South Korea’s equivalent of Japan’s JET Programme, EPIK, determines its salary scale on recognized TESOL qualifications or advanced degrees.Starting from Scratch I started my ESL teaching career unqualified in my home country. The idea to teach ESL came from a university English literature professor. My GPA was too low to compete in graduate studies, so she suggested volunteering to teach English at the university’s international center to see if ESL was a good fit for me.It was challenging with international graduate students eager to improve their communication skills. Lucky for me, the center’s director suggested resources and content. Each session, I had the students “check in”, read newspaper stories aloud, and answer discussion questions after. I did my best, but was at a loss to help them improve their communication, and resorted to spot teaching grammar, idioms, and pronunciation.The Next Step in English TeachingQualifications do count in Japan despite the low bar photo Leeloo ThefirstLater, I did TESOL teacher training in which our instructors asked us to reflect on our pre-training experiences. I realized I’d done clever things, but missed opportunities to help the students demonstrably improve. The TESOL instructors invited us, trainee teachers, to visit their ESL classes where we picked up practical tips. They helped me on my way to full-time teaching positions.And then my life took me to Japan where I saw the lack of regulation firsthand. I started like many rookies do - the JET Programme. As I gained experience, Japanese language fluency, and knowledge of Japan’s education system, I moved on to teaching in private high schools. It's a challenging and rewarding career with good compensation and benefits comparable to the teaching situations I had back home.How did you get them to talk?!A Japanese teacher at a private high school observed my lessons and after the students left, she breathlessly asked me, “How did you get them to talk in English?” She told me that the same students in her English grammar class were silent. My answer was that I provide a purpose and a structure in which the learners do most of the talking, and coaching as necessary. Sure, our course contents overlapped, but much of the language the students used was exclusively acquired in my lessons. The takeaway was this was the first time she’d seen a communicative language lesson taught by a TESOL instructor.Was that result just my smarts? To be honest, I owed a lot to the expertise my TESOL course trainers shared with me.Which qualifications are worth it?Do a Google search for TEFL or EFL or TESOL and you’ll get hundreds of hits for certificate and diploma providers claiming they’re accredited. Recently, My English School instructor Aaron Spooner’s blog post series about the TEFL certificate “industry” investigates the value of these certifications and identifies characteristics of valid and useful courses (and some big red flags).My tl;dr version is that qualifications build a skill set and knowledge base for a specialization. And then there’s the more pragmatic reason to get qualifications - many institutions do recognize qualifications and offer decent pay and benefits.In Part 2, I'll tell you what academics are saying about the state of English language teacher professionalism. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqBP-living_education_workFri, 18 Nov 2022 11:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLqBP-living_education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk23-living_matsudo_shi_chibaTozenji the Jodo sect temple in the Kogane area of Matsudo City, is most famous for its weeping cherry trees in spring. But it’s also spectacular in autumn with hundreds of momiji maples.I made my way to Tozenji in the early morning on November 12th for 紅葉狩り, momijigari, maple hunting.The first thing you’ll encounter is the gate with a huge stone monument indicating that this temple is designated as a place to pay your respects to the imperial family. Flanking the gate are sprawling maples, and just one has started to turn red in contrast to all the greenery. I was a bit disheartened, wondering if I was too early, but stepping inside the gate were many deciduous trees turning color and shedding leaves.The autumnal atmosphere is as much a result of the towering evergreens as the changing leaves as they shade the promenade and keep the temperature low. They’re ancient, as the temple was founded over 500 years ago, plenty of time for these huge trees to establish themselves. In front of the next gate, Niomon dating from the early 19th century, there was quite a bit of colored foliage just within the gate and looking back.Looking past the bell tower, I got another hint of the changing season, glimpsing some color.The main temple is a survivor of the land reform of the post-war era. The mature trees, cemetery, and the temple’s front court feel spacious and press back the urban landscape around it. It looks like if you go early in the day in the next few weeks, you’ll see a greater profusion of color as the momjiji maples change.The temple’s parking spaces are reserved for participants in services and families tending graves. The easiest way to visit is to walk from Kita-Kogane Station. It takes less than 10 minutes from the south exit.On the other side of Kita-Kogane Station, Hondoji, the Nichiren Buddhist temple in a shallow valley has far more color than Tozenji. Is it an effect of micro-climate, or the temple gardener’s conscious choice? I’m not quite sure. Maybe next week I’ll make another visit and update you on these two popular temples.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk23-living_matsudo_shi_chibaWed, 16 Nov 2022 16:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk23-living_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERdP-living_matsudo_shi_chibaLooking back at the Homotsuden, Treasure Hall at HondojiHondoji, the Nichiren Buddhist temple in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture is best known for its tens of thousands of hydrangeas that put on a spectacular show in the rainy season. But it's also referred to as a temple of the four seasons, as there is something to see any time of year.On Saturday, November 12th, the air was laden with that distinct odor of autumn leaves and the sky was a brilliant blue. The light in mid-morning made the colored leaves glow.The temple is located a 10-minute stroll north of Kita-Kogane Station along an avenue with towering cedar trees. On the way, you'll spot a few soba restaurants, pickle shops, and an elegant cafe. These are great places to savor the atmosphere of the Kita-Kogane neighborhood.The path starts at the Hondo, main hallI start my stroll on the slope next to the Hondo which dates from 1611. The garden behind it is thick with dormant hydrangea bushes but offers a few glimpses of red and yellow leaves.Follow the path and you'll pass the modern treasure hall built in 1930 to house important calligraphy manuscripts and the temple's bell. This is where you look back at the treasure hall and over the expanse of the garden.Looking back at the HomotsudenContinue around the low-lying garden. This garden is a beauty in late spring when the irises bloom. The next spot is a well that is important to the Nichiren tradition. It's said that Nichiren's disciple received his first bath from this water. The miraculous water heals and encourages the milk of nursing mothers. Next to it is a temple dedicated to the mother of the founder.The path returns you to the inner gate and a view of the pagoda enshrining a portion of the ashes of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru with a mature ginkgo tree flanking it.The five-storied pagoda and ginkgo treeI've shown you a lot of the beauty of Hondoji, but I haven't ser spoiled it. The temple has colored up but the momiji is yet to peak. I recommend you come in another week or two when the momiji at the Niomon gate put on a show.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERdP-living_matsudo_shi_chibaMon, 14 Nov 2022 11:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERdP-living_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkbP-drink_productKiwamugi Premium High Quality Brew is a happoshu, or "near beer" available at Besia Supermarkets. The malt is made from a variety of different hops augmented by domestic rice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkbP-drink_productSun, 13 Nov 2022 17:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkbP-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Nb-drink_productSuntory's Kodawari Sakaba Lemon Sour is a canned version of the izakaya favorite. Lemon Sour comes in two versions with either 5 %or 7% alcohol. It's made with domestic shochu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Nb-drink_productSun, 13 Nov 2022 16:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3Nb-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3jN-living_noda_shi_chibaWithin the grounds of the headquarters of the Kikkoman soy sauce empire stands a shrine erected by the founding soy sauce producers. Kotohira Shrine is usually behind locked gates the shrine celebrates 式年大祭 Shikinen Taisai, a grand festival on a 12-year cycle.All over the northern hemisphere, people give thanks for harvests. While North America has Thanksgiving, Japan has 勤労感謝の日 Kinro Kansha no Hi, Labor Thanksgiving, a modern version of 新嘗祭 Shinjo Sai, the day to honor the labor it takes to grow and harvest. Kotohira Shrine is a little ahead of that ancient festival.Lanterns greet you at the gate. They're a little frail after another 12 years' wait.Usually, there is kagura, the traditional dance, on this platform but this year, it is canceled. Still, the dance dais is something to see. Here's hoping 12 years from now, there's a dance.Chrysanthemums are not as profuse as most years but still have a good showing. Each one has the name of the gardener attached to its stem.The festival concludes on the 10th so you still have one more day to observe this rare treat.While the gate to the shrine precincts is usually locked, the shrine caretakers relent once a month on the 10th so that people can come to pay their respects.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3jN-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 09 Nov 2022 15:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3jN-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkYo-living_work_tokyoA colleague here in Japan likes to tell remind his coworkers that “Time flies when you don’t know what you’re doing.” When you’re in a new country with different work styles, labor laws, and pension systems in a different language, you can be forgiven for not knowing. Not only is there a lot to learn about working in Japan, but gathering all that information takes a lot of time. To catch you up here is some essential information all in one place.You've got lots of information to go on photo Prateek KatyalGetting SettledThe Immigration Services Agency has a Guidebook on Living and Working for foreign nationals which gathers a vast amount of information for new arrivals. It has an overview of housing, healthcare, education, taxation, and even customs and guidance on daily life.Labor Laws in JapanThat guidebook includes an overview of forms of employment and labor rules in Japan. Look out for the sidebars labeled “Key Points” as the content addresses prohibited labor practices. It’s not that there are more nefarious employers in Japan than in any other country. The cautions are there so you can protect yourself as you engage in an unfamiliar labor environment and avoid being taken advantage of.A comprehensive source of information in a bilingual format is The Foreign Workers' Handbook issued by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The Tokyo Labor Consultation Center provides this handbook in response to the need to raise awareness of Japan’s labor law in the foreign community and address the real issues that foreign workers have asked their consultants.The handbook lists consultation desks, but it’s a plod to read through. Fortunately, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan opened the Foreign Residents Support Center FRESC in 2020 to provide consultation for foreign workers and the companies that employ them. FRESC’s pamphlet shows that it’s a one-stop shop for immigration, labor, legal affairs, and trade issues. Yet More HelpHere’s hoping that you have an ethical and well-informed employer. If you need legal help, Hoterasu, the Japan Legal Support Center, a government initiative as part of the Comprehensive Legal Support Act, has a phone line in multiple languages. Depending on your financial situation, you may receive free or low-cost legal services through this center.And an AnecdoteIn all the excitement of finding a job in Japan nearly 20 years ago, I got taken advantage of. Back then, before the advent of social media and the widespread dissemination of labor law information in English, I really didn’t know what I was doing, but I became deeply suspicious of the information and practices of the company. Fortunately, some friends put me in touch with representatives of the General Union who sat down with me over a cup of coffee to listen to my description of the questionable practices of my employer. Articulating all the problems and having someone listen and confirm that the situation was wrong helped me assert my rights, get the company to compensate me properly, and quit. These days, there is a sea of information to wade through, but it’s available in English and there are people you can talk to.Have you availed yourself of any of the services mentioned above? Which ones did you get the most help from? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkYo-living_work_tokyoWed, 09 Nov 2022 12:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkYo-living_work_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4my-fashion_productKyoetsu's Amazon Japan shop has a selection of fleece-lined cotton samue in various colors. The jacket has one pocket and the pants have two side pockets and a zipper and button closure.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4my-fashion_productTue, 08 Nov 2022 13:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4my-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK7o-foods_productThis 900 gram bag of chickpeas from Namisato was the best value I could find on Amazon Japan this autumn. The chickpeas, called hiyokomame in Japanese, are grown in the US.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK7o-foods_productTue, 08 Nov 2022 13:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK7o-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYpo-drink_productSuntory Brewerie's Kinmugi is a line of happoshu, or near-beers available throughout the year. Kinmugi comes out with seasonal versions. This one is Kinmugi Fuyu no aji, winter flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYpo-drink_productSat, 05 Nov 2022 20:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYpo-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Ej8-drink_productEvery year in autumn Kirin Breweries releases Ichibanshibori Toretate Hop, a beer brewed from Ibuki hops grown in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. This one was released on November 1st, 2022.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Ej8-drink_productSat, 05 Nov 2022 19:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Ej8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ELr-foods_productMorinaga's popular Pino ice milk treats come in a wide variety of flavors, some seasonal. This version is Fragrant Milk Tea with 6 small morsels of chocolate-covered ice milk.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ELr-foods_productSat, 05 Nov 2022 10:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ELr-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryq6-living_noda_shi_chibaNovember 3rd is celebrated as Bunka no Hi in Japan, and fortunately, we had blue skies and fluffy clouds here in the Kanto region. I had a hunch that our local beauty spot would be just starting to put on its show.The walk along the west side is just starting to turn coloursMany people took advantage of the warm, sunny weather on the national holiday to enjoy a day out at Shimizu Park in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture. This park is renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring (chosen as one of Japan’s best cherry blossom spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association), a profusion of azaleas at the end of April, and a great variety of trees that change color in autumn.On the approach to the park, the tsusuki grass on the margins of the Zao River with brilliant red foliage caught my eye.The approach to the park along the Zao RiverWithin the park, here and there various deciduous trees are beginning to turn color. My favorite spot is on the west side with arching maple trees spanning the walking path.Next door on the west side of Shimizu Park is Noda City Park with sports facilities. In front of the gymnasium, and ranged around the water features the trees are putting on a show.Fiery colours at Noda ParkLikely the best time to visit is within the next week or so when the maples will be at their best. I found that the best light to capture the autumn foliage is in the early afternoon. There are many hilly spots that catch a lot of shade but receive bright sunshine in the middle of the day.Next door to Shimizu Park is Flower Fantasia, a botanical garden that really shines in the autumn with kokia plantings and unobstructed vistas of sky and verdure.If you’re up for a stroll, the west side of the park has an open secret - a nature preserve not marked on Google Maps but with walking paths through dense forest and marshes frequented by cormorants and herons. You can easily make a day of your autumn colour stroll through the park, garden, and forest.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryq6-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 04 Nov 2022 10:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryq6-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dLY-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores have a line of single-serving cookies. This one, a chocolate chip cookie laden with chocolate chips, fits in the palm of your hand and has 280 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dLY-foods_productThu, 03 Nov 2022 13:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dLY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXBg-foods_productCalbee Shiawase Butter potato chips come in a 60 gram bag. The chips are flavored with butter, honey, parsley, and mascarpone cheese. They're available in supermarkets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXBg-foods_productThu, 03 Nov 2022 10:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXBg-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbBN-drink_productSuntory Breweries' Perfect Suntory Beer, a sugar-free beer, is available in 350 ml and 500 ml aluminum cans. The beer is marketed to health-conscious beer fans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbBN-drink_productThu, 03 Nov 2022 08:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbBN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk33-drink_productKirin Beverage's Honshibori Grapefruit in two varietie is a "chuhai", a shochu highball drink with grapefruit juice, shochu, soda, and no additives or added sugar.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk33-drink_productThu, 03 Nov 2022 08:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyk33-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12eo-foods_productWelna Foods has a number of pasta sauces in 260 gram bags. This one, Mama brand carbonara pasta sauce "with plenty of milk" is intended to provide two servings of sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12eo-foods_productWed, 02 Nov 2022 18:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z12eo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2g8n-living_chibaRecently, when cleaning my donabe I noticed it had a big chip out of the rim. I knocked a spoon against the bottom and it made a dull thud. Nuts, its life was over.The kind of donabe I had is easily replaceable as it is a long seller. The new one has straighter sides than the old one, and the capacity is suitable for making meals for two people.I’ll be more careful with this new one.How to season a donabeBefore it got used for its first meal, it needed some preparation. Just like a cast iron pot or pan, earthenware needs to be seasoned. This is because there’s a tradeoff with the heat-resistant clay that the donabe is made of - it has tiny pores that make the donabe absorb liquids.The most common way to season a donabe is to boil rice in it. To get started, fill the nabe with water until it is about 80% full and add a cup of rice. Put in on low heat covered with the lid for about 30 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave it overnight. The next day, discard the rice, rinse and dry the pot.A thrifty and fast way to achieve the same effect uses flour. Like the method above, fill it with the same amount of water, two tablespoons of flour, and boil it. After five minutes, turn the heat off, let it cool, and dry it thoroughly.I tried another method and it left a good starchy finish on the pot - potato water. I saved and cooled the water in which I boiled potatoes, poured it into the nabe, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. After starchy potato water treatmentHow to take care of itSure, these pots are meant to be put right on the heat, but there are some precautions. Make sure it is completely dry on the outside and feed it before you put in on the hob - never heat it when it’s empty. While they’re pretty durable, make sure you don’t bang them against other ceramics. It looks like one too many times, I dropped the lid on my old donabe one too many times and that did it in.When it comes to cleaning, remember that it is porous so avoid dish soap. A scrub with a tawashi and warm water removes anything stuck on and stains.They'll acquire little hairline cracks, too, over time, and you can heal them up by seasoning them again. Because I alternate between cooking rice and hot pot stews, my nabe holds up pretty well.Does your kitchen have one of these pots? How do you maintain yours? What do you cook in it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2g8n-living_chibaTue, 01 Nov 2022 10:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2g8n-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ry-foods_productLotte Confectionery is known for its choco pie, a sandwich of chocolate candy-covered soft biscuits with ice cream in the middle instead of marshmallows.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ry-foods_productSun, 30 Oct 2022 12:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Ry-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK9o-drink_productKirin Beverage's Honshibori Lemon is a "chuhai", a shochu highball drink with 12% lemon juice, shochu (6% alcohol), soda, and no additives or added sugar.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK9o-drink_productSun, 30 Oct 2022 10:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaK9o-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq178-foods_productYamamori Brand's House Curry retort packages are available on Amazon Japan. Each 200 g package contains a beef flavored curry gravy that provides one or two meals' worth of curryTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq178-foods_productSat, 29 Oct 2022 17:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mq178-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLYE-foods_productQBB brand Baby Cheese is a mild processed cheese with camambert is a mild flavored cheese product that is popular and economical. Each 100 yen package contains four portions in foil.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLYE-foods_productSat, 29 Oct 2022 16:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvLYE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj7k-tech_product_foods_product7-11 convenience store's own brand of bread products includes these bread sticks, 4 in a bag, made with fermented butter, eggs, and wheat flour for 148 yen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj7k-tech_product_foods_productFri, 28 Oct 2022 12:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj7k-tech_product_foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKym-foods_productPokka Sapporo and the canned product Ca va? teamed up for this instant soup cup made with domestic mackerel, bread crutons, and black pepper seasoning.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKym-foods_productThu, 27 Oct 2022 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgKym-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY9o-foodSince the evenings have gotten cooler in the Kanto region where I live, I've been making a lot of nabe dishes. They're easy to prepare and quick to cook.Lately, root vegetables are in season which led me to making a Japanese version of colcannon. It got me thinking about other comforting and warming foods that were part of my Scottish family's cooking.This time, I got a big bag of Hokkaido potatoes and thought for a moment about making niku jaga, the hearty one-pot dish. And then it struck me - niku jaga is analoguous to the Scottish dish stovies!My experiment with stovies-jagaThis was easy to make with naganegi and onion browned in olive oil, carrots and potato chopped into chunks and pan roasted until they glisten, and a small amount of meat. For broth I used tsuyu, a little mirin (after all, niku jaga recipes usually call for a little osake).It's so delicious over rice! This one will be on repeat this winter.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY9o-foodThu, 27 Oct 2022 15:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbY9o-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnP4-living_educationMany Japanese people associate autumn with a time for reading, spurred by the lines of a Chinese classic. If you follow that link, you’ll find some famous places with literary associations and tips on improving your Japanese reading skills. Maybe this Halloween you’re inclined to stay in and curl up with a good book. Japan’s got plenty of hair-raising folk tales and books that you can read in either Japanese or English.Hoichi guided by a mysterious samurai in まんがトムソーヤ文庫: 怪談One of Japan’s iconic compilers of supernatural tales, Lafcadio Hearn, was a world-wandering chronicler of the culture and tales he encountered. His journey from Greece to Ireland to the U.S., documenting culture and traditions along the way, led him to Japan in the 1890s where he settled in to write amongst many other books Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things. Nearly every Japanese adult you talk to knows a tale from that collection of ghost stories, "Mimi Nashi no Hoichi", Earless Hoichi. In the story, a talented blind biwa player is recruited by a dour samurai to play for his lord. But what Hoichi can’t see is that the lord and nobles are the spirits of the lost Emperor Antoku and his retinue. You’ll have to read the story to find out what befalls Hoichi.One way to enjoy Lafcadio Hearn’s stories is through manga versions with furigana to help young learners. Your school or local library likely has multiple versions. The one I’m reading now is a little old, published in the 1990s, aimed at young readers, and illustrated by horror manga artist Hino Hideshi.I'm reading one of the many manga retellings of Hearn's tales aimed at young readersLong before Lafcadio Hearn, there were other masterful storytellers who scared the wits out of Japanese folks. An awesome collection of tales from the Heian era is Konjaku Monogatari, about 1000 tales of Buddhist and Japanese folklore. The stories often have a moral purpose to promote Buddhist ideals but they’ll give you goosebumps all the same. Scholar Marian Ury translated a selection of the tales and presented them as Tales of Times Now Past.You can get your mitts on the original Japanese versions of these books at public and school libraries. Some manga versions are available, too, with furigana to help budding readers.However, there are also supernatural tales to be enjoyed online. Zack Davisson, a translator and folklore scholar has a rich collection of yokai tales on his website. There you can read the backstory on the origins and traditions of many a spooky tale.Have you read any of the stories and books mentioned? What's your favorite tale?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnP4-living_educationThu, 27 Oct 2022 11:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnP4-living_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmY-foods_productSilvia, a confectionery company, has started a new line, Locabo Farm which offers low-carbohydrate cakes, sweets, and crackers. This single donut is flavored with pumpkin.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmY-foods_productMon, 24 Oct 2022 19:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmY-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy9D-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaA few years ago, I told you I ain’t afraid of no yurei after researching some tales about spots in my region of northern Chiba Prefecture that are said to be haunted in my effort to read more in Japanese. A tried and true way to improve your Japanese language reading skills is to read what you’re interested in, and what could be more intriguing than tales of the mysterious locations right outside your door?A friendly ghost in Noda CityIn this spooky Halloween season for entertainment and expansion of my vocabulary of the macabre, I’m reading yet more haunting stories I can share with both my Japanese and foreign friends who are up for a fright. In another time, these tales were probably passed from person to person over the light of an irori or in the schoolyard. But these days, there are many websites that collect tales of terror. The website 全国心霊マップ, Ghost Map Japan, aggregates reports of places with mysterious histories including 背虚 haikyo abandoned buildings, 都市伝説 toshi densetsu, urban legends, and 心霊スポットshinrei spotto, haunted spots. The coverage is so broad you're likely to find somewhere close to home with a spectre. Maybe too close. Our Noda City beauty spot, Shimizu Park, has a number of apparitions and mysterious happenings.An atmospheric slope in supposedly haunted Shimizu ParkA quick perusal 心霊スポット Shinrei Supotto, another online repository of Japan’s supernatural places of interest, turned up a handful of hauntings in Kasukabe City where I work. The city's claim to fame is Crayon Shinchan, the cheeky perennial kindergarten boy, celebrated at an amusement park at the local mall. Little did I know that there are spooks in this Tokyo bedroom community.While many of the tall tales of spooky places are meant to titillate - a scary abandoned hospital or a desolate landscape are recounted in detail to scare the daylights out of you - some have redeeming and socially significant outcomes. Two stories come to mind.In Kasukabe City, the underpasses that carry pedestrians below the Tobu train lines were gloomy spaces that acquired ghost lore over time. In an effort to allay the fears of children who crossed under the tracks, a project to transform the spaces arose. Today, these underpasses are now decorated with murals of aquatic landscapes and fanciful characters. They’re worth a visit when you pass through Kasukabe City.Another one that startled me was a shocking grassroots campaign to promote safety at a level crossing, also on the Tobu line, in Nagareyama City. A local person, frustrated with the dangerous crossing and mounting injury toll at the crossing commissioned manikins and hung them by the tracks. Train drivers reported the ghostly female figures and the incident raised the issue of level crossing safety in the city.Have you heard some hair-raising tales where you live? Have you seen anything extraordinary? Give us a scare for Halloween!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy9D-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaMon, 24 Oct 2022 12:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy9D-living_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnOB-fashion_productThis lightweight folding parasol/umbrella by Nifty Colors uses polyester fabric that is said to provide 99% UV protection. The umbrella is easy to fold and put in its matching cover.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnOB-fashion_productMon, 24 Oct 2022 12:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnOB-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbxN-drink_productPruneFe is drinking yogurt fortified with the recommended daily intake of iron at 6.8 mg. The paper carton contains 190 g of yogurt. It is available at convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbxN-drink_productMon, 24 Oct 2022 11:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbxN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aR8-foodWhile researching sharingHalloween’s origins and traditions with Japanese friends and colleagues,I revisited a recipe for a traditional Irish dish, colcannon. I’m not Irish, but it’s familiar to me because my Scottish grandmother made something like it when I was a kid growing up. Here’s my Japanese “mash-up” of this Irish Halloween potato dish.My bento box lunch of sweet and sour chicken, steamed broccoli, and Japanese-Irish colcannonFor mine, I used floury Hokkaido potatoes, cabbage, hakusai, naganegi, butter, garlic, soy sauce, and ground pepper.Ingredients for my fusion colcannonIt’s easy to make. Peel, boil, and mash the potatoes like you would mashed potatoes. Fry the garlic and naganegi in the butter until fragrant, and add the two kinds of cabbage. Cook them until they wilt and glisten. Return the mashed potatoes to the pot, and combine all the ingredients.The recipe on the Irish Food&Wine website includes milk to make it smooth, but I didn’t have it on hand and didn’t miss it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aR8-foodSun, 23 Oct 2022 14:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aR8-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmd-drink_productBar Pomumu is a series of mixed liquor low alcohol drinks from Suntory Breweries. This time I tried Bar Pomumu Lemon Honey. The alcohol content is 4%.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmd-drink_productSun, 23 Oct 2022 09:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dmd-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXWY-drink_productYaho Brewing Company in Nagano Prefecture produces craft beers. Shoki no Satan is a low-alcohol drink produced using the same method as their craft IPA.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXWY-drink_productSun, 23 Oct 2022 08:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXWY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbx1-drink_productThis limited-time specialty beer is part of Suntory Breweries' Premium Malts series. It features a malt made with German Saphir hops. The alcohol content of this pale ale is 6%.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbx1-drink_productSun, 23 Oct 2022 08:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbx1-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qm9-foods_productThis sanratan soup base indicates that the package contains kikurage shiitake mushrooms and serves two. The preparation instructions require the addition of tofu and a beaten egg.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qm9-foods_productSat, 22 Oct 2022 12:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3qm9-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4rK-drink_productThe latest in the Kinmugi line of beers and near-beeres from Suntory Breweries is Koime no Hitotoki, 'Dark Moment', is a limited time drink that comes in 350 and 500 ml cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4rK-drink_productSat, 22 Oct 2022 12:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4rK-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wka3L-livingHalloween wasn’t a thing here in Japan when I first arrived 20 years ago. Back then, when I was a JET Program ALT, I mentioned to my colleagues that the spooky season was one of my favorite childhood memories of my life in Canada. And was met with blank looks from those who had never experienced this festival in a country that celebrates it.A Halloween decoration at a local parkThe Halloween I enjoyed as a kid growing up in Canada was a blend of the North American celebration and lore that my Scottish relatives shared with us second-generation kids. My siblings, cousins, and I were regaled with tales of ghosts and witches. We heard recitations (somewhat expurgated) of Robert Burn’s Tam o' Shanter rollicking narrativeabout foolish Tam and his run-in with witches. We donned homemade costumes, went trick-or-treating, and spotted the flicker of jack-o-lanterns on front porches in our Vancouver neighborhood. In the early 2000s when theme parks in Japan adopted this unofficial holiday as an event suddenly Halloween became a thing. Parades, parties, and decorations proliferated. These days, you can get bags of Halloween treats illustrated with bats, ghosts, and zombies in most supermarkets.A Spooky variation on melon pan from bakery Vie de FranceNow, Japanese kids participate in Halloween parties, and businesses display the characteristic black and orange decorations of bats, pumpkins, zombies, and witches.It’s fun but where does it come from? I want to share with my colleagues, friends, and my school students the origins of Halloween. So I hunted up some Japanese language explainers.The Irish Embassy in Japan goes all out for Halloween on their Twitter account. One Tweet that I’ve been sharing for the last few years with Japanese people is an animated short that explains that one root of Halloween is the autumn harvest festival, Samhain, celebrated by the Celts of old. It also describes the traditions of baking barm cake, trick or treating, and storytelling that go with the event. A 2017 broadcast on Kawasaki FM radio program Fuji Fuji no Fun Fun Tuesday featured a discussion with an Irish embassy in Japan representative and another from the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Japan who lived in Ireland for some time. The guests talk about the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, the ancestor homecoming celebration of Samhain, and the spread of Halloween celebrations to the U.S. due to Irish immigration in the 19th century.An oft-quoted litany ascribed to either English or Scottish folk bless you in this spooky season - From ghoulies and ghosties, long-leggety beasties, and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!Have a Happy Halloween!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wka3L-livingMon, 17 Oct 2022 23:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wka3L-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpmo-foods_productThis dry sausage from Prima Ham is labeled Hokkaido Tokachi. The content is a mix of pork, chicken, and beef augmented with soy protein. What you get is 4 40 gram sausages.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpmo-foods_productSun, 16 Oct 2022 17:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpmo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ213-hobby_home_productGinpo Touki, the ceramics company, has a number of different sized donabe, or earthenware pots. This one is size 7, suitable for making hot pot dishes for 1-2 people.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ213-hobby_home_productSat, 15 Oct 2022 16:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ213-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryPe-mind_body_productUnilever brand markets its stick deodorant as Rexena in Japan. This particular product, Dry Shield, is unscented and the container indicates it is 20 grams.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryPe-mind_body_productWed, 12 Oct 2022 21:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryPe-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbm1-mind_body_productLaboos, a Taiwan-based company that ships to Japan, produces bamboo household items. I got a set of four toothbrushes with nylon bristles and sturdy bamboo handles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbm1-mind_body_productMon, 10 Oct 2022 12:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbm1-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykR6-living_noda_shi_chibaThe past week has been a bit gloomy with a lot of gray skies and rain in the Kanto region.So I've been savoring the few sunny days when I can, capturing the vibrant early autumn colours in my own neighborhood. I cycled to Shimizu Park in Noda City to see the higanbana blooming in front of the Niyomon gate. They were right on time for the autumn equinox.At the edge of farm fields are many cosmos flowers in bloom. Besides the delicate pink ones, I found warm orange ones climbing over a boxwood hedge.At the end of September, the sweet kinmokusei scent wafted into my room, and when we got a sunny break here one evening, I followed my nose to some towering kinmokusei at a farm field.Friends abroad ask me if the trees are changing, but I tell them that in the Kanto region, not yet but soon. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's 2022 forecast, maples and ginkgos will peak in the last week of November. The maples have a musty smell, but the ginkgos are putrid. Their beauty makes up for the aroma.I keep an eye on this little path up a slope in Shimizu Park. When the autumn leaves change, it transforms into a fiery tunnel of red and yellow.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykR6-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 10 Oct 2022 11:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GykR6-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3y8-drink_productWilkinson Ginger Ale comes in two varieties, sweet and spicy. The 180 ml emerald glass bottles only indicate the product name in English, with no details.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3y8-drink_productSun, 09 Oct 2022 11:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3y8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxQE-drink_productSuntory's limited-time offering of Aki Nashi Chuhai is flavored with domestic nashi pears, liqueur, sweetener, and flavoring. The can indicates that the pears are sourced in Tochigi, a prefecture noted for its fruit production.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxQE-drink_productSat, 08 Oct 2022 17:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxQE-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy4D-foods_productMorinaga's Parm Caramel Pumpkin ice cream bar available at 7-11 convenience stores comes in a single 80 ml bar. It's got caramel coating around a pumpkin-flavored ice cream with caramel sauce.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy4D-foods_productSat, 08 Oct 2022 17:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBy4D-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Qv-drink_productPoka Sapporo's Double Lemon is a carbonated drink that comes in 500 mililiter PET plastic bottles. The drink contains 1000 mg of Vitamin C and 3000 mg of citric acid.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Qv-drink_productFri, 07 Oct 2022 11:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Qv-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYeW-drink_productAsahi Beverage released Craft Ginger Ale in its Mitsuya drink lineup in September of 2022. The label touts the drink manufacturing process which doesn't heat the flavoring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYeW-drink_productTue, 04 Oct 2022 19:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYeW-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4jZ-medical_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaSo the verdict is in - walking 10,000 steps a day is good for you.Shibuya Scramble, HafeisiBut the origin of the idea, curiously, is not rooted in science. It was in fact a marketing ploy by a Japanese company and a quirk of Japanese wordplay. In anticipation of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Yamasa Tokei Keiki, a clockmaker in conjunction with a doctor who was concerned with the decline of physical activity in Japan, devised a pedometer called 万歩計 manpokei, or 10,000 steps meter. When you hear the name you might think of 散歩 sanpo, or walking. And the play on words incorporated 万 man, which means both 10,000 and a lot. The product spawned walking clubs with the aim of reaching the target of 10,000 steps which is perceived as 満足, manzoku meaning sufficient. But the reality was previously insufficient evidence to indicate that 10,000 steps make a difference in health outcomes.Out of curiosity, I looked up how many steps a day people average in different countries and wasn’t surprised that Japanese people have a high step count. How many steps they take a day depends on age, environment, and sex.It looks like working-age men do a lot of walking over the course of a day.But does it count when it comes to fitness? Well, it looks like science has finally caught up with the walkers and determined that it does, but there is some fine footwork required to make your movement count.Researchers recently revealed that there is a correlation between 10,000 steps and reduced risk of dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. So all that trudging you urban dwellers do from home to train station, up and down stairs, appears to be beneficial. What hasn’t been specified, as far as I’ve read, is the speed at which you walk.Every day, I trudge to the station, up and down stairs in my workplace, constantly moving as my work requires that I stand and move a lot. I probably won't achieve the goal of 10,000 steps on a normal work day, but if I forgo the bus and walk the 35 minutes to the station, I probably top it and can manage that a few times a week. And those walks are great for meditating on the day’s events and planning for the next day. I'd say I'm in pretty good shape, but it's hard to say if it's all the steps I take or the other things I do. I cycle to do all my errands and walk and hike on weekends.Do you think you reach 10,000 steps a day? How do you manage the feat?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4jZ-medical_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaThu, 29 Sep 2022 10:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN4jZ-medical_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk72-living_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaThe worst of the summer heat is finally over, and post typhoon Nanmadol, the skies over the Kanto region alternated between bright blue and steely grey in the days preceding the Autumn Equinox. I took a chance with the weather and cycled around Nagareyama City on the banks of the Edo River taking breaks under eaves during light showers. Fortunately there weren’t any heavy squalls and I dried out quickly from a few sprinklings. The object of my ride was to see what is in bloom in early autumn.When you think of early autumn flowers, what might come to mind is the ubiquitous higanbana or spider lily that blooms around the autumn equinox. And the banks of the Edo River in Nagareyama City are lined with these flowers for nearly a kilometer. But there are other flowers that mark the season. I had a hunch I would see some in the city.So I dropped by the garden at Mori no Atelier Reimei, the former workshop of a local artist which is now a cafe and gallery space. The garden around it is shaded by mature trees and lovingly maintained with plants that are native to Asia.To my delight, many of the shrubs and trees were putting on an early autumn show of colours. At the base of the stone-lined path, I spotted ヤブラン, yaburan, which is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It’s actually a mountain plant but so hardy that it grows just about anywhere.Yaburan, Liriope platyphyllaYou often see these evergreen dark and light green blades at the edges of paths and under trees. In early autumn, they produce tiny lilac purple flowers borne on long spikes. The English names for this plant are the unflattering monkey grass and lilyturf, which alludes to their resemblance to hyacinth.In the center of the garden is a little feature, a gassho zukuri-style shrine-like structure. It’s a lovely backdrop for the シュウメイギク shuumeigiku that bloom around it. This flower has descriptive kanji characters for it - 秋明菊 which means the opening of autumn kiku. They are in fact a kind of anemone that originated in China but now commonly accepted as a Japanese native plant. They’re perennials with flowers on tall stalks that vary from white to pink to purple. The Chinese name for them describes them as broken bowls with their irregularly shaped petals. They resemble cosmos, but cosmos flowers have symetry.Shuumeigiku, Eriocapitella hupehensisA spreading shrub with sprays of purple flowers caught my eye, too. This relative of the legume family ミヤギノハギ miyaginohagi, as it grows abundantly in the wild in Miyagi Prefecture. In English, it is known as Thunberg’s bush clover and shrub lespedeza. It certainly resembles beans and peas but it’s much showier with weeping branches that display the flowers well.Miyaginohagi, Lespedeza thunbergiiAnd of course, there were some higanbana in the garden including a creamy white one with long, whispy stamens.Higanbana, Lycoris radiataHave you spotted these blooms in gardens in your region? Which gardens do you recommend for autumn blossoms?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk72-living_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaSun, 25 Sep 2022 16:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mxk72-living_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3kx-foods_product7-11 Convenience stores stock 'cup deli' it ems, small portions of salads for 200 to 280 yen, that are good as side dishes for meals and bento box lunches. This one is gobo salad.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3kx-foods_productThu, 22 Sep 2022 10:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO3kx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERnY-drink_productAmong Asahi Beverage's lines of drinks is Wilkinson Tansan, sparkling sodas. The carbonated drink in a plastic PET bottle is flavored with crisp lemon and ginger.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERnY-drink_productWed, 21 Sep 2022 13:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MERnY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYQL-drink_productSpring Valley, Kirin's revival of the 19th-century brewery in Yokohama, released Silk Ale in August 2022. Silk Ale is a white beer with 5.5% alcohol content.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYQL-drink_productTue, 20 Sep 2022 18:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDYQL-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpaq-tech_productGM Japan is a domestic computer company that produces laptops and tablets. This 2-in-1 laptop and tablet runs Windows 11 with a hard disk of 128 GB.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpaq-tech_productFri, 16 Sep 2022 11:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpaq-tech_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E56-foods_productMarunaka Confectionery based in Hyogo Prefecture produces sweets such as donuts, waffles, and poundcake. The Select milk donuts are made with domestic wheat flour.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E56-foods_productWed, 14 Sep 2022 13:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9E56-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dXA-drink_productSuntory Breweries has been producing premium beers marketed as 'craft' since the early 2020s. This beer, Tokyo Craft Sawayaka IPA, features three kinds of hops.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dXA-drink_productSun, 11 Sep 2022 12:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8dXA-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXe2-drink_productSuntory Breweries version of an autumn happoshu, or low-malt near beer, is Kohaku no Aki, Amber Autumn. This beer is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXe2-drink_productSun, 11 Sep 2022 11:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRXe2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbpK-drink_productHamada Shuzo breweries experiments with a shochu of 40% alcohol content combining traditional koji mold and a white oak flavoring for this take on traditional sake.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbpK-drink_productSat, 10 Sep 2022 21:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKbpK-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykg5-drink_productEvery year, Asahi Breweries releases an autumn limited edition beer, Aki no Utage, Autumn Banquet. It's available in 350 ml and 500 ml aluminum cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykg5-drink_productSat, 10 Sep 2022 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykg5-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BoR-drink_productKirin Breweries, like many Japanese brewers, has an autumnal beer that it has released every year since 1991. Akiaji's distinction is a higher proportion of hops as indicated on the can.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BoR-drink_productThu, 08 Sep 2022 18:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0BoR-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvem-tech_productAnker's Bluetooth wireless keyboard is 2/3 the size of a standard keyboard, pairs with tablets, computers, and smartphones using IOS, Android, and Windows.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvem-tech_productThu, 08 Sep 2022 17:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZvem-tech_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glxv8-drink_productSouthern Star, a happoshu or near beer, is a new product from Okinawa's Orion Breweries. This happoshu is 5% alcohol like typical drinks in this category.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glxv8-drink_productThu, 08 Sep 2022 12:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glxv8-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkeB-food_health_okinawaA trip to Okinawa turned me on to Okinawan culture and the cuisine that’s said to be one of the secrets to Okinawans’ longevity. Not just longevity but continued good health into old age.The long life Okinawans have enjoyed is attributed to more than just the cuisine. Strong community support, physical activity, and a sense of 生き甲斐 ikigai, purpose. As Genkidesu tells us, you can find a gratifying path in life anywhere in Japan. During the pandemic with a lot of time on my hands, I spent more time cooking and discovered that I enjoy learning new techniques, experimenting with ingredients, and serving food to my partner who hasn’t turned his nose up yet at the dishes I make. I enjoy it, it makes people happy, and it keeps me healthy. Why not incorporate elements of the Okinawan diet touted for its health benefits?The Okinawan DietThe Okinawan diet historically depended on a high proportion of vegetables and fruits, beans, and low glycemic index carbohydrates. Meat and fish are a much smaller part of the Okinawan diet in comparison to the general Japanese diet. The food tradition also preserves two conceptions of healthy eating from mainland Asia. One is cautionary - 腹八分, harahachibu, or eating only until you are 80% full which restricts caloric intake. The other is a perception of food as 薬膳 yakuzen, medicinal food. The ingredients include herbs, vegetables, and fruits that are loaded with nutrition.My diet these days is focused on in-season produce, small portions of proteins, and rice, but I am slowly incorporating some representative Okinawan dishes and ingredients.GoyaThis bitter vegetable isn’t unique to Okinawa but it is one that most people associate with the cuisine. Goya, besides being low calorie, is high in Vitamins B, C, E, and K. It’s also high in fibre which is good for your digestion. Research indicates that a chemical in the goya helps with glucose control.You might have tried goya chamburu at an Okinawan restaurant, but nothing beats homemade. It”s a simple dish of slices of goya, pressed tofu, pork, and light seasoning. It was easy to make. To start, salt the goya slices and let them stand for a bit before you rinse them to reduce the bitter taste. My partner loves the mild seasoning of katsuo dashi, soy sauce and ground pepper.MozukuWhen my partner and I saw this on the menu of a local izakaya, we had to have some. Don’t be put off by the texture. Chilled mozuku dressed with a little vinegar and grated ginger is cooling, tangy and a little sharp which goes down great in the summer. The fucoidan it contains is an anti-inflammatory and immune booster. While I haven’t prepared it at home, it’s one food from Okinawa that I look out for at restaurants.BeniimoBefore rice and bread were widely available in Okinawa, the carbohydrate of choice was sweet potatoes. One variety you can find in savory dishes, sweets, and even ice cream is 紅芋 beniimo, the purple sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins, fiber, potassium, and iron. They’re a good alternative to rice or wheat bread. If you can’t find them in your region, a good approximation, and also delicious, is さつま芋 satsumaimo, which has a purplish skin and golden interior.Do you like Okinawan food? What dishes do you like? Does your diet resemble the Okinawan diet?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkeB-food_health_okinawaFri, 02 Sep 2022 13:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxkeB-food_health_okinawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBym7-drink_productAsahi has a series of products, "47 Yell", to support domestic produce. This flat drink in a 500 ml PET plastic bottle is made with domestically grown lemongrass and spring water.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBym7-drink_productFri, 26 Aug 2022 18:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBym7-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gWb-living_saitama_shi_saitama_minuma_ku_saitama_shi_saitamaGetting away from the heat in the Kanto was on my agenda this summer. There are cooler regions, such as Nikko or Hakone. But in August when I have a break, I’m reluctant to catch a crowded train for a two-hour journey. So I look to somewhere closer with shady lanes, waterways, and where I can feel the breeze. This time, I settled on a bicycle adventure through a landscape within the Kanto region close to home.Easy to forget you're in Saitama City with this view of the marshesMinuma Ward in Saitama City despite being somewhat urban has remnants of a shogun-era land reclamation project, 見沼田んぼ Minuma tanbo, that resulted in vast rice paddies, forests, and satoyama, the marginal areas between human habitation and wild nature.A little searching online turned up a bicycle rental network with high coverage in Saitama Prefecture, Hello Cycling. I downloaded the app, scouted stations in their network on the northern end of Minuma, and aimed for a location to return the bike in Urawa City at the southern end.Once I got a kilometer or two south of the Tobu Urban Park Line, suburban Saitama City receded and I aimed for Nanasato General Park which is where 見沼田んぼ Minuma tango begins. It’s startling to discover hundreds of hectares of rural landscape only a few minutes from Saitama City’s hub.Minuma Benzaiten at the edge of the rice paddiesHere, I caught the breeze wafting over the shallow river valley and cool off in the shade of avenues of trees on the walking and cycling paths along the waterways.On my route were a few historical and natural landmarks, too. I stopped by the former home of village chiefs, the Former Bando family residence. This restored estate with a thatched roof is surrounded by a thicket of trees. While I was chatting with the guide, a breath of wind blew through the eves and we were momentarily refreshed.The former Bando ResidenceMy next stop was the intriguingly named Ryu no Mori, the Dragon’s Forest. Legend has it that, before the land reclamation project in the Edo era, the marsh was the home of dragons. The dragon was disturbed by human encroachment, protesting by causing calamity and sickness. The story goes that the dragon moved on, but modern residents through a conservation initiative protect this forest. It’s well-loved, the gate and signboard decorated with bamboo figures of dragons.A real dragon! Beyond the gate is a bamboo thicket that rustles in the breeze. You can’t enter the forest but the surroundings are lush with greenery and the Minuma Daiyosui waterway flowing through it.My final stop was Urawa for the museum of preserved houses just as it was closing. The late afternoon sun, the light breeze, and the cool of the verandas of the classic houses made it a great spot to imagine how the people of a bygone era endured the summer heat.Noguchi Residence at the Urawa MuseumAnd by the time I got to the closest station in Urawa City to return the bike, I felt relaxed and refreshed. I relished the late afternoon sun at the end of an August day.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gWb-living_saitama_shi_saitama_minuma_ku_saitama_shi_saitamaWed, 24 Aug 2022 10:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2gWb-living_saitama_shi_saitama_minuma_ku_saitama_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoPZ-living_howto_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokaA Matsudo City street during 2015's Typhoon EtauOne of the most chilling moments in my 20 years of residence in Japan was being woken after midnight by our city’s 防災放送 bosai hoso system announcing that a dam on the upper reaches of the Tone River system was about to be opened. My partner had experienced the flood in Joso City when Typhoon Etau struck in 2015, and I had joined the cleanup task force in the weeks after. He looked at me and said, anybody in the flood’s path is already lost. Fortunately, at the last minute, the river crested, and the flushing was averted.The water level on a Joso City house during the cleanup from Typhoon Etau floodTyphoons are one of the perils of life in Japan. Some good news is that in 2022, due to the El Nina event, the forecast indicates that we should have lower than average typhoon activity in 2022. Still, you have to keep your wits about you during the typhoon season that spans May to October with the peak of activity in August and September.Prepare your HomeThe first thing you want to do is get everything inside that might fall over or blow away. I wrangle my bicycle into the genkan of my apartment when there is a major storm on the way. Bikes blow over easily and extracting them from the tangled aftermath can bend rims and damage cables.The next thing is to ensure that there are no loose awnings, soffits, or siding on your building. My landlord rushed right over when I explained that a loose shingle got the wind under it and sounded like a giant kazoo. It was an easy repair and prevented water damage should the shingle come off.Before you huddle inside to wait out the storm, plan your menu. While you can get prepared emergency food, I figure it’s best to just make sure you have a few days’ worth of dried or canned food and drinks. You’ll see that your local supermarket’s stock of cup ramen depletes fast as it’s comfort food that’s easy to fix. Maybe you have a portable gas ring as part of your winter cooking routine, so keep your cassette gas handy in case of power failures.Then there are the windows. It’s easy enough to put packing tape on your windows but hard to get it off. I usually just collect some cardboard boxes from the supermarket and wedge them into the window frames. Single pane windows don’t always keep the rain out, so place towels on the sills.A while ago, I told you about my bug-out bag, a backpack, and secondary bags of items that are easy to find at 100 yen shops. And a lot of the items you may already have on hand. It’s just a matter of assembling and packaging them in zip-top bags or waterproof containers.Stay TunedIn the event of a disaster, The Japan Times provides up-to-date information on its Disaster Information Portal. You might also want to check the flood situation in your local area. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Traffic, and Tourism (MLIT) provides an information portal, too, which has a real-time river and flood map.While I'm conversant in Japanese and can read, there is a lot of vocabulary for disasters that I don't use every day. So I made a Quizlet set for disaster-related vocabulary.Be safe, wherever you are in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoPZ-living_howto_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokaMon, 22 Aug 2022 11:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpoPZ-living_howto_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryng-drink_productSapporo Breweries offers Sapporo Five Star, a premium beer with 5.5% alcohol volume. It gets average ratings on beer review websites. It's available in some supermarkets and convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryng-drink_productThu, 18 Aug 2022 14:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryng-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aoQ-drink_productBrooklyn Brewery Japan's Sorachi Ace is a saison-style beer brewed with distinctive Hokkaido hops with 7% alcohol content. This particular beer is occasionally available at convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aoQ-drink_productThu, 18 Aug 2022 14:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aoQ-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aaQ-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaThe most curious feeling washed over me the other day when I spied a hozuki decoration outside our local wagashi sweets shop last week. It was more than nostalgia. It was a feeling of FOMO, fear of missing out. Missing the turns of the seasons, the festivals and celebrations in our city while the pandemic infection rates rise and fall. In the next moment, I thought about my neighbors and friends who are also acutely feeling like our summer is missing something essential.The colorful Tanabata decorationsNoda City in northern Chiba Prefecture is known for its だらだら祭り, daradara matsuri, the dawdling festival that starts in early July with a mikoshi parade in the evening. On the front street through three of the former towns that now make up the center of the city, residents carry omikoshi, the elaborate portable shrines. You’ll see typical Shinto shrine-shaped お神輿 omikoshi, but we also have a peculiar and beloved giant frog. The 雨蛙, amegaeru is a legendary giant frog that swallowed floods and gushed to flood fields in drought. He’s celebrated with an effigy the size of a small car. Even better, he’s got strobe lights in his eyes. I’ve always wondered if he was the inspiration for Hypnotoad, a recurring character in the Futurama animated series.The miracle rain frog celebrated at festivalsThere’s another curious feature of our city’s omikoshi. Bolted to the back of many of the omikoshi are large aluminum soy sauce cans. These are a tribute to Kikkoman, the soy sauce brewing the city is famed for. Of course, drums and flutes are the soundtrack for our festivals, but this tinny percussion of Noda City's matsuris.One of the massive heads paraded in the summer festivalThroughout July, there are seven days and nights on which the different neighborhoods bear their omikoshi around the neighborhoods. The whole town comes together for a parade through the center of the town.And then we do it all again for Tanabata with marching bands and dance competitions. The rustle of the tanabata decorations in the front street highlight the vintage buildings.In the neighborhoods, we usually gather for 盆踊り bon odori in the parks. On the 櫓 yagura tower at our local park, children play taiko drums to prerecorded music. You’ll hear traditional bon odori tunes, but there’s another tradition here in Noda City and some surrounding towns - disco! We dance clad in yukata to Abba and Boney M. One of the odder selections is "Dschinghis Khan" by the European disco band of the same name.This year, some of the neigborhood omikoshi appeared in our streets briefly. I'm hoping that next year, we hear the rattle of drums on the soy sauce cans and shouts of "Hu! Ha!" as we dance the night away.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aaQ-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaWed, 10 Aug 2022 16:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aaQ-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYY1-foods_productTomita Chuka Soba and 7-11 convenience stores collaborate again with this chilled tsukemen with two slices of chashu, menma, ramen egg, and greens using Tomita's signature tonkotsu broth.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYY1-foods_productTue, 09 Aug 2022 20:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbYY1-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EE2-drink_productThis commemorative beer from Sapporo Breweries remembers the Sapporo Beer Garden. The ingredients include rice and corn. It's an interpretation of a pilsner where most of Sapporo's beers are lagers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EE2-drink_productTue, 09 Aug 2022 14:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EE2-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ22l-drink_productAsahi Breweries packages two of these "hard seltzer" drinks with domestically produced vodka at 4% alcohol in tall, narrow cans distinguishing them from shochu highballs, or chuhai.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ22l-drink_productTue, 09 Aug 2022 14:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQ22l-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnnx-drink_productThis is one of Sapporo Breweries' happo shu, low malt and low priced near-beers. It's made with barley and hops and has 5% alcohol much like standard beers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnnx-drink_productMon, 08 Aug 2022 14:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnnx-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN444-living_iwate_ichinoseki_shi_iwate_hiraizumi_cho_iwateWhen it’s sweltering in the Kanto region, you might think a great way to escape the heat is a beach. That’s what haiku poet Matsuo Bassho mentions in his introduction to Oku no Hosomichi, The Narrow Road to the Deep North - he traveled along the coast the year before his epic journey. In the spring of 1694, he set out from the Kanto region on foot to explore the wilds of Tohoku. On his way, he passed through Hiraizumi which is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for its temples and history.Bassho visited Hiraizumi in June. There he wrote the mournful haiku about the lost splendor of the Fujiwara lords - 夏草や 兵どもが 夢の跡 Summer grass — all that remains of warrior dreamsMy visit to Hiraizumi was in August when Iwate Prefecture’s weather is at its hottest. But it’s considerably cooler than the Kanto region. In this region, August highs are average 28 celsius and lows down to 18. And it’s not nearly as humid as Kanto.The view from the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen of rural Tohoku in an air-conditioned train car is mesmerizing with deep green forests and vibrant rice paddies. The ride takes about three hours, so you may be tempted to pick up ekiben, station bento. But I suggest that you save your appetite. At Hiraizumi Station is Bashokan which has been serving wanko soba for a century. The delicate soba comes in lacquered bowls on a big tray and you slurp up these tiny portions with zippy tsuyu broth.After fueling up on soba, we walked to Motsuji, the Tendai Buddhist temple. The existing temple buildings are relatively recent, dating from the Edo era. But the garden that surrounds Oizumi ga ike, the wide pond, hasn't changed in 800 years. The skies above Hiraizumi were cloudy on the first day of my visit, but the blue reflected in the quiet pond was breathtaking.The next stop was the Chusonji Sando approach to the splendid Chusonji Temple complex. The shady avenue of trees is dotted with a dozen other Buddhist and Shinto sanctuaries. What awaits at the top of the slope is the splendor of the Fujiwara Clan that ruled the north - Konjikido. This nearly 1000-year-old mausoleum to the Fujiwara lords gleams with gold, intricate inlays, and serene Buddhist statuary. If the cool of the concrete pavilion doesn’t chill you, you might get the shivers gazing at this remarkable treasure.In the gardens below, there’s another summer treasure - ancient lotuses. Researchers excavating the mausoleum found lotus seeds in the Fujiwara lord’s casket and they were successfully germinated in the 1990s, nearly 800 years later. They’re essentially time travelers from summers a millennia ago.In the evening, I checked in at Musashibo, an old-fashioned hotel near the center of town. After a sumptuous kaiseki meal and a soak in the onsen, the skies had cleared. Another summertime charm of Tohoku is the view of the Milky Way.The next day I went toTakkoku no Iwaya, the vermillion temple built into a cliff. The temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, a warrior deity. Although the hall is a reconstruction, it contains ranks of antique Bishamonten statues.Further on is Genbikei Gorge, a scenic river white water canyon. But on my way, the weather turned. Yudachi, evening squalls, can put on a big light show in Tohoku summers.On the way home you’ll probably change trains at Ichinoseki. I stopped here for the Sekinoichi Brewery where I had a flight of craft beers and a light meal. It was a nice way to brace myself for the long ride back to modern Tokyo.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN444-living_iwate_ichinoseki_shi_iwate_hiraizumi_cho_iwateThu, 04 Aug 2022 11:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wN444-living_iwate_ichinoseki_shi_iwate_hiraizumi_cho_iwatehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnn6-drink_productKizakura Brewery based in Kyoto produces a line of beers. This particular canned beer is labeled Akuma Beer and in English Devil's Beer. This particular beer is American Black Ale.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnn6-drink_productTue, 02 Aug 2022 11:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYnn6-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykkj-food_saitama_chiba_tokyoThis week with a tropical cyclone pushing a stifling heat wave into Japan, it’s hard to move, never mind cook a hot meal. In these scorching temperatures, you might lose your appetite, too. But I don’t let the heat keep me out of the kitchen. It’s important to stay hydrated and eat balanced meals, if smaller portions. And it’s also a way to take advantage of summer favorites such as seasonal produce and dishes.Summer NoodlesChilled noodles are the way to go when you crave something cooling and easy to make. Udon, soba, and somen noodles require little cooking time, and the garnishes and sauces only require a little preparation on the cutting board.A variation on soba is chasoba, noodles with the delicate scent of green tea. I like to serve mine with tsuyu dipping sauce with a chunk of rock ice, some julienned ginger, and pickles.Chasoba for lunchPasta in the FrypanAn economical and filling food I can’t do without, even in summer, is pasta for cold salads and hot main dishes. While investigating ways to reduce cooking time and avoid heating up the kitchen, I discovered a great way that produces al dente pasta. Instead of putting a cauldron of water on the gas ring, just use your frypan. This method works with penne, rotini, and even spaghetti. Pasta in the frypan from a cold startPut the pasta in the pan, pour in cold water so that the pasta is covered, and turn the heat to medium-high. I stir my pasta and check it now and again for 8-10 minutes and top up the water as it boils. I save some of the starchy liquid to thicken sauces.Minimal Cooking Pasta SauceMaking tomato-based pasta sauce when I was a kid simmering, but on hot summer mornings, I whip up this simple coconut tomato sauce which requires minimal cooking for maximum flavor. In a sauce pan, I fried some chopped negi in a little olive oil until translucent, then added a can each of coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. I let it simmer for five minutes with a bay leaf, some ground pepper, basil, and oregano. When my frypan pasta was done, I reserved a cup of the starchy liquid, drained the pasta, and tossed it with a generous amount of the sauce and the pasta liquid. It turned out flavorful and the noodles were just the right amount of firm.Quick-cooking tomato-coconut spaghettiQuick PicklesWhen I’m looking for cooking inspiration, I often glance at 節句の食材百科 Shokuzaihyakka, an encyclopedic website on produce, meat, and seafood. The seasonal vegetable calendar tells you what’s in season in a given month. And what’s in season is full of nutrition and flavor and great for quick pickles.Crisp cucumbers, salt, vinegar, and orange zestFor my quick pickles, I often do cucumbers and experiment with the brine. The latest bowl of quick pickles has a few tablespoons of vinegar, a pinch of salt, and julienned mikan zest. Pickles stay crisp in the brineOther versions I’ve made have ginger to give the pickles a bit of snap. Carrots, daikon, and other hard vegetables work really well for this simple pickle. They keep for a few days in the fridge.I noticed that since the summer temperatures rose, my gas bill is half of what it was in the spring since most of the dishes in my repertoire require little cooking.How do you stay well fed and eat economically in the summer months?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykkj-food_saitama_chiba_tokyoTue, 02 Aug 2022 10:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gykkj-food_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vBq-foods_productSapporo Breweries released this limited product, Ginza Lion Ale to celebrate the Ginza Lion Beer Hall in Tokyo. Exclusively sold at FamilyMart convenience stores, this beer comes in 350 ml and 500 ml cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vBq-foods_productWed, 27 Jul 2022 13:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vBq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Po-living_saitama_chiba_tokyoSometimes on scorching summer days here in the Kanto region, I look wistfully at the map of Japan and wonder if I should move to Hokkaido. But I endure the subtropical climate of Chiba Prefecture where the average high temperature in July and August is as high as 29 degrees celsius.Paper Fiber HatsI’ve always been fond of wearing hats and I find that wearing one affords me a little privacy, too. People are less likely to notice my non-Japanese features when I wear a wide-brimmed hat. And they keep the sun off my easily burned fair skin. Two of my favorite summer hats look like straw, but they’re in fact made of paper! One was a splurge at a hat specialty shop and the other a cheap one from a casual wear shop. They’re wide-brimmed and the paper fabric is breathable so the crowns don’t get too hot.My paper fiber hat next to my guy's jinbeiLayering for ComfortIn my hometown of Vancouver, the summers are hot and there are spells of humid weather but nothing like what I experience here in the Kanto region. In the capital region, humidity levels in summer can range from 70% to 80%. If I were to dress here on a summer day the way I did back home, I’d be a sodden mess. The key to staying mostly dry is layering. I used to rely on cotton undershirts and tank tops and was a bit skeptical about the popular Uniqlo line of innerwear, Airism. But it works! The fabric wicks away moisture keeping your outer layer dry (or at least, drier). The fabric content includes cupro, a fiber derived from cotton waste. If you’re concerned with sustainability, there are mixed reviews on the environmental impact of this fiber’s production. I take the best care I can with my two Airism undershirts so they last a long time.AccessorizeI’ve tried to endure hot summer days with long sleeve tops to keep from burning, but I don’t tolerate them well with too much fabric against my skin. The solution is to wear arm covers. The first time I got arm covers I wondered if I’d roast, but I managed to find some that have a woven fabric that has a high SPF factor and is airy. Sometimes when I find air conditioning on trains or in stores too chilly, I keep them on, too.Portable ShadeI’ve gone through many full-size parasols over the years I’ve been here, usually forgetting where I left them. Folding parasols, especially the dual-purpose rain-resistant ones are a great solution because they’re lightweight, fit easily in your bag, and come with covers (don’t lose the cover!). Even guys who think parasols are too girly can carry these and look manly as they come in sedate colors. If anybody gives you a hard time, shoot back by asking them if they carry a brolly when it rains.Towel HankiesI feel cooler just looking at my hankie yetiI used to carry linen or cotton handkerchiefs but they’re a bother as they get scrunched up in pockets and bags. I opt for towel handkerchiefs as they’re great for mopping your brow and you can dampen them and pat your face and neck with them. They hold up pretty well, too. I’ve had a half dozen towel handkerchiefs for as many years.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Po-living_saitama_chiba_tokyoWed, 27 Jul 2022 13:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj4Po-living_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjOY-living_chiba_minamiboso_shi_chibaThe community I live in is wedged between the Tone and Edo Rivers, hence my handle. It’s a green and pleasant place with cooling summer winds from the river systems. The blue sky reflected on the rivers edged by willows is a lovely getaway from scorching temperatures. But it’s quite far from the ocean, about 80 kilometers from the coast. To get away, I gravitate to the southern Boso Peninsula.It’s relatively easy to get to the southern Boso Peninsula by car from Tokyo via the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line that connects Kawasaki to Kisarazu. However, my train route took me from Chiba Station to Tomiura Station on the Uchibo Line which has lovely views of the countryside and Tokyo Bay.The view of Tokyo Bay from Taibusamisaki ParkI’m not a driver, so I like to explore places on foot or by bicycle. Minamiboso’s beaches and forests are quite spread out, so either driving or cycling is recommended. Some cyclists bring their own ride to this cycling paradise, but I rely on Kurukuru Shararan, Minamiboso City’s bicycle rental network of ten stations. The city has mostly flat routes that hug the coast so you get cooling sea breezes that make the summer heat more tolerable.My sturdy ride rented from one of the ten roadside stationsMy base on my latest visit was Cape Taibusa Nature Park which has a resort hotel, campgrounds, and lovely views of Tokyo Bay. The park is on a promontory with a lookout tower, rocky cliffs, and even a meadow facing the water where you can picnic.There are excellent beaches on this stretch of coast, too. Between the three-kilometer stretch of sand at Iwai beach near Iwai Station to Cape Taibusa, there are a dozen calm and shallow beach resorts which are good for paddling around. On the Pacific Ocean side, there are a handful of beaches with big waves that are good for surfing.Award-winning roadside station Biwa Club for lunch and garden strollingI spend most of my days rambling on a rented bicycle between the waterside cycling routes, forests, and the roadside stations for lunch. In the evenings, the sunsets are spectacular and depending on the weather conditions, you might get a glimpse of Mount Fuji across Tokyo Bay. After all that cycling, I like to unwind in an onsen. The last time I stayed, I relaxed in the hotel outdoor bath, but I'm scouting day onsens, many of which overlook the water, to soothe my muscles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjOY-living_chiba_minamiboso_shi_chibaMon, 25 Jul 2022 15:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJjOY-living_chiba_minamiboso_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkam6-foods_productKizakura Brewery based in Kyoto produces a line of beers. This particular canned beer is labeled Akuma Beer and in English Devil's Beer. It's 5% alcohol.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkam6-foods_productMon, 25 Jul 2022 13:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkam6-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpvx-foods_product7-11 branded chocolate ice cream bars are labled in small text as ice milk. The box contains six indivdually wrapped ice cream bars. The package indicates that each ice cream bar is 119 calories.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpvx-foods_productMon, 25 Jul 2022 13:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWpvx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnryo-foods_productOyatsu Company produces snacks and the long-selling Baby Star Ramen snack popular with children. Sakumaro is a corn based puffed snack in two varieties - curry and my purchase, sauce mayo flavor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnryo-foods_productSat, 23 Jul 2022 08:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnryo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryQD-foods_productPart of 7-11 brand's premium product line, this bread product features two thick slices of shokupan made with Hokkaido-grown wheat, butter, and cream.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryQD-foods_productSat, 23 Jul 2022 07:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wryQD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxXq-education_tokyoIn June 2022, I told you about The ALT Job’s Past and Present Part 1,a summary of the origins of the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) job position, the realities that led to the coining of the frequently used acronym ESID, Every Situation is Different, to indicate the inconsistency of the duties and compensation that ALTs experience.Know what you're in for as an ALT, photo PixabayLooking back at the Original PatternThe impetus for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in the 1980s was primarily to build goodwill between the US and Japan during rising trade tensions while also improving English language education. One precaution Japan took to not alienate Japanese English teachers was inviting 英語指導助手 eigo shido joshu, English teaching assistants, not qualified teachers. The Ministry of Education adopted a model of team teaching in which the assistants and licensed Japanese teachers were expected to cooperate to plan and instruct English lessons.In 2003, MEXT implemented The Action Plan to Cultivate Japanese with English Abilities”, asking ALTs and Japanese teachers to provide communication activities. Enter the Dispatch CompaniesPrior to 1999, ALTs were almost exclusively limited to three years of employment with the JET Program. Upon leaving, they were expected to leave and share their Japan-side experiences in their home countries. It was hoped they would maintain ties with their host communities and contribute to economic ties.The game changed in 1999 when for the first time, Japan’s dispatch employment law allowed companies to hire from abroad without the constraints of the JET Program. The number of dispatched ALTs rose to 50% of the total employed in Japan’s schools in 2009.Problems with dispatch company employment became apparent that year when in many situations, ALTs were employed on 業務委託, gyomu itaku contracts, making them essentially independent contractors.This ran afoul of the MEXT’s mandate for team teaching (ALTs and JTEs working in tandem) and the labor law that states that gyomu itaku contractors take instruction only from the company and not the client schools’ staff. MEXT sent out notices to Boards of Education urging them to direct hire or use only dispatch companies that employ ALTs on 派遣 haken, dispatch contracts.While JET Program placements peaked at over 6000 participants in 2001 and fell in the mid-2000s, the number of ALTs increased again in 2019 to over 5000. The remainder of the 20,000 or so ALTs in Japanese schools are directly hired by school boards or dispatched.Dispatch companies can eat anything from 20-50% of the budget that boards of education set for their ALTs. If ALTs want to know how much their municipal government allots for their employment, they can ask at the 情報公開窓口, joho kokai madoguchi, public information desk, for a copy of the dispatch contract.Chris Flynn put it succinctly in his 2009 article in JALT’s publication, The Language Teacher;“ALTs are the only teaching staff subjected to a tendering process—just like the desks and chairs that are procured by the BOE.”Because of the continuing tendering process where the lowest bid wins, ALT salaries continue to shrink. You’ll see dispatch companies on job websites offering ￥250,000 a month or less. The low salaries don’t attract or help retain committed, skilled people, and contribute to the high turnover rate.Compound all the issues with the Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare’s enactment of 同一労働同一賃金, douitsu rodou doitsu chingin, equal work equal pay in the last few years, and the dispatch companies’ scramble for self-preservation and we end up with even lower wages in some situations.Room For ImprovementThe General Unionwhich represents ALT dispatch employees among others has a campaign to survey ALTs about their working conditions and aims to fight for better terms. . They expect the road to be a long one.For those ALTs who have Japanese language skills, teaching experience, initiative, and mobility, one way to escape from the dispatch ALT issues is to learn how to get a direct-hire ALT position. These ALTs might benefit from ‘leveling up’ to make themselves more attractive to direct hire positions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxXq-education_tokyoThu, 14 Jul 2022 11:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlxXq-education_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPjW-livingIt’s been a year since my previous Plague Diary entry, Waiting, Longing, and Mental Fortitude. A lot has changed since then, but a lot is still the same - masking despite the relaxation of government mandates and precautions against the "three Cs". And though Japan is allowing visitors from abroad, the rules have been confusing and confounding for tour operators.The view on my morning commute over the Edo RiverThere is no indication yet when international visitors can freely visit. That’s been a source of stress and sadness for fellow budo students abroad who are eager to visit the martial arts dojos we train in here. We have to endure until the pandemic settles down and Japan eases restrictions.Our elder teachers and I got talking about the vitality and fresh perspective that our visiting students bring to our martial training. The visitors have a peak experience, expanding their knowledge of the art while discovering Japan’s history and culture.Philosopher Emily Thomas featured in a CBC Radio podcast talks about the extended mind hypothesis, and how cognition expands beyond our heads to our environments. In I Travel Therefore I Am: The Philosophy of Travel Thomas extrapolates that, as we change our environments, cognition alters, too, which led her to formulate a philosophy of travel.Thomas' words got me to consider some observations of my visitors' travel experiences. Two of these stay with me. The first one, when I hosted a relative, I was stunned as I watched his reaction to the environment around him. The highlight was a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, with its vast collection of national treasures. In the gallery of Horyuji Temple treasures, my relative had to take a seat, breathe, and close his eyes. He was overwhelmed by the antiquity, beauty of the treasures, and the reverent way they are displayed. His wonder and emotional and psychological response brought to mind Stendhal Syndrome, a psychosomatic condition some visitors to Florence on seeing the architectural and artistic treasures.The other was a day trip to Kamakura where I was working at the time. My companion, an American martial artist and Buddhist priest, on the train trip from Ofuna Station to Kamakura Station, stood as he tightly gripped the hand straps and gazed at the Kamakura valley sliding by. In a hushed voice, he exclaimed, “Are you seeing this?” His subdued wonder made me appreciate the view all the more.During these pandemic times, our daily life in Japan has been curtailed not by legislation and government restrictions but requests to avoid risks. I embraced this spirit of 自粛, jishuku, self-imposed restraint, getting cabin fever while working from home, and refraining from meeting people. But I settled into a hermit-like existence.Having been conditioned to solitude, I dread going out, the mask, the disinfectant. But if I push myself out the door, onto my bicycle, there is a wonderful community and adventures waiting. Is it the neighbors, or is it me, who opens up with big smiles and thoughtful conversation? I’ve made friends with local merchants and reconnected with friends that live nearby. And they’re helping me develop a new appreciation for this trip I'm on.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPjW-livingMon, 11 Jul 2022 11:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoPjW-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aqE-foods_productHouse Brand Kabosu and Tsudachi Paste comes in a small tube that keeps for about a year in the refrigerator. It's a slightly thin paste of kabosu and sudachi citrus.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aqE-foods_productSun, 10 Jul 2022 14:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aqE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnQL-foods_productKirin's Afternoon Tea lineup includes this unsweetened blended tea brewed from primarily Darjeeling and flavored with lemon and herbs. It comes in an aluminum screw-top bottle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnQL-foods_productSun, 10 Jul 2022 14:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnQL-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPb7J-education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaFor parents of school-aged children and Assistant Language Teachers, school schedules are likely very different from your home country’s education system. The Japanese academic year has a different start and finish, distribution of instructional days, and some events that are uniquely Japanese. A while ago, I wrote about how educators, whether ALTs and core curriculum educators plan their days, weeks, terms, and months at school. Get your planner ready and take photos of the annual and monthly schedules to plan your syllabus.Typical school schedules for elementary, junior high, and senior high schoolsBulletinsI teach at a private high school across the street from a public junior high school and next to a kindergarten. Both schools do us the courtesy of printing and distributing a monthly bulletin. These bulletins are commonly titled だより, dayori. Alternatively, you may see some schools have a publication called 日記, nikki, or diary. They feature messages from principals, reports on school events, sporting victories, and visits from community leaders, and often have a table of events for the next month.What happens if you don't get the memo? Here are some pointers on how to keep track of what is going on at the various schools you are involved with.School WebsitesA widely used utility is the School IT portal with an awkward abbreviation. To get a sense of what ShcIT does you can have a look at the main portal site. I suggest that if you’re not fully literate in Japanese, you may want to translate in your browser. I rely on Google Chrome which gives me the option in the search bar to translate a website’s text to Japanese. I often toggle between English and Japanese when my kanji knowledge fails me. Don’t judge me.Now, SchIT doesn’t turn up individual schools. For that, you want to go to Google Maps and click on a specific school. More often than not, in the sidebar, you’ll see a link to a website - either a SchIT website or a board of education-hosted website with the specific school’s page. There, you’ll see all kinds of information - the 行事予定 gyouji youtei, or schedule of events and glowing praise for students’ achievements in the previous month. You might notice outside school activities such as 校外学習 kogai gakkushu, study trips, 給食終了, kyuushoku shuuryo, end of school lunch programs, 面談, mendan, interviews, all of which alter routine school life.Besides the events, you get an insight into the school culture when you read columns written by administrators and teachers. (possibly with the aid of translations from Deepl or Google). So don’t fret if you didn’t get a schedule handed to you personally. Or you got one that you stashed in a file. Somewhere… To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPb7J-education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaMon, 04 Jul 2022 11:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPb7J-education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3mo-foods_productKirin Lemon from Kirin Beverage Company is a carbonated drink with lemon essence from domestically grown lemons. It comes in a 450-milliliter PET plastic bottle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3mo-foods_productFri, 01 Jul 2022 14:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MA3mo-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBygj-foods_productSuntory Breweries has a series of shochu highball drinks called "Horoyoi". These drinks in short aluminum cans are low alcohol content of 3%. There are various seasonal flavors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBygj-foods_productThu, 23 Jun 2022 19:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBygj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EmO-medical_health_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaOne morning as I was getting ready for work in this rainy season, I suffered such excruciating joint pain that I couldn’t lift my bag onto my shoulder. A dose of ibuprofen and a little rest made the pain subside, and I went on my way in the dreary weather to catch the train.At least the hydrangeas like this season photo Fisher ManThe joint discomfort could be attributed to my changing body as I experience peri-menopause, but this was abrupt and some weeks later, the aches seemed to coincide with the weather.In Japan, there are two expressions that stand out for the conditions that people experience that coincides with the change of season. One that isn’t an official diagnosis but encapsulates the turmoil of the new fiscal and academic year is 五月病 gogatsubyo, the lethargic feeling many people have in May. It’s a time between the excitement of a new beginning, after the bucolic Golden Week holiday in early May, and a long stretch of grinding along at work or in study until Umi no Hi or Sea Day on July 18th. The other expression is 天気痛 tenkitsu or 気象病 kishoubyo, meteoropathy, a condition that has been explored by medical researchers and describes the effects of the weather on the human body, especially in the rainy season.That’s likely why I experienced acute joint pain - exacerbation of peri-menopause symptoms because of the change in atmospheric conditions. As a result of the abrupt air pressure and humidity fluctuations of the rainy season, some people get headaches, nausea, dizziness, and joint and muscle pain. You can get a heads-up on the conditions from Weather News which has a tenkibyo index and a check sheet to identify your symptoms.Remedies and Coping with TenkibyoUnlike Genkidesu, I don’t suffer migraine headaches but do get mild ones and neck stiffness. Genkidesu told us about using peppermint oil as a relief from migraines. I also find that fresh and cooling scents pick me up. I put a little neroli oil on my handkerchief this week to soothe my aching head. I put citrus peels in a bowl and pour over boiling water to release the fragrant oil.When I feel run down, I resort to massage, especially the Thai traditional method. I find that the thorough going over restores my flexibility and blood flow. It also reminds me to follow up with stretching to keep that good, flexible feeling. Another body care that might sound counterintuitive is soaking in onsen. You might think the hot, steamy bath is a bit much to handle in clammy conditions, but indulging yourself blunts the muscle and joint pain. The water pressure can push blood up from your legs, improving circulation.Dr. Jun Sato of Aichi Medical University and Weather News, a specialist in meteoropathy offers some techniques to relieve pressure headaches. Two great techniques for relieving headaches in a hurry. The first technique focuses on your ears. Pinch the top of your ears for 5 seconds, pull them down for 5, and then outwards for 5. It might hurt a little, but it takes away tension in your scalp. He says next, cover your ears with your hands and rub gently a few times while you breathe deeply. It’s quite soothing.Do you suffer from seasonal and weather changes? How do you cope? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EmO-medical_health_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaThu, 23 Jun 2022 11:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9EmO-medical_health_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Ejq-foods_productSuntory Wine Cafe has two versions, white or red wine with soda. The alcohol content is 5.5%. It's widely available and easily found at 7-11 convenience stores.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Ejq-foods_productMon, 20 Jun 2022 19:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Ejq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnkQ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaComing from a country with an official multicultural policy, I feel a little spoiled. My native Canada with a law on its books recognizing the multi-cultural, multilingual population trained me to be at ease with whatever culture I met.Photo, Anna SchvetsWhen I was a second-generation kid growing up with parents from two different cultures in Canada, I was in a rich environment with schoolmates who were recent immigrants or children of immigrants like me. For me, encountering other cultures, traditions, attitudes, and languages was routine. I surfed between my mother’s and father’s cultures and the expectations they brought with them while immersed in Canadian culture. One complication is that my mother’s family was part of a diaspora that led to family members being spread across continents and languages. Family reunions celebrate our shared traditions and introduce traditions from the cultures we are immersed in. And challenging, too, as we coped with language barriers. Code-SwitchingIn my first week of work in Japan, assigned to a board of education through the JET Program, my supervisor came to my desk with the department head. They were animatedly planning my introduction to the schools, with my supervisor making asides to me in English, summarizing, and asking me questions. We settled on the logistics and thanked the department head.My supervisor then turned to me and earnestly apologized in English, saying she was sorry they were talking over my head using a language in which I was not yet conversant. But really, it was no shock to me because I was used to my multicultural family members negotiating family affairs in multiple languages, some I only understand but don’t use, and others I don’t understand at all. And of course, as English language learners, my family members were on a continuum of English fluency from only basic communication to near-native level.Perceptions of MembershipThis month an article by an academic, who is a member of a multi-ethnic family, really struck me. His bicultural, bilingual son found himself in a situation that many Japan-raised kids experience - a Japanese counterpart who makes assumptions about the person they’re facing based solely on appearance. You can’t blame the postie who persevered in English with this young person, as the postie did his best when confronted with someone he perceives to be non-Japanese.IdentitiesFor Japanese of mixed ethnicity, this is a huge issue. You can read and watch on social media so many people of mixed cultural and ethnic identities. Culture and ethnicity intersect and diverge, depending on what an individual experiences in their life.And sometimes there is full-on collision. In my own family, there were conflicts about expectations about how I would be presented - on the one hand long-haired girl of a continental European tradition or a short-haired female stand-in for number one son in a Scots-Irish family.The Future Faces of JapanEvery year at the school I teach in, our first-year class becomes more diverse. The range is broad - children from multiethnic and multicultural families and from non-Japanese families. Some families use English as a lingua franca at home or a language other than English, and some are multilingual. The children have received their education in Japanese schools since kindergarten, so all are fluent in Japanese and familiar with Japanese culture.Unlike my students, I’m a late-comer, an outsider, and an adult here in Japan. Japanese people and foreigners, too, tend to see me as a representative of my passport country. Few people ask me about my cultural identity, because they have little experience talking to multicultural people. When my cultures come up in conversation, I get some confused looks. I worry about my students' futures, as they grow into adult life. Will they or their children meet people like the postie? Will they get confused looks when they bring up their cultures? How will Japan adapt in the face of diversity in families and faces? An honest and thoughtful perspective on multicultural identity comes from Priyanka Yoshikawa, winner of the Ms. World Japan 2016 pageant and an interpreter. She says we’re all a mixture and bring whole to our experiences of life in Japan and the world.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnkQ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaMon, 20 Jun 2022 09:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXnkQ-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPVx-foods_productBerry de Vitamin is a flat drink with 10% fruit juice - strawberry, raspberry and cranberry - produced by Kirin in their drink line Sekai no Kitchen Kara.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPVx-foods_productSun, 19 Jun 2022 08:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmPVx-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj9o-living_work_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaHave a seat. This is a two-parter. Image AjariAre you employed as an Assitant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan? Does some other acronym describe your employment situation, perhaps Native English Teacher (NET) or Assistant English Teacher (AET)? This type of employment is a can of worms for many people both new arrivals and long-term residents. So, let’s take the lid off.ALT OriginsThe origin of ALTs goes back to the 1970s when precursors to the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET Program) brought British and American teachers to participate in Japan’s elementary and high schools. At that time, there were less than a million foreign residents in Japan, so these early cohorts of a few thousand young people made a huge impact, participating in life in towns and cities all over Japan.My partner credits his interest and success in English language learning to one of those early JET Program participants who brought a lot of enthusiasm and authenticity to his high school’s English classroom. I’ve talked to other people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who tell me that the early experience of communicating with a young foreign teacher put them at ease with learning the English language.My own experience as a JET Program participant was just before the peak of the JET Program in 1999 when there were 6000 participants. I had a one-year experience in a small city where I got to assist Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) in junior high schools.In 1999, just as I started my JET year, Japan deregulated some industries, allowing boards of education to contract with dispatch companies. The result is that today, there are about 20,000 Japanese and foreign ALTs. About 5,700 of them are JET Program participants.ALT RealtiesWhile my JET year was culturally and personally stimulating, I wasn’t given a lot of responsibilities, so I used my desk warming time in creative ways.Much later, I worked directly for a board of education where I was run off my feet with a packed schedule teaching lessons plus coaching JTEs and ALTs. I learned a lot in those few years working with a great team of Japanese and foreign resident teachers, but it was hard to sustain the energy. I was lucky I could pace myself with a mix of teaching duties and office hours. Some of the ALTs were relegated to "human tape recorders" - expected to stand in the corner and speak when prompted. Others were integrated into their classrooms and mentored by JTEs. This disparity in the job duties is the result of the lack of a clear job description and regulation for ALTs and spawned the acronym ESID - Every Situation is Different.Paul Borg, a professor at Gifu Kyoritsu University explored the consequences ESID. The conclusion - JET Program ALTs are remunerated equally but their workloads vary so much that the compensation and work conditions are unfair.ESID extends to direct hire and dispatch ALTs, too, whose working conditions vary widely. The inconsistency takes a toll on the morale of experienced ALTs and noobs alike.The Dispatch Can of WormsThe changes in the dispatch laws brought a whole new set of problems to ALT employment. Next time, I'll tell you about the ongoing issues created by dispatch ALT employment.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj9o-living_work_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaTue, 07 Jun 2022 10:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJj9o-living_work_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aBe-foods_productSapporo Brewery, best known for beer, ventures into liquor with its Mitsuboshi Grapefruit Sour. It's available in 350 ml and 500 ml cans. I got the shorter version at my local Family Mart convenience store.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aBe-foods_productFri, 03 Jun 2022 20:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6aBe-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL5N-living_noda_shi_chibaIf your only view of Japan were the urban areas in Japan’s cities, you might get the impression that Japan is modern, urban, and dense with human habitation. But the reality is that 67% of Japan is forested. But that doesn’t mean that the forests are untouched. About 40% of Japan’s planted forests are about 50 years old. They’re dominated by conifers such as cypress and cedar. The forestry practices are changing slowly with greater diversification of tree species. Japan.While I live in what is nominally a city, Noda in Chiba Prefecture, I’m grateful for my proximity to natural beauty. The city is only an hour by train from central Tokyo, yet I’m surrounded by lush greenery, parks, rivers, and a few forests. These forests, 市民の森 shimin no mori, citizens' forests, are an effort to conserve green spaces in urban areas throughout Japan. The ordinances for maintaining and utilizing these forests are decided at the prefectural and municipal levels.This last weekend of May, I had some time to meet up with a local friend and we explored two of Noda City's natural resources, shimin no mori and satoyama, within easy cycling distance of home.Noda City has eight shimin no mori. The one closest to my home, Yanagisawa Shimin no Mori is thick with broadleaf trees, conifers, and bamboo. There are trails around the perimeter. I’m most grateful for it in the roasting summer when I bike to it to enjoy the shade and cool air they exhale. This time, we passed by through central Noda City which has mostly residential and commercial land. In the heart of the modern city, Miyazaki Shimin no Mori wraps around the city hall building.Noda City Hall's approach with towering trees and adjacent forestThe forest though young is so thick that it's dark and seems to go on forever. This is a great spot to get relief from the summer heat and take in intense green in winter.Miyazaki Shimin no Mori adjacent to Noda City Hall There are other landscapes of forests, meadows, brooks, and paths in the city, too. These are 里山 satoyama, the intermediate space between human habitation and the wild. The city has many thickets at the edges of farm fields and rice paddies, but there are two spaces that preserve views and paths that preserve the forestry and agriculture practices that provide habitats for diverse wildlife and plants.We headed next toMitsubori Satoyamawith itsstream in a natural channel with wooden sluices to control runoff rather than modern concrete culverts. The meandering stream flows slowly through a low marsh, nurturing fish, bugs, and the animals that feed on them.The marshy stream valley is surrounded by woods and farm fieldsGenerations of farmers have depended on the stream for rice cultivation and the woods at the edge of their farms for fuel and leaves to fertilize their crops. When you walk along the paths, you’ll see a variety of trees all labeled. It’s a great place to take in the natural beauty and learn about the surroundings.We noticed that, though the little stream valley is flanked by housing on the west and light industrial yards on the east side, it was so quiet, we heard only the birds and the bugs and the hoots of children as they collected tadpoles in buckets. We could forget the urban surroundings for a few hours.Further on, Kounotori no Sato, the oriental stork preserve, nurtures the endangered birds. The birds are periodically released and find their way into rice paddies and the margins of cultivated land around the region. An oriental stork at the preserve in Noda CitySometimes I get fleeting glimpses of them flying over my neighborhood. At the preserve, you can see them in their habitat where they grow up before they're released. They're thriving on the edges of cultivated land thanks to the remaining satoyama practices.For those of you who live in urban areas, do you have green spaces like these to retreat to? Are there satoyama landscapes you can access?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL5N-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 01 Jun 2022 09:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvL5N-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv7V-foods_productBourbon's 牛乳おいしくピスタチオ, delicious milk pistachio is a "dessert drink" that comes in a 270 ml PET plastic bottle. I got this from a Yukult-branded vending machine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv7V-foods_productMon, 30 May 2022 19:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVv7V-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vZL-foods_productKagome Shikuwasa Mix is a time-limited product. It's a boxed drink made with 50% vegetable and 50% fruit juice featuring shikuwaasa, the citrus fruit that originates in Okinawa Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vZL-foods_productMon, 30 May 2022 19:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4vZL-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpY6B-foods_productChill Out is marketed as a "relaxation drink" as opposed to popular "energy drinks". It's a Coca Cola product marketed by a company called I-ne. It's a carbonated fruit-flavored drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpY6B-foods_productSat, 28 May 2022 11:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpY6B-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6l2V-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaIf it’s any comfort you’re not alone in suffering through, 梅雨 tsuyu, the rainy season. It’s an atmospheric phenomenon that affects not just Japan but neighboring countries, too from May to July. In the Kanto region where I live, the rainy season begins around the second week of June and lasts into July. It’s gloomy, humid, and warm for days and weeks on end.This seasonal rain makes housekeeping a challenge as mold, known as カビ kabi in Japanese, thrives on any surface - the top of your fridge, the back of your closet, the frames of windows, and even on clothes and shoes.You went and looked, didn’t you?Well, here are some of the housekeeping routines and tools I use to keep the house fresh and fend off the dreaded kabi.Tips for drying laundry indoorsIf your home was constructed in the last 10 years or so, you likely have a bathroom fan with multiple functions. I’d never seen one of these in my home country, and the older houses and apartments I’d lived in here in Japan only had simple circulating fans. The magical heat drying function of the bathroom fanSet the bath fan to 暖房 danbo, heating and your laundry should be dry in an hour or two. I leave the shower door open a crack, too, so it dries out the whole 洗面所 senmenjo, the vanity, and clothes washer space.If you teach at a junior high school or have children in that age range, take a look at the 家庭科 kateika home economics textbooks or sit in on a class about clothing care and housekeeping. Japan’s home ec curriculum has a kata for everything, including drying laundry. A tip I got from home ec is hanging laundry items by length. On the ends of a laundry rack, hang heavier, longer items, and shorter, thinner ones in the middle. The air circulates around the items efficiently and they seem to dry well and not get the fusty smell that indoor laundry sometimes gets.Drying futonsI’ve never had a bed in Japan and have gotten used to futon care, putting the futon and comforter out on the veranda on sunny days as often as possible. The rainy season means a change of futon routine. I’m lucky that my apartment has a railing above the stairs where I can drape my futons. If you don’t have a rail, you can always put your futon over a chair.The railing I didn't know I neededA futon accessory you might consider is スノコ sunoko, a slatted wooden frame that elevates your futon off the floor to provide air circulation. Some sunoko bed frames are segmented - you prop them up like a tent and sling your futon over them to dry out.Air conditioningSure, you can use your aircon to dehumidify. Some aircon units have a function labeled 除湿 joshitsu or ドライ dry. In addition to the aircon unit which is in my main living space, I got a dehumidifier that I put in my bedroom to keep it from getting dank. It has a cool function, too. It does produce heat, so I place it next to a window on warm days and it dries my room out while venting to the outside.If you live in a recently constructed house or apartment, you may have vents that you can open and close. The labels say to wash the filters once a month. After I wash them, I put a few drops of aroma oil on the filters and it freshens the air for a day. Every chance I get, on dry days, I crack the windows and vents open to keep the air circulating. Fresh air is kabi’s mortal enemy.A slightly dingy room vent in my newer buildingPro tip - if the vents are inviting too much dust or road noise into your space, pack them with bubble wrap. The vent in my bedroom amplified street noise and I ventilate the room by opening the windows anyway so this vent seemed redundant.Have you got any tips for rainy season housekeeping?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6l2V-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaFri, 27 May 2022 14:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6l2V-living_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQpR-foods_productKirin Lemon is a fizzy drink with lemon flavoring. It's commonly sold in either PET plastic bottles or aluminum cans. The modern drink doesn't contain fruit juice.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQpR-foods_productMon, 23 May 2022 22:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQpR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Km-foods_product7-11 branded Lemon Soda or レモンサイダー comes in a 280 ml aluminum can. The can indicates that two kinds of lemon juice comprise 10% of the volume of this carbonated drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Km-foods_productMon, 23 May 2022 20:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Km-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBAm-education_howto_tokyo_kobe_shi_hyogoDo you need professional certification to teach English in Japan?The short answer is no. There is no regulating body for English language teaching in Japan. What determines your eligibility for assistant language teacher (ALT) or eikaiwa employee positions is meeting The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ requirements of an undergraduate degree, a passport, a photo or two, and a handful of supporting documents to secure a visa that allows you to work. For foreign residents already in Japan, there is no rigorous hoop-jumping. Got a visa that allows you to work? If the hiring organization will accept you, you get the ALT or eikaiwa job.That’s it.An apple for teacher (pexels)Why pursue English teacher training?No matter if you are simply putting in a few years working in the academic environment in schools or in the customer-oriented eikaiwa industry, there are three reasons to consider.First, you may get more satisfaction from your teaching when you walk into a classroom with knowledge and technique. When you know what you’re doing, you are more at ease and can draw on resources that make your work more interesting to your students and less stressful. English teaching isn’t rocket science, but it does demand a lot of your mental faculties to keep students engaged and progressing.Another reason is that it may make your CV more attractive to boards of education and private high schools in Japan. These positions often boost you into a higher salary range with the chance of greater job security. Finally, accredited teacher training is portable. Returning to Australia, Canada or the UK? In these countries, teaching qualifications are highly regulated. Australia has standards for instructors in English Language Intensive Courses for Overeas Students (ELICOS) that requires a recognized credential. TESL Canada regulates and endorses a variety of levels of qualifications, and the UK has a government schedule that describes entry-level to graduate-level English teacher qualifications. These standards travel well - you could use any of these qualifications as tickets to work in other countries around the world that recognize them if you choose to move on from Japan.How to get training in JapanThere are options in Japan, too. Temple University, Japan Campus offers a Certificate in Teaching English to Japanese Learners through its continuing education program. It’s a non-degree course that provides a foundation in English language education.Some widely-recognized entry-level programs are offered in some major cities, too. The Cambridge CELTA is offered in Kobe City And Trinity CertTESOL is available in Tokyo.How to learn for free (or almost free)Maybe you’re well into your career in English teaching and don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on formal coursework. That’s fair, too. There are some free options that allow you to enrich your knowledge of teaching practices. Temple University Japan periodically has seminars that allow the public to attend a section for free.Another resource for finding public lectures in your region is ELT Calendar, a listing for language teachers in Japan. You’ll find local and national organizations, institutions, and community groups hosting online and face-to-face seminars.There’s always room to grow, learn about the profession of English language teaching at your own pace, and share knowledge with other people working in all aspects of English language teaching in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBAm-education_howto_tokyo_kobe_shi_hyogoMon, 23 May 2022 11:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBAm-education_howto_tokyo_kobe_shi_hyogohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1v7V-foods_productIn 2019, Sapporo Breweries released Sapporo Gold Star, a cheap happoshu or near-beer meant to appeal to young people. The alcohol content is 5% and it comes in short or tall cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1v7V-foods_productSat, 21 May 2022 09:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1v7V-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02rE-foods_productFanta teams up with Minutemaid to produce this lemon drink with 11% lemon juice, carbonated water, and lemon puree in a 280 ml PET plastic bottle. This one was purchased from a vending machine.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02rE-foods_productFri, 20 May 2022 07:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02rE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ6Xa-foods_productExcelsior Caffe, a coffee shop chain, retails a few bottled drinks that are available at convenience stores and sold through vending machines. Cool & Lime with Mint is a flat drink.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ6Xa-foods_productFri, 20 May 2022 07:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ6Xa-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAy15-fashion_productShimamura Fashion Center is a fast fashion retailer that cooperates with specific brands. My latest purchase is a pair of black mary janes in LL size with synthetic rubber soles and uppers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAy15-fashion_productWed, 18 May 2022 18:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAy15-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lkV-living_ibarakiIn November 2021, I told you how I’m looking forward to visiting the underappreciated Ibaraki Prefecture. This part of the Kanto region is not high on visitors’ priority destinations which makes it a less crowded space to take your time and explore the natural beauty there.As part of the Kanto region, Ibaraki’s hiking routes are included in a network of paths referred to as 関東ふれあいの道 Kanto Fureai no Michi, and alternatively 首都圏自然歩道 Shutoken Shizen Hodo. The nature trail network circles nearly 1800 kilometers through Tokyo and six prefectures. The individual trails average around 10 kilometers in length and though they don’t all directly connect to each other, the routes start and end near rail or bus connections. The routes are planned to afford hikers scenic views, forest and mountain walks, and highlight cultural and historic spots.One of my favorite routes in Ibaraki Prefecture is the roughly 8-kilometer walk labeled 御嶽山から坂東２４番札所へのみち, the Mt. Ontake to the 24th Bando temple trail. This is where nature and culture come together as the hike and the Bando 33 Kannon temple routes overlap.The wayfinding map at Iwase Station indicates Amabiki Kannon temple and Mt. TsukubaStarting at Iwase Station on the Mito Line, the trail takes you through dense forest, past shrines, and a waterfall used in Shugendo practices, and gives way to wide views of the valley to the west. Further along the trail the edges of the satoyama or cultivated and wild landscape come into view. I noticed cultivated patches of land that thin the forest and make it more accessible to people and wildlife. On my way, I heard a buzzing sound coming from a cleft in a tree. A wild bee colony! Butterflies and other insects thrive here, too, and I saw little blue butterflies dancing over lilies that were probably planted by local farmers.A wild bee colonyThe trail begins to wind up the flank of Mt. Ontake and you’ll need sturdy footwear for this. Most of the trail is just a rough path but to get up to the mountain you’re faced with seemingly endless timber stairs. The reward is a lookout at the top and further on, the 24th temple of the Bando Kannon pilgrimage.I always know I’m nearly at Amabiki Kannon temple, the 24th on the Bando pilgrimage because I can hear the temple’s peacocks calling. They’re free-ranging birds that you can spot (or they spot you and call out!) just off the forest path. Around the pond in front of the temple ducks and chickens gather, too.Buddhist statuary in the temple garden overlooking Sakuragawa CityThe temple has a hall where visitors can rest and have a cup of tea before the walk down to catch the bus back to Iwase Station.Now, I’m planning hikes on Fureai no Michi routes through rural Chiba Prefecture, too, for getaways on weekends.Have you hiked the Fureai no Michi trails in the Kanto region? Which are your favorite trails?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lkV-living_ibarakiWed, 18 May 2022 10:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lkV-living_ibarakihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQK8Z-foods_productOnishi Chicken Rice is made with alpha rice, a form of rice with a long shelf life. The package indicates the product is 260 grams after it is prepared.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQK8Z-foods_productMon, 16 May 2022 16:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQK8Z-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_tokyoWhen it comes to natural abundance, the neighborhood I live in is teeming with wildlife and greenery. It’s between the Edo and Tone Rivers, close to a nature preserve, farm fields, thickets, and tributaries of the rivers. There is a great variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers everywhere I look. All this beautiful vegetation is nice to rest my eyes on as I breathe in the fresh air.But I must admit, I have no idea half the time what the plants are called. Some are familiar because they have been exported globally, but I don’t know the foliage or flowering season of many of them. Sometimes I ask my neighbors or passersby for the names of the plants. Or I look them up on the Internet. Between our local beauty spot, Shimizu Park, and the wildlife sanctuary that borders the Edo River is Hana Fantasia, a botanical garden that satisfies my curiosity. The garden's seven-hectare park around a pond has a fairly wide range of domestic and imported plants. The plants aren’t necessarily rare or special, but they’re all labeled. The park’s website has a flower list and blog that names all the gorgeous blooms.In Golden Week, I dropped by the garden to see what was in bloom and to satisfy my curiosity about plants in anticipation of growing something on my veranda.The meadow in front of the greenhouse is planted with nemophila, baby blue eyes. You might know these flowers as they’re a big spring attraction at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture with vast fields of small sky-blue flowers. And for North Americans from regions where they are native plants, they’re a reminder of home.The park has many plants native to Japan, of course, and this is what I had looked forward to seeing and learning about. A native flower I had expected to see in Golden Week is the purple wisteria, but it had already finished by May 5th in my region. However, the white wisteria was at its peak. The spectacular wisteria floribunda is native to Japan and has pink, lilac, and violet cultivars.The pond is full of water lilies at this time of year. This aquatic plant is found all over East Asia, and some species such as Nymphaea “Tetragona” with symmetrical white blooms are of Japanese origin. In the pond is a mix of different varieties including this white species.My favorite white springtime blossom is oodemari, the Japanese snowball bush. There are a few varieties around the garden. This flower was in the garden of my family home in Canada. Seeing its profuse blooms made me feel a little more at home on my walk through the garden.Like many botanical gardens in the greater Tokyo area, this one has a greenhouse with exotic plants from Africa and South America. These greenhouses may be a bit too steamy in spring and summer, but they’re a great place to warm up on a bitterly cold winter day.Maybe Flower Fantasia isn’t on your bucket list, but it’s a lovely place to learn about plants in my little neighborhood. I highly recommend a visit to botanical gardens around the Tokyo capital region. One of my favorites is Mukojima Hyakkaen, the only remaining Edo-era flower garden. Not only does it have flowers but it also has connections to literature and poetry carved on monuments. Another is Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome which has spacious greenhouses one of which shelters indigenous plants of the Ogasawara Islands.Does your region have a botanical garden? When do you recommend visitors go?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_tokyoMon, 16 May 2022 10:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Dm-living_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXmpv-foods_productSuntory Rich Malt Kin-Mugi is a happoshu, or "near beer" low malt beer. The alcohol content is 5%. It comes in short and tall cans with a dark blue label that indicates it is 発泡酒 happoshu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXmpv-foods_productSat, 14 May 2022 21:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXmpv-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82vb-foods_productYebisu Premium White from Sapporo Breweries is a wheat beer with 5.5% alcohol content. Sapporo Breweries offers this beer in 250 ml and 300 ml cans for a limited time only.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82vb-foods_productSat, 14 May 2022 09:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82vb-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYm8-foods_productAsahi Melon Cream Soda in a 250 ml aluminum can is an interpretation of the popular Japanese version of cream soda with melon syrup and vanilla ice cream.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYm8-foods_productSat, 14 May 2022 08:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYm8-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBam-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaAshikaga Gakko, Japan's oldest extant school, photo AbasaaYears ago, I had an eye-opening, sometimes challenging, but enriching experience as an ALT in The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. The first few months were hard as I didn’t speak Japanese yet, but after some self-study and immersion, I got along in social situations and could communicate better with my coworkers at the schools. There were times when I felt dejected when relegated to “human tape recorder” status, but after some time teachers took me on as a mentee and encouraged me to actively participate in English instruction. Outside of teaching, I fulfilled some of the duties that Counselors for International Relations (CIRs) get to do - community engagement, guiding visitors and writing reports on local attractions.There are myriad benefits for non-Japanese and some Japanese taking on the ALT role. From talking to new ALTs and veterans, I learned some of the attractions.First, for recent graduates aspiring to be teachers in their home countries, a year abroad is valuable. They get immersed in a new language and culture while getting their first taste of the challenges and rewards of the academic environment. While Japan’s schools have their own culturally specific practices, a lot of what the ALTs see is common the world over. The experience looks great on a resume when they’re applying to education programs.Some older ALTs I’ve talked to work in this capacity while raising families or pursuing side projects. They’re part of their communities, nurturing the children of their neighbors. Most of these ALTs are employed permanently with boards of education or private schools. For those who want to dig into life in Japan and education while working on further education and language study, ALT work is a good bet, especially the JET Program which guarantees that ALTs receive a consistent salary with raises and social insurance, and the opportunity for support through AJET. ALTs are offered Japanese language courses and small grants for TEFL certificates. There are mixed reviews on how good these perks are, but they're at least a first taste for many ALTs who have yet to receive instruction.And then there are folks I have met who earn a second income for their families, either as direct hire ALTs with school boards or persevering with dispatch companies. The scope of the work and the kind of compensation varies a lot so that is something to keep in mind if you choose this route.Moving OnIf you discover that teaching, specifically, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is your career aspiration, there are various routes up from ALT work to professional teaching. Some former ALTs I know completed master's degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and moved on to university instruction. It’s a sacrifice as many of them juggled ALT work, family obligations, and study over a few years. The rewards are working in institutions that value the instructors’ expertise, the opportunity for research, and of course, higher compensation. Another route, if you have an adequate number of undergraduate study hours at a Japanese university is completing a teacher training that allows you to teach in schools as a regular subject teacher. This is the hard mode for teacher professional development.Some CaveatsIt’s not all rosy. There are some long-standing issues around the origins, implementation, and current conditions of ALTs in Japan’s schools. I’ll lay them out next month.Have you been employed as an ALT? How did it benefit you? What did you find tough or interesting about your position?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBam-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaThu, 12 May 2022 15:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBam-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrql-livingWhile on a walk through my local park, I noticed a tall shrub laden with snowy white globes of white blossoms. The Japanese snowball bush.These deciduous shrubs are native to China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan and are identified in Latin as Viburnum plicatum. The latter name they get from the pleated quality of their leaves with deep green veins with lighter spans between. The round flower heads are a lovely contrast to those leaves. In Japanese they are called oodemari.I got a twinge of nostalgia when I spotted them on the path. Growing up in Southern British Columbia, Canada, I enjoyed many May afternoons in the shade of a snowball bush in our garden. This bush grows quite happily in that climate, too.On another turn in the path was a smaller one but this time tinged with pink.These flowering shrubs are a great cut flower, too, lasting a long time in a vase if you replenish the water daily. If you have a garden space, I highly recommend growing one.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrql-livingFri, 06 May 2022 20:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrql-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZJ1-mind_body_productSunsmile's Mascode line of masks indicates on the package that the masks filter pollen, 2.5 particle contaminants, and viruses. The mask comes in a variety of colors.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZJ1-mind_body_productFri, 06 May 2022 19:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZJ1-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1oO-living_familylifeAlthough I don’t have children of my own, I enjoy Japan’s celebrations of children. And there’s nothing quite like it in my native Canada. My home country does have a National Child Day, focused on the rights of children. But it’s not celebrated widely, and it’s not a national holiday. Here in Japan, there are two events on the calendar, one a festival and another a national holiday, to celebrate kids.Back in February, I was ushered into our local heritage house to take a look at the sumptuous doll displays for Hina Matsuri, a Celebration of Girl Children. It was a treat to see these elaborate dolls, many vintage ones, that mark the second of Japan’s 五節句 Gosekku, the five festivals that originated in the Nara period.These five festivals were originally imperial court celebrations, but over time, they trickled into the popular culture and by the Edo period, they were a thing.The third festival of the Gosseku, now Children’s Day, has morphed a lot with the centuries. Originally, Tango no Sekku on the fifth day of the fifth month was a time to ward off evil spirits with sprigs of irises and mugwort. Because iris is called 菖蒲 shobu, homophonous with 勝負 battle, and 尚武, fighting spirit, Kamakura period samurai came to identify it as a celebration of male heirs. It came to be called Boy's Day.Good on Japan when in 1948, a national holiday was declared to embrace both boys and girls. Many families display windsocks called 鯉のぼり, koi nobori, flying carp, to fete their children. A big blue one for dad, a pink or red one for mom, and smaller ones to represent each child.My neighboring city, Kasukabe has another huge celebration to mark Children’s Day with giant kites. The tradition started in the Meiji period when families flew kites with children’s names and family crests on them. A festival kite at Kasukabe StationAnd then kite inflation began as a way to attract attention. Now, the kites are truly massive. The biggest of them is 800 kilograms. Imagine 100 people yarding on a rope to pull an object the same weight as a small car into the sky. The kites are made from paper used for calligraphy and lightweight wood. Encouraging messages are emblazoned on the kites. This year, the feature kite will read 躍進, rapid progress, full of hope for a better year.It’s no small feat to raise these huge constructions of paper and lightweight wood. The kite flying comes with some drama. One year when I watched from the east bank of the Edo River, a huge gust blew a kite against the levee and it exploded into confetti and splinters. The next kite to go up soared and stayed aloft, defying gravity and thrilling the crowd. The kites are flown on two days, May 3rd and May 5th, on the Edo River in the Kasukabe Giant Kite Festival.Because of the ongoing pandemic, the festival has been muted with no concessions, no courtesy bus to the festival site, and no parking available. Again this year, it’s closed to visitors. I'll sneak a peak from the east bank of the Edo River cycling road as the Kasukabe path will be closed.So here’s to children for whom the sky’s the limit. And hope that next year, we can celebrate Children's Day with snacks and drinks on the Edo River bank with giant kites.How will you celebrate Children's Day?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1oO-living_familylifeFri, 06 May 2022 10:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1oO-living_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm14m-livingWhen I have a chance, I drop by Tokaen, a garden on the grounds of a former temple that preserves ancient wisteria vines said to be planted by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi.This year again in this fraught time of coronavirus mitigation measures, I thought I would stay close to home. Had I missed the peak of wisteria glory considering this is the first week of May? Like cherry blossoms, the period for wisteria is fleeting.I didn't have a chance to go this year to that spectacular display. I took a chance and visited my local botanical garden, Flower Fantasia next to Shimizu Park in Noda City where I live.To my dismay, all the purple blooms were already done. But one trellis supported a profusion of flowers. White wisteria.Japanese wisteria is a spectacular vine with racemes that can hang 2 meters in length. A peculiarity of Japanese wisteria is that it winds clockwise, while Asian continental vines turn counterclockwise.And to add to the experience, they're fragrant! Breezes carried the scent of various flowers but I noticed this grapey quality. It must be the wisteria.Have you had a chance to take in the natural beauty of Japan this Golden Week? Where did you enjoy it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm14m-livingWed, 04 May 2022 20:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm14m-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXry-foods_productAsahi Brewery's draft beer, Maruefu, was initially launched in 1986 but discontinued in favor of Asahi Super Dry. There are two brews - a pale lager and this black beer, kuronama.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXry-foods_productWed, 04 May 2022 08:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXry-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOdD-foods_productPeanuts monaka is made by Yoneya, a confectioner in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. The sweets are sold by the piece and in a gift box shaped like a peanut.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOdD-foods_productWed, 04 May 2022 08:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOdD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXm5X-transportationWhen I first came to Japan, navigation on Japan’s trains was a Herculean effort since I couldn't read Japanese yet. In my bag, I carried a notebook, a pencil, a dictionary, and a thick train timetable book to figure out how to get where I was going and when. The train platforms were labeled in kanji and hiragana for elderly people who didn’t know the modernized kanji. And if I remember right, there were no romanized names of the stations back then.Since the early 2000s, I have relied on Hyperdia, the digital timetable that provides rail and air information. But in the spring of 2022, the service which used to provide detailed route planning stopped. Now, Hyperdia only indicates the average travel time from point to point, possible routes, and fares. It’s still useful because it shows multiple routes and commuting ticket costs.A route planner I have used on my smartphone for years is Jorudan. One of the good features is the real-time train operation information. The status of train lines is indicated with a variety of icons that show whether a line is stopped, or running smoothly. The website is easy enough to navigate. You can see the Japanese side here, and the English side here. I prefer to use the Japanese side because it provides a lot more detailed information. The English side doesn’t have live updates.I had a look at other websites, too. One that has broad coverage is Ekitan. It provides searches for Shinkansen, flights, and bus connections. When you scroll down the page it shows recommended places for dining and leisure. As far as I can tell, the recommendations are solely in Japanese.In a pinch, Ekispert looks good. Its English interface is simple with no distractions. It seems to provide only basic information - nothing to indicate platforms. The Japanese side has details about which line to look for.I’m also looking at Google for transit information. For the most part, it is reliable for both local bus and train route information as it shows train, driving, and walking routes. However, it falls down on some cycling information. When I want to bike somewhere, I check both the driving and walking directions and then guestimate my cycling path and travel time.What smartphone app and which website do you find works best for you where you are? Which ones are easy for visitors?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXm5X-transportationSat, 23 Apr 2022 02:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXm5X-transportationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1EQ-foods_productThe Cocktail Craft made by Asahi Brewing Company is a gin and tonic type cocktail in a can scented with lime. With an acohol content of 5%. It comes in a 400 ml can with a twist-off cap.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1EQ-foods_productMon, 18 Apr 2022 18:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1EQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX92-foods_productYachimata Ginger Ale in a 250 ml glass bottle is produced by Kodama Drink Company based in Ota Ward, Tokyo. The product is made from Yachimata City, Chiba Prefecture-grown ginger.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX92-foods_productSun, 17 Apr 2022 20:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX92-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrbj-living_health_chiba_tokyoUrban living in Japan has always been cramped - The Edo Tokyo Museum's row house, photo DaderotOn arrival at my apartment assigned to me as part of my JET Program experience years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious digs. I had bought out the contents of the apartment from the person who had preceded me and had brought only the basics - a work wardrobe and some souvenirs from home. That first apartment was spacious enough for one person - a 1LDK on the second floor of a house. The entrance was set back away from the street so it was quiet and backed onto a hiking path that wound up a mountainside.In the first few days, I realized that the footprint of my apartment was only fractionally smaller than the family living below me - a couple and their adult daughter. Their apartment also included a workshop space for a home business. I saw firsthand how cramped Japanese homes can be.Over the years as my lifestyle and needs have changed I’ve experienced living in tiny, cramped apartments and houses large enough for a family. In the last few years, I’ve settled into a 1LDK of about 50 square meters. I’m on my own but on weekends, there are two of us occupying the space and we can retreat to opposite ends of the apartment when we need to rest or work.So how small is too small? The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) specifies “criteria for a space in which one can live a healthy and cultured life.” For a single person, the minimum size MLIT indicates is 25 square meters. For a family, the recommended minimum square footage is double.MLIT also specifies important considerations such as earthquake and fire safety, accessibility and even greenery. As residents, we may assume that city planners and building owners provide safe and appropriate spaces to live in, but the reality is a lot of rental housing is below these standards. In my town, there are hundreds of apartments that are below the minimum size, have no greenery, and may no longer meet safety standards.My apartment appears to satisfy MLIT’s standards. It’s a generous size, has a veranda with a view of mature trees, and it’s within easy distance of services and shopping. One thing I didn’t realize when I chose the apartment is that there is a culvert that runs under the street in front of my building. The city’s flood hazard map shows minimal threat. However, I think the next time I go apartment hunting, I’ll investigate the environment more thoroughly before committing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrbj-living_health_chiba_tokyoSun, 17 Apr 2022 00:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mgrbj-living_health_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOP3-living_education_noda_shi_chibaEvery few years, Noda City's art sword association displays blades at the Noda City Museum. It's been a long time - the previous exhibition was in 2019. Perhaps this event is a little step towards a more typical calendar of events in the city.The museum attendants provide a guidebook with details about each of the swords and fittings. The attendants offered to give me a tour of the exhibits. One person who attends on weekends speaks impeccable English, so you need not fret if your Japanese literacy is weak.A treat for junior samurai kids is the sword experience. Visitors can look closely at swords and even hold them in their own hands. Even better, admission to the exhibition and events is free.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOP3-living_education_noda_shi_chibaMon, 11 Apr 2022 09:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOP3-living_education_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkmk0-foods_productBelgian White is a Belgian Weizen or white beer in a 350 ml can. It's part of DHC's alcoholic drinks produced at their factory in Shizuoka Prefecture.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkmk0-foods_productSun, 10 Apr 2022 17:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkmk0-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQA3-education_workHere's hoping the cherry blossoms hang on to greet new students, image IrasutoyaThe beginning of the school year is a time of excitement and nerves. Parents hope their kids will fit in and excel. Teachers wonder how they will get their classes to gel as a unit. And children get excited about seeing their friends. For non-Japanese teachers, some of the academic year events are familiar, others novel.Before school opens, teachers are busy preparing. Administrations decide class schedules and teacher assignments. A big event in our staff room is 席替え, sekigae, or seat reassignment. As soon as we teachers find our desks and get our mitts on schedules, we start planning our days, weeks, months, and terms. Many public and private schools operate on a three-term schedule. The first term starts with 始業式, shigyoshiki, an opening ceremony. Depending on the school and the effects of the ongoing pandemic mitigation measures, this could be a whole-school assembly, a broadcast over the school’s public address system, or an online presentation. New teachers may have to make a brief 自己紹介, jikoshokai, a self-introduction.Depending on your grade assignment, you may not have lessons right away as 新入生 shinnyusei, or freshmen, have school life orientations. This year in addition to the usual introduction to school life, my students will learn how to use the Learning Management System and digital tools as Japan’s schools pivot to online education.April is a time to get to know your students’ interests and needs, and setting the tone for the school year. A message from a senior educator influences every new school I start. He said that April is diagnostic, and that the Golden Week break that spans the end of April and early May is a time for teachers to reflect and regroup according to the needs of their classes.In both public and private schools, 一学期, ichigakki, the first term, is an intense period of study from April until July. Non-Japanese teachers may be charged with preparing students for the first round of the Eiken, the widely-used English assessment test. The first session occurs in late May and early June. Non-Japanese teachers can learn about how to prepare students for the Eiken interviews.Schools also host all-day events in this first term. Many elementary schools schedule their 運動会 undokai or sports festival which is often called 体育祭taiikusai at junior and senior high schools. Preparation and practice for this all day event may cancel your lessons. On the big day all kinds of track and field and fun events involve teachers, students, and parents, too. Genkidesu shared a parent’s perspective about preschool sports day.Of course, testing will have an impact on your schedule. The 中間テスト chukan tesuto, midterm tests can interrupt regular lessons for a few days. Some schools have 単元テスト tangentesuto conducted in lessons. But virtually all schools will have 期末テスト, kimatsu tesuto, or final tests, often followed by 採点日 saitenbi, a grading day. Students often have home study, 家庭学習 katei gakushu. The term will wrap up with 終業式, shugyoshiki, a closing ceremony.And so begins the summer break. An issue that comes up for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) is the inconsistency of the job duties, often referred to as ESID, Every Situation is Different. This lack of standard conditions affects the duties (or lack of duties) over the summer break. Your situation may determine whether you must use 年休 nenkyuu paid leave, or simply enjoy your off-campus time.Here’s hoping that when school returns in September for 二学期 term 2, you’re refreshed and ready for another hectic period at school that concludes before the 冬休み fuyu yasumi, winter holiday. During term 2, schools hold culture festivalsvariously referred to as 学園祭 gakuensai or 文化祭 bunkasai. Like the sports days, a frenzy of preparation may interrupt regular lessons, and many schools hold the events over weekends for two or three days.The second term is relieved by a few holidays followed by a few rounds of testing. After the winter break, you can take it a little easier in 三学期 sangakki, term 3 when school schedules may be lighter. For private junior and senior high schools, I take part in the grueling days of 入学試験 nyugakushiken, entrance testing. For a few days in January and February, we operate with military precision, receiving and testing prospective students. Finally, it’s time for 卒業式, sotsugyoshiki, graduation day to celebrate leaving students’ achievements and give them encouraging words.What’s your favorite event of the academic year? What events are unique to the school in which you teach, or your children learn?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQA3-education_workFri, 08 Apr 2022 10:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQA3-education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRY3e-living_chiba_tokyoOne of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve had in my life in Japan is a live performance of “Sakura Sakura”. The performance in Tokyo was led by martial artist and professional drummer Akira Hino. Before the concert opened, Hino Sensei’s students instructed the audience to think deeply about the song “Sakura Sakura” and told us the theater would be dark. We were to sing the two verses of the song a capella. And we were to sing continuously until the right moment when the star would appear on the stage. The first rounds were awkward and off-key but gradually, as we stood in the pitch black, our voices rose, some harmonizing. We sang uncountable rounds until the stage lights gradually glowed like a sunrise, and the Hino sensei was revealed at his drum kit where he put on a resounding drum solo to celebrate spring.Although the tradition of hanami goes back to the Heian era, the song celebrating the cherry trees is not that old. It’s an Edo-era melody for children to play on the koto. The lyrics are simple and descriptive - Sakura sakura/ hill and dale and village, too / as far as the eye can see / is it mist or clouds / fragrant at sunrise / sakura sakura / flowers in full bloom. Every chance I get to touch a koto, I plink away until I manage this simple but lovely melody.For me, cherry blossoms feel nostalgic. You might think, wait, but how does a foreign resident in Japan experience that natsukashii feeling that is so bound with Japanese culture? It goes back to my hometown of Vancouver, Canada where avenues on the south side of the city are lined with row after row of cherry trees. My old Vancouver neighborhood in bloomVancouver’s fascination with Japanese cherry trees stretches back to the 1930s when the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama gifted trees to the city in remembrance of Japanese Canadian veterans. Later in the 1950s, the Japanese consulate brought hundreds more. Today, Vancouver has 40,000 cherry trees lining streets and gracing parks celebrated with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.The cherry trees in the neighborhood in which I grew up were street trees - long evenly-spaced rows and pruned so that the branches would be laden with flowers. But in my first spring in Japan in a Shikoku country town, I was surprised to see so many pink and white blossoms dotting densely forested hills. They were not cultivated like the trees I remembered from home. I understood the lyrics of the song “Sakura Sakura” were literal - cherry blossoms on hills and in dales, in every direction I looked.These days, I live in a small city in Chiba Prefecture where there aren’t many hills and dales. A vista here that comes close to that first experience I had is Shimizu Park in Noda City. It’s got some slopes where you can stand under the falling blossoms. The real star of the park is In front of the park’s temple, an antique cherry tree planted in the first year of the Meiji era. The cherry tree planted in 1868It’s gnarled and has some hollow, moss-covered bits of the trunk and the longer branches are supported by stout pillars. Every winter, I wonder if it will make it. After all, most horticultural guides I’ve read say that cherry trees aren’t especially long-lived, topping out at 30 years. Yet Japan has truly ancient ones that have survived millennia. They’re well-loved and require human intervention to keep them.Every year, I marvel at the blossoms. They’re a springtime view that I can never get tired of. Here’s hoping that hoary old Meiji tree blooms again next year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRY3e-living_chiba_tokyoTue, 05 Apr 2022 11:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRY3e-living_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vyv-hobby_home_productThe Asahi Soleil electric kettle has a capacity of 1 liter. It comes on a base that's rated at 900 watts. The kettle itself weighs just under a kilogram.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vyv-hobby_home_productMon, 04 Apr 2022 11:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vyv-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vkj-foods_productSuntory's Craft -196C Hikitatsu Lemon was released at the end of March 2022. It's a 7% alcohol shochu highball in a can with 3% lemon juice and domestic vodka.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vkj-foods_productFri, 01 Apr 2022 13:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vkj-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoK3Y-foods_productMacha no Sanda, or Green Tea Thunder, is a chocolate confection in the popular line of Black Thunder chocolate treats from Yuraku. Like many of Yuraku's treats, this one is a single serving and low price.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoK3Y-foods_productFri, 01 Apr 2022 12:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GoK3Y-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAyd0-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaPhoto, VieIn the new academic year starting in April, everything's fresh - new colleagues, new roles, and lots of new students’ names and faces. Well, maybe just eyes as we continue to wear masks in this pandemic era. In the English language classroom, I’ve relied on this handful of icebreakers that get students interacting with teachers, classmates, and the English language in fun and meaningful ways. These ice breakers help the teacher and students to get to know each other using language they know.Name Meanings in EnglishFor non-Japanese teachers, learning myriad Japanese surnames, some with alternate kanji, is a real challenge. And then there are the variations on readings for kanji in Japanese given names. Learning name meanings in English is one activity that my high school and adult learners enjoy as a getting-to-know-you vocabulary activity that also helps teachers learn names.I usually start by explaining the meaning of my surname and given names, and the origins and meanings. I hand out postcard-sized slips of paper on which I direct my students to write their names in kanji and then romaji plus their preferred term of address. I then ask my students to choose to either write their surname or given name meaning in English on the back. Students can use the vocabulary they know or crack their dictionaries to find the English equivalents for the kanji in their names. If they get stuck, you can use tools such as Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC kanji lookup. I ask my students to do this quietly and when they’re finished, collect the cards.Now comes the fun part. I randomly draw a card and tell the students that they must listen for their classmates’ names but keep silent if they hear their own name's meaning in English. I tell them, “This person is a Ms. / Mr. This person’s family name / given name means ~.” When done, you have a handy set of name cards for your own reference, and you can use the cards as a lottery in the following lessons.Interview and Introduce Your PartnerA challenge for English learners is the third person singular. Even advanced learners miss the s on the verbs at times.Tell your students that they will not do jikoshokai, or self-introduction that’s so common in social situations in Japan. Instead, they will interview a partner and introduce three things about them to the class. I let my students freely talk in Japanese and help out with vocabulary or expressions. They write three sentences in notebooks or a worksheet and then report to the class.In CommonWhile English has the contrasting words both and neither, Japanese has only one word, mo. For example, to express that both you and Julie like dogs, you can say ジュリーも私も犬が好きです。If neither you nor Taro like cats, you can say 太郎も私も猫が好きではありません。This activity is suitable for junior high third years and up. I start by demonstrating what I have in common with a friend to spot teach the meanings and uses of both and neither. For example, "I like sushi. My friend likes sushi. We both like sushi. I don’t have a car. My friend doesn’t have a car. Neither of us has a car."Pair students and give them time to find three things in common. Students write their sentences in notebooks or on a worksheet. To wrap up, ask the students to report their sentences to the whole class. Students who are listening can interject with “Me, too!” and “Me neither!” For English teachers and tutors out there, how do you get the ball rolling in your English lessons?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAyd0-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaThu, 31 Mar 2022 16:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAyd0-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPyE-foods_productIn Kikkoman's lineup of condiments is Shiboritate Ponzu, or freshly squeezed citrus vinegar. It comes in a 360ml bottle. I bought mine on Amazon in bulk, three bottles. The best-before date is a year after the date indicated on the label.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPyE-foods_productSat, 26 Mar 2022 18:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPyE-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpYXY-living_matsudo_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaWhat a shock to the system we experienced freezing temperatures and snow across the Kanto region on March 22nd. In my little corner of northern Chiba Prefecture, the snow stuck while we were gripped by a cold snap after a few days of warm weather. In fact, it was so warm the week before I’d also started to wear zori without socks.And then I wondered about the cherry blossoms. Would they endure the chilly conditions? I got out on my bicycle after the cold snap and it looks like the cherry trees have held their blooms. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has a recent and detailed cherry blossom forecast indicating that the trees will be in full bloom right on time.In the northern part of Chiba Prefecture, close to home, there are some popular spots to stroll under the profusion of pink flowers. But some of them are not that crowded even in an average year. These are some spots that I go back to again and again to appreciate the fleeting cherry blossoms by myself.MuryojuinOut of the way Muryojuin for solitary hanamiDeep into Noda City’s rural landscape near the Tone River, Muryojuin, a Shingon sect temple is mostly a mortuary temple with a big cemetery. In the spring, it’s a glorious hanami spot with a spectacular shidarezakura tree in the front garden and a red gate flanked by mature cherry trees. When you visit on a weekday, you have the whole place to yourself as it’s out of the way.Shimizu ParkThe oldest cherry tree in the park, planted in 1868In central Noda City, Shimizu Park has lots to do in any season. Within the park, Konjoin has a cherry tree planted in the first year of the Meiji era. It’s also one of the earliest to bloom. There are many more cherry trees scattered throughout the park and along the avenue to the west side. Most people put down their picnic sheets in front of the gate, but there are other lawns where you can stretch out and paths you can stroll in solitude.HondojiPink snow at HondojiSometimes referred to as the Meigetsuin of the east after Kamakura’s famous temple because like its namesake, Hondojiin Matsudo City has a huge range of hydrangeas you can enjoy in the rainy season. But it’s also got some lovely cherry trees in front of the pagoda and along the paths of the gardens. It's a popular spot but nothing like more famous and crowded parks in Tokyo.TokiwadairaSpend an hour walking Tokiwadaira avenueMatsudo City’s Tokiwadaira is one of Japan’s noted 100 cherry blossom avenues. I usually start at Mabashi Station on the Joban Line which has tall cherry trees at the west exit that give you an idea of how full the blossoms may be. The avenue stretches from Route 6 to Tokiwadaira Station for about 3 kilometers with half a century-old cherry trees creating a tunnel over the street.Issa Soju Memorial HallSakuracha to warm up on a cold March dayA cute tea house in Nagareyama City, Issa Soju Memorial Hall, was the retreat of the poet Kobayashi Issa and his friend Soju. Here the pair wrote haiku while gazing out at the landscape garden. One of my favorite experiences at the house was sitting on the veranda with a warm cup of sakuracha to dream up some spring haiku. The times I've visited only a handful of visitors was there.What's your favorite out-of-the-way cherry blossom spot in your region?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpYXY-living_matsudo_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibaThu, 24 Mar 2022 18:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpYXY-living_matsudo_shi_chiba_noda_shi_chiba_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDYO-livingLate on Thursday evening, I was tucked into my futon when the first shock of an earthquake rippled through my building. I was startled awake and didn’t panic. The wood-frame building flexes a lot in an earthquake, and the land on which it stands is quite stable. But then the second shock was preceded by a deep rumble. Whether it was audible or infrasound, I can’t say. But it was ominous and I knew a big shake was coming in seconds.A crack caused by the March 11th, 2011 earthquake photo KatorisiI reached for my mobile device and between the rolling shake and my racing heart, I had a hard time tapping in the password but managed to immediately tune in to NHK Radio. This is one of the first sources of information in an emergency, all Japanese of course. For me, my listening comprehension is high but my reading is weak, so my go-to is the radio.I was uneasy, but I was relieved to have access to information fast. The broadcast was alarming as the announcer was audibly mentally shaken but to his credit, he persevered. This was a seriously big earthquake with a tsunami threat, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed some people.Your bug out bagTwo years ago, I told you how to pack a bug-out bag, Japanese style. My first thought as the tremor subsided was about this bag of stuff that I can grab and go to a shelter if I have to. Fortunately, I am far from the epicenter.Information in an emergencyI don’t have a TV or a radio, but I can still get information in either Japanese or English fast. One source I turn to often on my mobile device is NHK World which broadcasts on their website in English in case of a disaster.NHK Radio over the internet was the first source I turned to. If your Japanese listening comprehension is high and you need local information in a hurry, NHK Radio’s Rajiru app is a good source. NHK Radio broadcasts emergency information within seconds of a major event. I could easily catch information about my prefecture - power outages, tsunami warnings, and local conditions.Advice from your embassyEmbassies in Tokyo have comprehensive information about disaster preparation in Japan. While your country is responsible for you to some extent, all indicate that you must be prepared to rely on local information and disaster response. I'm impressed with the Canadian Embassy which urges Canadian residents to register. The US Embassy has a lot of disaster preparation guidance relevant to anybody in Japan.How to get a message outKeep your mobile devices powered up at all times. Even in really bad situations, Japan's communications are reliable and you can get word out on your situation to friends and family abroad.If you're on the wrong side of a severe earthquake disaster and don't have internet or network access, NNT East has an emergency message system. Also, Japan has emergency wifi in event of a disaster, 00000Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDYO-livingFri, 18 Mar 2022 19:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDYO-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BVR-foods_productThis ice chocolate bar is exclusively sold at 7-11 convenience stores. The bar, labeled with a cartoon character "Bucho", reads Chocozawa Gorizo. It's a chocolate ice cream bar with chocolate bits in it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BVR-foods_productSat, 12 Mar 2022 16:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BVR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnypm-foods_productDars white chocolate ice bar is a single serving treat made by Morinaga confectionery. It's available at convenience stores. I got this one at my local 7-11.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnypm-foods_productSat, 12 Mar 2022 15:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnypm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBPW-hobby_home_productOnpo cypress bath salts come in a box of 12 bath tablets in four varieties - yuzu citrus, iris, cypress wood, and pine. The bath salts carbonate, scent, and color your bathwater.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBPW-hobby_home_productSun, 06 Mar 2022 11:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdBPW-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glo3j-foods_productAsahi Brewery's draft beer, Maruefu, was initially launched in 1986 but discontinued in favor of Asahi Super Dry. The beer is a pale lager based on rice, hops, and corn.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glo3j-foods_productSat, 05 Mar 2022 15:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glo3j-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1m7-education_work_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaOn my way out the door from school the other day, some junior high students were talking excitedly about the next day’s lessons. One of them erroneously said in Japanese, “Tomorrow’s a day off because of the online lessons. What’s your plan?” I called out in English, “It is NOT a day off!” The students realized they had been busted, responding with “Right, sorry, it’s a school day,” and hurried onto the bus.Like the students, I’m relieved to work from home in an effort at mitigating contact in these pandemic times. Mornings are easy commuting from futon to kotatsu table where I set up my laptop and lighting and a blanket.I hope my students are as attentive as this one, photo PexelsThe model of distributed lessons my school follows has reduced each day’s lesson hours by one with 15-minute breaks between lessons to reduce screen time and allow teachers adequate preparation.By now I’ve been doing Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) for two years off and on. I say off and on because we’ve moved between the classroom and online instruction depending on the multiple states of emergency. It’s a huge demand on my creative and pedagogical resources to make lessons that are comprehensible and get results.The GoodThe school I teach in presciently provided faculty and students with a Learning Management System (LMS) in late 2019. Teachers were able to implement a lot of the digital tools to enrich our in-class lessons even before things got complicated. The LMS the administration went with, Google Classroom, is easy to use, promotes communication between students and teachers, and saves on paper usage. We can give information to our students in videos, survey them, and store vast amounts of content that’s easily editable.For us non-Japanese teachers not fully literate in Japanese, suddenly the school’s operation became more transparent as we can use online tools and hacks to read the vast amount of text we get in email and chats.The experience has increased our skillset substantially. I could even say I feel like my job has been refreshed and changed by the shift to online teaching.The BadAt first, my non-Japanese colleagues and I resorted to asynchronous lessons - audio, video, and texts on web pages we created to provide content followed by assignments.The response was uneven. A big hurdle for the students was that the school did not provide tablets or computers for students to use at home. Despite all the cutting-edge smartphone technology and gadgetry that young people are used to, home computers are not ubiquitous. And though smartphones are amazing, the small screens and tiny keyboards make online submissions of assignments tough. Even when families do have laptops or computers at home, brothers and sisters might have to share.At the beginning of the 2021 school year, some of our grades received tablet computers, but we still have a way to go to provide all grades with devices.The UglyFor us teachers, delivering audio and video and engaging the students in online tools and messaging is fantastic. But the biggest issue is that students aren’t all proactive. We feel like we’re presenting into a void. There’s no telling if the students who aren’t engaging don’t understand or have simply tuned out while in a live online lesson.It’s not just language teaching that gets thwarted in ERT. Home economics, PE, and teachers when those courses are better taught in person. There’s a lot of tactile and face-to-face interaction needed to instruct. To make it all more challenging, these courses with fewer hours a week lose lessons more frequently than core courses such as science, math, and Japanese. It’s due to the reduced number of lesson hours per day to limit screen time.Schools and school boards may be eager to move online, but a big hurdle is the lack of budget for online tools. The reality these days is that many of the effective online interactives cost money. A big challenge for me and my colleagues is to demonstrate the value of a handful of subscriptions. Without them, telling us to do online lessons is like asking us to build a house with some boards, but no nails and hammers.The latest is that MEXT is pledging funds for online education. To do online education well, we need a lot more than just devices. It'll take training and identifying learning platforms that get results.For you teachers and parents, what's good and bad about the online education situation? What do you think about your school's efforts to move online?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1m7-education_work_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaTue, 01 Mar 2022 15:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1m7-education_work_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2ej-mind_body_product_sport_product_education_productHiden Budo and Bujutsu monthly journal covers modern, classical martial arts and martial sports. The glossy journal is usually 130 to 140 pages including feature and serial articles.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2ej-mind_body_product_sport_product_education_productWed, 23 Feb 2022 11:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2ej-mind_body_product_sport_product_education_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDPe-drink_productSekinoichi is a craft beer brewery in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture that evolved from sake brewing. The line of craft beers they produce is made in the kura warehouses there. This beer is Kinkura, the gold kura version.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDPe-drink_productTue, 22 Feb 2022 19:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDPe-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPD4-living_noda_shi_chibaFebruary and March can bring dreary weather in the Kanto region. Some days the warmth of the sun relieves the bitter cold, but there are also rainy bleak days. Hinamatsuri, one of the five gosekku, the seasonal festivals of Japan, brings a little color and celebratory atmosphere to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It coincides with the blooming of wintersweet and plum trees. The Hina matsuri festival features displays of dolls to celebrate girls.The festival celebrated on the modern calendar on March 3rd originated perhaps as early as the Heian period. Imagine, at that time, infant mortality was much higher than it is today. Heian aristocrats took to displaying figurines and dolls as a way to ward off the evil that might threaten children. In the early spring, the display of dolls became a celebration of the survival of offspring after the perilous winter. As doll manufacture became more widespread, the wider culture adopted displays of dolls, both simple and intimate and elaborate and public. They are meant to celebrate young girls.The dolls depict a Heian court with the emperor, empress, courtiers, and their furniture. The figures in the seven-step display on a red felt carpet resemble a wedding celebration and that’s what they were meant to represent, with all the goods that a bride would bring and the sumptuous costumes of the imperial court.When I stepped out of my house on a blustery February day to visit Noda City’s Folk Museum, I had only intended to greet some friends who are volunteering at the museum’s hall. However, as I was leaving, I caught a glimpse of the warmly lit interior of the heritage house next door, also part of the museum grounds. In the front reception room beyond the genkan hall, I spied a seven-tier doll display. I hung back while the museum staff saw off some visitors. After they left, the guide greeted me and ushered me into the genkan to take a photo of this dazzling display of dolls. When I was done shooting he beckoned me in to see more.The first display of dolls near the genkan of the old houseIn one of the reception rooms, he beamed as he explained that this set of dolls came from a 90-year-old resident of Noda City.A display of dolls dating from a Noda City near-centenarianI wondered aloud if she let go of the doll set because of lack of space. The museum staff member told me no, she's eager to share her cultural treasure with the city, so she donated it knowing it would be displayed annually.Yet more stunning displays decorated rooms in the heritage house. Many families have contributed their treasures to the city so that everyone can enjoy the celebration.A vintage set of dolls in the Kansai idiomAs Japan's birthrate declines at an accelerated rate, it's all the more important to be grateful for children and the traditions that fete the young people who will be the leaders in an increasingly aged society.Do you mark Hinamatsuri in your home?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPD4-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 22 Feb 2022 11:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPD4-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPlJ-foods_productMorinaga, the confectionery company, produces a line of sweets called Parm which ice cream. This ice cream treat is called Chocolat and Mixed Berry which I bought at my local convenience store.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPlJ-foods_productFri, 18 Feb 2022 18:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPlJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lxW-living_tokyo_ehimeBefore I came to Japan two decades ago, I had never experienced a hot spring for bathing. It’s not that there aren’t any where I come from. Just like Japan, my home province of British Columbia in Canada is located on the Ring of Fire, the tectonic and volcanic rim of the Pacific Ocean. British Columbia boasts excellent wild and tamed hot springs, and even a circuit of a dozen hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. So why had I never soaked in a hot spring? When you look at the map of British Columbia, you’ll see it’s vast and getting to a hot spring requires hours of driving and possibly hiking in. So imagine my delight when I landed in a small town on Shikoku with a half dozen onsen spas within easy reach by bicycle and train.In that first week living in a small coastal town, a Canadian colleague invited me for a soak in a local onsen. For me, it was both a relief after a first bewildering week and an exciting first experience. Not knowing the conventions and being a little giddy, I had brought a camera with me. My Canadian buddy wrapped in towels waited for other bathers to leave the bath, and begged the favor of an onsen attendant to take a souvenir photo. I don’t know who laughed harder, we two bathers or the staff member. Pro tip - do not take photos in an onsen. It’s not done.For that photo, we wrapped up in our towels for modesty’s sake. Like other first-time onsen goers, I was a little hesitant to bare it all in change rooms, but as Helloalissa says, don’t fear the onsen. Unless you’re breaking bathing etiquette, nobody is looking at you as they’re too absorbed with their own relaxation.The Japanese onsen experience made me aware of those hot spring retreats back home on the west coast of Canada, so on my trips home, I sought them out. They’re not easy to get to, so I went on an odyssey traveling by ferry, bus, and zodiac boat to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Up the coast from the small town of Tofino is Hot Springs Cove with a searing hot spring gushing over rocks into tidal pools on the shore. It’s not terribly remote but takes a bit of effort to get to, and the rewards are whale watching, eagle spotting, and ocean views from a wild source of thermal water. I realized both how powerful natural hot springs can be, and how lucky I am to have easy access to hot springs in Japan.I came to appreciate the onsen experience for the health benefits, too. Onsen contributes to wellness by soothing sore muscles and relieving skin conditions. For mental health, too, they’re a refuge from your troubles. When the huge earthquake struck in March 2011, the contents of my home were rattled and broken, but the building stood up well. After cleaning up my shattered kitchen, watching too much news, and enduring aftershocks, I wanted a cup of tea to settle down a bit. The gas supply had been knocked out meaning no hot water to wash up. I retreated to the local onsen to soak and recover from the stress of the ongoing disaster. Just that one hour of self-care was refreshing enough for me to calm down in order to tackle whatever would happen next.The local onsen where I retreated from the stress of 3/11The easy access to onsens in towns and cities is one of my favorite aspects of living in Japan. I'm so grateful for the waters in which to luxuriate and unwind. When I can travel back to Canada again, I hope to explore more of the hot springs there, tamed and wild.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lxW-living_tokyo_ehimeMon, 14 Feb 2022 11:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lxW-living_tokyo_ehimehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyW53-foods_productTakaki Bakery produces savory and sweet specialty bread to convenience stores and sells online direct to customers. The package indicates stone oven-baked salt-butter walnut bread.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyW53-foods_productFri, 11 Feb 2022 16:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyW53-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZDr-mind_body_productUnicharm's Happy Catch comes in a range of lengths depending on your needs. This particular package contains 22 items in the 26 cm size. The wrappers have sticky tabs for easy rewrapping and disposal.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZDr-mind_body_productFri, 04 Feb 2022 12:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZDr-mind_body_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKEq-foods_productThe stewed hijiki seaweed and tofu salad is one of 7-11's small portions of fresh salads. The label on the package indicates that the salad has six different ingredients, including beans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKEq-foods_productFri, 04 Feb 2022 11:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKEq-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX1B-living_saitama_shi_saitama_sugito_machi_saitamaThese days, I don’t get out much due to the pandemic situation, but one of the few places that I retire to is onsen destinations close to home. Sure, I’d love to get away to a mountain retreat or the seaside. These days, I have been discovering dozens of suburban onsen hot spring spas within an easy train ride of urban centers in the eastern part of the Kanto area. Even in dense Saitama Prefecture cities close to the hub Omiya Station, there are three standout places I like to go. If I have to choose the best, these are the three that I think are standout locations with restful surroundings and soothing spa waters.Seiganji OnsenA short bus ride from Omiya Station is Seiganji Onsen located in a residential area of Nishi Ward, Saitama City. The bath greets you with a walk through a Japanese-garden-inspired landscape, with stone steps and low plantings. The place captures the classic ambiance of a countryside onsen with rambling corridors and windows that look out onto the stone and greenery in the gardens.The reception is partially automated - you check in on a digital panel for bath admission and aesthetic treatments such as massage. What I liked most about the spa is the dense bamboo on the east side of the outdoor baths, providing both privacy and a lovely rustling sound that brings to mind countryside ambiance. The outdoor baths feature “namagenseyu”, untreated chloride hot spring water that is refreshed continuously.Koharu Biyori OnsenKoharu Biyori Onsen in Saitama City, Minuma Ward takes a little more effort to get to. I started my bus trip to this onsen at Iwatsuki Station in the town famed for its doll production. If you have time and interest in dolls, it’s a great place to see exquisite dolls at the shops and the museum there before your bath. The bus trip was about 40 minutes long, a meandering journey through suburban Minuma Ward that gave way to a more rural landscape of orchards and farms. This onsen transports you to another place with water and stone features around a pond near the entrance. Once you’re scrubbed down, the outdoor baths with chloride strong salt hot springs sheltered by pavilions are waiting. The outdoor baths are surrounded by trees and a landscape that brings to mind a traditional tea garden with a vermillion bridge, water spilling over stones, and flowering shrubs.The natural temperature of some of the baths is low at 38 degrees celsius, so if you can acclimatize to the hotter baths.Uta no Yu OnsenHands down, Uta no Yu Onsen in neighboring Sugito Town is my favorite onsen in the area. The experience starts at Sugito Station where a shuttle bus whisks you through the town past vintage townhouses to the low slung profile of the onsen among the rice paddies.The onsen feels timeless, and you can easily spend a day relaxing here. At the reception to the bath, guests are provided attractive patterned kanchaku, a shorts and shirt set. Between soaks, you can stroll around in your kanchaku.The outdoor baths are situated in a garden with meandering paths with lots of variety - very hot baths to warm ones, reclining baths, and ceramic tsubo pots to submerge up to your neck. The ganbanyoku, the hot stone spa, is available for an extra fee.The corridors of the onsen wrap around a courtyard garden with flowering trees, a footbath, and verandas for lounging. It's a great place to go with family or on a date as you can soak and then gather in the tatami rooms, verandas, or at the footbath.On my visits, I usually finish my onsen experience with a light meal at Miyabi, the izakaya-style restaurant. The onsen also has a buffet restaurant, Irodori, for people with big appetites. Either of the restaurants have the atmosphere of a country manor with soaring rafters.At these onsens, I can imagine I've gotten away to somewhere else, and forget the time. Yet I can return home within the day. I feel fortunate to have such getaways so closeby.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX1B-living_saitama_shi_saitama_sugito_machi_saitamaMon, 24 Jan 2022 10:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX1B-living_saitama_shi_saitama_sugito_machi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vao-foods_productIn July 2014, Kirin started Spring Valley Brewery brand, paying respects to the origins of Kirin beer in Yokohama in 1869. Spring Valley's beers use traditional ingredients and brewing methods.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vao-foods_productFri, 21 Jan 2022 16:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vao-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82od-foods_productDerailleur Brew Works in Osaka, Nishinari Ward is a collection of craft breweries. This particular beer is a strong Belgian-style beer. The name is a pun on Daigo, the neighborhood in Nishinari.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82od-foods_productThu, 20 Jan 2022 19:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82od-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdB9K-foods_product Derailleur, a collective of breweries in the Nishinari district of Osaka produces unconventional craft brew with various novelty flavors. This time, I went with "A Tribe Called Incognito".To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdB9K-foods_productMon, 17 Jan 2022 21:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdB9K-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3ZD-education_howto_saitama_shi_saitama_chiba_tokyoWhy choose private schools?Some years ago a former university instructor who moved on to another career said something that really struck me - after a few years of university teaching she burned out on the low expectations. The students were not focused on English learning but to fulfill an English language requirement for their undergraduate studies. What I gathered was that the skill level of the university students was not much higher than my middling high schoolers. Fair enough, English language training is a valid mandatory study, but the university situation didn’t sound like the right fit for me.The private school English departments tasked me with teaching literature and composition, so my students and I found it stimulating to read short essays and stories, novels, and practice essay writing. Later on, I was asked to create a program of studies that incorporated social issues through various teaching approaches. It was fun for my students and stimulating for me.These days, my teaching context is best described as cross-curricular, drawing on my students’ knowledge in their other courses and demanding of them writing and presentation skills. I’m proud of their achievements.So how do you get to do what I do? It took a lot of foundation work. I started as an ESL instructor in my home country with a postgraduate TESOL diploma but that didn’t get me all the way to where I am now. A lot of the knowledge and skill I gained through experience and research in Japan.My first taste of Japan’s education context was through the JET Program placement in a small city where I acclimatized to Japan’s education culture. Over time, my Japanese language proficiency improved. Eventually, I passed JLPT N2 which has made it easier to cope with meetings, correspondence, and discussions with my students in and out of the classroom.How do you get in?Schools start with the cherry blossoms, photo SidneiensisA lot of the chatter on forums says you need to network to get these jobs. However, the few times I’ve been approached by current or former teachers looking to recruit on behalf of the private school, there were some red flags. For one thing, the schools hadn’t advertised the positions, so it makes you wonder if their HR is not competent with promoting the positions through the usual channels. It may be the school may not be able to adequately describe what their needs or expectations are for new teachers.I opted for recruitment/placement companies. The first of these companies I worked for had a long relationship with the school. The teachers inducted me through a series of interviews and asked for an essay, portfolio, and a demonstration lesson with feedback from the teachers. While the salary is lower than direct hire it’s still a good way to start building the foundations for direct-hire later on.Are there job listings?One resource for finding these kinds of positions is Ohayo Sensei, a long-running website that lists teaching positions twice a month. It’s one long webpage, but it’s easy enough to search for private high school positions. Another source of job posts is JALT job listings. Occasionally, private high schools post positions on Japan REsearch Career Information Network (J-REC).Connecting with the CommunityAn insight into the private high school job market is to get involved with professional organizations. At conferences and online events, you meet people who can point you in the right direction. Some professional organizations that welcome contributions from teachers at all levels of education are Japan Association of Language Teaching (ALT) and its many Special Interest Groups, English Teachers in Japan (ETJ), and OTJ. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3ZD-education_howto_saitama_shi_saitama_chiba_tokyoMon, 10 Jan 2022 11:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3ZD-education_howto_saitama_shi_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPrv-living_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_tokyoIn pre-pandemic times, I’ve had such amazing hatsumode experiences, the first visit to a shrine or temple that took me to sacred spots around the Kanto area, within easy reach of where I live.One of the first places in Tokyo that I braved the cold winter night for was Meiji Jingu, the shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was already familiar to me because I worked in the area for many years, and I often walked through the shrine grounds to and from workplaces. One aspect of their lives that drew me to the shrine was Empress Shoken’s modern outlook on Japan. She imposed on the imperial court western fashion and promoted education for women.Getting to and from the shrine didn’t go exactly as planned, but it was a great first shrine visit. That new year’s eve, I left my suburban Chiba Prefecture home after 10 p.m for a one-hour train ride to Harajuku Station and had anticipated that I would have to wait in line. The line was a throng stretching across the entire shrine approach path. I kept warm by huddling with other friendly and freezing people. It took about an hour waiting to get to the offertory box but the experience was worth it with the pageantry and the golden rain of five yen coins soaring in the cold air. Volunteers provided hot drinks and I hurried to return on the train ride home. I fell asleep on the way and had to backtrack a few stations to get home.Some years later, and no longer working in Tokyo, I looked to other places that would be significant to my life in Japan and settled on a hatsumode trip to Katori Shrine in Chiba Prefecture. The shrine is the birthplace of one of Japan’s longest practiced martial systems, Tenshin Shōden Katori Shinto-ryu, which spawned many other martial arts in Japan. My companions and I drove through the night and arrived just before dawn to make our offerings to pay respect to this centuries-old tradition.In these pandemic times, I stay much closer to home. The first place I visit is Atago Shrine in the center of the city. This shrine is said to have been established after the town suffered a fire and dedicated the shrine in the year 928 to placate Kagutsuchi, the fiery god who fatally wounded his mother Izanami on the way into this world. The shrine is seldom crowded, so I don’t have to wait long to pay my respects. The shrine is famed for its kadomatsu. These decorations are constructed of pine, bamboo, and sometimes decorated with plum blossoms to welcome the toshigami, the Shinto deity who presides over the year. But Atago Shrine goes big. Every year, Atago Shrine displays Japan’s tallest kadomatsu that top the torii gate. It’s hard to capture the full size of these massive pillars in the front street.Japan's tallest kadomatsu at Atago Shrine, Noda CitySo here’s to your happiness in 2022 from the home of Japan’s tallest kadomatsu. Stay warm and safe!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPrv-living_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_tokyoSat, 01 Jan 2022 18:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wjPrv-living_noda_shi_chiba_katori_shi_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDA9-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaPhoto, GorgoWhether you’re a JET Program ALT or CIR, dispatch ALT, or a private school teacher, a rookie or an old hand, there is always more to learn about the attitudes and practices in Japan’s schools. As a participant in elementary, junior high, and senior high school life, you have opportunities to get greater insight into what administrations and boards of education need, want, and expect. There are some hot topics that ALTs and non-Japanese teachers encounter in the schools.Elementary-junior high school cooperationThe jump from elementary to junior high school lessons is challenging for any young teen anywhere in the world. Administrators and educators identify this as 小中連携 shochu renkei, the elementary and junior connection. Issues to address include relieving the anxiety of children, acknowledging the differences in focus between elementary school teacher generalists and junior high school subject teachers. To add to the shochu renkei challenge, the foreign language education program that started in Elementary Grades 5 and 6 in 2011 was made a compulsory subject for Elementary Grades 3 to 6.ALTs who are assigned to both levels of education have a special insight and may, in cooperation with teachers, help students make the transition. A few years ago when I taught in a rural community, I was in regular contact with elementary and junior high English teachers. To ease the Grade 6 graduates’ transition, we did a letter-writing project - the graduates introduced themselves in a short letter to their new junior high school English teacher.In-school ResearchIn other school systems such as Canada or the UK, teachers spend time on professional development by participating in seminars and coursework. This happens too, in Japan, but another significant professional development approach is Konnai jugyo kenkyu, in school research. Classrooms are opened to faculty and often community members followed by discussions on practices and problem-solving. Some schools cooperate with university researchers who examine the process and collect data while others work with school boards. Sometimes ALTs may be included in these activities.One great experience I had was working with a homeroom teacher to demonstrate Task Based Language Teaching and getting feedback from the principal and school board administrators. Everybody got something out of the experience. Teachers, ALTs included, might wonder where to start and think it’s complicated, but here’s an article by a school principal about trouble-shooting the process.GIGA School ProgramJapan introduced the Global and Innovation Gateway for All (GIGA) School Program to provide Internet connections, digital devices, and online learning to schools across the country. The program is in its early stages, and teachers are learning along with their students how to take advantage of digital tools.The private school I teach in now provides netbooks to all students which we frequently use for researching content for projects, using interactive tools, and submitting assignments. It's a bit chaotic as we're all still learning but the students figure out how to take advantage of the online resources. Sure, we have impromptu K-pop karaoke and dance sessions on breaks but there's a lot of learning happening, too. English Achievement TestingWhatever your attitude about standardized testing, it’s a significant part of Japan’s education system. To get started, you can get an overview by reading What’s on the test? One of the most widely used measures of English proficiency is Eiken. ALTs are often tasked with preparing students for the written and interview phases of this test format. More specifically, teaching writing is a big demand on ALTs and private high school teachers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDA9-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaMon, 13 Dec 2021 10:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDA9-education_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOaN-living_education_howto_ibaraki_gunma_saitama_chiba_kanagawaOmiya Technical High School, photo credit AbasaaWhy do it?As a JET Program Assistant Language Teacher for a year, I had a stimulating and challenging experience. It was my first time living and working in Japan with the support of a board of education and community members who introduced me to local culture. I got to participate in classrooms and school events and gained an understanding of the language and the school culture along the way. I was never bored as there was so much to learn and explore.Some municipal boards of education have opted out of the JET Program and eschew recruitment companies. There are opportunities throughout Japan to secure a position as an ALT. If you missed the JET Program opportunity and are already here, direct hire jobs are a close second.You may have soldiered on for a few years as an eikaiwa employee or a dispatch ALT at a low salary. Landing a direct-hire ALT position may boost your earnings. The range for municipal school board ALT positions ranges widely but you may find some that offer monthly salaries of ￥300,000 or more. You’ll also be guaranteed that your employer honors laws and that you’re included in social welfare correctly.Where are the jobs?It’s not that hard to find contacts for municipal school boards that hire ALTs directly. It just takes a little effort, some Japanese language savvy, and knowledge about school board hiring practices.The first thing to do is find out if your local municipal school board recruits. When you search for these openings, you need to know the job title. the Assistant Language Teacher position may be described as 外国語指導助手 gaikokugo shido joshu, foreign language guidance assistant, or possibly 英語指導助手 eigo shido joshu, English language guidance assistant.Many municipal boards of education have a landing page or pdf file in either English or Japanese (sometimes both) that indicates the fiscal year. To find these pages for the coming fiscal/school year, start your search with the regnal year 令和４年, the fourth year of Reiwa. Another key term that will help you in your search is 募集 boshuu, taking applications. Hiring TimeMany of these positions open up for applications in November and December each year. The typical application requires submission of proof of your residence status, a CV, copies of your university diploma, TESOL certificate or diploma, and perhaps an essay. Interviews are scheduled for January and February. Many of the boards of education prefer candidates that have good communication ability in Japanese, so be sure to indicate your JLPT achievement in your application.Some CaveatsDepending on the employment rules, some boards of education may only offer one-year contracts. Previous hires may have to compete each year, so you have to compete with candidates who already have experience. But don't turn your nose up at these jobs as they provide a good opportunity to gain Japanese language and English teaching skills. It can also provide a stable year or two to do professional development to further your career in education or another field.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOaN-living_education_howto_ibaraki_gunma_saitama_chiba_kanagawaWed, 01 Dec 2021 14:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLOaN-living_education_howto_ibaraki_gunma_saitama_chiba_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOqK-living_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_inashiki_shi_ibaraki_tsukubamirai_shi_ibarakiA consideration as I look forward to traveling again in Japan is avoiding popular and crowded places. I have a knack, my friends say, for finding intriguing destinations that don’t attract a lot of visitors. So with that thought in mind, I’ve been planning some off the beaten path excursions for this winter holiday and the coming year since the threat of the pandemic has subsided, and it is hoped, continues to lose its menace.An Underappreciated GemSo, where to go within easy distance of Tokyo to take in natural beauty and cultural treasures that are less crowded? I am constantly drawn back to Ibaraki Prefecture. But not many Japanese people agree that this is an enticing place to visit or live. In annual surveys, Ibaraki ranked last for 7 consecutive years as the least attractive prefecture in Japan. Briefly, Tochigi Prefecture took last place, but this year once again, Ibaraki is dead last in the online survey.My take is that Ibaraki is not unattractive but merely pushed down the ranking because other places are better known or have better marketing. In fact, Ibaraki has embraced its underdog perception, and this year, it’s using the catchphrase 「体験王国いばらき」which means "Experience Ibaraki Kingdom". Make that queendom. It’s all mine when I go there since people don’t flock to it despite all the treasures there.Mount Tsukuba's peaks visible on my commute most days photo Koda6029Places I want to revisitYears ago, I first encountered Tsuchiura City on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura when I had a job there. It’s not as famous as its neighbor the science city of Tsukuba, but it has many charms. A short walk from the station is the remains of Tsuchiura Castle. Although the main keep is gone, it has some well preserved and reconstructed buildings and the park is lovely in all seasons. On the way are a number of kura storehouses on the old Mito Kaido route. My favorite there, an underappreciated cultural treasure, is Machkidao Daitoku, a classic shophouse that has been repurposed as a gallery, omiyage shop, and bicycle rental base. Upstairs the intricate carpentry and subtle decoration are worth a look. The city also hosts the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in autumn and there are many good vantage points all over the city and the riverbanks.Escaping by bicycleIbaraki may not be the hippest place to go, but it sure has some excellent places for getting away from urban sprawl on a bicycle. One place to start is Ring Ring Square in Tsuchiura which promotes cycling culture in the region. A few times, I've cycled the north along a defunct train route repurposed as a cycling road. This route took me north to wide-open spaces, cool cafes and Amabiki Kannon, a splendid temple on the flank of Tsukuba Mountain. No matter what time of year I've gone, I've had the route and the destinations all to myself. On other rides, I've rambled through the western part of Ibaraki to discover the Ibaraki Nature Museum on the edge of Sugao Marsh, a vast wetland with nary a modern structure in view. Further on I rode toItabashi Fudoson, a richly decorated temple dedicated to Fudomyo in Tsukuba Mirai City. Again, I saw no other visitors. It's one more crowd-free place with rich architectural and local history.Looking Forward to more Undiscovered IbarakiI've got a few spots on my list of unpopular spots in Ibaraki Prefecture that I intend to visit soon. One that fascinates me but is a challenge to get to is Osugi Shrine in Inashiki City. The city has no train lines, so my only choice is to cycle down from Tsuchiura City along the shores of Kasumigaura.Osugi Shrine, Inashiki City photo KatorisiThe shrine's origin is pertinent in these pandemic times because of its healing history. In the year 767, an itinerant monk prayed for relief from a disease that plagued the people in the region. It's a place to ask for blessings and protection from calamity. I'm pretty sure on a weekday bike ride, I'll be the only pilgrim there, but I'll be praying for everybody.Is there an uncrowded place close to you that you can get away to in these pandemic times?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOqK-living_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_inashiki_shi_ibaraki_tsukubamirai_shi_ibarakiMon, 29 Nov 2021 18:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOqK-living_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_inashiki_shi_ibaraki_tsukubamirai_shi_ibarakihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B1o-living_onlyinjapan_chiba_tokyoIn Japan, a source of relief, pun intended, is that just about everywhere you go you’ll find a public toilet or one provided by businesses. It sounds like a simple thing, municipal governments and retailers providing sanitary facilities. However, it’s an aspect of public space that sets Japan apart from other developed countries. When I step out of my front door, I don’t give toilets a second thought because they're everywhere. A dearth of places to go around the worldThis is in contrast with daily life in other developed countries where you might plan places to powder your nose while you’re doing your errands. My hometown in Canada, Vancouver, has struggled with providing clean and easily accessible toilets for citizens and visitors for nearly a century. Initially, the city provided public toilets but successive city councilors rejected them, and today few exist forcing the public to rely on private businesses that have toilets. You have to do some forward planning if you have kids in tow or health issues that necessitate frequent pit stops. Besides, it’s a terrible burden on the poor who cannot afford to patronize businesses that have toilets.American cities, too, had a shocking lack of restrooms in public spaces before pandemic mitigation measures spurred the closure of many businesses that provided them to patrons. Similarly, cities in the UK are seeing a diminishing number of public toilets. However, in Japan, you can count on train stations, public parks and buildings, supermarkets, and most convenience stores to have decent facilities.Ritual cleanliness and HospitalityIn my hometown of Vancouver, when I find an elusive toilet, I can be confident that it’s clean. But in Japan, cleanliness which is synonymous with beauty, attested to in the word 綺麗 kirei means the toilet is not just clean but also sacred. Keeping toilets kirei and safe requires some spiritual help in the form of kawaya no kami, the god of the toilet. Historically, Japan’s agricultural practice used human waste as fertilizer, so the toilet came to be seen as a source of fertility. The use of “night soil” fell out of use after World War II, but the toilet remains sacred. Toilet slippers are still a big part of toilet visits in public buildings and private homes, clearly delineating the space. Flowers and decorations give you a spot to rest your eyes while also serving as offerings to the toilet god.Dare I say one of my favorite clean and beautiful toilets is at Sakuragi Shrine in Noda City. The facility has an altar regularly attended to by the priests. It’s bright, clean, and comfortable.Transparent toilet at Harunogawa Park, TokyoRecently, the Tokyo Toilet Project has brought together world-renowned architects to design a dozen attractive and accessible public toilets in public parks and close to train stations. The most striking designs are from Shigeo Ban who has created transparent walls that become opaque when users lock the doors. This is not just a way to show off design and technology - it’s an effort to promote a sense of security and confidence in the cleanliness of the toilet. Before you step in, you can clearly see in to confirm it’s all yours and spotless.Wherever you go in Japan, there's a place to go when you need it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B1o-living_onlyinjapan_chiba_tokyoFri, 26 Nov 2021 20:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B1o-living_onlyinjapan_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lnQ-education_workImage Peggy_MarcoLast week, while my junior high school students were doing research with their netbooks, one student started jumping up and down, exclaiming “OMG!” He’d just received an email that he’d passed the Eiken Grade 3 test. After class, students told me they were happy and relieved to have passed. It’s an accomplishment for them and although our school doesn’t require Eiken achievement, it’s highly encouraged.Non-Japanese teacher’s rolesIn Japan’s junior and senior high schools, the roles that non-Japanese English teachers, especially ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) fill, vary so widely that there’s no way to generalize about what they do. Some might find themselves relegated to reading passages aloud while others are integrated into classrooms by skilled JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English).One scenario that non-Japanese English teachers may find themselves in is a division of skills - JTEs deliver the grammar and vocabulary while the non-Japanese teacher is tasked with teaching productive skills. In the school where I teach, the non-Japanese teachers focus on writing.Writing Tasks on TestsThree standard tests used widely in Japan assess writing.MEXT’s Course of Study indicates that English instruction should provide students with opportunities to express their thoughts and opinions. The test authorities provide samples of Eiken, GTEC, and TEAP, where you can see writing prompts and model compositions.Getting StartedOne cultural point to bear in mind when you start writing with junior high school students is that the paragraph convention is not the same across cultures and education systems. Your students may be asked to write reports or reflections「感想文」on topics and experiences in Japanese, but they're not necessarily exposed to the typical paragraph style expected of English writers and readers. A commonly used writing organizer is the hamburger - the top bun is the topic sentence, the meat, lettuce, tomato, etc. are the support and detail sentences, and the bottom bun holds it together with the concluding sentence. The organizer is described well in YouTube videos, byuniversity writing instructors,and in college writing centers. It's used at all levels of academia.For junior high students, superimposing a model paragraph on a hamburger organizer is a great way to introduce the convention. It's also an opportunity to pre-teach the vocabulary they need - reason, first, second, finally, etc. Alternatively, you can present the model and have the students exercise their dictionary skills to define the words.Many teachers scaffold the hamburger writing task based on the Eiken convention which asks for a topic sentence and two supporting reasons. You can give your students a fill-in-the-blanks handout with the topic sentence. For example, prepare the handout with "My favorite subject is..." and prompts for support sentences starting "First,..." and "Second,..."Manageable Bites of the HamburgerYour students may still be stuck for what to write, especially at the junior high grade 1 level. After all, they're still learning at the sentence level. Some solutions are to get them talking about the topic with their peers first, then brainstorming ideas in Japanese, and finally writing using the organizer.Some test writing prompts are harder than others, demanding more of the students' vocabulary knowledge. When we do more challenging topics, our students collaborate in pairs or groups, each student looking up words they want to use in their dictionaries and contributing a support sentence. Sometimes their collaborations are way over the specified word limit and the students gain confidence seeing their long compositions.An Audience of ClassmatesWhen they've completed and corrected a paragraph composition, we don't just score and file it. We follow it with presentations in pairs or groups. The students listening to the presentations get some confirmation when they hear content similar to their own composition, and, we hope, inspiration when they hear a different perspective.It's gratifying to see a tangible product of your students' efforts and gives teachers some confidence that students can succeed on the challenging writing tasks on tests.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lnQ-education_workMon, 08 Nov 2021 10:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lnQ-education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82pa-hobby_home_productThis is a single shikibuton (futon matress), 100 x 210 cm in size, in the Aphrodita line of futons produced by domestic futon manufacturer Ofuton Koubou.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82pa-hobby_home_productFri, 05 Nov 2021 18:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82pa-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Zo2-livingPhoto MT InnesWhen I think of autumn, I think back with nostalgia to my cool autumn days and the start of the academic year in North America, specifically western Canada. During my undergraduate studies, I eagerly awaited course reading lists, especially Japanese and English literature. It’s a little different here as school starts in April, and autumn is the beginning of the second term of school.Similarly, Japanese people perceive autumn as a time for reading. The tradition comes from a Chinese classic taught in Japanese class. The 8th century government official, scholar and poet Han Yu wrote a passage which has become an aphorism - 「灯火親しむべし」 touka shita shimubeshi - meaning reading by lamplight in autumn’s cool weather is ideal. And I couldn’t agree more. As the days grow shorter and the air cools, I curl up with a blanket and a book.Reading in Japanese can be a chore, even for me after succeeding on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test to the N2 level. My partner turned me on to reading aloud in Japanese to improve my spoken fluency and my reading ability. I told you some time ago about how I found some resources that read Japanese texts aloud so that I can acquire more vocabulary and kanji. For me coming fresh to the world of kanji as a primarily English reader, I told about coping with vast amounts of Japanese text while still in the process of learning kanji.When reading web pages full of kanji that I don’t know the reading for I resort to using Rikaikun, a gloss of the words in a text available in the Google Chrome browser. This application appears to be abandonware, an app no longer updated. Recently I stumbled over Yomichan, a similar kanji lookup app that’s available in Firefox and Google Chrome. It’s got great features such as kanji stroke order and supports various dictionaries.Walking in the footsteps of writers in the greater Tokyo area is another activity I enjoy in autumn. A historical spot is Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden which celebrates poetry. While you stroll along the paths you can spot poems inscribed on monuments. It’s a lovely flower garden in any season, but especially pleasant in the autumn.The author's study reconstruction at Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum photo AsanagiNatsume Soseki, author of Botchan and I Am a Cat, spent a lot of time in the Tokyo area. One of the places he frequented and mentioned in his works is the Kagurazaka neighborhood. There are traces of his era with old storefronts, winding streets, and some classic tea shops like Rakuzan. It’s another great place for an autumn wander. On your walk, you can take a break at the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum.Just outside Tokyo proper, the Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama City was the hangout of haiku poet Kobayashi Issa and his companion Soju. The veranda of the house looks onto a rock garden that inspired many of their poems. The hall also invites the public to write haiku for a published collection. Looking out at the autumn leaves from the tatami room, my companions and I put pen to paper and wrote some haiku in English.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Zo2-livingMon, 25 Oct 2021 10:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9Zo2-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vg5-foods_productKirin Dry Apple Brew Hard Cider as described on the label is an alcoholic drink, not to be confused with "cider", the fizzy and tart drink you might get from vending machines and convenience store soda selections.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vg5-foods_productTue, 19 Oct 2021 20:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vg5-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2nQ-foods_productYebisu touts this product as a premium ale malted from 100% hops with a blend of standard and Bavarian hops. This premium ale comes in 350 ml and 500 ml cans.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2nQ-foods_productSat, 16 Oct 2021 12:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zD2nQ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB367-foods_productKirin Ichiban shibori kuronama, or black beer, comes in a distinctly black can or black labeled bottle. The beer appears to be a dark lager, not to be confused with a porter or stout.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB367-foods_productSat, 16 Oct 2021 10:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB367-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDgJ-foods_productCoedo Brewery based in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture produces a lineup of six craft beers. Marihana session IPA is part of the regular lineup, available year-round.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDgJ-foods_productFri, 15 Oct 2021 16:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/weDgJ-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX06-living_howtoI told you recently about how I selectively collect roadside garbage on my bike rides and walks around my neighborhood.What spurred my garbage hounding was a combination of concern for the protection of the local environment and a surplus of municipally issued garbage bags as I became thriftier and focused on sustainability at home.Outside my window is a waterway that attracts a wide variety of birds, turtles, and some elusive mammals. I do my best to scoop garbage so they don’t consume it. As I’ve reduced my output of burnable and unburnable garbage, I’ve found that my weekly disposal at the neighborhood garbage station has dwindled to a monthly event. Some inspiration for my lower garbage output came from stories about sustainability from fellow City-Cost contributors.This year, one of my projects is to reduce the amount of organic waste my kitchen produces as I cook more at home. While I’m preparing vegetables, I toss the tops and tails into a repurposed zip-top rice bag stash in the freezer. About once a month I break out the stockpot to make an aromatic broth flavored with the contents, ginger, garlic, onions, and a splash of tsuyu or dashi broth. After about an hour of simmering, the broth makes for great nabe hot pot bases and other soups.But lots of organic bits don’t make it into the tops and tails bag because they’re too dirty or unsuitable. I decided last month to revisit a habit of cardboard box composting. This method first came to my attention over 10 years ago through a video that appeared on YouTube.The video explains that 微生物 biseibutsu or microbes, break down the waste and don’t smell as long as you let the box breathe and do its work.At first, I was skeptical, but after a few months of composting this way, I was won over. It’s an easy way to compost your waste when you don’t have a huge volume and no garden to place a conventional compost box. Recently, The New York Times picked up the Japanese trend of composting indoors as people became more housebound due to the pandemic. Gomira, my composting friendIt’s really easy and no fuss. Simply prepare a cardboard box. I used paper tape to seal the edges of the box and placed a layer of cardboard in the bottom to prevent seepage. In the box, I put a mix of two parts peat moss, easily obtainable at DIY and home stores and one part ash. In Japan, an easily obtainable form of ash is もみ殻燻炭 momigarakuntan, or burned rice husks.Place your box on a frame. You can use すのこ sunoko, wooden slats that are available at home stores and 100 yen shops. I had a spare plastic basket that does the trick. The box, nicknamed “Gomira”, a portmanteau of “Gomi” and “Gojira” is in my kitchen next to the air vent.It’s been eating my organic waste, including coffee grounds, chopped-up banana peels, anything organic that can rot.Last week, I noticed a funky smell in my kitchen and panicked. Did Gomira go bad? It turned out that the kitchen sink drain was getting a bit fragrant and just needed a good cleaning. Gomira has a wonderful earthy smell of soil and doesn’t stink as long as I turn over the stuff I feed it.Scraps including greens, mushrooms, and coffee groundsSo far, I feed it at the end of the day when I’m finished cooking. It handles just about any organic waste. Some people feed their cardboard box compost eggshells and fishbones, but so far I only give Gomira vegetable waste. And the curious part is that the volume doesn’t increase much. The only caution I have is don’t feed your creature whole banana or avocado peels. Chop them up and they’ll likely compost.When the box maxes out, I’m going to discreetly distribute the excellent compost around my neighborhood’s street trees since I don’t have a garden of my own.Have you tried this composting method? How is it? If not, will you give a whirl?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX06-living_howtoMon, 11 Oct 2021 10:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYX06-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQKD-foods_product7-11 has a limited range of premium omusubi, rice balls, this one featuring roasted tarako, cod roe. The omusubi are packaged in paper. The label indicates that the ink used in the package printing is made with organic materials, and the product bears a label from FSC.org, an ethical forestry practices organization.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQKD-foods_productSun, 03 Oct 2021 15:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQKD-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDXE-living_healthPhoto Tim MossholderTwenty years ago when I visited a drugstore in urban Japan to pick up a pack of menstrual pads, I was surprised when the clerk at the register placed it in an anonymous paper bag before putting my purchase in a plastic carrier bag. I don’t remember ever experiencing that kind of discretion from customer service in my old country, Canada. The experience suggested to me that indicating you’re menstruating is taboo to the point of hiding that human beings do it.In the last few years, the circumspection of exposing a customer’s menstrual capability has eased and no clerk proffers the paper bag. Perhaps this is a sign that women’s menstrual health is becoming normalized. Recently, Last year, JTSuzuki told us about finding cute cat pads, a huge shift in how menstrual products are marketed, capitalizing on kawaii culture. Another recent development is the growing awareness of “femtech”, technology applied to women’s reproductive cycles, sexual and reproductive health. Japan’s seeing a growing market for period products that are yet to be regulated in Japan. “Period pants” are now a thing in Japan.Attitudes about women’s health and roles in society are changing by fits and starts. I told you about how women my age are anticipating the big change of the menopause, a topic that both men and women are more comfortable discussing these days as Japan ages.Recently Bloomberg looked at the impact and growing awareness of menopause on the workforce. One statistic jumps out - by 2030, 25% of women in the worldwide workforce will be menopausal. Employers and industries are beginning to recognize menopause as a part of the work world, just like pregnancy and childrearing. Medical knowledge about women’s reproductive life, and the cessation of it, has historically been poor around the world, and Japan’s no exception. When I first started researching about women’s experiences in Japan, I found that the scholarly and medical articles were so out of date and suggested Japanese women don’t experience abrupt or difficult menopausal symptoms. I’m pretty sure, after talking to people about their family experiences, that the topic is unexplored. What few sources I could find were old, too.Japan's made an attempt to look at women in the workforce with the Fifth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, but it has yet to result in major changes, and this unexplored topic of women's health is fundamental to making changes. The plan has to recognize that women in their peak working years are raising children and then going through the big wind down to menopause.Some good news is that there are professionals exploring the subject of women's reproductive cycles and health.University of Tokyo's Dr. Sayaka Nose-Ogura supports the menstrual and reproductive health of young athletes. Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology specialist Olga Eliseeva is spearheading a project, Menopause and Beyond, to improve access for women in Asia experiencing the big change.Things are changing as taboos fall away and medical research catches up with what we menstruators know from our varied experience in all stages of life.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDXE-living_healthFri, 01 Oct 2021 10:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zaDXE-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEAY0-hobby_home_productThis is a compact air purifier suitable for a space up to 10 tatami mats large. The product says that it comes with a HEPA filter and UV light.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEAY0-hobby_home_productMon, 13 Sep 2021 18:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEAY0-hobby_home_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOVY-food_howto_saitama_chiba_tokyoMy rice cooker died this week. It was a simple and cheap one with only a few features. I made everything from regular white rice to brown rice to heritage black rice in this cooker. It was pretty good at handling きのこご飯 kinoko gohan, mushroom rice, and たけのこご飯 takenoko gohan, bamboo shoot rice. Sometimes when I was busy, I slung some rice, a few tablespoons of kimchi, and some chicken pieces in the pot and the dish turned out well and made for a hearty dinner and bento box lunch the next day.I thought about getting a new rice cooker, and there is a huge range of cheap ones with simple functions. If you are willing to pay a premium, there are all kinds of fancy ones with amazing features. Really, all I want is hot, fluffy rice. And then there’s the space issue. My kitchen is small and as it was, I placed my rice cooker on the floor. And do I really need another appliance dedicated to a single cooking task?Then I remembered I have a donabe! My trusty 土鍋 donabe, an earthenware pot, gets heavy use in winter for all kinds of warming and filling hot pot dishes. A winter weekend dinner staple for me is 寄せ鍋 yosenabe, a hot pot with seasonal ingredients simmered in miso broth.So I dusted off my donabe. Mine is a typical one suitable for cooking a meal for two. You can get donabe specifically made for cooking rice. These have an inner lid and an outer lid. Mine is the simple kind with a single lid.To cook rice in a single or double lid donabe is not complicated. I used my 一合 ichigo rice measure. The traditional ichigo rice measure originated in the Edo era and is still used today. It is equivalent to 180 ml of rice. For the two-person donabe, I usually use two measures. I rinse and drain the rice. Then I put the rice in the donabe with about 100 ml of water. This is just the right amount of water for two measures.After 20 minutes, I put the donabe with the lid on the gas ring at medium heat. It takes about 10-15 minutes until it starts bubbling and steam escapes from the hole in the lid. I turn the heat off and let it stand with the lid on for about 20 minutes. In winter I usually wrap a bath towel around it to keep it warm.The result is fluffy, shiny rice. Sometimes I put the donabe back on the gas ring for just a minute at low heat to get お焦げ okoge crispy rice.Have you tried cooking rice in a donabe? How did it work out?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOVY-food_howto_saitama_chiba_tokyoFri, 10 Sep 2021 18:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOVY-food_howto_saitama_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWvAx-fashion_productIshokudogen spun masks come in neutral and pastel colors. This particular box contains 40 individually wrapped masks in three colors - black, gray, and khaki.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWvAx-fashion_productSun, 05 Sep 2021 11:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWvAx-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPA0-fashion_productBoshu uchiwa fans are a traditional product of Minamiboso and Tateyama Cities in southern Chiba Prefecture. The fans are recognized as one of the three major traditional fan crafts of Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPA0-fashion_productSat, 04 Sep 2021 14:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbPA0-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZV9-fashion_productMizutori started producing geta sandals in Shizuoka Prefecture in the Showa era. As tastes and styles changed, Mizutori produced geta that reflect current trends. The company touts their endorsement by Shizuoka University - research indicates that the gait of sandal wearers is improved by the shaped sole and stimulation of pressure points.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZV9-fashion_productSat, 04 Sep 2021 12:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZV9-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZOO-fashion_productIn summer festival periods, Shimamura shops stock yukata, accessories, and usually these geta sandals. You'll find them in the women's clothing section.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZOO-fashion_productSat, 04 Sep 2021 12:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZOO-fashion_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G026n-living_health_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_osakaThe Maturing Foreign Woman in JapanI only intended to come to Japan for a year. It wasn’t a lark. I had concrete plans - career building, learning a traditional Japanese art along with the language and culture. Somehow a year became two, then ten as I grew to love my fellow students while nurtured by earnest teachers. The career is engrossing and fulfilling. In my personal life, I experienced some mismatches but I found a lifelong partner who’s Japanese and realized Japan is home. I’m now starting my third decade of life in Japan.And along with that realization and watching the inexorable greying of Japan’s population, I’m going to experience a major life change here right along with my age cohort - the menopause.To get a handle on what I’m in for, I started asking my family members back home, and since my grandmother, my mother, and aunties are well into menopause they talked candidly about their experiences. Their stories were varied - they had symptoms that spanned different lengths of time. They put me at ease and told me not to worry. It might be rough, it might not.And then I got to thinking about the women around me - older Japanese colleagues and elderly women in my community. When I mentioned that I was anticipating the big change, at first they were guarded, but some were sympathetic and told me how they coped.Strangely, it was talking with Japanese men in their 50s and 60s about their mothers and sisters that provided the most insight. One described his mother as having a “broken thermostat”. She ran cold and hot all the time. Her journey into menopause forced her to close the family business. An older colleague told me his mother, a homemaker, relied on kampo, traditional Japanese herbal medicine to deal with the symptoms.So what are you in for?The North American Menopause Society has a roadmap for women.But what really happens? My family members told me to prepare for extended periods at irregular intervals. And the dreaded inundation - extremely heavy menstruation. Lethargy and a depressed mood were other symptoms they experienced. For me, the first sign of change was a palpable “clunk”, a feeling at the beginning of a menstrual cycle that this was the beginning of the change.After some research, I turned up sources from a Japanese perspective. Pharmaceutical company Otsuka has faqs and a guide to living with menopause. Otsuka also has a Japanese language resource, Konenki Labthat you can share with your Japanese friends and family.It also has results of informal online surveys asking women about their experiences of menopause.This big life change shouldn't be diminished, and foreign women who stay on will face it here in the Japanese context. Next, I'll tell you about how Japan is responding to women's health milestones.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G026n-living_health_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_osakaThu, 02 Sep 2021 13:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G026n-living_health_ibaraki_tsuchiura_shi_ibaraki_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_osakahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrjY-living_deeperdives_chiba Dance fan with gold on the reverseFans in Dance, Theater, and StorytellingAn early introduction to Japanese dance and theater got me hooked on Japanese fans. Long before I came to Japan my family hosted homestay guests, including a Tokyo businessman. In his introduction, he gifted us a large striped fan. He explained that, as part of his cultural training, he would perform a section of a Noh play using the fan. In Noh and Kyogen dramas, the fan is used as a gesture or as a prop. He provided us with an English text of the play so we could follow the narrative and get an impression of the interplay of movement with the fan. The fan he left us became a family heirloom of sorts, recalling his stay with us. Later on my first sojourn in Japan on the JET Program, I worked under the direction of a supervisor whose hobby was rakugo comic storytelling. She didn’t speak English, and I was only just learning Japanese, but she occasionally regaled me with tales from the rakugo tradition.The rakugo performer sits on a zabuton cushion for the entire presentation, performing all roles, and using only a tenugi hand towel and a folding fan. The fan can represent anything from a tobacco pipe to chopsticks to scissors. When the performer enumerates a list of points he or she may strike the table with the closed fan. Rakugo has become popular internationally with many English language storytellers. The English Rakugo Association hosts events where you can see how the fan is incorporated into the performance.Nihon buyo classical dancers use sensu folding fans, too. The fan may conceal or reveal, or stand-in for an everyday object. The sumptuous costumes, bold movements, and elegant gestures make it fun to watch. Takeuchi Seiho depicted a dancer in his painting "Are Yudachi ni" which appears on Japan's postage stamps. The framed print hangs in my genkan.「アレ夕立に」"Are Yudachi ni" by the painter Takeuchi SeihoWarriors and TeaThe fan has had military applications in Japan, too. The gunbai rigid fan emblazoned with clan crests was used to signal troops on the battlefield. Samurai warriors carried folding gunsen with military motifs to fan themselves. From my experiences wearing armor, helmet, menpo mask, and carrying two or three weapons at historic festivals, I learned firsthand how overheated a warrior could get. Even at winter events with simply a light t-shirt and training uniform under my armor, I got very warm just marching, never mind fighting.My colleagues and I when demonstrating martial artsoccasionally use the hefty tessen. The tessen is about 35 centimeters and heavy because of its metal ribs and sturdy paper. With practice, you can open or close it with a loud crack. It can be used for distraction, concealment, or for striking and blocking when folded. A few times I did armbars or joint locks using the metal ribs’ edges and my partners howled in pain. I’m careful not to injure anybody with one of these fans! My martial school improvises with them, substituting the tessen for blades. But there is a whole world of tessen techniques. Some historic schools of martial arts even had systems of tessenjutsu.My sensei one day presented me with a small fan and told me I’d need it the next time I participate in a tea ceremony. You might wonder why a Japanese martial artist would have advice about a tradition that today is dominated by women. In the Warring States era, samurai warriors adopted the tea ceremony to cultivate awareness, socialize, and express aesthetic sensibilities. An indispensable item for a tea ceremony guest is a folding fan. This fan is not usually opened in the tea ceremony. It’s used ceremonially when greeting participants or paying respects to the tea accouterments.Boshu UchiwaThis summer I retreated to the southern Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture where Minamiboso City has a long history of boshu uchiwa fan production. My first stop was Chiba Prefecture’s first and perhaps the best michi no eki road station, Biwa Club. The station is popular for its local produce and handicrafts including boshu uchiwa fans.A boshu uchiwa with a delicate lattice windowThe Boshu Uchiwa fans are ranked, like so many traditions are in Japan, as one of three significant uchiwa fan traditions. The other two are Marugame Uchiwa of Kagawa Prefecture and Kyo Uchiwa from Kyoto. What distinguishes Boshu uchiwa is the slender medake variety of bamboo. The labor-intensive Boshu uchiwa production requires over 20 steps from selecting and cutting the bamboo to creating the frame to finishing with coated washi paper. The result of careful craftsmanship is a round fan with a delicate semicircular lattice. I picked up a few different sizes as gifts. Visitors to Minamiboso and Tateyama Cities on the Boso Peninsula can take part in Boshu uchiwa workshop experiences.CollectingOver time, I've accidentally become a fan collector. Before the 2020 Olympics got delayed, this novelty fan appeared in shops and I had to have it as a souvenir. These days I can't resist when I see quality fans at recycle shops and kimono boutiques. They're affordable and portable. When my collection gets too big, I give them as gifts.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrjY-living_deeperdives_chibaThu, 26 Aug 2021 17:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrjY-living_deeperdives_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOad-food_noda_shi_chibaWhen it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is cook. Natsubate, or summer fatigue, is a real thing here. July and August, and sometimes into early September, the scorching heat and high humidity knock you down and put you off eating, never mind cooking. Sure, a rice cooker saves the day with some salad and pickles. But what really perks up the appetite is noodles. Noodles come in many varieties and they’re quick to prepare. With perky dressings or broth, they restore the appetite and beat the summer blues.Simple SomenSomen wheat noodles come in a few varieties. Two summers ago, I told you about chilled chasomen, wheat noodles flavored with Shizuoka green tea. The noodles have a delicate flavor and go best with a simple broth and accompanied by grated ginger. I like to add ooba leaves (perilla) and wakame seaweed to my presentation of chasoba.More conventional is thin white somen noodles made from wheat flour. For a midweek dinner when I could barely look at food because of the sticky heat, I opted to make chilled somen. The noodles cook fast, about three to four minutes. The dipping sauce I made is a little cloudy. That’s because I thinned the store-bought tsuyu with homemade vegetable broth. The result is earthy, tart, and salty, just what you need to restore appetite.Chilled somenSoba Soba noodles are a year-round favorite in my kitchen. Soba is made from buckwheat flour which is good if you have a restricted diet or are counting calories. They’re gluten, fat, and cholesterol-free, so they’re a healthful choice over udon or rice. They’re also loaded with protein, manganese, and thiamin so they help round out your dietary intake of good stuff.Soba noodles come in various forms. The kind I prefer is 十割 juwari soba, or 100% soba. These noodles are chewy and have a distinctive buckwheat scent. You’ll also find soba with lower buckwheat content called に八そば nihachi soba. The ni is 20% wheat flour, and the hachi indicates 80% buckwheat. Nihachi soba holds together nicely and has a smooth texture, but still retains the buckwheat aroma.Not all soba noodles come in that distinctive gray color. You might also find 更級　sarashina soba which is made from the endosperm or core of the buckwheat. They tend to be pale and almost white.Whatever buckwheat noodle you choose, the cooking directions are about the same. Boil them for about three minutes, turn off the heat, and then leave them in the hot water for a few minutes before you rinse them in cold water.They’re great on their own but one favorite at my house is to place them in a bowl with grilled meat, some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, and a drizzle of dressing and mayonnaise.Hearty version of cold soba Hiyashi ChuukaAnother summer favorite is cold ramen noodles with sesame dressing. You can get packaged ramen noodles with prepared sauce, but it’s easy enough to prepare the sauce yourself. I usually make mine with sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of rayu chili oil. On the plate I arrange chilled cucumber and tomato slices, some julienned ham, and benishoga ginger.Hiyashi chuuka with sesame dressingHow do you prepare your summer noodle dishes?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOad-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 18 Aug 2021 21:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJOad-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYVv-education_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaPhoto, 周康English teachers and international parents alike may be boggled by the amount of testing that goes on in Japan’s schools. Students break their brains preparing for midterm and final tests, mock tests, and achievement tests of all kinds. Many of these tests are assessments of English language proficiency and are likely on the radar of English teachers at public and private schools, cram schools, and eikaiwas. For English educators, it’s a source of joy when a student comes bounding up to you with an English certificate in hand. It gives you and the student documentation that you’ve both done your job.Non-Japanese English teachers at public and private schools and cram schools may be tasked with preparing students for the English proficiency assessments widely used in Japan. Here’s a roundup of who the tests are for and what they measure.EikenThe Eiken, a series of leveled tests for listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing is a way for students to confirm their achievement in their English learning. The test, which students are encouraged to apply for, has two stages, a paper test and an interview. These tests are available three times a year. You can read about How to get ready for Eiken tests with details about the test and tips for preparation.GTECSome schools administer the Global Test of English Communication (GTEC) to all learners. GTEC is intended as a general measure of learners’ English ability. The test has four types - at the lowest level, Core is a measure of junior high school vocabulary and grammar, Basic is intended for senior high school first-year students, and Advanced is for senior high school students. The Computer Based Test (CBT) ranges from the lowest proficiency level to CEFR C1 level.The test requires more than just grammar and vocabulary knowledge. Test items call on students to apply critical thinking and infer answers to questions.TEAPTest of English for Academic Purposes, TEAP, was formulated to provide a language assessment for Japanese students who aspire to universities with English-taught courses. There are other tests such as IELTS and TOEFL which serve the same purpose. However, Sophia University and the Eiken Foundation of Japan strove to craft TEAP with a lower vocabulary level and avoided cultural nuances and turns of phrase that may trip up Japanese students.The test assesses four skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The content of the listening and reading sections is based on the university environment - encounters with faculty and fellow students. The test developers refer to the curriculum standards set by MEXT, so it’s meant to assess the skills that students should have learned in school.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYVv-education_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaMon, 16 Aug 2021 21:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRYVv-education_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOWk-living_noda_shi_chibaKarasuuri flower unfolding in the early eveningMy family back in Canada asked me about the cicadas they'd heard about in the Olympic 2020 coverage. Most of the footage was shot in the daytime when aburazemi, oil cicada so named for their sizzling sound, are active and loud. I wanted to capture the mournful sound of higurashi, the evening cicada, for my family, so I set out at dusk to walk along the farm roads near my house to capture some audio.On my way along the paths, I noticed luminous white flowers. Lucky timing for me, I was catching the unfurling flowers of karasuri, the Japanese snake gourd.Most snake gourds produce long, wiggly fruits, but the Japanese snake gourd has a small round bitter fruit. They look attractive on the vines in autumn and winter, but they're not suitable for human consumption. The real wonder is the flower which has a compact head that opens slowly at night to invite suzumega, hawk moths to pollinate the flowers.And I managed to catch the high, piping call of the higurashizemi high in a stand of cedar trees.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOWk-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 12 Aug 2021 10:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKOWk-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GloLq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaIn the last 18 months or so, since the first pandemic state of emergency, I have felt like a grounded teenager. No festivals, no martial training, and the farthest I go from home base is work or essential errands on the local train or up to 10 km on my shopping bike.For my wild friends at the canal This limited range got me really sensitive to the local environment - the forests, the parks, eateries, and services. As much as possible, I travel on foot or on my bike. And this heightened my sensitivity to roadside garbage.When it comes to recycling and waste, a nuance I appreciate about waste management in Japanese is the term「資源ごみ」shigen gomi, which means resource garbage. So much of what we discard is not necessarily “recyclable” but is still resources we can take advantage of and transform into other things, upcycling or downcycling depending on the kind of material.The new lifestyle we’ve had to adopt to mitigate the transmission of Covid 19 has caused me to take up a new hobby, garbage picking. As I wandered about on my bicycle early on in the pandemic, I noticed a proliferation of garbage, perhaps a symptom of greater outdoor activity and distracted pedestrians and cyclists. Food wrappers get blown away by the wind, empty PET plastic bottles hop out of bike baskets when the rider hits a bump, and inattentive people drop all sorts of things.Regulation garbage bags from my citySo I got in the habit of picking up what others dropped. At first, it was a motivator for getting me out of the house. I chose a route and took my time to collect on the way to my destination. But it got to be depressing. The volume of shopping bags full of mixed garbage, dropped cigarette butts, bits of broken glass got me down. I had to think about how I was going to keep my mental equilibrium, get some exercise, and collect the junk along the way.So I hit on a solution - selective garbage picking. I choose a route and a destination, pick one type of garbage, armed with the appropriate garbage bag lining my bike basket. On one run, I might only pick up plastic, and on another, mixed or only burnable items.A dustpan, a bamboo rake from the 100 yen shopYou might wonder, isn’t that a bother when you get home and have to dispose of the garbage you collected? Well, one of the effects of the pandemic situation is that I reduced my own output of garbage. I'm not the only one. Blue Butterfly gave tips on how to reduce waste. Genkidesu told you about sustainable livingand how to cut down on plastic consumption. I've taken their advice to heart, resulting in minimal garbage output. The result is I have more city-issued garbage bags than I can use. Most months, I might put out one bag each of burnable and unburnable garbage, following my city’s garbage rules.And there are other effects of my garbage picking hobby. I got to meet people! On some of my garbage picking routes, I bumped into other people who were doing just the same, armed with tongs and bags. These folks do this on their own initiative, just like me, in an effort to prevent the garbage from going into our waterways. These independent garbage pickers gave me advice, telling me that our city office will distribute extra regulation garbage bags to garbage pickers.And the effort is so worth it. The community I live in is an open-air aviary, with a conservation facility that protects the rare kounotori, the oriental stork. These magnificent creatures fly over my house now and again. Besides birds, we have a large population of turtles, a multitude of insects, and elusive hakubishin and tanuki. The last thing I want to see is our local wildlife entangled in our detritus, or worse, eating it.And looking on our beautiful waterways and forests, unsullied by our waste, is a relief from the stress of these difficult times.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GloLq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibaTue, 10 Aug 2021 22:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GloLq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJO3d-food_chibaIn the summer, my appetite dwindles as we swelter in humid weather in the Kanto area. I'd rather not cook too often, and mostly make salads that only require a good knife and a cutting board to prepare. The latest salad I've gotten hooked on is diced cucumber and celery with big chunks of pineapple drizzled with ponzu vinegar and sprinkled with a pinch of togarashi.There were a few rings of pineapple left over.For the next meal, I was not feeling enthusiastic about cooking, but I got to thinking about summer festival food. This led to thoughts about yatai that serve yakisoba. Now I had an appetite!I don't miss the greasy yatai version that slides around on a layer of fat, and I prefer a veggie-laden stir fry. In the spirit of okonomi, I put in bunashimeji mushrooms that I like. And pineapple!Fresh yakisoba noodles often come with those little packets of sauce mix. What's in that stuff? Most likely the sauce mix is dehydrated things I have in my kitchen already, and a lot of salt. So I give them a miss and mix my own sauce. Most recipes call for Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar. I didn't happen to have the first ingredient, so I substituted ponzu, crushed garlic for umami, and tobanjan for a bit of kick.The pineapple is sweet, so it sets off the umami of the sauce and bacon. It's a pretty healthful meal with all the veg in it.Do you put "okonomi" ingredients in your stirfry dishes or curry or miso soup?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJO3d-food_chibaMon, 02 Aug 2021 10:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJO3d-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxWr6-living_onlyinjapan_ibaraki_saitama_chibaIn these pandemic conditions which have canceled so many long-running and historical festivals, I regret that I didn’t drop everything and attend more often. One of the highlights of my city’s festival season is Sekiyado Matsuri in early April every year. The festival, hosted at Sekiyado Castle Museum, has demonstrations of flintlock guns, a warrior procession, and kenjutsu demonstrations along with a market and food stalls. Usually, the city puts out a call for volunteers to wear the provided armor and helmets to march in the procession. It’s a startling sight at the foot of the castle. Here’s hoping we can do it in 2022.All over Japan, there are reenactments of major historical events, traditional festivals, and modern revivals. Even better than watching these spectacles is participating in them. I had the good fortune to connect with some period festival aficionados through the martial arts dojo I train in and got to wear armor and period costume in several reenactments and festivals. It’s not merely a “cosplay” costume dress-up. It’s an education about the lifestyle and history that these festivals commemorate.In the procession with period kimono-clad womenMy first experience was at the Oguri Hangan festival in Chikusei City, Ibaraki. The festival celebrates the legend of Oguri Hangan, a quasi-historical figure who ranged all over Japan and is celebrated in Kabuki and bunraku puppet theater. His story is a tale of betrayal and love as he rises to prominence, gets poisoned by enemies, and is restored by his maiden lover, leading him to healing and revenge against his assailants.The festival only dates from 1989 and brings together cultural treasures such as martial arts and dance performances. My day at the festival started early, getting dressed in a complicated outfit of red hakama, brocade traveling cloak, bamboo hat, and veil. And then there was makeup which I needed help with as I’m not accustomed to wearing it. I joined the procession along with all the other maidens representing the heroine Terutehime of the Oguri Hangan tale. It was a long day but I got to feel like a star, getting snapped by professional and amateur photographers.Later, I got invited along to other period festivals in armor. For these events, I was lent reproduction armor and had to learn how to suit up by myself. For weeks before, I practiced with illustrations from period documents, learning to name all the pieces and the way to put them on properly. I learned the hard way that you must put the items on from the bottom up - once you’ve got breastplate and helmet on, it’s hard to reach your feet to get tabi socks and waraji straw sandals on. The armor and helmet are heavy, too, so just a few hours of wearing is tiring.In Muromachi era armor at Zushi City's warrior processionWith my dojo mates on breaks, we slowly and carefully attempted techniques taught by our master senseis. We gained a new awareness about how difficult it was to counter attacks and not simply get knocked over. After a day of marching around and battling one another, we got an inkling of the grueling samurai experience. And we understood why battles were brief and staged in cooler months.If your city has a historical recreation and calls for volunteers to don period costume or armor, go for it! It’s an amazing way to connect with history and culture. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxWr6-living_onlyinjapan_ibaraki_saitama_chibaMon, 19 Jul 2021 15:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MxWr6-living_onlyinjapan_ibaraki_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNoDk-living_chiba_tokyoMeiji Jingu is sometimes this quiet... photo Henry BurrowsA few days ago, Noda City Hall’s webpage indicated that vaccination tickets were scheduled to go out July 15th for every age cohort. I started to breathe a sigh of relief and prepared myself to spend a lot of time working out reservation issues. But this week, the city updated its vaccination info to only indicate vaccination plans for the elderly.It boggles my mind that Japan, late to initiate vaccinations, is now struggling with vaccination supply issues. That’s likely why the vaccination ticket information disappeared from the municipal website.After some research into the vaccination situation, I discovered that NHK News posts updates on vaccination rates for the elderly. The bars in the graphs continue to rise, which is encouraging. The vaccination rate for Chiba Prefecture shows over 70% of people aged 65 or older have received at least their first dose.And now we see rising infection rates again in the capital region. Prime Minister Suga’s declaration of the fourth state of emergency until August 22nd includes Chiba Prefecture but it doesn’t make much of a difference in my lifestyle. Since the first state of emergency last year, I just do what I can to follow the advice from MLHW about avoiding the “3 Cs” - avoiding places with poor air circulation and close quarters which means I cook all meals or get takeout and cycle around my region to stay mentally and physically fit. I hardly know what people look like anymore because everyone around me wears masks all the time. Around this time last year, I told you about the mitigation measures we take at the school I teach in. I’m diligent about opening windows in the hallways and classrooms. The school has a policy of PA announcements to ask students and staff to open up on the breaks between lessons as research indicates that transmission of the Covid-19 virus is primarily airborne and mitigated by ventilation.While I’m waiting to get vaccinated, my family, friends, and colleagues abroad frequently message me to say they are eager to come back to Japan for study and travel. The hardest part of this pandemic ordeal now is telling them to remain hopeful and patient and at the same time missing them intensely. We share a lot of love and care through messaging and phone calls so I don’t feel alone. But still, I catch myself tearing up. When I do, I try to keep perspective - many families and couples are separated with no indication of when things will change.I point my people abroad to Japan National Tourism Organization’s Coronavirus Travel Restrictions page for the latest information. Those abroad may have the impression from Japan’s aggressive promotion that inbound tourism is under pressure to open up. It’s true that visitors from abroad contribute to the tourism income, but in fact Japan's domestic visitors are 80% of the tourism market. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s white paperindicates the first step of recovery is to restore domestic tourism. We’ll get there - the refreshment of holidays in Japan and hugging our friends and family. It’s just a matter of when. For now, the challenges are diligently observing mitigation measures and cultivating mental resilience.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNoDk-living_chiba_tokyoMon, 12 Jul 2021 10:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNoDk-living_chiba_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAye9-living_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokaPhoto m-louisWhat’s Eiken?The Eiken, properly called 実用英語技能検定, is abbreviated to 英検 Eiken and sometimes referred to as the STEP Test, is a standardized test to measure the mastery of English at various levels. It’s not the only test out there, but it’s widely used in Japan and supported by the Japanese ministry responsible for education, MEXT.It’s administered three times a year. The lower level tests, 4級 4 kyu or grade four and under, measure reading, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking. Beyond, ３級 3 kyu or grade 3 measure all that plus writing and speaking. Why take it?It’s a way for students to confirm their achievement as they progress through elementary, junior high, and senior high English lessons. They can demonstrate they have acquired the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and expression that's taught at their grade level. It's something for them to aim for in steps as they progress through junior and senior high school. The top end of the benchmarks measures the English level of university graduates and adult learners, too.I’ve enjoyed celebrating my students as they achieve passing scores on all the test levels. I can't take credit. It’s all dependent on their effort in English lessons and drive to attempt the tests. I use various resources that help the students hit the marks.How do your learners prepare for it?The Eiken Foundation provides a guide Eiken for kids, which walks them through the test procedure. Once your learners have a sense of the test procedure, introduce them to a model test with the Eiken downloadable tests. There are both tests and answer keys here to give you and the learners a sense of what they have to know.To get ready, there are many resources to help. Words are the building blocks of language, and our learners can review Eiken words on Quizlet. Many educators in Japan have prepared Quizlet sets at various levels. You don't have to log in to access them. Simply have a look at the level and try one of the many activities on the platform.Learners benefit from a lot of reading to get exposure to grammar and words in context. A group of educators in Japan prepared an extensive reading bank, Extensive Reading Central, with interesting and leveled reading texts. If you prefer not to log in, the readings with levels indicated by stars are still accessible. With login, the learners can mouse over the words to get the meanings of words they don't know.When students at Grade 3 and above succeed at the first stage of the test, they're lined up for the interview that follows. JET Program ALTs of Hiroshima AJET prepared a comprehensive guide for teachers and students to approach the tests with confidence.Have you prepared learners, either your own children or students, for standardized tests such as Eiken? How did you do it? How did they fare? To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAye9-living_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokaWed, 07 Jul 2021 10:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAye9-living_howto_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawa_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnyDO-living_noda_shi_chibaThis week I scored eringi mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms. The packages at my local supermarket were priced at 100 yen with two to three mushrooms per pack.Japan has so many varieties of mushrooms, and I wondered where eringi mushrooms originated. So I did what I always do - I looked them up. It turns out that this particular mushroom originated in Europe and Central Asia. Cultivation was introduced in Japan in the last 30 years.I fried them in a little butter and soy sauce and seasoned them with pepper.They pack a lot of umami flavor. This is now one of my favorite bento box items.Do you eat a lot of mushrooms? How do you prepare them?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnyDO-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 25 Jun 2021 20:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnyDO-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThe rest house at Aratanamori ParkWhile researching places to explore in eastern Saitama Prefecture, I came across a pin on Google Maps that indicate Aratanamori Park in Kasukabe City.I"m familiar with the area, and couldn't imagine where there would be a forest, as indicated by the word mori in the park's name. This part of Kasukabe City is a mix of light industry, rice paddies, and residential areas. It's also very flat, so a forest would, I expect, be easy to spot. So I got on my bicycle to investigate.To my surprise, it is in fact a new park, as the name indicates. Saitama Prefectural government started construction on the park in May 2019.Development was supposed to wrap up in May 2021It appears that the park's development got delayed. During the most recent state of emergency, there was no activity.But this week, preparations are in full swing, with landscaping and facilities construction.Fuji-san? Is that you?Saitama Prefecture's urban development planning initiated the park as a way to preserve the ecology of the 16-hectare site divided by a road. It has two ponds. The intention is to invite the local people to participate in the planting of a forest and satoyama, the marginal area between human habitation and nature.Kasukabe City has a lot of open space that attracts birds and you can hear them in the rushes at the side of the road. I'm excited to see how this park will be planted and the way the city and prefecture will get locals involved.Is your municipality creating new parks? I wonder how widespread these initiatives are.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThu, 24 Jun 2021 18:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wm1Nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVXgP-living_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaGather round, we've got info! Photo, RageZOn a discussion website recently, a newly hired Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) asked if it’s normal to receive essentially no training before placement. On a Facebook forum I frequent, English teachers ask how to teach or review grammar points. Yet more ALTs ask questions on social media and notice boards about working conditions. So, exactly what resources can ALTs draw on to address everything from labor issues to networking with fellow teachers to classroom practices?So, I collected the best sources I could find that are of immediate use to ALTs. Rights as a worker, obligations as a residentWhen you engage in work and sign a contract anywhere, you need to know your rights as a worker and your obligations as a tax-payer and resident. The good news is that there are many resources, easily accessible. The Ministry of Justice has a comprehensive website with translations of legislation. You can read the entire Labor Standards Act in Japanese and English. Sure, it’s a lot of information to read, but notice the contents list.An issue that comes up time and again is paid leave. This Japan Times article provides concrete examples of paid leave situations.Don’t get caught out not paying your national pension premiums, kokumin nenkin - read more fromthis City-Cost blogger. Some employers will claim you don't have to join. The reality is all residents of Japan between the ages of 20 and 59 are required by law to enroll in the pension system. There are three categories of pension and the conditions are described in this succinct document from the Japan Pension Service.Teaching and Community ResourcesTwenty years ago when I participated in the JET Program, there were only a handful of resources for ALTs - the initial JET Program training, some internet forums, and JALT publications. I was fortunate to have a handful of Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) to teach and learn with. These days, everything is at your fingertips on social media and websites. Through many grassroots projects and forums, ALTs and academics lend their knowledge and skills to help ALTs professionally and socially.ALT Training Online is a comprehensive resource that provides free, online open-access training to all ALTs. As anyone serving as an ALT with the JET Program, through a dispatch company, or as a direct employee of a board of education or institution, training for ALTs is not systematic or regulated. Few dispatch companies have comprehensive training or professional development support. ALTTO is a remedy, providing ALT course modules on topics such as the ALT context, approaches to language teaching, and courses on teaching specific skills such as vocabulary and listening. ALLTO hosts a monthly free webinar for ALTs, ALT Agora with topics driven by participants.When the pandemic closed schools and pushed instruction at universities online, teachers snapped into action and pooled their knowledge and resources via Online Teaching Japan. The OTJ Facebook group became a vital lifeline for educators from primary to tertiary to get tips and commiserate during campus closures. Many ALTs I talked to were sidelined when school was closed and have since returned to face-to-face teaching. Nevertheless, the digital teaching knowledge gathered and shared by OTJ members is invaluable for ALTs whose schools have implemented technology in the classrooms. This summer, OTJ aims to provide MOOSes, Massively Open Online Sessions, welcoming teachers from any segment of the teaching field. These are sessions, not seminars, so the social element, especially with the pandemic conditions, is a big part of the MOOSes.Rest assured, no matter your teaching situation and the ongoing pandemic, there is a community of fellow ALTs and educators out there to help you.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVXgP-living_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaMon, 14 Jun 2021 10:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVXgP-living_work_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3W3-living_onlyinjapan_chibaStarted rice plantsOne afternoon in May, as my friends and I were walking past a recently flooded rice paddy, I noticed a ripple in the water and a flash of gold. My companion, a local guy whose family has a rice paddy, told me that farmers release koi into the rice paddies to control pests and the droppings fertilize the plants. We watched the gold and orange koi wander among the growing plants and marveled at this ingenious agricultural practice.The history of wet paddy rice cultivation in Japan stretches back to neolithic times. Probably at that time rice paddies were small. You might wonder why you see so many small farm operations today. It's due to land reforms in the post-war period. Before the war, landlords leased fields and paddies to tenant farmers. The land reform released the land at a low price to the former tenant farmers so they could buy it outright. This increased production and redistributed wealth. Cross Currents, a digital cultural archive, has information about agriculture in Japanwhere you can learn about the how and why of the cultivated landscape you see today.At an elementary school in Chiba Prefecture, I got invited to join the Grade 6 class for a lesson that spans the curricula of science, social studies, and literature - taue, rice planting in a paddy field. The paddy field, visible from the schoolyard, is planted up every spring by the students led by local farmers.We started our taue lesson with a brief ceremony and an explanation of how we were going to make neat rows of spaced rice seedlings.Planters lined up along the ropeThe farmers prepared a long rope with colored tags marking row intervals. Two of us were assigned to hold the ends of the rope on either side of the paddy field, and the planters were handed bunches of seedlings. Then the planters lined up against the rope along the tags and pushed the seedlings firmly but gently into the gooey mud of the paddy. When everybody had planted, we shouted "Hai!" and the rope was moved.This is backbreaking, hard work, I tell you. The sun beats down on your back and glints off the water, and you get grubby as you slog along the rope line. I lost my shoes within minutes as the rich mud seeped in. I planted barefoot along with the kids.Forget shoes for this jobWe did our best, planting slightly wobbly lines of rice seedlings until the farmers told us we'd done enough. Everybody was tired and thirsty, so the farmer finished the remaining planting with a much more efficient and accurate modern rice planting machine.Thanks to Japanese technology, the farmer finished our jobThe experience was tough, but teachers and students learned a lot. The students got to talk to the farmers about their profession and gained an understanding of cultivation methods. They also had content for their science reports about the lifecycle of the rice plants. We all came to appreciate the historical importance of collective effort to sustain the community.Since that experience, I carefully pour my rice into the rice cooker so that no grain escapes. If you get invited to taue, take the chance. And maybe wear boots.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3W3-living_onlyinjapan_chibaMon, 07 Jun 2021 15:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GB3W3-living_onlyinjapan_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BZP-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaPhoto, AmandaSo often on social media, we see complaints about the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) employment situation. Often, newbie ALTs claim they have a lot of desk time and are underutilized. The acronym ESID - Every Situation is Different - is used to describe the inconsistency of ALT work in general. The workload is inconsistent, too. ALTs assigned to elementary schools may be run ragged while those in junior high have light schedules.When I was a JET Program ALT, I wasn't assigned much to do beyond team teaching lessons with Japanese English teachers. Frequent events and exams knocked out my lessons. Each week, I rotated to three schools for four days and a day at the board of education office.There wasn’t a lot on my official schedule, but I was never bored. Like me, a few former ALTs had rich experiences during their year or two stint with the JET Program and dispatch companies. There’s so much to do!Learn about your city or townIf you are in a board of education office, there are resources close at hand. You will find 文化財部 bunkazaibu, cultural sections, are part of or adjacent to 教育委員会, kyouikuiinkai, or boards of education. When I had time, I browsed the brochures and websites of the cultural section. Occasionally, the staff at the cultural section asked me to do edits on English language texts. It was a great insight into the local culture.Every place has a storyWhile browsing cultural section info, I tripped over local folk tales. When I first found these stories, I wasn’t a fluent reader of Japanese, so I relied on some glossing and kanji lookup tools. A tool that I learned about early on was Jim Breen’s dictionary serverwhich has text glossing, great for Japanese language learners. A powerful tool is DeepL, an AI machine translation tool. It’s not foolproof, but it’s good. Show your texts to colleagues, and you might be surprised how little needs edited.Eventually, I translated folk tales for a local board of education and introduced the texts to students and teachers at junior high schools. The collection became a cross-curricular and cultural resource that some schools adopted for recitation contest texts.Along the way, I improved my Japanese literacy and developed an affection for the town I live in. Stories became a conversation opener with residents. Offer what you’ve gotWhen I showed interest in local events to my supervisor, she sent me on field trips with a camera. We used the photos for promotional material and newsletters for the schools to build interest in local culture. The early photos were not interesting but I got good at taking advantage of light, perspective, and capturing the action.I’m also a career TESOL teacher, having taught in English language education programs back home. Tell administrators and educators what you bring to the job, and you can find opportunities. Once my schools got to know me, I was invited to coach English teachers and even taught in an English elementary school program, a precursor to 外国語活動 gaikokugo katsudowhich has been part of elementary education since 2011.A non-Japanese colleague was an amateur athlete back home. He simply approached a club leader and soon became an integral part of that club. His Japanese language skills are growing by leaps, and he has a deeper connection with the club members. Everybody wins.Build connectionsA fellow ALT working for a dispatch company, a martial arts student, found his niche coaching kendo at elementary schools. He brought his insight gleaned from years of training in kenjutsu, the art of the sword, to the students’ competition kendo practice. He brought radio experience from university and rallied the school’s English club to produce a weekly school-wide English language broadcast.When I was in high school and university, I was involved in school newspapers. The English club in the school I teach at was originally an “eikaiwa”, additional communication practice. However, many of the members didn’t thrive. I appealed to the reticent members to produce a newspaper. In our third year of publishing an English language quarterly that chronicles the school’s events, we are now presenting interviews of teachers and topics the students want to write about.Up your teaching gameYou might be in Japan for a year or a lifetime, but either way, you get out what you put in. There are many free resourcesfor dispatch and JET Program ALTs and other English language educators.Any way you slice it, there's a lot to do!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BZP-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaFri, 07 May 2021 10:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BZP-living_education_ibaraki_tochigi_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXO9-drink_productFar Yeast Brewing Company, based out of Yamanashi Prefecture, produces a line of pretty satisfying craft beers. They have an international appeal, refining flavors from around the world and incorporating Japanese tastes. Their versions of IPA are faithful and original at the same time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXO9-drink_productSun, 25 Apr 2021 16:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYXO9-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLO47-living_noda_shi_chibaBack in February I told you about an out of the way Shingon Buddhist temple, Muryojuin, in a rural part of Noda City. In the crisp cold with the sun setting the gate and main hall were beautiful enough.The temple courtyard is home to an ancient shidarezakura, weeping cherry tree, and I had been meaning to go back during blossom season to see it. Last weekend was windy and rainy, and I wondered, would there be anything to see?I was there just in time to see the tree as it begins to sprout leaves. It lifted my spirits a little to see the petals fluttering in the breeze.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLO47-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 31 Mar 2021 10:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLO47-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZLN-foodThe appeal of this beer was that, though it's from a major brewery, and labled IPA, it doesn't claim to be a craft brew like the last big-brew pale ale I tried.This one poured with a good head, amber color, and has a nice hoppy and apple-cider flavor to it.The price is comparable to imported and craft IPAs but it's a good one. I think Kirin gets it right.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZLN-foodTue, 23 Mar 2021 17:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZLN-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02oZ-food_noda_shi_chibaI'm usually suspicious of big breweries when they use the word "craft" to describe their products. To my mind, craft beer implies limited production by independent breweries, and premium or innovative ingredients. Beer made with love. I had a look at a good breakdown of what constitutes micro, macro, and craft brew according to American standards.But I'm an open-minded person, so I thought I'd give Suntory's Tokyo Craft Pale Ale a try.It's pretty faithful to a pale ale with fruity and apple notes, and adequately bitter. But it wasn't remarkable.But next time I want a craft beer, I'll be looking at the little brewers in Japan. Big beer seems a bit antithetical to craft, I'd say.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02oZ-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 17 Mar 2021 14:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G02oZ-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqQv8-food_noda_shi_chibaMy town is famous for a number of specialties including sembei rice crackers, wagashi sweets, and soba shops. There are a few 地酒 jizake, or local sake brewers, but no 地ビール jibiiru, craft beer, that I've found so far. I miss the variety of flavors and imaginative combinations of craft brew that you can find in other parts of the Kanto region.A few local sake shops stock imported and Japanese craft beers. Hinoya in Noda City carries a selection from Far Yeast Brewing based in Yamanashi Prefecture.Their IPA formed a big head though I took care to pour it carefully. I guess that's a characteristic of this beer. The flavor delivered - crisp and slightly sweet citrus notes and faint bitterness in the finish. I'd definitely go for this one again.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqQv8-food_noda_shi_chibaThu, 04 Mar 2021 19:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqQv8-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZK8-food_noda_shi_chibaSometimes I don't have the energy to cook, and I just want something fast, filling, nutritious and cheap. And then I have a glance at the contents of the fridge. This week, I had some green peppers, bunashimeji mushrooms, an egg, and a stick of dry sausage. And then I spied the kimchi I'd neglected in the back behind fresh stuff for a week.I'd heard of kimchi fried rice, but I didn't know how to make it. I like Korean food, but I've never made Korean food at home. So I did what I often do - I Googled it.It turns out that kimchi fried rice has pretty varied ingredients. People put any kind of meat or even fish or shellfish in it and stretch it out with vegetables on hand.What the recipe always has is aged kimchi and cooked rice.So I rolled up my sleeves and pillaged the fridge. I panfried the sliced dry sausage, julienned the green peppers, and pulled apart the mushrooms to pan-fry them. I added the rice, kimchi and pushed them around the pan, and finished the dish with a fried egg (I'm not a fan of sunny side up, so I flipped the egg), and garnished it with strips of nori.It was flavorful without any added seasoning. Not bad for a hot lunch made from leftovers in the fridge. Thanks, Korea.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZK8-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 03 Mar 2021 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZK8-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mny4X-food_noda_shi_chibaI don't remember where I got the idea to mix these ingredients, but it's now one of my bento box and okazu side dish favorites. It's very simple - chick peas, called ひよこ豆 hiyokomame in Japanese, diced avocado, tomato, and cucumber dressed with dashes of olive oil, ponzu vinegar, shoyu, and pepper.I know the ingredients result in a decidedly un-Japanese dish. Out of curiosity, I researched the produce in my salad bowl and learned that cucumbers and chickpeas have ancient origins in West and South Asia, while the avocado and tomato were introduced from Mexico and South America to western and eastern cuisine.So, it's a little mix of east and west on my menu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mny4X-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 01 Mar 2021 20:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mny4X-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lo8-food_noda_shi_chibaMabo nasuI post a lot about 和食washoku, Japanese dishes, and おかずokazu, side dishes that I make for my bento box lunches and dinners. Sometimes I crave some more exotic stuff which I can easily make from grocery purchases.For a while there, I was making 麻婆茄子 mabonasu and 麻婆豆腐mabodofu from packaged stuff, but I realized I have all the fixings in my pantry to make these Chinese-Japanese dishes from scratch.Do you know about the origin of this dish? It's from Sichuan Province, China, introduced to Japan by Chinese chef Chen Kenmin, who adapted Sichuan dishes to Japanese tastes in the 1950s.My mabonasu is a bit dry since I omitted the usual potato starch and water, but it's flavorful and satisfying. My drier version works well in bento box lunches.Like conventional Japanese mabonasu, my recipe depends on minced ginger and garlic, tobanjan paste, vinegar, soy sauce, and miso paste to flavor the ground pork and eggplant.It works well - browned ground pork with brilliant purple eggplant and lots of umami.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lo8-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 26 Feb 2021 19:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6lo8-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZZX-living_education_noda_shi_chibaMy partner, a Japanese company employee now in his late 40s, remembers his experience of junior high school English language learning fondly. He was one of the first cohorts to receive instruction from a team of teachers, Japanese English Language Teachers (JTEs), and visiting Americans and British who were brought to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). My partner is not fluent in English, but he has a good facility with reading and a keen interest in learning the language. During his high school education, he says that he excelled at English as a subject, and credits the ALT who assisted in his English lessons. Those of you who work as ALTs may not immediately know, but your efforts have an impact on generations of Japanese young people.The implementation of ALTs in schools started over 30 years ago and has resulted in a variety of manifestations. The program continues to bringJET Program participants. There are now municipal city programs, direct municipal hires, and dispatch company ALTs.As an ALT, you may be relegated to “T2”, an assistant to the Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) in junior high schools. You may be engaged as an ALT at elementary schools with a homeroom teacher (HRT). For some of you, you’re essentially the “T1”, the primary teacher, especially in elementary schools where HRTs are not conversant in English and depend on the ALT for a model of communicative English.There have been many grass-roots efforts at the local level to help ALTs grow into their positions as assistants and informants to their Japanese colleagues. I had the good fortune to cooperate with JTEs and ALTs in a city-wide effort to develop skills and knowledge base, but it disappeared as ALTs left, and JTEs were assigned to different schools.The good news is, recently, some national-level initiatives have started in an effort to support ALTs with meaningful, research-supported guidance.A student at the University of Fukui’s Graduate School of Professional Development of Teachers has spearheaded a program, engaging ALTs in the experience of professional development.ALTs, JTEs, and HRTs are invited to an online monthly café to discuss issues relevant to your teaching context. Each month, the facilitators post a synopsis of the previous month’s discussion so you can stay on top of the topics they cover. In the February session, Wang Linfeng and guest Nicholas Wilson talk about the Giga School initiative.Another project specifically for ALTs is ALT Agora, a platform to provide all ALTs a place to discuss their experiences and grow as professionals. You can read more about and joinALT Agora.The takeaway is you can help yourself to the professional development resources out there. For those who are hooked on English education, there are opportunities to build networks and skillsets in cooperation with fellow educators.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZZX-living_education_noda_shi_chibaFri, 26 Feb 2021 11:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ZZX-living_education_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrKB-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaMornings in my region between the Tone and Edo Rivers are cold and dry, and the frost melts away by midday. It's starting to feel like spring.The produce in the supermarkets this week reflects the season, and this time, I spied 薇, zenmai, young ferns often referred to as fiddleheads.Osmunda japonica, zenmai (photo Kropsoq)The ferns grow widely across Asia, and they appear in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese dishes.Akita Prefecture produceFor just a handful of fiddleheads, the price is steep, but these ones were discounted. After a little research on recipes, I settled on a simple way to prepare them. Most sources in Japanese and English I read indicate that it is important to blanch them for some minutes to prevent food poisoning. Into the boiling water they went for a few minutes.After boiling, I panfried them in oil with a clove of chopped garlic, and dressed them with a sauce with a tablespoon each of sake and mirin, and two tablespoons of sesame paste.Sauteed fiddleheads with sesame dressingI was worried the garlic would overpower the fiddleheads, but it turns out this is a good combination. The fiddleheads are peppery and go well with sesame.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrKB-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaSun, 21 Feb 2021 09:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrKB-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZZv-food_noda_shi_chibaWith a lot of time on my hands I leisurely make bento box lunches. Each item took a little time to prepare, but pulling them together took mere minutes.This week, I prepared a number of items for dinners and lunches, and they made their way into my bento box lunch.Staples in my okazu, or small dish repertoire, are potato salad and sheet pan-roasted vegetables. This week, I prepared my usual potato salad, and broccoli simply with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkling of pepper and roasted them in the oven toaster until they browned on the edges.A new one in my repertoire is okra. I blanched them for a few minutes and marinated them with a mix of mirin and shoyu.In the bottom tier of my box is shiitake sauteed in olive oil with tomato, garlic, and pepper. Nestled next to glossy white rice, this bento item was full of umami.The challenge for bento making is sustaining the effort. To make the most of my time, I prepare bento box lunches next to dinner fixings. Keeping it varied so I don't get bored is the next challenge.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZZv-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 16 Feb 2021 18:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9ZZv-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQQe-food_noda_shi_chibaShoyu ramen in my new ramen bowlJapanRamen asked at the end of January, "How often do you eat ramen?" and I happen to have a craving for a good bowl of noodles. In the last few weeks, I've experimented with instant and fresh noodles, different kinds of broth, and a variety of toppings.This evening's ramen is shoyu ramen with a twist. I decided to try store-bought broth but I fortified it with my own vegetable stock.The vegetable stock is made with scraps, really. When I'm cooking, I put peels and ends in a zip top bag in the freezer. The latest collection happened to have carrot, onion, chingensai ends, and a few other bits.To make the broth, I fry the vegetables in a little oil with chopped garlic and ginger. When the vegetables begin to brown, I top up the pot with water, a dash each of soy sauce and tsuyu, and leave it to simmer for about 40 minutes.Chashu, menma, spicy moyashi, ajitsuki ramen egg, and mitsubaI prepared ahead ramen eggs, spicy moyashi bean sprouts, some sheets of toasted nori, and some sauteed shiitake mushrooms. I garnished it with some sprigs of mitsuba.It took a lot of time to prepare each element of the ramen, but it's worth the effort. The umami and complex flavors with al dente noodles were so satisfying.Now I'm thinking about that chashu. Could I do it myself? How about the menma...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQQe-food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 14 Feb 2021 19:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQQe-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1Wx-living_shopping_tea_noda_shi_chibaKakegawa fukamushicha, deep steamed teaKakegawa CityThe city of Kakegawa takes its name from Kakegawa Castle, the stronghold of the daimyo lords who ruled the Kakegawa Domain in what is now Shizuoka Prefecture.The original castle dates from the 14th century but was significantly damaged by a 19th-century earthquake. In the 1990s, the castle was restored based on the original plans, funded by public donation. As the first wooden reconstruction with traditional techniques in modern times, it is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 castles. On the castle grounds, visitors can take in the daimyo lord’s residence, Take no Maru, and enjoy a tea with sweets at the Ninomaru Goten, a classic tea house.The city’s tea plantations produce about a tenth of Shizuoka’s green tea production. What distinguishes Kakegawa’s tea production is the cultivation method. Pampas grass is cut and layered over the soil, enhancing the nutrients that feed the plants, in turn, the quality of the tea. This agricultural practice is noted for its contribution to biodiversity, contributing to the flourishing of flora and fauna that thrive under the tea bushes.A trip to Shizuoka Prefecture is enchanting. On my last trip, I took time to soak in the onsen spas in Atami and stroll in the streets of the historical city of Shimoda. Even if Shizuoka isn’t on your travel itinerary just yet, you can enjoy the teas from the prefecture as they are widely available at tea shops and supermarkets in Japan.Kakegawa's TeaI told you how I follow the advice of my wine aficionado friend, who, on recommending wine, told me to focus on one variety. As you sample a selection of a tea variety, you come to know its characteristics.My most recent tea purchase is the prosaic bagged tea, fukamushi seiho, deep steamed tea. Kunitaro's Kakegawacha - Fukamushi seihoI settled on this particular offering from Kunitaro for a few specific reasons. For one, I intend to send a few of these packages abroad to tea-drinking friends. They’re not accustomed to brewing loose tea, so the convenience of bagged tea is a major appeal. Plastic Smart packagingFor another, this package is meant to reduce consumer waste. The exterior is plastic, to protect the freshness of the contents, and the interior paper, which is biodegradable or in some places recyclable.Of course, I sample the tea myself. To my mind, tea in the right teacup is an integral part of tea drinking. To that end, I poured my tea into a simple but attractive teacup placed on a saucer that adds to the experience.A simple teacup to set off the color of the teaThe bagged tea is no less flavorful than loose leaf. This tea has got a sweet and grassy aroma and a velvety texture that lingers on your tongue. Sipping this tea makes for a great afternoon pick me up.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1Wx-living_shopping_tea_noda_shi_chibaFri, 12 Feb 2021 18:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO1Wx-living_shopping_tea_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B2o-living_noda_shi_chibaI'm always on the lookout for positive messages during this life-altering time of the pandemic.This week, the station master at Kasukabe Station posted laminated cards with an uplifting message adorned with paper cranes. It reads 「暗い夜を抜ければかならず明るい朝はやってくる。」 It means "There is no dark night without a bright morning."The message that follows urges passengers not to make unnecessary trips outside the home, and to wear masks, and refrain from talking on the train.This is so tough for a significant demographic - those of us who have to attend our worksites and students living far apart who are eager to catch up on the train ride to school.As some of our correspondents note, remote working is on the horizon for the business sector, which reduces the number of commuters. A few of my friends in post-secondary education have been teaching remotely for the last year. Any reduction in the huge volume of commuters is going to contribute to the mitigation measures in response to the pandemic.Whilethe tentative plans to roll out vaccinationsare in place, we have to hang tight.Sure, Japan has apparently seen a lower toll from this pandemic, and plans are in the works to protect the population. But dawn seems a long way away.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B2o-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 09 Feb 2021 19:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4B2o-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vmD-living_howtoCold, clear February days are perfect for drying laundry on the veranda in the Kanto region. When I put my laundry out before midday, I can be confident it’s bone dry before sunset. When I checked the weather for my region today, we’ve got clear skies all day and the humidity level is about 28%, perfect laundry weather. This is a result of what's described by the Japan Meteorological Agency as aSiberian High, a weather system that brings cold air and heavy snow to western Japan. But when that system bumps into the mountains, it drops its moisture, and the Pacific side of Japan gets desiccated. The condition results in a humidity level far below the level for human comfort. The ideal humidity range for human beings is between 50 and 60 percent.If in the morning you’re waking up feeling not fully rested, your throat parched, your skin a husk, and eyes itchy, you ought to look at ways to increase the humidity level of your home. For most of us in the Kanto region, we’re heating our homes with either kerosene stoves (a heating solution that is becoming less common), aircon units, or oil heaters. These forms of heating dry you out more. Something to bear in mind is that humid air carries heat more efficiently and more humid air reduces dust, another bane of winter conditions in the Kanto region. To offset the drying power of your heat sources, you need humidifying sources.Besides the apparent effects on skin and eyes, dry air is a detriment to fighting infection. When your airways get dried out and work less effectively, you’re more prone to respiratory infections. To combat dry air, the institution I work in has purchased industrial humidifiers for classrooms and meeting rooms. It makes a huge difference in the comfort level of our teaching and working environment.At home, I get a lot of use out of a dehumidifier in the rainy and summer seasons, but I don’t have a humidifier for the dry winter months. In the driest part of the year, I use a few low-tech tactics to raise the humidity to fight dry skin and fight infections.Paper humidifierAt the 100 yen shop, I found a paper humidifier. It’s great to place on your desk at work or in your bedroom and has a perceptible effect on the humidity in warm air. I placed mine in a cute mug. I top up the water level every day. A curious thing is that the top of the vanes discolor. My suspicion is that the dye in the paper at the bottom of the paper humidifier wicks up to the top. It’s not a bad thing. It means it’s working.Drying laundry indoorsThis tactic is probably the most effective in my 10 mat living space. I hang the laundry rack with heavy and thin towels from the curtain rail. Put the kettle onCooking in your space, or running a hot shower with the door open a crack makes a huge difference in the humidity level of your living space. When it’s bone dry in my home, I boil the kettle and fill a pate with steaming water. It raises the humidity but doesn't steam up the windows. If your windows get condensation, you know the humidity is too high.Do you have some other tips and tricks to humidify your home in winter without a humidifier?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vmD-living_howtoMon, 08 Feb 2021 12:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1vmD-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BRp-food_noda_shi_chibaLast week, I fixed a packet of instant ramen with what was available in the fridge. This week, I thought I'd go a little step up with fresh ramen noodles.My local supermarket has both ramen kits with two or three servings of noodles and broth, and a la carte ramen items. I got futomen, miso broth, menma, and a slice of chashu. The items are about 60 to 150 yen each, which is more expensive than the kits. The noodles were fabulous. I like them a little katame, hard. The soft boiled egg and spinach aren't quite classic.Next week's bowl demands making proper ramen eggs and miso broth from scratch. And next time I'll rotate the bowl so the ninja's head is at the top of the photo!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BRp-food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 07 Feb 2021 20:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7BRp-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Zll-living_food_noda_shi_chibaOne of the culinary pleasures of Japan life is the abundance of domestically-grown winter vegetables. In my native Canada, domestic production is limited. At grocers, you can find a variety of root vegetables, cabbage, onions, leeks, squash, and my least favorite vegetable in the world, Brussels Sprouts. All but the last item are widely available in Japan.There's a bounty of winter veggies in most supermarkets and greengrocers in Japan. Recently, because of the lack of custom in the restaurant industry, you’ll find that many winter vegetables are discounted at the shops. My local has whole 白菜 hakusai for only 100 yen. If you feeding a tribe, you can get value from one of these. It’s great in nabe hot pots, pickled, or made into kimchi.The benefits of cooking in-season foods are myriad. When you purchase locally grown produce, you’re reducing the food miles, the distance, and the expense associated with the transport of the food you eat. Most food labels indicate the source, so you can consciously support local growers.But the biggest benefit to you is that locally grown seasonal foods are very fresh and nutritious.Winter VegetablesI often refer to this webpage which lists seasonal vegetables in Japan. Before I go shopping, I have a peek at that page to see what's likely in stock, and then plan meals.Mibuna and MizunaTwo winter vegetables widely available in the shops are 水菜 mizuna and壬生菜 mibuna. The former has jagged leaves, and the latter rounded. Mibuna is often identified as one of the 京野菜 kyo-yasai, Kyoto heritage vegetables. Both have a peppery flavor and provide a light crunch to all kinds of dishes.For winter cooking, I put mizuna in stir-fries. Lately, my local supermarket has stocked up on cheap and good mibuna. One of my favorite ways to use either is coconut-tomato fettuccine with mizuna or mibuna.Coconut-tomato fettuccine with mibunaThe sauce is a cup each of tomato puree and coconut milk simmered in the pan with a bay leaf (called ローリエ in Japanese), a sprinkle each of dried basil and parsley, and a little 七味唐辛子, shichimi-togarashi, seven-flavor chili pepper. MibunaTo prepare the dish, I cut the mibuna or mizuna into 5 cm pieces. I boil the pasta according to the package directions, and in the last minute of cooking blanch the greens. Blanching mibuna in the pasta waterBlanching brings out the intense color of the greens and maintains texture. I drain the pasta and greens, and then return them and fold in the coconut-tomato sauce. Lotus RootPeak レンコンrenkonlotus root season is January and February. It’s got a faint sweetness set off well by vinegar water, which is used to prevent it from browning on exposure to the air. The crispy, lacy slices are attractive whether pan-fried or briefly boiled.Lotus Root dressed with 梅干し umeboshi pickled plums is easy. Slice the lotus root thinly and place in a bowl of water with a dash of vinegar. Prepare a sauce with the meat of two or three pickled plums, and mash them with a teaspoon each of soy sauce and sugar. Boil a saucepan with water, and when the pot reaches a rolling boil, blanch the lotus root slices for two minutes until they get a little translucent. Drain and rinse them in cold water, pat dry with a towel, and then dress them with the plum sauce. It’s crunchy, sweet, sour, and salty.Renkon with ume dressingCeleryCelery, like lotus root, is at its best in winter. Celery with onions and garlic quick pickleCook it soon, as it goes limp fast. Don’t give up on it if it's lackluster, as quick pickle revives its texture. I chopped some garlic and onions, cut up the celery into sticks, and marinated it in a bit of ponzu and rice vinegar.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Zll-living_food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 05 Feb 2021 20:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5Zll-living_food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbP3P-food_noda_shi_chibaWhen I don't have the energy to cook an elaborate meal but I have odds and ends in the fridge, I make instant ramen. This stuff on its own isn't good for you, but I fortified it with cotton tofu, some grilled broccoli, chopped nira, and some chicken.Do you sometimes make instant ramen as comfort food? What do you put in yours?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbP3P-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 03 Feb 2021 10:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbP3P-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKPm-food_noda_shi_chibaIn my cooking, I prepare a lot of different okazu, side dishes that go with rice. Apparently, the word comes from kazou, to count. In other words, to make a number of dishes. These little side dishes are a great way to use various seasonings and ingredients in the fridge or cupboard.I have a number of cookbooks, but just as often as I follow recipes, I simply take some inspiration and make dishes out of what I have on hand to suit my preferences. A simple okazu that works with meals and bento box lunches is マリネ, marine. My favorite these days is diced onion, a smidgin of chopped garlic, and tomato dressed with vinegar and wakame.I get a lot of use out of my toaster oven, adapting sheet pan cooking to small aluminum plates. It works for me.These enoki mushrooms are roasted in the oven toaster after dressing with equal amounts of miso paste and tobanjan, the spicy fermented chili paste.I love broccoli and can't get enough of it in the winter. The simplest way I prepare it roasted in the oven toaster. I add a chopped hardboiled egg, some karashi mustard powder, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise.Do you prepare okazu dishes for meals at home or for bento boxes? What are your favorites?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKPm-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 02 Feb 2021 17:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQKPm-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQ3g-food_noda_shi_chibaAbout six days a week, I prepare meals at home. Pre-pandemic, sometimes it was a chore to shop and cook. But now, I'm finding it a source of stimulation as I research recipes, experiment with ingredients and techniques, and just enjoy slower food.A lot of prepared foods I no longer buy and instead prepare from scratch. The results? More flavor, less packaging, and lower cost.These lovely Hokkaido-grown potatoes were discounted to 100 yen as 見切り品 mikirihin, closed-out items at my local supermarket. Don't turn your nose up at these cheapies. They're often good quality, but simply the last of the stock. The potatoes were covered in a layer of rich, dark soil, so I scrubbed them well.I like my potatoes with their skin on. Is this good for you? After some research, I learned that yes, potato skins have a lot of nutrition.A favorite 100 yen kitchen gadget I use is a julienne peeler which I used to make matchstick carrots. I thinly sliced cucumber and diced a hardboiled egg. The dressing is simple - in a little bowl, I blended a tablespoon of rice vinegar, a dash each of ponzu and shoyu, and a teaspoon of karashi mustard powder. And then dosed it with lots of mayonnaise.When I want some variation, I swap yuzukosho for the karashi mustard powder. Depending on what's in the fridge, I might add chopped nila or even chopped onions.What do you put in your potato salad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQ3g-food_noda_shi_chibaSat, 30 Jan 2021 13:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrQ3g-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82Qa-food_noda_shi_chibaI don't usually get products with ise ebi in them since my partner is violently allergic to crustaceans. The packaging with the bold kanji 開運 kaiun, or opening to fortune.The package explains that the employees of the snack maker, Yamayoshi, went to Nakajima Shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, to ask for blessings. The shrine honors the kami of お菓子 okashi, snacks and sweets before commencing production.The 海老 ebi is an obvious choice for the new year. The kanji mean old man of the sea, because it's curved shape evokes the bent back of an old man, and is a symbol of longevity you often see in osechi new year spreads. The mayo? Japan's favorite condiment after soy sauce, right?The ise ebi mayonnaise flavored chips have lots of umami. Umami is a noun...I think we need an adjective here. Umamish sounds too tentative. Perhaps umaminess?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82Qa-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 22 Jan 2021 12:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z82Qa-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKO7V-living_noda_shi_chibaIn these pandemic times, my range has gradually shrunk to only my town and the short commute to the next city where I work, westacross the Edo River. I make the best of it by getting out to walk and cycle within a few kilometers of home.I'm lucky to be within easy distance of Shimizu Park, one of the oldest and most expansive in my region. The park's variety of plantings means that in nearly every season, there is some natural beauty to delight the senses.The plum grove on the south side of the park has just come back to life. It's a treat to see these winter blossoms. While most people think of cherry as the quintessential spring symbol, it was 梅 plum that got Heian era poets all excited. Plum season is my favorite as the groves are seldom crowded, and the plums come in so many varieties and have a range of fragrances from tart to sweet.A less showy but very fragrant flower I've come to appreciate in the last few years is wintersweet, known in Japan as 蝋梅 robai. The fragrance on the small yellow flowers is pungent, a little spicy, and definitely sweet. There is a row of them near the gate that marks the entrance to the park.Within the garden of Konjoin Temple at the heart of the park, the gardeners have been nurturing peonies under straw shelters.Usually, peonies bloom in April and May, but gardeners cultivate cold-hardened versions called 寒牡丹 kanbotan, cold peonies, that are a bit smaller but no less flamboyant than their spring versions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKO7V-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 21 Jan 2021 18:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKO7V-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpO0a-food_kamakura_shi_kanagawaThe retro paper packaging and KAMAKURA caught my eye yesterday when I was grazing for snack food at my local convenience store in suburban Chiba Prefecture.This is garipote, garlic potato snacks, from Kamakura City's popular curry shop Sangosho. It's located near Shichirigahama Station on the quaint Enoshima Dentetsu train line.I long to go to Kamakura City. It's not just the local favorite izakayas and historical temples that beckon me.Years ago, I worked around the corner from Kamakura Station and on my days off, I hiked and soaked in the culture of this ancient city. It feels like my yard, so to speak. On top of that, I have some lovely friends who make Kamakura CIty their home and I haven't seen them since last year. Due to these trying times, I have hesitated to travel much beyond a few kilometers from home.So garipote, garlicky, crispy, and a little smoky, is my consolation until I feel confident that the pestilence is behind us. Savoring snacks and local specialties is what gets me through.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpO0a-food_kamakura_shi_kanagawaWed, 16 Dec 2020 18:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpO0a-food_kamakura_shi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPQV-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaPhoto GoToVanFor incoming JET ALTs and first-year contract ALTs who arrived before the pandemic exploded, there is a lot of navigation of cultural and language issues. You may find yourself in an academic context for the first time since you graduated from school. And the way Japan's schools operate is at once familiar and alien to you. Add a new language and stir.Don't feel lost. There are lots of resources to help you. Some of them are tried and true tools for teaching and learning. Here, I turn the tables by using two digital teacher resources and a low tech paper one to help you, the rookie ALT, with the tsunami of information about the ALT role and school life.Vocabulary help with QuizletYou may have encountered Quizlet, a powerful tool for vocabulary learning in any language. Many teachers in Japan, including me, use Quizlet sets to help students acquire English vocabulary and expression.Well, here's my way to pay it forward to you ALTs who are eager to learn the Japanese language and need a primer on school-related terms.To learn about the architecture you will encounter in elementary, junior high, and high school environments, I created a Quizlet set for places in the school.You'll also enounter a lot of vocabulary about academic concerns. Your Japanese colleagues may give you a potted version of school life, but it can blow past you fast. Don't worry, as I have you covered. Check out Japanese School Terms for ALTs: the academic year.Depending on your school placement, you may experience different kinds of organization. Some schools have three distinct terms with term exams. Others may test by units within the three-term schedule. The school year depends on the philosophy of your school, designating terms or units. You may be placed in one school, a few schools, or way too many schools. But you don't need to feel lost about where you're supposed to be and when.A Low-tech Scheduling SolutionRead about my ways of keeping up with scheduling at schools. This planner style was introduced to me by a school administration. I use it to plan backward - look at your goals and then build a sequence that culminates in outcomes. It's a way to pace your work over a term or year and stay sane.The Lifecycle of the ALT on ThingLinkThingLink is a digital platform on which you can turn photos and videos into interactive graphics. I built you one. Click on the link below to view the interactive graphicYou're welcome. This interactive graphic has information on the kinds of ALTs, the training and networking available to support you in your job, and how to move on from ALT work. ThingLink is free, and once you see how it works, you might want to use it yourself to build digital interactives for your lessons.Do you have a question? Ask away. I'll address any questions with additional Quizlet sets or ThingLink interactives.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPQV-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawaTue, 15 Dec 2020 11:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPQV-living_howto_ibaraki_saitama_chiba_tokyo_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPla-living_noda_shi_chibaWinter blooming cherry trees at Konjoin Temple, Noda CityBring me spring now! I know it sounds kind of anti-environmental and anti-religious and anti-quasi-religiocultural, but my interest in this festive season is fading - Hannukah, Christmas, and Japanese New Year. I lack the heart to celebrate, but I'll still put up some decorations and just count my blessings. I have a stable job and lots of friends, local and international. But this year, it'll be a subdued celebration at home.Every day, the number of infections in the Tokyo region increases. We have to be more vigilant than ever to avoid infection. The latest reports indicate that businesses will refrain from year-end events, but there is no word on declaring the second state of emergency.Many countries are preparing for shipments of vaccines, but according to the latest report, the earliest Japan can expect vaccinations is June 2021.Meanwhile, I console myself by getting out in open spaces away from people and viewing flowers. When I do talk to friends, they come by the house and we stand in the street to talk, all masked up.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPla-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 12 Dec 2020 17:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPla-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakeY-living_work_saitama_chibaPhoto elmimmoThis autumn, social media have been abuzz with news that Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) participants are preparing to arrive to start their 2020 placements late in these pandemic times. Dispatch agencies hiring new ALTs from abroad are likely backed up for some time due to travel restrictions.ALTs, You're on Your OwnThe JET Program provides an orientation on arrival in Tokyo, and some guidance once ALTs are placed in their prefectures. You’ll see the acronym ESID, “Every Situation is Different” to account for the inconsistency of training and myriad situations ALTs find themselves placed in. Dispatch companies "train" teachers, but again, the trainers may not have preparation in language education or cross-cultural issues.So as a rookie ALT, you may not have a lot of resources, either monetary or professional, at your disposal. You’re in a new working and cultural environment, and even if you’re experienced with some Japanese language proficiency and perhaps teacher professional development or crash courses in TEFL, you’re still facing a big challenge to adjust to a new cultural and academic environment.These are some go-to resources, generously provided by corporate and academic organizations in Japan. And they're free.Cross-Cultural InsightJapan presents foreign workers with very different institutional and professional organization. Some practices may boggle you. Others make sense once you see them in practice. A resource I have a glance at periodically is Japan Intercultural Consulting. It’s an organization that provides practical insight into Japanese organizational practices. Their website provides free resources – articles, podcasts, and videos that open a window into Japan's work world.Associations for English Educators in JapanJapan Association of Language Teachers has 3000 members across Japan working in language education. While membership costs, and is well worth it, non-members can freely access a wealth of resources on their website. Have a look at the archives of Young Learnersand My Share columns.English Teachers in Japan, ETJ, is an umbrella group for English educators in Japan. This loose organization with free membership hosts regional groups and email discussions. You can join events in person and online announced on their ELT calendar. I’ve occasionally joined events and my comments and questions were welcomed. It’s a friendly community of educators.Teacher Training and Open LecturesALT Training Onlineis a comprehensive project to provide free online training for ALTs working in elementary, junior, and senior high schools. TESOL educators and experienced ALTs have pooled their resources to deliver an overview of working in schools and focused courses for specific skills such as teaching listening and speaking. For experienced ALTs and educators, it’s worth a look as there are modules exploring teaching approaches and further professional development.In big centers, universities have lectures open to the public. Check out symposiums and public lectures at Temple Universityand Kanda University of International Studies.Help YourselfWhether you're starting a career in education, taking a gap year or two, or getting a foothold in Japan to move into another field, you can get more satisfaction out of what you're doing if you have resources and guidance. You can't rely on employers to give you the whole picture. You'll have to help yourself to the resources that are out there. So have fun, don't stress, and see where your ALT experience takes you.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakeY-living_work_saitama_chibaThu, 10 Dec 2020 10:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakeY-living_work_saitama_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qJV-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaOrnamental camelliaMost people associate red and gold leaves with autumn, but it's also the time when camellia flowers bloom. On my latest walk, I took a moment to gaze at some huge shrubs over three meters tall, laden with delicate pink blooms. My neighbor tells me that these particular shrubs are about 30 years old. He remembers when they were planted.Camellia bushes can get very bigThe flower, camellia sinensis, was brought from China to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 8th century as they adopted the Chinese habit of drinking tea. The very same plant that adorns gardens is also the plant on which tea leaves are grown.The difference is the tea-producing plants have less spectacular flowers and are carefully bred for their flavors. Ornamental camellias come in a kaleidoscope of colors and have double varieties.Delicate pink double flowersCamellias bloom right through the mild winters in my region, northern Chiba Prefecture, so they provide color right into the early spring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qJV-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaSat, 21 Nov 2020 09:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qJV-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1n8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaIt's been a while since I wrote a Plague Diary entry. The last two entries I wrote were Plague Diary 18, The Half-way Point andPlague Diary 19, The Entry Ban on Teachers' Employment.In the last few days, media has reported that there is a record rise in infection rates, and English language social media has blown up since the news appeared to single out non-Japanese residents for failing to observe mitigation measures, which I think is unfair. When you look at the foreign resident population, working in high-exposure jobs such as service jobs, it's not fair to single them out. After all, they make your Indian curry, serve you at convenience stores, and teach English to your children.For some time, I thought about taking advantage of the Go To Travel campaign, but after noting the situation with participants contracting (and possibly spreading) the virus, I thought better of it. I figure I should stay close to home.The current conditions present an opportunity, I think, to appreciate where I am. So I masked up like I do every day, and made a trip to a local park where I could breathe, walk, and experience some refreshment. In this high-stress situation, it's valuable to stretch your legs, collect your thoughts, and appreciate nature.Space for elderly folks to appreciate autumn beautyClose to home is Kashiwanoha Park, a 45 hectare natural and cultural resource where I could stretch my legs, maintain social distance, and see some seasonal color.The strolling garden in front of Kashiwanoha Park's tea houseThe park has a proper sukiya-style tea house that serves matcha and sweets, but I figured I would forgo it and simply enjoy the garden around it. I felt my shoulders drop along with my blood pressure. Ideal autumnal weather made it all the more refreshing, not too hot, not too cold.Are you staying close to home? Do you find outlets where you are that keep you safely distanced and still provide relief from cabin fever?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1n8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaThu, 19 Nov 2020 18:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1n8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ3E5-education_work_kasukabe_shi_saitamaBack in May, I told you about working in Japan as an emergency online educator. The private high school in which I teach English had planned to implement online teaching supplements and Google Suite for teacher communication back in December before it became apparent that the pandemic would upend our lives. We had our learning management system, LMS, up and running, but little time to figure out how to use digital tools in time to do emergency online courses. It was frantic for some months. The positive that came out of this ordeal was learning about all the digital tools at our disposal.A bilingual pronoun word cloud made with Wordclouds.comLike many schools, we have school-wide wifi, audio-enabled projectors, and screens in our classrooms. Teachers bring their own computers, smartphones, or tablets and connect them to the projectors. This has revolutionized how we deliver content and lessons.In my own English lessons, I use a variety of digital tools that I've known for years, and others I discovered since the beginning of this academic year. One of the benefits of using media in the classroom is that the students don't have to take my word for it. Videos, photos, and audio of authentic speakers prove my point. Another good point is that I can prepare presentations with lesson content and tasks, play it, and step back, or assist individual students while everyone is on task.Here are some of the tools my English teacher colleagues and I use to enrich our English language instruction. These are accessible to parents and learners, too, all for free. For parents of bilingual children, these tools may be of interest, too.QuizletQuizlet has got to be one of my favorite tools. I recommend it to my students, and many high school students use quiz sets I've made, and many they make themselves.A quick search of Quizlet shows that many educators have created study sets of words from state textbook vocabulary lists. For example, a teacher made a set for the entire Sunshine 1 textbook vocabulary.For me, one of the advantages of using Quizlet sets in the classroom is to get students' attention and provide pronunciation - the app and the website play audio. The tool has more than just flashcards. I display the matching and spelling activities on the projector, have the whole class call out the answers, and then note their time. I do teach multiple classes, so I challenge each group of students to beat the time.Students can access the lists independently, too. If you have time, you can make your own lists and sets, but if you don't, you may find your textbook content on there already.WordwallThis resource came to my attention recently. Wordwall is a tool for making interactive and worksheet activities. The interactive tasks can be done as whole-class or individual activities. You can use the ones that community members make, copy and edit them, or create your own.My junior high school students like a preposition matching activity and senior high school students got a kick out of this Halloween-themed adjectives exercise.Teachers can log in to make an account for free, which allows them to create a limited number of activities. If your school is interested, there are institutional paid accounts that provide full access.Word CloudsI've been using word cloud generators for years. My old standby is Wordle. It's still available for free but may take some puttering to install on a computer. Fortunately, there are free online ones. I made the pronoun word cloud using Wordclouds.com. It's easy to use, has lots of options, and downloading takes only a right-click.Word clouds are versatile tools for all subjects. One cool thing about Wordclouds.com is that the website supports multiple languages. I generated a bilingual word cloud you see above. They're a fun alternative to conventional matching exercises. Print them and ask your students to circle or highlight matching pairs in different colors for solo work. Make it a pair work task in which one student says a word and the other points to and says the other language equivalent.Those are just some of the online teaching tools I'm using so far this year.Do you have some favorite digital online apps and tools you use to teach students or your own children?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ3E5-education_work_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSat, 07 Nov 2020 18:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ3E5-education_work_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RxP-food_autumnfood2020_noda_shi_chibaMuch of my home cooking is inspired by the concept of the 100-mile diet. In 2005, a couple in British Columbia pursued a locavore diet that first came to my attention through a local news blog. The couple endeavored to only consume produce grown within 100 miles of their home and wrote a book about it. It was challenging, and the book is revealing about how easy and difficult it is to find healthful, fresh food within easy distance of home. And there is no better time than autumn in Japan to enjoy produce.A few years ago, I embraced the idea, and as much as possible, I seek out locally-produced food. It's not always easy, but if you check labels and consciously purchase, you can adhere to a diet of food that is locally produced and in season.The benefits of eating in season are myriad. You support local growers and consume food at its prime. Purchasing food that has traveled far from the source contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the food may have lost some nutritional value along the way. Eating locavore connects you to growers and reveals how much of your food is available right around the corner.I do my best to support local growers, carefully reading labels, and selecting locally-grown food as much as possible. This autumn is no different, and I had a good look at the seasonal vegetables at my local supermarket.This week, I found renkon, lotus root, grown right across the river from me in Ibaraki Prefecture. Autumn is the prime lotus root season.One of my favorite autumn dishes, suitable for bento and okazu, or small dishes to accompany meals, is lotus root pan-fried in garlic and ginger with greens.It's simple to prepare.Renkon Stir FrySimple stir-fried renkon with greensRenkon browns on exposure to air, but acid prevents it from browning. As you slice it, place it in a bowl of vinegar thinned with water and it will stay snowy white.Heat a little oil in your fry pan.Fry diced garlic and ginger until fragrant.Drain the renkon slices and fry on each side until translucent and a little browned on the edges.Add a little zip - I use tobanjan, spicy paste but you can also add diced togarashi peppers or whatever seasoning is at hand.To finish and add color, toss in briefly aonegi or mitsuba. Any greens add a little texture and color.Stir-fried renkon looks appealing in my bento lunch boxes.A typical bento box lunch from my kitchenAnother seasonal food, though not exotic, is broccoli. I love this stuff! One of my favorite bento box lunch components is broccoli in season prepared one of two ways.Broccoli dressed with mayonnaise and sesame pasteI've found the best way to prepare broccoli is my adaptation of sheet pan cooking, roasting it in the oven toaster. After it has turned bright green and a little brown on the edges, I make a side dish with two variations.Broccoli Two WaysHardboil an eggRoast a head of broccoli in the oven toasterDress with mayonnaise and a bit of salt and pepperSeason with either curry powder or a spoonful of sesame pasteEither of the seasonings makes the salad delicious, and the salad adds rich flavor and nutrition to my autumn bento box lunches.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RxP-food_autumnfood2020_noda_shi_chibaTue, 03 Nov 2020 19:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RxP-food_autumnfood2020_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpOZx-living_health_noda_shi_chibaEspecially now in these pandemic times, it's important to take care of your health and be mindful of hygiene. As Genkidesu wrote earlier this month, ongoing stress from the economic and social changes brought on by measures to mitigate the spread of the pandemic take their toll on our mental health. These stressors find expression in our bodies, too, manifesting as fatigue and discomfort.Japan's onsen baths are a way to relieve tension and fatigue. I wrote about the health benefits of onsen, and take time out routinely for slow soaks in the fresh air. Normally, I would take weekend trips to onsen destinations.While Japan has encouraged domestic travel and two million people have taken advantage of the travel subsidies, I've been staying close to home and enjoying the local onsen.Here are Noda City's three onsen where my neighbors and I take time out to relax and heal.Yu no SatoThis onsen is Just south of Umesato Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the west exit to the bath. It's got the usual selection of open-air baths including a big rock-lined pool, medicinal bath, and ceramic jars. The ambiance is soothing, too, with classic wafu decor.Between the tsubo, or big ceramic jars, and the main rock bath, there is a shallow trough cobbled with round stones. I spend most of my time stepping slowly along the path, massaging the pressure points in my feet, followed by a soak in the rock bath. I got real relief from fatigue caused by standing on a concrete floor all workweek.You can get a meal in the hall there, too. See more in the Yu no Sato review.Nanakodai OnsenNanakodai Onsen isn't spectacular, but it's got a great atmosphere, and the staff is thoughtful and friendly. The baths are located on the second floor, with feature baths like massage jets, outdoor pools with a wide-open view of the sky, and a deck for lounging.Once in a while, I get akasuri, the exfoliation treatment here. You can also indulge in Thai massage and cupping, the application of glass cups on your back. Here's my review of Nanakodai Onsen.Noda Onsen HonokaHonoka is a chain of onsens with branches all over Japan, but that's not a negative. The Noda City location is the most comprehensive onsen spa, and it's a great place to spend half a day.The onsen decor departs from typical Japanese style with statuary and architecture reminiscent of southeast Asia resorts and Korean bathhouses. The baths range from authentic strong salt hot spring to artificial and medicinal.The biggest feature is the mixed ganbanyoku and sauna area. The admission to the baths includes this area, which is different from most onsens where usually you pay an extra admission. With your bath towel, face towel, and blanket set, you receive kanchaku, shorts and a top. After you bathe, you can change into kanchaku and join your party to experience these relaxing spaces together.The dining hall here serves delicious food at reasonable prices.See the Honoka review.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpOZx-living_health_noda_shi_chibaWed, 28 Oct 2020 16:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpOZx-living_health_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qDR-living_noda_shi_chibaIn the last few weeks, I've noticed the canal outside my window has had a high water level due to all the rain. This means there are lots of fish, frogs, turtles, and bugs. All those little things attract sagi, herons. White and gray herons are regulars on the banks, wading and lurking.Photo, Spaceaero2But in the last few weeks, I've heard very loud calls indicating some truly huge birds are here. There is nothing melodious about these bird's calls. Just lots of "SKRONNNNK!"This morning, when I opened my veranda door, I spotted a much bigger bird standing on top of a lamp post. I could make out its long legs and distinctive shape.Yeah, it looks like a speck in the photo I took with my smartphone camera. I hope I get a closer shot soon.The oriental stork is an endangered species that Japan raises in captivity and releases intermittently. Noda City's Kounotori no Sato oriental stork preserve released Kazu and Rei, two young ones, in early September. They're hanging out in Noda City, sometimes in our canal, with Wataru, a bird raised in and released from Oyama City.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qDR-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 23 Oct 2020 19:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qDR-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmjpa-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaI’m so grateful for my computer when it comes to writing Japanese. Although I’m a strong reader, having passed JLPT 2 a few years ago, and spend a lot of time reading Japanese, which increases my kanji knowledge, I struggle terribly with writing. Every day, either on my smartphone or on my laptop, I frequently write in Japanese.My laptop is a bit quirky and throws off many people who see me working and writing. The laptop is a reconditioned computer from an Akihabara shop. The laptop originally had a Japanese version of Windows and has a Japanese keyboard layout. However, when I got it, an English version of Windows was installed, and I’ve continued to update it.Be glad you don't have to use a beast like this anymore! Photo OgmiosTo write Japanese text on it, I use the MS-IME, the input method editor in Windows. It’s easy to install this in Windows 10, and there are simple instructions, here. I’ve also installed it on the Mac I use at work. Here aresimple instructions on how to do that. On either computer, I use romaji as my input method. It works well enough for me.Quirks of Japanese input methodsThis autumn, Japan conducted Census 2020, a statistical done every five years. I told you about how easy it is to complete the survey online. But wait, not so fast. The census package I received indicated a login, password, and key to start the process. When I opened the website, I realized that it requires half-width input. This is an artifact of the bad old days when early computer software and hardware didn’t accommodate Japanese kana and kanji input. Japan produced an industrial standard that could encode Japanese characters, and this standard is still in limited use. Don’t let this deter you from completing the census online. One way to get half-width characters is a converter. I use this converter on the rare occasions I need half-width characters.How to get all the variant charactersOn social media, I see Japanese correspondents use all kinds of cool characters. So, how do I get them, too? If you frequently use the Japanese IME with romaji input, you know that to get variant characters such as the small tsu, you just type in the romaji equivalent and the computer figures it out for you. Kanji comes up when you input a word, and you simply hit the spacebar, select the kanji or kana, hit return, and keep typing.But what about little stuff? Some of my correspondents write things like 「あらぁ」or 「ねぇ」. I learned that it’s easy to get these tiny characters by simply typing in xa or la. Ta-dah! Tiny characters appear.Don’t be stumped by variantsA Japanese friend likes to post with proverbs and sutra verses that contain obsolete characters. If you need them, they’re easy to type. The old character 「ゑ」we appears when you type in we. However, a commonly used character such as 「づ」zu, doesn’t come up when you type in zu. IME expects you to type in du. Similarly, to get「ぢ」you must type in di.I got a lot more tips from this resource, too. No more head-scratching when I’m inputting Japanese characters.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmjpa-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaFri, 16 Oct 2020 16:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmjpa-living_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we9Re-living_tea_noda_shi_chibaEven better than drinking a quality tea is sipping it from a teacup that enhances the sensory experience. My family has always taken tea drinking seriously. Meals were served on everyday tableware, but tea - African, Japanese, or Chinese tea - was presented in a bone china teapot, cups, and saucers brought back from trips to Britain. For us, tea was time to talk and appreciate both the tea and china in which it was served. Japanese homestay students who lodged with my family and my sojourns in Japan turned us onto green tea and introduced us to elegant teapots and bowls in which to serve them.I’m always on the lookout for varieties of green tea, and on this week’s shopping trip, I found yuzu iri ryokucha, Shizuoka-grown green tea with yuzu citrus. Usually, I take the slow approach to Shizuoka tea, brewing it from tea leaves. But I couldn’t resist this bag tea. Color enhances the scent of Shizuoka ryokucha with yuzuThe astringent green tea is enhanced by the yuzu. The tea has notes of fresh grass, tartness, and fragrance similar to grapefruit, and a pleasant finish. Appealing to the eye and the palateThis tea looks appealing in the ochre teacups I found at a recycle shop. The cups and saucers fit well in the hand and the color lends to the autumnal atmosphere.Yuzu iri Ryokucha addition to my growing tea collectionMy tea collection and tea things have proliferated since I started writing about tea. Trips to antiques and recycle shops turn up gorgeous items in which to serve tea. This got me thinking about serving tea in ceramics from Shizuoka. The prefecture has a few noted potteries. Shizuoka CeramicsMoriyama-yaki is a 20th-century invention from Shizuoka. In the 1920s, a local potter presented a vase to the emperor on his accession to the throne, which gained the form recognition. Today, Moriyama-yaki potters produce tea ceremony objects noted for their bright red glaze. A representative workshop is Season Toubou. Moriyama-yaki, photo YaizunosakanayaiwaseiShitoro-yaki in the Kanaya area of Shimada City claims a history stretching back to the Muromachi Period. Potters migrated from other pottery centers, bringing their styles. The ceramics got the endorsement of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's noted for its red, yellow, and black glazes, robustness, and resistance to humidity. Shizuhata-yaki originated in the Edo Period in Shizuoka City. In the Edo Period, the kilns were lost in floods, but in the Meiji Era, the prefecture revived the tradition. The pottery gets its vivid colors from red clay, and some varieties are rough and unglazed.Shizuoka's Local Craft Promotion Association presents these three pottery traditions among many other gorgeous arts.If you can’t make a trip to Shizuoka to buy tea-things from these potteries, you may find some examples in antiques and recycle shops. This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we9Re-living_tea_noda_shi_chibaWed, 07 Oct 2020 14:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/we9Re-living_tea_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0v7k-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaThe summer heat was exhausting, and I couldn't wait for autumn to arrive. In the last week in my part of the Kanto region, evenings are cool, and we've had a few sunny days with clear blue skies. It's such a relief.Early autumn flower viewing is sadly affected by the mitigation measures against the spread of the coronavirus. The higanbana, or red spider lilies, have taken a hit in Saitama Prefecture. One locally famous spot, Kenei Gongendo Park in Satte City, has canceled their higanbana festival. The city of Hidaka took the drastic step of cutting the flowers at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park.There are lesser-known spots to see the spectacular red flowers, but not in such great profusion as those tourist draws. I consoled myself this past sunny weekend with a bike ride around Teganuma Marsh. The marsh is huge, with kilometers of paths, and it's easy to explore on a bicycle. I rented one from Kashiwa Station East Exit bicycle rental.The parks and cycling paths are dotted with bunches of these flowers.Red spider liliesMany farms, roadside green spaces, private gardens, and public parks have varieties.Creamy white onesThe flowers are laden with symbolism. They're called higanbana after higan, the other shore beyond the grave. O-higan, around the autumn equinox, is a time when people pay respects at graves. You'll see the flowers blooming around cemeteries. They're also planted at the edges of farm fields, as the toxic bulbs are said to ward off burrowing animals that damage crops.Japan has a language of flowers just as other cultures do. Here, the higanbana has acquired a meaning due to their curious growth habit - they bloom on long stalks, wither away, and only after do the leaves emerge. That's why higanbana have come to symbolize separation.I'm happy to see them this year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0v7k-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaSun, 04 Oct 2020 07:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0v7k-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPZ8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaKashiwa Furusato Park's iris beds looking east to the marshWhat a joy to finally have autumnal temperatures and sunny skies in the Kanto region, if only for a few days so far. I took advantage of Friday's sunshine to take a bike ride around Teganuma Marshbetween Kashiwa and Abiko Cities in northern Chiba Prefecture. October weather, I supposed, would mean just the start of autumn-blooming flowers.As I cycled along the path in Kashiwa Furusato Park, I noticed people marveling at a blooming tree. As I got closer, I realized they were delicate pink blossoms.Pink!Shikizakura, all-season blossoming cherry trees, are a thing. This one cherry tree was full of delicate pink petals. It was a treat to see.I'm looking forward to spring of 2021. Maybe we can do hanami...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPZ8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaSat, 03 Oct 2020 12:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPZ8-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qnW-living_noda_shi_chibaThis week, I received the package from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 総務省, which collects statistics in an effort to improve the management of finance and disaster response. It also helps the government to provide services to foreign nationals. This is the 2020 Census, conducted every five years, which includes all residents long and short term in Japan.The package has a form, postage-paid return envelope, and an information booklet. This will all go in my recycling bag.This time, the package also includes a QR code, login ID, and access key so I can respond online. There is no need to send the paper version, or talk directly to a census taker.The ministry has a simple to navigate English version of theirCensus 2020 website.Count yourself in. You've got until October 7th to respond either by post or online.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qnW-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 19 Sep 2020 12:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qnW-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvjm9-living_noda_shi_chibaRaijin on a Netsuke ornament, LACMAThe Kanto area, including my city, is well out of the way of the typhoons that have battered western Japan. However, we have experienced a number of storms that brought heavy rain and deafening thunder in the last few days.At work, colleagues sometimes caution each other 「 へそをかくせー」, hide your bellybutton. This comes from the folklore that Raijin, the God of Thunder, is accompanied by a chimeric creature called Raiju. Raiju is said to snuggle up in warm and soft bellybuttons of human beings. When Raijin wants to rouse the sleeping Raiju to go storming, he fires arrows at Raiju to get him motivated, and your belly is in the line of fire. That's why children are cautioned to cover their bellybuttons when dark clouds gather and the thunder rumbles.I keep my eye on The Japan Meteorological Agency website and my hand on my navel.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvjm9-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 07 Sep 2020 16:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvjm9-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ndX-food_noda_shi_chibaChilled udon arranged on a plateLately, it's a real struggle to cook. The heat and humidity knock me out, and then the last thing I want to do is heat up the kitchen. This is natsubate season, when lethargy, poor sleep, and digestive upset can make summer miserable.I make a lot of child noodle dishes - salad udon, zaru soba, and hiyashi chuuka. But this weekend, with the dramatic air pressure changes, violent thunderstorms, and smothering humidity, I wasn't up to cooking at all.Convenience store sudachi oroshi udon saved me.Refreshing sudachi and pungent oroshi daikon with udonThe combination works quite well, and the astringent and tart sudachi citrus sets off the daikon.When I'm feeling up to it, I'll make my version of chilled udon - sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, wakame, hardboiled egg, tempura, and garnished with benishoga and a good helping of wakame. It's healthful.Oh, and the container the udon came in gets resused for my bento version of chilled udon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ndX-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 07 Sep 2020 11:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5ndX-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5JE-food_noda_shi_chibaLately, my neighborhood convenience store has displayed the Calbee art series on the shelves, and the presentation is striking. Ukiyo-e, ink illustrations from famous scrolls, and other masterpieces grace the packages of consomme flavor potato chips.I don't usually go out of my way to get the consomme flavor, and really, I ought to cut down on my potato chip consumption. But these were a treat for the eyes and the palate. They're crispy and the umami of the consomme flavoring is satisfying. Not bad.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5JE-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 04 Sep 2020 13:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5JE-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M969v-living_noda_shi_chibaThe kuwagata galThe Tobu Urban Park Line which runs between Funabashi and Omiya Stations has its depot at Nanakodai Station in Noda City. When you pass through this sleepy suburban station, you'll see many Tobu train staff starting or finishing their days. The staff spends a lot of time here at the dining hall and the dorms, and it's got a "homey" atmosphere. And the station attendants have brought their pets!On display next to the ticket gates are species of huge beetles. There are a guy and a gal kabuto mushi, a female kuwagata, and a male nokogiri kuwagata. I was admiring them, shooting photos and the station attendant at the gate said, "Aren't they cute?" They are in their own way, bumbling about and clambering over each other in their terrariums. The station attendant was beaming and offered to let me hold them, but I said no thanks. He's a proud bug daddy.Greeting train passengersThe only other station I've noticed with fauna is on the Chiyoda Line, with fish tanks full of colorful koi.Do stations on your local train line have interesting displays?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M969v-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 29 Aug 2020 11:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M969v-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLQVN-living_noda_shi_chibaLuna moth, Actias artemisOn the station platform Friday morning, I noticed this delicate luna moth, called oomizuao in Japanese, that hadn't made its way home yet. These moths are not usually active during the day, and their adult stage is rather short. Around this time in August, there are a few weeks when it's possible to spot them. I felt rather lucky to meet it.I can guess where it came from. On the other side of the train station is a big forested area, and beyond that farm fields, a marsh, and a plant nursery with mature trees. The density and variety of bug life here are high.I've noticed that the calls of the cicadas are starting to change. The moon is waxing now, and the next full moon is on September 3rd. Otsukimi, the custom of viewing the mid-autumn moon, is a little far away, falling on October 1st. I'm looking forward to the change of the season and relief from the heat.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLQVN-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 23 Aug 2020 17:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLQVN-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjAk-living_noda_shi_chibaPhoto elmimmoSince April, the effects of Japan’s ban on reentry to permanent and long-term foreign residents has added yet more hardship as a result of the pandemic.This stringent and arguably unfair sanction on foreign workers in Japan is beginning to make world headlines. The New York Times reported in the first week of August that about 100,000 foreign residents of Japan have been denied re-entry under the travel restrictions intended to prevent new coronavirus spread. One of the points of contention is that returning Japanese citizens are allowed back from countries with widespread infections, and quarantine on return. Even permanent resident status, which grants all the same rights to non-Japanese residents bar citizenship and the right to vote, are in principle blocked from returning if they go abroad.The consequences for foreign workers, who traveled outside Japan when the restrictions were imposed are dire for their jobs, families, and community ties. Due to public outcry from other national governments and business leaders, Japan has just started to ease the reentry ban, but the rules seem arbitrary, and decisions to admit returning visa holders, long-term, and permanent residents are left to the immigration officers they encounter at arrival.The ban is going to have a big impact on educators and eikaiwa employees in Japan. It’s understandable that eikaiwa employees, who are non-essential, won’t be able to start jobs. However, a cohort of about 2000 first year JET Program ALTs is blocked from starting. It could be argued that JET Program participants are not essential workers. However, many of the appointments are in rural communities where they help with tourism, translation, and other tasks that require English or other language skills.A lot of chatter on forums and Reddit indicated that JET candidates were left in limbo for some time wondering if they would be allowed entry. Eventually, boards of education began to ask retiring ALTs if they would stay on. However, the number of leavers will mean that many positions will remain vacant for the remainder of the academic year.As part of the easing, the government announced that international school teachers are set to be allowed in. What boggles my mind is non-Japanese teachers in private high schools and university instructors were not included in this category of teachers allowed reentry. I can understand that international school teachers bear licenses that satisfy Japan’s bureaucracy, and they would be hard to replace with teachers in the country. However, can’t the same be said for private post-secondary and tertiary educators? Many of us have advanced degrees and professional development in our fields. We're not easy to replace. The cynical view is that Japan's easing of the visa restrictions for new and returning international school teachers merely soothes other governments and the elites who send their children to international schools.Those of us long-term and permanent foreign residents are practically captives as there is no guarantee that, even if we leave for humanitarian reasons, we can return. The institution I work in is aware of this situation, and the administration expresses their gratitude that I stay on.I have no pressing reason to go abroad right now, but what about the future? I love my job, volunteer in my community, and have a chosen family here. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjAk-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 11 Aug 2020 10:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjAk-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakLN-food_noda_shi_chibaEvery time I see the Olympic logo on official sponsor's goods I have a pang of grief for the 2020 that might have been.Asahi intends to cheer on Olympic champions with The Gold, a limited edition pilsner brewed from Czech Saaz hops. The flavor is quite light but with a spicy touch. We quite liked it. As long as it lasts, probably not until the Games actually happen, we'll seek this out and raise a glass to atheletes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakLN-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 07 Aug 2020 19:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zakLN-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOoQ-food_noda_shi_chibaI like Calpis any day, the yogurt-like drink that goes down well on a hot day.At my local supermarket, I found this novelty - Green Calpis, which is made with soy milk. It's got that slightly fruity, acidic quality of regular Calpis and a hint of soy milk. And it's very smooth. The supermarket only stocks these small bottles.For vegans and those who prefer to stay away from dairy, this is a treat.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOoQ-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 07 Aug 2020 10:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOoQ-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjXk-food_noda_shi_chibaI'm happy enough with lightly salted potato chips, but the Calbee flavored chips are a treat. This week, I picked up seven kinds of dashi broth flavored potato chips.The package indicates that the broth flavoring comes from katsuo flakes, shiitake mushrooms, kombu kelp, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and clams.I wondered, is that going overboard? The chips have a complex and satisfying umami and rich aroma. I'd get these again.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjXk-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 31 Jul 2020 16:52:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvjXk-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qdE-living_medical_health_noda_shi_chiba19th century illustrated cholera prevention manual, University of California San FranciscoAre we doing this right? That's my biggest worry as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in the capital region, not far from where I teach in a private high school. Many of our students commute from Tokyo proper, and although the infection rates are lower in surrounding prefectures, a pandemic doesn't respect boundaries when people are taking mass transportation and working together. Here are my observations of what we are doing at one particular institution in the Kanto region.School Bus Issues Most of our students are dependent on a school bus to ferry them from the nearest train station to campus. On a good day, the lineup snakes around the bus rotary. Now, we ask our students to take distance, as our school bus drivers carefully count and limit the number of passengers to observe social distancing. The result is even longer lineups and delays and stress for our students. While on the bus, students are supposed to remain silent. Senior high students are compliant, but exuberant junior high students lack the attention span and maturity to abide by the rule. Perhaps that 10-minute school bus ride poses the greatest risk for transmission of corona virus as it is near impossible to observe The Three Cs. Masks and Shields Before the state of emergency, our school administration procured masks and provided two boxes of 50 for each staff member. Later, we received face shields. The teachers are directed to wear either at all times. Most of us rely on the masks, but as the warm and humid weather continues, it becomes more and more uncomfortable to wear them. I worry that the discomfort means that we’re more likely to touch the surface of the mask, which reduces the effectiveness of wearing them. Some teachers prefer the plastic face shields as they make it easier to talk and especially for English teachers, to provide clear communication and modeling of pronunciation. The downside is that with the shield on, voices sound tinny.All students must wear masks, and we keep big boxes of spares in the staff room. Junior and senior high students to our relief are compliant with the rules. The Three CsThe Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare cautions people to avoid the Three Cs – closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact. But let’s be honest, a school environment violates these three prohibitions both in classrooms and after school activities. Our institution attempts to avoid the three risks by opening classroom doors even with the air conditioning running, requiring teachers to hand out materials individually, one by one, to students, and prohibits pair and group work.AcademicsThe effect on academics is slowly becoming apparent and affects the students' morale. All I can say is that, though our students in junior high school appear enthusiastic about studies, benchmark tests, and club activities, I can’t say that they are reaching the same level of achievement as the previous year. Of course, the state of emergency and the closure of schools set them back academically. The students have on the whole rallied despite being deprived of months of instruction.The students have great English comprehension and spelling skills (they received a lot of input and drilling under the state of emergency), but their penmanship and communication skills are poor this year. It’s not like they don’t try. It’s just that the constraints the English teachers are compelled to work under are not conducive to providing the kind of support that would lead to good handwriting and speaking skills. The crucial first few weeks of instruction were delivered online, thwarting corrections of individual students’ work. In whole-class video conferences, the lessons were teacher-fronted, and students wrote short responses in chat windows, mostly in Japanese. They didn’t get into the habit of English interaction with their teachers. Realities of the PandemicEvery week in our staff meetings, the subtext is, be ready for closure. Fortunately, we've nearly finished the first term, and are nearly done with the assessment. We hope that we can finish the exam schedule and get our marks in.However, we don't see the national or prefectural governments returning to a state of emergency any time soon even as reported infection rates are over 30,000. It's up to us average citizens and foreign residents to keep the pandemic from overwhelming resources and hospitals.My hope is that our diligence will help our students and teachers remain healthy, their families safe, and that our young people emerge from junior high school with massive English vocabulary and excellent listening comprehension.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qdE-living_medical_health_noda_shi_chibaWed, 29 Jul 2020 10:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qdE-living_medical_health_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQogV-living_noda_shi_chibaAt work and in my personal life, I receive a barrage of emails, social media messages, news updates, and snail-mail notices every day. While I managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at the N2 level on the merit of my vocabulary and comprehension strengths, I still struggle to read the huge volume of text in Japanese.Vocabulary knowledge gained through work, solo study, interactions with friends, and communication with my non-English speaking partner helps me in my life here in Japan, but I must admit that my kanji reading ability is still weak. Time is in short supply, and there is always more kanji to learn.I've discovered a few tools, and by trial and error, and some hacks, that help me cope with reading content in Japanese that I need to know for both work and my daily life. These tools also help me learn kanji as I read.Google TranslateYou probably already know about Google Translate, available in your browser, and as an app on your smartphone.Google Translate is serviceable but occasionally produces nonsenseGoogle Translate is helpful for getting the meaning of a text in a jiffy. In addition, Google Translate in the browser provides a romaji gloss of the text. Even better, that little speaker button on the bottom right side of the Japanese original and romaji text will read the whole thing aloud to you. The machine voice is a little creepy, but she does the job. You can acquire readings of kanji this way.RikaikunWhen I've got time to read the news in Japanese, I depend on Rikaikun, an extension in the Google Chrome browser. This brilliant tool, when activated, allows you to mouse over text to see readings of individual kanji and whole phrases. It's a great tool if you've got a good handle on Japanese grammar but need hand-holding with kanji meanings and readings.DeepLDeepL produces comprehensible English translationsRecently, I discovered DeepL, a project to train neural networks to translate languages. Most of the translations it churns out are comprehensible and read like native-level texts.It's also a great tool for translators who want to write engaging compositions as it produces synonyms when you mouse over the translated text.A Google-DeepL HackNow, you might have had some strange experiences with Google Translate both in the browser and in the app. Sure, it's a great utility for quickly getting the gist, but it can turn out gibberish.I found a hack. I take a photo of the text I want to translate, then push it through the Google Translate app on my mobile device, with results of varying quality and meaning.Then, I copy the original Japanese text and paste it into DeepL. I essentially use the app solely as a scanner. Et voila, I get a meaningful and accurate English translation.To be fair, you could use other scanner apps to capture Japanese text, but in a pinch, the Google Translate app serves the purpose.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQogV-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 16 Jul 2020 15:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQogV-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOWx-food_noda_shi_chibaI must admit the packaging is what prompted me to get these particular potato chips. The shoyu flavor chips are part of a Chip Star series of "wa" packaging and flavors.The packages are great for storing things. I think I'll send some of these novelty packages home when the post becomes reliable.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOWx-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 13 Jul 2020 11:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOWx-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1gW-living_shopping_noda_shi_chibaJuly 2nd marked the halfway point of the 2020 calendar year. It’s been a brutal six months, and I’ve chronicled some of the events in my Plague Diary blogs.A timeless reminder that clean hands means clean heartThe Plague Diary sounds dire and anachronistic, but it’s a reference to the journal of the London resident Samuel Pepys, politician and naval administrator, who kept a personal diary of his experiences of the bubonic plague, great fire of London, and the tumultuous events surrounding the Restoration.Before I started the plague diary blog posts, I had a terrible sense of dread, and eventually began to gather my thoughts and gleanings of information about the Covid-19 pandemic in a series of blogs. I’veperiodically shared my experiences and information for the last six months. It’s been a rough half year, and I’ve chronicled the experience in Japan as means to keep friends here and abroad abreast of the developments in Japan as I’ve experienced them.Plague Diary 1 is dry and lists international and domestic information about the response to the spread of the virus, and my experience at the school in which I work, and my observations of local life.In Plague Diary 2, I told you about seeing off our graduating class as the uncertainty grew.Plague Diary 3 marked the suspension of school instruction, which had an impact on families throughout the country.On March 11, I reflected In Plague Diary 4 on Japan’s endurance on the anniversary of the Tohoku triple disaster.On the vernal equinox, in Plague Diary 5, I focused on spring blossoms to pick up spirits.In Plague Diary 6, I told you about my Canadian family’s experience as the pandemic spread, and the dread with which we anticipated the declaration of a state of emergency in Japan.On March 27, with the declaration of emergency, I focused on information resources in Plague Diary 7.Plague Diary 8 was an update on information during the state of emergency. Many of these sources are relevant and useful now, too.On April 16, I told you about the stark contrast between my life in my city before the pandemic, and how we celebrated a seasonal festival in Plague Diary 9.Plague Diary 10 describes the municipal and community help in my city to support residents and local businesses.A few rough weeks without much contact and anxiety about getting accurate information prompted me to write Plague Diary 11. We followed the regional directive to stay at home.Plague Diary 12 was my expression of anguish as we practiced self restraint, confronted the new normal, and got information about financial relief. Similarly, Plague Diary 13 shows how isolated I felt while different jurisdictions eased out of the state of emergency and affected my social life.Plague Diary 14 describes the financial relief from the government. In Plague Diary 15, the issue of masks was central. Initially I didn’t think masks were of much use, but research suggests they do reduce the spread of infection considerably.The New Normal as described in the media here and abroad, and how it is addressed, is explored in Plague Diary 16.This week in Plague Diary 17 I tell you about the small but significant financial relief my city is providing to residents.The Plague Diaries have helped me keep perspective and a level head during this ongoing global pandemic.I regret to tell you, there are more diary entries to come.Meanwhile, be safe, mind the government directives, and be well!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1gW-living_shopping_noda_shi_chibaWed, 08 Jul 2020 21:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1gW-living_shopping_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPj4-living_noda_shi_chibaThis week, Noda City where I live has provided tiny relief measures that go a little way to provide ease in our budgets.On Monday, I got a notice from the water and sewer service to say that in July and August, payments are waived for residential customers. This fixed fee is usually around ¥5000 every two months.Today, I got another notice, this time providing a voucher for 10 additional official city garbage bags. The city provides a pack of vouchers every spring. If you run out, you have to buy them at the shops and they are hideously expensive. So, 10 additional bags are a tiny bit of relief. Like many households, I’m cooking daily while avoiding eating out during the pandemic, and that generates additional burnable waste.For me, this is not a huge benefit. But for many people experiencing economic hardship during this difficult time, it’s a little relief.Is your city providing little breaks like these?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPj4-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 08 Jul 2020 19:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPj4-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPNk-food_noda_shi_chibaIt's a little out of season, I know, but I got gifted a short can of Sapporo Sakura Beer this week. It's a lovely reminder of springtime rejuvenation in this difficult year.It's got a lovely retro label with a sakura blossom prominently featured on the label. The formula for this beer is said to have originated in the Taisho Period, hence the vintage look.It's got a lovely rich color, and when poured properly, produces a lot of head.It's a very malty lager with a bit of grassy flavor, and a bit on the sweet side. I quite liked it, but not sure where I can get my mitts on more. It's worth keeping your eye out for this flavorful, limited edition beer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPNk-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 01 Jul 2020 20:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zKPNk-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qLe-food_noda_shi_chibaHistoric Noda City street viewThe Kanto region suburb where I live,Noda City, has lots of great places to eat, which have been reviewed here on City Cost.During the ongoing pandemic, restaurant owners in our city have rallied to provide take out and delivery.When we residents run out of energy to cook, we've got so many great places to rely on for take out and delivery. Here are some of our favorites.Bistro FoodHanmer is one of our favorite bistros, just outside Kawama Station's north exit. Their signature dish is omuraisu, a curried rice dish that appeals to the adult palate. Hanmer also has a wide selection of wines, and serves daily special light dishes.Cafe and Dining Toshi has Italian-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, and provides takeout.Local Favorite IzakayaTomoyoshi just outside Kawama Station's south exit is a classic izakaya that serves seasonal ingredients in creative dishes.A Maido favorite, yakigyozaRight outside Atago Station is Maido, one of our favorite izakaya. Among the many favorite choices here are pizza and fried chicken.Chinese FoodFor Japanese-style Chinese food, we rely on Koba, a casual eatery just outside Atago Station. Eats are cheap and filling.Chukadon set at NarikyuAfter a day of adventure at Shimizu Park, many people grab a bite at Narikyu, the Japanese-Chinese food restaurant between the station and the park.If you're in the mood for authentic Chinese food, we've got a few places. Try Fuku outside Kawama Station's north exit, or Gensho, just south of Atago Station.BakeriesNear Kawama Station is Chou Chou Boulangerie, a popular bakery that turns out gorgeous loaves of bread in various styles, pastries, and sandwiches.More central in Noda is Straw which produces delicious loaves on order, and pastries to go. Go early before they sell out their most popular confections.Next to Kikkoman headquarters on Nagareyama Kaido drop by the antique house. At the back of the garden is a tiny bakery, Chocotto open from Thursday to Saturday.International FoodIndian restaurants continue to proliferate in Japan, and we've got a few. They're a great choice for vegans and vegetarians. Staff can help you choose meat-free dishes.On Route 16, you'll find Good Friend, an international restaurant that offers Indian and Thai food. Try their fusion dishes such as tom yum ramen and Thai ramen. The staff speaks English. This restaurant also offers vegetarian options.Classic RamenFor old-school ramen, try Bonraku just south of Kawama Station. This ramen shop has just updated its dining area so it's spacious and bright.Shizu, recently relocated to a new building in front of Nodashi Station, has ramen, gyoza, and donburi featuring Kikkoman moromi miso.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qLe-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 26 Jun 2020 20:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qLe-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBqlW-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaWorkCommuting is tricky for those depending on mass transport. IC cards reduce contact, but once aboard, social distancing is tricky. I’m lucky that from my point of origin to destination ridership is low. I avoid touching surfaces in transit, standing and surfing. The next part of my journey is more difficult, a 10 minute bus ride. The bus company provides alcohol spray which I apply to hands, IC card pass case, and smart phone on boarding. Many buses have push-button calls for stops. I poke them with the edge of my pass case.On arrival at work, in my case, a school, I swipe my time card, set my things down at my desk, and immediately wash my hands. School provides both paper masks and face shields, and the nurse advises us to choose our preferred method. Some teachers use the face shields because they find that they’re cooler than masks. Studies indicate that countries that imposed mask wearing early have had lower death rates from coronavirus. Is it causation or merely correlation? Hang in there until we know more.For classroom safety, we’re advised to hand out printed material one item at a time (no passing between students allowed) to reduce contact. My colleagues and I arrive before the chime to distribute papers. I want to provide feedback, but as a precaution, I’m taking photos of students’ work with my smart phone rather than collecting originals.ShoppingAs much as possible, I avoid busy times at supermarkets and convenience stores like anybody else. But in those quieter times, I still exercise caution and wage a campaign to reduce contact with store clerks. When I bring items to the register, I rotate them so that bar codes face the staff member. I explain that I prefer to reduce contact, and ask them kindly to use the bar code reader device. This way, the staff don’t have to touch my purchases. I bring my own shopping bags or furoshiki and pack my own items. I avoid cash purchases, instead topping up my IC cards to 10,000 yen at a time.When I get home, I unpack everything into the kitchen sink, and the cloth shopping bag or furoshiki goes into the washing basket. All purchases get washed with dish soap.SocializingAlthough it’s emotionally difficult, I do not meet friends and neighbors as I used to do pre-pandemic. I’m still relying on Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Google tools such as Meet and Chat to keep up with friends, coworkers and family members. I still crave human contact. But I’ve noticed some interesting hacks.My neighborhood street life has become more vibrant since the government cautioned citizens to avoid “the 3 Cs”. In front of homes, on the sidewalks, you see people gathering to catch up without entering each others’ homes. This is a testament to the caution and good sense of local people who are finding ways to observe the measures to mitigate the spread of infection.I visit an invalid neighbor nearly every other day, but always with “the three Cs” in mind. We keep windows and doors open, fans running, and sit at distance. He’s receiving daily physical therapy at clinics, and I work in a school, so we’re exposed to a lot of people. We wash hands on meeting and parting, refrain from touching each other’s utensils, and instead of shaking hands, we touch elbows.My neighbor's coronavirus-shaped therapy ballsMaking a Game of Mitigation MeasuresIf you turn it around, and see mitigation measures as a challenge rather than a horror, you can have a bit of fun. How can you use the items at hand to reduce contact? Can you invent new ways of avoiding contact? I’ve learned to get a mask on and off with only my little finger, and remove my cross body bag with only my elbows when I arrive home.Do you have some social distancing and contact reduction hacks?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBqlW-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaFri, 26 Jun 2020 16:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBqlW-living_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl56b-food_noda_shi_chibaTakara makes various chuhai, and they're rather common. But for me, to see the Tokyo skyline and "Tokyo Drink" was a little pick me up while kicking back after a day of work in the suburbs of Saitama Prefecture and retiring to my quiet home in Chiba Prefecture.I refrain from commuting into Tokyo for now, but I can chill with one of these and reminisce about my Tokyo adventures.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl56b-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 24 Jun 2020 21:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl56b-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqj9-food_noda_shi_chibaNyappon, the nation of enthusiastic cats?I'm a sucker for cats and crunchy between meal things. My neighborhood 7-11 manager seems to have the same bent. The latest amusing crispy items are illustrated with felines excited about toothsome and savory treats. Saikou, they tell me. Awesome.Banzai in a bowlThe package is amusing, but the contents were also a delight. a generous amount of flavorful little bites of arare rice crackers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqj9-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 24 Jun 2020 20:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqj9-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQo48-food_noda_shi_chibaI'm not usually big on sweets, but I have a weakness for chocolate. Last week, a thunderstorm rolled through the Tokyo area and I had a notion to get some Black Thunder chocolate to celebrate. In the cooler at the local 7-11 I spied this Black Thunder chocolate mint ice cream bar. One of these, please.It's cool twice over and the chocolate chunks are great to sink your teeth in.It's cheaper than other brands of ice cream, too, while satisfying sweet tooth, chocolate craving, and relief from the heat.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQo48-food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 21 Jun 2020 09:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQo48-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPBV-living_noda_shi_chibaMinistry of Health, Labor and WelfareIn the media, in conversation in whichever language, the new normal inevitably comes up. An expression I acquired is “coronaverse”, and some friends refer to the era we live in now as A.C. for After Corona, while the life we led six months ago is B.C., Before Corona. The Japanese media calls our new normal 新たな日常, atara nichijou, and work communication describes our new lifestyle as 新しい生活様式 atarashii seikatsu youshiki.Home front and AbroadDuring the state of emergency and as we ease out, the social life squeeze has been tough. Social media is my connection with both friends abroad and neighbors here. Friends are observant of social distancing, especially older people. Even with the easing, I’m still depending on messaging and video/voice calls. I only keep company with an invalid neighbor. Visits keep him buoyed while he recovers mobility, and I get exercise as I run errands for him.It’s been awful for some friends whose foreign spouses were working abroad on the wrong side of travel restrictions. Japan’s Ministry of Justice is now allowing some categories of foreign residents to return.Work At the high school in which I teach, the nurse announces via email and morning meetings measures to avoid infection. The nurse’s room has become a crucial to our safety. At the school bus stop, a team performs temperature checks and confirms students have masks. Bus seating means observing social distancing, reducing rider capacity. The result is staggered attendance. On campus, students must use alcohol hand spray, keep masks on, and refrain from physical contact. The last point is lost on junior high students who horse around and hug on breaks between lessons. We were issued paper masks and face shields. I understand the impulse when I look around our staff rooms, populated by many veteran teachers over 50 years old, the demographic most at risk from severe effects of coronavirus. We’re scared for the health of our older staff members.Online emergency instruction is chaotic. The school assigned me first year students, and we’ve only met virtually. My colleagues and I deliver online asynchronous lessons – not live – and have produced presentations, videos, and digital materials, but can only provide a fraction of our usual syllabus. Both teachers and students are learning not only school subjects but also the learning management system, in our case, Google Suite. Half my time is spent technical troubleshooting and instructing English, and the rest as digital content creator. I feel like a student teacher again, learning a whole new skill set which has made teaching more dynamic and communicative than ever before. But the steep learning curve means I work much longer hours. As I get more proficient, it will become more manageable.Traditional ArtsFor two decades I’ve been training in Japanese martial arts. Our martial school closed its doors when Prime Minister Abe requested school closures. We can’t in good conscience open after lifting the state of emergency because many of the martial arts require physical contact, and our membership demographic skews over 45 years old. In my region, so far low contact arts such as kyudo, traditional archery, return in mid June. Japanese martial arts, especially traditional classical schools were already suffering the existential threats of the aging society and a lack of interested young people. The pandemic’s disruption is a danger to the performance and preservation of styles that are communicated from heart to heart, from teacher to student. It’s a source of heartbreak for our senior teachers. We younger ones worry we will get rusty.TourismFor some years, I’ve been writing in English, mostly tourism information and living information. It’s been fun, encouraging me to visit places I wouldn’t otherwise go, and research topics new to me. It’s broadened my knowledge of Japanese traditional and pop culture. I’ve become more conscious of the tourism industry, what attracts visitors from abroad, and what’s of interest to resident foreigners. Now, I limit my stories to essays I can cover from home, or local stories I can cover on bicycle trips.Travel restrictions continue, and inbound tourism is moribund. The chamber of commerce with which I volunteer has hadtourism campaigns put on hold. It’s hurting our local businesses which have served inbound visitors for decades. The economic fallout continues, with no end in sight.Surprising EffectsKeeping up with the barrage of medical jargon and terms about the state of emergency means my Japanese vocabulary proliferates as I read Japanese media and my city’s website. To be honest, I’ve resorted to translation engines such as Jim Breen’s Japanese page, and DeepL. The good part is skimming original articles results in gains in reading and listening.As a bicycle and train commuter, I’ve been grateful for dense mass transit and safe roads. However, since early March, my freedom of movement has been curtailed, and I only range about 15 km from home by bicycle. Although I have been working from home, I have been compelled to cycle to work a few times a month. I’ve also biked a few cities away to support local business owners and see friends while observing the “three Cs”.The net effect is commuting costs are near zero, and I no longer do Tokyo trips. The luxuries that I treated myself to – world class salons, international cuisine, fashion – aren’t accessible, so my spending has dropped. Now, I appreciate even more the lifestyle I led B.C., living in proximity to one of the great capital cities of the world.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPBV-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 17 Jun 2020 10:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVPBV-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RnN-food_noda_shi_chibaSometimes it's hard to work up the energy to cook in this muggy weather, and I often lose my appetite. The stress of the pandemic fallout puts me off meals. So I resolved to experiment with foods I haven't tried, and cook at least two meals a day.I often crave veggies, and this week, I longed for broccoli to make pasta salad. But alas, broccoli is expensive now - a small head is 200 yen at my local.I spied these Tokyo kabu, small ivory orbs with profuse greens, for 100 yen. They're in season now.Being raised by Scottish people, "neeps and tatties", boiled turnips or swedes (there has beena controversy about which is which) and potatoes boiled to remove all flavor, mashed and tepid, was all I knew of root vegetables.Determined to break free of my ancestral culinary criminal treatment of root vegetables, I settled on a simple and satisfying recipe that has some washoku elements.I cut the greens off, blanched them for a minute in boiling water, drained and squeezed them the same way you treat spinach in dishes like horensou gomaae, steamed spinach with sesame dressing.The pearly round kabu I cut into wedges, pan fried until the edges browned, with oil and seasoned with pepper and soy sauce. I added the greens and stir fried them for one more minute.The result is juicy and sweet with a little bite. I ate half of them hot as a side with dinner, and the next day, they were just as good cold out of the fridge.Next week, I'll try another local vegetable I have yet to attempt in my kitchen.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RnN-food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 14 Jun 2020 11:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RnN-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnx9O-living_noda_shi_chibaThe institution I work in scored boxes of these sturdy, multi-layer masks. The box is labeled exclusively in English, so the administration likely bought them over the Internet or some alumnus shipped them from the U.S. The good part is, I've got 100 of them and they fit my face well enough.The WHO now says wear masks in regions where coronavirus infection is spreading, and researchers recommend how and when to re-use or discard different kinds of masks. The CDC has simple instructions for washing cloth masks, which indicates washing cloth masks is a thing, according to them.I've experimented with ways to clean them. Ironing the disposable masks didn't work out - the thin synthetic surface melted quickly. By accident, a few of them made their way into the washing machine and came out intact. The masks right out of the box have a clinical, hospital smell, so washing and drying in the sun made wearing them more tolerable. I'll see how long they survive machine washing, and if they thin, I'll dispose of them.On Tuesday, I finally received my Abenomasuku, popped it in the washing machine and the thing frayed on the edges. As you can see, it's considerably smaller than the disposable masks I got.The stylish cloth mask is three layers and large enough, but the elastics are a bit short, so I'll adjust them. The Japanese motif mask is the handiwork of a worker's collective in Noda City, Kamifuusen. The masks are about 500 yen a piece, and they have cute and manly ones, too.The tiny Abenomask? I'll donate them to the nursery school around the corner.I'll be wearing my oshare cloth mask and my washed disposable masks when I do my errands at these places which are opening up.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnx9O-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 11 Jun 2020 10:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnx9O-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVP8P-living_noda_shi_chibaA few years ago, at a house party here in Noda City, I was seated in front of a hotplate to share okonomiyaki with the neighbors, a middle-aged couple. I introduced myself, and asked them if they lived in Noda City, too. Yes, they said, and they lived nearby. We got talking about local places of interest and the conversation came around to work. “So, what do you do?” and received the answer, “I work for the city government.” Um, it was then I realized I was talking to the mayor and his wife. I thought I recognized them from somewhere! We all had a good laugh. After dinner, we discussed local tourism efforts with city officials. This is how I got involved with the Noda City Chamber of Commerce, through the kindness and initiative of Japanese and non-Japanese neighbors. Ideas were flying around. We talked about the city’s soy sauce industry, heritage buildings, local merchants selling local products such as pickles, sembei crackers, pork, and soy bean specialties. With the cooperation of a brilliant urban planner from Kashiwa City’s Kamon Kashiwa Information Center, the Chamber of Commerce planned a brochure and a walking map for central Noda City, aimed at both domestic and inbound tourists. Noda City was on a roll, and soon to be on the map. The brochure came to fruition last year and was widely distributed here and abroad.Noda City's opusThe walking map meetings started late last year, and finally, in February, the writers and illustrators were ready for a final edit of the English and Japanese texts. It took hours with a talented and patient illustrator to massage all the text into the final version. We wrote both the Japanese language text to a level accessible to Japanese children, and the English text easy to read for non-native English speaking visitors. It was a lot of work, but heaps of fun.And just as the map went to the printer, the pandemic struck. My life became confined to a few kilometers’ radius, limited to local shopping and work from home, and communication via social media and messaging. The printed maps sat at the Chamber of Commerce while our lives were suspended.By now, you know that, in an effort to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, Japan restricted travel to many countries. Tourism, once a growing industry in Japan that revitalized the economy after decades of stagnation, was frozen. This week, after the state of emergency was lifted, I picked up a bundle of the walking maps. They’re gorgeous. Most of the merchants and restaurant owners are opening their doors, providing take out menus and delivery, and minding infection mitigation measures.I look forward in the next few months to visiting the local eateries and specialty shops. While I have enjoyed cooking, I want to have a leisurely meal at one of our local eateries.But most of all I miss our visitors. Noda City's traditional martial arts and dance schools attract visiting practitioners from around the world who come to perfect their skills and glean wisdom from Japanese masters. For decades, earnest students from abroad have brought their enthusiasm and perspectives to our city, supporting local merchants during their stays. I miss the sometimes frenetic atmosphere and often deep insight they bring to our local arts and to my life. I want to see my friends, peers, and mentors. I long for the time when the travel restrictions are lifted so that they can bring their good vibes back.We’ll have this awesome walking map to show them around.For foreign residents within easy travel of Noda City, we're slowly opening up and worth a visit.Does your city or town have attract inbound visitors? How has your town fared? What is your town’s attitude on the return of inbound tourism?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVP8P-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 08 Jun 2020 11:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVP8P-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOWnn-food_noda_shi_chibaThis lychee flavored chuhai, with moderate 4% alcohol level, is labeled zeitaku shibori, or luxury squeezed, boasting the juice of two lychee fruits. Now, I like luscious little lychee fruits with their rosy flavor and juicy pulp. To make it more enticing, it's one of Asahi's seasonal, limited canned chuhai. It appeared in the shops in late April.This just tasted vaguely lychee to me, and all I got from it was the sweetness. Really, lychee are best consumed fresh so that you get the perfume that wafts up as you sink your teeth into the sweet flesh.When I see lychee in the shops, I'll indulge even if they come with a luxurious price.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOWnn-food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 07 Jun 2020 16:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOWnn-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl59R-food_noda_shi_chibaI've always had my doubts about happoshu, the beer-like beverage that is sold at a lower price, and taxed at a lower rate, than beer. The few times I've tried happoshu, I wasn't surprised, but also not impressed. Happoshu is low-malt beer with less than 67% malt content, and the flavor and texture gives it away. You won't mistake it for beer.I'm a fan of Asahi, and enjoyed chilly seasonal beers, and chuhais such as The Lemon Craft, so I thought I'd take a chance on this premium happoshu.The Rich surprisingly delivers. It's got a good body to it, pours with a nice head, and it's got a lovely malty and slightly sweet finish.Not bad for a near-beer. I wouldn't go out of my way to drink happoshu, but I neither would I turn my nose up at this if someone served me one.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl59R-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 05 Jun 2020 19:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl59R-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYma2-living_work_noda_shi_chibaA Google Classroom bannerSince March 1st, schools in Japan have observed the government’s request to close, but in the last few days, schools in some regions have started to reopen.This is fraught with problems. Friends who are ALTs on the JET Program tell me they are deeply concerned about elementary lower grades. Even with staggered attendance, reduced class sizes, and social distancing measures, how will they communicate to the children that they cannot horse around, hug, or even touch each other?I teach in a private combined high school. My students, many of whom commute in from neighboring cities, have not seen their classmates in months. How will we handle the social distancing when they crave time to talk and even hold onto their friends? I anticipate there will be some crying on reunion in our school.Meanwhile, private high schools, English conversation schools, and cram schools have been abruptly pressed to provide emergency distance education for some weeks. Some schools have resorted to mass mailing of paper materials augmented by online lessons over various platforms.As a student or parent or caregiver, you may find yourself learning a whole new way of interacting with schools and teachers. Though they present steep learning curves, the Learning Management Systems (LMS) are generally easy to use and have an amazing array of features.Some LMS used in Japan’s SchoolsClassi is a home-grown LMS that is gaining adoption in private high schools. It’s administered by Benesse, the educational publishing company, and Softbank. Teachers can post videos and correspond with their students.Some colleagues in Tokyo have moved their instruction to Microsoft for Schools. Like other LMS, this one is free to schools. Teachers can collaborate for professional development and create virtual learning environments with their students.For English lessons, Study Suppli is a source of practical English conversation, business English, and test preparation. While individual users can sign up for a fee, schools can provide this English language learning platform to all students. One of the selling points is that the drama episodes are written by screenwriter Michiru Egashira, who works on popular television programs.I’ve participated in Zoom meetings a few times to coordinate social and work-related projects. It’s powerful, with running chat, screen recording, and a Q&A feature. It’s great for English conversation lessons, informal chats, and webinars.The school where I teach made the prescient decision to use Google Classrooms school-wide back in December. Learning how to use the apps and classroom management features has a steep learning curve, but fortunately, it’s an intuitive, and both teachers and students get the hang of it quite quickly.Realities of Emergency Online and Distance EducationLike a lot of educators, I seewhat I’m doing is not real online learning. While I’m delivering a high-quality program, and engaging with my students in class-wide and individual communication through videos, quizzes, writing, and collaboration, I am not yet able to provide a rigorous course with the same volume of tasks that I did in the school. This is because I’m scrambling to not only build an entirely new syllabus on the fly, but also learning how to use the tools to do so. As one educator described it, this situation means teachers are flying a plane while still trying to assemble it. In order to keep up, and ramp up to a fully developed course, I’m working around the clock. Every day. My students are troopers. In each class I’m finding that 90% of the students are able to engage with the LMS and complete the tasks I’m assigning. The benefit that stands out most for me is the direct, individual communication. This week, a student asked me in chat how to improve her English learning in this difficult situation. I could immediately send her a link to BBC Learning English at her specific level. For students yearning to join our school’s brass band, I could send them videos of performers paying musical tribute to the hard-working medical professionals around the world. The students, just like me, are amazed by the connections we are making with each other and the world.And I’m cheering them on as best I can. I’ve created a YouTube playlist of the singers and artists they mentioned in their self-introductions. They’re listening in while they do their lessons.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYma2-living_work_noda_shi_chibaThu, 28 May 2020 09:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYma2-living_work_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9651-food_noda_shi_chibaI like Sapporo any day, but this limited edition beer, which is not widely available, came with an online order of groceries. It's a refreshing and snappy pilsner. We chilled it and then slipped slowly, knowing we won't see it again any time soon.The Hokkaido Draft was a nice surprise, and something a little different from our usual Sapporo favorites.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9651-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 26 May 2020 17:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9651-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXQaX-living_noda_shi_chibaClematis, called senninso in Japanese, is one of my favorite flowers. Although I don't have a garden of my own now, I can still appreciate flowers on my walks and bike rides through Noda City. I spotted this pale violet variety growing in a neighbor's garden.It's a popular flower in the U.K. and North America, celebrated for its wide flowers and growing habit. It likes to climb, and makes for pleasant shade.The origin of the flower's distribution throughout the world intrigued me, and so began my journey down a rabbit hole of botany, history, and medicine.How the clematis came to spread its petals globally is attributed to Philipp von Siebold, the German physician and botanist who took an assignment on Dejima Island, the trading post of the Dutch East India Company. Von Siebold endeared himself to the Japanese, and got to indulge in his love of botany on the side. He identified many varieties of flowers, including hydrangea and clematis, introducing them to western gardeners.He also had a relationship with a courtesan, and with her, he had a daughter, Kusumoto Ine, Japan's first female physician of western medicine. This doctor became the first woman in Japan to attend an autopsy, worked in obstetrics, and eventually attracted the patronage of Date Munenari, the lord who presided over Uwajima in western Shikoku. She also helped deliver babies at the imperial court.The brilliant and tough Dr. Kusumoto IneThanks to the efforts of von Siebold to document the flora of Japan, we can appreciate this perennial flower. Because of the intercultural relationship between von Siebold and his courtesan partner, and the support of the imperial court and retainers, Japan has another flower of great fortitude, the talented and knowledgeable Dr. Kusumoto.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXQaX-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 23 May 2020 13:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXQaX-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5v2-living_noda_shi_chibaWhile I'm still waiting for the two cloth masks the national government claims to send by post, I received the application for the 特別定額給付金, tokubetsu tegaku kyuufukin, the special cash payment as relief from the impact of the pandemic. This cash benefit is fraught with problems and criticism, but I'm deeply grateful for it.My money, as soon as it arrives, is earmarked for a new bicycle so I can avoid trains. If anything is left over, it goes towards a laptop computer with a camera, so I can more effectively work from home. To get the most out of my money, and to put it back into the economy, I'm shopping at small businesses in my city.In case you missed it, here's City-Cost's guide to receiving the 100,000 yen.Did you get your application? How are you going to spend it? Is it enough?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5v2-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 22 May 2020 17:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gl5v2-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqry-food_noda_shi_chibaAnother evening, another chuhai, a canned sour. This one, Kirin White Sour, was a good choice. I found this one at the neighborhood convenience store.This one is a little fruity from added citrus flavors, but gets most of its smoothness from a yogurt base. It's refreshing a little sweet with high carbonation.I usually like tart chuhais, but this was a nice change.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqry-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 22 May 2020 16:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqry-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z42Yx-food_noda_shi_chibaI'm on a lemon chuhai kick, since chuhais are a bit cheaper than my usual libation, beer.I told you about Asahi's offering of premium chuhai. This week is Remondo. This 350 ml canned chuhai, Lemondo Oni, is from the Remondo line of chuhais. Typical chuhai are 5-7% alcohol, but this one is 9%. That's about my limit.Lemondo describes this chuhai as strong, and it is certainly strong on the lemon flavor, claiming the can contains 1.5 lemons' worth juice and zest. I don't watch TV in Japan, so it's a treat to see the commercials for the products on the company's website. "Oni ureshii!"Like the Asahi varieties, this one has a strong lemon aroma. For me, 350 ml is enough for me. I found it refreshing and not too perfumey.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z42Yx-food_noda_shi_chibaThu, 21 May 2020 11:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z42Yx-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPdE-living_noda_shi_chibaImage Wikimedia CommonsNoda City's emergency broadcast system, like emergency broadcast systems throughout the region, has been announcing cautions against spread of infection, and reminders to wash hands. This morning at 10 a.m., the regular broadcast had a new message - Ibaraki Prefecture next door is now released from the state of emergency, but Chiba Prefecture remains under the order.You may wonder why in my corner of Chiba Prefecture, there would be a mention of the prefecture next door. Before Chiba and Ibaraki were prefectures, this was the Katsushika District, covering large parts of what is now southwest Ibaraki and northern Chiba.Today you can hear local people with a strong twang in their Japanese. The Noda City dialect and the neighboring southern Ibaraki dialect are quite similar.While I'm relieved that Ibaraki Prefecture can reopen, I'm still hanging on for news on my side of the Tone River, which separates me from my guy. He has returned to his job, while I continue to work from my living room. We have not been together since the second week of March.Besides my social circle, my physical world feels like it has shrunk. None of my trips, except for cycling once a week to my workplace 10 km away, take me more than a kilometer away.I'm learning to appreciate the natural beauty of my city, bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers. With the calming of traffic and business here, the wildlife is flourishing, and now, as I work in my living room, I hear cranes, herons, pheasants, and cuckoos calling. This horrific pandemic has disrupted human life, but nature appears to be rebounding here. I count my blessings.There's no end in sight, yet. Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa are still observing the order.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPdE-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 21 May 2020 10:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MPPdE-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wk5e0-food_noda_shi_chibaTwo weeks ago, I told you about Asahi's limited edition and the intricate kanji on the packaging ofThe Lemon Craft Green Lemon.This time, I tried the Gokujo Lemon variety in the mellow yellow can.It's similar to the green lemon, deeply infused with lemon oil and lemon juice from the citrus growing region around the Setouchi Inland Sea, and augmented with Sicilian lemon and lemon zest.It's kind of like imbibing perfume as it's highly fragrant, a little acidic, and pleasantly tart. Now I appreciate the screw top can, so that I can take a long, slow sip and savor the complex flavors. It's definitely a drink to take your time with.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wk5e0-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 18 May 2020 19:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wk5e0-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojWj-living_noda_shi_chibaOn a sunny afternoon in March, after I’d wrapped up the school year at a Tokyo high school, I put the kettle on for tea in my kitchen in suburban Chiba Prefecture. Before it could boil, a tremor shook the building, and I turned the fire off. In the next moment, I braced myself in the kitchen doorway as the room changed shape, the building violently flexing. The din of crashing dishware, rattling everything, and the screaming of my neighbors was deafening. I kept saying to myself, “I’m not going to die.” When the main shake of the Tohoku Earthquake subsided, I dashed off a message on Facebook – “I’m sh*t scared, but I’m okay.” This was my first natural disaster experience. Was I prepared? Not really, and lucky to be far from the quake and tsumami's full fury.I know that I should have prepared. After all, I come from Canada and live in Japan, and both countries are prone to seismic disasters, being located on the Ring of Fire. This region generates 90% of the world's earthquakes.Japan is also a favorite target for typhoons. In autumn 2019, we experienced Typhoon Hagibis, a monster that battered the Kanto region and took nearlly 100 lives.Tornados are a threat, too. Where I live, a tornado tore through southern Saitama Prefecture into northern Chiba Prefecture, shattering glass and ripping off roofs.Prepare a Bug-Out BagMy "bug-out" bag, emergency bag, carabiner and hair ties clipped onMy advice is prepare your own emergency bag. You can get ready made disaster bags, but I think it’s better to pack on your own. Your needs are specific to you, be you a family, a single person, female or male. It’s a good idea, too, to periodically go through the bag items to check for expiration dates, and know what, and how, you packed. You’ll need a nondescript bag, one that you can carry on your back, and is not enticing to thieves. Kids’ backpacks and book bags are good.You've Already Got ThisYou’ll find lists of emergency bag contents all over the 'Net. NHK has a useful list of itemsfor any disaster. You can even get most of your supply at a 100 yen shop.But you probably have the items on hand. I cobbled together much of my bag contents from around the house - lighters, sewing kit, bathroom bag, razors, bar soap, toilet paper, and the like.And you'll need water proof packing. I buy brown rice in zip top bags and hoard them. With a sharpie, I wrote the contents on the bags.Kitchen stuffMy thrifty lifestyle of furoshiki and recycled containers pays off. Furoshiki make good bags and even clothing and face masks in a pinch. Plastic containers and screw top aluminum bottles are good enough for the emergency bag.Salad containers nested, holding suppliesBeyond the BagA lot of emergency bag lists suggest preparing a portable gas stove and cassette gas cylinders, food for three days, water, and amusements. These items require yet another bag. Keep a sturdy shopping bag or a few furoshiki with your bug-out bag for last minute packing for whatever you need to grab and go.Furoshiki, first aid kit, and pouch with socks and undiesMy kit is also digital. I photographed all my documents - bank books and cards, passport, zairyu card, employment contract, diplomas and degrees, and personal treasures. I keep the data on a USB drive in a waterproof bag.Have you prepared an emergency bag?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojWj-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 14 May 2020 09:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojWj-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPek-living_noda_shi_chibaNot much has changed for me since Prime Minister Abe called for schools to close in early March, and then declared a state of emergency. Starting in the first week of March, I have minimized my contact with people - no longer attending at my workplace, avoiding crowds, staying off trains and buses. I restrict my contact with people outside my home to only the most necessary, which means I greet my neighbors from afar, and only interact with shop staff at convenience stores and supermarkets. This also means I have not seen friends in eight weeks. I've been diligent in my exercise of 自粛 jishuku, self restraint. The hardest part has been refraining from seeing my guy, whose workplace has not implemented work from home. He's worried he is much more likely to be exposed to infection than I. In an act of solidarity with the government request, and to protect each other, we have remained apart. Thank kamisama for LINE calls and messaging.Ukiyoe master Yoshitoshi - Tametomo and the Smallpox DemonsAnd maybe we're doing this right. The reported rate of infection appears to be falling in Tokyo. If we have confidence in the testing regime, which has eased the rigid testing criteria to allow testing of those with mild symptoms, maybe the numbers indicate that out self-restraint efforts are paying off. To get a better picture, Toyo Keizai's COVID-19 situation report has visualizations for each prefecture. The moving average indicates a downward trend of infections since last week.But we're likely a long way off from being safe. And now we're told to adjust to 新しい生活様式, atarashii seikatsu yoshiki, the new normal.I am shocked by the tardy issuance of the measures. Early on, before the WHO declared a condition of pandemic, I began preparing for disruption by stocking my household supply. Before the state of emergency was declared, I was already wearing masks daily, washing my hands frequently, and avoiding crowds. I asked for and was mercifully allowed permission to work from home early on. I've been many more steps ahead of the government, and feeling really awkward as colleagues, employer, and neighbors got the concept so late. I started to feel like I was a lone paranoiac scrubbing my hands and dodging people. Strangely, as we ease into the new normal, my behavior is less conspicuous.The measures mention working from home and commuting on foot or by bicycle. Great ideas, but difficult in practice. I am bracing for the call to return to the office which may come as early as the first week of June. On the one hand, I dread returning to work not knowing how assiduously the administration will adhere to the guidelines on social distancing, and on the other I'm grateful that the bicycle commute is under 30 kilometers round trip.The 100,000 yen relief money distribution may be delayed, and I'm intending to receive it, with gratitude. Although I haven't suffered financial damage from the pandemic fall out (so far), I have no hesitation to receive what's offered because the money will allow me to accommodate the new normal - a commuter bike, and a second laptop so that I can keep up with all the remote work I'll be doing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPek-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 09 May 2020 22:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GyPek-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojnY-food_noda_shi_chibaI must admit that the bottle design is the reason I abandoned my usual canned chuhai. This limited edition of Asahi The Lemon Craft is available at 7-11 convenience stores. There are in fact two varieties - 極上レモン gokujou lemon, and グリーンレモン green lemon.The deep green and the two florid kanji, 檸檬, of the green lemon version attracted me. These two elaborate kanji, both borrowed from Chinese and meaning lemon tree, when combined, read remon.And does it ever pack tart, bitter, and citric fragrance and flavor. The premium ingredients are vodka, lemon spirits, imported and domestic lemon peel and juice, and lemon oil. The result is a crisp, dry and aromatic drink that is smooth and refreshing. It's best sipped slowly, hence the screw top.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojnY-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 06 May 2020 13:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GojnY-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqgn-food_noda_shi_chibaOf the Karuizawa Beer offerings I've tried so far, this one appeals to me the most. I told you about Karuizawa Clear, which I liked well enough. Their ale was good, too. But I think I've gotten hooked on wheaty, lighter beers recently.Weissbier, wheat beer, has a lovely fruity aroma, and this one has that distinct banana scent typical of these beers and attributed to the larger portion of wheat to barley in the fermentation. In the mix of fragrances from this beer I caught a faint clove quality.This is on my list of Friday after work, refreshing beers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqgn-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 04 May 2020 12:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqgn-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJP24-food_noda_shi_chibaRecently, I picked up a sampler of Karuizawa Beer, a regional beer producer in Nagano Prefecture. This offering, Karuizawa Clear, is a typical pilsner, a pale ale. It poured nicely with not a lot of head, which I prefer, and has that nice golden color. It's similar to European-style Pilsner, not so malty, and a bit on the sweet side. It's got a little fruity quality to it, too.I could imagine pairing this beer with fish and chips at the beach, the sweet flavor offsetting salty, crispy, and fatty fare.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJP24-food_noda_shi_chibaSat, 02 May 2020 14:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJP24-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1b2j-food_noda_shi_chibaWell, this is lovely.Karuizawa is an idyllic countryside destination, just an hour outside Tokyo in the southeast of Nagano Prefecture. It's known for its pristine water and breathtaking landscapes.And it's home to a significant 地ビール, jibiiru, local beer culture. With my Wednesday evening meal, I paired my home cooking of Thai chicken and eggplant curry with Karuizawa Ale.This ale has a lovely citrus flavor, and a creamy finish. In the spirit of wine and food pairings, I would say this goes well with subtly flavored chicken and fish dishes.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1b2j-food_noda_shi_chibaThu, 30 Apr 2020 14:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1b2j-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOpm-living_noda_shi_chibaStay Home Week StartsWe're almost three weeks into the state of emergency declared for the Kanto region, and one week since the declaration was extended to the whole country. The decision to extend the state of emergency into May will likely come down next week. This Saturday marked the start of Stay at Home Week, a request to reduce trips out of the housethrough Golden Week.Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentFor me, it's a confirmation of what I've been experiencing since the request to close schools on March 1st - I don't go to my workplace, don't meet any friends, and keep my shopping and errands to a minimum. To stay sane and in shape, I ride my bicycle in the evenings when nobody is out.Finding Ourselves in Long Distance RelationshipsLike many couples all over the world, my partner and I are separated for self-isolation reasons. He continues to work, while I have been able to reduce interaction to a bare minimum. Although we live only a few kilometers apart, we're now essentially in a long-distance relationship, catching up over messages and phone calls. And our situation is not as awful as others - my friend, a Tokyo resident, is separated from her husband who had gone on a business trip to a country that currently is on Japan's list of restricted countries.To make communications with friends and loved ones more complicated, Japan Post is now experiencing problems receiving and delivering international mail, and now no longer accepts US-bound mail.Tonight, I'll participate for the first time in a Zoom meeting with colleagues in Europe. Usually I see these colleagues once or twice a year when they visit Japan for cultural and educational experiences. I suspect most of our session will simply be sharing our experiences and keeping company more than focusing on business.Killing 'RonaMy partner and I in our respective homes are whiling away our time by cooking, studying, and writing. But most of our time is spent on maintaining hygiene and cleaning.You likely won't find alcohol in the supermarkets or drugstores now. And alcohol-based sprays are prohibitively expensive online. So I do what I always, do, ask Google Sensei for info. The Mainichi reported yesterday on a study that identifies commonly available detergents and soaps that kill viruses. The same article in Japanese lists the names of the products in Japanese, so you can see what to look for on the labels.These products are not too expensive. The floor wipes were about 780 yen for a pack of two. I'm not big on the rose scent, but they were in stock. When I clean with these, I open the windows, and the scent is gone in about 30 to 60 minutes.Japanese Language HelpI told you in Plague Diary 7 about the vocabulary you'll encounter in the Japanese media. For quick and dirty translation, I'm using the translate feature in Chrome. After a quick skim, I read the article in Japanese. Another powerful language translator I've discovered is DeepL, an AI system that handles various languages, including Japanese.Plague Diary 8 has a list of English language media resources, too.Stay home, stay safe.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOpm-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 26 Apr 2020 12:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GWOpm-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832v-food_noda_shi_chibaThis Sapporo limited edition beer is sold exclusively at Family Mart. This time, Sapporo is offering 至福の余韻, shifuku no yoin, blissful afterglow. The English on the can says "BEER SURPRISE". Either way, I had to try this beer just for the superlatives and anticipation.I prefer my beers a bit on the bitter side, but I thought Id give this one a try. When I poured it, it didn't produce much of a head. As advertised, it's a bit sweet, owing to the barley, and it has a nice finish from the wheat.I won't go out of my way to get this one again. I'm happy enough with the standard Sapporo Black Label.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832v-food_noda_shi_chibaThu, 23 Apr 2020 20:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832v-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3B6O-food_kobayashicity_kobayashi_shi_miyazakiNatural Beauty and History in Miyazaki PrefectureMiyazaki Prefecture was once the destination of choice for honeymooners. With its sub-tropical climate, palm trees, famed hyuganatsu citrus fruit, and both mountainous and ocean landscapes, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation. It’s also a great way to connect with culture, as it is home to Takachiho Night Kagura performance, an intangible folk culture property, the antique town of Obihan, known as the “Kyoto of Kyushu”, and mystical Udo-Jingu Shrine. You can learn more on the Japan National Tourist Organization’s Miyazaki page.Kobayashi City’s Natural CharmKobayashi City, located about 90 minutes west of Miyazaki City, is in the Kirishima Mountains, a range of volcanoes with spectacular scenery. Places to stay in Kobayashi City range from onsen resorts to campsites to hotels. There is even a restored village of antique farmhouses visitors can stay at.There is a lot to do here. For adventurers, Kobayashi offers farm stay experiences, stand up paddle boarding, and paragliding. What entices me to go is the choice of elegant onsen hotels with luxurious baths and beautifully appointed rooms. It looks like a great getaway with activities followed by soaking cares away.Decadent and Delicious Miyazaki BeefThanks to City-Cost, I received a pair of beef sirloin steaks sent from Kurazono Farm.This family-run farm in the Kirishima Mountains has been raising beef cattle for over 70 years. Their specialty is Miyazaki beef, a leading brand in Japan. Their cattle are grazed free range, and fed fortified grain. The family’s mission is to provide a low-stress and organic production method – without antibiotics - that results in premium beef, tender and with a high fat content.Kurazono Farm’s stylish box intimidated me a little. The beef cattle are rigorously reared and reverently tended and prepared, and the product is packed with care. I was expecting something out of the ordinary. When I opened the box, I took a breath. Two intricately marbled steaks, weighing in at 300 grams. This is not your ordinary steak.So, how do you correctly prepare a premium steak? It’s surprisingly easy with a little know-how.I wanted to do justice to this extraordinary steak, so I researched how to prepare it. First, it's essential to make sure it’s room temperature so, let it rest for an hour on the counter. You don’t need any fat on the grill. Simply slice an edge and use this small portion to grease the cooking surface. Sear the steak one minute. As it sears, the steak releases juices. Spoon it over the steak. Turn it over, sear for one more minute, and then let it sit for three to five minutes.I was rewarded for my efforts with a reddish-brown crust on the outside of the steak, and rare interior. Under my admittedly second-rate kitchen knife, it sliced with ease, and I plated it with matcha-salt grilled eggplant and green peppers. The meat needs no seasoning. It has a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture, full of flavor. You can put a little salt and pepper to bring out the richness, but I enjoyed it as it is, with the vegetables providing a counterpoint.This is no ordinary steak. It's a luxurious treat for special occasions. You can enjoy such treats at steak houses in Miyazaki Prefecture and throughout Japan, but it is surprisingly easy to prepare at home for a special meal. This post is supported by Kobayashi City Promotion Company Inc., one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3B6O-food_kobayashicity_kobayashi_shi_miyazakiThu, 23 Apr 2020 12:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3B6O-food_kobayashicity_kobayashi_shi_miyazakihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832W-food_noda_shi_chibaThe Seven Eleven convenience store nearest home often has snacks from around Japan, and frequently stocks treats from west Japan. I wonder if the manager is a Kansai transplant.This week, the regional treat is Bonchi Agesen. Bonchi has been making sembei, arare, and other snacks for nearly 90 years.This particular variety of agesen, deep fried sembei, is seasoned with yakinori from the Ariake Sea, and Okinawa sea salt. The sembei, with a generous amount of yakinori, and well salted to go with the crunch, goes very well with either a cold beer, or a hot cup of tea. The senbei are hard, but they're fluffy and melt in your mouth.I'd definitely get this agesen again, if the convenience store continues to stock it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832W-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 21 Apr 2020 09:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z832W-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1Yp-food_noda_shi_chibaI just wanted a beer or two to go with my dinner, and besides regular Asahi Super Dry, my local supermarket had this Olympics promotional label beer. Japan Inc. ramped up Olympic-themed labeling. We're going to see this on products for a long time.Asahi Super Dry Japan Gold is made with golden hops. The beer has a good head, golden color, and snappy finish from the quality hops.Maybe next year we can kanpai. But for now, we've still got all this celebratory beer to consume...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1Yp-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 21 Apr 2020 09:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1Yp-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEPAv-living_chibaThis is going to smart. Maybe it already does for you. Friends and former colleagues are telling me that their sources of income are in jeopardy, and some are facing relocation for cost savings and social distancing reasons. Local business leaders and small business owners in my community are already feeling the effects of the now nationwide state of emergency, which is in effect until at least May 6th.By now, you know that the government is preparing to provide 100,000 yen cash handouts to all residents(anyone with a My Number), and sending a paltry two cloth masks in the post. Well, better than nothing.My friends and neighbors are restaurant owners, shop owners and we need them to survive until we can get back to work, and back to business. Everybody has to eat.In my part of Chiba Prefecture, chambers of commerce and NPOs are initiating projects to support local business. Kashiwa now has a campaign running until early May to fund restaurants.Asuchike, "tomorow ticket" is a project to ask restaurant patrons who frequent Kashiwa eateries to buy tickets in advance.Noda City is doing much the same with their Noda Shoku Supo project.Many of our favorite eateries in these two cities have also moved to take away for lunch and dinner.Is your community doing campaigns like this? Are you taking advantage of local places now doing take away?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEPAv-living_chibaSat, 18 Apr 2020 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MEPAv-living_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbkkJ-living_noda_shi_chibaAt this time of year, I’m usually at school, getting to know our new students, introducing them to the writing and communication programs I teach in, coaching new teachers, and rallying our school newspaper writers. This means I don’t see some of the festivals and seasonal events in Noda City. But this spring, I have all the time in the world.Konjoin Temple in Shimizu Park holds gomataki, the fire ritual every month, open to the public, and has a major ritual on April 15th. While I have joined the monthly event, this was the first time I have seen the big spring festival.The small hall is known as 清水開運不動尊 Shimizu Kaiun Fudoson. Kaiun means great fortune. The main business here is a highly choreographed ritual of mantra with drumming to keep the rhythm, culminating in the burning of prayers written on small slatsof wood. The flames release the intent of the petitions.I arrived just as the priest was getting ready, sliding back the rain doors. But see that sign to the left? It’s an apologetic note to say that participants cannot come in due to the pandemic, but are welcome to stand outside and participate.So I took a moment to make a small offering and say the prescribed mantra by myself.The event coincides with the peonies blooming in the temple garden. So I consoled myself by taking a moment to appreciate the frilly flowers.And here’s a reminder to wash your hands.Before I made my offering and prayer, I washed my hands here. I didn’t touch the bamboo scoops, and just caught the water trickling from the dragon’s maw.It’s a very strange season, when unprecedented things are happening. The wisdom king who flanks Dainichi Nyorai, the main image at this temple is Fudomyo, the unshakeable and fierce deity. The priest is there, praying for everyone to be unshaken by mutable nature.Stay solid!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbkkJ-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 16 Apr 2020 09:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbkkJ-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qqD-living_noda_shi_chibaImage YthlevLast week, Japan's national government finally declared a state of emergency for some prefectures, and 25 other prefectures are working on plans to get people to self-isolate if they are infected.In my own neighborhood, supermarkets are swaddling deli items in plastic, putting up plastic shields at the cash register, and putting markers on the floor to indicate distancing between customers. Convenience stores may not have spray alcohol at the entrance, but many managers are also putting up plastic barriers at the cash registers.Information ResourcesNHK World has English language broadcasts on the hour.Tokyo Governor Koike is providing English language announcements at 6:45 p.m. most evenings. You can see broadcasts on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Youtube channel.Another valuable resource is Safecast. This non-profit organization for data gathering was spurred by the triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency in March 2011. Safecast has focused its efforts in this crisis on a resource page for COVID-19 information resources and a blog on which correspondents post information relevant to Japan and to the worldwide situation.See Azby Brown's blog post to get a clear overview of the scope and limitations of the current state of emergency in Japan, in effect until (at least) May 6th.If you're looking for a situation report on Japan, see Toyo Keizai's visualization.Another tracker on the local level is Coronamap.Reddit has an ongoing mega thread, providing up to date information about immigration entry bans, travel restrictions, testing availability, and news updates.Meanwhile, follow the three mitsus or three Cs - avoid closed places with poor air circulation, conversation at close quarters, and crowded places. And follow Pikotaro's advice to washu washu washu.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qqD-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 14 Apr 2020 22:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6qqD-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqqj-food_noda_shi_chibaOccasionally, Sapporo comes out with limited edition beers. Until June 18th, you can find Black Label Extra Brew in the shops. This beer is made from "nagamochi bakuga", long-lasting malt, in limited quantities. I found this at my neighborhood 7-11.The can has a distinctive black tab with the signature Sapporo star lined up in the opening. It's a lovely example of product packaging in Japan that demonstrates attention to detail. It's like your beer has shown up at your house dressed to impress.On pouring it into a tall glass, I was surprised how much head it got. It's a quite frothy beer with a nice straw color. The first sip was a nice, crisp and malty one. The beer is not quite fruity, but a bit sweet with an acidic finish. I quite liked it and would try it again.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqqj-food_noda_shi_chibaSat, 11 Apr 2020 13:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zDqqj-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RvQ-living_tea_noda_shi_chibaA veteran wine specialist once advised me, when I asked him about where to start with wine appreciation, to focus on one type of grape. His rationale was that, if you sample various vintages in a narrow category, you come to know what they have in common, and what appeals to your palate. To my mind, good tea can be approached in the same way. So most recently, I’ve been enjoying Shizuoka tea, and specifically fukamushicha, deep steamed tea, from Kakegawa City. One place I find a wide selection of tea is Waku Waku Hiroba, a specialty grocery chain that features both products from local farms and from various regions of Japan. The products are labeled to indicate the locations they come from. On a recent shopping trip, I perused the tea selection, and among the many choices, I decided on a 100 gram packet of award-winning fukamushicha. This particular variety is prepared by Maruhori Tea Manufacturing located in Kakegawa City.My tea of choice this time is tsuyayaka midori, a blend of two varieties of leaves, yabukita and asatsuyu, grown in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The midori in the name, meaning green, describes the color. Appreciating tea is a sensory experience that of course starts with flavor and fragrance. Green tea flavors range on a spectrum from grass to citrus to leafy greens. The aroma can bring to mind herbs and freshly cut grass, and sharp notes of nearly a spicy quality. Tea has not only flavor and scent, but also perceptible texture that creates a range of sensations in your mouth much like wine. When you sip tea you will likely notice the astringency or drying quality of tea on your tongue. Black teas tend to be the most astringent, while green teas are celebrated for their low astringency. A feeling often associated with green tea is creaminess. The same way that cream or milk lingers in your mouth, green tea remains on your tongue.The tsyuyaka midori certainly has the qualities indicated on the package. It’s got a mellow and slightly sweet taste, stays with you after you take a sip, and is low in astringency. To savor the tea, I brewed it the classic way I described in a previous post, and poured it into vintage tea cups. The tea cups with decorated lids are not precious, purchased at a second hand shop, and fit perfectly in the hand. I brewed from the same leaves a few times, with the flavor becoming more mellow and complex with each cup I poured. Enjoying the flavor, aroma, and texture of this tea in a lovely cup is a cozy way to take a break from the world.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RvQ-living_tea_noda_shi_chibaTue, 07 Apr 2020 13:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7RvQ-living_tea_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYm7B-medical_noda_shi_chibaNHKIt’s easy to get up todate English information in Japan about the COVID-19 pandemic. NHK, Japan Times, The Mainichi, and Kyodo News provide coverage very quickly. The English language media provides a big picture of the situation in Japan.However, most of the English language media here is not at the micro level, where we live and work. If you’re like me, conversant in Japanese, but not fully literate, there is a lot of new language to learn. And much of what we might need to know is local - from city hall websites, 防災放送 bousai housou emergency broadcasts, and direct communication in our communities.I’m not ashamed to admit, though I passed the JLPT N2 level of Japanese, I’m struggling to read the latest news. To comprehend text, I use Google Translate to get a quick gist of a news item, and when I want to get a more in depth understanding, I push the text through Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC text glossing so that I can learn the kanji, meaning, and reading of terms.There are so many terms and words that you don’t encounter every day, so I’ve compiled a list by topic. The Big TopicsBy now, you probably know that in Japanese, COVID-19 is referred to as 新型コロナウイルス shingata corona uirusu. Most recently in the news, there has been mention of感染爆発kansen bakuhatsu, an explosive increase in infections. As of March 26th, the government has put in place新型コロナウイルス対策の特別措置法 shinkoronauirusu taisaku no tokubetsu sochihou, an act for provisions against COVID-19. This act is overseen by 政府対策本部 seifu taisaku hombu, the government task force headquarters. The measures allow the government 緊急事態宣言 kinkyuu jitai senngen to declare a state of emergency. Terms you might encounter in conversation or media:疫病 ekibyou pandemic or 世界的大流行 sekaiteki dairyuukou pandemic感染者 kansensha an infected person感染者数 kansenshasuu number of infected people感染する kansensuru to infect 接触感染 sesshoku kansen infection through contact防疫 boueki communicable disease control such as quarantine緊急対策 kinkyutaisaku emergency measures外出制限 gaishutsu seigen restrictions on going outside of your home 不要不急 fuyoufukyuu unnecessary and not urgent 厚生労働省 kouseiroudoushou Ministry of Health Labor and WelfareBusiness Operations休校 kyuukou school cancellation休業 kyuugyou business operation cancellation延期 enki postponed無期延期 mukienki postponed indefinitely中止 chuushi cancelled休園 kyuuen park temporarily closed休演 kyuuen performance or show canceled短縮 tanshuku abbreviated, shortened臨時休館 rinjikyuukan a temporary (irregular) closing在庫 zaiko inventory除菌 jokin disinfection, sterilizeアルコール消毒 arukouru shoudoku alcohol disinfectant転売 tenbai reselling 品切れ hingire out of stock or low in stock無観客 mukankyaku an event with no audienceImmigration入国規制 nyuukoku kisei immigration restriction入国拒否 nyuukokukyohi denying entry to a country拡大防止 kakudai boushi prevent from spreading further自宅待機 jitaku taiki stay (quarantined) at homeコロナ感染防止対策 korona kansen boushi taisaku measures to prevent the spread of the Corona VirusYour Health症状 shoujou symptom高熱 kounetsu high fever発熱 hatsunetsu to have (get) a fever頭痛 zutsuu headache臭覚shuukaku sense of smell聴覚choukaku sense of hearing検温 kenon temperature measurement肺炎 haien pneumonia検査 kensa examination, check消毒 shoudoku disinfectant除菌 jyokin disinfection, sterilizeBe safe!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYm7B-medical_noda_shi_chibaFri, 27 Mar 2020 16:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MYm7B-medical_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNWxj-living_noda_shi_chibaThe Kasugacho neighbourhood of Noda City, Chiba Prefecture on ThursdayI call home regularly to see how my elderly parents in a relatively rural Canadian town are doing.My mom told me she is staying in and working on her quilting, and occasionally needs supplies. She called the fabric store, placed an order, and drove to the fabric shop. A clerk rang up her purchase on a credit card, came out the parking lot, and handed her purchase through the car window. This is the kind of social distancing Canadians are practicing to thwart potential spread of COVID-19.This is not the case here in Japan. Businesses as of Thursday are still open. Workers are attending (and of course, commuting) as usual unless the business has provision for work at home.NHK News reports that the national government is prepared to declare a state of emergencybased on new legislation.To keep track of the reported spread of the virus, I have a look daily at Toyo Keizai's visual representation of the situation report. You can get a sense of the speed at which the situation is changing.This evening, there will be a government task force meeting, and again an announcement on Friday.Besides the government and media sources, I also keep an eye on Safecast, which was my rock during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Safecast is a volunteer supported non-profit that gathers information about environmental data. Since the disaster, they have provided open-source information about radiation levels in Japan.Safecast is now building a resource to track COVID-19 testing. If you have attempted to get tested for COVID-19 infection, they want to know. The crowd-sourced map surveys people who have been refused testing, received testing, or have not been able to find testing.Testing for COVID-19 infection provides data, and data is power.I'm having flashbacks to 3/11, when data was sparse, and there were more questions than answers.This time, It's not a Japan problem, but a world problem. I'm counting on Japan Inc. to come through. Just like 3/11, I'm willing to help. I'll be doing my part by staying home this weekend. Hanami can wait until next year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNWxj-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 26 Mar 2020 16:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNWxj-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1vg-living_noda_shi_chibaToday is the Vernal Equinox, a national holiday in Japan. It's hard to celebrate when the news reports the number of COVID-19 cases is slightly up, but it is a relief to see the spring blossoms. And there are so many to see right now.Yuki yanagi, the snow willow, blows in the breeze just like cherry blossoms.Himeasebi, Japanese andromeda, is at its best in March. It's lovely, but watch out as it's toxic.Mokuren, magnolias, are just finishing now. These are the ones that bloom just before cherry trees bust out their blooms.Tsutsuji, azaleas, of which there are dozens of varieties in our local park, are starting to bloom a little early. Usually they follow the last of the cherry blossoms.While authorities ask the public not to congregate under the cherry trees, it's hard to keep away completely. Our neighborhood's most elderly cherry tree, planted in the first year of the Meiji Period, has just started to bloom. It's famed for being early.While it's necessary to take precautions against the virus, it's also important to get fresh air and experience nature while avoiding a lot of physical proximity.I'm wishing everybody good health.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1vg-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 20 Mar 2020 15:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR1vg-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmLv-living_transportation_howto_hachijojima_tokyoTachibana Maru ferry docked at Sokodo Port, HachijojimaWhy travel by ferry?In the past year, I’ve been trying to live a lifestyle that’s kinder to the environment. In preparation for a trip to one of the Izu Islands off Tokyo, I looked at the carbon footprint of the trip. The International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO carbon emissions calculatorindicates that the carbon footprint of Haneda to Hachijojima flight is 41.5 kg. I wondered if that is a lot, so I checked the comparable amount churned out by a slow ferry. Salon looked at the most carbon efficient means, and by their calculation, on a slow ferry, my carbon footprint is perhaps only 9 kg. So that settled it.Another reason to take the ferry is the experience itself. While you may see spectacular views of Tokyo as you depart by plane, the ferry gives you time to leisurely observe the seascape and enjoy the ocean air. Once aboard and settled into your cabin, put your things in a locker, go out on deck to see amazing views of Tokyo as it recedes into the distance (there's no better view of Rainbow Bridge), and you enter the Phillipine Sea. You might be lucky and spot whales and other sea life along the way. Even if you don’t, the looming islands as you approach are breathtakingly beautiful. The ferry trip also gives you a perspective into the experience of the islanders, spending a whole day or overnight on the open ocean to reach Tokyo proper. For centuries before modern air travel, this was the only connection between these far flung islands and the capital.The ferry's ports of call and timingsHow to enjoy your tripIf you are prone to seasickness, dried ginger and ginger candies can reduce symptoms. Another way is to go on deck, inhale the sea air, and look towards the horizon. Seasickness is caused by the conflict between sensory data – your eyes say your cabin looks still, but your inner ear says you’re moving, and this results in queasiness. So, if you fix your gaze on the horizon, your senses harmonize. Some people might find it difficult to keep down food. In preparation for my trip I bought a bag of sembei and ginger ale. I adjusted within an hour.Overnight ferries may be challenging for people who need proper shuteye. The cabins don’t have doors, so there is noise from fellow passengers. Ear plugs are a good idea. On the Tokai Kisen bound for Hachijojima, the lights go out at 11 p.m., and are turned back on at 5 a.m. Another thing to bring along if you’re a light sleeper is an eye mask. I slept well with my jacket pulled over my head.How to bookThe booking process for the Tokai Kisen ferry is straight forward, and for those who are not fully literate in Japanese, available in English. Discounts are available for advanced booking, and for groups of 15 passengers.Sure, it's a slow journey, but if you have time, it's an amazing experience to see the Izu Islands. It was such a great experience that I'm tempted to take my next trip by ferry to other islands in the Izu chain, and farther afield.Editor's note: Tokai Kisen Co., Ltd. issued a list of measures (dated 2020.02.28) they have implemented in light of the new coronavirus outbreak. They can be seen in here (in Japanese).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmLv-living_transportation_howto_hachijojima_tokyoTue, 17 Mar 2020 12:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmLv-living_transportation_howto_hachijojima_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvj59-living_noda_shi_chibaAn onsen bath in Kashiwa City shortly after the triple disasterNine years ago, Japan experienced the largest earthquake in Japan ever, and the biggest tsunami in living memory which precipitated one of the world's biggest nuclear emergencies. After the five minute long rattling, banging and shaking, all I could hear was the sound of my heart pounding, and I knew right away that thousands of people were in danger. The dread paralyzed me in that moment. Then my blood ran cold watching live on TV as the tsunami ate the landscape of Tohoku, and the nuclear emergency became apparent. The grief, terror, and uncertainty of the disaster filled the lives of millions of people, Japanese and non, for months, years.My building didn't have gas service, and I wanted to wash off the terror of the moment, calm myself, and prepare for whatever I would need to do, so I retreated to the local onsen bath where I snapped that photo. The same geological forces that caused the disaster also provide Japan with plentiful geothermal water. It was a humbling and healing experience. And then I got involved, volunteering, fundraising, and spreading cheer to friends.Now, it's different, as it's a global issue. And we know the way we can get involved to help mitigate the spread of the virus - maintain social distance, wash your hands, don't touch your face. The WHO hasinformation about how to prevent community spread. The Japanese government is telling us tohold off events for 10 more days(at least) in an effort to slow spread.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvj59-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 11 Mar 2020 19:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mvj59-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqjnO-living_noda_shi_chibaThe school notice indicating we may see our students in the last week of MarchBy now, you know that schools across Japan are closed to students, but many schools require teacher attendance. The institution I work at in Saitama Prefecture describes the situation as 休業 kyuugyou, or suspension of business. That means no students in attendance. But teachers worked non-stop to produce homework in the last two days.My part was a four-page spread for our junior high school students for a head start on a project in Term 1. Today, we sent by post, at great expense, the homework packages. And that's just the junior high school. Next, the senior high school with triple the number of students. Another huge expense.When you're surveying the Japanese news and notices about the situation, you may encounter a lot of vocabulary you might not usually use. Here's a broad list of related vocabulary. I must admit, my Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 score didn't prepare me for this.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqjnO-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 05 Mar 2020 19:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqjnO-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1K2-living_noda_shi_chibaThis morning, the train I usually take had about half the number of commuters as a usual work day. People are staying home in my corner of Chiba Prefecture.The senior high school had the graduation ceremony today. Before the event was scheduled to start, there was a brief address about precautions we are taking, and apologies for the disruption. We’re doing what the national government is asking us to do.It was really sad to see nearly all the graduates masked up. They’ve grown up so much in the six years I’ve known them, and they were hard to recognize with swaddled like that. Many of the boys have grown into strapping young men, their voices different, so I had to rely on the roll call to identify them.Yesterday, I said I’d be home for the duration, but I will attend for the remainder of the week at least. Our staff is expected to attend on a short schedule. In order to stay up to date on any changes, I’ll attend the morning meetings.Everything is up in the air. The staff room banter tends to be filled with black humor. That’s how people are dealing with the unease and lack of trust in government decisions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1K2-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 03 Mar 2020 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1K2-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbBn-livingPhoto Wiki CommonsLike many across Japan, I witnessed the panic buying of toilet paper, rice, and noodles in my own small corner of Chiba Prefecture this past weekend, started by social media. Not one local supermarket had any bog roll on the weekend. I'm hoping the craziness stops soon. It's stressful enough without panic.Reliable InfoI'm limiting my sources of info to only reliable ones. How do you defend your person from viral assault? The World Health Organization has advice for the public. Want to know what the situation is day to day across the world? WHO issues situation reports. Anxious about what's going on right now in Japan? NHK World hashtags COVID-19 stories. Want the cold, hard data about Japan? See the Japan COVID-19 Coronavirus Tracker.Want to provide info to visiting friends and family who are in Japan now? Japan National Travel Organization has COVID-19 Advisory Information. This includes the phone number for a hotline, emergency medical info, and a list of closures of attractions.What I'm experiencingOn the weekend, I told my sweetheart Daikichi I couldn't get my mitts on toilet paper in any of the shops, and he came through, scoring 12 rolls at a drug store in a nearby prefecture. Disaster averted. I stocked the kitchen with frozen gyoza, rice, pasta, retort packages of stuff like curry and pasta sauce, and tinned fish.At school on Friday, We had been told our one day of 登校日 toukoubi, or mandatory school attendance on March 11th was canceled, and to attend a Monday meeting.In the meeting today, we were told that our high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday will go ahead, but all final exams are canceled. We are scrambling to prepare contingency homework, and in the last week of March, we will have another meeting to reassess. Tuesday is going to be a long day, preparing as much as we can as fast as possible.This evening, I had an unavoidable appointment in Saitama City. Shops are relatively quiet, yet I found the southbound train relatively busy with commuters wearing masks.Tomorrow will be my last day at work. After that, I am looking forward time to myself, to prepare for the start of the school year, clean, repair things, study kanji, and putter.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbBn-livingMon, 02 Mar 2020 20:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbBn-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmeR-food_noda_shi_chibaI love potato chips. And Calbee has featured the flavors of the 47 prefectures of Japan with iconic flavors. You can find them at convenience stores all over Japan.Tonight, I scored a hometown favorite - marudaizu shoyu - soy sauce flavor! I live in Noda City, home of the Noda Soy Sauce empire, so I'm swimming in the brown ichor.On opening the bag, I got a good whiff of soy sauce, reminiscent of the aroma of soy sauce brewing in Noda City. The chips are replete with umami and are satisfyingly crunchy.The back of the bag has greetings in various languages from Chiba-kun, the mascot of Chiba Prefecture. It's a clever campaign to get folks to visit.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmeR-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 28 Feb 2020 20:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmeR-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0V3R-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaEvery season, I look forward to the bold flower arrangements at Kashiwa Station Mall. These huge and elaborate displays are done by disciples of Sougetsu Ikebana. The school was established in the 1920s by an iconoclastic ikebana artist who relished freedom of expression and broke with traditional flower arranging.There are arrangements on different floors of the mall. It’s fun to go spot them. Of course, these ones show off sprigs of plum blossoms.They remind me to be bold in spring.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0V3R-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaTue, 25 Feb 2020 20:09:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0V3R-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ7nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaKasukabe City is a rather bland part of suburban Kanto region sprawl, but it has pride in its native son, Crayon Shinchan. You’ll find him, his family, and classmates on the Kasukabe Station platform.Crayon Shinchan, created by local manga artist Usui Yoshito, hasn’t aged a day past 5 years old in the three decades since he first appeared in weekly manga magazines. The opening theme from the animated series announces train departures. You can’t miss him.If you’ve got Shinchan fans in your family, take them to the Lala Garden mall to see Puri Puri Studio, a Shinchan themed amusement.Every time I pass through the station I find myself humming along to the theme...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ7nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaTue, 25 Feb 2020 17:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZ7nm-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP71g-living_noda_shi_chibaMany of us have blogged about sustainable life in Japan - how we observe the Four Rs - reduce, recycle, reuse, and refuse.In the last year some not very sustainable habits I have traded for better ones. Rather than buy drinks in PET bottles, which cost between 100 yen and 150 yen, I've taken home a few aluminum coffee bottles. I washed them carefully, and now carry to work home brewed coffee in a can tucked into my coat for added warmth and my morning jolt.The environmental impact of aluminum vs. PET plastic is complicated by the cost of recycling and wasting. It's a tough one. How about just not buying them?In the past year, I've striven to make my own bento box lunch as often as possible. But sometimes, I do get takeout bento box lunches. These I also carefully clean and reuse to pack a homemade bento box lunch. Some of these reused containers hold up well for a few lunches. The savings add up because I make "okazu" dishes for both dinner and bento in one go.Are you as miserly as I? Are you becoming a junk hoarder like me? Do you have some other cost- and materials-saving habits you recommend?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP71g-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 22 Feb 2020 14:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MP71g-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Ko-living_shopping_tea_chibaI don’t have to go far to find Shizuoka grown tea in my suburban part of Chiba Prefecture. The local shops and supermarkets carry green tea from Shizuoka’s many tea farms, presented in a variety of forms. Kakegawa green teaThis variety, Kakegawa green tea, is from Kakegawa City, southwest of the Izu Peninsula. The climate there is noted for its hot and humid summers and mild winters which nurture a variety of crops including fruit, roses and high quality tea. Kakegawa has been producing tea since the Meiji Period, and is known for “fukamushicha”, deep steamed tea. The fukamushicha has won dozens of national awards. This particular packet from Kunitaro tea company boasts 95.4 mg of catechin per cup. Green tea such as this has high catechin content. More specifically, the variety of catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Research suggests that EGCG wards off heart disease and diabetes, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Kakegawa City, which has the lowest cancer mortality rate in Japan, attributes the health of the local people to the catechins in their tea.A simple unglazed tea potThe package design with its muted greens and matte finish reminded me of a treasure in my stash – a sampler of kimono fabric specifically for tea ceremony. It’s recommended that for beginning tea ceremony, kimono ought to be subtle. In harmony with the meditative and egalitarian spirit of the tea ceremony, demure kimono demonstrate refinement and austere elegance. This particular bolt of fabric has very small monochromatic patterns, a perfect backdrop for this tea. Even before I poured the hot water , the fragrance of the fukumushicha filled the room with grassy and sharp, almost spicy notes. The richly flavored brewed tea is a great accompaniment to Japanese wagashi sweets and to help digestion after a meal. I enjoyed it on its own.A soothing and flavorful cup of teaI love the tranquility of tea aroma wreathing my space, so I adopted a tea seller technique - roasting dry tea leaves to release the scent which lures shoppers to the tea counter. It's easy to do at home. I put a tablespoon of tea in a sauce pan over a low flame and keep my eye on it. When it just begins to steam, I turn the heat off, and swing the pan around the house like a censer. It’s yet another way to savor the fragrance of the quality green tea of Shizuoka.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Ko-living_shopping_tea_chibaThu, 20 Feb 2020 11:06:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Ko-living_shopping_tea_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLyKy-living_food_noda_shi_chibaFor the new arrival in Japan, vegetables may present a bewildering variety of unfamiliar shapes and sizes, but they’re healthful and add great color and texture to your home cooking. My biggest challenge in the kitchen is to incorporate a wide variety of these foods into my diet. Many of them are loaded with nutrition and with a little know how, they’re easy to prepare. Brassicas in JapanPhoto Jeremy KeithYou may be familiar with some Asian brassicas such as bok choi, the crunchy, leafy vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese-style stir fries. They’re widely available in markets in Europe and North America, too. Bok choi, referred to as chingensai in Japan, has some relatives that are a great addition to your diet. They’re loaded with fiber, and Vitamins A and C.One of these relatives is komatsuna, or Japanese mustard spinach. It’s got long stalks and a broad, dark green leaf. One of my favorite ways to prepare hakusai and komatsuna is stir fried with a little oil, minced garlic and ginger, and sliced carrots. This simple stir fry is a good accompaniment for dinner or as an addition to bento box lunches.Another brassica, Hakusai, commonly referred to in English as napa cabbage or Chinese cabbage, is a large vegetable, up to 3 kg in weight. It has dense and crunchy leaves. A simple way to prepare hakusai is to chop and stir fry the leaves in oil with a dash of ponzu vinegar and salt and pepper. Hakusai is also a great addition to nabe hot pot. SeaweedMany people think seaweed is a culinary specialty of Asian cuisines, but did you know that seaweed is traditionally a delicacy in Scotland? Scottish people have incorporated dulse, rich in iron and vitamins, and other seaweeds, into their diet for centuries. And it’s delicious, too. Photo えむかとーHere in Japan, a wide variety of seaweed is consumed. Wakame, for example, is rich in iodine, vitamins and minerals. One of my favorite kinds of soup is tsuyu broth with wakame and sesame seeds. It’s warming, flavorful and good for you. Wakame also has Omega-3. If you are not consuming a lot of fish and eggs on a vegetarian or vegan diet, this is a good source of this fatty acid. Nori seaweed, which you find wrapped around sushi and garnishing ramen is loaded with Vitamin A, Vitami C, and potassium. It’s a source of iron, too. At home, you can wrap grilled mochi in nori, or drape a roasted sheet over your bento box rice. You may wonder where you can find a good overview of Japanese vegetable cookery. One of my go-to sources is スピードおかず便利帳　Speed Okazu Benri-cho. The table of contents lists ingredients by category in easy and quick recipe. Browsing the local bookstore may reveal many similar pictorial cookbooks that show you how to prepare healthful veggies.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLyKy-living_food_noda_shi_chibaThu, 13 Feb 2020 10:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLyKy-living_food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXbd-living_noda_shi_chibaThis sign went up at the local Daiso 100 yen shop last week. As you may have seen in the news, stocks of masks are running low as people buy them up for resale.But do you need one, and what is the benefit of wearing one? The CDC has a chart that indicates the features of surgical masks and respirators. The mask is meant for clinicians. It protects them from bodily fluids of the patients they are working with, and to prevent the clinician from spreading germs to the patient. The CDC says the best defense against viruses is assiduous hand washing and not touching your face.But how about you? Yes, if you’ve got sensitivity to pollen, dust, or you have a cold and don’t want to spread it on other people, sure, they’re useful.I’m tempted to make my own to protect myself from dust and stuff. Here’s a tutorial.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXbd-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 09 Feb 2020 14:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXbd-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvAg-living_foodA lovely elderly neighbor gifted me these wizened garlic bulbs wrapped in paper. She told me she prepared them herself.I’d never even heard of black garlic, never mind tasted it. Incorporating it into my home cooking, however, is easy and imparts wonderful umami - notes of balsamic vinegar and tamarinds. It’s a versatile ingredient.It worked out well in stir fried rice with komatsuna. Next time I get my mitts on some, I will grill fish with a basting of black garlic paste.Apparently it is easy to prepare in the rice cooker. Just place the whole garlic in the cooker, set it to warm, and leave it for a week to ten days. One caution is that it’s pungent. I’m considering putting the rice cooker out on the veranda...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvAg-living_foodThu, 06 Feb 2020 11:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvAg-living_foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GW4kQ-food_noda_shi_chibaIf you’ve been following me, you know I’m a big fan of plum blossoms. They’re the original harbinger of spring, before cherry blossoms came into vogue in the Heian Period.I celebrate them any way they are presented. While running errands, I dropped by the convenience store and spotted these snacks - Seto Inland Sea salt and plum flavored senbei.The salt and piquant plum flavor is a wonderful combination with the crispness of the senbei.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GW4kQ-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 03 Feb 2020 16:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GW4kQ-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoQY-food_health_chibaBefore I moved to Japan, I was very spoiled for food choices. I lived in a shared house with friends who brought food culture and culinary skills gained from working in restaurants. Many nights there was a big pot of authentic Indian curry, falafel and pita, or interpretations of Italian and Tex-Mex cuisine. I had a varied diet of delicious food, and felt great nearly all the time.On arrival in Japan, I was on my own in the kitchen with a small repertoire of recipes. I learned by trial and error about “washoku”, a diet that centers around rice, soup, and a great variety of side dishes. Learning to cook washoku was fun. The only struggle was to make sure I had a balanced diet.I had a look at the Canada Food Guide, but I had to substitute a lot of familiar foods with Japanese ones. What to do? I turned to the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The guide is similar to those issued by Canada and the US, and the daily values (recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals) depend on whether you’re young, mature, male, female, menstruating or pregnant. Then I had a look for washoku recipe books, and rolled up my sleeves.My home cooking meant rice as a staple. Ubiquitous white rice, the hulled form served in everything from school lunches to sushi to rice balls. While rice cultivation and consumption has a long history in Japan, becoming a form of currency in the Kamakura Period, the average Japanese person before the Edo Period didn’t eat rice, but probably a variety of grains. It was in the 18th century that rice, and especially white rice, became a staple. And this white rice was probably not meeting my nutrition needs. I felt lethargic, and a doctor told me I was suffering iron and mineral deficiency.My fatigue was partly a result of not eating enough vegetables, but also a reliance on white rice. White rice has the hull, bran, and germ removed, which means lower nutritional value. I learned other non-Japanese experience nutrition problems - a colleague who relied on bento boxes for lunch and dinner for a year, and eventually was diagnosed with beri beri, a condition that results when you don’t get enough Vitamin B1. She also wasn’t getting enough fiber, of which white rice has little.Image from WikimediaSo I adjusted my diet, found brown rice at the rice seller, and adopted it in my home cooking. Brown rice retains Vitamin B-6, magnesium, and more fiber than white rice. It takes a little longer to cook brown rice, but it’s no more effort than white, easily done in the rice cooker. A small portion of brown rice is satisfying, so I eat smaller portions while getting more nutrition.The pre-Edo Period grains have made a comeback with 雑穀米 zakkokumai, a blend of beans, lentils, barley, millet, and other nutritious grains. It’s easy to find this additive next to standard rice in the supermarket. Zakkokumai blended with white rice lends flavor and texture to rice besides nutrition.These days, I prepare bento box lunch and dinner with a little meat or fish, vegetables, pickles, mushrooms, sometimes tofu, and a good helping of brown rice. And I feel pretty good most of the time.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoQY-food_health_chibaWed, 29 Jan 2020 12:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoQY-food_health_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4yPq-food_hachijojima_tokyoThe variety of bottled and canned products available from vending machines in Japan is amazing. Everything from drinks to soup, hot or cold, can be had for 100 to 160 yen.This can in a vending machine at a ferry dock on one of the Izu Islands caught my eye because of the bold kanji characters and leafy illustration. It’s ashitaba tea, brewed from a herb that grows profusely in the southern parts of the Kanto region. The name means “tomorrow leaf”, describing the fast growth of the herb. The tea has a mild flavor, slightly carrot-scented. It’s refreshing cold.I haven’t seen this canned tea elsewhere in the Kanto area. It’s something to try when you’re in the Izu region.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4yPq-food_hachijojima_tokyoTue, 28 Jan 2020 09:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z4yPq-food_hachijojima_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7EV0-shopping_saitama_shi_saitamaLike me, do you crave some local produce or cuisine you encountered in your travels, or that someone brought home from theirs?I was pleasantly surprised as I passed through the concourse of Omiya Station to see merchants setting up in the event space at the west exit. Many people passing through asked about details of the market. I found out that this one, featuring specialties from Minami-Tohoku (covering Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata Prefectures) continues until Friday. The market brings fresh produce, seafood, osake, and all kinds of prepared foods, too. The lineup for the register was already really long a few minutes after the market opened.On the wall, I saw a notice that indicates the various events that will be held here. Look out for Aomori products coming soon, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7EV0-shopping_saitama_shi_saitamaWed, 22 Jan 2020 13:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G7EV0-shopping_saitama_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbeA-living_familylife_chiba_shi_chibaImage by AGPOver the last two decades, my home life has changed, and I’ve gradually moved from a tiny space in a 1K to a 4LDK house suitable for a family. These spaces were great for me at each stage.Here's a brief summary of the kinds of spaces you find in residential buildings and houses in Japan.1Rstudio/ one room apartment1Kone room and kitchen2LDKtwo rooms and living room, dining space and kitchenSLDKstorage space, living room, dining space and kitchenLoftusually a half height space for a futonMy first apartment in Chiba City was a tiny 1K apartment with a loft that barely accommodated a single futon. It was cheap at under 40,000 yen a month, managed by a company that provided economical small apartments to foreign residents. I got along fine in that tight space as a single person. But gradually, I acquired stuff, friends, and a partner. I started a job in a new location, and seeking a newer, bigger place I moved to a relatively new 1K and loft apartment in another city in Chiba Prefecture, within easy walk of the train station and shopping. The rent was about 60,000 yen a month. This space was small, too, a six mat room (about 10 square meters) made more spacious by a loft and vaulted ceiling. The galley kitchen was big enough to cook dinner for two, and I hosted guests. My partner visited me on weekends, so it didn’t feel too tight. But to my surprise, within the first week there, I came to understand that my neighbors were a family of three. If you chose a cheap, busy neighborhood, you may find families squeezing into the same floor plan you are. Another consideration about apartments, depending on the landlord, is lease renewals. This is what drove me out of that loft apartment. When the lease came up, the housing agency sent me a whopping 200,000 yen renewal bill, and I realized that the costs of moving were about the same. My real estate agent suggested an older 4LDK in a quiet neighborhood. Older houses tend to have lower rents, and I was pleased to learn that the new place would be about 60,000 yen a month.The house I settled in was at the end of its life – over 40 years old, never updated, and with decrepit but working air conditioners. The house was attractive because it had a big kitchen, tatami mats throughout, fusuma doors and shoji screens. It also had a garden and a big veranda.These older spaces are economical but there are issues to consider if you have children, pets and a busy lifestyle. For example, shoji are easily damaged by curious kids and energetic pets. You can repair them with scrap paper patches or 100 yen shop stickers, but they can get ratty looking quickly. For people who want privacy and need to sleep late shutters are great, but in a storm, they can rattle enough to disturb your sleep. I stuffed newspaper into the gap between the windows and shutters to reduce the noise. I enjoy living on tatami mats, and while they are durable, they can wear quickly. You may want to cover them with rugs if you have kids, pets, and clumsy roommates.Older houses have their good points, too. I could push aside the fusuma between two rooms to create a huge space to serve dinner for ten. In summer heat, huge windows in all rooms, draped with bamboo blinds, admitted breezes. The floor to ceiling oshiire were great for storing futon sets, out of season and hobby stuff. I kept a herb and vegetable patch, which offset food costs, and I could compost organic kitchen waste. The Tokyo area population continues to grow, and housing companies heavily market new buildings. The older housing stock is given a miss by young families who prefer more modern interiors and buildings which meet changing laws and standards. The result is older housing, especially detached houses with gardens, lie vacant, and those have cheap rents. If you are willing to compromise on modernity, you can easily find an older house to make your home.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbeA-living_familylife_chiba_shi_chibaMon, 20 Jan 2020 10:50:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbeA-living_familylife_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqj8a-food_chibaThese chips “imo age”, thick cut Hokkaido potatoes with kombu seaweed broth, were so flavorful.Hidaka kombu, one of six varieties of the seaweed grown in Japan, is often used to make dashi, kombu broth. It’s packed with savory umami. Crunchy and umami are a great combination.The top of the package indicates 化学調味料無添加, no artificial flavoring. This is important to me because I’m sensitive to MSG (it gives me headaches), and I prefer to avoid foods with a lot of preservatives and flavorings, anyway.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqj8a-food_chibaWed, 08 Jan 2020 13:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqj8a-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lgO-living_sustainablelife_japan2020_chibaEvery day, the media is filled with stories about climate change, proliferation of plastic in the environment, issues about energy consumption. I’ve been looking hard community and individual responses to the Zero Waste movement.In my city in Chiba Prefecture, there are strict regulations for garbage both plastic and burnable, and dozens of categories of recycling. But it’s nothing as rigorous as Kamikatsu. This Tokushima Prefecture town, which resolved to become a zero waste zone by 2020, is eliminating incineration and landfills. By 2016, the town achieved a recycling rate of 81%. I’d love a bit of help from community to go Zero Waste, like Kamikatsu. But in general, Japan is pretty far behind on the Zero Waste push, so I’m taking action individually, finding ways to reduce household waste and energy consumption, and at the same time, experience cost savings. Here are my tested tips for taking steps towards a Zero Waste and more economical home life.Less Consumption, Less WasteOne of the ways I’ve reduced waste and saved costs is by buying less and selecting household goods that don't produce more waste. For example, the best vacuum cleaner I’ve ever had is this Twinbird upright with an integral filter. When the catcher gets full, it’s wash the cloth filter.My coffee dripper needs no filter and I've gotten years of use out of it. From a heaping tablespoon of ground coffee, I get two flavorful cups of coffee. There are dozens of varieties of these coffee drippers available on Amazon like thisVietnamese style coffee dripper.A no-filter coffee dripperCheap and CleanWhen it comes to cleaning, there are convenient products available at the 100 yen stores, but do I need them? I no longer buy floor wipes, paper towels, or cleaning products in plastic bottles. Instead, I use the ubiquitous damp zokin cotton cleaning cloths on furniture, windows, and floors with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to make everything smell fresh. Cleaners and air fresheners are another way to reduce costs, protect your health, and save money. Most of my cleaning is done with dish washing liquid. Commercial air fresheners are full of chemicals the names of which I can’t pronounce, and they’re costly. So, for cleaner and air freshener, I refilled a used plastic spray bottle with a few tablespoons of vodka, essential oil, and baking soda. The scent is more appealing than the store bought stuff.Rags put to work with homemade cleaner in a recycled spray bottleI gave up on melamine sponges, which are apparently non-toxic, but also not biodegradable. For tough stuff, I use cloth rags, baking soda, salt, and elbow grease. For disinfectant, I use alcohol. To keep kitchen sink drain fresh, I alternately put citrus peels and 10 yen coins. Citrus peel oil is a natural solvent, and 10 yen coins, which are 95% copper, are antimicrobial. Less Plastic, Yen SavedIt’s easy to eliminate plastic bags from your routine, a little harder to eliminate plastic packaging. These days, I always have a furoshiki and bandana-sized carrying cloths in my bag ready for supermarket trips. Gradually, I’ve become more aware of restricting my purchases to items on the supermarket edges – fruits, veggies, and meat – that are “naked” or have lighter packaging. Some plastic wrapped items are unavoidable, so I strip off the packaging and put them in my own bags. The deli section is another place to reduce plastic consumption. The deli sections of most supermarkets have paper packets to put purchases in instead of plastic packs. I also refuse plastic bags at retail shops, usually wrapping my purchases in a furoshiki. PET plastic bottles are ubiquitous in Japan, but it’s wasteful and resource-consuming to recycle them. I started getting drink concentrates, and save aluminum screw top cans (rescued from the recycling bin at work) to carry the drinks in my bag. A drink concentrate can yield 15 servings. That’s 14 plastic bottles and about 2000 yen saved.Drink concentrate and two metal bottles wrapped in furoshiki ready to goSome plastic is unavoidable, such as bread and zip top bags for dry products, but this has become another way I’ve eliminated plastic and saved money. I haven’t bought plastic wrap or zip top bags in years, and use the bags to store items in my fridge.Another way to eliminate plastic packaging is to head to specialty shops. Many bakeries sell items “naked”. They can be packed home in your own paper or cloth wrapper. Rice shops sell their rice in reusable paper bags. If you’re a tofu fan, and have a tofu shop in your area, bring your own plastic box to carry your purchase home.Reducing the amount of plastic coming into my home results in another tiny cost saving, too. Municipal garbage bags for plastic waste are provided free to households, but in limited amounts. If you run out, you have to pay for more, and the fee is surprisingly high. I don't want to pay more to dispose of plastic stuff I don't want.Lower Energy Use Equals SavingsDid you know that over half of Japanese households reuse their bath water? It’s easy to port bath water over to the clothes washer. I also slosh bath water on the veranda to keep dust down. If you’re very particular, you can even substitute buckets of bathwater for a toilet flush or three. Depending on your city’s water metering, you might notice a reduction in your water bill if you are thrifty.Gas consumption is another chance to cut down and save money. For example, some foods don’t need to have a flame under them the whole time. I hard boil eggs by putting the eggs in the pot, covering with water, and boiling them for just one minute. I turn off the gas and leave the eggs in the hot water. I get perfectly hard boiled every time.Pasta, too, doesn’t need the heat on the whole cooking time. Boil the water, add the pasta, put the lid on, and turn the heat off. To keep the heat, take the pot off the stove and wrap it in a towel. Stir it now and again, and at the prescribed cooking time on the package, check to see if it’s al dente.Another consideration is how much electricity you use, and there are ways to reduce your usage. Unplug electrical items when you’re not using them. Vampire power, the loss of electricity through cords and devices on standby, can add yen to your electrical bill. Plug your modem, computer, TV, game console, and mobile devices on a power strip, and unplug the power strip when you go out.The power saving button on the aircon remote controlYou can see energy savings through smart management of your air con. First, make sure it’s clean, and you’ll get more efficient use out of it. You can keep the aircon from running too hard by timing your use. When you anticipate a big temperature change over the course of the day, start the aircon early rather than waiting for the room to heat up or cool off. You can save power by getting to know the buttons on your aircon unit. Use the power save function on your aircon, labeled as 省エネ shou ene or 省パワー shou pawaa.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lgO-living_sustainablelife_japan2020_chibaMon, 06 Jan 2020 10:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lgO-living_sustainablelife_japan2020_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdRlE-living_health_chibaImage by ChonchoroOn my arrival in Japan, my landlady asked me if I wanted to have a bed or futon. I jumped at the chance of learning about the Japanese lifestyle, and said yes to the futon option. It’s become my preferred way to sleep. I feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep on a firm futon.Futon BasicsMost futons marketed abroad are nothing like a Japanese futon. In North America, futon beds are thick, heavy mattresses on frames, often styled as sofas. They can be lumpy in the middle from the sofa frame. Japanese shikibuton, the bottom mattress, and kakebuton, a comforter are placed directly on the floor or tatami. Quality futon are filled with cotton batting. The firmness of the futon supports my back well. Pillows, called makura in Japan, are filled with cotton, down, synthetic fiber, buckwheat and even plastic pipe. After some experimentation, I found I like the plastic pipe-filled version. Like a buckwheat pillow, it took a little getting used to as it rustles. However, the fill conforms to the shape of my head, and supports my neck and upper back alignment. It doesn’t hold heat, so I find it the most comfortable. On top of that, it is easier on my complexion, as I rest my head not my face on the pillow, which might help me keep wrinkles at bay.Futon CareBecause a futon is light, it’s a cinch to put it out on sunny days once a week. Every night it gets compressed, but when it’s warmed in the sun for a few hours, it recovers its loft and smells fresh. The sun exposure kills bacteria, too. Some people beat their futons, but I simply vacuum them on both sides after sun-drying them. They never smell musty.Futon and HealthStudies indicate that mattresses are populated by dust mites and loaded with dust, and research suggests you ought to leave the covers off the bed so the bugs don’t have a party in the moist conditions you provide them. Futons are easy to air out, so they may not gather as much dust or hold as much moisture as mattresses as long as you’re diligent about care. When it’s gloomy outside, I throw the futon over a rail or the back of the sofa to dry. One thing to consider is that, because the futon is on the floor, you’re closer to the accumulation of the day’s dust lying there. So sleeping on a futon is a motivator for cleaning. I vacuum and swipe the floors a few times a week so that I’m not inhaling that detritus.I find that the firm futon supports my neck properly and I rarely suffer back pain. As long as I air my futons regularly, they keep their loft, and there is no dip in the middle to fall into like old mattresses get. In summer, I use a cool quilted pad that creates air space that keeps me dry. The plastic pipe pillow is also cool. Drier conditions let me sleep better.In winter, I heap a few extra blankets over the kakebuton. Some studies indicate that weighted blankets can provide a more restful sleep and even relieve anxiety. I find that heavy blankets feel like a warm hug and I sleep like a log.The portability of the futons has other health benefits, too. I can move my futon seasonally to take advantage of warmer or cooler rooms and air conditioning for better sleeping conditions. And the biggest benefit of having a couple futon sets when you share your space with a partner is, you can either set them snugly together, or retreat to opposite ends of the house if one, or both of you, have different sleep needs. Or one or both of you snores…To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdRlE-living_health_chibaSat, 04 Jan 2020 09:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdRlE-living_health_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YJE-food_chibaMy local supermarket recently started carrying Kizakura craft beer made by a sake brewer in Kyoto. Kizakura was on of the first craft beer brewers in Japan.Lucky Cat is from their lucky animal series. It’s got a distinct aroma of yuzu citrus and an aromatic bite from sansho pepper. I quite liked the tangy flavor and hoppy white ale.Apparently there is also a Lucky Mouse from this brewery. I didn’t see it at my supermarket. Maybe it’s on its way or was sold out. I’ll look out for the mouse next shopping trip.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YJE-food_chibaFri, 03 Jan 2020 16:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YJE-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5gL-food_chibaMy first beer of the new year is Asahi Super Dry 舞冷辛口, which is evocative of bitter cold winter. It's actually pretty mild and dry, and goes down easy. Maybe it's more suitable for drinking on a hot summer day. But I enjoyed it while gazing out the window on blue skies and sunshine here in the Tokyo area. Not a bad start of the year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5gL-food_chibaWed, 01 Jan 2020 17:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5gL-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9mX-living_food_shopping_japan2020_hachijojima_tokyoWhen bitterly cold winter winds blow in northern Chiba Prefecture where I live, I long for somewhere warm to which I can escape. Maybe somewhere sunny and tropical, with flowers and beaches? Even better, somewhere close to home. There is just such a place – the sub-tropical Izu Islands within an hour flight of Tokyo.Spectacular Hachijojima viewsThe Izu Islands stretching 300 kilometers south of the capital are administered by Tokyo prefecture, caressed by southern winds and currents, and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. My favorite island getaway in the colder months is Hachijojima in the chain, with its unique culture and warm breezes.Hachijojima has been inhabited since the Jomon Period, but the biggest wave of human settlement was after the Battle of Sekigahara when defeated daimyo, and later petty criminals, were exiled to the island. To their credit, the people who settled there didn’t discriminate between descendants, and a strong community grew. It has become a location to enjoy delicious local cuisine, vibrant local culture, and relaxing onsen retreats.Here are my top tips for enjoying the beauty and culture of Hachijojima.Get AroundHachijojima’s shape is often likened to a hyotan, or calabash gourd, and is a little less than 15 kilometers from north to south, and at its narrowest, 8 kilometers across. On the north end is a volcano, Hachijo Fuji, the highest peak in the Izu Islands chain. On the southern end is Higashiyama, another volcano. It’s easy to explore the whole island in a day or two. However, the ferry access is foot passengers only, so visitors depend on island transport. Visitors have a few choices for getting around. Perhaps the most convenient way is by rental car, and there are many car rental agencies and taxi companies. For leisurely travelers who prefer not to drive, there is a bus route that reaches most places of interest. The bus company has recommended itineraries, too, to help visitors plan their trips.Electric assist bicycleMy preferred way of getting around is by bicycle. Many accommodations and car rental companies on the island provide bicycle rentals. Alternatively, bring your own bicycle on the ferry. On my recent visit, I rented an electric assist bicycle at my accommodation which got me up steep slopes. The benefit of cycling is you can take your time at various spots, enjoy the fragrance of the lush vegetation, and feel the breezes. The landscape of Hachijojima is mountainous and can be a bit challenging, but the views can be breathtaking.EatWhether you drive, bus or cycle around the island, you’ll work up an appetite, and the food at Hachijojima izakayas, cafes and hotel restaurants will satisfy and surprise you with the variety, beautiful presentation, and flavor. You’ll encounter local cuisine and produce that is famous in the islands. Ashitaba tempuraPerhaps the most famous produce of the Izu Islands is the vegetable ashitaba, “tomorrow’s leaf”, which is endemic to the Izu Islands. Ashitaba earns its name from its prodigious growth. The plant, which is related to carrots, grows surprisingly fast. If you cut the leaves in the morning, by the next day, new shoots sprout up. It’s a feathery leaf with a subtle taste that is at once both slightly bitter and is reminiscent of celery. It’s refreshing. There is a bewildering variety of presentations of ashitaba. You can try ashitaba tempura and tea, ashitaba flavored salt and soft serve ice cream, and ashitaba canned drinks.Of course, Hachijojima is an ideal place to enjoy the bounty of the sea. Many restaurants serve shima zushi, a variety of sushi marinated in soy sauce. It’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh catches. But there is another infamous fish dish that can grow on you. Kusaya, a kind of salt preserved fish, originates in the Izu Islands and is commonly served in restaurants and homes on the island. It’s noted for its pungent smell which can drive people out of the house with its stink, but it has a mellow flavor. I took the plunge and had ashitaba and kusaya with my dinner one evening. The complex flavors overcame my aversion to the smell. Fish roe, ashitaba-kusaya, and shimazushi with a slice of local citrusRelaxHachijojima has an abundance of relaxing places, from cozy guest houses, elegant hotels, and wild onsens. On my bike rides I stopped off at various wild and cultivated hot spring locations. One stunning location is the footbath, free to use, at the bottom of a bluff, Kirameki Foot Bath. After a long bike ride, this footbath is a great place to rest your legs in healing water and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. Kirameki Foot BathIf the foot bath tempts you to soak your whole self, there are three options nearby. Just above Kirameki Foot bath are proper hot spring retreats The Boon Yasuragi Hot Spring. A bit further up the hillside is Uramigataki Waterfall and an open air hot spring free of charge. Bring a bathing suit as this is not a domesticated hot spring. This tiny bath, down a flight of steps below a spectacular waterfall, overlooks a ravine with lush vegetation. It’s no less pleasant than the others that require admission fees.Further south down a winding, hilly road is Miharashi Yu. This hot spring spa has exceptionally mineral laden water and spectacular views of the steep cliffs of the island and ocean views. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of whales and dolphins feeding off shore.SeeHachijojima got its name from its most elegant product, kihachijo, a woven silk textile. This fabric production, designated by the national government as an important traditional craft, is made of silk colored with dyes derived from plants that are indigenous to the island. The black comes from beech trees, the yellow from kobunagusa grass, and the orange from laurel. The craftspeople hand dye, spin, and weave the fabrics in a laborious process that results in richly colored check patterns that have a slight sheen. In the past, the islanders sent the fabric as tribute to the government, since the island produces little rice that was historically used as currency. At the Kihachijo Meyu Workshop, visitors can watch the craftspeople at their looms weaving the sturdy textiles. The workshop sells finished goods such as neckties and wallets at affordable prices besides luxurious bolts of the fabric and finished obi. The fabric is durable and washable, and as it ages, the colors become richer. Kihachijo Meyu WorkshopNearby is the Hattori Yashiki, a heritage house and café that was originally the home of the Hattori family that controlled the ships that served the island and the shogunate. Although it doesn’t look like much, it’s worth a visit to see the Kashitate dance and taiko drum performance on the tiny stage. Dancers dressed in kihachijo kimono perform the folk dance, and the Hachijojima drum style is distinctive. One drummer beats out a rhythm on one side of the drum, and the other improvises. This may be the only opportunity to hear the Hachijojima dialect, an endangered language, in the songs performed on this tiny stage. Kihachji kimono clad women performing Hachijojima’s distinctive taiko drummingThere is a lot more to see and do on Hachijojima, and the Tokyo Islands website has advice about sights, activities, accommodation, and transportation.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9mX-living_food_shopping_japan2020_hachijojima_tokyoTue, 31 Dec 2019 06:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9mX-living_food_shopping_japan2020_hachijojima_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY87-living_nagareyama_shi_chibaA few weeks ago, I told you about a synthetic outdoor ice skating rink in Chiba City. The rink is open until March.On my shopping trip through Nagareyama City, I spotted another outdoor skating rink.This one at Nagareyama Ootakanomori Shopping Center is only on until January 6th.Unlike the Chiba City rink, this one is a real ice surface. And the setting is gorgeous with the long avenues of trees bedecked with lights.Here are the details about admission and hours.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY87-living_nagareyama_shi_chibaMon, 30 Dec 2019 19:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY87-living_nagareyama_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXr9Q-living_japan2020_chibaHigashi KatsushikaVisitors and new residents in Japan may not be aware that in 2005, many cities, towns and districts in Japan merged, and place names disappeared or altered. One such former district, Higashi Katsushika, covered much of the north-western part of Chiba Prefecture. For residents of the Kanto area who want to get away from the crowds as visitors pour in for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this former district is a respite from heat and crowds where you can see places of historical and cultural interest. Here are four of the cities in the region.Matsudo CityMatsudo City is the first city you encounter when you travel east outside Tokyo on the Joban line. The city boasts a number of modern and historical sights. In the center of the city, you will see many murals, some in tile, and others appearing more like graffiti art. These are the fruits of Paradise Air, a program that brings artists from around the world to work in the city’s studio and share their work with the city.Spot Matsudo’s muralsBesides this modern street vibe, Matsudo City preserves Tojo-tei, the mansion of would-be shogun Tokugawa Akitake. After the Meiji Restoration, Akitake was out of a job, and settled on creating this elegant house with its hybrid English and Japanese garden for his family. The architecture, dating from the 1880s, displays the best craftsmanship of the era.The city also has two locations that reveal a prosperous and dynamic time in Japanese history, the Showa Period. Near Higashi-Matsudo Station is Showa no Mori Museum, privately owned, and crammed with all kinds of vehicles from trains to planes to cars that date from the Showa Period. Also in the museum are household items that show how people lived in this period. Tojo-Tei refinementKashiwa CityThe vibrant city center of Kashiwa City, centered around Kashiwa Station on the Joban train line, belies its natural and historical treasures. To start your visit, drop by Kamon, the Kashiwa Information Center. Kamon is a play on words, meaning both the gate to Kashiwa, and “Come on!” Here you can learn about Urakashi, the back streets of Kashiwa’s city center with its many retail shops, izakaya, and cafes. The density of the shops means you can taste or imbibe a little here and there. Every year, Kashiwa’s eateries host an event every September called “Yuruberuto”, meaning loosen your belt. Buy a pack of tickets at Kamon, and cruise around the town enjoying tasters of cuisine at the participating eateries.But I told you there is nature and history here that are seldom crowded. Beat the summer heat by renting a bicycle and tour around Teganuma, one of the Kanto region’s largest bodies of fresh water lying between Kashiwa and neighboring Abiko City. It’s got kilometers of cycling and walking paths that lead visitors to Shonan Michi no Eki for fresh local produce, fruit farms where you can pick your own, and prime bird watching. Teganuma’s wide open spacesFurther north is Akebonoyama Farm Park overlooking the Tone River. In every season, the park puts on a massive display of flowers in the fields surrounding a windmill. Nearby is Nihon Teien, an elegant tea garden with ponds full of koi and carp. Akebonoyama has a grove of ancient cherry trees that are celebrated with parties and food stalls.The highlight of the area is Fuse Benten, one of the Kanto regions three famous Benzaiten temples. This one, said to have been founded by Kukai over 1200 years ago, has elaborate decorations and carvings that evoke the flow and flowers with which the goddess Benzaiten is associated. Fuse Benten adornmentNagareyama CityThis city has been booming since the opening of the Tsukuba Express train which carries commuters from Akihabara to Tsukuba, and has a few stops in Nagareyama. Around the stations of the Tsukuba Express, the landscape is thoroughly modern with glass and concrete buildings dominating. But the old town is centered around Nagareyama Station on the Ryutetsu Line. This train line is a throwback to the old days. You won’t find automated ticket gates on the line. Riders buy paper tickets for the line that stops at each station, starting at Koya Station. The train departures are announced by bells rather than jingles as are common on many train lines in the greater Tokyo area. You’ll also hear the conductors call out to passengers. Hop on, enjoy the vintage train cars, and at your destination, hand your ticket to the station attendant. On one visit, I noticed how the train staff go out of their way to serve the riders. An elderly man dashed to the station, called out to ask the conductor to wait, and the driver nodded and delayed the train. Train staff pull out the Na no Hana train cars and park them in front of Machimin, the rest station and visitor information center attached to Nagareyama Station, right in front of the round window so that visitors can take photos. It’s an intimate experience riding this well-loved train line. Ryutetsu view from MachiminWhen you get off at Nagareyama Station, walk west where you will find Honcho, the old town center. Along the streets of Honcho are kirie andon, lanterns decorated with cut paper scenes of Nagareyama heritage and commerce. Many of these lanterns are in front of heritage buildings that house shops. You’ll also find some restaurants and cafes, too. It’s easy to find your way as there are many street signs in English and Japanese directing visitors to places of interest. At the southern end of the walk is Issa Soju Memorial Hall, the tea house and karasansui dry landscape garden on which haiku poet Kobayashi Issa gazed on with his friend, a mirin brewer. Visitors can compose haiku and enjoy a cup of tea and sweets while appreciating seasonal displays and the elegant tea rooms. Shinsengumi heritageAcross the street from Issa Soju Memorial Hall is another of the city’s heritage spots, Mori no Atelier Reimei. This home was the studio of the painter Sasaoka Ryoichi, and donated by his family to the city. Today, it is a gallery for local exhibits, and facing the lush garden is a café that serves tea and light meals. Noda City“Soy Sauce City”, home to the Kikkoman Corporation, is a great leisure destination for travelers who want to see natural beauty and antique architecture. Near Nodashi Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line is the Noda City Museum. The museum admission is free, and any time of year you may find exhibits of the city’s antique objects such as shrine statuary and swords, or handicrafts made by local artists. Also at the museum is the former Mogi Residence, an elegant house built in 1924 by a soy sauce merchant family. The house has become a popular backdrop for cosplayers since it was featured in television commercials. The garden with its karasansui dry landscape garden, huge stone lantern, mature trees, and tea house are photogenic. The garden at the old Mogi HouseFurther up the train line is Shimizu Park. The park is a delight year round. At Konjoin Temple, the center of the park, visitors can participate in the gomataki fire ritual held monthly. From February to May, the surrounding park has a succession of spectacular blooms, starting with the fragrant plum grove, then cherry blossoms near the temple gate, and finally with a profusion of azalea blossoms covering the hillsides. Field Athletics courseThis is a great spot in autumn, too, with spidery higanbana, the heady perfume of giant kinmokusei olive trees, and a spectacular display of maples. The park has something for everyone. The largest field athletics course in Japan has easy obstacles for small children, rope bridges and a flying squirrel over the pond to challenge agility. Nearby are a petting zoo, pony rides, water park, and Flower Fantasia botanical garden.In autumn 2020, Kikkoman Factory Museum will reopen. In the self-guided tour of the museum, labeled in English and Japanese, you can see, smell, and even touch the process of soy sauce making. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXr9Q-living_japan2020_chibaThu, 26 Dec 2019 17:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXr9Q-living_japan2020_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1Qv-food_chibaThis week at the convenience store I spotted these canned chuhai drinks from Kirin Hyoketsu labeled Red and White.Kohaku, red and white celebratory colors are expressed in fruit blends. The red was a lot like fruit punch, sweet, tart, and fizzy.The white version is milky due to its yoghurt flavoring, which I initially didn’t find appealing. But it is smooth, light and refreshing.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1Qv-food_chibaSat, 21 Dec 2019 10:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1Qv-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdREO-living_food_shopping_tea_chibaA tea ceremony bowl I use every dayYou don’t have to go to Shizuoka Prefecture to enjoy the soothing and warming qualities of green tea. You can get quality tea from the prefecture at supermarkets and neighborhood shops all over Japan. And you don’t need perfect tea ceremony technique to enjoy the ritual of tea. Brewing and sipping green tea is a daily custom in Japan. It’s served to welcome guests in business and at home, and provides a relaxing way to take a break with company, or quietly by yourself. お徳用緑茶　Otokuyou RyokuchaAs the packaging states, this tea is grown in Shizuoka Prefecture with great pride, but with no fertilizer and pesticides. The tea growers achieve this by enriching the good soil of Shizuoka tea gardens with enzymes which help native microorganisms break down organic matter, and suppress bad bacteria which might harm the tea trees. The result is, no toxins are used to ward off disease, and no fertilizer runoff to damage the water sources of Shizuoka Prefecture. This environmentally-friendly way of growing tea results in a delicious product. This particular choice of tea is marketed as お徳用緑茶 otokuyo ryokucha, or good value tea in bags, enough for daily consumption for a month. Delicious ryokucha, a common form of green tea, doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This bag came in under 200 yen at a local supermarket.Ryokucha is one of the many varieties of tea produced and consumed in Japan. This tea is processed immediately after harvest. In this state, the tea retains a lot of tannins, which gives the tea an astringent quality. Depending on the growing conditions and processing, different types of ryokucha result. One common form of ryokucha, sencha, is composed of the leaves of tea trees that have been grown in full sunlight. Another form, gyokuro, is harvested from the same kind of tea tree as sencha, but the trees are grown in shady conditions. Gyokuro has less of the bitter-tasting tannin and has enhanced flavor. Quality matcha, used in tea ceremony and in the preparation of various foods, is also grown in shady conditions, then steamed, dried, and powdered. This particular tea is packaged in bags, which is convenient for daily consumption. I prefer to brew tea from tea leaves in my own tea pots, savoring the relaxing ritual of tea brewing. However, this time, I chose the tea bag version of ryokucha in order to share it with friends from abroad who may be unfamiliar with Japanese green tea. Maybe they will get hooked on tea, and next time they visit, I’ll get them curious about the slower version, loose tea.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdREO-living_food_shopping_tea_chibaThu, 12 Dec 2019 17:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MdREO-living_food_shopping_tea_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK1Ek-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaKashiwa City in Chiba Prefecture was my home for a while, and I worked there, too, for a few years.When I was there, I did a few afternoons volunteering for the Kashiwa Information Center. It was nostalgic for me, as I worked in tourism information when I was a teenager in Canada.Recently, the center has rebranded as かもん, kamon, suggesting the idea of a gateway to Kashiwa’s sights and services. It’s a pun on “Come on”, too. Clever!When you visit, you might be served by resident foreigners who speak various languages. And the center invites people to learn about and help out visitors and residents.Does you town or city have non-Japanese volunteers? Have you volunteered for community efforts like this? How was it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK1Ek-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaWed, 11 Dec 2019 17:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK1Ek-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VDO-food_chibaSapporo produced a limited edition beer released to only 21,000 sake shops and convenience stores in Japan. This is Takkomachi premium beer made from award-winning hops grown by Tanuma Yoshiyuki in Aomori Prefecture.The beer is delightfully hoppy, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. I quite enjoyed it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VDO-food_chibaSun, 08 Dec 2019 19:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VDO-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7ZV-living_chiba_shi_chibaPassing through Chiba City’s plaza, I spotted this curious sight. Ice skaters on a wide outdoor rink. How could this be, as it is not cold enough for ice?The rink is part of a city project called Yorumachi, providing outdoor activities and events. From November until March 22nd next year, the city center will host this artificial ice rink. The rink surface is made of tightly fitted tiles made of a smooth composite material which is perfect for ice skating.The rink attendant told me that this surface is used by pro skaters, too.In the evening the rink has dramatic lighting and music. During the day, cute kids wobble around it.It looks like a great spot for dates and family outings.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7ZV-living_chiba_shi_chibaFri, 06 Dec 2019 11:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7ZV-living_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnmjq-living_familylife_chibaIrises symbolize faith and hope in the western language of flowers Image Rick LightelmTwenty years ago, I had finished my first sojourn in Japan and had savings. After a first taste of life abroad as an ALT on the JET Program, I imagined I could go anywhere, and the place that pulled me was the U.K., my father's home country. I packed up, flew to Glasgow, reconnected with relatives, and began to explore the city and investigate employment options. While there, I corresponded with my relatives in Canada, my home country, by email. Messages were encouraging, and I felt excited at the prospect of perhaps digging in and starting a new life in Scotland. A few weeks in, my family members mentioned that my grandmother was feeling poorly. And a week later, that she was very sick. Finally, a message came – my grandmother was scheduled for cancer treatment. I packed up everything, said thank you and goodbye to my Scottish relations, and rushed home to make it in time to see her recover. To be closer to my family and friends, I fit right back into my Canadian life, and let the U.K. life plan go. A few years later, Japan began to pull me again, and I returned to work in the Tokyo area. My grandmother was my biggest supporter. Phone calls and correspondence by letter were our means of communication. She always encouraged me to have the best life I could, even thousands of kilometers away. This autumn, the grandmother’s cancer returned with a vengeance. The school that I work at had just started the second academic term. I could not go home. But this time, unlike the first time 20 years ago, before social media and VOIP calls were available, I could instantly connect with family back home,so I could follow her situation. One precious moment was talking with my grandmother about everyday things, as she continued her daily routine even as disease ravaged her body. Eventually, she was too incapacitated to talk. The inevitable came. And I had to grieve from afar. Some valuable messages I got from friends and colleagues stay with me, and comfort me while I grieve long distance. One told me, “We have no expectations”. It’s your thing, and you do it the way you do. Another said, “No matter that you’re an adult, and the distance in time is very great, there will be times when you think, I miss my late father, mother or grandparent. Just remember what they told you.”In my 20 years here I’ve lost family members, friends, and former colleagues from my old life in Canada. The first shock, in the early years here, was hard – a buddy in Canada, younger than I, died in an accident. I found I could comfort myself by doing what we always did together, riding bicycles. I went on long rides, sometimes crying, but often smiling at good memories of rides we had together.There are many ways to express grief. In my native Canada, when my Scottish grandparents’ ashes were returned to Scotland, I had no place to remember them. So I went to my city’s cemetery and adopted the grave of a family that never had flowers. Someone, somewhere, just like me, so I offered flowers in their stead. Here in Japan, I found serene temples and shrines where I could sit with my memories, and say thank you.If you want to talk, there are some free and fee-based counseling resources in Japan and beyond. Tokyo English Life Line is a free service. If you are close by, in person counseling is also available for a fee. These days, counseling is available online for reasonable rates. There is no prescription or timeline for grieving. Don't be afraid to talk and don't be hard on yourself how you do it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnmjq-living_familylife_chibaFri, 06 Dec 2019 10:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnmjq-living_familylife_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoNo-food_chibaI’m always up for a local flavor, whether it be shochu or beer. This time, on a trip to Kujukurihama beach in Chiba Prefecture, this beer is on offer.The beer is produced by a local sake distillery, Kankiku-Meijo. Among the lineup was this pleasantly sweet stout with little head at all.I’m curious about the other beers they do - IPA, Pilsner, and a koshihikari rice ale. All of the beers are made with the same spring water the brewers use for sake.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoNo-food_chibaWed, 04 Dec 2019 23:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoNo-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rKx-living_workPhoto J3SSL33A lifetime ago, I worked at a Dairy Queen chain shop near Vancouver, Canada. As it was my first full time job, I threw myself at busing tables, kitchen duties, and making ice cream treats. At slow times, I perfected my technique, learning to dip ice cream cones in chocolate and painstakingly measure ingredients to make uniform frozen specialties. One day, my boss told me to slow down because I produced too much and sent me to the break room for time out. I was too efficient for the job description. I felt pointless. Sure, I was being paid minimum wage, but I had energy and worked to my capacity. Eventually, I was assigned to greeting customers and directing them to the order counter because I was cute and friendly.It was hard on my psyche, just being present.NPR's recent episode on the fascinating program Hidden Brain is titledBS Jobs: How Meaningless Work Wears Us Down. The episode really got me thinking about how we work in Japan. Japan is terribly bureaucratic and appears to have so many pointless jobs.Why are there apparently pointless jobs and work in Japan?I've encountered so many people in pointless jobs in Japan. For example, elevator attendants, an endangered species in Japan that still has a foothold in some department stores. The elevator operator, invariably female, wears a stylish uniform with gloves and hat, greets customers, bows with great elegance, and pushes buttons. Some time ago, the job was an opportunity for women to enter the workforce when their opportunities were limited, and their labor undervalued.One other pointless job I have observed is the "standing and holding a sign" workers. In my neighborhood, I see hapless people, usually men, who are likely paid minimum wage to sit on cheap folding chairs at intersections, holding real estate signs indicating open houses. I get the rationale. They are staffing a sign so that customers know that the real estate agents are open for business.A mind-numbing job I noticed was a guy in a security guard outfit standing in front of a large sign indicating that a railway crossing was closed. He was there to bow and direct people away from the defunct crossing. That's all he did for a month. He was there to make people feel secure, and to provide information if requested. It's also a way to put a human face on an impersonal organization.Hidden Brain describes two points I think are relevant to Japan's work style. Many of us are part of organizations that resemble feudal systems in which employing retainers boosts the status of the kingpin, a leader who needs to look like he's in charge of a large force. All these workers need something to do, so paperwork and administration proliferates. It's madness, as paperwork begets more paperwork, and keeps citizens at city offices and businesses madly busy filling out forms.One city in Japan found a way to use the paperwork madness as a way to help people express affection. Nagareyama City hall provides an amusing service, issuing a certificate of koi todoke, a declaration of love, to the recipient of your choice. Make an office droid smile and the object of your affections swoon with paperwork!So look at what you do this way - you're making somebody above you look good, and you're keeping people below you busy. And perhaps putting a smile on someone's face.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rKx-living_workTue, 03 Dec 2019 12:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rKx-living_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3r2-food_chibaI've told you about Calbee potato chips that capture the flavors of the 47 prefectures of Japan. This week, my local convenience store stocked a tribute to Utsuonomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture fried gyoza flavors. These chips have a good zing, and a meaty flavor that recall juicy gyoza dumplings.Keep your eyes peeled for the 47 prefecture flavors. There are some good surprises among them.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3r2-food_chibaSun, 01 Dec 2019 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3r2-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqPE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaA serene Buddhist statue with a halo of flaming treesAutumn has got to be my favorite season in Japan for the amazing variety of Japanese maple trees, acer palmatum, commonly called momiji and kaede in Japanese.In my grandmother's garden near Vancouver, Canada, stood a tiny weeping Japanese maple with feathery leaves. We could observe it from the living room window and watch as it slowly turned deep red.In parks and on mountains near my native Vancouver is the only other palmatum maple variety in the world, the vine maple. On autumn walks, it's fun to spot these golden and crimson trees growing under native conifers. The vine maple's territory extends from southern British Columbia down the coast to California.The amazing thing about Japanese maples is that there are 1000 cultivars - some tall, others dwarf, weeping and cascading versions.One of my favorite places to see them at their best is Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in the garden behind Kitain, the famous Tendai founded by the Buddhist sage Ennin.The maples at Kitain, Kawagoe City, SaitamaTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqPE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaFri, 29 Nov 2019 19:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqPE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXqR-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaFor many years, I have marveled at the twin ginkgo and pine trees outside the west exit of Kasukabe Station. They’re known as “the couple trees”, associated with the nearby Akiba Shrine. Most years in November, the ginkgo tree turns a golden color and sheds its gorgeous fan shaped leaves on the pavement.But recently, the trees have been done in by a massive flock of mukudori, raucous and messy starlings that have been driven out of the other station front trees. The poor ginkgo has lost its luster.I looked around for other golden trees in the city, checked the maps, got on my bicycle, and discovered some protected ones at the ancient Kasukabe Hachiman Shrine.This shrine is ancient enough, but it is in fact a tribute to a yet older Hachiman shrine. About 800 years ago Minamoto Yoritomo set up the shogunate in Kamakura City and made it the seat of government. He refurbished an older shrine and temple complex, and made it into Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the centerpiece of the capital and invited Hachiman, the patron god of warriors, to reside there. At that famous shrine, oneither side of the steps leading to the main building, are two massive ginkgo trees that have stood for 1000 years.In that era, a retainer of the Minamoto by the name of Kasukabe so revered Tsurugaoka Hachimangu that he decided to build its likeness, creating Kasukabe Hachiman Shrine. He took branches from the ginkgo trees at Kamakura and planted them in the forecourt of the new shrine. Today, the biggest and oldest tree towers over the approach to the shrine. It’s said to be a “power spot” in modern parlance - a natural feature laden with spiritual power that it confers on visitors.When I visited in mid November, the original tree was just beginning to turn color from chartreuse to gold. The younger ones around were already fully gold. The revered tree is wrapped around with a massive nawa, a rope with paper streamers to show its spiritual status.The shrine is primarily dedicated to Hachiman, the Minamoto clan’s patron god, and protector of warriors. But it also has some other miniature versions of important shrines.Behind the main shrine is a tiny pilgrimage to Kashima, Atago, and Katori Shrines, plus Okunoin. Further on, a little slope leads to a dozen or so more miniature shrines to various Buddhist and Shinto sacred sites. It’s usually quiet and peaceful there, shaded by trees and bamboo.The small stand of bamboo is atmospheric, with the little reed fences and the scattered leaves around. When I see this, I realize the appeal of the tiny pilgrimage route. For the infirm, the old, and the busy who can’t make it to the heritage sites, this little place has all the elements of those big name sites and without the crowds.Next door to Hachimangu is another significant shrine that has elements reminiscent of the more famous pilgrimage destinations. This one is an Inari Shrine complete with a set of stairs and red banners.There is a little park next to the shrines, also well treed and frequented by gate ball players. Around the park are many magnificent houses both old an new, some with quirky architecture. Keep your eye out for the house with the conical roof. On the other side of Kasukabe Station, a short walk away, there are many old kura storehouses that have survived for centuries. It’s a great autumn walk. Bring a camera.If you walk back to Fuji Dori, the station front street on the west side of Kasukabe Station, you can warm up with samples of tea at Otsudzumien, the popular tea shop in the city.How to get there: Get off at Yagisaki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line and walk about 3 minutes north.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXqR-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaTue, 26 Nov 2019 12:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXqR-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME89W-food_chibaRecently some Israeli friends came for a visit. They’re foodies like me, and the know I love cooking. They’re generous people with their time and cultural insight. This time, they brought me the flavors of Israel. The bottle is tahini, sesame paste Israeli style.Now, sesame is frequently used in Japanese cooking. I’ve put tahini in horenso ohitashi, steamed spinach with sesame dressing. It’s also great with mayonnaise and other seasonings as a variant on Japanese cole slaw and in pan fried bean sprouts with canned tuna. This is cheap and filling, and great as a bento box side dish.The other seasoning I’m learning to add to my cooking is za’atar spice mix.This aromatic herb mix is used with meats and vegetables. I’ve been roasting enoki or eringi mushrooms with a drizzle of olive oil and a liberal sprinkling of the spice mix.One of our Japanese friends has also been experimenting. His latest potato salad includes julienned carrots and gobo (burdock root), thinly sliced cucumbers with mayonnaise and za’atar dressing.Anybody hav more ideas on how to sneak these ingredients into washoku?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME89W-food_chibaSun, 24 Nov 2019 12:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME89W-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wekbk-living_food_chibaSometimes on Saturdays I’m so busy doing chores I pick up a bento box lunch at the supermarket. My local Besia had lunch of fish, rice, pickles and sides which was filling enough. It came in this styrofoam container.The bento box container is so light, I thought why not keep it and pack my homemade bento lunch in it? It’s so light, and just the right size fora lunch that suits my appetite. So, I filled it with pickles, fried chicken, roast veggies and mushrooms, and linguine.The box is so sturdy. It has lasted for a week of lunches so far.I still like my classic lady’s lunch box.But it’s heavier and not as easy to pack with its high sides.Next week’s mission is to prepare bento every day. And put old containers to work as often as possible.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wekbk-living_food_chibaSat, 23 Nov 2019 17:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wekbk-living_food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7re-food_chibaIn time for the enthronement of the new emperor, Asahi came out with Royal Limited. It’s a Pilsner type beer that’s made with a higher concentration of barley to enrich the taste. It’s filtered to remove any distractions from the rich flavor and zippy aftertaste.When I first poured it, it had a big head of foam, but settled down. It’s nice and crisp.To the emperor!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7re-food_chibaSat, 23 Nov 2019 12:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7re-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gokpb-living_healthOnna Yu, Kiyonaga Torii, 18th centuryJapan has imported culture from Korea for decades. Go to any Korean barbecue restaurant and you can enjoy authentic dishes with a K-Pop soundtrack. Besides food and music from the neighbors, Japan has adopted aesthetic treatments. The Korean custom of “seshin” has become a common option at onsen baths all over Japan. Called akasuri, grime scrub, in Japanese, this is a whole-body exfoliation that may surprise you at first, but provides amazing benefits for skin and body health.The first time I tried akasuri it was out of curiosity after hearing coworkers talk about their weekend onsen trip, and I had little idea how it would feel during and after. At a local super sento, I reserved a 30 minute session. The receptionist told me to rinse myself off well, and soak for about 30 minutes before the treatment. I warmed up nicely and relaxed, unaware of the thorough scraping I was about to experience.The akasuri practitioner was a middle-aged Korean lady with a strong accent, dressed in a black tank top and shorts. She had me stretch out on the waterproof massage treatment table and told me if anything was too uncomfortable to say so.Like most akasuri treatments, the session began with a good dousing with buckets of very hot water. The heat was relieved by an essential-oil enfused cool towel over my face. The akasuri lady explained that she would use a type of sponge referred to as “Italy towel”, nylon pads or gloves that look a bit like pot scrubbers.The scrubbers, laden with soap, were applied to me vigorously. And thoroughly. All those nooks and crannies that take effort to reach - ankles, toes, shoulders, and the middle of your back - get attention. The pads are applied with force, so it can sting a bit at first. I found that a few minutes in and I wasn’t uncomfortable.Every bit of you will get thoroughly scoured. Underarms, groin, your bottom, and your chest will receive the same level of care as heels, knees and elbows. All that scrubbing over 30 minutes results in snow drifts of sloughed off skin piling around you. My akasuri lady likes to gather handfuls to show me what a good job she’s doing.When the exfoliation was done, the akasuri practitioner followed it with a strong kneading of muscles with oil. Some options may include seaweed infusions, aromatherapy oils, shampoo and head massage, or even a short facial course. In that first session, I simply enjoyed a basic course. When the treatment was over, I was directed to drink lots of water, and not use soap before going back into the baths in order to keep oils on my skin.My skin glowed. My arms and legs were baby soft and smooth. There was even an iridescent sheen from the layer of new skin revealed by sloughing off the old. Besides these immediate effects, there was another lasting benefit from the akasuri - the mild acne I suffered on my chest and back disappeared for the next few weeks.Akasuri treatments require a 30 minute soak and about 30-40 minutes for the scrub, so reserve in advance. The prices vary, but you can expect to pay between ¥3000-5000 depending on the options you select. Proponents of the treatment say you can do it once a week, but I find once a month at the spa, and at home by myself, is adequate to keep my skin looking good.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gokpb-living_healthSat, 16 Nov 2019 11:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gokpb-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9Zn-living_shoppingI told you about how I use Japanese carrying cloths, furoshiki, every day. I carry my recycling, shopping, and bento box in these elegant and flexible packages. There are many ingenious ways to tie them, and I’m always experimenting.On a shopping trip in Tokyo, I visited a furoshiki shop at Shinagawa Station. The shop carries furoshiki slings, nylon straps with D rings on either end.Why would I want a strap to carry my stuff in a furoshiki when I can tie them? Well, as soon as I laid out my cloth, I realized the strap expands the capacity.It’s easy to carry on my shoulder or as a cross body bag.I’m going to try some more furoshiki shapes with the sling and knots.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9Zn-living_shoppingThu, 14 Nov 2019 12:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO9Zn-living_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoRy-living_tea_shizuokaIn the Kamakura Period, a Buddhist monk who had sought insight in China brought home to Japan not only hundreds of volumes of Buddhist scripture, but also a habit. This astute monk, while learning about Buddhism in China, savored the tea served in monasteries. On his return to Japan, he brought camellia sinensis, tea. Tea is grown in various parts of Japan, but the environment of the Ito Peninsula with its volcanic soil and suitable climate was an ideal place to grow tea. Over centuries, tea became a major product of what is now known as Shizuoka Prefecture. Today, Shizuoka Prefecture produces 40 percent of Japan’s green tea.Shizuoka genmaicha and powdered green teaTea has always been a slow, social experience. Shizuoka green tea, slowly and mindfully prepared and enjoyed with company, is a way to connect with its rich history and culture.My favorite tea setThere are many ways to prepare tea at home. Forgo the bottled vending machine tea, and take your time to brew and appreciate the complex flavors of Shizuoka green tea.Classic tea brewingShizuoka green tea varieties are ideal for brewing in this classic tea method. To make perfect cups of tea for you and your guests, pour hot water into the number of tea cups you require. This method means you have a measure of just the right amount of hot water and you have two warm tea cups.Higher grade teas are best prepared with a warmer temperature of 70-80 ° C, middle grade tea is best at about 80 ° C. For bancha, hojicha, and genmaicha which can tolerate hotter temperatures, about 90 ° C.Next you want to “open” the tea leaves. Put 6-7 g (1 large spoonful) of tea in your pot. Now, pour the water from the tea cups to the pot. The trick is to add the water slowly when the temperature is low and quickly when it is high. This causes the the leaves to open quickly so that they don’t become bitter. Pour the water from your tea cups into the pot. You’ll see the tea leaves open. Let it steep for about 30 seconds. Finally, pour the tea into the warmed tea cups. Pour alternately, a bit at a time. This will ensure both cups have the same aroma and color. If you drain the tea leaves completely, they won’t get soggy or astringent. You can brew a second round of tea from the same leaves and the tea will be just as delicious as the first round. Mizudashi Sencha Another way to serve Japanese tea, specifically sencha, is cold brew, called mizudashi. To brew tea this way, put a generous amount of tea leaves in a glass container. Shake the container well and put it in the refrigerator for 1 hour or longer. This kind of tea is portable - put it in a container for tea on the go.Ice TeaI like to use powdered green tea for this. Serve this tea in a glass over ice. Put a small amount of tea leaves or a teaspoon of powdered green tea in the tea pot, and pour In a little hot water. When the tea leaves open, pour this strong tea directly over ice ice and mix. Quick-cooled tea is bright green in color and tastes sweet, and it has a wonderful aroma. Like cold brew tea, this tea travels well, too, in a container.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoRy-living_tea_shizuokaWed, 13 Nov 2019 11:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoRy-living_tea_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YQV-living_kawaguchi_shi_saitamaMy neighbors tend bonsai trees that they display in their gardens. They’re gnarled yet delicate things.How do you cultivate such a beauty? I’ve always wondered where to start. I occasionally visit the Omiya Bonsai Museum and the Bonsai Village for inspiration.Saitama Prefecture’s Greenery Promotion Center in Kawaguchi City is hosting a bonsai workshop with English language support.The Bonsai Village has English speaking staff on Mondays. It’s another place to get hooked on bonsai.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YQV-living_kawaguchi_shi_saitamaFri, 08 Nov 2019 09:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YQV-living_kawaguchi_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Wy-living_foodI just wanted a bag of chips. Little did I know it would come with an education in biomass-derived products and packaging.At my neighborhood 7-11, this package of 匠のうすしお, craftsman lightly salted potato chips stood out for the paper packaging.I turned the package over and noticed an interesting message and mark.The exterior of the packaging is printed with “biomass” ink. This is organic material used to print the package, rated at 10.A little investigation of the biomass mark led me to learn about JORA, an organization that certifies the amount of biomass used in manufacturing. JORA certifies products based on the amount of biomass, as opposed to plastics, used in production. My chip package had a measly 10 rating for the ink on the exterior packaging. But some products rate much higher. You can check out the website for lists of products and packaging that bear the biomass mark.If you want to learn more about the feasibility of biomass products and packaging, check out this research paper.I learned a lot about environmentally friendly packaging while crunching through a pretty good bag of chips.Too bad the inside of the package was the usual plastic.Japan still has a long way to go to eliminate petroleum-based packaging and production. But this is a step in making consumers aware of what they’re buying.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Wy-living_foodWed, 06 Nov 2019 21:02:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5Wy-living_foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm7V-foodA few weeks ago I told you about Calbee’s campaign to promote the flavors of the 47 prefectures with chips. In that blog I told you about the Fukagawa meshi version. To learn more about the Fukagawa area of Tokyo, you ought to visit the Fukagawa Edo Museum and check out the eateries around there which serve this cuisine.This week the local 7-11 stocks Shizuoka style pickled wasabi and they’re zippy with wasabi flavoring.Are they anything like Shizuoka flavors? Maybe go check out Shizuoka tea paradise and try the culinary specialties, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm7V-foodTue, 05 Nov 2019 19:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm7V-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31o1-living_work_koshigaya_shi_saitamaThe concept of living and working in the same space is not strange to Japan. When you look at commercial buildings, you can see many examples of store fronts and workshops with living space above. Antique houses of merchants and farmers combine private quarters, reception rooms, and spaces to manufacture and stock goods. In Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture, there are two examples from the past. Omanocho Nakamura Residence of the Meiji Period and the older Edo period Former Nakamura Residence. These are family estates that centers of communities. Goods were traded, the life of the villages regulated, and arts flourished under these families. People lived right where they produced and consumed - no commuting like so many of us do now.Modern people in Japan live in houses and apartments, and it looks like fewer and fewer people work in their living spaces. However, Koshigaya City has a modern building that embraces the live-work concept that brings together artists and craftspeople. The building, between Gamo Station and the Omano Residence, is called WA-Nest.In big city centers around the world, initially live-work studios and artist lofts were constructed in refitted industrial buildings. Later, many purpose-built lofts were created. WA-Nest is an example of the latter, and one of the few I’ve come across in suburban Tokyo. The designers describe the complex as a comfortable living space where residents can pursue creative work.On the ground floor, a courtyard and covered walkways surround spaces for all kinds of activities. Cafes, salons, and retail spaces are mixed with hobby rooms, art and movement studios that can be rented. The wide range of uses of the spaces brings together people doing different activities. Residents of the building and visitors can sip coffee, see art and crafts up close, meet the artists, take classes, and use the large spaces for teaching or exhibitions.Above the public spaces are loft apartments carefully planned to allow air circulation and deep overhangs to regulate sun exposure. The materials are a combination of concrete and warm wood. It looks like a lovely place to live.This way of living, with workshop or retail space just downstairs of your studio apartment next to public spaces, is very appealing. Bringing artists and craftspeople together makes them visible to the public as professionals in a year-round exhibition and opportunity to learn about the process of making art. Living close to or right in your work space makes sense for the artists and their customers. Purchasing directly from your neighbors and forging relationships with the people you provide with goods and services is not new in Japan, but it's diminishing in many urban areas. Living and working in shared space with other workers, relieved of the drudgery of commuting, is an idea that is worth revisiting. I hope that WA Nest inspires more residences that provide models for live-work spaces.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31o1-living_work_koshigaya_shi_saitamaTue, 05 Nov 2019 16:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31o1-living_work_koshigaya_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY6x-food_kasukabe_shi_saitamaHalloween is a big deal for Japanese children who have lived abroad. I’ve had kids cry on me when they received treats going door to door in their school, calling out “Trick or treat” at office and classroom doors.I pull out my witch hat and fill it with treats to comfort my “returnee” students.This time, I could not find particularly Halloween-themed sweets, so I got some Chocoball chocolate candy with nostalgic packaging, and bakauke, the flavored senbei from Niigata Prefecture’s Befuco. Kids know and love this treat.This is yakisoba flavor. We didn’t expect much - maybe something oily and sprinkled with benishoga and nori. But Befuco pays great attention to details. On pulling open the package, the aroma of yakisoba surprised us. The interior of the package, not just the individual senbei, exuded the yakisoba smell.We devoured them all! They were pretty good.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY6x-food_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSat, 02 Nov 2019 12:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNY6x-food_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJovV-living_education_naha_shi_okinawaThis morning, I woke to read the news that Shuri Castle had burned. My heart sank. This was a great treasure for Okinawa, and a world heritage site in Japan.The castle was lost in World War II but extensively rebuilt in 1992 with reference to the original castle.On a winter afternoon some years ago, I visited the castle and was stunned by the extensive reconstruction and the painstaking detail. At a pavilion on the south side of the front court, dancers and musicians were performing while in the middle of the court, a woman was observing a ritual at the shrine that stood before the gate.In Seiden, the main structure, I saw the foundations of the original castle below the floor, and noticed the fragrance of incense wafting through the hall. I asked an attendant about it, and he told me that incense is burned daily to please the king. The Ryukyu Kingdom was still alive at this stronghold.I was stunned by the beauty and the melding of Chinese and Japanese motifs in the decoration of the throne room.Dragons stood out on the pillars and beams, swirling among the brilliant red lacquer backgrounds.I'm so grateful I could see this magnificent tribute to the history and people of the place. I won't forget it.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJovV-living_education_naha_shi_okinawaThu, 31 Oct 2019 20:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJovV-living_education_naha_shi_okinawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxlQ-living_food_noda_shi_chibaMonday was a warm and sunny day in the Kanto area, perfect for strolling in the botanical garden down the street.I spied this twiggy tree laden with fruit. The fruit have a peculiar habit of not hanging but projecting at odd angles from the branches. The tag at the base of the trunk indicated カリン karin, Japanese quince. October and November is when the fruit mature. The fruits are surprisingly large, about 12 cm long.This was the first time I’d seen the fruit on the branch. I’d only ever tasted the flavor in candies and preserves. Karin slices are often preserved in honey, and then served in hot water as a winter drink. Another way to preserve them is in liquor to make karin shu.If I can get my mitts on some, I’ll try my hand at preserves.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxlQ-living_food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 29 Oct 2019 12:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxlQ-living_food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rp7-living_noda_shi_chibaNoda City and neighboring cities have so many martial arts dojos, many of them classical martial arts. The municipal dojo, Shunpukan, provides practice space for kendo, kenjutsu, judo, karate, kyudo, and other martial schools to practice. This building, once the headquarters of Kikkoman, the soy sauce producer, was turned into a martial hall for employees, and later gifted to the city. If it’s walls could tell stories!On November 17th, Onoha Ichiryu school of kenjutsu will give a demonstration, lecture, and experience for visitors. This is not just a traditional martial art. It’s an aggressive and serious way to handle a sword.Whether you are a student of kendo or kenjutsu, or into Japanese history, this is a great opportunity to see a classical martial system.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rp7-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 20 Oct 2019 15:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rp7-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb35R-food_koto_ku_tokyoTonight, I craved a salty, umami-laden snack and spied this bag of chips at my local convenience store.The chips were satisfying enough. But beyond just the crunch and umami, I learned about the Calbee campaign. This year, the chips manufacturer hasa campaign celebrating regional flavors. The one that I found at my local convenience store is the Fukagawa meshi flavored chips.So, what is Fukagawa meshi? It's a rice dish born from Edo Period prosperity, centered around the Fukagawa neighborhood in what is now Koto Ward in eastern Tokyo. Fukagawa meshi is a rice dish that features the bounty of asari, little neck clams and seaweed that were so plentiful in the lower reaches of the Edo River basin in that era. It's still a signature dish in the area, available in little eateries around Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station.So, maybe these are just potato chips, but they hint at a delicious regional cuisine and a rich local history.If you have a hankering for little neck clams and rice, and curiosity about the Edo Period, go visit the area, enjoy the local dish, and see the Fukagawa Edo Museum which is a time capsule that reveals the life of people in the era and the neighborhood.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb35R-food_koto_ku_tokyoTue, 08 Oct 2019 21:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb35R-food_koto_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7b4-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaPhoto, Phonon.bThe first time I saw haguro tonbo, atrocalopteryx atrata, the black damselfly, was in late summer at a camp site in Ibaraki Prefecture. A whole field of these spooky black-winged creatures had descended, flitting about silently. Their black wings and bright green bodies are distinctive. They're a bit freaky, weightlessly dancing along the stalks of grass.They are most noticeable around August and September, usually on the edges of forests and water sources, but to my surprise, this morning, I spotted one in front of my local station. It was fluttering about in front of a convenience store.It's rare to see them in an urban setting around concrete buildings. Tough but ephemeral creatures. I'm glad I got to see one in such a busy area, as I don't have time to retreat to the countryside just now.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7b4-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThu, 19 Sep 2019 18:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7b4-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ay-living_familylife_chibaPhoto DreamwhileOne sultry evening at the Kashiwa summer festival, I noticed an older woman, her silver hair done up with hair ornaments and her stooping frame snuggly wrapped in a flowery pink yukata. Next to her was a man of the same age in jimbei suit and sandals. They were standing close as they watched the taiko drum performance, giggling and remarking on the powerful beat, and then they suddenly smooched! Not just a little peck, but full on lip lock. Behind me, a middle-aged woman remarked to her husband, “Wow, that’s real affection! How about we do that sometimes?”, but the response was a chuckle and bashful looks. It seems that in Japan only when you get old can you make public displays of affection.Sometimes at festivals, and on the trains, or out shopping, I see elderly people holding hands, or arm in arm. I must admit, I eavesdrop, and for the most part, it isn’t as though one or the other is so infirm that they need to be physically supported. It appears to be an expression of affection most of the time. Good on you, obaachans and ojiichans!In the 20 years I’ve been in Japan, I’ve noticed that the culture is slowly changing, and that younger couples are comfortable with hugs and hand holding in public, but still, I seldom see people kissing in public on meeting or parting. Instead, you’ll hear a lot of verbal substitutes for affection. And you don’t hear people declare their love either, like some western people do. Instead of “I love you”, I hear “Be careful”, or “See you again soon”.I’m okay with not hugging people on meeting or parting. But embraces took me a bit of getting used to. I’m a second-generation kid brought up in Canada by a multicultural family, and the first-generation grandparents had different attitudes about physical space. The continental Europeans and South Americans in my mother’s family were much more touchy than my Scottish grandparents. One point of cultural collision was being told by my Glasgow-born grandparents that, when I hit my teens, I was too old to be hugged anymore. I had to straddle a bit of a cultural divide when visiting with my two sets of grandparents, though they lived within a few blocks of each other in our Vancouver neighborhood.As a result of constantly switching these cultural codes, I have learned to wait for the other party to initiate a hug. In my daily life, I interact with a lot of visitors from abroad who bring their own customs to my social circle. One thing I haven’t gotten used to is the kiss on the cheek, sometimes both cheeks, that some visitors from Eastern Europe and South America do. But then, many of them are not used to bowing on greeting. Awkward moments will happen. I figure, just smile, relax and don’t worry too much about it.My guy and I when out in public have had some funny encounters. It happens when I lag behind him, or when we stand a little apart. People around us, in shops and businesses or on the train, fail to recognize that we’re a couple. Perhaps they can’t imagine a middle-aged foreign woman is with a Japanese man. He occasionally has to correct people, “No, a table for two”, or usher me closer so people don’t stand between us on the train. So we’ve learned to strategically hold hands or I slip my arm under his when we're in crowded places.A nice smooch in the open air is lovely. When nobody's looking.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ay-living_familylife_chibaMon, 02 Sep 2019 10:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ay-living_familylife_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPRq-living_shopping_fashion_health_noda_shi_chibaJapan causes me a lot of footwear grief. With wide and long feet, it’s hard for me to find footwear that is both attractive and functional. And yet another issue is cost. Good footwear that fits tends to be expensive.I’ve learned a lot about footwear in Japan as I’ve researched footwear choices that protect my health.UwabakiAt nearly every school, private or public, students and teachers wear上履き uwabaki, indoor shoes. The first kanji for it is a reminder of the Japanese indoor-outdoor distinction. Upper is inside, clean and safe, while outside is dirty and possibly perilous. The school I work at requires students to wear running shoes. Dirt and wet stay outside, and the soft soles of running shoes mean the kids walk silently. However, they do holler and carry on, so what little calm we get from quiet footwear is negated by rowdiness.I tend to favor Crocs, as do many of my colleagues. Models like the ones I wear come in larger sizes. And they meet the safety standard - closed toe and covered heel. In an emergency, you need shoes you can slip into in a flash, and ones that you won’t get easily pulled off in a chaotic situation. Some teachers wear running shoes, sandals with good coverage, and even ankle height tabi boots.Five toe socks and tabiTabi socks, traditional Japanese footwear, allow your big toes freedom of movement and allow your feet to breathe. In the traditional Japanese martial art that I train in, practitioners usually wear cotton tabi with either reinforced cotton or suede soles. Like any athletic activity where many feet meet the same surface, there is the risk of transmission of fungal and bacterial infections. Wearing tabi protects toes and prevents transmission of bugs.A habit from my martial training is 柔軟体操, junan taiso, or body conditioning. Joints, muscles, and tendons get worked to keep the practitioner limber, and it starts with the feet. Wearing tabi makes it easier to work on the big toes, soles, and ankles through massage and stretching.For dojo wear, my favorite kind of tabi are leather with “magic tape” closures. My feet are always fresh feeling, and I don’t notice the heat or cold. I don’t wash the leather versions. On laundry days, I simply turn them inside out and put them in full sun which kills germs and makes them smell fresh.Whether I am wearing shoes or geta, I often put on cotton tabi socks or five toe socks. Tabi socks isolate the big toe for wearing geta, but five toe socks free them all. While five toe socks may have been inspired by tabi, they were first popularized in the 1970s in the US, and in Japan, many sock shops stock them. Besides freedom of movement, the cotton isolates your toes, keeping your feet dry and fresh. I never suffer foot odor when I wear them.Geta and ZoriWhen it comes to traditional footwear, there are some interesting health claims. One of the common ones is that the strap passing between the big and second toe stimulates a pressure point, relaxing the feet. According to research, geta can be worn to improve gait. When you swing your feet and land, your toes make full contact with the foot bed.While I’ve never worn traditional ladies geta that go with kimono, I’ve taken to wearing a modern version which comes in larger sizes, and they’re fashionable. The kind I wear, Mizutori, have a slight heel, and the foot beds are shaped to accommodate your sole. The makers claim that wearing geta increases even toe pressure, improving posture.What I’ve noticed is my toes are relaxed, I walk with a straighter posture, and my feet don’t get fatigued like they do in flat shoes. They look, cool, too. People sometimes remark on them when I’m on the train or out shopping. That makes me feel good!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPRq-living_shopping_fashion_health_noda_shi_chibaSat, 31 Aug 2019 09:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPRq-living_shopping_fashion_health_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJo3k-living_noda_shi_chibaSunday morning I woke up to the aircon running in my living room, opened the door to the hallway, and was met by cool, dry air. I immediately opened all the windows and doors, and headed to the local temple to enjoy the fresh, cool air.The temple gardeners cultivate plants and flowers for every season, and maybe every week or two, something different is on display.This week is teppo lilies, so called because they look like rifles with their long narrow flowers. They are native to Kagoshima Prefecture where they grow on mountainsides.There are so many varieties of lilies native to Japan, and many fragrant.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJo3k-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 26 Aug 2019 10:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJo3k-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXLm-food_noda_shi_chibaKamifurano, a tiny town in Hokkaido, is featured in this Sapporo Beer available at 7-11.Recently, I enjoyed the limited edition Orion beer that 7-11 was selling earlier this month.The Kamifurano beer is hoppy and crisp with a lighter feel.I havent been to Hokkaido yet.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXLm-food_noda_shi_chibaMon, 26 Aug 2019 10:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXLm-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8r1Y-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaYesterday in the Kanto region, crushing air pressure, high humidity and overcast skies made for a miserable day. But suddenly, around 5 p.m., a huge rainstorm obscured views and drenched people and landscape alike. This late afternoon summer rain storm is commonly referred to as 夕立, yuudachi. It’s a sudden and startling summer phenomenon common in the Kanto plain.I was waiting on the Skytree Line, the doors open for incoming passengers, returning from adventures when an obachan dashed onto the train and exclaimed that she was still getting drenched sitting near the doors. I beckoned her to move more into the interior of the train car. We watched as water poured down the train windows and thunder rumbled overhead.Soon after, I was on my way down the Tobu Urban Park Line which has great views of the Edo River, Mount Tsukuba and on clear days Mount Fuji. The best view is just south of Minami-Sakurai Station. School kids were enraptured by the view of a double rainbow appearing to arch from the other side of the Tone River, and over Chiba Prefecture.At my destination, even train staff were craning their necks to see the rainbows. At the station front, a dozen people were snapping photos of the ephemera.What a relief from the brutal summer we’ve been having!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8r1Y-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaWed, 21 Aug 2019 19:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8r1Y-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRq8g-food_noda_shi_chibaAt convenience stores in Japan, you can find all manner of novelty flavored snacks, regional and seasonal treats.But tonight, it’s gloomy - humid, hot and I’m suffering from lack of appetite. I just want an afternoon snack that’s tasty and light to get me to dinner time, and I don’t want anything novel.The chip selection at 7-11 saves me with lightly salted potato chips.And then I add my secret pick-me-up- yuzu kosho.Photo credit njtThis amazing fermented condiment of yuzu citrus peel, chili peppers, and salt is usually added to soups and stews, but I like it as a seasoning for everything from pasta to yakitori. And it’s a zippy flavor that goes with potato chips. The salt restores electrolyte balance and spicy flavor wakes up appetite.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRq8g-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 21 Aug 2019 17:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRq8g-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VQZ-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoImage Hartwig HKDMy colleague and friend, Kimberly is a powerhouse who has overcome personal loss by focusing on promoting what is healthy, sustainable, and compassionate. She spearheads projects to bring to Japanese and non-Japanese healthful choices for mind and body. You can read about her Mindful Michi here.On Saturday, August 31st, she and her team present Inspire: Inspiring a World of Change Through Art. Showcasing the works of global artists, the two-part event includes everybody by providing a workshop in English for families to introduce crafts, and then a swanky dress up evening with vegan and non alcohol offerings. Inspire will give all proceeds to two projects that support underprivileged children in Japan - Mirai no Moriwhich hosts outdoor adventures for kids in state care, and Kodomo Ouen Network Saitama, which aims to support impoverished children in the prefecture.I had the good fortune to work with Mirai no Mori’s summer camp one year, and I learned that kids in state care may be orphaned, rescued from abusive parents, or simply given up due to family hardship. The kids have few prospects for education and careers. But they are so eager to make their ways in life.Inspire is a chance to make friends, enjoy some art, entertain your own kids, and dress up for an evening while contributing to the wellbeing of Japanese kids with bright futures.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VQZ-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoMon, 19 Aug 2019 15:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G0VQZ-living_shibuya_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgX9m-food_tea_noda_shi_chibaSummer in Japan means heat, humidity and sometimes crushing air pressure as heat waves and typhoons assault the archipelago. Your appetite may wane, and people here beat the heat with cool foods. There are iconic summer foods that don’t heat up your kitchen. Easy to make, and eat, dishes include chuka soba, chilled noodles with julienned cucumber, ham and omelet with a sesame-flavored dressing, unagi served over rice with a savory brown sauce, and kakigori shaved ice. Another summer favorite is somen, thin wheat noodles served chilled, often over ice, with a light dipping sauce. In summertime, at some festivals and restaurants, you might find nagashi-somen, flowing somen noodles served in ice-cold water whizzing by in bamboo troughs. It takes a little skill to pick up the bundles of noodles and plop them in your bowl. Many foods are flavored with the delicate scent of green tea, somen noodles included. At my local tea shop, I found the lovely variation on this summer treat, chasomen. Nakamura-en, a tea plantation in Shizuoka, produces Shizuoka green tea flavored somen noodles that can be prepared just like regular somen noodles. Shizuoka Prefecture is famed for its tea production nurtured its beautiful environment, and farms there account for 40% of the tea produced in Japan.Chasomen, just like regular, somen noodles, are quick and easy to prepare, and I learned a trick to make the presentation even more attractive and appetizing. At the 100 yen shop, I got some kitchen string and tied three small bundles of the chasomen. According to the package instructions, I boiled them in plenty of water for about three minutes. Next time, I might cook them a little less, as I prefer my noodles al dente.Rinse them in plenty of cold water, cut the bundled ends off, and swirl them about on a chilled plate or even better, in a glass bowl with some ice. I garnished my plate with shiso leaves bearing grated ginger root and wakame seaweed. For dipping sauce, I used store-bought soba tsuyu. The chasomen are a vibrant green color and have a subtle but noticeable tea flavor. On the side, I served tempura fish and vegetables to make a full meal.For my next summer dinner of chasomen, I’ll prepare a lighter konbu seaweed-based broth. My guy taught me another good way to served chilled noodles. He uses any store-bought tsuyu broth cut with an equal amount of green tea. It’s a great way to enhance the tea flavor.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgX9m-food_tea_noda_shi_chibaSun, 18 Aug 2019 11:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgX9m-food_tea_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9l08-living_noda_shi_chibaIn North America, when I shop for clothes, I often go to the junior department because XS and S size clothes fit me best. Most of my suits and separates bought in my native Canada are from stores that stock petite sizes. But in Japan, I’ma “gaijiness” with big bones, and big feet to match. When my shoes begin to get ragged, I dread shopping to replace them. These days, you can get shoes over 25 cm, but you have to hunt for shops that have them. And the choices are limited.And wearing shoes in summer is a misery. It’s too hot for shoes. It’s not kind to your feet. Stank, socks, sweat, no thanks. So I usually wear geta or zori.Last year I discovered Mizutori in Asakusa. They’re expensive but very stylish with jeans and skirts. They get dinged easily. I save them for days when I want to look nice.Last week I picked up a pair of cheapies at Shimamura. It’s the number two cheap fashion shop after Uniqlo. When I need causal shoes my size, I head to either of the two locations in my town.They were in a display of yukata for festivals. There was a limited choice of colors and patterns, but heck, for a little over ¥1000 for LL size you can’t go wrong. They’re vinyl, not tatami, so I wondered if they’d get sticky and uncomfortable.They’re surprisingly comfortable. I wear them every day now. They’re my favorites this summer.Ladies with feet larger than LL or 25.5 cm, where do you eat your shoes? What fits your needs - casual, dressy?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9l08-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 14 Aug 2019 12:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9l08-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxAg-living_uwajima_shi_ehimePhoto credit, David MonniauxThis week, I’m celebrating my "Japanniversary". This is what my non-Japanese friends have come to call the anniversary of beginning their sojourns in Japan. Among my friends and colleagues, about a dozen of us who have chosen to call Japan home have marked 10, 20 and even 30 years in Japan. Many of us came here on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, working as Assistant Language Teachers.The JET Program, launched in 1987, is one of the biggest exchange programs in the world. Applicants from 57 countries are invited to work in public elementary, junior and senior high schools as Assistant Language Teachers and to serve as Coordinators for International Relations in local government offices. This summer, over 2000 new JET participants were placed, joining the current JETs to total 5761 people.Twenty years ago this week, I left my hometown of Vancouver, Canada and landed in Tokyo to attend the JET Program pre-departure orientation. In the last 20 years, there have been some changes to the JET Program which have altered the look of the program. When I applied, the age limit was 35 years old. In my group, the new recruits were mostly recent graduates, satisfying the program’s mission to provide youth exchange. Since my time as a JET, this age limit has been removed, and candidates of all ages, many with long careers in teaching and other fields behind them, are welcome.Two other big changes since my appointment are the salary structure and renewal of contract. Before 2011, all JET participants received the same salary of ¥3,600,000 per year after tax. Since then, a graduated salary structure has been implemented. The salary is still good for an entry-level position, ranging from ¥3.36 million in the first year to ¥3.96 million. In 2006, contract renewals expanded, from three years to a total of five years providing stability for schools and JETs as they mature and gain experience.One thing hasn’t changed for JET participants, though, and that’s the mantra, Every Situation is Different, often abbreviated to ESID. In my application, I did not specify which region I would like to go to, and I did not indicate a preference for rural or urban. The place I ended up was a compact city in southern Ehime Prefecture, right on the Seto Inland Sea. The city officials welcomed me and helped me a great deal with getting settled in my apartment, learning Japanese, and connecting with local people. Others in my prefecture were placed in villages, or were accommodated in classic farm houses complete with farm fields.I was assgined to the city's five junior high schools four days a week, and on most Fridays, I had office days. At the schools, I worked with lovely teachers who helped me bridge the culture gap, taught me about classroom management Japanese style, and supported me in helping their students learning to read and write in English. On Fridays, I joined an elementary school English club with an enthusiastic young teacher who was a “co-learner” of English with the young students. We had a great time introducing the children to communication in English. I learned a lot about the local history and beautiful places in the city from those children. Besides my teaching duties, I performed the duties a CIR would do. When we had visiting academics, I served as guide and translator. During festivals, I was sent out with a camera to prepare a story for English language promotional material. The city’s culture section often came to my desk with requests to edit the English text of tourism brochures. When I had time to myself, I studied the Japanese language materials provided by the program.Besides the care I received from the city staff, I also had the support of the Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching, AJET. AJET provides resources, a web magazine, and connection for far-flung JET participants. JETs can expand their skills by participating in local activities, AJET governance, and research projects. For those who want to upgrade their knowledge of English language teaching, the program also provides grants for TEFL training.My time on JET was brief, only a year, but it laid the foundation for my life in Japan – working in education settings, connecting with local community, and writing about life for newcomers in Japan.You may currently be a resident of Japan, but you can still join JET. Applications are open to those who are resident in Japan for less than six consecutive years. It’s an opportunity to dig in deep, with a lot of support and resources, and enhance your experience in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxAg-living_uwajima_shi_ehimeWed, 14 Aug 2019 10:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmxAg-living_uwajima_shi_ehimehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvN6-food_noda_shi_chibaThe local 7-11 carries all kinds of novelty and regional snacks and drinks throughout the year. It’s fun to try them. This month, when I want a cold one, Orion is a refreshing change from other major beer labels.But taco rice flavored chips? On visits to Okinawa, I had taco rice a few times, got hooked on this pseudo-Mexican-Japanese dish, and make it at home. The taco rice chips hit all the notes - savory, cheesy, taco-seasoned.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvN6-food_noda_shi_chibaTue, 13 Aug 2019 08:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrvN6-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GokA9-living_food_noda_shi_chibaHav you been to Okinawa? I have fond memories of a trip there. Shuri Castle, goya chamburu, and snorkeling in the Kerama Islands make me want to go back. Recently, I‘ve been indulging in Okinawa flavor by kicking back in the evening with a cold Orion beer which I can pick up at my local 7-11 in Noda City.Noda City is pretty far away from sanshin music and sushi menus that look more like aquarium guides. But Orion beer is a lovely reminder of my visits.Orion isn’t that much different from American style beers in Japan, but it’s pretty good.I close my my eyes when I take a sip. Ok, I have to go visit again.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GokA9-living_food_noda_shi_chibaSun, 11 Aug 2019 19:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GokA9-living_food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmBR-living_education_familylife_tokyoPhoto Two in OneOn arriving at a Tokyo school early one morning, the head of the English department approached me with a grim look on his face and tightly clutching a large plastic file. He took me aside, opened the folder to reveal the junior high school first year photos. “You teach K-kun? I hate to tell you, he was killed in a traffic accident this morning.” My heart sank. I’d never lost a student before, never mind one so young. So began my first experience of the Japanese way of saying goodbye.　In Japanese tradition, both a wake and a funeral are conducted. The timing on the calendar according to 六曜, rokuyo, or the six fortune days, determined that the wake would fall on a Saturday evening, which meant the entire student body and teachers attended. It’s tough enough to handle an open casket funeral, but even harder with such a young person. To comfort the children, his parents decided to distribute his huge collection of manga amongst his classmates. The English department head had me and one other Japanese teacher serve as ushers to hand them out as each child came up to pay their respects. His family did not speak at the wake, so teachers and students did the presentations of K-kun’s life in photos, music, and speeches.Teachers in Japan take on roles that, in other countries, fall to parents. This includes moral guidance in the form of 道徳, dotoku, moral education. This is where students are supposed to learn about morals and ethics. As a child growing up in Canada, I received this kind of guidance in Sunday school, Campfire Girls groups, and through nightly readings of the Bible. Here in Japan, elementary school children learn to value life, cooperate with each other, and learn responsibility by raising animals and plants. A few schools in my district keep chickens and ducks on campus. The students learn about the joy and sometimes sorrow of nurturing creatures. At the junior and senior high school level, moral education and counseling are meant to teach good judgment, conflict management, and prevent bullying. These are life skills. What preparation do they have about end of life? You could argue that nothing prepares you for the pain of loss. But without a frank discussion, kids are unprepared at home and at school.Among K-kun’s club members were many 先輩 senpai, seniors, who had returned from abroad, so they were English speakers and just getting adjusted to Japanese life. Some of the students approached me with tough questions. “Where do we go when we die?” “How do I cope with this?” I hugged many of them and told them to remember K-kun’s bright personality and to keep his memory in their minds. It was awkward because, though I was raised in a Christian household, I don’t identify with that spirituality any more. And I wasn’t sure if it was okay to talk about Buddhist perspectives, with which I’m familiar, as I worried this would violate the secular mission of public education in Japan. I did my best and told the students we would remember him by doing our best in both lessons and club activities, because he was a go-getter and a keen student. We teachers had to do a lot of the counseling for the children.But what struck me most was the way the family handled the loss in a very Japanese yet idiosyncratic way, and supported his classmates over the course of the school year. Every school event – chorus contest, culture festival, sports day, closing ceremony – his parents attended on his behalf, always bearing a photograph of K-kun. It’s not unusual in Japan to bring the photo of a deceased family member to a celebration within the year of their passing. K-kun’s parents were always there, with the framed photo in their hands. They took time to greet, praise and encourage his classmates, and thanked the teachers. In return, we kept K-kun’s seat in the classroom, and often there would be notes, origami, and little presents on his desk to mark events, and of course, his birthday.Of course, there were cultural bumps along the way. Before the new year holiday, I thought, as a treat for his class, I’d read aloud “The Night Before Christmas”. They loved it, but the kids recoiled in horror when St. Nicholas doles out the presents to the children, and a bone for the dog. “Why a bone?!” the children asked. They were triggered by bones because of the funeral rite after cremations when family members pick out bones to place in the urn. I explained that St. Nicholas is just giving the dog some food, and it’s likely a pork bone. I made a note in my journal to avoid that story in future years.With each month, K-kun’s parents, sometimes in tears, and sometimes with smiles, showed us how to celebrate life. And they also came to joke and share happy stories with us. They became part of our student body on his behalf, and we came to love having them there every step of the junior high first year journey.Grieving is tough for anyone, no matter that the loss is a parent or child or elder. But this was my first experience of a very cool mother and father who showed me, my colleagues, and students a lot of love while they were grieving. I’m grateful to them. And I’ll be remembering K-kun at Obon and in September when we return to the second term of school. To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmBR-living_education_familylife_tokyoWed, 07 Aug 2019 12:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnmBR-living_education_familylife_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1ro-living_noda_shi_chibaPhoto, Nyon NyonYou might see very tall, shrubby trees full of brilliant pink or ivory flowers right now in the Kanto region. You might notice magenta, scarlet, or even apple blossom pink ones. And they love the hot sun.It took me a bit of research to figure out that the Japanese name for this, サルスベリ, sarusuberi, is not Salisbury transliterated. Nope, it means monkey slippery, referring to the very smooth bark on the trunks. The tree is called Japanese crepe myrtle. That’s because the flowers are frilly like crepe fabric.The Chinese characters for the name of this tree are descriptive of the flowers rather than the trunks - 百日紅 - 100 days of red. The sarusuberi hang on to their flowers well into the autumn.They provide a good bit of shade. I like to rest under them while the flowers thrive in the blazing heat in full sun. I’ll just chill here while you bake your frilly blossoms.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1ro-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 05 Aug 2019 17:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mx1ro-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5dg-education_workPhoto credit umezy12How many ALTs are there?Of the 2.73 million foreign residents in Japan, how many of us work in English education as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and English language teachers (ELTs)? According to the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET), there were about 5000 participating ALTs in 2018. That’s about 25% of the all ALTs. The remainder are either employed by dispatch companies (Interac has a large share with 2500 ALTs) or direct hired by school boards. All told, the there are just over 18,000 ALTs working in the schools.Recently, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is increasing the hours of instruction in elementary school, but as outlined by the General Union, there are few concrete plans for integrating more ALTs into the schools. It’s hard to say how MEXT intends to fulfill the plan with the apparent increase in demand for ALTs. Watch and see.I’ve done it all, as a JET participant, dispatch ALT, and city ALT. But the position I have now is in yet another segment of the English education pie – I work in the English department of a private high school. Diverse private high schoolsIn Japan, less than 10% of Japan’s 10,484 junior high schools are private. Of the nearly 5000 high schools, about 27% are private. Just like public schools, the private ones follow the national curriculum. Yet they are diverse, as private schools have various philosophies and specialties. There are religious and secular schools, schools that are strong in arts and sports. Some schools have intensive English programs. In Tokyo, there are schools designated as Super English Learning High Schools (SELHI) where students receive advanced instruction in English communication, reading and writing. Others have programs for so-called returnees, learners who have received education in English abroad.Working in a private high schoolIn Japan, there are three-year junior and senior high schools, and combined six-year high schools. I work at a six-year high school attached to a university. The length of the school week varies, with two Saturday sessions each month. The non-Japanese staff teach both junior and senior English lessons. While ALTs in public schools primarily work alongside Japanese teachers, private school English teachers are both team- and solo teachers. Depending on the curriculum, your syllabus may have test preparation, vocabulary development, communication skills or writing. The workload can vary depending on the administration's expectations. ALTs or English language teachers may participate in entrance testing, demonstration lessons, and school promotions. Workload and working days vary. My school asks me to teach writing, which comes with a marking load a few times a term. The benefitsAs a regular employee, ALTs and English language teachers are on salary and receive bonuses. For the most part, national holidays are days off, and paid leave accrues the same as any regular employment. A lot of dispatch companies dodge enrolling ALTs in employee’s insurance, shakai hoken, and the foreign employee may end up on the national pension system. Private schools enroll their employees in Shigaku Kyosai, Private School Mutual Aid. Benefits include housing loans, cash payment on marriage, and reduced rates on services and accommodation.Besides these benefits, some private school ALTs may not be required to attend between terms. I'm not required to be at school for six weeks of the summer break.How to get the jobSome schools directly advertise, while others depend on placement/dispatch companies. Some teachers start out as dispatch, and are invited into direct employment. Another way in is networking with teachers and neighbors who may know about openings. Often, schools rely on their current or leaving teachers to recommend reliable job candidates. It also helps to have a subject specialty, teaching license, a master’s degree or a TESOL diploma or certificate. Schools also prefer teachers who speak and read Japanese so getting your JLPT N2 or N1 increases your chances, too.Patience is a virtueIt took me a while to get a private school position with a manageable schedule, stimulating programs, and close to home. If private school teaching is your goal, build up your skills, and keep networking and applying.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5dg-education_workThu, 01 Aug 2019 10:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY5dg-education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ev-food_noda_shi_chibaIf you’ve ever experienced shojin ryori, vegetarian temple cuisine, you might have tasted goma tofu, a sesame-based treat that has a creamy texture similar to tofu. But it’s not.Goma tofu is usually made with kuzu flour, sesame paste, and konbu dashi. To my delight, the local supermarket stocks both white and black sesame versions.I opted for black, as it’s a flavor I enjoy more.To get it it out of the package, peel off the plastic cover, and look for the tiny protrusion on the back. A lot of puddings and custards have this kind of packaging. Nick it, and it slides easily out of the container.I served mine on a shiso leaf and garnished it with a dab of ginger. Some recipes suggest wasabi. It’s also great drizzled with a bit of soy sauce.It was soooo good. I wrapped the last bit in the shiso leaf and the flavor combination is amazing - sharp, aromatic, and salty.This may be my non-sweet desert for the rest of the summer. Chill it in the freezer for a bit.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ev-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 31 Jul 2019 20:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7Ev-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3ZW-living_hiraizumi_cho_iwateLotus in the garden of Konjoin Temple, Noda CityThe gardeners at our local temple display a seasonal symbol each month. This month is the lotus grown in containers. When I passed through the temple garden this past weekend, it was already quite hot, so the lotus blossoms had already closed up. But they're no less beautiful. If you want to see them open, you have to go early in the morning. Lotuses are early risers.Lotus in front of the Fudo temple, Noda CitySoon it will be Obon, the ancestor festival. Many families display lotus blossoms on their family altars at this time of year. In Buddhist tradition, the lotus is a symbol of enlightenment because they rise from muddy pond bottoms to produce beautiful flowers.Lotus flowers can remain dormant in dry conditions, and still germinate. The most haunting lotus I've seen is the Chusonji lotus. At the spectacular Konjikido in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, the gold-covered pavilion is the resting place of the Fujiwara clan leaders. In the 1950s, investigations under the pavilion revealed among other remains a casket containing the head of Fujiwara no Yasuhira, surrounded by lotus seeds. The seeds were cultivated, and 800 years later, they bloom in the murky ponds below the temple.Chusonji lotus at Hiraizumi, Iwate PrefectureThe petals of these lotus flowers are a little different, with narrow petals. Whenever I think of lotus flowers, I think of these ones. Glorious.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3ZW-living_hiraizumi_cho_iwateTue, 30 Jul 2019 11:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3ZW-living_hiraizumi_cho_iwatehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9lv6-living_food_narita_shi_chibaEarly summer in Japan is a slog because of the rainy season. I told you about how I cope with the weather related challenges, and others have said the best way to thrive during this period is to enjoy the outdoors. So I took this advice in the first week of July to enjoy a day trip to Narita City and to take in the pilgrim town atmosphere and catch the elaborate Narita Gion Festival.Early in the day I had inklings of the celebration. I spotted a festival participant on the train in full garb, and on stepping out of Narita Station, there was a festival float crew preparing and posing right there.I strolled over to Narita Omotesando (not to be confused with the Omotesando that leads to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo), and saw the yatai food stall vendors setting up. This was the morning of the first day of the three day pageant, so there weren’t many people yet, but I could just feel a buzz of festivity. I’m not big on crowds, but I enjoyed the mounting tension before the throng arrived. Besides the food stalls, the antiques, kimono, senbei and souvenir shops were all open. There are some fun shops to see here, including a taiko drum specialist and a craft shop that sells handmade baskets.Narita City is notable not just for the quaint Omotesando leading to the temple, but also grilled freshwater eel served at restaurants there. The most popular, and perhaps the most atmospheric, is Kawatoyo. This restaurant has been serving eel since the late Meiji Period. This time, I managed to get a table on the second floor overlooking Omotesando. It can get very busy, but if you go on a weekday, the wait isn’t too long.The eel is very fresh. In fact, the chefs prepare them on a long table at the front of the restaurant. If you’re squeamish, don’t look. Then the eel is boiled, grilled, and finally served with Kawatoyo’s original sauce. I had jo-unaju, the premium eel served in a beautiful lacquered box with lid. The sides were crisp picked daikon radish and cucumber, and a light soup with liver of eel and some greens. Lunch was delicious. I’ve never had such flavorful and tender eel before. It’s a bit expensive, with lunch starting at ¥2500, but it’s an experience and the eel is the best I’ve ever had.After lunch, I walked a short distance to Shinshoji, the massive Shingon Buddhist temple complex that has been a stop on pilgrimage routes for centuries. In the plaza in front of the main temple, the dozen or so festival floats were mustered, and a lengthy and solemn ritual began. The priests did a blessing, accompanied by drums and a conch shell salute.And then the rally began. It was deafening to hear the companies perform simultaneously, and astounding to see each elaborate carved wooden float. The floats have big companies - some with dancers to proceed the float, musicians perched on the float playing drums and bamboo flutes, and a crew of strong people to pull the float. Dancers straddle the roof, too. Each float is unique for its woodwork and hardware - one even rotates on its chassis- and each company has their own coordinating costumes, dance moves and chants.The float companies followed their leaders’ shouts for about 10 minutes, building up enthusiasm, before each float approached the monks, bowed, and proceeded to the street parade. The floats tower over the crowd as many of them near effigies of deities. On Omotesando, you have to stand back under the eaves of the shops because the street is so narrow it can only accommodate one vehicle at a time. To get under pedestrian bridges, the effigies are retracted into the float. See there are three heads leaning close, one massive?I didn’t stay for the evening festivities. The procession goes on after dusk, and the floats are lighted with lanterns. Perhaps next year I’ll budget time to stay longer. On the way home, I payed my respects at Shinshoji temple, and meditated for a moment at the giant mandala to Fudomyo in the big pagoda.ITo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9lv6-living_food_narita_shi_chibaFri, 12 Jul 2019 10:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/M9lv6-living_food_narita_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lL9-foodSome produce in the supermarkets and green grocers are cheap right now as they are in season. I got a big bag of cherry tomatoes this week for half the price I usually pay.When shopping I gravitate to the seasonal foods because they’re fresh and loaded with nutrients. This week, potatoes found me. I got gifted a bag from a friend who runs a farm with his parents.He suggested boiling then roasting and serving them with butter. Good idea. I’ve reserved half for that.The other half I turned into potato salad, Japanese style. Maybe. I say maybe because I experiment a little with my recipes. I didn’t add much to the potatoes- just julienne carrots and thinly sliced cucumber. I dressed my potato salad with yuzupon, soy sauce, karashi mustard and a dash of hontsuyu broth. Of course, I applied liberal amounts of mayonnaise .Next time I might try yuzu kosho, the spicy fermented citrus-flavored pepper condiment.What do you put in your potato salad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lL9-foodThu, 04 Jul 2019 11:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5lL9-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rmL-living_healthFrom June to the middle of July, much of Japan experiences tsuyu, the rainy season. The rainy season happens when the cold air over continental Asia bumps into the moist air of the Pacific Ocean and the front gets stuck and drenches Japan until the summer. It doesn’t rain every day of the rainy season, but when it does, the weather is cooler and humid. On sunny days during this period it can get very hot.I’ve been feeling creaky and sore in the last few days. I’m an active person, walking and cycling in my daily routine, but I haven’t scaled a mountain, or run a marathon. Yet I hurt. And my joint pain happens to coincide with the gloomy weather of rainy season, and a typhoon is drenching western Japan and headed for Tokyo. During typhoon season, from May until October, keep your eye on the Japan Meteorological Agency tropical cyclone info.To get relief in the rainy season, I depend on a lot of rest, stretching in the early part of the day, and judicious use of ibuprofen when the discomfort is too much.Curiously, results of medical research on the relationship between joint pain (and headaches) hasn’t conclusively proven that weather is the cause. Some studies suggest barometric pressure may play a part more then chilly and wet conditions. Some people may simply be more sensitive then others, and those with arthritic conditions might feel the weather more. The gloomy weather may keep people indoors, resulting in less activity. And the lack of motion may be a contributing factor in reported joint pain.For me, the end of the rainy season means relief from aches. But it also means scorching heat. It can be tiring to endure the summer here, but I’m mostly used to it. However, everybody, even those of us who are used to the heat, must take precautions against heat stroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency provides a forecast of extreme temperatures, so you can prepare,Heat exhaustion and the more extreme heat stroke affect all kinds of people, but especially the very young, very old, and those with pre-existing conditions.To protect yourself against heat exhaustion, get out early or late in the day for any activities that require exertion. Drink liquids as soon as you feel thirsty. And don’t drink too much at once, as this can upset the balance of minerals in your body. It’s best to have a drink bottle handy all the time.If you feel dizzy, or overheated, or have muscle cramps or nausea, listen to your body and retreat to a shady and cool place. Drink water or sports drinks and don’t push yourself. You can read more about prevention and treatment on this PDF from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.I’m lucky to have only suffered heat exhaustion once, and I noticed the symptoms, rested, refreshed and recovered quickly.Even if you are tough and acclimated to Japanese summer, the unrelenting heat can still affect your energy and mood.One remedy I have found that may seem counterintuitive is onsen. When the weather is hot, I retreat to local hot spring baths where I can shuck my clothing, sweat, scrub, and relax in the fresh air. Most hot spring spas have cold pools. If you get chatting with fellow bathers, you can easily forget the time time and learn to tolerate the very cold temperatures. The heat of the day might even be refreshing after your chilly dip.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rmL-living_healthTue, 02 Jul 2019 17:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8rmL-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXrOL-living_transportation_howto_noda_shi_chibaPhoto courtesy ImoniI’ve owned, borrowed and rented dozens of bicycles over the years, but my favorite ride is the bike that is widely regarded as uncool, the mamachari.Mamachari are workhorse bicycles you can go anywhere on. I’ve pushed single speed ones up mountains, and done 80 km day trips on a three speed mamachari fitted with front and back baskets.They’re great for shopping and day tripping because of the capacity of their baskets and sturdy back racks. The kickstands hold the bikes upright as you load up.The two bikes get beat up the way I ride. I hop them over curbs, and just the other day I wiped out on a slick wooden deck. I’ve burdened them huge loads, even moving furniture.I do a little maintenance on them myself, limited to the occasional adjustment but mostly tire care. For daily riding, the tires are usually a little soft so that I have an easier ride over bumps. For trips, I inflate them until they’re pretty hard.Getting AirEn route, you may notice your tires need topping up. You’ll find that air pumps are plentiful if you know where and what to look for.Hand pumps are quite easy to find. Stop by a supermarket and ask at the service counter. The staff will lend you one. Koban, the police boxes, almost always have them. Police are there to help the local community, including getting cyclists on their way.Here’s a brief tutorial on how to use hand pumps and floor pumps, and also use an adapter for your pump.Many shopping centers have electric air pumps. Look for a sign that says 空気入れ, kuuki ire. Usually these are free to use. My local supermarket even has battery charging for specific kinds of bicycle batteries, too.Tire pressure changes with the weather and the weight of the rider and load, and tires just naturally leak, so you may want to check your tires before every ride.Slow LeakIf your tire and tube are leaking slowly, it could mean that the valve on the tube needs care. Japanese charinko tires usually have Dunlop or English valves. The Dunlop valve has a rubber gasket that can break down, resulting in a slow leak. The gaskets are called 虫ゴム, mushigomu, and you can get them at 100 yen stores and home centers. In fact, 100 yen shops usually have tire care items and even kits.Here’s a tutorial on how to check a Dunlop valve for leaks and replace the gasket. When he says “wolf”, he means valve.In the worst case scenario, your tube needs patched. You don’t need to remove the wheel to patch. Here’s a tutorial on how to expose the tube and apply a patch.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXrOL-living_transportation_howto_noda_shi_chibaMon, 01 Jul 2019 12:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXrOL-living_transportation_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO95W-food_shopping_tea_kasukabe_shi_saitamaI’ve told you before about the flavorful combination of Shizuoka green and Nagano brown rice that results in a delicious genmaicha.And distinctly tea-flavored cha soba, a refreshing take on buckwheat noodles. It is a great summertime meal.The beautifully packaged and delicately flavored teas and noodles all get their aroma from Shizuoka-grown green tea. Growers have been carefully tending their tea bushes there for nearly 800 years, introduced by a Buddhist monk after encountering it on a sojourn in China. In the Edo Period, an enterprising retainer of the shogun realized that the water, climate and convenient location of Shizuoka could make it a great location for a tea growing industry. Today, Shizuoka Prefecture produces 40% of Japan’s tea.Green tea produced in Shizuoka Prefecture, and specifically labeled, is widely available in Japan. In my corner of suburban Tokyo, Kasukabe City, I find the teas and other products at a boutique tea shop, Otsudzumien. This tea shop, with a few locations in the city, prepares award-winning blends and straight versions of green tea.Otsudzumien has its own tea plantation in Kasukabe City, but also offers teas and other products from all over, including Shizuoka.The main tea shop is located near the west exit of Kasukabe Station. The tea shop clerks greet customers with samples of freshly brewed tea. There is a wide selection of specialty teas, and in addition they stock kombucha, seaweed, soup broth and attractively packaged sweets. You can linger at the tiny dining space or on the bench outside while you savor a cup of hot or iced tea, or matcha ice cream.On my latest visit, I spied matcha pudding made with Shizuoka green tea. The four servings of pudding come in an attractive box which makes a good gift. The servings are small, but the very dark color indicated to me the deep flavor. The pudding has a smooth texture and it delivers with rich matcha aroma. It’s perfect for the end of a washoku meal or as a treat with afternoon coffee. To the last spoonful it has just a hint of the sweet, grassy flavor you expect from good green tea.If you’d like to try your hand at making your own green tea pudding, Otsusumien has powdered matcha. There are many variations on green tea pudding, and it goes well with azuki beans and whipped cream.If you read Japanese, check out the Otsuzumien tea shop web page, as they have clear instructions about how to brew the perfect cup of green tea.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO95W-food_shopping_tea_kasukabe_shi_saitamaMon, 01 Jul 2019 10:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GO95W-food_shopping_tea_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqWW-food_noda_shi_chibaI craved a crunchy snack with umami and discovered these amusing katsuo flavored chips.Morinaga’s 濃いおっとっと “Strong enough” Katsuo flavored chips come in a cute package with big, bold kanji on the package and flavor to match.The whacky part is the variety of shapes the chips come in.I got squid, crab, katsuo, starfish, and some other fish. There’s a graphic on their website so you can identify what you got in your package.How cool is that? And they’re really flavorful.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqWW-food_noda_shi_chibaFri, 28 Jun 2019 19:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GRqWW-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8m0-food_noda_shi_chibaThe rainy season will soon make way for summer, and to my mind, summer is a great time for beach going to beat the heat. And when I think of beaches, I remember white sands and the gorgeous scenery of Setonaikai, the Seto Inland Sea where I lived some years ago.The islands of the Seto Inland Sea produce a bewildering variety of citrus, including lemons. So when I saw this treat, I felt a pang of nostalgia for summers I spent island hopping there.The snack, shirasu lemon flavored agesen, is satisfying for its crunch. They’re pleasantly tangy, perfect with a cold beer and memories of beach sunsets.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8m0-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 26 Jun 2019 09:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8m0-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5l6O-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaPhoto - ColdsleeperKasukabe City has one of the earliest summer festivals in my area, on July 14th and 15th.The usually quiet station front street gets pretty lively with dasha floats, omikoshi shouldered by young folks, waidaiko drumming and summer festival dancing.It’s not a massive festival like others in bigger cities, but I think that’s part of what makes it fun.The crowds are smaller, the atmosphere more intimate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5l6O-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSat, 22 Jun 2019 16:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5l6O-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQP1V-living_shopping_kasukabe_shi_saitamaThe women in my mother’s ethnic German family used to gather on some Sunday afternoons to stitch my grandmother’s queen size bedspread projects. We stretched ourselves and threads over a frame my grandfather made to put tiny stitches through layers of fabric and batting. The quilts we didn’t keep we donated to charity auctions.Fabric arts have a long history in Japan, too. But when you combine Japanese motifs with pieced quilts, the works become art.The exhibition at Takumi Otsuka runs until July 15th. There is a display of quilts on a theme, a market for textiles and supplies, and even a quilting bee. Lend a hand to piece and stitch quilts that will be donated to the city’s social welfare section.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQP1V-living_shopping_kasukabe_shi_saitamaSat, 22 Jun 2019 08:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQP1V-living_shopping_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YrE-food_chibaTohato’s line of Ninja Fuwamaru snacks continues to entertain with fun packages and different flavors.The corn snacks are “fuwa”, fluffy, and take on intriguing shapes this time, encircling Fuwaninja in what looks like the ninja weapon tetsubishi, caltrops!I resisted eating this cute dragon-shaped one for a while, stalked him, and he succumbed to my superior martial arts..This variety is “umashio”, flavorful salt. As the package says, they melt in your mouth and disappear just like ninjas do. The shops also have chicken broth flavored ones. You can recognize the flavor because the package is orange and there is a chicken on Fuwamaru’s head.I couldn’t make this stuff up. Such is Japanese snack food.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YrE-food_chibaFri, 21 Jun 2019 16:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YrE-food_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmbo-living_katsushika_ku_tokyoSome years ago, a friend invited me to go for a stroll in Mizumoto Park in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. I fell in love as this vast urban park has so many wonderful and rare vistas that you wouldn’t expect from a park in one of the world’s largest cities. Tokyo has many famous gardens and dozens of great parks. For such a densely populated city, there is a great deal of green space. But what makes Mizumoto Park a special place is that it is the largest public park within Tokyo proper. Because of the vast acreage it occupies, you can see a rare sight in the Tokyo conurbation - an uninterrupted view of trees and water, devoid of electrical towers and concrete.It’s a 15 minute walk from Kanamachi Station On The Joban Line. Alternatively you can catch buses that run frequently from either side of the station.It’s not very old, as it was opened in 1965. The park is bordered by a reservoir that was meant to contain the flooding of the old Tone River. The reservoir became a source of water for Katsushika Ward in Tokyo. It’s a wide bend in the old river, and on the other side is a municipal park belonging to Misato City in Saitama Prefecture. The continuous park on either side of the water is refreshing after dense visiting urban Tokyo. Since it was opened, the trees have matured into big forests.The park has so many different environments. The road on the west side is bordered by an avenue of cherry trees, then Lombardy poplars that shade a jogging path. There are wide walking paths, some following the edge of the reservoir, and others passing through meadows and over streams. To the east are playgrounds and a goldfish showroom that is open to the public. You can visit it for free, having a good look at the amazing varieties of fancy fish. To the north is the largest stand of dawn redwood trees in Japan. You can get lost in this huge forest of greenery. Just beyond this forest is a bird sanctuary. From bird blinds, you can spot kingfishers, herons and all kinds of ducks. The park authority says that 100 species of birds visit the bird sanctuary.In June, I like to visit the park for the annual Katsushika Iris festival which is celebrated at both Mizumoto Park and Horikiri Shobuen nearby. In the first two weeks of June, the two gardens are filled with purple, white and pink flowers. Mizumoto Park has the largest iris garden in Tokyo with 80 varieties and over 10,000 plants.The flowers at Mizumoto Iris Fields are celebrated with a festival. There is a market selling housewares, clothing and zori sandals. Next to the market is a line of street food stalls where you can leisurely sip sake or beer and eat yakitori and motsuni stew. It’s festive, but it all closes up and gets quiet around 5 p.m. I took a break on a bench near the path at the reservoir, savored a beer, and listened to the bird song and chatted with people walking their dogs.As the sun was setting, I made my way back to the bus stop at the south end of the reservoir. My favorite route to return is on the east side of the fish hatchery, where there are little canals that border the residential area. On my way I saw a fisherman toss a fish to a cat, and overheard neighbors discussing plant care. Many of the homes that border the canals and fish hatchery have gorgeous gardens filled with domestic and exotic plants. My favorite is a cottage with rose arbors that are at their best in June.The park is so big that you could spend a whole day there. I think I’ll go back again when I need fresh air and open space in the summer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmbo-living_katsushika_ku_tokyoSat, 15 Jun 2019 13:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAmbo-living_katsushika_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXOY-education_work_saitamaChalkboard art for the culture festivalThe teachers and students at the junior high school where I teach are exhausted and stressed out. That’s because they have been frantically preparing for the school’s biggest annual event – 文化祭 bunkasai, culture festival. Usually, school culture festivals occur around Culture Day, the national holiday that falls on November 3rd. However, our festival is held in the first term of school, after the midterm exams.If you have school-aged children, are a student, or you work in public or private schools, you likely have attended one of these huge school-wide extravaganzas. Culture festivals are an integral part of school life, and are in fact an element of the national curriculum. The objective is to show off the skills students acquire through study, and to build motivation.Our junior and senior high school decides on a unified theme each year, and each class works together on a display, performance or even food concession related to the theme. In our junior high school, grade one students decorate the classrooms and introduce the school’s staff, facilities and school life. Grade 2 students create a giant colored mosaic from graph paper. The final image is kept secret so that the assembly is a surprise. Grade three students present research about various experiences they will have in the second and third terms. They learn about Canada in anticipation of a study trip and home stay there in July, Japanese history in Kyoto, and universities they want to attend.While homeroom teachers support the students as they prepare these group projects, non-Japanese staff are involved in English Department related preparations. Our entire school body participates in speech contests, and we are responsible for selecting a winner in each class, and then coaching those winners in pronunciation and presentation skills. The students present their speeches to visitors over the course of the two-day festival. I also coach the English Speaking Society. E.S.S. Every year the members present videos of interviews of non-Japanese visitors and residents in Tokyo.Besides all the English-related activities, the culture festival preparation is a great opportunity to problem solve with your fellow teachers, get to know your students outside of regular lessons (mosaic coloring sessions meant we got to chat a lot), and help your students shine.If you are a private school teacher like me, culture festival is part of your working life. All staff is required to be on campus for the event, and along with the students, we get a compensatory day off following the close of the festival. As a tiny perk, our school provides staff with lunch boxes. Conditions for participation of non-Japanese staff can vary widely, from JET Program ALTs to contract ALTs to direct hired teachers.Whatever your situation, enjoy the entertainment, snacks and drinks, and the products of the students’ hard work and imagination.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXOY-education_work_saitamaFri, 14 Jun 2019 11:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXOY-education_work_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mKn-living_matsudo_shi_chibaThe cooler temperature of 梅雨 tsuyu rainy season is a relief, but the gloomy skies can get me down. Lyssays gave some good advice last week about surviving it.Last weekend, I took her advice to go out, defied the downpour and went for a bike ride to the local park.The hydrangeas make it tolerable. The skies may be gray, but the bright blue and violet flowers pick me up.Hydrangeas are so easy to arrange. This pretty bowl I spotted in a ladies’ room.If you’re near Matsudo City, go for a wander through the hydrangea groves at Hondoji Temple(sorry about the kanji error in the title - it should read 本堂寺).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mKn-living_matsudo_shi_chibaFri, 14 Jun 2019 08:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mKn-living_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7V1-living_noda_shi_chibaThis week in the Kanto region, it will be wet for the next six or seven days. The rainy season, 梅雨, tsuyu, is here.It’s hard to feel motivated to go outside, but the rewards are vivid greens and right now, at least here in Kanto, purple and pink irises.Three major varieties are Hanashobu, with their vibrant purple accented with a neon yellow streak, kakitsubata made famous by a Heian Period poem, and the flamboyant ayame with its drooping petals.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7V1-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 09 Jun 2019 18:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj7V1-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31dX-livingI love mokuren, magnolias, the flowers that bloom right around cherry blossom time. They’re done so quickly that you can miss them. I managed to catch these back in April. They’re probably the Mulan variety.On the edge of the school grounds is a line of trees that don’t look like anything most of the year. But at the end of May, they bloom.They have big leathery leaves. And gorgeous ivory blossoms as big as your face.So, spring is not done yet, despite the heat and humidity in the Kanto region.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31dX-livingWed, 29 May 2019 20:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31dX-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNYPk-foodWikipediaYou’ve probably had these black, wrinkly mushrooms in a bowl of ramen. They have a slightly crunchy texture.This evening, when I dropped by my local supermarket, I gravitated to the 見切品, the clearance goods in the produce section, and spied this box of kikurage, or wood ear mushrooms. They were cheap!These mushrooms are loaded with iron and B-1 and B-2 vitamins.You may may have had a helping of them in a bowl of ramen. They’re these strangely floppy yet crispy black things that have a subtle grassy or woody scent, but when you cook them, they take on the flavors of the other ingredients.Tonight, I stir fried them in olive oil and garlic with komatsuna, mustard greens.Half of this was dinner with brown rice and suigyoza, and he other half will go in my bento box.Do you use mushrooms in your your home cooking? What’s your favorite?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNYPk-foodWed, 29 May 2019 20:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNYPk-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mW6-living_healthKusatsu Onsen, Gunma PrefectureThe range of mineral content in the waters gushing from Japan’s hot springs varies widely, and temperatures range from 34 to over 42 Celsius. There is a long list of healing properties attributed to these hot springs - fatigue, arthritis, digestive problems, and skin conditions. But can hot springs really make you better? From my research and experience, I think they can do a lot to restore your physical and mental health.The mineral content has real effects on the texture of your skin. Sodium hot springs have a strong cleansing effect and soften the skin. Hot springs with sulfur are suggested for resolving acne. The sulfur is antimicrobial, and it is widely recommended to help slough off hard skin that results from psoriasis and eczema. When you feel cleansed and fresh, and get relief from dry skin or acne, you feel better about yourself, too.Around the world and in Japan, too, researchers claim that balneotherapy is valid natural medicine. While its effects are not confirmed, there appears to be some merit to soaking beyond just improvement of skin health.When you immerse yourself in hot, mineral-laden water, you float, which takes pressure off muscles and joints. Some research suggests that the pressure of the water, too, has an effect. The blood that pools in your legs is pushed by the pressure, and that results in better blood circulation.From my own experience, I’ve found real and surprising effects from onsen soaks. Not far from home are two onsen, both sodium chloride hot springs. The two onsen are great places to get away from the daily grind and feel healthy. Japan’s indigenous religion prescribes ritual bathing before ceremonies and for mental focus, and I find these onsen are places to take time and really focus on the task at hand, bathing. Of course, I bathe daily, and take baths at home a few times a week, but just leisurely cleansing with no distractions is important self care. The onsens have many different pools at different temperatures, and both indoor and outdoor lounging spaces. The sodium content makes my skin feel softer and even tighter. I’m sure part of the effect is from hydration from the hot water and plenty of drinking water I take in.The baths have cozy sleeping areas and gorgeous gardens. While in the onsen building, guests wear kanchaku, shorts and jacket set, made of soft, traditional Japanese textiles. Kanchaku are comfortable and allow freedom of movement.I think another effect is community, too. Some onsen experiences I’ve had are meditative and quiet, with all bathers taking time for relaxation and healing. Though silent, you are together with others who are focused on relief and relaxation. At other times, I’ve been counseled by elderly ladies on health and life stuff. The bath is a place where many people socialize and become reflective. Perhaps the most surprising experience I’ve had is elderly ladies coaching younger women on breast health. A thoughtful older lady shared her experience of breast cancer survival in a way that put us younger bathers at ease, and she encouraged us not to be shy to talk about female reproductive health.I go a few times a month, when I have time, to local spots, and a few times a year to onsen resorts. No doubt fresh air and beautiful scenery are also a source of healing as part of onsen therapy.Some Chiba, Ibaraki, and Saitama area onsen my friends and I keep going back to are:Noda Onsen Honoka for great value. The admission includes the ganbanyoku stone bath and sauna.Kasukabe Yumoto Onsen is a local landmark, but I recommend another cheaper one, Yuraku no Sato, just east of Kasukabe Station. It’s got great decor, mineral-laden and carbonated onsen water.On the Tone River in the Ibaraki countryside is Goroko no Yu which has strong salt water great for the skin. The decor is fun and kitschy, and they have a small theater for samurai dramas and enka performances.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mW6-living_healthWed, 29 May 2019 10:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1mW6-living_healthhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbmW-foodI must admit, I love crunchy, oily snacks as much as the next person. Recently, my local 7-11 has stocked 昆布しょうゆ konbu shoyu soy sauce flavored chips from YBC Chipstar. i thought I’d live dangerously and try this instead of my usual lightly salted favorite.The chips in a distinctive brown and green package are labeled as a Hokkaido thing. Never mind I’m down here in Kanto.I didn’t expect much, but they’re loaded with umami, that meaty, savory quality that was recently. The combination of soy sauce and konbu seaweed, the essential ingredient in dashi broth, is great sigh crunchy chips.Some Chipstar varieties are seasonal, so get it while you can.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbmW-foodTue, 28 May 2019 21:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbmW-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3N2-food_katsushika_ku_tokyoI keep my eye out for Vie de France bakery cafes when I am in or around train stations. There is one thing i’m looking for - red bean paste and cream buns with the district name grilled on them.This past weekend, while visiting the Kanamachi area, I dropped by the bakery between the JR and Keisei stations.They had what I was after!They’re not too sweet, and the combination of the pastry, cream and bean paste filling makes a great snack.I’ve found them at various stations on the Joban local line, at Mabashi, Kitasenju and a few other places that I frequently visit. They’re not always available. Perhaps they sell out?Does anybody else hunt for these when they’re traveling or commuting? Are they at all of the cafe locations?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3N2-food_katsushika_ku_tokyoSun, 26 May 2019 21:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gb3N2-food_katsushika_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm4q-living_noda_shi_chibaI wish I had learned about this one sooner.Until June 16th, four factories for big name products are doing a stamp rally. If you visit all four, and submit your stamps, your name gets entered in a draw to win tickets to either Shimizu Park Field Athletics, the biggest in Japan, or Tobu Zoo.The four factories are Kikkoman Factory Museum, Megu Milk, Fancl Cosmetics, and Glicopia Chiba. They’re all located in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture.So far, I have got one stamp at Glicopia Chiba. This is a fun free tour of Glico’s ice cream factory that ends with a free sample of Papico ice cream treats.I’ve been to Kikkoman Factory Museum a few times. The displays are all bilingual in English and Japanese. The cafe serves soy sauce flavored senbei you grill yourself, and soy sauce ice cream, which is delicious.If you’re in the area and have some time on weekdays (Fancl only offers tours Monday to Friday) this is a great way to see the clean and efficient process by which these products are made.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm4q-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 24 May 2019 19:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mnm4q-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8ky-living_noda_shi_chibaSome months ago, I told you about a local person in Noda City who made an English guide map for local eats and sights. The map was helpful, but very simple.Finally, Noda City’s tourism section and chamber of commerce have produced a bilingual guide in Japanese and English to highlight products, dining and places of interest.This is a triumph. The photography is appealing, the Japanese language info is detailed, and the English is natural and easy to read. I had a tiny part in proofing the guide.The guide doesn’t appear to be digital yet, so visitors have to get a physical copy. They’re available around town, notably at popular Shimizu Park information center.Has your town town or city produced multilingual tourism info? How readable is it? How do you get your hands on it?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8ky-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 18 May 2019 08:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME8ky-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXRb-foodLawson convenience stores stock this onigiri, butI don’t always see it in the shops. It seems Lawson launched a few 悪魔のおにぎり, akuma no onigiri products, including soup.I pack my own lunches and snacks, so I hardly ever buy onigiri, but this is one I keep my eyes peeled for. It’s got good flavor from katsuo broth, sesame, and nori. The latest offering is supposed to be spicy, Szechuan style.I might try my hand at making akuma no onigiri. The recipe usually calls for aonori, tsuyu broth, alittle sesame oil, and tenkasu (tempura batter bits).To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXRb-foodSat, 18 May 2019 08:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXRb-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLy74-transportation_noda_shi_chibaI don’t drive, so I either bike, train or bus everywhere I go. The first two transport options are easy to navigate. Point bicycle in direction of destination and go, stopping for refreshments on the way. When riding the rails, consult either Jorudan online or smartphone app. If you’re not confident with Japanese, you can navigate by Hyperdia in English or Chinese.But woe be to the bus passenger. Timetables, route maps and fare information are plentiful, but trying to figure out a route does your head in. See this Noda City information for Mame Bus? I got a headache looking at it.Mame Bus is named for Noda City’s famous product, mame, beans. Passengers are like beans in a pod. The tiny buses are cozy, alright. But they’re also cheap at ¥100 a ride. I have places to go, and that bus will get me there. But it takes longer to figure out how to connect the routes than it does to get to your destination!I gave up trying to figure out on the city website my route from the Tobu Urban Park Line to Sekiyado Castle in the far north of the city.So I put my destination into Google Maps, and found a route. It’s surprisingly useful, allowing you to choose the departure day and time.How’s bus transport where you live?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLy74-transportation_noda_shi_chibaThu, 16 May 2019 19:28:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLy74-transportation_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPKZ-living_noda_shi_chibaThe wisteria in sunshine at Tokaen Wisteria Garden in Kasukabe CityBefore Golden Week started, the weather reports didn’t look good for the Kanto region. I’d already decided on a “staycation”, spending my time locally, so I carefully budgeted my time around the few sunny days we would get. Tuesday to Thursday we’re going to be rained out. I braved the drizzle and gloom anyway, but caught a lot of bright sunshine, too.I live on the Tobu Urban Park Line, between Kashiwa and Omiya Stations. There are many lovely places to see in Golden Week on this route, so I figured I would enjoy the local culture and color.On the first weekend, my objective was to take in the gorgeous wisteriain Kasukabe City.In previous years, I had learned to appreciate the beauty of the purple and white cascades of flowers in the front street of Kasukabe Station, and the festival to celebrate the kilometer-long avenue of fujidana, wisteria arbors. Every year, Kasukabe City folks and people from all around come to the Fuji Matsuri to experience Edo Period entertainments, taiko drum performances and marching bands. There is street food and all kinds of events for families to enjoy. The celebrations are shaded by the lavender and ivory dangling flowers.Mark your calendar for the last week of April next yearThis year, I learned about Tokaen, a wisteria garden in the city. On the morning of April 27th, at my apartment not far away, I saw a break in the clouds. I raced to the train station to catch a ride to see the wisteria between showers.The garden opened on April 20th, so I wondered if the flowers were at their peak. When I arrived at the platform, I saw and heard many people checking the walking route to the garden. It’s a mere 10 minutes from Fuji no Ushijima Station. Curiously, I heard Chinese voices besides Japanese. These wisteria were certainly interesting to all kinds of people. But why? I would discover at the garden.The garden is on the site of a deconsecrated Shingoro Buddhist temple. Little remains but some Jizo statues and a monument or two. The story is that, about 1200 years ago, the Buddhist scholar Kobo Daishi passed though the region. Kobo Daishi himself is said to have started the wisteria vines in the grounds of this temple.They’re stunning. These wisteria are identified as national treasures in Japan. The vines twine around nearly 700 square meters of trellis, and their cascading blossoms can trail up to two meters. These wisteria are distinct from the mainland Asia variety because they are not “hairy”, and the vines twist clockwise. Japanese wisteria originated before the landmass that became Japan drifted from the southern to the northern hemisphere. On either side of the equator, plants twist the opposite way. The wisteria vines in Japan remember their southern origins.The rain was light, which made the colors even more vivid. Later there was bright sunshine to make the flowers glow.On April 30th, I checked the weather again in the morning. Luck! Some sunny breaks were forecast. This time my objective was my favorite local park, Shimizu Park, also on the Tobu Urban Park Line. In this season, the tsutsuji, azaleas, are at their peak. The park was crowded with people enjoying a music and dance festival, the field athletics course, and the flowers.I checked the map for the azalea garden. You can see it just to the right of the “You Are Here” red indicator. I thought it would be pretty.The azalea garden observation deckAzaleas as far as you can seeI was amazed at the variety and profusion of blossoms. A nearby sign indicated that there are a hundred varieties. And they were lovely to see in the dappled sunshine when the clouds parted.Shimizu Park is famous for its azalea festival which finishes on May 6th. But I got a bonus, the peony display.In the front garden of Konjoin Temple within the park, the gardeners have been nurturing a wide range of peonies.Here’s our local dragon at the hand washing basin surrounded by peoniesThe first day of Reiwa Era turned out to be damp and chilly in my part of Kanto, but I am glad to see all these gorgeous flowers right here in my neighborhood in this Golden Week.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPKZ-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 03 May 2019 16:59:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GQPKZ-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zay5A-living_workOne warm June morning at a local elementary school where I taught English lessons to grades five and six, I spied on the staff room chalkboard that the students were about to start swimming lessons. The campus has its own swimming pool, and the students look forward to the relief from the heat. My fellow teachers had prepared whistles, floats and bullhorns in a big basket. Among the equipment, I noticed two curious objects. One was a glass jar of sake, and the other a bag of salt. It gave me a start to see alcohol (in this case a one-cup serving of aozake). But my fellow teachers reassured me that this was part of the opening of the swimming season. The teachers did their own blessing of the pool, casting alcohol and salt around to implore the gods for safety while their students were in the pool.The more you look around, you will see Shinto and folk traditions that are part of work. Before workers start the process of setting a foundation of a commercial building or house, there is a ritual called jichinsai, a groundbreaking custom. The space is prepared with bamboo poles and streamers, a Shinto priest is requested to do a ritual, offerings are made, and participants, including the land owner and the construction crew, may be part of the proceedings. The ritual is meant to not only bless the building's eventual occupants, but to ask for the safety of the workers who construct it.Many restaurant operators also observe a folk custom as part of their working day. In front of the entrance, you might spy a dish of salt, or just a pile of salt, or even two on either side of the door. Some say this is a vestige of a Shinto ritual of purification, to make the space ritually clean, and protect it from bad spirits. A meticulously clean place signaled to customers that this was a safe place to eat.Others say that, back in the day, little piles of salt would attract horses and oxen. Of course, those who could afford horses and oxen were wealthy, and the delay of an enticing lick of salt would draw good business.One of the most common folk customs you will experience at work-related parties is tejime, the ritual clapping of hands to signal the completion of a project. Some sources say that the sequence of three sets of three claps signifies ku, or nine, which is a homophone for pain. The three sets of three are followed by a single clap, to release the tension. The ceremonial clapping ritual is said to have originated in the Edo Period.Tejime is one of my favorite customs. It feels good to share a sense of accomplishment with your work mates and feel like you are really done.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zay5A-living_workFri, 26 Apr 2019 20:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zay5A-living_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoPy-living_chiyoda_ku_tokyoKawagoe team at Kanda MatsuriThe first time I went to Kanda Matsuri I didn’t have high expectations. I imagined the usual omikoshi and ceremonies. But the matsuri atmosphere carried me away. It’s boisterous and solemn, too.Just recently I realized why this festival missed my attention last year. It’s because the festival doesn’t happen every year. Apparently, in the Edo Period, it got a bit too exciting, so the Shogun declared it could only be held on odd-numbered years.The festival is six days long, but the big events happen on May 11th and 12th when omikoshi from neighboring districts are all brought together at Kanda Myojin Shrine.Don’t get in the way of the omikoshiI wished I were on that blimp rather than in the throng.The festivities run May 9-15 this year.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoPy-living_chiyoda_ku_tokyoFri, 26 Apr 2019 12:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJoPy-living_chiyoda_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31B1-living_noda_shi_chibaThe cherry trees bloomed in spectacular fashion as always in Noda City’s Shimizu Park and the avenue of gnarled and ancient trees that leads to the park. Very soon after, the dogwoods started to show buds, and they’re fully open this week.Dogwoods of the variety that are planted as street trees and garden features are not native to Japan. They’re actually a variety from the eastern U.S. The trees were a gift from the U.S. in return for the somei yoshino variety of cherry trees given by the Japanese government to the U.S. about 100 years ago. The parent tree from which the trees are descended lives on a school ground in Tokyo.In our front street, it appears we have a bicolor tree, just like some cherry and plum trees are bicolor.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31B1-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 22 Apr 2019 14:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z31B1-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXp2-living_noda_shi_chibaThis morning, barn swallows were perching on the power lines outside my living room window. This is my second year at this apartment, and the first time I’ve seen swallows nesting. They’ve chosen a spot on top of a vent, and mercifully the vent is not above a veranda, and directly below is a flower box.Im so glad they’re here. Across the road from the building is a canal, perfect habitat for mosquitoes who lie in wait for people putting out laundry on their verandas. All you can eat, ladies and gentlemen!Utagawa Hiroshige made amusing images of all kinds of animals. Dancing swallows, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXp2-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 13 Apr 2019 09:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlXp2-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbg8-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaYou will see this pink or. White flower, a low ground cover, all over the Kanto region. Some gardens feature vast displays of the stuff. They’re pretty, and the flowers are very dense. In Japanese they are called shibazakura, something like cherry ground cover. The tiny flowers certainly look like little cherry blossoms, and they coincide with or just follow the trees.Take a moment to run your hands lightly over them. They feel velvety.In Kasukabe City’s main street, the shibazakura are tightly packed into the planters along the sides of the road.At the west exit of the train station, Kasukabe City’s famous fictional resident, Crayon Shinchan, appears in the shibazakura plantings.I’m glad it’s his face and not his bottom. He’s famous for his cheekiness. And cheeks.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbg8-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaFri, 12 Apr 2019 18:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GBbg8-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAm50-food_howtoSpring is bamboo shoot time. In spring, the young bamboo, called takenoko, begins to poke out of the ground, and the bamboo shoot is a harbinger of spring for Japanese people. In spring, they are cut before they are more than 25 centimeters tall. At this size, they are still tender. And in Japan, as in many countries in Asia, they're part of the cuisine.I was gifted this beautiful bamboo shoot, but you can also find them in the supermarkets in March and April. Mine still had the dirt on it, so I scrubbed it and cut the bottom off. Japanese friends advised me to peel off just the outer layer, as the bamboo skin helps to tenderize it as it cooks.Care must be taken to cook the bamboo shoot sufficiently. Raw bamboo has a compound that when eaten, breaks down into cyanide in the human gut. I am familiar with thorough cooking of otherwise toxic vegetables because my family has a tradition of using casava (the root that makes tapioca) in our cooking. You have to do this right. The Japanese way of cooking bamboo shoots uses either the water left over from cooking rice, or rice bran, called nuka in Japanese. Either way, this is supposed to add alkaline to the water to counteract the toxic compound. I boiled my bamboo shoot in a lot of water with rice bran added. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to boil them. You know the bamboo shoot is done when you can stick a skewer into it. Let the bamboo shoot cool before your try to cut it to prepare it for dishes.One dish that is easy to make is bamboo shoot simmered in kombu broth with wakame. It makes a good side dish. The texture of the bamboo shoots is firm, and it has a distinct and slightly bitter flavor.Another way to use bamboo shoots in Japanese cuisine is takenoko gohan. Put your rice in the rice cooker with the chopped bamboo shoots, a little soy sauce, a dash each of mirin and sake, and some sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook them in the rice cooker as you usually do. Most people recommend brown rice for this dish.You can add bamboo shoots to all kinds of stir fried dishes, too.I acquired a taste for Thai curry from trips to Thailand to visit family where they taught me some Thai home cooking. Later I learned from a Thai neighbor lady that bamboo shoots are good in Thai green curry. I do my green curry with whatever is available - bunashimeiji mushrooms, green peppers, bamboo shoots and chicken.It takes a little time to cook fresh bamboo shoots, but it is pretty easy to do. Just cook them long enough.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAm50-food_howtoWed, 10 Apr 2019 18:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAm50-food_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrv3q-education_noda_shi_chibaThe local museum puts on all kinds of exhibits from photography to local history to handicrafts. But this one is likely going to be spectacular.on display are swords from the Heian to Modern Period.And all for free! There are lectures by sword collectors and history buffs (reservations required) to explain the history and features of the artistic and deadly objects.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrv3q-education_noda_shi_chibaMon, 08 Apr 2019 10:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wrv3q-education_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YZR-livingHere in the Kanto region, the cherry blossoms have already scattered and green leaves are sprouting.Just before the cherry trees, the magnolia kobus trees bloomed. These trees can get very tall, and have fragrant white flowers.Photo, WikipediaThe Japanese name for this tree is mokuren, tree lotus. They sure look like lotuses on branches.I meant to take photos of the trees in my neighborhood, but I got busy and the petals fell before I got a chance. I thought I was out out of luck, but on Sunday, I spied this magnolia in the garden of our local temple.All the other magnolias finished a week ago, but this one just started. It’s not the same variety, but just as beautiful.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YZR-livingMon, 08 Apr 2019 08:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6YZR-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpVB5-living_howtoNeighbors and friends gave me ornamental and complex origami recently. The tiny unit origami balls, one with a bell in it, were made by an elderly lady. She does origami to keep her mind sharp. The rose crane I got from a young man who has been recovering from illness. He does complex origami to focus on the positive, and gives his creations as gifts.Their origami inspired me to return to this hobby which I had neglected for years.I also like to do complex unit origami boxes. It’s a meditative practice, requiring great attention to detail and precision. I find it very satisfying to finish an attractive object. It takes a lot of thought sometimes to figure out how a a piece of paper becomes a three dimensional object. Following diagrams doesn’t tell the whole story, so the design, and sometimes assembly in the case of unit origami, becomes a brain teaser. The boxes I make are great for gifts, both the package and contents.These boxes, designed by the origami artist Fuse Tomoko, require six pieces of paper each. The texture, weight, and patterns of the paper you choose enhance the designs. I like to experiment with pattern on pattern and contrast.But not all my paper folding is so complex. I use simple origami at work and at home for storage and packaging small items. Paper envelopes are easy to make, and double-sided origami makes them attractive. The contrast makes it easy to see the objects inside. The eared box folds flat so the contents stay inside. The classic masu box doesn’t require purchased materials. At the office or school, you’ll see so much glossy, heavy paper from brochures, textbooks and calendars put in the recycling pile, but they make great boxes. You can use scrap cardboard to reinforce the boxes. Last year, I made about a dozen from out ofdate geography textbooks. I inserted cardboard from boxes that omiyage comes packed in. My desk organizer boxes hold up for the whole year.At home, I get so much advertising through the post. The paper is thin and glossy, but useable. I use the easiest box design made from a rectangle of any proportions. You don’t have to fold these precisely, and once you have made a few, it takes less than a minute to produce one. You’ll see the photos in the gallery.When I’m cooking, I use these scrap boxes for catching kitchen waste. I place these boxes around the house, in the kitchen, toilet, laundry area, and living room. At work, I keep a few in my desk drawer to collect garbage.You don’t need a lot of expensive books to do origami. You’ll find easy English language tutorials all of the ‘Net. A few of my favorites are Paper Kawaii and Origami Instructions.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpVB5-living_howtoFri, 05 Apr 2019 14:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MpVB5-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpk7Y-livingMany blog posts here on City Cost aboutsustainable lifegave me food for thought. Each story made me think carefully about how I used resources and disposed of waste.So, this week, when my laundry rack broke, I got thinking. How can I reduce the amount of refuse I’ll throw out when I dispose of the rack?So I stripped off all the clips and then looked around the house for uses.I swapped out the broken and mismatched clips on my second rack,and then considered where I could use the remaining clips.The kitchen! I attached a few to the range hood.I put the rest of them on the laundry room rack.I’m looking at a lot of the plastic bits around the house with greater scrutiny.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpk7Y-livingThu, 04 Apr 2019 19:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mpk7Y-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyy4b-foodSome mornings, I have a hot breakfast of ochazuke, usually brown rice with furikake sprinkled over it with either hot water or green tea.Lately I get Nagatanien ochazuke, and a favorite flavor is ume, plum. When I visited friends abroad last year, I brought a dozen packs with me. The packages are attractive, it’s easy to prepare ochazuke anywhere, and there is a bonus - miniatures of Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido.If you aren’t familiar with all of them, then just look at the link above. I got the 7th station, Hiratsuka, this time.I’ll tuck them into the pockets of visiting friends.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyy4b-foodWed, 03 Apr 2019 14:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gyy4b-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zp2-living_workDo you know your rights and obligations as an employee in Japan? It's essential for your well being as a working person to know what rules you have to abide by, and what rights you can claim when you're working in any country. In Japan, fortunately, there is a lot of information available in English.The first resource you can refer to is An Explanation of Japanese Labor Laws, a bilingual document provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Affairs Division.This document states what you will see again and again in official information about your employment as a non-Japanese in Japan:"The Labor Standards Law which stipulates working conditions, states that no employer shall discriminate against or favor any employee by reason of nationality or other status with regard to wages, working hours or other working conditions. The same may be said of related labor laws, for example, the Minimum Wages Law. Despite the existence of these laws, lack of knowledge of them causes ny problems to arise. Most individuals do not fully recognize that these laws can be the meansof solving or avoiding problems. Thus, this handbook was prepared to prevent labor problems and assist foreign workers to understand their workers’ rights in this country."These are words to remember, as you pursue education while working part time, or a career, when you're employed while supporting a family, or preparing for retirement.So how do you avoid problems? Know your laws. Read the labor laws carefully, and choose your employer wisely. There are many ブラック企業, black companies outed by organizations that aim to warn prospective employees of sketchy shop rules and bad practices. In 2017, the government identified companies that violated labor laws in an effort to thwart karoshi, death by overwork. Many companies were publicly identified in a bid to stop them from working employees too hard, or failing to abide by basic rights for workers.A big issue for non-Japanese people working here is paid leave. Many of us have families here and abroad, and may need time off to care for our families. Indeed, our Japanese coworkers, too, need time for child and elder care as much as we do.According to national labor laws, those working more than 30 hours a week are entitled to 11 paid leave days, increasing to 20 days after six years of employment. Part time workers at less than 30 hours a week are supposed to receive seven days leave, and after six years of employment, 15 days. The timing of the paid leave is supposed to be free for the employee to decide, but there are exceptions. A Japan Times article provides more details about paid leave rules.When things get out of hand, what do you do? See the last section of the handbook I told you about. You can receive information labor offices all over Japan about your rights, labor laws, taxation and pension in many languages. You need not worry about where you're going to get clear, correct information.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zp2-living_workSat, 30 Mar 2019 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zp2-living_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK9kA-livingThis week, I ran out of whole bean coffee, what I usually depend on for my morning wake up. I can’t function without caffeine.So I compromised on my usual eco regime and got those single serving coffee filters from the convenience store. Just this once, I promise, until the next shopping trip.The flavor isn’t bad, but it can’t compare to fresh ground. And then the waste of a single filter. It’s small, and goes in combustible garbage when I clean up, but it’s still one more bit of stuff I don’t need.Years ago, a guest gifted me this awesome device he got at Starbucks. Two tablespoons of coffee in the bottom of the filter yeilds two cups of coffee. And the taste is night and day from those single serving filters.Has anybody seen a similar gadget in the shops? I’d love to gift them to caffeine heads I know.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK9kA-livingThu, 28 Mar 2019 10:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zK9kA-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B7j-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaOn most days, 最勝院, Saishiyoin, a tiny temple just outside Kasukabe Station, is not much to look at. It's just a little neighborhood sanctuary with a graveyard.But every year at the end of March, the garden there explodes into bloom with gorgeous cherry trees that you just can't miss if you're in the neighborhood.There are a few varieties, and the blossoms on the branches hang over the paths and grace the elegant front of the old temple.You know you're in the right place when you see the sakura emblems on the doors of the gate.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B7j-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamaWed, 27 Mar 2019 14:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B7j-living_kasukabe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxL0-livingYou can’t dispute the beauty and cultural significance of cherry blossoms in March and April. They’re everywhere, and entrance the local and the visitor alike.Yuki yanagi, snow willow, also blooms in this season, and they’re spectacular in their own way.Known in Latin as spiraea thunbergii, these flowers are native to China and Japan. Their petals blow in the breeze just like the cherries. They’re related to roses.I picked a few branches for my “pirate ikebana”.Already, it has shed a few tiny petals.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxL0-livingMon, 25 Mar 2019 12:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxL0-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy613-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoThe days are getting longer, and the threat of snow in the Kanto area has passed. In the last few weeks, I smelled winter sweet and plum blossoms. I noticed Kawazu sakura, the earliest blooming variety, is already full of pink flowers in Tokyo.This week, on a stroll through Shibuya, I smelled this sweet perfume, the flowers of jinchoge, or daphne odora. Jinchoge was imported from China long ago, and is grown as hedge plants. The brush is evergreen, and has pink and white flowers in clusters.The candy sweetness of this flower makes up for sakura blossoms which don’t have a strong scent. It is at its best just as the school year finishes.It’s such a nice pick me up after winter and the exam grind.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy613-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoSat, 09 Mar 2019 10:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy613-living_shibuya_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxOj-livingThe other night, I was at Brennan’s Irish Bar, and the master reminded me of Ireland’s big day, St. Patrick’s Day.Ireland is big in Japan with festivals and parades all over the country. A big one is I Love Ireland Festival 2019 at Yoyogi Park.Now, I have Irish ancestry, but I wouldn’t say I’m Irish as I identify more strongly with Scotland, my family’s country of origin. There is a lot of shared culture, language and history between Irish and Scots. Irish people count me in, such sweethearts. Maybe someday Scotland will be independent and send an ambassador to Japan... I am always impressed about how Irish and Irish descendants welcome all to their national party. Lots of Japanese people turn out for the parades, too.This year, Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup, too. The Embassy of Ireland is promoting the Cup with leaflets to promote rugby and Irish culture in Japan.The first game in September is Yokohama-Scotland. I’ll likely cheer for both.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxOj-livingFri, 08 Mar 2019 11:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNxOj-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnadX-living_noda_shi_chibaThis month, Noda City Museum has an exhibition of artifacts from neolithic and Jomon Period cultures. For junior archeologists, the guide and the displays are a wonderful introduction to the discipline and insight into what’s right under your feet.The exhibition includes the tools that archeologists used to uncover sites all over the city. Noda City and other cities in the region have shellmiddens and kofun mounds, ancient burial sites that include a lot of artifacts.Chiba Prefecture has the highest density of kofun mounds after Hyogo Prefecture. Once you know they’re here, you start noticing bumps and hills In the landscape. Some have been erased by time and urban development, but many are marked by monuments and intrerpretive signboards.The museum has a number of haniwa figures, terra cotta statues that were used in mortuary traditions. Some very rare examples of figures with ears, and even a unique fish are in the display.But what caught my eye were two ancient swords.Budo and history nerds may find these two swords interesting.The exhibit has furigana on the signage, so it’s easy for children and Japanese language learners to read technical information.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnadX-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 04 Mar 2019 09:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MnadX-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ5QD-food_howtoCooking a lot at home with seasonal ingredients in Japan is fun. Before I go shopping, I have a glance at a seasonal produce calendar to see what veggies are at their best (and also likely cheapest).And then I gather together all kinds of seasonings and experiment in my typically tiny apartment kitchen. I depend on my rice cooker, donabe ceramic pot, fry pan and a few sauce pans.But so many of the recipe websites I follow feature the popular sheet pan approach to one-dish cooking. A sheet pan is a metal pan, usually with a low rim, used to bake or broil in an oven.I see all these mouth-watering dishes, but alas, I have no oven. I could splurge and get a tiny oven, but they consume a lot of electricity. So, I’ve been adapting recipes to this tiny toaster oven. It’s a cheapie. You can get these oven toasters online or in the shops for about ¥3000. And they don’t take up too much space.A stash of Japanese seasonings (and a few exotic ones) complement seasonal ingredients and keep my cooking varied.The green bottle is yuzukosho, a paste made of fermented chili peppers, yuzu citrus and salt. This condiment is often used on grilled chicken and in hot pot, but I put it on lots of things. The middle one is hontsuyu soup broth which I use sparingly to give dishes some umami. Similarity, I use a dash of ponzu, citrus flavored vinegar to give food a little tanginess. My favorite ponzu right now is gomapon, a combination of sesame paste and citrus vinegar.The plastic dish contains za’atar, a gift from Israeli friends. It’s a combination of thyme, marjoram, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt. It’s zippy and fragrant.I didn’t bother getting fancy pans for the oven toaster. Instead, I have a few aluminum trays from the 100 yen store. They hold up, and clean up, surprisingly well. If you use a nice pan, you can line it with cooking paper (also available at the 100 yen shop).I learned a few things cooking with my oven toaster. Cut your veggies into uniformly sized pieces. Dress your ingredients with seasonings (using liquids sparingly) in a bowl, and then arrange them evenly in a single layer on the pan. An oven toaster isn’t that big, so you might put fish or mushrooms on one pan and veggies on another to cook them in turn.Here are some of my favorite no-recipe dishes: Salmon with enoki mushrooms - Season salmon fillets with ginger and soy sauce. Splash the enokis with ponzu and bake them for 8-10 minutes.Sausages with naganegi onions - Slice the sausages into diagonal bits, and the negi in 5 cm pieces. Toss the naganegi with a spoonful of yuzukosho. Bake 6-8 minutes or until the naganegi goes a bit golden on the edges.Grilled veggies - onions go great with za’atar, komatsuna with sesame paste, and carrots simply tossed with olive oil.Of course, I still use my oven toaster for comfort food - grilled broccoli cheese seasoned with salt and pepper, one of my childhood favorites.Do you depend on you oven toaster? What’s your favorite oven toaster dish?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ5QD-food_howtoSat, 16 Feb 2019 20:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MJ5QD-food_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XLn-living_noda_shi_chibaA few weeks ago, I told you about the magnificent views of Fujisan from the Super Embankment, a fortification against flooding on the Edo River at Noda City.Today, it was a typically gray February day in the Kanto region, so there was no view. However, the spot has a grove of plum trees that are blooming in the chilly weather.The plums are hot pink and ivory.I lingered a bit to smell the sweet fragrance. Thank you, plums, for drawing me out of the house to resist the gloomy weather.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XLn-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 08 Feb 2019 17:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XLn-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glp38-living_noda_shi_chibaToday is Setsubun, the first inkling of spring. Most people associate spring in Japan with cherry blossoms, but the original spring flower festival is a celebration of plum blossoms.It wasn't until the Heian Period that people began to celebrate the cherry blossoms. Before that, harking back to Chinese traditions, poets wrote verse to mark the beginning of spring ushered in with the fragrant and beautiful plum flowers.Here in Noda City, we have a few places that have gorgeous plums. They begin to bloom in February when it's still chilly, but the days are growing longer.Shimizu Park has a plum grove on a hillside which catches breezes from the Edo River. It's a popular place to take photos.In front of Konjoin Temple, the heart of Shimizu Park, there are two spectacular and photogenic plum trees that warm the hearts of locals and visitors alike.They're tough and beautiful - and sweet smelling - flowers that draw us out of our homes to enjoy early spring sun.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glp38-living_noda_shi_chibaSun, 03 Feb 2019 17:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Glp38-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XpY-food_shopping_teaKasukabe City's Otsuzumi-en tea shop has a wide array of teas, sweets and crockery, and the presentation is dazzling with carefully displayed colorful packaging. It's a bit overwhelming to see so many kinds of tea. Their blended teas are sourced from plantations all over Japan, but most of their products contain tea grown in Shizuoka Prefecture. Their award-winning finest tea is 3000 yen for 100 grams, selected from fresh spring tea tips on premium tea bushes. However, Otsuzumi-en has many good quality teas at various price points. The teas are available in boxed sets which make great gifts.Besides tea, they also have sweets and soba, buckwheat noodles. To show local pride in the wisteria avenue and gardens that Kasukabe City is famous for, they carry purple soba. These noodles taste much like regular soba despite the vibrant color.My favorite noodles at Otsuzumi-en are the cha soba, green tea buckwheat noodles that aren't just a novel color but distinctly tea-flavored.The noodles are labeled 遠州森の抹茶そば Enshu Mori Matcha Soba, named for Enshu Mori, a tea-growing district near Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. They're a vivid green color, just like the package indicates.Preparing the noodles is quite easy, and I'd also say foolproof, if you follow the instructions on the package.Boil water, cook the noodles for four minutes. Keep an eye on them as your pot may boil over. I usually keep a cup of water handy to reduce the froth that might spill over the pot. This doesn't slow down the cooking, as far as I can tell. After four minutes, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Serve the noodles in a bamboo zaru basket. If you don't have a basket, a plate will do, as long as you drain them well.They're even more brilliantly green when cooked.The noodles have a distinct tea flavor. The noodles are delicious with a thin tsuyu broth. I used store-bought broth and had naganegi onions on the side.Cha soba are delicious served simply as I showed you. For a complete meal, cha soba and tempura are a great combination. Cha soba is a great summer time meal. Serve the tsuyu a bit strong, and put a few ice cubes in it to keep it cool and they will thin the broth. Arrange julienne cucumbers, tomato slices, thinly sliced omelette, and nori seaweed on another plate. Dip the noodles and garnishes in the broth. Enjoy your cha soba for lunch or dinner. It's refreshing any time of year, but especially on sultry summer days when you might be run down by the heat. The appeal to the eye and the palate will bring back your appetite.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XpY-food_shopping_teaFri, 01 Feb 2019 14:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2XpY-food_shopping_teahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpEe-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaIt’s bitter cold, and the dry air is hard on my skin. The trains are full of people coughing. To fend off the flu and colds, wash your hands and don’t touch your eyes, my grandmother always advises me.Winter here is rough, but winter blooming flowers make it better.A few weeks ago, wintersweet, called robai in Japanese, began to bloom. This week, at Kashiwa Furusato Park on the edge of Teganuma Marsh, mitsumata flowers are out a bit early. Usually they hang on until February.They’re fragrant, too.Mitsumata which has been used for centuries to make washi paper is also a fiber used in the production of yen banknotes. The fiber is tough and can resist creasing and endure a lot of handling.Also at the park is a hint of the next spectacular bloom, plums.Sakura are celebrated in Japan, but I think plums are awesome for their fragrance, and variety of shapes and colors. I’m looking forward to braving the cold and inhaling their scent very soon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpEe-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaSat, 26 Jan 2019 09:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpEe-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpJA-living_familylifeThe kokuhaku, confession of affections, is perhaps the most confounding aspect of dating in Japan. You’ve been acculturated to ambiguity, aimai, all this time and suddenly, your partner springs this on you. And it’s straight up. I want you to be my lover.I’m a Canadian woman who on arrival in Japan was already over 26 years old. This was in the late 90s when people here still perceived single women over 25 years old as “Christmas cake”, past their best before date. I thought my opportunity for romance was done. I would never hear kokuhaku from the guy of my dreams.But Japanese popular culture has shifted since I first arrived. In my 30s, I had the pleasure of dating both Japanese and non-Japanese guys who had gotten over this terribly limiting perception of women in this age range.Many of my female friends, from all backgrounds, have met life partners beyond this artificially imposed expiry date. Some have met their ideal partners after 40.When I was dating, there were some hits, and some wide misses. But what really got me was kokuhaku, the bold and sometimes awkward expressions of sincere affection.Early on, I wasn’t sufficiently acculturated to know what I was getting into when I dated colleagues and friends of friends. For a while, I casually dated a Japanese guy near my age, who happened to be working close by. We would go for dinner after work and ride the train home together. One evening, hanging on the strap on a crowded train he said, “You’re my best girlfriend,” and in reply I blurted out, “Dude, I’m your only female friend.” It was brutal, but true. We broke off our dinner dates after that awkward moment.But this is how, despite all the subtly and subterfuge attributed to Japanese communication, guys broach the subject of serious dating. The kokuhaku is like a bludgeon after all the second-guessing, veiled comments, and surreptitious glances. And then you get it upside the head. And now age is no barrier.I find it refreshing and fun. North American guys, at least the Canadian and American kind, don’t profess their affections so directly. Those who do are often regarded suspiciously. It’s like North Americans are nervous about directly professing their feelings of affection, and they won’t receive it.But with Japanese guys, this is the modus operandi. They state outright they want to date you. It’s a great relief from the pussyfooting we engage in when dating in North America.My guy actually had to do it twice. I wouldn’t accept it the first time. It wasn’t that I was resistant to the overture. It’s just that he chose the wrong moment, when we were under the gaze of superiors. I had enough cultural acumen to know that he’d chosen the wrong time and place, though the sentiment was just right.Some weeks later when he made kokuhaku in private, I accepted and we’ve been together for a year now.You may think, where’s the female agency in this? But it comes down to the acceptance or rejection. Women are free to rebuff kokuhaku. And for the most part, Japanese guys deal with it.Some Japan culture nerds will tell you that “I love you” and “Daisuki desu” are equivalent and that “Aishiteru” has a different connotation and is reserved for communication of affection exclusive to family members in the most extenuating circumstances. That may be true. But my guy and I say “Aishiteru” to each other every day.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpJA-living_familylifeSat, 19 Jan 2019 12:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpJA-living_familylifehttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkox-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaRecently, JTSuzuki wrote about making "plarn", plastic yarn, from plastic bags. She crochets them into useful items. That's cool. But what if you don't knit or crochet? I'm one of those lefties who struggles with knit and crochet.But if you can wield an iron and scissors, and maybe handle simple sewing, you can make some amazing things from fused plastic fabric made from plastic bags. As plastic bags proliferated in my kitchen some years ago, I started experimenting with fused plastic. It's surprisingly easy, and a wonderful outlet for creativity.To fuse plastic, all you need is an iron and ironing board, some kitchen paper (the kind that withstands high heat), scissors and some creativity.Work outside on the balcony, or inside with all the windows open. Fusing plastic creates some fumes, probably not lethal, but not great for you.To start, cut all the handles and edges off some plastic bags. The best kinds of bags are the thin "reji bukuro", shopping bags you get at the cash register. They're thin and often have a pattern or message on them, which I think is part of the charm of making fused plastic bags here in Japan. You get amusing patterns and messages on your fused plastic fabric this way. As you get more proficient at the fused plastic technique, you can incorporate other kinds of plastic. The shiny insides of potato chip and snack packages make shiny bits that you can layer in your fused plastic fabric.Next, place about 5-8 plastic sheets you have cut out between two sheets of paper. You can use cooking paper, which is resistant to heat, or in a pinch, clean copier paper. The size of the paper and the plastic sheets limits the size of your finished plastic fabric, so the bigger the better. Make sure that, if the plastic has a design or message on it, you sandwich it between two sheets of plastic because the ink will melt. You don't want that melted ink on your iron.Now, run the iron over the layers of paper and plastic, but don't linger. You'll hear the plastic sheets making a crinkling sound. Peel back the paper and see if the plastic fuses. If it hasn't, give it another pass.The plastic fabric might have ragged edges, or shrink a bit. You can give it another pass with the iron, and see what happens. Cut the finished fabric the way you want it.The bits of fused plastic I made have patterns and images on them, but they're fused between either clear or white plastic layers. This is how you can incorporate cute images on them. Sharp eyes might notice that Target logo. A friend brought some gifts in Target bags when they visited. The slug and leaf are from a local shop. The subtle polka dots are from another local shop.The fabric may not be very large. One of my strategies is to make interesting patterns with simple patchwork. I used white bags from 7-11, both brown for hot takeout and white ones for regular purchases, and patterned bags from various shops. I used a square of cardboard from an origami package as a template to make sure my patchwork was square. Then I used long pieces to make patchwork sashes to create squares. It took no time to sew up a bag. The leaf pattern took some experimenting. I cut out leaves from a green bag and layered them between clear supermarket bags and 7-11 brown bags to make an interesting pattern.Even if you don't sew, you can make collages of interesting plastic designs. I've used chip bags, bags with the shiny side displayed, or front with interesting kanji messages, and fun patterns to make art. You can frame them in cheap 100 yen store frames. Another idea is to make coasters, covers for books, or even curtains of fused plastic. Fused plastic fabric is versatile, and you can incorporate Japanese design elements.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkox-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaWed, 16 Jan 2019 14:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkox-living_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvZk-living_noda_shi_chibaMe and my guy Daikichi are the red and the white teams of language learning for 2019. We've got a ways to go this year. But we're determined, and we've got resources.I'm a Canadian-British middle-aged gal who passed the JLPT N2 last year, and I'm aiming at N1 this December. About 20 years ago, I studied Japanese language formally in university. Although that was merely a taste of Japanese language learning, I gained a lot of insight from that experience. I'm ready to go all the way, to persevere through to N1, the highest level of the JLPT.My guy Daikichi, also middle-aged, is keen on becoming conversant in English, but he has merely the foundations of junior high school English to go on. He was a star student a generation ago. In his favor, he's a highly intelligent person with strong motivation to learn. I have faith in him. But he'll need some expert help to get good enough to understand and respond to foreign visitors to Japan who he interacts with at work.Game on for 2019! Battle of the languages!How the White Team is learning JapaneseLast year, I managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level. I say managed because I haven’t received any tutoring or classroom language lessons. I’m cheap, so I relied on some free resources to get my reading, grammar and vocabulary knowledge up to N2 snuff.For reading, I relied on two free resources that learners at any level can benefit from. First, I read, checked vocabulary, and answered questions based on Japan Times' News in Nihongo. I didn't read every story. Instead, I read the ones I was most interested in. In my notebook, I transcribed all the vocabulary and kanji items, and then read the article aloud. When done, I answered the comprehension questions and finally checked the translation to make sure I really got the content. It was fun and I learned to talk about current events with colleagues.For light reading with a lot of furigana, I read NHK News Web Easy. Every week, the news service posts easy current news stories with furigana, which gloss the kanji characters in hiragana. Readers can quickly get the gist of the stories.Sometimes, I come across an authentic website or blog that I really want to read, but the language level is too high. I wrote some months ago about some resources I use to cope with kanji I don't yet know, or have a machine voice read the text aloud, since I have a huge vocabulary, but weak kanji reading skills.I also study grammar and expression. Two resources I've used to get greater breadth and depth of this aspect of Japanese language learning are jtest4you, which has a vast bank of leveled vocabulary, grammar and reading exercises. Every few weeks, I take a crack at a reading exercise to measure how much vocabulary and expression I've already grasped, and how much further I need to go.In addition to these online resources, I simply bust out the dictionary. This is my favorite durable, easily portable dictionary. Every now and then, I go through the dictionary with a highlighter and mark all the words I know. Then I have a look at the items I don't yet know. How will I incorporate them into my studies? I use word cards, notebooks, and just random experimentation in free conversation to see if I really know how to use all these words that are new to me.For extra practice and to get a handle on colloquial Japanese usage, I read the Japan Times column Well Said. The dialogues and vocabulary help me remember expressions and vocabulary. The conversations are fun and sometimes amusing. Language learning is easy when you're having fun!Can I survive JLPT N1 in December? Only time and practice will tell.How the red team will learn EnglishDaikichi and I cannot rely on emojis and protestations of affection alone. We both need to up our game in 2019 so that we can communicate better with colleagues and family members in either language.Recently, he got a whole pile of NHK related books and DVDs, which are awesome resources. But I think he can benefit from online freebies, too.If your partner, friend or child is keen on learning English this year, I recommend NHK Gogaku. Everything from audio lessons to cartoons to surveys are available there.If your kids, or kids at heart, want to learn English in an easy way, I also recommend Purekiso Eigoon the NHK website. It's anamusing and easy to understand basic English program for elementary school. It's equal parts goofy and useful for listening comprehension and vocabulary about topics that any Japanese person knows about. Check out the bizarre but comprehensibleJapangle puppet animation.I also recommended to my guy that he study vocabulary frequency lists. These are lists compiled based on the most frequently to least frequently used words in the English language, up to 2000 words. If you have a working knowledge of the 2000 most frequently used words in English, you've got enough to tackle most texts, movies and songs, so they say. The mother lode is the General Service list, or GSL. You can study and test yourself on the whole thing on Quizlet, which is free to use.I'll also provide him with grammar exercises from books that are readily available. This is one of the classics. I won't teach him directly. The exercises are so clearly laid out and easy to follow that he won't need me to handhold him. He'll get it. He's smart. I recommend this book for teenagers and adult learners.Meanwhile, I'll be reading some essays and short stories. These books have glossaries and grammar notes that help me comprehend the subtle expression in the works of great authors. I'll read a bit every day so I can cope with the JLPT N2/N1 reading exercises.Will Daikichi be able to handle rudimentary English communication by December of 2019? Will TonetoEdo survive the rigors of the JLPT? As they say on the NHK children's English program, "You rock!"The battle is on! Red vs. white!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvZk-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 14 Jan 2019 12:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvZk-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOREd-living_noda_shi_chibaThis morning, I decided to make the most of the sunshine and go for a bike ride. On my way through the Kamihanawa neighborhood of Noda City, I was whizzing past the heritage house when I caught a whiff of a sweet scent.I made a few passes on the road, following my nose to this tall shrub in a garden nearby.Was it a plum tree? It’s too early for plum trees, I realized. So I asked my lovely constellation of friends and learned it’s 蝋梅 robai, also called Japanese allspice and wintersweet.This shrub was imported from China in the early Edo Period. Its roots are used in Chinese traditional medicines, but its seeds carry a toxic compound.But what a treat to catch this scent.I’ll keep my eyes peeled and my nose to the breeze for the next fragrant flower.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOREd-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 07 Jan 2019 20:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GOREd-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKr1-living_food_noda_shi_chibaWhen Daikichi, my guy, told me a few weeks ago he was coming over for New Years Eve, I got a bit curious about osechi ryori, the traditional foods that Japanese families prepare or buy in anticipation of the first few days of the new year. I researched the symbolic meanings, and considered how I was going to pull this off. It’s our first Jew year together, and I wanted to make him feel at home while I participated in the culture and customs.But the more I learned, the more intimidating it appeared. Hours of cooking of foods that are not necessarily part of my repertoire, and some that don’t appeal at all to my palate. Black beans are all good but date maki, the sweet omelette thing, just didn’t sound like fun to prepare or eat. And then on a visit to the supermarket, I had a look at the prepared osechi. Yuck. It looked really unappealing. I’m sure if you order in advance, and are willing to pay for it, you’ll get quality osechi. But no thanks to the supermarket version.So I thought about it, and decided compromise is best. I’ll make what I’m good at, include some traditions of my family, and Japanese new year, and it’ll tide us over for three days.I got a big bag of mikan oranges.Mikan, for me, bridge the Pacific Ocean, my childhood and my life in Japan. When I was a kid growing up in Vancouver, Canada, one of the big excitement of Christmas and New Year was the arrival of mikan wrapped in green paper packed in a big box with a picture of Mt. Fuji on it. We’d get mikan, walnuts, and candies in our stockings.My family is multicultural, as are many in Canada, so mixing things up is what we do. I asked my Mennonite mother and grandmother for recipes I could easily adapt to my kitchen, and we came up with Mennonite-Japanese potato salad. At all our family gatherings, we always have a huge bowl of this. And then I made sides of other things that Daikichi and I like to eat. Broccoli salad, ginger sautéed red peppers, enoki mushrooms with zataar, a seasoning from the Middle East I received as a gift. It didn’t take me more than half a day to make everything.We had toshikoshi soba, the year- crossing buckwheat noodles at midnight. That’s traditional and easy to make. And we’ve been grazing on the okazu, side dishes I prepared, which will probably last us the three days.To mix it up all the more, I made tom yam ozoni. Some of my family members live and work in Thailand and have introduced me to tom yam soup, the hot and sour broth. We toasted omochi and put it in the broth with mushrooms and some chicken meat.So, no worries. We got a gift of premium kombu maki, seaweed wrapped around mackerel.So, we’re sated and we’ve had a lovely new year. And it didn’t cost me a bundle and it was low stress.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKr1-living_food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 02 Jan 2019 14:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKr1-living_food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6Z4Q-living_aizuwakamatsu_shi_fukushimaLast week, I took a trip to Aizu Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture to learn about the samurai culture and the Boshin War. Tsurugajo Castle has a wonderful museum, with both Japanese and English language information to help visitors understand the tumultuous history of the castle and the region.When I stepped out on Nanokamachi, the picturesque street of merchant houses in the city, I noticed sprinklers in the center of the street, spaced a few meters apart.I crossed at an intersection and ran my hand through the stream of water. It was warm! This is the snow protection that Aizu Wakamatsu City uses in the winter.A little further on, I noticed a city truck and crew in full gear. The crew members had tools to crank open the sprinklers.Snow had dusted the surrounding mountains, but the city was so far clear. I asked at my accommodation, and the hosts told me that indeed, the source of water is hot springs. The city has such an abundance of warm water that they run it in piping under the streets to defend against black ice and snow.Everywhere I went in Aizu Wakamatsu City, I saw defense against snow damage to trees. This technique of using rope and bamboo scaffolding is called yukizuri.The next morning, I woke to a winter wonderland. Nanokamachi Street was pretty much clear. The nearby convenience store had hoses of warm water running across their parking lot, and it made for a clear patch surrounded by treacherous side streets. I was grateful for patches of pavement to rest on before attempting more slippery lanes.I'm back in the Kanto area where we have clear skies and it's cold, but no snow yet. We do get snow down here, but nothing like the heavy snow in the Tohoku Region. You'll see yukizuri here, but it's not so common. It was a treat to see real snow country in Tohoku, even if only for a while. And to have my toes warmed by hot spring water while crossing the street.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6Z4Q-living_aizuwakamatsu_shi_fukushimaSun, 30 Dec 2018 18:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/G6Z4Q-living_aizuwakamatsu_shi_fukushimahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za51E-food_work_tokyoElementary school lunch loaded with nutritionI miss the days when I got school lunch on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, working as an Assistant Language Teacher in rural elementary and junior high schools in southern Ehime Prefecture. I was one of those spoiled ALTs who received the lunch portion of an absent student for free. In a year teaching at half a dozen schools, I got to eat all kinds of delicious sea food, since our town was right on the Seto Inland Sea, and I probably ate my weight in mikan oranges a few times over. Mikan oranges and other citrus area large part of the prefecture’s agriculture production.After my JET Program stint, I worked as office staff for a company in Tokyo, among other jobs. I missed the school lunches and remarked on it to my boss one day. He suggested we go over to the hospital nearby where the patient and staff cafeteria is open to visitors. He saw the look of doubt on my face, and having lived in North America, he was aware of the woeful reputation most hospital food has there. He convinced me it was good. And it was. Nurses, doctors and support staff at the hospital can eat delicious, healthful and cheap lunches there. The space was brightly lit and naturally very clean, it being a hospital. Every so often, when I didn’t bring bento box lunch, I got the daily lunch set there.These days, I work in a private high school where students bring their own bento box lunches or get a bowl of ramen or plate of curry rice in the cafeteria. The quality can vary at schools. At other private high school cafeterias, I got well-balanced meals, but at this school, the donburi is heavy on meat and rice. They serve half a porker in their shogayaki. The sports kids need their carbs and proteins, but I need my veg, so I make my own bento most days.Curry scented broccoli salad, stir fried kishimen noodles with vegetablesI got talking about lunch and nutrition to my guy who works for a major manufacturer. I worry about him because he has long hours, rarely gets national holidays off, and spends little time at home, which means he doesn’t have time to cook. He put me at ease by telling me about the company cafeteria. At his company, the cafeteria provides reasonably priced meals with fish and lots of veggies. Some of the foods are grown by agricultural clients of the corporation. He says it’s delicious and satisfying. When he stays late, he can get dinner there, too.When he does cook, he gravitates to greens, fish and low fat ingredients. His no-recipe dishes are delicious and he uses ingredients in a surprising way sometimes. He substitutes spicy sauces for salad dressings, or improvises a classic washoku dish with seasonal produce or ingredients at hand. I think his bachelor guy cooking is influenced by the creativity and quality food he gets at work.In Japan, staff dining halls at companies and institutions are so significant for company life that somebody made aterm for it, “Shashoku”, short for shain shokudo. At these cafeterias, staff in different departments and on different floors of a building can mingle. Some companies provide free meals as a reward for company productivity. And then you just need a break to put your tools down, leave your desk and relish a good meal.Does your company or institution have a cafeteria? How’s the food? What are the pros and cons of eating in the caf?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za51E-food_work_tokyoSun, 30 Dec 2018 18:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za51E-food_work_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5pE-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaKashiwa City has a lot of coffee shops, with Starbucks on both sides of the central train station, Tully’s and others, but it also has many boutique coffee bars and old style kissatens.The density of coffee shops and their variety on the ground floor of the station front building is a delight.Mameya stocks whole bean and ground coffee. You can sit at the little counter and savor a cup of drip coffee for ¥200.Kohichaya Nano has a retro 80s feel and brews the coffee in little retorts at the counter. This is probably a place you can sit a while when you’re waiting for a train.Solito espresso bar is cozy and friendly, and serves porter, wine and whiskey besides. I like curling up in the wing chair in the corner with a blanket.Whatever your budget, time or money, there’s a hot cup of joe to choose from.Farther from the station there are some other stylish coffee places I’ll write about in other blogs and reviews.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5pE-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaMon, 24 Dec 2018 10:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5pE-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2X33-living_health_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibaLife in Japan does a number on you. Work and family stress, working in a different cultural context, and just simply day to day stuff wears you out.You aren't necessarily sick or injured, but you hurt, or you're feeling run down, or you're suffering stress.My go-to relief for stress and body ache in my area is something I learned to appreciate while on holiday in Thailand. Thai massage. Now, there are many claims about what Thai massage can do, some a little outlandish. And then there are sketchy, not quite suitable for all ages massages. But let me tell you about what I've experienced in Thailand, and here in suburban Tokyo, and what I've learned about this healing art.Some years ago, on a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I spied a signboard for a shop called Kinnaree. Kinnaree are angelic creatures in Thai mythos - intermediaries between humans and the divine, possessing characteristics of both. The shop was run by a middle-aged lady who received me, and assigned me to a young woman who worked me over for an hour. When done I felt like I was a chocolate brownie - solid on the inside, but all the outside was smooth and kind of gooey. She told me to come back in two days, and a tiny grandmotherly lady had another go at my stiff muscles, and literally knocked me out. The massage was so relaxing and took all my stress away. I felt at ease in mind and body. They were earthbound heavenly creatures with magical powers.On returning to Japan, I was sensitized to the signs and symbols that indicate the many Thai massage salons here in Japan - palms pressed together, sacred elephants, statues of elegantly attired Thai maidens. So I did what I always do when I encounter some cultural thing - I Googled it.Thai massage is a system of healing that has its origins in healing traditions from Indian and Chinese medicine. Thai massage practioners claim that there are blockages in "energy" that you can clear through breathing, stretching, squeezing and rocking the recipient's body through a series of movements that involve yoga-like poses and a range of pressure on the body.Well, is it nonsense? Some sources say that it's largely a placebo effect, and hard to prove, and others claim that studies prove that it is effective pain relief. What I've found is that I'm more limber and aware of my posture and movement, and just very chilled out after Thai massage. I like chatting with the masseuses (I've only received Thai massage from Thai and a very few Thai-trained Japanese women practitioners) during and after. We usually chat about my physical condition and where I'm stiff, or what punishment I've subjected myself to that has resulted in sore muscles. It's a treat to get feedback from them about movement and body position.The three places I received treatment are run by lovely Thai women. The price varies. You'll pay a premium to get Thai massage in Tokyo, but I've found thorough, kind and pleasant treatment for reasonable prices along the Tobu Urban Park Line through Chiba and into Saitama.In front of Kashiwa Station's west exit is Ban Lee Thai Massage. A 60 minute treatment is 5000 yen. The treatment is a typical Thai massage with stretching and deep massage. They're used to non-Japanese guests and all the masseuses are Thai-trained ladies. You might want to book ahead because they can get busy.Near Kawama Station in Noda City is Sara Thai. A 60 minute session is 4000 yen. Their treatment is adjusted based on you and your body. The more you go, the better they know how to treat your particular characteristics. Sara Thai's approach includes typical massage and use of balm. They have their own formula (not that commercial grade Tiger Balm) which they use to soothe away muscle aches. The masseuses serve you tea and make time for advice and chatting.At Kasukabe Station's west exit, Ngamjai Thai Massage is a quiet retreat despite being near the train tracks. The masseuses have worked on me until I was limber to their satisfaction, such is their work ethic. The treatment for 60 minutes (sometimes more) is 4500 yen.When I'm done receiving Thai massage, I often find that tension in my neck is relieved to the extent that I hear better and don't squint as much. I sleep like a log after, too. This kind of treatment may not be a cure-all, but it can sure relieve a lot of stress and tension. And you can pretend you're on a little holiday away from Japan with the soothing music, balmy temperature and the Thai lilt to the masseuses' Japanese.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2X33-living_health_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibaThu, 20 Dec 2018 14:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w2X33-living_health_kasukabe_shi_saitama_noda_shi_chiba_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy68j-living_noda_shi_chibaCan you see Fujisan from where you live? You might be surprised. The Japan Map Center has a map called Fujisan Koko, Fujisan Here, which has points, distances and photos from view spots as far as 300 kilometers from the peak.Here in Noda City, on the Edo River, you can see Fujisan on good days from the Super Embankment on the Edo River. This is a fortification against earthquakes and flooding very near Noda Ohashi, which is another great view spot for Fujisan.The embankment is one of the designated Kanto area 100 spots for Fuji views.This morning on the Tobu Urban Park Line where the train crosses the Edo River, Fujisan loomed large in clear, cold air, but it was too hard to get a photo from the train window.I snapped this photo one evening from the super embankment. Ah, you beauty!How far are you from Fujisan? Where can you see it? What’s the best time to see it? Have you climbed the peak?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy68j-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 18 Dec 2018 14:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy68j-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3ZPj-living_noda_shi_chibaIn my quiet suburban neighborhood with middle class apparently the previous inhabitants were well to do. So swank was their lifestyle mile min ago that their descendants built burial mounds for their repose.The Iwana Burial Mound, a round one dated over 1500 years old, is quite small. You can walk around it in a minute.Children used to play inside the kofun burial mound but today, the entrance is blocked with sandbags.The biggest one in Japan is 400 meters long. Ours is overgrown with mature trees, but it’s still quite an imposing sight near the Edo River banks.And there said to be over 13,000 sites in Chiba Prefecture, second only to Hyogo Prefecture.Archaeologists and historians identify the kofun burial mound builders as the bridge between prehistoric people and the beginning of literate societies in Japan. They were constructed between the 3rd and 6th century, and are associated with haniwa figures, the terra cotta statues with distinctive and sometimes alien-looking shapes.I find it fascinating that tumuli like these kofun were also built in Europe, but thousands of years before. The kofun craze happened much later than the European tumuli-building culture, and only lasted a few hundred years in Japan, but resulted in a huge amount of these tombs. And some are remarkable for their huge size.Do you have a monument over 1000 years old in your neighborhood? Have you got a burial mound around the corner?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3ZPj-living_noda_shi_chibaMon, 17 Dec 2018 20:46:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3ZPj-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88WL-living_education_noda_shi_chibaChristmas is big here in Japan, but I'm not really into it. You see, I'm a pagan. Sure, I like the sparkling lights, the fried chicken, dressing up for date night on or near Christmas Day. But it doesn't light my fire. Christmas in Japan, unless you're Christian, is largely bereft of its religious origins, which I suppose is inevitable considering how commercialized and sentimental it has become in North America and elsewhere.As my spiritual orientation is centered on nature, I celebrate the lunar and solar events, the seasons, and talk to animals and hug trees. I'm one of those people.One of the pro-pagan aspects of living in Japan is that the spring and autumn equinoxes are national holidays. Nationally observed celebrations also fall close to the summer and winter solstices. So I feel fortunate that I can take a break to appreciate mother nature.I was wondering about how I could celebrate this year's winter solstice when I passed through Shimizu Park in Noda City.The gate at Konjoin in Shimizu Park, Noda CityI always look at the sign board to see what's on. Usually, it simply indicates the next goma taki, or fire ritual, that the priest holds once a month in the Fudo temple. But this time, it indicates an event on the winter solstice.The signboard in front of the templeHoshi matsuri, a star festival, is going to be held on the Saturday closest to the longest night and shortest day of the year. I was very curious so I did what I always do when I encounter something I don't know about Japanese religion - I Googled it.The star festival is a tradition that has its origins in the Heian Period around the time that the Buddhist sage Kukai brought mandalas along with scriptures and teachings from China to Japan. The mandala in most Buddhist traditions is an image of the cosmos depicting Buddhist symbols and Buddha figures. But Tendai and Shingon schools' artists and monks used the art form to depict celestial bodies in star mandalas, unique to Japanese Buddhism.A star mandala, Osaka Museum of HistoryThe stars they depicted were part of a system of astrology. The mandalas usually had images of Buddhist deities representing the sun, the moon, the five known planets, some mythical heavenly bodies, the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), surrounded by lunar calendars in cycles of 12 years and 28 lunar phases. The position of one of the seven stars in relation to the planets, the sun and lunar cycles on the day of your birth determined your fate.This complex and beautiful system of astrology didn't really spread to other Buddhist schools, and the rituals associated with divining your fortune via this system aren't widely practiced in Japan. But the astrological reckoning from Asian tradition lives on in the names of the days of the week in the Japanese language. Sunday is Nichiyoubi, Sun-day, Monday is Getsuyoubi, Moon-day. The other days of the week are named after the stars - kayoubi after Mars, suiyoubi for Mercury, mokuyoubi for Jupiter, kinyoubi for Venus, and doyoubi for Saturn.After some research, I found out that a number of Shingon temples besides my local one, also associated with Fudomyou, the fierce looking Buddhist deity, hold star festivals on the winter solstice.At Hino City, Takahata Fudoson holds their star festival ritual on the evening of December 22nd.Kawagoe Naritasan Temple also has their star festival on the 22nd.Curiously, Naritasan's calendar of events indicates that this head temple holds theirs for seven days following Setsubun. This makes sense when you consider the star festival as a new year event. Today, Setsubun is associated with bean throwing for good luck and is celebrated on a day fixed on the western calendar, but it used to mark the beginning of the lunar new year. The lunar calendar was observed in Japan until 1873, and has a few relic events such as this. You can consult Naritasan's online schedule to find out which star is yours.Happy holidays, Salubrious Solstice, Merry Christmas, Yipee Yule, and Happy New Year, all.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88WL-living_education_noda_shi_chibaMon, 10 Dec 2018 11:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88WL-living_education_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8898-food_noda_shi_chibaGood cheese is hard to come by. I shudder when I see bags of shredded cheese, squishy little 100 yen slabs of processed gooey and flavorless stuff.Tonight at the local Belx supermarket, to my surprise, I spied wee bits of cheese. The jack cheese was refreshing to see, as most offerings are camabert flavored, sketchy processed cheddar, and mozzarella that really isn’t.And next to the jack were various gouda with flavorings. Shoyu soy sauce and miso intrigued me.So so this evening, I made my own “otsumami”, a plate of cheeses, cherry tomatoes, and prepared sama, Pacific saury.Not bad. The shoyu gouda is pleasantly salty and has that distinctive shoyu flavor.The miso gouda has sharp, fermented but complex notes.Next time i think I’ll try them with nori seaweed.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8898-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 28 Nov 2018 19:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z8898-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb84-living_shopping_howtoA calligrapher expresses hope for spring in a four-character aphorismIn museums, private homes, schools, and public buildings, you see kakejiku, scrolls with calligraphy or paintings on them. They are precious things brought out seasonally to celebrate seasons and events. The blank scrolls are available at art stores at various price points - cheap and simple ones for students, and elaborate high quality ones for calligraphers and artists.At antiques fairs and in recycle shops, you may see kakejiku among the woodblock prints and other decorations.The surprising part is that, although many of the pieces you see were originally purchased for tens and even hundreds of thousands of yen, vintage ones go for fractions of that. At an antiques shop I went to with an art hound friend recently, the dealer had stacks and stacks of paulownia wood boxes with vintage scrolls, priced between ¥3000-10,000. We unrolled a dozen, and we were surprised at the beauty and variety. My friend selected three with images of koi and mountain landscapes. His purchase didn’t break the bank.I asked the dealer about the images. What do they represent? He gave me a lesson in the symbolism of kakejiku pictures.For engagement and marriage, pairs are common You’ll see cranes, koi, and mandarin ducks which are said to pair for life. You might also see an elderly couple, characters from the play “Takasago”. This Noh play is about a happy couple who spend a lifetime together.Cranes celebrate weddingsTo celebrate a birth, there is a wide variety of appropriate images. You’ll see seasonal flowers, an object that symbolizes a festival that coincides with the baby’s arrival, and Asian zodiac symbols. The most surprising figure is the Taoist god Shouki, the demon vanquisher. This fierce and armed character guards children against disease. Kabuto helmets and warriors are other martial representations you see on kakejiku presented to newborn boys.Many gods appear on kakejiku, too.The Seven Gods of Good Fortune bless new businesses. Sometimes Daikokuten and Ebisu are depicted as they preside over good harvests and production.Something to bear in mind when you browse shops or flea markets is the likely origin of kakejiku withBuddhist images. These are not necessarily from temples. They may have been displayed at memorial services or in homes on the anniversary of a person’s funeral. You can recognize these by the elaborate brocade backing fabric. Frequently, they show Kannon Bosatsu, the merciful incarnation of the Buddha. A Buddha with his right hand raised, palm facing the viewer, shows fearlessness.More neutral but no less beautiful are kakejiku to celebrate the new year. The goddess Amaterasu, the rising sun, crane and turtle, and Shinto gods bless houses and businesses on scrolls.These days I’m on the lookout for an all- purpose scroll with “shochikubai”, the three friends of winter. They’re bamboo, pine and plum which endure the winter cold. They represent resilience, and provide cheer through the cold months.You might wonder why people let go of these lovely things. Some are a bit faded with age and were discarded at antiques dealers, but the patina adds to their beauty. Space is tight in Japanese homes, so people periodically give away or dispose of decorations, no matter that they’re precious. Others were probably sold off with estate sales. Some people might be squeamish about old stuff from deceased people. But if you’re okay with the provinance, you can come by a reasonably priced treasure. Just remember to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from damp, and they will be beautiful for years to come.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb84-living_shopping_howtoFri, 23 Nov 2018 20:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb84-living_shopping_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88R8-living_food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaThis Earlier this week, I told you about Urakashi, an effort from Kashiwa City merchants to invite non-Japanese people to shop and dine there. Kashiwa City has a high density of bars, restaurants and services, so it is fun and walkable. There are a lot of foreign residents there due to the presence of university campuses, Japanese language schools, and people visiting from abroad for business or travel.Noda City not far away has great food, interesting cultural sights, and refreshing satoyama and river landscapes, but doesn’t have the momentum yet to get local businesses to create such a great campaign.So, a local resident has taken it upon herself to create a map in English indicating businesses that welcome foreign residents and visitors from abroad.I carry this rumpled paper map in my purse so that, when visitors ask me where to go for lunch or dinner, I can point them to a shop where the staff will greet them with smiles. She has a blog too, with great photos.You may think, what’s in it for us locals?My home country, Canada, thrives on tourism, both in its beautiful wilderness and picturesque cities. Small communities depend on visitors for the health of their economies.We’re seeing small town Japan populations dwindling, and the gradual loss of businesses and services. The more attractive to visitors our towns become, the healthier their economies, and in turn the more vibrant the cities become for local residents. I hope Noda City can retain its cool.The old Noda Town Station signboard which is occasionally displayed at the Noda City Museum.Does your city have a grassroots campaign to promote it to visitors? Do you think your town is overlooked by visitors from abroad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88R8-living_food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaThu, 22 Nov 2018 15:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88R8-living_food_shopping_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88px-foodIt’s nabe season!My version of nabemono, hot pot, is a mix of Thai and Japanese. I learned to love tom yam on trips to Thailand, the hot and sour soup ubiquitous in Thai cuisine. I picked up thefusion of tom yam and nabe from a local, but now closed, restaurant that served udon in the spicy broth.Tonight, bunashimeiji mushrooms, greens, julienne carrot and udon went into the ceramic hot pot with the soup base.Here’s a great trick for getting all the soup base, or curry paste, or even miso out of a plastic packet. Use scissors to cut all the edges off so you can get every last bit of goodness.I often get miso paste, too, in a plastic bag, cut the edges off and transfer it to a more stable container. Easy!Tonight’s menu is store bought renkon salad, and my home made triple green salad of diced cucumber and chopped avocado dressed with wasabi and soy sauce. I ate all the tom yam udon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88px-foodMon, 19 Nov 2018 20:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88px-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B86-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaI used to work and live in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. When I first moved there, it was a quiet "bedtown", what Japanese people call a bedroom community, on the edge of Tokyo. Grassroots campaigns and a government campaign to promote Kashiwa as one of the 41 core cities in Japan, and the collaborativeJoban Art Line events have drawn attention to this city on the edge of Teganuma Marsh. It's a pretty cool place to live, and some days I miss the wonderful mix of chill urban lifestyle and quiet countryside it contains. It's a varied place with hip cafes and historic places.Tokyo is fascinating, and a big center. But places like Kashiwa and neighboring Matsudo and Abiko are thriving suburbs that don't get enough attention from international and domestic visitors. So recently, some former neighbors who run businesses there have been working on a project, Urakashi, promoting a map and website for local merchants in ura-Kashiwa, the backstreets of Kashiwa City. The businesses are just some of the many in Kashiwa that welcome foreign residents and international visitors.Does your city have a grass roots campaign to connect people, both local and non-Japanese residents? Is your town a happening place? Please comment.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B86-living_kashiwa_shi_chibaSun, 18 Nov 2018 21:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z1B86-living_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmV0O-living_shopping_teaTwo regions in Japan I have visited and enjoyed immensely are the eastern region of Shizuoka Prefecture, and the mountainous area above Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture.Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture continues to draw me back. Memories of the spectacular views from the scenic railway, the steep mountains above the beaches, and the onsen hot spring spas which melt all your cares away, all make me eager to return and explore farther across the prefecture. Everything I ate was delicious there, with a wide variety of seafood, fresh fruit, and local specialties like the Shizuoka versions of mochi and oden.The other region, Nagano City and the mountain villages above, are great getaways to escape summer heat and experience nature. There, I like to make a pilgrimage to the temples in the urban areas and mountainside. After a vigorous walk or climb, I sample all the many varieties of soba and brown rice dishes.What a treat to find in my local supermarket a tea that combines the iconic products of both prefectures. Shizuoka's signature product, new green tea, is widely available in many shops and supermarkets. Right now, my local supermarket has been promoting Shizuoka tea producer Kanehachi Cha-En with a number of reasonably priced teas in simple packaging. Frequently, green tea sold in Japan's supermarkets and tea specialty shops are blends of different teas from various regions. There is not as much emphasis on regional specialties with teas as there is with Chinese tea.This offering from Kanehachi Cha-En, however, is genmaicha, brown rice tea, made specifically with tea harvested in Shizuoka. Now, genmaicha is commonly drunk by everyone in Japan. In the old days, green tea was a commodity that was rather expensive. Poor people stretched the tea farther by combining it with brown rice, the genmai in genmaicha. But genmaicha is not something to turn your nose up at. It's a delight. The grassy quality of the green tea, and the nutty flavor of the brown rice make for a full-bodied tea.And the genmai is where Nagano Prefecture comes into the picture. This product is cut with organic brown rice grown in the prefecture. Brown rice is the unpolished grain, full of flavor and nutrition. In the roasting process, sometimes the rice kernels burst, so genmaicha is sometimes called "popcorn tea" for its white flecks. They have a curious spongy texture, but a pleasant flavor.I steeped the tea briefly in a tea pot with a matte glaze on the inside. The tea gradually gets into the glaze. I think I'll dedicate this teapot to genmaicha.The tea is a lovely color, yellow-green. On an autumn morning, this tea's aroma reminds me of fresh cut grass, walnuts, and even a little of autumn leaves. The scent freshens up the house, too. I learned from observing the tea shops to heat a little tea to bring out the aroma. I either heat a spoonful or two of tea in a ceramic aromatherapy burner, or on the stove in a saucepan on low heat. The scent can really perk you up and is much nicer than any commercial air freshener.This post is supported by Shizuoka Green Tea Guide, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmV0O-living_shopping_teaFri, 16 Nov 2018 10:48:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wmV0O-living_shopping_teahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVR9V-living_taito_ku_tokyoA calligraphy that is as much a celebration of images as wordsOn visits to Tokyo from my suburban Tokyo lair, I like to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art at Ueno Park. The museum has international exhibits for paid admission, but what I like best is the exhibits of local people, for free admission, showing the talent and hard work of calligraphers, ceramic artists, photographers and others. Every month, the museum posts a calendar of local art groups' exhibitions.Recently, I went to see a friend's work in the galleries. I noticed some original and interesting works. People do amazing things with the written word.Hanya shingyo, the heart sutra, rendered in rakkan stamps on a scrollI was surprised to see the heart sutra rendered in rakkan, hand carved stamps, a phrase at a time. If you want to read it aloud, with English translation, I recommend the American Beat Poet Alan Ginsburg's version. It's simple and elegant.My friend rendered the 1000 word Chinese classic on a long and wide scroll. It took her two months. She wrote it in sections so that, if she made a mistake, she could toss it and try again.In this 1000 word Chinese classic, which was used to drill Chinese and Japanese children alike, has no repetitions. It's an amazing achievement.At work, I sometimes have to fill out forms in Japanese, loaded with kanji. It takes me a long time, first writing in pencil, and writing over in pen. Many times, I have to rewrite. I admire anybody who has the patience and skill to write such a long passage with beautiful strokes.I highly recommend visiting the museum's citizens' galleries to see these frequent exhibits. You might get inspired. Or awed.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVR9V-living_taito_ku_tokyoThu, 15 Nov 2018 19:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/zVR9V-living_taito_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5dY-living_tsuchiura_shi_ibarakiThe autumn weather is just right for day trips. In the Kanto area, some gingko trees have started to go gold, but not much else. Still I enjoy getting out for walks. Last week, I went to Tsuchiura City to see the kura storehouses and the castle.The storehouses are still businesses, and one is used as a visitor information center. They're all within an easy walk of Tsuchiura Station.And I had the place pretty much to myself! There were only a half dozen people I passed in the street. This is the information center in the Machikado Kura Nomura with a cafe in the brick kura behin.At the castle, there was nobody but a woman and child playing on the swings. It was serene and quiet.And these were only the few photos I took of historical buildings in the center of the city. Every time you turn a corner, you see the tiles of a kura, or the eaves of an antique house, or the walls of a temple. The place is chock full of vintage charm.Unlike other kura towns like Kawagoe and Tochigi Cities, there aren't super touristy things like kimono rentals. Maybe next time I'll get done up in hakama by myself and do a solo photo shoot.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5dY-living_tsuchiura_shi_ibarakiWed, 14 Nov 2018 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/za5dY-living_tsuchiura_shi_ibarakihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAnX9-living_noda_shi_chibaRemember last month that there were out of season cherry blossoms all over Japan? The typhoons, salt water, warm air tricked cherry trees to bloom. They won't bloom again in the spring. Sorry.But, did you know that there are varieties of cherry trees that regularly bloom in October and November? It's just what they do. And they do it again in the spring.At Sakuragi Shrine in Noda City, there are half a dozen trees of the variety "October Cherry". They're also called "shichi go san zakura" because they blossom around the time of the celebration of children turning seven, five, and three years old. What a treat to see the trees blooming behind families beaming as their children, dressed in flamboyant kimono at the shrine. I couldn't take pictures of them. That's their time. So I focused on the trees.The shrine's enma, the prayer plaques, are shaped like cherry blossoms. What a treat to see the delicate flowers above the prayers.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAnX9-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 07 Nov 2018 17:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MAnX9-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5jdW-living_noda_shi_chibaI love living where I do - Noda City has a castle with a magnificent view, a lot of remaining forests, a satoyama landscape, and some architectural treasures.But some precious buildings have disappeared. A few years ago, at the local festival, I shot photos of the Taisho Period buildings on the Main Street during the Tanabata festival. The best photo captured the feeling of the celebration, with a little boy reaching up to grasp the streamers on the decorations. Behind him was an atmospheric shop house and a cottage with features that recall the Craftsman style that was so popular in North America in the 1910s. A few months later, those two buildings had disappeared and the properties covered in asphalt.The city had even indicated these two buildings on a walking map distributed by the city tourism association.At the city museum, which is located in one of the historic mansions, I picked up a guide. It has a lot of details about the famous people, historical events, and heritage industries in the city.On bike rides, I go visit some of these places, and discover others that aren’t listed in that book. How long will those other unrecognized beauties survive?Who knows. They’re in private hands. Although people do take a lot of pride in the antique farm buildings, as people age, the real estate developers pillage the agricultural land to build cheap housing.So, I take photos. This is a farm building near my house.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5jdW-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 06 Nov 2018 10:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/w5jdW-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4kE-living_taito_ku_tokyoEverybody knows Asakusa for Sensoji, the ancient and huge temple complex in Taito Ward of Tokyo. It's a popular destination for international and domestic tourists alike.The temple is impressive with its massive gates and soaring columns. But there are some small charming and intriguing things within the temple complex.On the west side of the Hozomon Gate, the one north of the more famous Kaminarimon Gate, is a small temple called Asakusa Fudoson. Fudomyo is a scary-looking Buddhist deity who is actually not about to beat you. He's representative of unshakable spirit. In the courtyard is a bronze seated Buddha statue which is very shiny.The statue is to honor a disciple of Shakyamuni called Binzuru in Japan. He became a bit of a wizard with his occult knowledge and psychic powers, and used them to impress gullible people. Shakyamuni told him off for misusing his powers.So, he sits here serenely making a kind of atonement for spiritual grandstanding. People in Japan think Binzuru still has his magic charm, and ability to heal. When they have pains, they rub the corresponding part on the Binzuru statue. His head, knees and shoulders are particularly smooth so you get an idea of what's troubling people.I rubbed his head in a bid to relieve eye strain. I don't know if he still has that mojo, but it was soothing to stroke him like a pet. Research says that stroking animals can relieve stress and reduce blood pressure. So I guess Binzuru is Tokyo's pet Buddha.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4kE-living_taito_ku_tokyoSat, 03 Nov 2018 09:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4kE-living_taito_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8Ye-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoWhile doing errands on Omotesando, I sometimes worry I've become inured to Tokyo life. Sure, I gaze up at the zelkova trees, and I look a little long at the luxury goods shop windows. It's a prime people watching location, too, with wide-eyed visitors, and fashionable Tokyoites.Sometimes I think I've seen it all, and the crowds get a bit much. So the other day, I retreated to the top of Tokyu Plaza, the startling mirror-faceted building at the corner of Meiji Dori and Omotesando.Don't stand too long in front of it on a sunny day. It has a death-ray effect. It gets really hot while you're waiting at the crosswalk.At the top of the building there is a Starbucks and the rooftop garden. I thought I'd take a break there for a bit. The garden was decorated for Halloween.At the entrance, I noticed this sign.The Omohara bunko, a tiny library of novels, coffee table books, picture books. All kinds of books.I browsed a bit. You cannot borrow, but you can pick up a book and sit in the garden to read. Omohara Bunko invites readers to fill out a little card with their impression of the book they read.I liked this one, Nihon no Utsukushi Sato. It has images of satoyama, the places where cultivation and wildness intersect. The images of farms, gardens and semi-wild areas are from all over Japan. I filled out a little card and put it in the jar.The keepers of the Omohara Bunko library respond to every message on the cards. It was a treat flipping through the album, seeing readers' impressions, and then the comments.It's amazing in this huge city, you can get this tiny, up close interaction with people and places and things.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8Ye-living_shibuya_ku_tokyoSat, 27 Oct 2018 09:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8Ye-living_shibuya_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe3o-food_educationStudents at school I teach at requested treats for Halloween, so I dropped by the nearest supermarket.I got two bags of goodies - bakauke are popular crackers with nori seaweed and curry flavors, and the KitKats are caramel pudding flavor.The packages are the real treat. The bakauke packages have images of mummies, witches, zombies and Frankenstein's monster on them.The KitKats were double the treat. They had messages on them - Sugoi! Tomodachi. And the little monsters and ghouls on them are signing in Japanese sign language. My students are almost all English language learners, so they studied their KitKat packages, learned the Japanese Sign Language, and then taught them to the group, saying the English meaning, too.And then we ate them all!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe3o-food_educationFri, 26 Oct 2018 18:29:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe3o-food_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZNj5-living_noda_shi_chibaAt the east exit of Shimizu Park Station in Noda City, the neighbors have been planting and maintaining a garden of herbs and flowers. It's long and vertical, right against the fence.Just outside of the flower bed is a periwinkle. This plant is called nichinichisou in Japanese.This plant is not native to Japan. It's from Madagascar, but grows in many parts of the world. The roots and shoots, and concoctions made from the plant, are used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, and even in some western medicines. This periwinkle plant has been growing between the paving bricks since someone planted it in the spring. It's one tough plant. It's survived poundings by several typhoons, widdling dogs, people stumbling over it.It's alien to Japan, it's tough, survives despite being squeezed for space and sometimes abused. I kind of identify with this plant. It puts a smile on my face every time I pass it. I've heard other people remark on it, so does receive appreciation for it's hardiness and beauty. I hope it keeps going until the first frost. Thanks for being there, periwinkle.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZNj5-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 20 Oct 2018 15:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wZNj5-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpy0-food_kashiwa_shi_chibaKashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture has an annual food festival that I love to go to.This year, I have to work on the weekend that the event is held, but I highly recommend it.The event is called ユルベル Yuruberuto , or loosen your belt. You might want to wear something with a loose waistband and some good walking shoes because you will be eating and cruising around the city.This year, 71 different restaurants, cafes and bars participate. At Kashiwa Information Center (right outside the south exit of Kashiwa Station) , you buy a pack of tickets in advance for 3800 yen (or 4000 yen on the days of the event) and a map. For two days, October 21st and 22nd, redeem the tickets at the participating restaurants and receive a representative drink or dish, or more.The best thing is you can split a book of tickets with your friend. Each ticket is worth about 500 yen, or one dish. And they are valid for two days. If you don't use all the tickets during the event, you can still take them to shops for a while after the event, and some will honor them. You could do lunch and dinner on two days, or just gorge on one day. It's up to you.Green indicates washoku, yellow is yoshoku, red is Asian food. There are many other small places, too, that do coffee and snacks. The pamphlet has more information.I'm a creature of habit. I like my favorites in Kashiwa City, but Yuruberuto means I can not only drop in on my local friendly shops run by friends, but also try some cuisines at restaurants I wouldn't otherwise visit. I must admit, I know very little about French or Korean food. The event means I learn about some foods I wouldn't otherwise eat.It's such a treat to meet local business owners and neighbors, and lots of visitors to the city. Often, while waiting in line, visitors chat and trade tips.Does your city have a similar food festival? Is there another town that organizes a food cruise like this?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpy0-food_kashiwa_shi_chibaThu, 18 Oct 2018 19:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wkpy0-food_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvAx-living_education_howto_noda_shi_chibaDo you play tag with your own children? Do you watch your children play? Maybe you work with children and play during break times. Japanese culture has a great many variations of tag and circle games that are familiar to people all over the world, and yet some are unique to Japan, and have mysterious origins.Classic Japanese Tag GamesIn Japan, the person in a tag game who is "it" is referred to as "Oni", or demon. That person has to tag the next player. Classic and simple "Hide and Seek" is called "Onigokko" in Japan. Just like your childhood game, the "Oni" counts down while the players scatter. The "Oni" then must hunt down and touch a player, who becomes the next "Oni". Then the count down begins again. A variation is Iro-Oni, Color Tag, where the person who is "it" calls out a color and then counts down. The "oni" chases the players attempting to tag them. If the players can touch the designated color in the playground, they are safe. If they don't escape in time, they are touched and become the next "Oni". Freeze Tag, is called "Koori Oni" in Japan. The rules are the same as you remember. The person who is "it", or Oni, tags players and the players must freeze in place. They can be released by other players who escape the clutches of the "Oni".Another nostalgic game widely played in Japan is referred to as "Dorokei", Robbers and Cops. Half of the group are robbers, and the other half are police. The whole group designates a jail, "rooya", where the robbers go after they have been tagged. Brave robbers can approach the jail and release their robber friends. The game can go on and on. There are many regional variations of this game.A game that used to be widely played in Japan is similar to "Kick the Can". A can or container with rocks in it is placed in an open area. The "oni" counts down and all players scatter. If someone is tagged by the "oni", they go to the designated jail. If free players can kick the can over, making a big noise, all players in the jail are released. The few Japanese people I have met who remember playing this game are in their 60s. Maybe it's a game you could revive with your children, neighbors or students.Games You can Play IndoorsSome games are played in close quarters, such as "Fruit Basket". All players sit on chairs or on the floor. One child is the "Oni" in the middle. Each child has a designated fruit or word. When the "Oni" calls that word, all children with that designated word change seats, and the "Oni" tries to take over a vacated seat. The child that misses the timing becomes the next "Oni". Those of you who work in schools may have played this in your classrooms as a way to review English vocabulary such as fruits or animals.A Game with a Mysterious RhymeSome tag games in Japan have unique and curious songs and rhymes associated with them. A peculiar one is "Kagome Kagome", known widely throughout Japan, and supposedly with its origins in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture."Kagome Kagome" is a circle game. All players circle and join hands. The "Oni" sits in the middle with his or her eyes covered. The players chant a song. When the song ends, the "Oni" must guess who is directly behind them. If they guess correctly, that person becomes the new "Oni".The most common version is:かごめかごめ 籠の中の鳥はKagome kagome / Kago no naka no tori waいついつ出やる　夜明けの晩にItsu itsu deyaru / Yoake no ban ni鶴と亀が滑ったTsuru to kame ga subetta.後ろの正面だあれUshiro no shoumen daareLoosely translated:The basket, the basket, the bird in the basket,When will you come out? In the evening of the dawnThe crane and the turtle slipped upWho is it behind me now?Kagome can refer to the holes, or eyes, in the woven basket. But it could also easily be a mishearing of "kakome", surround. Some people say "kagome" is a homophone for a pregnant woman. The mystery deepens.The lyrics get more mysterious the more you look at them. The crane and the turtle are traditionally symbols of good fortune. Their slipping up could indicate misfortune, or even death. What does that suggest for the "bird" in the "basket", perhaps the womb? The final line, "Ushiro no shoumen daare" is peculiar as it literally says, "Who is it behind my front?" Could it be a reference to a person in a position of power? Or the severed head of an executed prisoner looking back at his own corpse? Or is it just an innocent child's way of expressing, "Who is behind me?"Noda City claims to be the place of origin of this song. The song is commemorated at the approach to Shimizu Park with two statues and plaques.The "Oni" covering his or her eyes.The child behind the "Oni" revealing himself.At Kikuya, the traditional sweets shop in Noda City, you can savor a sweet called "Nodakko", Child of Noda. The sweets shop has the verse of Kagome Kagome on the side of their delivery van and on the wrappers for their signature sweets. You can play the game in the park and have a sweet snack after.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvAx-living_education_howto_noda_shi_chibaWed, 17 Oct 2018 17:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MvvAx-living_education_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNx0x-shopping_noda_shi_chibaWhen I have a bit of free time, I browse the shelves of the local recycle/second hand shop. The one nearest home is the Noda City WonderREX.Some surprising things about this recycle shop. If your friends and relatives from abroad shop there, they don't pay 8% consumption tax if they take the goods home. The quality of goods at recycle shops can be very high, and likely worth it. I can imagine pointing my visitors to the shop for electronics, luxury goods, and kimono.For us locals, when we do a big trip or buy large items there, we can borrow a vehicle and take our stuff home by ourselves. This is common in our area. The home center nearby also offers pick up truck rental for store members. Very handy.The shop doesn't just have used goods. The shop, like many other recycle shops I've been to, has new items. Especially in the linens and tableware sections, you see gift sets that haven't been opened. Japan's gift-giving culture means people receive surplus or unwanted gifts at weddings and events which they off-load at recycle shops. Some treasures I got are Imabari towel sets. The prices are pretty reasonable. I often keep in the laundry area a bath gift set or a box of towel handkerchiefs found at the recycle shop. I leave them out for guests at my apartment.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNx0x-shopping_noda_shi_chibaTue, 16 Oct 2018 14:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wNx0x-shopping_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe0l-food_noda_shi_chibaI live in the nose of Chiba-kun, the dog mascot that represents Chiba Prefecture. Historically, the city depended on soy bean and edamame production, and river trade. Edamame is the Japanese term for immature soy beans. They are often blanched and served with a bit of salt, and widely available in Japan's restaurants and supermarkets. Noda City's river trade brought sake, mirin, soy beans in many forms, and soy sauce to Tokyo. But, as train transport and manufacturing have developed, and farmers have aged, this kind of trade is gradually diminishing.The city is still a center for soy sauce production. Kikkoman and Kinoene, major producers of soy based foods, continue to be key players in the local economy. Local restaurants, merchants and community leaders are doing their best to help preserve the local production and manufacture of soy-based products. They produce novelty sweets and drinks that use the local produce.One of my favorite ramen shops serves as desert edamame ice cream. It's earthy and sweet and has a lovely texture.Menya Momiji near Kawama Station east exit serves hearty ramen and tsukemen. This is the rich ice cream with edamame flavor they serve. The flavor is subtle, but distinctly edamame.At the supermarket in front of Atago Station, you can find some soy-flavored treats.The packaging for momiji manju sweets and shouyu, soy, cider, is wonderfully retro.But I must caution you. Edamame cider is something you only drink on a dare. Let's be nice and say it tastes earthy.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe0l-food_noda_shi_chibaWed, 10 Oct 2018 20:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Mqe0l-food_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlpDj-foodSome weeks ago, Daikichi and I were in the local convenience store. We wanted some beer and junk food, and I spied two bags of potato chips, one red, one blue, with enigmatic katakana on them. There were no images. In smaller script, there was a message, "What's your image of this flavor?"Daikichi has a food allergy to crustaceans that will make him and me miserable , so he objected to getting the mystery bag of chips. I don't want any mishaps, so I deferred to his wisdom. I also get a mild allergic reaction to some foods, so I know better than to play food roulette.But tonight, at the local convenience store, I spied a similar bag, this time green. And I thought I'd take a risk. The clerk saw me spying this bag of nondescript chips, and he started to approach me. But I went for it.On the back of the package, the copy asks the consumer, "What flavor do you imagine when you see these words?""When you eat it, you might get it. You eat it and you might not figure it out. Please enjoy this new flavor experience!"I dutifully tasted them with the idea of "piri", sharp, in mind. And right away, I got wasabi. And the chips were wonderfully light and crispy.But this is supposedly wasabi beef. Maybe I am not sensitive, I don't know. Although I immediately got the wasabi aroma (and the attendant nose-clearing whiff) I just didn't pick up the beef aspect of the flavor. Wasabi-beef is one of Yamayoshi's famous flavors of chips.It's quite the gimmick, asking the consumer to guess the flavor of the contents based on the package color and one or two evocative words.Next time Yamayoshi has a random colored bag of chips, I'll go for it. But I'll be Daikichi's poison taster. I'll make sure he isn't subjected to anything that does him in. You just never know what's in one of the Yamayoshi chip bags.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlpDj-foodSun, 07 Oct 2018 14:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GlpDj-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6Kk-living_transportation_kashiwa_shi_chibaLast week, edthethewrote about a stamp rally on the Tobu Railway hiking rally. These encourage folks to go outside, walking and exploring, and recording their adventures. Collect all the stamps, send in your stamp card, and your entry goes into a lottery for local goods.From September to December, the Kashiwa Chamber of Commerce is running a stamp rally to bring people to Teganuma which is surrounded by spacious parks, hiking and walking paths.All around Teganuma, the marsh bounded by Kashiwa and Abiko Cities, there are great places to picnic, or play. On the west side, Kashiwa Furusato Park has a water play park in the summer. There is a popular fishing spot where the tiny Ohori River meets the marsh. On the Abiko side, there is a mini steam locomotive and at the Bird Museum, a boat dock for tiny solo sailboats. The seasonal flower displays there - cherry trees, irises, spider lillies and fall colors - are a treat all year round, too.The pamphlet has some useful information. It indicates the seven different locations in Abiko and Kashiwa where you can rent bicycles. It has a simple map with featured places (with addresses and telephone numbers) where you can collect stamps.But from my many bike rides around the area, I know there are about a dozen more beautiful spots to see on the route.I got my first stamp at the Kashiwa Information Center. The office is located in Family Kashiwa building at Kashiwa Station south exit.I don't really need a Reysol team t-shirt or senbei to feed 100 people, but I'll still go for some rides at Teganuma and aim for some of the stamp rally stations on the map.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6Kk-living_transportation_kashiwa_shi_chibaFri, 05 Oct 2018 18:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6Kk-living_transportation_kashiwa_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb6D-living_money_educationThis morning, on my desk in the school staff room, I got a notice regarding the annual Red Feather charity campaign. From October 22nd to 24th, our student council will collect donations for disaster relief within Japan. This year’s funds will go to Hokkaido for earthquake recovery, and to the Kansai area where there were devastating floods.Besides donation collection at schools, you will see volunteers in shopping streets and in front of train stations asking for donations. If you donate, you get a little dyed red feather (a chicken feather, by the way) to stick on your jacket or bag. You might also see donation boxes at the cash register of shops.The charity was created as part of Japan’s first social welfare effort in 1947. Public donations through the charity have provided funds to support nursing homes for the elderly, care homes for orphans, and vocational programs for the disabled.I usually give all the change in my wallet.Do you give to charities? Do you volunteer?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb6D-living_money_educationWed, 03 Oct 2018 10:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GLb6D-living_money_educationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKWJ-education_workFor those of us working in private and public elementary, junior and high schools, scheduling is the foundation of everything we do. If you've got your schedules under control, all else follows.School CalendarsEvery February, my colleagues and I anxiously await the announcement of the new school year calendar which starts in April. During the last few weeks of February, our school affairs department (教務, kyoumu), under the direction of the principal, produces a tabloid-size paper schedule that indicates all the events of the school year. As soon as we get our hands on this paper, we start scribbling and scheming about what we will do from April. We try to keep in mind that this schedule may be revised a few times during the school breaks, but it is mostly reliable.The year calendar is the big picture. The little picture is the month schedule, which is usually settled in the last week of the previous month. At many schools, it is a one-page agenda of the events (and inevitable interruptions) to teaching hours.In the staff room, you may see daily revisions of the fine details of the month schedule on the blackboards. It's a good idea to check the monthly paper schedule against the blackboard updates.You may also notice a daily note about events, absences, and teacher duties.On this daily schedule, you can see who is on 週番 shuban duty (sorry, I erased this for privacy), who is 欠勤 kekkin, absent, or 出張 shucchou, on a business trip. On this particular day, students were prohibited from entering the staff room due to a test schedule, and some teachers were assigned phone duties. These details indicate who will be available and who will be busy, and whether you can tutor students at your desk, or have to direct them to other spaces.Making Sense of It AllThe volume of information can be intimidating,. Not to mention that there are a considerable number of kanji to read and make meaning from. There are a few tools at your disposal that can help you make sense of it all.Consider using Google Translate for getting the gist of electronic documents. School affairs department can provide these files. You can use Google Translate on pdf, word and text documents. Some terms may be rendered nonsense, so you may want to use another great tool,Jim Breen's Japanese-English Dictionary Server. This tool accesses multiple dictionaries and can gloss whole texts. You may get a better understanding from parsing the text with this kanji lookup.Choosing a Planner That's Right for YouA long time ago, I relied on durable spiral bound planners for school administration. Although the ones published abroad are attractive, they aren't always suited to use i Japan because the academic year and holidays are so different.For a while, I used Microsoft Outlook to plan, coordinate with colleagues, and even keep track of my lesson plans. I printed the plans and annotated as needed. Outlook was useful because it was available offline.Later, at a wired school, I started learning to use Google Calendars. The notifications and the views of days, weeks, and months were useful. However, I could not use a laptop in the classroom due to logistics, and I could not use the Google Calendar app to control my lesson plans.For a while, I experimented with bullet journals. However, laboriously copying Japanese and English schedules into journals would take too much time and tax my kanji ability. I needed everything - calendars in both languages, lesson notes, and memos - all in one place.My solution is to use a 10 pocket A4 size clear file. These are available at 100 yen shops. They have sturdy plastic covers and thin plastic pockets for A4 or B5 papers. In my clear file, I keep the annual, monthly and incidental schedules. But the workhorse of my clear file is my weekly schedule that I write up myself.Every term, I write up as many weekly pages as I need. In the right top corner, I have a note for lesson and course hours. The note 1/10 means hour one of 10. Absences are recorder here, too. The next week's plan is annotated as "follow-up" so that I remember what we finished, what we need to review, and what is next. Colored notes make the "To do" lists stand out. When I'm done, I check them off.I'm in a habit of planning backwards. I start with my objectives that I intend to achieve at the end of a term or unit, and then determine how I am going to assess the steps along the way. The weekly planners determine how many hours I have, and identify obstacles such as interruptions and school events that I have to plan around.Every term, I tuck my planners into a drawer so that the following year, I have a rough template of how I am going to manage the timing in the school terms, and a reminder of what I planned well, and what I should revise.Over time, my students have noticed me carrying this clear file, and sometimes, they approach me to confirm when the next lesson is scheduled, or what events will cancel our lessons. It's gratifying to see my students noticing my fastidious planning and getting inspired to keep their own planners.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKWJ-education_workSun, 30 Sep 2018 11:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GbKWJ-education_workhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GORDv-living_noda_shi_chibaWhat a relief. The last few weeks of storms and rain in the Kanto area have been a bit gloomy, but the first signs of autumn pick me up. I'm so happy to see and smell the first signs of autumn.This past week, the higanbana bloomed right on schedule in the gardens in my neighborhood. They're spooky and beautiful.They're called higanbana because they bloom on the autumn equinox, Higan, when people honor their ancestors.I love the name in English, spider lily. It's descriptive of the shape, if not the color.Do you know why you see them planted at the edges of rice paddies, and around cemetery plots? The bulbs are toxic, so they keep burrowing animals from molesting your crops and family plots.This week, too, the pong of soy sauce brewing in Noda City has competition from kinomokusei, fragrant olive, also known as orange osmanthus, which is blooming all over in gardens and parks.In many home gardens, you'll see brutally clipped, stunted fragrant olive bushes that bloom profusely but look scraggly. At Shimizu Park, some of the ancient and fragrant olive trees are nearly four meters tall, huge things with copious foliage and a profusion of flowers that perfume the whole park. The flowers and their fragrance last a while, too, so you have a few weeks, perhaps until mid October, to catch a whiff.I love it when the breeze blows across the park and into my windows.Which is your favorite season in Japan? Why do you like it? I think it's nonsense that there are four seasons. Japan has five! Spring, Rainy (Tsuyu), Summer, Autumn and Winter. What do you think?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GORDv-living_noda_shi_chibaWed, 26 Sep 2018 19:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GORDv-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wr3k6-living_shoppingOn a ramen shop counter, I saw a water pitcher with what looked like a black stick inside. I poured a glass of water for myself and savored this refreshingly clean, surprisingly sweet tasting water. I learned from the server that this was a piece of bamboo charcoal in the pitcher to purify the water.Charcoal, called 炭 sumi in Japanese, often in the form of 竹炭 takesumi, or bamboo charcoal, has dozens of household uses.In the kitchen, I keep a stick of bamboo charcoal in a pitcher like the ramen shop staff. Charcoal is porous, so particles and chemicals in the water stick in the pores. Every few days, I dry the stick of charcoal outside in the sun to get it fresh again. In the fridge, I keep boxes of charcoal powder to eliminate smells, but apparently, the charcoal can also help vegetables and fruits keep longer.Nestled in my sweaters, there are charcoal powder bags. I used to buy plastic buckets with dessicants, but when they're full, they become plastic garbage. The charcoal powder bags do a good job to keep my sweaters fresh smelling and ward off the damp. When they are done, they get emptied into the garden. Charcoal is alkaline, so it can be used as a good soil conditioner.Other places I put bamboo or cedar charcoal are in the shoe cabinet, in the genkan front hall, under the sofa, and in baskets around the house. Charcoal in a bamboo basket has a sculptural quality, too, so it makes a pretty decoration.There are many bamboo products available in shops in Japan. At 100 yen shops, you can often find charcoal in bags or boxes suitable for placing in the fridge, closets, and even shoes. At hardware and DIY stores, there are often different kinds of charcoal, including softwood, hardwood and bamboo charcoal.An onsen that I frequent provides bamboo charcoal body soap, shampoo and conditioner. It's got a subtle scent, and the porous nature of the charcoal makes it a good for exfoliating and removing oil, and has a mild deodorant effect. You might find charcoal soap at drugstores and specialty shops, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wr3k6-living_shoppingSun, 16 Sep 2018 19:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wr3k6-living_shoppinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6D7-livingI've been living in Japan off and on for nearly 20 years, and modern conveniences here never cease to amaze me.And I wonder how I did without this marvel - a bathroom fan that dries!I've lived in retro apartments, 4LDK houses, great places. But this is the first time I've lived in a relatively new apartment with a 24 hour bath fan.Daikichi, my man, showed me that the 暖房 danbo setting isn't just meant for warming you up in the winter. It dries the laundry. The fan in my bath sets to maximum 1 hour for drying laundry.The dryer is pretty powerful. Even towels and bath mats are dry in two hours.How did I survive without this for all these years?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6D7-livingThu, 13 Sep 2018 19:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Gy6D7-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqeBR-living_noda_shi_chibaHave you ever heard of a Gravity Hill? It's a kind of natural phenomenon when the features of a landscape create anoptical illusion. An uphill looks like a downhill due to quirky geography and strange banking on a road.The first time I encountered a gravity hill was the Electric Brae in Ayreshire, Scotland. My uncle, who lived nearby, took my brother and I on a car ride to experience this strong optical illusion. We were stunned sitting in the car, apparently on a downhill stretch of the road, but rolling up! It's a quirk of the land there and it's quite a strong one.There are stretches of road all over the world that also present this kind of optical illusion. But could it be that, in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, we've got our own? I think I've found one.Our much loved Shimizu Park has a winding bit of road that skirts the east side. Many times I've biked along it, heading north-east.The stretch of road I'm talking about is along the avenue of cherry trees you see on the east side of the park map.Just past the municipal gymnasium is what appears to be a downhill length of road. But it banks strangely, and although it looks like a downhill, I have to pedal my bike. And there is another 50-70 meters of road on which I don't pedal, but it looks for all the world like I'm on an uphill stretch. The effect isn't that strong. I would guess that, in a car, you might not notice it. But on a bicycle, I find it startling.Does your town have a weird stretch of road like this one?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqeBR-living_noda_shi_chibaTue, 04 Sep 2018 17:33:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MqeBR-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8my-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaYou know about Furoshiki? The word 風呂敷 means something like 'bath mat.' In the old days, people wrapped their stuff in a furoshiki when they went to the communal bath. Over time, the bath wrapper became a way to carry any item, from your own shopping to gifts for others. The uses of these carrying cloths, and the ways to tie them, appear to be endless. In my stock of furoshiki, I have two sizes that I prefer. Many furoshiki are handkerchief sized, about 45 cm on a side. A large size may be 72 cm on a side. You can find larger ones, too. There are about a dozen different ways to tie them depending on the object and the use. As you get used to applying them to your daily life, you may discover more and more uses and ingenious ways to wrap objects and tie the ends.About three times I week, I make and carry to work my own bento box lunch. I often reuse plastic containers from the supermarket so that I can leave work empty handed, the furoshiki tucked into my purse on the way to my evening appointment. Wrapping a plastic box is easy with a handkerchief-sized furoshiki. Simply place the box in the middle and tie the ends on the diagonal over the top of the box. If you tie a double knot on the second pass, then you can create a little loop with which to carry the box.Here's one of my favorite hankie-sized ones I frequently carry bento box lunch in.And here it is wrapped around a box.In my purse I nearly always have a handkerchief- or full-size furoshiki tucked away for any eventuality. On my way home from work I stop by the supermarket or 100 yen shop and my purchases go in a furoshiki. There are two three ways I like to tie a furoshiki for shopping.One method is to fold it in half into a rectangle, and tie the corners. Another is to fold it into a triangle and tie the corners. A third method is to make a pouch by folding it in half into a rectangle and tying a single knot loosely. Then tie the ends in double knots. You now have a bag with adjustable handles and capacity.Furoshiki make good gifts, too, and reduce waste at the same time. Some years ago, in preparation for a friend's wedding, I found that a furoshiki wrapped around the offering envelope with mizuhiki was a great substitute for the typical paper wrappers. The furoshiki patterns are similar to the washi paper ones, and the couple can keep the furoshiki as a souvenir.If you are stuck for furoshiki wrapping ideas, the Ministry of the Environment has advice. You can always use furoshiki as home decor. I cover my windows and furniture with furoshiki, too. Or you can wear them. Thick chirimen and cotton fabrics keep the dust, sun, and chill off.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8my-living_howto_noda_shi_chibaThu, 30 Aug 2018 10:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wj8my-living_howto_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88nY-living_noda_shi_chibaLast week, I told you about tips forimproving reading skill. So, I take 30 minutes out of my day to read blogs, news or wiki pages in Japanese. Kanji look up is saving me! Some language educators recommend that, when you do extensive reading (tadoku in Japanese) you should disregard the unknown words until you get through the whole passage. They advised this in the days when the only resource was the paper dictionary or word list, and looking up cost time and broke the flow of reading. Now, I just hover over an unknown word and I immediately get the reading and meaning. I still break out the dictionary after to make sure I've got the word in my noggin.Another key to extensive reading and reading aloud (rodoku in Japanese) is to read about topics you want to know about. What immediately came to mind is local lore, because I like my town, Noda City, and I love a good story. And I found a lot of ghosts.The Nio statue at Shimizu Park will keep the ghosts at bay with that face.My reading revealed that Noda City is filled with spooks. Shimizu Park is said to be the site of many unfortunate ends. Many people report that they have had close encounters with the other world. One person said that, at the field athletics course, she lost her footing and ended up in the water. She felt something gripping her ankle and pulling her down. Another person claims that spirits of a man who hanged himself, and a woman who burned herself and her children haunt the park.Even seemingly safe places have creepy stories. Sakuragi Shrine has a tale, too.Sakuragi Shrine honors the innocent cherry blossom.One afternoon, between errands, a man parked his car near the shrine. There are woods around the shrine, so it's shady. When he woke up, he opened the car door and clearly heard a voice say "Arigato" yet there was nobody to be seen. A while later, some children came across a dead body nearby which was likely lying there the afternoon the driver took his nap. At least, that's what he claims.But the biggest spookfest is apparently on the Kananoi Ohashi, the bridge that carries Route 16 traffic between Noda City and Kasukabe City across the Edo River. On either end of the bridge are temples with cemeteries and the bridge has had its share of traffic accidents, some fatal. Drivers claim they've seen apparitions. Some say that a ghost of a woman reaches into the windows of vehicles.Reading the stories was engrossing and I learned a lot of vocabulary quickly. Of course, similar stories show up on many websites, so I get practice reading the same content again and again.I'm not scared. But I might find some other topics to read about...To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88nY-living_noda_shi_chibaSat, 25 Aug 2018 10:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z88nY-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY7NB-living_noda_shi_chibaI can't wait for this summer to be over! The heat wave melted my brain, the typhoon winds blew me off my bicycle, and all my smart friends with money went somewhere pleasant for a few weeks. I'm so done with this sweltering, lonesome August.So when I came home yesterday evening to okamakiri, a praying mantis at my door, ready to fight me, I was relieved. These voracious bug killers are mostly born in May, but they are at their feistiest from August through the autumn. Look here, bug.I helped this one over to the tall grass nearby.Tonight, on my bike ride through a forest, I saw this frantic movement. I got closer, but just saw a lot of dead leaves. I had to look hard and wait for it to happen again. And there it was. A momsuzumega.They're called momosuzume because their caterpillars gorge on peach trees. This one was not feisty. It had lost the legs on its left side, hence the frantic movement. It sure looks like a fallen leaf. I put it back in the underbrush.There is a tiny bamboo grove visible from my window. The higurashi cicadas have started their woeful songs. They're singing, "Goodbye, summer!"To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY7NB-living_noda_shi_chibaFri, 24 Aug 2018 19:27:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MY7NB-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME5dP-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaAt the local Belx supermarket, shoppers are watched over by images of serene Buddhas. My favorite is the Kujaku Myoo, the Peacock Wisdom King, or maybe Wisdom Queen, a female Buddha who is the patron of science. And science means chemistry, and chemistry leads to food safety. The Peacock Myoo protects people from poisoning,Next to her is a laminated message, with a big official red inkan, from a temple in Kyoto. The message is a blessing on customers, and a talisman to protect their health and everyday life. Wow, priests and supermarket make sure we don't get done in by spoiled food.And Belx doesn't just depend on Buddhism. There are Shinto images and talismans, too. At the entrance is a huge poster of a shrine gate. Above the cold drinks cabinet, there is a Shinto mirror, reflecting along the kimon, the south-west to north-east direction.As long as I respect the expiration dates on my grocery items and don't wait until something goes blue, I should be ok.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME5dP-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibaThu, 23 Aug 2018 12:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/ME5dP-food_shopping_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4Bg-foodSome guests visiting my town brought me zaatar seasoning as omiyage last year, and I love the stuff! My friends are so kind, they keep bringing me different varieties, store bought and home made. Have you tried this spice mix before? It's used in home cooking from Morocco to Syria, and it's usually made with a mix of thyme, oregano, sumac, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sometimes other aromatic spices depending on the culture and food traditions. it's zesty, nutty and aromatic.Here's the jar of home made stuff my gal friend Niri brought me when she visited from Israel.So, does it work with Japanese food? Sure!For last night's dinner, I got what's cheap and in season at the supermarket - komatsuna, enoki mushrooms, carrots. I stir fried them with a bit of olive oil, soy sauce and a generous amount of zaatar.The combination works and has a wonderful aroma.When I'm making okazu side dishes, I sometimes simply do eringi mushrooms, or enoki mushrooms with a little butter or olive oil and zaatar in the toaster oven. It's my answer to pan sheet cooking.Sometimes I swap it for furikake over brown rice. It's great with roasted red or yellow peppers. Another lazy and cheap dish that mixes middle east with far east is stir fried moyashi bean sprouts with sea chicken.I hear that it works well with roasted or baked fish or meat, too.When I run out, I'll try making some. Most recipes indicate two tablespoons each of marjoram, thyme, oregano, and one tablespoon of roasted ground sesame seeds, and 1/4 cup of sumac, seasoned with salt. All the ingredients except from the sumac you can get in supermarkets. I'll probably order sumac online.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4Bg-foodSat, 18 Aug 2018 17:26:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GR4Bg-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkK4-living_noda_shi_chibaBy way of introduction, I'd like to tell you about my town, not me.Do you know Chiba Prefecture? It has a distinctive shape, which was cleverly turned into the profile of the dog, Chiba-kun. At the tip of Chiba-kun's nose is Noda City, wedged between the Tone and Edo Rivers, which is the origin of my nickname, TonetoEdo. Noda has about 155,000 people in what look like suburban and semi-rural landscapes. The Tobu train lines and Route 16 serve as arteries through the city. The old shopping street along Nagareyama Kaido which passes through the center of the city has decayed since the bubble economy failed and the highway pulled motorists away, but it still has a lot of traditional vendors and services. If you go further north towards the confluence of the Tone and Edo Rivers, you will find dairies and clusters of sleepy farms and shopping streets, neighborhoods which were once villages but were incorporated into the city over the last 70 years.So what's to recommend it? I can only tell you what I love about it. It's a city which holds onto its natural landscapes. The Edo and Tone River banks are wide open spaces where you can see lots of wildlife, especially birds. In the center of the city is Shimizu Park with its field athletics course, petting zoo and pony rides, plum and cherry blossom viewing spots, and Konjoin Temple grounds on which the park is situated. Some evenings, when I've passed through Shimizu Park, I have heard owls hooting in the trees, and seen rabbits bounding around. If you go early in the morning, you might see kingfishers, herons and egrets getting their breakfast in the brooks and pools there.It's also the home of Kikkoman Soy Sauce with a long and rich history of soy sauce brewing and corporate philanthropy in Noda City. Around the city, there are some sites associated with the soy sauce brewers. Visitors can take a free tour of the Kikkoman soy sauce factory. Two of the estates of the local soy sauce brewing families are open to the public. Kamihanawa Historical House and the city museum situated in the Mogi House dating from the Taisho Period are lovely examples of architecture and gardens that I introduce my friends and family to when they visit.But what really knocks me out are the people. Noda City isn't that far from big, cosmopolitan Tokyo, but it still has a distinctly small town atmosphere. People take time to talk. At festivals, people will greet you and tell you local lore. At the heritage buildings and traditional confectioners and pickle shops, clerks will explain their products. It's a friendly place with a slow pace of life.The cost of living is reasonable here, too. So far I have rented a large older house with four rooms and a big garden for less than Y70,000 a month. My recently updated apartment, with lviing room, kitchen, bath, toilet, and bedroom with ample storage space is under Y65,000 and a short walk from the nearest train station and shopping.And last I should say we have great food! Around the train stations in Noda City on the Tobu Urban Park Line, there are many good places to eat local and international cuisine, and the prices are reasonable. I'll let you know about some of them in reviews.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkK4-living_noda_shi_chibaThu, 16 Aug 2018 22:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/wXkK4-living_noda_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zy9-living_educationA great source of heartache for me and Daikichi, my man, is my ability to communicate in Japanese. Daikichi speaksstandard Japanese and the local dialect, can define a lot of English vocabulary in Japanese, but has a rudimentary understanding of English grammar and syntax. As a result, most of our communication is in Japanese. But it's not terribly idiomatic or fluent Japanese on my side.I'm no slacker when it comes to learning Japanese, either. Last year, I made a successful attempt at Level 2 (N2) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The test indicates reading, vocabulary and listening comprehension. This is a good measure of language knowledge, but it doesn't indicate fluency at all. To get my fluency up, I think I need a lot more models of practical usage, and practice listening to and saying compound sentences in context.So, how can I do this? Well, reading is a real chore since I run into a lot of kanji I don't know. Sure, I can get the gist of stories on NHK news but for the most part I cannot read them aloud since I miss a lot of the kanji readings and struggle to smoothly say the sentences.Daikichi has a solution. It's 朗読, roudoku, or reading aloud. This can mean audio books or reading a text aloud yourself. So I'm taking a crack at it.I'll tell you some of the resources I've discovered.Look UpI use an iPad Mini every day. You may have an iPhone or an iPad handy. In settings, go to General and Dictionary. Select Japanese and Japanese-English. When you are surfing the Web and encounter kanji you don't know, hover your finger over it and select it. You usually get a gloss of the kanji with the Japanese reading and meaning, and possibly the pronunciation and meaning in English. This gives you a shot at knowing both the reading and meaning in one shot while you're trying to get the gist of a passage. Here's an example from NHK news to do with the latest exploding volcano.As you can see, the dictionaries give you an explanation in Japanese, the reading in hiragana, the kanji, and the meaning in English. How cool is that? I read the news articles aloud with the help of these kanji look up resources.Google TranslateYou think, you shouldn't depend on machine translation. And I quite agree with you. However, Google Translate, both on the Web and through the app, has an amazing feature for those of us who have big vocabularies but poor reading skills. Google Translate has a machine voice which will read the Japanese text to you.See the little speaker button in the bottom left of the original Japanese and romaji text? Click that, and a machine voice, but very proper and female, will read the original Japanese text to you. This is an awesome resource for learning not only kanji reading but phrasing and tone (yep, Japanese has tonal features like some other Asian languages, but different). For practice, I read aloud behind the machine voice to get the tones and phrasing right. It's a challenge, but I find it helps my fluency greatly.Audio Books and Short StoriesThis is the mother lode when it comes to reading kanji, learning the phrasing of Japanese, and grasping idiomatic expression typical of written texts. Aozora Bunko is the Japanese answer to Project Gutenburg. Classic Japanese literature is available for free. There are also translated works of famous writers from around the world. Read to your heart's content!Aozora Bunko has an audio version, too. Check out Aozora Rodoku, Aozora's library of audio books. You can select the content by author, genre, and the length of the reading. Start easy, go long!Don't give up. You can learn to comprehend longer and more complex texts, and in your own speech, after a lot of modeling, you, too can learn to communicate what you want. I do my best for Daikichi-san and all my lovely friends.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zy9-living_educationWed, 15 Aug 2018 22:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/z3Zy9-living_education