It’s no secret that matcha’s popularity has been growing at breakneck speed. The desire for matcha in 2025 has skyrocketed, causing shortages in Japan and around the world. But why are people suddenly so interested in the earthy, whole-leaf tea?…
When Ramón’s family visited in March 2025, we took a trip to the Ancōra Stationery Store in Tokyo. Located in Ginza, this dedicated pen and ink store delivered on every aspect of high-end stationery. But you don’t have to break…
Eating vegan and gluten-free can be a challenge anywhere you go, but we found some delicious gluten-free options during our visit to Osaka. In March this year, some of Ramón’s family visited from California. We had a great time exploring…
I’ve lived in Japan for almost 4 years total now, and one thing that still surprises me is the heat. Growing up in California, we never had humid weather. Constant droughts were the norm in the desert-rich Golden State. The…
In December 2024, I took the JLPT N1 test. And failed. But it taught me an important lesson: how and what to study. Though I passed N2 a few years ago, I wanted to benchmark my Japanese by taking the next…
Inspired by my own travel around Japan, take a 10-day culture tour around Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima using my Japan Travel Guide. No matter the season, you can enjoy cultural touchstones of Japan with this guide. Knowing what to…
So, you want to get a part-time job, but you’re still on a student or dependent visa. Luckily, applying to engage in activities outside the scope of your visa is surprisingly straightforward. For those unaware, if you come to Japan…
One of the most confusing things about working as an ALT in Japan is the dress code. Guidelines vary from school to school and company to company. And formal wear is an even more complicated affair. However, you can follow…