The Curious Case of Hyakumansan

In 2013, Mr. One Million, Hyakumansan, upset the residents of Ishikawa prefecture, whom he was supposed to represent, by being too ugly. Overdesigned. Not cute enough. Nearly a decade later, he’s still standing as the mascot of Ishikawa but what was all that hullabaloo about? Is he really as messy as they said he was? […]

Gold Leaf of Kanazawa

Kanazawa, aside from being a historical wonderland to rival Kyoto, is also the home of the gold leaf industry in Japan. Take a walk with me through a golden garden, won’t you?

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

It’s coming to America soon! Depending on when you read this, it may already be there! But, at the time of writing, it’s only available at Universal Studios Japan. So, how does it stack up? Is it worth the hype? What exactly can you experience here? Will all your Mario dreams come true?

Sasuke: Ninja Warrior

I enjoy a good sport every now and again, but often it’s not the most popular sport (minus baseball). I prefer more traditional sporting affairs, especially wrestling, but sometimes, a modern take really captures the imagination in a way I couldn’t anticipate. Enter the niche world of Sasuke, or Ninja Warrior.

Things I Liked in 2022

Look at all those twos! Did this year continue to burn as it did at the start of the year? Starting the tally a bit late in February, how did it go, future Adam? Future Adam here! It was a pretty cool year, but not without its difficulties. The fall and winter proved challenging, and […]

Yokohama Christmas Market

Since the pandemic, it’s been more difficult to visit the many European-styled Christmas markets that used to populate Japan. Cancellations and reservation systems kept many people out but this year, after opening its borders once more, Japanese Christmas markets are back!

Coral Restoration In Okinawa

Did you know that you can plant coral in Okinawa? Why would you ever want to be a nautical farmer, you may be asking? Why not, is what I say! We threw on some flippers and went to the briny shallows to experience a bit of the tropical coral goodness for ourselves in Okinawa.

Zamami Island and Kerama Islands National Park

Okinawa is the tropical getaway for the Japanese: It’s akin and analogous to Hawaii for the USA. The main draw is the natural beauty, and boy does this island paradise deliver! One special place to visit is the Kerama Islands National Park, particularly, Zamami Island.

Yokosuka Navy Curry and Battleship Mikasa

Japanese curry is a thing but did you know the Navy has had a hand in perpetuating curry culture in Japan? Let’s take a short trip to Yokosuka to learn a bit about Yokosuka Kaigun (Navy) Curry!

Weeble Wobble, Roly Poly, Okiagari Koboshi

You thought I was done talking about daruma? Do you even know me? Have you met me? I don’t think the discussion about daruma will ever end, to be honest. This one isn’t directly daruma (DD), but it is daruma-adjacent (DA). Let’s journey to Fukushima and investigate the balance boys and girls known as Okiagari […]