March 2019

Spring return for students and employees in Japan
March 30, 2019  By Rae DeFrane 

The cherry blossoms are almost at peak bloom here in Tokyo. Their calming pink hue and delicately sweet scent is a contrasting backdrop to the frenzy that accompanies the preparations of students and job-seekers in Japan as they gear up for April and all it brings with it. Spring harkens new beginnings in the form of a new school year, a new fiscal year and a new wave of initiates beginning their careers in companies across Japan.

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Recommended food events in Tokyo – April 2019
March 28, 2019  By Kay Knofi 

So you’re in Tokyo in April 2019 and you’re looking for food events? Do you like Ramen? Sake? Coffee? YES!!! Here are a few foodie events we recommend!

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Japanese Green Tea Company – TEA-RRIFIC and awarded Matcha
March 20, 2019  By Jessica Iragne 

Like a fine wine, high-quality tea depends on more than pretty packaging. The age of the leaves, their growing conditions, and even soil fertility all impact the final flavor. For us, how tea is grown and the way it’s processed is the secret for crafting a sweet, nutritious tea like no other.

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Expat in Japan Interview – 10 questions to Morgain Le Fae
March 15, 2019  By Jessica Iragne 

I was expecting Japan to be more exotic. It actually surprised me, that Japan was more “normal” than I expected it to be. The first thing I saw at the station when I got off, was a young Japanese man who was probably 200 cm of height. Therefore, I totally forgot all assumptions that I had about Japan…

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White Day in Japan – The day the men give back
March 12, 2019  By Rae DeFrane 

White Day??? What’s the history of this strange twin to everyone’s favorite Hallmark holiday you might ask? In the 1977, the CEO of a small confectionary company in Fukuoka called Ishimura Manseido was reading a magazine in his office for inspiration to revitalize sales…

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Why the Japanese Shinkansen is the ultimate form of transportation
March 10, 2019  By Lucy Dayman 

It’s not called a bullet train for nothing! The shinkansen can travel at a rate of up to 320 km/h, depending on which train you take. The speed at which you can zoom across the country is staggering. If you factor in the outside time required to catch an airplane (check-in security etc.) in most cases, the shinkansen will be faster.

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Beginner’s guide to Tokyo
March 8, 2019  By admin 

ALASKA AIRLINES: Beginner’s guide to Tokyo Author: Laura Brindley Anyone who’s ever seen the iconic film “Lost in Translation” knows that Tokyo is a whirlwind of lights and color and sound and energy. Laura Brindley compiles a guide on how to make the most of Tokyo […]

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Sakuramochi: See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms, then Eat Them?!
March 4, 2019  By Nick Colaccino 

Salt and sugar help the world go ‘round. These two essential nutrients are what give sakura mochi its popular appeal. Rest assured: you are supposed to eat the leaf!

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A Crash Course on The Japanese Tea Ceremony
March 1, 2019  By Lucy Dayman 

Far more than just a way to enjoy delicious matcha tea and sweets, the Japanese tea ceremony is a tradition that goes back to the ninth century. The origins of the ceremony have roots in Zen Buddism, a religious practice introduced from China.

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