Blog Masonry
Things to Do in Kyoto in January 2025
Happy New Year! As we step into the Year of the Snake, let’s take a moment to reflect on its symbolism. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is often associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation. It’s a time to shed the old, like snake skin, and […]
YATAI ETIQUETTE: HOW TO BLEND IN LIKE A JAPANESE LOCAL
Do you know what “Yatai (屋台)” means? Generally, Yatai refers to outdoor stalls (台) with roofs (屋), typically used for selling goods, that are movable. There are two types of Yatai in Japan. When hearing the word “Yatai”, the most famous type that comes to mind […]
FIRST TIME IN NAGOYA: WHY NAGOYA DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION!
Have you ever heard of a place called Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture? If not, no worries. You’re already in luck for stumbling across this blog. In my opinion, Nagoya is like “The Beast Player Erin,” a super underrated but absolutely wonderful anime. While it might not […]
SACRED JAPANESE RICE: EXPLORING FAVORITE BRANDS
This is a phrase I’ve heard from my mother since I was little. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of rice when I was young as I preferred bread, and was tired of having rice every day. Moreover, if even a single grain of rice […]
Interview With Barrique Tokyo – Traditional Japanese Ambiance
Let’s all welcome Barrique Tokyo, a Japan-based shop renowned for its exquisite collection of home furnishings, accessories, and decorative pieces ingeniously crafted from repurposed Kimonos. Each item breathes new life into these cherished Japanese textiles, showcasing unparalleled artistry and uniqueness. With a dedicated commitment to sustainability […]
Miso: the Soul of Japanese Cuisine
Miso is deeply ingrained in Japanese food culture, and people outside the country are probably more familiar with it in the form of soup. Whenever you order a teishoku (meal course) at a restaurant, it is usually served with miso soup as a side. It is […]
Wear Your Rainbow Cloaks With Pride With Japan Gay Guide
Japan might not be the first name on the list when you think of LGBTQ+ support, but the community is there and growing with the influx of travelers and those looking to live in Japan for the long term. Tempered by increasing support from locals, big […]
Bonenkai and Shinnenkai: Two Japanese Celebrations for the New Year
With the New Year upon us, let’s learn how Japan celebrates the welcoming of this time of year! Instead of merely celebrating the countdown to midnight, Japan does a bit more than that. By having parties with their company, other students, friends, or family, Japan celebrates […]
Kanpai! Destination sake breweries to visit in and around Tokyo
Why pick up a bottle of sake from the store, when you can go straight to the source? Imagine sipping on freshly brewed sake while overlooking picturesque landscapes or savoring a carefully crafted dish that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of your drink. Visiting a sake […]
Hatsuyume: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s “First Dream” Tradition
What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early […]