Thank You

Buying hot beverages from Japanese vending machine

Can't stand this winter and need something to warm you up? Let's buy some hot beverages from your nearby vending machine. It is very simple and affordable! Just make sure that you press the right button! You have to find the beverages with the following character,...

Masami Nagasawa Gives Sexy Performance in “Cabaret”

Actress Masami Nagasawa (29) is making her stage musical debut this week by starring in Suzuki Matsuo's production of the world-famous musical "Cabaret". Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, it is based in nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and...

Word of the day: Negaeri wo utsu

寝返りを打つ・寝返りをする negaeri wo utsu or negaeri wo suru (more likely to be used during conversation) Definition He/she rolls over

Raising kid while working in Japan

I am working as a researcher at Japanese research institution. What concerns me and my husband the most is the nature of our working situation. Our job is not permanent, so we will always need to renew our contract every one, three or five years. So we always have a...

How to Ride a Bus in Japan

Public transportation in Japan is very convenient and quite punctual. Even though some places are not reachable by train, you can still ride a bus to your destination. We will share some information about riding a bus in Japan. First, confirm the route maps posted on...

How to order soba/udon from the food ordering machine

To survive in Japan, you need to master hiragana and katakana as quickly as you can. However, if you are hungry, it is possible that you may not remember any of it. Many Japanese restaurants don't provide English menu so it may be difficult for you to order the...

New Taiga Dorama: Onna Joshu Naotara

The 65th NHK Taiga series, Onna Joshu Naotara has started airing since January 8th 2017. Yesterday, it was revealed that the dorama got 16,9% rating (Kanto area) and 17,3% (Kansai area). It's a little lower than the previous dorama, Sanada Maru, which drew 19,9%...

A greeting from the founder of NPO Bond Place

I am Yuji Ogasawara. I was born and raised in Yamanashi Prefecture. After graduating from high school, I worked at a consultant firm with regard to Human Resource Development for three years. During weekend, I have volunteered and helped out many volunteer groups and...

Young Celebrities Celebrated Seijin No Hi

The second Monday of January is a Japanese holiday called 成人の日 (read: Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Day). It is a celebration to congratulate the young generations of Japan, particularly for those who have reached the age of majority (20 years old). The ceremonies...

Word of the day: Tonton

背中をトントンするせなかをとんとんする Senaka wo　tonton suru I pat his/her back