             For many centuries, Hong Kong was under the control of Imperial China. However, following the First Opium War, control of the islands shifted to the United Kingdom but for a brief period in World War II when the Japanese occupied. As a colony of the UK, Hong Kong westernized and became rather democratic. In…
Kinpira – salty, sweet, crunchy vegetables with a hint of spice – what is there not to like about this popular dish? Often found as a teeny side dish in bentos, it always left me craving more, so I took matters into my own hands and learnt how to make it. Kinpira is most commonly…
             Last month was a busy time for many world leaders first attending the Asian-Pacific Economic Partnership (APEC) Summit in Beijing, China and then the G-20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, Australia. These summits, often merely speeches of flattery and pats on the back or of criticism with wags of the finger sometimes surprise everyone and…
Although, I’ve never been the biggest fan of winter, Japan has slowly been winning me over with its variety of unique activities during this season. When going outside may be one of the last things you want to do, these 8 activities and places will be more than enough to get you out from…
It’s December and the weather has turned bitterly against us. The idea of heading outdoors is growing less and less attractive and we find ourselves wanting to curl up under the katatsu and simply relax. Luckily, this month we provide you with five things to watch as you take a break from last month’s readingsand…
 Yo! My name is Ryan Suzuki. I was born and raised in California. I’ve moved around a few times, but the last city I lived in before JET was Garden Grove.I’m in my 2nd year on JET and I teach at Tochigi High School in Tochigi City. It’s an all-boys super science high…
In case you’ve been living under a rock these past few weeks you will be well aware that theseason to be jolly is here. In addition it has left every bare inch of unattended retail space drenched in tinsel and baubles while a variety of Christmas jingles waft overhead with their own unique Japanese…
V  “Mom, we have to go, now!†Bionca pleaded while her father held their door open. Gaia shook together with the earth beneath her feet as she grabbed everything she thought might help. “Just grab the sword and let’s go! We don’t have time for this!†her daughter warned, desperation crawling into her sweet…
If you’re feeling a bit woozy after each lesson from kerosene inhalation you know that it’s that magical time of year, when you can’t move (physically) from layers and (metaphorically) for saccharine jingles blaring from every speaker. Yes it’s winter, and Christmas is coming, and if you’re from the Southern hemisphere you might be feeling…