The “Japanese Literary Nerd” Starter Pack
| | |

The “Japanese Literary Nerd” Starter Pack

    Reading Japanese literature in Japan is a wonderful experience. If you’re a massive nerd like me, you can take literary pilgrimages to the places you visit in the novels.  I have traveled to some incredibly beautiful places because Mishima sent his melancoly protagonist there to describe the beauty of the landscape while pondering…

Hiking in Hyogo
|

Hiking in Hyogo

  Moving to Japan, a land of practically nothing but mountains, has been a dream for me. I come from Western Australia; probably the flattest state in the very flat country that is Australia. However, for as long as I can remember I have dreamt of huge, rocky, snow-capped, mountains. While Hyogo’s mountains are a…

Bojack Horseman: A Review of Season 3
| |

Bojack Horseman: A Review of Season 3

I always find it curious how relatable Bojack Horseman (the show) is, considering how alien to the experiences of most people Bojack Horseman (the character) is: he’s half-man, half-horse; he doesn’t need to work yet maintains an absolutely palatial lifestyle; he operates on a level of fame akin to David Schwimmer or the guy who…

Sweat Days
| |

Sweat Days

It was, simply put, too hot. The sun watched the classroom with a sort of bored malevolence, reaching down its long fingers and poisoning whatever it touched with a brush of its hand. Everything radiated heat: the walls, the chairs, the desks; everyone in the room was shifting in a low-key rhythm, trying to find…

| |

A Year of Concerts Part 4:Concert and a Venue Near Namba

Venue: Orix Theatre Location: Near Honmachi and Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Subway Line   Since this venue is sandwiched between two subway stations, it is pretty conveniently located. However, if you’re planning on driving there, be sure to look at the parking options on their website and call a week in advance to reserve…

| |

A Year of Concerts Part 3: Concerts and a Venue Near Umeda

Venue: Osaka Symphony Hall Location: A few blocks from the Willer Express Bus Terminal in Osaka Umeda near Umeda Station or Fukushima Station   Osaka Symphony Hall is one of those beautiful auditoriums where you can dress up, have a nice dinner before heading to the show, and pretend like you’re a part of high…