Japan is a predominantly mountainous country, with 75% of the natural land being mountains according to the country's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The mountains make for great skiing during the winter months, while hiking is a popular outdoor activity during the warmer months. With the
According to this article , in 2019 there were as many as 33,000 businesses in Japan that have existed for at least a 100 years. Famous companies fulfilling this criteria include alcoholic beverage brewer Suntory Holdings Ltd. and gaming console maker Nintendo Co. Ltd. Last week, I had the opportunity
Many popular tourist destinations in Japan can be conveniently reached via the country's expansive train and bus networks. That said, travelling via car greatly expands one's travel opportunities. You can travel at your own pace and explore places off the beaten track. Long-term residents of
One of Japan's most famous attractions is the hanami (Japanese: 花見, English: cherry blossom flower viewing) that takes place at the start of spring in late-Feb/March. The cherry blossom, or sakura (Japanese: 桜), is one of many famous symbols associated with Japan, alongside icons like Mount
Manga (Japanese: 漫画) is a comic or graphic novel originating from Japan. According to Statista, Japan's manga industry had a size of JPY700 billion (~US$4.7 billion) in 2024. During my growing years in Malaysia, I recall how manga series like Dragon Ball (Japanese: ドラゴンボール), Doraemon (Japanese:
Muji is a Japanese retailer that sells many household and consumer goods, from furniture to clothes to cosmetics. The company is well-known for its minimalist products that are practical and look good. Going into Muji is like walking into a stationary store - there's always something really interesting
The Japanese plum, ume (Japanese: 梅), is associated with the start of spring in Japan, which is usually in mid-February. During this period, plum festivals known as umematsuri (Japanese: 梅祭り) are held. A few weeks ago, we went to the plum forest in Hanegi Park (Japanese: 羽根木公園) for its
The cold winter months are a great time to enjoy a hearty & warm dish that is yummy in the tummy, such as oden (Japanese: おでん). Oden is a nabemono (Japanese: 鍋物, English: one-pot dish) containing a variety of ingredients cooked in a soy-based dashi (Japanese:出汁) broth.
According to my trusty Frommer's Japan guide, a not-to-be-missed travel experience in Japan is taking a bath in a communal onsen (Japanese: 温泉, English: hot spring). This experience is daunting for most non-Japanese like me, as it involves bathing butt naked with a bunch
Pea shoots (Chinese & Japanese: 豆苗) are a micro-green that can be eaten stir-fried with garlic or added to clear soup. Supermarkets here sell pea shoots (along with other micro-greens) in a soilless tray for JPY99 (~US$0.66). One tray is sufficient for one serving. What&
Miso (Japanese: 味噌) is Japanese for fermented soybean paste. It is commonly-used in Japanese cooking, for example in miso soup. Given its strong umami (Japanese: 旨味), miso can also be used in other ways, such as to make pasta sauce or to marinate fish. The ingredients to make miso
I recently watched a two-part documentary produced by CNA Insider called No Screen, No Life. CNA Insider is a Channel News Asia ("CNA") program that produces good long-form investigative videos on current affairs and topics. These videos are uploaded to CNA Insider's YouTube channel.