Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
10 Answers
YouTube channels for life in Japan?
Recently ToneToEdo put me on to JapaneseCooking101 on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JapaneseCooking101) where you can find a variety of easy to follow recipe tutorials for a myriad of eats. I was wondering if anyone knew of other useful "life in Japan" style YouTube channels. It doesn't have to be cooking, anything that helps you out with day-to-day stuff here would be great to know about!
on Dec 4
On Going
17 Answers
Any idea for snowboard destination?
What's the best ski resort in Japan that is accessible by bus or train? I have been to Nagano. Any other recommendations?
on Jan 3
All Questions
8 Answers
What do you MOST associate with Ibaraki?
Just for fun - what is the very first thing that comes to mind when I say Ibaraki prefecture? Today, is Ibaraki prefecture day and when I was choosing what photo to use for the feature photo, one place came to mind instantly. I don't want to influence your answer so I won't mention it here, but you can check it out in the article: https://ww2.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GReVv-living_ibaraki_ushiku_shi_ibaraki
on Nov 13
6 Answers
Japanese names you love?
I blogged yesterday about this year's top baby names in Japan, and there was quite a focus on nature and calmness in the most popular picks. I was wondering if there are any Japanese names you love for the meaning behind them. Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or even family member with a beautiful name. I'd be happy to hear what it is, and why you like it so much!
on Nov 13
13 Answers
How often do you use chopsticks?
I have just written about "Chopstick Day". The second "Chopstick day" of the year! I am curious; how often do you use chopsticks? For every meal? Once a day? With certain meals only? Occasionally? Never!?
on Nov 11
3 Answers
Fears in Japan that you didn't have in your home country?
I've written a number of blogs here on City-Cost about how bears are a real worry in my area these days, and it's something that I didn't have to concern myself with in my home country. I know people talk about snakes and spiders in Australia being deadly (and yes, there are some types that are), but they're not typically going to come and attack you unprovoked. Also, it's a lot easier to outrun a snake or a spider than a bear ;) I'm curious about the rest of you, if you have fears here that maybe weren't present in your country of origin. Let me know in the comments!
on Nov 8
5 Answers
Christmas - shopping, meals, etc. - how are we faring?
I saw a press release this morning from FamilyMart, which promoted their festive season eats but also covered a survey about spending. The survey mentioned most people planning to celebrate Christmas at home aim to spend less than 5,000 yen on food. How does your budget look in comparison to that? Do you go all out for Christmas here if it was something you celebrated in your home country, or is it a quieter celebration owing to it not being an official holiday here? How about Christmas shopping? Have you got strict budgets in place, and have you completed your shopping or are you still looking for bits and pieces for people?
on Nov 7
2 Answers
What is your favorite 'nabe' hot pot?
November 7th is "Nabe no hi" or 'hot pot day'. As I wrote in a post about it, there are many different type of hot pot in Japan. What type of 'nabe' do you like in Japan? The post about 'hot pot day' ; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/G68de-food_wako_shi_saitama
on Nov 7
3 Answers
Diamon Fuji views
From October to February, the Diamond Fuji phenomenon is visible for a few days. Have you seen this sight before? Where did you watch it from? Is it close to transportation?
on Nov 6
3 Answers
Favorite Pocky/Pretz flavor?
November 11th is Pocky/Pretz day, with the date (11/11) meant to resemble the popular snack icons. Do you have a favorite flavor of Pocky or Pretz? Are you a fan of the traditional flavors (e.g. chocolate or strawberry Pocky) or have any limited-time/special flavors taken your fancy?
on Nov 6
11 Answers
Your food culture, adapted well or?
My family's food culture is a mashup, a mix of Ukrainian, Near Eastern, Scottish, and Irish cuisine with a sprinkling of South American ingredients due to migration. It's pretty wild even before I adapt my dishes to ingredients I can source in Japan. Do you find you keep your recipes strictly orthodox, or do you mix it up? What combos of cuisines and dishes appeal to you and your family?
on Nov 4
5 Answers
Do you read manga?
Yesterday, November 3rd, was "Manga Day". Begs the question - do you read manga? If so, what are you reading now? And do you have a favorite manga and / or manga artist?
on Nov 4
5 Answers
Favorite eco-friendly Japan brands
I posted this morning about an initiative that repurposes parts from retired Osaka Metro train cars and turns them into bags, chairs, and more. I'm also a big fan of the Nozomi Project, who make jewelry items with broken pottery found after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami. Do you have any favorite Japan-based brands that have a focus on upcycling or eco-friendliness?
on Nov 3
5 Answers
What's a Japanese autumn tradition you've really come to love?
I mentioned in a blog yesterday that one of the things I love about autumn is the yakiimo warmers that pop up in convenience stores, supermarkets, and farmer's markets at this time of year. What's an autumn tradition that you've come to love during your years here? It could be anything...food-related things, autumn festivals you really enjoy, or possibly something else entirely!
on Nov 2