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
1 Answer
Growing Mushrooms
Here's for a weird hobby. I just saw a video by an American Youtuber that I plan to watch about growing shiitake mushrooms. From what I've seen, it probably needs a bit of space. There was a local market in Fukuoka Prefecture that had a "mushroom room" where they grew and sold mushrooms like maitake and eringi. I also saw a video of a couple in Paris that built a mushroom growing shower room! The local hardware store sells "seeded" logs and shiitake mushroom growing kits. I have seen the logs around people's homes on occasion. It seems like a very odd, but sustainable hobby. Has anyone tried it, or is anyone interested to try this? I wonder how involved or beginner friendly it is.
on Dec 29
4 Answers
Yuenchi you recommend
For my next foray, I am considering yuenchi, amusement parks, where I'm going. Which domestic amusement parks do you recommend and why? Any you think aren't worth the effort or expense?
on Dec 28
4 Answers
How do you get all the goodness out of your naganegi?
My local supermarket has lots of cheap naganegi. I love the stuff and add it to stir-fry dishes and nabe hot pot. How do you store them? How do you get all the goodness out of the green ends?
on Dec 25
3 Answers
How do you feel about nuclear power?
This week, the mayor of Niigata officially approved the restarting of a nuclear power plant in Kashiwazaki. My home country doesn't use nuclear power, so it makes me a bit uneasy. How do you feel about it? Would you be comfortable with a nuclear power plant operating in your prefecture?
on Dec 24
6 Answers
Your favourite wordplay, pun, or palindrome in Japanese
BigfamJapan blogged about a day for palindromes, and I had a good chuckle. I love wordplay in Japanese! What's your favourite pun, palindrome, or spoonerism (a phrase that gets mangled into another meaning when you switch syllables). For reference, I cracked up when a coworker said "Naiyo ga nai yo" on finding an empty sweets packet.
on Dec 22
2 Answers
Japanese Christmas songs
Do you like any Japanese Christmas songs? If so, what is your favorite Japanese Christmas song? Or maybe you like the Japanese version of a traditional Christmas carol?
on Dec 19
5 Answers
Your good and bad habits cultivated during living here
I wrote a blog on this topic today, but if you'd care to share, what are some of the good or bad habits you've picked up during your time here?
on Dec 14
13 Answers
Is there a limit on daily posts?
Does anyone know if there is a limit on the number of posts we can publish each day? The reason I ask is, yesterday I wrote more than 30 posts, but I realized last night that at least the last two I wrote, have disappeared. They definitely published, but then disappeared a few minutes later. One was about a Santa in Nagoya, the other about Santa in Tamadairanomori. There maybe more but those two are definitely missing.
on Dec 12
2 Answers
Where do you visit Santa Claus?
Firstly, do you visit Santa Claus each year in Japan? And if so, where? I've been posting places you can meet Santa Claus in various parts of Japan on the blog section. If you are looking for somewhere to meet him this year, you'll find at least 25 places on City-cost.
on Dec 11
5 Answers
Recommendations for a large capacity power bank
I am in the market for a new power bank, preferably one with a large capacity and features such as a built in LED light and multiple outputs for charging devices. Have you any recommendations for a good power bank?
on Dec 9
2 Answers
Did you feel the December 8th earthquake?
There was a large earthquake off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11.15 pm on December 8th 2025. We are approximately 700 kilometers from the epicenter, yet we felt it very strongly. Did you feel it and how far away (roughly) are you from the epicenter?
on Dec 9
8 Answers
What Chiba places, cuisine, events, experiences enrich your Japan life?
The Chiba Prefecture government's international affairs division invites foreign resident volunteers to share the Chiba spots we love. I can't attend because of work obligations, but I can share your faves by email. What in Chiba lit you up - food, shops, nature, festivals, events, and experiences? Conversely, what didn't work out or confounded you? Photo tax - irises at Noda City's Sogo Park.
on Dec 7