Back in February 2019, I wrote a blog post about a question I used to get all the time: “When are you moving back home?” I went back and reread that post recently, and it felt a little strange reading … Continue reading “When Are You Moving Back Home?” — 7 Years Later
One of the most interesting things about living in Japan long-term is watching how differently people experience it. Two people can land in Tokyo on the same day, stay for the same amount of time, and leave with completely different experiences, … Continue reading Same Country, Different Trips: The Many Types of Experiences and Travelers to Japan
I always end up having the most unexpected conversations when I’m getting my nails done or talking with my personal trainer. Recently, while sitting in the nail chair, my nail tech brought up Johnny’s because she remembered how big of … Continue reading Letting the Music Stay, Letting the Fantasy Go – The Day I Realized I Let Go of all Parasocial Relationships
I’ve lived in Japan for 13 years, and one of the things I’ve heard over and over is that it’s hard to form connections with Japanese people—or that many only want to be friends to practice English. While that can happen, I’ve … Continue reading The Quiet Relationships That Come With Long-Term Life in Japan
For years, I was deep in the Johnny’s fandom (now known as Starto). Like, watching every TV show, buying concert goods, memorizing choreography kind of deep. I even wrote my MBA thesis on it — I was so passionate and wanted to know … Continue reading When the Curtain Falls: Thoughts on Parasocial Relationships and Why I Drifted Away from Johnny’s
I was introduced to Green Rider by my best friend, whom I lived with for a very long time. She is and always will be a reader, and every time books would come up her face lit up, followed by … Continue reading The Green Rider Series by Kristen Britain: A Classic Journey into Epic Fantasy
If you’ve lived in Japan for a while, you’ve probably noticed something odd near the end of the month — long, winding lines at the ATM. The first time I saw it, I thought, “Is something wrong with the banks? Why … Continue reading Why Are There Always Long ATM Lines on Payday in Japan?
Her lip to isn’t just another fashion brand—it’s a curated world of elegance and self-expression built by former AKB48 member Haruna Kojima. In this post, we explore how she transformed her signature style into one of Japan’s most beloved lifestyle brands, the smart strategy behind its success, and what the 2024 merger with yutori means for the brand’s future. Continue reading Her lip to: How Haruna Kojima Built an Elegant Lifestyle Brand in Japan
I recently had the chance to play tour guide for some visiting family, which meant seeing Japan through a tourist’s eyes for the first time in years. And let me tell you—I was genuinely surprised by how often cash was … Continue reading When Cash is Still Needed in Japan (Even in 2025!)
If you’ve ever tried to take home leftovers in Japan and were met with confusion (or a firm “no”), you’re not alone. In this post, I dive into why taking food home from restaurants isn’t common in Japan—from strict food safety laws to cultural norms—and what to expect if you ask. Plus, a few tips on how to navigate Japan’s unique takeout culture. Continue reading Why You (Usually) Can’t Take Leftovers Home in Japan: The Truth About Takeout Culture
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