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
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?
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
Hi everyone! It’s been ages since I’ve posted a personal update here, so I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on where I’ve been these past few years. I also wanted to share a bit about the … Continue reading A Life Update from Lauren
I went through the permanent residency process in 2023 after reaching my 10-year mark of living in Japan. Gaining permanent residency had been one of my long-term goals, and while marrying a Japanese citizen is one way to secure residency, … Continue reading A Quick Guide to Permanent Residency in Japan
If you’re living in Japan long-term (or even just thinking about it!), having the right apps on your phone can seriously make life so much easier. From paying bills and collecting points to navigating trains and ordering coffee, Japan has … Continue reading 5 Apps I use Daily in Japan
Towards the beginning of November I travelled to Tokyo for my first Japanese wedding… EVER. In the 8 years I’ve lived in Japan I was never invited to a wedding but this time a Japanese university friend who I’m close … Continue reading 9 observations + Tips from attending my first Japanese wedding
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