Fun Friday

Off the beaten path in Japan: discover Sado Island (Sadogashima, Niigata)

May 07, 2025

If you've been put off visiting Japan because of the recent articles about over-tourism, there are plenty of places off the beaten path waiting for you. One such place nestled in the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, offers a unique blend of experiences that will leave you enchanted and inspired.

Quirky museums in Japan: You should visit the Yokohama Ramen Museum!

April 08, 2025

As a self-proclaimed ramen nerd, my husband was beyond excited when he discovered the Yokohama Ramen Museum in Shin-Yokohama. Just a short train ride from Tokyo or Kita-Kamakura, where we were living at the time, he put a lot of effort into convincing me to go—and I’m so glad he did!

What to watch this weekend: A short but powerful documentary "Little Miss Sumo"

April 07, 2025

"Little Miss Sumo" follows Hiyori, a young female sumo wrestler, and her journey in a sport that's traditionally for men only. Her story is both inspiring and eye-opening, as I had no idea that there were female Rikishi (力士, pro sumo wrestlers) at all.

How it all began ... watching Oshin changed my life!

April 09, 2025

People often ask me what inspired me to pursue a Master's in Japanese Studies, especially since I hadn't set foot in Japan until after I graduated. It's true—my journey started with Oshin!

Going beyond standard Japanese: understanding and playing with intonation!

April 30, 2025

An often repeated scene in our household: I say for example rinGO (りんご - apple) and then my husband says oh you mean RINgo? Then he'll invariably make some joke about my Kansai versus his Kanto accent.

Another fun Japanese drama series to check out this weekend!

May 02, 2025

I recently started watching The Inheritance Detective, and while the acting is a touch over-the-top for my taste, the storyline is both intriguing and fun. It’s about a disbarred, coffee-bean-crunching lawyer and his quirky team who dive into unraveling shady inheritance cases.