Going to Japan, one can see how public parks differ, when comparing to the United States. Almost near every neighborhood, one can find a park not far away. In Meguro, right next to Ryusenji Temple is Fudo Park. As I was traveling to Ryusenji Temple Read More …
It’s been two years since you have passed. And I am forever grateful for what you have done for me and my family and also for many other people that you have helped and touched their lives. Just found an unread e-mail of a photo Read More …
Yokohama is the largest city in Japan and it is known as Japan’s prominent port city following the end of Japan’s isolation in the mid-19th century. And in the late 1800’s, Japan’s trade with the Chinese would lead to many settling in the city as Read More …
In Japan, Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera are popular locations for those wanting to purchase electronics. Sofmap is a subsidiary of Bic Camera and an electronic retailer that sells both new and used products. Established back in 1982 by Kei Suzuki, the origins of Sofmap Read More …
French designer Philippe Starck is well-known for his interior, architectural, industrial and product design. Starck studied at the Ecole Camondo in Paris and he created an inflatable structure in 1969 that questioned materiality and would bring him to the attention of Pierre Cardin who offered Read More …
Probably one of the catchier looking buildings in the trendy area of Shibuya is the Bershka building and the home of the Bershka retail company. A company that is from Spain (since 1998), Bershka is part of the Spanish Inditex group (which owns Zara, Massimo Read More …
On Saturday night, I attended the Fresno Obon Festival 2016 in Fresno, California. It was an interesting drive to Fresno, as traffic was at a standstill as police and highway patrol were everywhere monitoring the large crowds of anti-police brutality rallies where people were nearly Read More …
Considered as one of the best film adaptations of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood” is mesmerizing and unlike many of the films he has created in his notable oeuvre during that time. While creating a film adaptation of “Macbeth” has always been Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review a good number of travel guides over the years but this is the first time I will be reviewing Lonely Planet’s Ireland travel guide. For those not familiar with Lonely Planet, for the last few years it was Read More …
Between the Tokyo political buildings and Hibiya Park on the left and Ginza on the right is a neighborhood known as Yurakucho in Chiyoda ward. Part of the fascination of Yurakucho is how unlike it is from areas next to it. Thanks to its shops Read More …
“Le Samourai”, considered as one of Jean-Pierre Melville’s top films and a stylish and minimalistic take on film noir. The film that inspired many including John Woo who has said his masterpiece “The Killer” was a tribute to “Melville” and have used certain scenes in Read More …
Crepes. The very thin pancake made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour originated in France. And they have become so popular around the world that you can find many restaurants selling these thin pancakes with a variety of savory fillings. And in Japan, in Harajuku, Read More …
A question I receive a lot is whether I prefer to use a backpack or shoulder bag when traveling. I use both and both have their own positives and negatives. I tend to enjoy using shoulder bags, since I tend to prefer the classy black Read More …
I’m often asked by friends if Kabukicho, a red-light district in Shinjuku is safe. The area which was once known as Tsunohazu and was a swamp became a duck sanctuary during the Meiji period, but in 1893, as part of the Yodobashi Purification Plant, the Read More …
While I have discussed using Google Maps for traveling and how sometimes, it can get glitchy and is not 100% perfect, I know that when it comes to traveling overseas, I find it so important to have. Especially going to locations like Tokyo. I like Read More …