The One about Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon (Das weisse Band – Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte)

Austrian Director Michael Haneke is one of cinema’s most revered and also most reviled with films that are typically bleak or disturbing, nerve-rattling and shocking. From his first major film “The Seventh Continent”  of modern alienation to his next film “Benny’s Video” about a 14-year-old Read More …

The One about Timothy’s World Coffee – German Chocolate Cake

Back in 1975, Timothy and his wife Teresa Snelgrove founded Timothy’s World Coffee, a retailer of premium roasted coffee beans. Originally as a business-school project by Snelgrove while studying at the University of Western Ontario, the business would evolve to selling brewed coffee. In 1986, Read More …

The One about Funawa Cafe in Asakusa

Outside of Asakusa Station and not far from the major temples is one of the oldest Japanese sweet shops in Tokyo, Funawa Cafe. Established in 1902, the place is known for selling “imo yokan” (sweet potato paste), various an-mitsu offerings (red bean+ fruit or cream) Read More …

The One about Noel Coward and David Lean’s “Brief Encounter” (1945)

An endearing romance classic about a doomed love affair. “Brief Encounter” is filmmaker David Lean’s film adaptation of Noel Coward’s play “Still Life” and their final collaboration together. Featuring great performances by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, “Brief Encounter” is indeed the highlight of the Read More …

The One about the Tora-san Statue Outside of Shibamata Station in Katsushika

In Northern Tokyo, outside of Shibamata Station is the statue of Tora-san. The character is best known for the long-running film series “Otoko wa tsurai yo” (which translates to “It’s Tough Being a Man”) directed by Yoji Yamada and stars actor Atsumi Kiyoshi. With a Read More …

The One about The Burgers Tokyo at Tokyo Dome City

Located at Tokyo Dome City, right between the Under Armour Tokyo Giants shop and the Japanese Hall of Fame is “The Burgers Tokyo”. The restaurant which is owned by Italian Tomato (who operates restaurants such as Faribeurre, IL VIGORE, Italian Tomato Cafe, Caffe Superiore, Panes Read More …

The One about the 15th Annual Dream Yosacoy Matsuri

I have always heard of Yosakoi, a unique style of dance that originated in Japan and you can see at festivals and events all throughout Japan. The first Yosakoi festival was held in Kochi back in 1954 but has now become a huge event in Read More …

Travel Guide – Japan: The One about Riding the Shinkansen

For those who have read my post about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), I first recommend after activation at a JR Station to discuss with them on getting shinkansen tickets in advance (as you want to make sure you get your seat before finding Read More …

The One about Nishiarai Daishi in Adachi

Nishiarai Daishi (西新井大師), known formally as Sojiji (総持寺), is a relatively large Shingon Buddhist temple located in the northeastern part of Tokyo. It is said to have been founded in 826 by Shingon Sect founder Kukai. This temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism, Read More …