The One about Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto Part 1
In Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan is one of the most visited areas in Japan and it’s called Fushimi Inari Taisha. The location happens to be the head shrine of Inari (The Japanese kami of foxes, of fertility, tea and sake, of agriculture and industry) and many Read More …
TRAVEL GUIDE: The One About the Meaning of Fox Statues at Shrines
You have seen it at many Shrines throughout Japan. Fox statues galore. Perhaps one of the few places where you will see a lot of them are in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Jinja where they are everywhere. May it be at the main path or Read More …
The One about Monasterio de Tarlac in Barangay Lubigan in the Philippines
Located in Barangay Lubigan, San Jose City of the Philippines is the Monasterio de Tarlac at Mount Resurrection Eco Park. Often referred as the Rio de Janeiro of the Philippines, it’s thanks to the 32-foot statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Resurrection which welcomes visitors Read More …
The One about discovering Japanese Music: Moumoon
In 2004, singer/songwriter YUKA and musician/composer Kousuke Masaki were introduced by a mutual friend. Eventually, the two appreciated each other’s music and in 2005, the two would form the rock unit, moumoon. The group based their name from the French world “mou” and the English Read More …
The One about my Interview with Misaki Iwasa (Wasamin)
AKB48 has dominated the Japanese music charts for numerous years and while many may recognize the main core members of the group, there is one former AKB48 member who has shined thanks to her talent of singing enka songs. Her name is Misaki Iwasa, known Read More …
Travel Guide: The One about Tips Before Going to Tsukiji Fish Market
NOTE: This guide was written before Tsukiji Fish Market moved to Toyosu Fish Market. Tsukiji is still functional as the restaurants of the outer market is still there. While the main fish auction is at Toyosu. You are planning your trip to Japan and one Read More …
From U.S. Embassy of Tokyo: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Typhoon Lan October 20, 2017
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Lan (currently situated east of the Philippines), could strengthen between Friday and Saturday as it passes east of the Philippines and Taiwan and may impact Japan this weekend. The official forecast from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center is that Typhoon Lan could Read More …
The One about Japanese Homes with Tatami
When traveling to Japan, one may have the impression that many homes have tatami flooring. Many have seen it on movies and television but the truth is tatami flooring has been on the decline as many home owners prefer a western-style of flooring. But there Read More …
The One about Penelope Lagos’ book, “I Miss My Best Friend”
Back in 2011, I had the opportunity to interview actress Penelope Lagos about a film that she starred in and also discuss her career as an actress and a model. In 2017, I am interviewing Penelope once again, but not as an actress or model, Read More …
The One about Darn Tough Socks
As I prepare for my trip next month back to Japan, one thing I want to nip on the bud is the socks I will be bringing. Each time I travel, I learn more about what socks to bring and not bring and last year, Read More …
The One about Allan King’s “Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company”
I have to admit that “Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company” was a difficult actuality film to watch. As impressed as I am with Allan King’s “Cinéma vérité”, this one hits my family pretty hard as my grandfather is now at the final stage Read More …
The One about Minami-Senju Station in Arakawa
Located in Arkawa, Tokyo is “Minami-Senju Station” (which means South Senju Station). Opened back in 2008, the station is operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Tokyo Metro and the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company. The primary lines is JR East Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Read More …
The One about the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame Part 3
And here we are with the final part of Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame at Tokyo Dome. With the viewing rooms in the next hall, once you past it, it’s when you get to see the actual members of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame Read More …
The One about the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame Part 2
I wrote about the entry portions and the first two rooms of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame at Tokyo Dome. In this part 2 post of the Japanese Ball Hall of Fame, the area focuses on the history of baseball with really awesome artifacts Read More …
The One about the Columbia Birkie Trail hiking shoes
I’ve been looking for a lightweight hiking shoe to bring with me when I travel overseas and although I would like another waterproof boot, I have one already and the reason why I’m not bringing it along is that it’s quite heavy and wasn’t the Read More …
The One about Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2018-2019
When it comes to antique handbooks and price guides, Judith Miller’s “Antique Handbook & Price Guide” are one of the best out there. With that being said, it’s not perfect nor will it please everyone, including long time Antique Handbook & Price Guide readers. The Read More …
The One about Jean-Luc Godard’s “Contempt”
With Jean-Luc Godard spearheading the French New Wave after many of his other contemporaries have been forgotten, Italian film producer Carlo Ponti and Jean-Luc Godard began work on the film “Le Mepris” (Contempt) in 1963. A film that would be an adaptation of Alberto Moravia’s Read More …