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 …
The One about Asukayama Park in Kita Ward
Back in early 18th century Japan, it is said that shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune had many cherry trees planted in an area in the Kita area for the citizens of Tokyo (a.k.a. “Edokko” and back then, the term referred to people who were assertive, straightforward, cheerful Read More …
The One about Carniceria Panaderia y Taqueria in Lemoore, California
I was passing by Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California and stopped by a market/restaurant, Carniceria Panaderia y Taqueria. I have been told that this place sells massive burritos for a great price and the burritos are delicious. So, I had to give this Read More …
Travel Guide: The One about the Differences between Temples and Shrines
When going to Japan, it’s easy to confuse temples and shrines. But they are quite different. Temples are Buddhist sites, while shrines are Shinto sites. It’s even more confusing by the fact that there are some areas that meld the two religions together. And that Read More …
The One about Louis Malle’s “Zazie dans le métro”
You often hear about novels that are not possible for a film adaptation. And for author Raymond Queneau’s successful 1959 novel “Zazie dans le métro”, who can portray a novel about a young girl who knows way too much for her age and is so Read More …
The One about the Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Museum in Kita
When it comes to American industrialists, we are familiar with Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Howard Hughes to name a few. In Japan, one name that is quite well-known is Shibusawa Eiichi (Shibusawa is his family name). Known as the father of Japanese capitalism, he spearheaded Read More …
The One about Discovering Japanese Music: Kashiwagi Yuki’s “Shortcake”
Originally featured in J!-ENT Feb. 2013: In Japan, AKB48 member Yuki “Yukirin” Kashiwagi is one of the more popular and highly ranked members of the group. A member of AKB48 and the side-group French Kiss, Kashiwagi has had solo songs featured on the French Kiss Read More …
The One about Vivienne Gucwa’s “NY in the Snow” Photo Book
As a traveler who loves to visit locations in different seasons and as a photographer who loves to capture city life, one thing that I have not yet experienced is snow in New York or the East Coast. Often wanting to experience it through the Read More …
The One about the Vegetable Garden Update (September 2017)
Vegetable Garden Update Sept. 30, 2017: For those who have been following my vegetable update since January 2017. A short-recap, I started with a container garden, seedlings on growlights in the winter, transplanting outdoors and they were producing by March-June. 110+ degree temperatures killed 95% Read More …
The One about Kita City Asakuyama Museum
Located at Asakuyama Park in Kita Ward is the Kita City Asakuyama Museum. Established in 1998, the museum is one of the three museums located at the park. The second floor being the entrance, reception room and auditorium, the third floor is the learning room, Read More …
The One about the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame Part 1
Located at Tokyo Dome City, next to Tokyo Dome, is the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Opened back in 1959, 20-years later after the establishment of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame is no doubt Read More …
Travel Guide: The One about Tax-Free Shops in Japan
In Japan, especially in Tokyo, in major foreigner-friendly shopping areas such as Akihabara, there are logos showcasing “Japan Tax-Free Shop”. It’s important to for people traveling Japan to know that shops will NOT give you tax-free if you don’t ask for it. Afterall, how would Read More …