The One about Chinatown in Yokohama
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 …
The One about Sofmap
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 …
The One about the Golden Obelisk in Odaiba, designed by Phillipe Starck
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 …
The One about Bershka in Shibuya, Japan
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 …
The One about the Fresno Obon Festival 2016
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 …
The One about Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood”
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 …
The One about Lonely Planet Ireland
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 …
The One about Yurakucho
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 …
The One about Jean Pierre-Melville’s “Le Samourai”
“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 …
The One about the Crepes in Harajuku
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 …
The One about Choosing between a Backpack or Shoulder Bag for Traveling
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 …
The One about Kabukicho
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 …
Travel Guide: The Importance of having WiFi, GPS and Google Maps for Traveling Overseas
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 …
The One about the Delsey Luggage Chatillon 28-Inch Trolley Duffel
Delsey is one of the best known luggage makers in the world. While the company originated back in 1946 courtesy of Emile Delahaye and Seynhaeve brothers (who joined their names to create the Delsey brand), the quality of their bags goes as far back as Read More …
The One about Woody Allen’s “Manhattan”
Captivating, witty and definitely a Woody Allen masterpiece! Whether or not what Allen may think, considering he did all he can to have this film shelved. But while I’ve read many interviews of what made him feel that way, I would probably have to say Read More …
The One about Kitanomaru National Garden
During the month of March and April, Kitanomura Park is one of the pleasant areas to visit. Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo and north of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, part of the allure of this park is that Nippon Budokan (where many concerts and events take Read More …
The One about Yodabashi Camera in Akihabara
In 1960, Fujisawa Shashin Shokai was created and founded in the former town and ward of Yodobashi. As the store changed its named to Yodobashi Camera Co., Ltd. in 1974. The first store would open in Shinjku Nishiguchi and 1/3 of all SLR cameras were Read More …
The One about Sumida Park
If you are heading east from the temples of Asakusa, toward Tokyo Skytree, before the Sumida River is a park known as Sumida Park (Sumida Koen). Just five minutes from Asakusa station at 1 Mukoujima Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Sumida Park is extremely popular in March and Read More …
The One about Tokyo Solamachi
With the opening of Tokyo Skytree in 2012, the commercial shopping center Tokyo Solamachi created to provide shopping for people visiting the area. With over 300 shops, Tokyo Skytree, an aquarium, planetarium, museum and restaurants and shopping galore, it is no doubt a major tourist Read More …
The One about the Visalia Obon Festival 2016
A few days ago, I posted a blog about Obon festivals and this weekend, I went to my first obon festival for 2016 in the city of Visalia, California on June 25th. Visalia is located in Central California and its literally in the center as Read More …
The One about UNIQLO
Uniqlo has no doubt become one of the popular unisex clothing shops globally. Back in 1949, In Ube, Yamaguchi, a mens clothing shop operated by Ogori Shoji has been operating in the area. In 1984, the company wanted to create a unisex casual wear store Read More …
The One about ASBee in Shibuya, Tokyo
In America, we are used to seeing shoe stores such as Foot Locker, Famous Footwear, Finish Line, etc. In Japan, possibly one of the most popular shoe stores to find throughout Japan, especially in Tokyo, in the mega trendy special ward of Shibuya, and that Read More …
The One about the Tommie Copper Light Weight Compression Ankle Socks
As a runner, I believe in compression sleeves and compression socks. Tommie Copper may have had a difficult situation last December with the FTC ruling due to their advertising practices of compression technology, but one shouldn’t count out compression socks or sleeves. If anything, you’ll Read More …