This afternoon on July 9, 2017, a joint child kabuki performance by actors from Asakusa (Tokyo) and Nagahama (Shiga Prefecture) was held at Asakusa Shrine (next to Sensoji temple) in… Read more
I’m not really a stamp collector, but the Japan Post Office issues so many commemorative stamps and it’s such a major hobby that it’s hard to ignore. Of course, stamps… Read more
This post kicks off a new blog category named “Shiga Food & Gifts.” I’ll be trying Shiga’s food, beverages, and other products. Finally did a taste test of Koka Cola vs. Coca-Cola.… Read more
がんばれ！ニッポン！ Updated: Aug. 20, 2016 The Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics in Brazil will be held on August 5–21, 2016 (Paralympics on Sept. 7–18). Out of 300+ Olympic athletes from Japan, the following Olympians are… Read more
Another rare and magnificent exhibition of Kannon statues from Nagahama is being held in Tokyo at The University Art Museum (東京藝術大学美術館), Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai) from July 5 to… Read more
Note: Biwako Nagahama Kannon House permanently closed on Oct. 31, 2020 amid the pandemic. The city of Nagahama boldly opened a little museum in Ueno, Tokyo called “Biwako Nagahama Kannon… Read more
Updated: May 7, 2017 Shiga Prefecture has three handicrafts officially designated as a “Traditional Craft” by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (経済産業大臣指定伝統的工芸品). “Traditional crafts” as defined by the Japanese government are handicrafts… Read more
“Minpaku” (民泊) has become a buzzword in Japan since 2013. Minpaku are budget accommodations in private homes and condos, similar to bed and breakfasts except that they are not yet… Read more