Impressions of daily life in Japan
Buying a cell phone couldn't be easier in Europe. They practically throw the things at you. But what is normal in Europe, often isn't in Japan. In Japan, buying a cell phone and registering for a phone number is serious business. It's best to set aside the better part of a day to do it.... Continue Reading →
Autumn has arrived in Toyota City. It has for quite some time actually. Every since the beginning of October, there has been a drastic drop in temperature and humidity. The scorching heat has subsided to make way for a very pleasant climate with a humidity level that leaves my hair allmost frizz-free. We are now... Continue Reading →
A few months ago I had the wonderful idea to sign up for the 'Japanese Language Proficiency Test'. It's an exam meant to test foreigners' Japanese language ability. There are five levels and I signed up for N4, which is the second to easiest level. Should be a breeze, considering that I have been studying... Continue Reading →
When wandering around the Osu Kannon neighbourhood in Nagoya one summer afternoon, we were lucky enough to stumble unto a 'mochi making ceremony' at a temple (mochitsuki in Japanese). Mochi are sweet rice cakes. The rice is first steamed and then placed into a mortar. One or two people with mallets pound the rice until... Continue Reading →
We participated in a kimono workshop at the Toyota International Association (TIA) in Toyota City. For just a few hundred yen we got to play dress-up professional style, thanks to the kimono-sensei who volunteered to dress us and my friend Mari-san for signing us up. What do you think of the result?
Last weekend was Koromo Matsuri, Toyota City's autumn festival. 'Another festival', you say? Didn't we just have one (see post about Oiden Festival in summer)? That's right, but Japan is the land of festivals. October especially seems to be a popular month for festivals. Most of them are in honour of a good harvest, as... Continue Reading →
The Japans 