Japanese Diaspora Life Style

Addressing Life’s Challenges Through Norwegian Picture Books

Me Time Japan Team | April 10, 2024

Last year’s Nobel Prize in Literature went to a Norwegian playwright, sparking interest in Norwegian books in Japan. Join us in exploring Norwegian picture books with translator Junko Aoki and writer Gro Dahle. The world of Norwegian picture books may be full of surprises for Japanese people as they vividly depict all kinds of social issues, including gender-related matters and domestic violence. Among them, The Angry Man captures domestic violence by parents from a child’s perspective. In Aquarium, it highlights the presence of young carers, making their existence known to society even before it gained widespread recognition. In Aquarium, the book portrays the daily life of a young girl whose mother is a goldfish …

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Me Time Guide

Korean-Japanese BBQ Rhapsody in Tokyo

Me Time Japan Team | March 25, 2024

Yakiniku, the ultimate Japanese grilled meat extravaganza, is popular in Japan, boasting around 20,000 sizzling hot spots. You’ll find everything from fancy joints serving up high quality Wagyu beef to one-of-a-kind places dishing out offal and game meats. In modern yakiniku spots, the numerous varieties of sauces rule. From classic soy sauce to creative mixes with miso, garlic, and Korean red chili paste called Gochujang. There’s always a special sauce for every meaty delight. Grilled meats come with a sides of Korean-inspired delights like kimchi; beef bone soup; and cold noodles. The Korean influence on Japanese yakiniku is clear, as the cooking style was brought to Japan from Korea. Our …

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Japanese Diaspora

South Korean Fermentation: Delightfully Delicious Contrast from Japanese Cuisine

Me Time Japan Team | March 1, 2024

As a member of the Korean diaspora community, Kim Suehyang researches Korean food culture and explores the fascinating history of fermented foods on the Korean peninsula through her lens. She encountered the food culture carefully passed down through generations, rooted in the wisdom of the Korean people. Korean dramas and movies often feature scenes of meals, and the lively atmosphere is captivating. The staples of Korean cuisine include bibimbap, buchimgae (pancakes), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), cold noodles, tteokbokki (simmered rice cake), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Most people who travel to South Korea can find the food scene so enchanting that they are eager to indulge in gourmet dishes day and …

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Me Time Guide Table For One

Best Guide: Find Your Favorite Indian Curry In Osaka

Me Time Japan Team | February 15, 2024

The influx of foreign tourists to Osaka is on the rise, and they relish dining at the various curry shops just as much as the locals (maybe even more!). While you may be familiar with Japanese foods like sushi, soba, and tempura, consider exploring the myriad curry dishes Japan has to offer on your next visit. We find that curry consumption in Japan is remarkably high, ranking second only to India. There are many kinds of curries out there, with different types of spices, various levels of spiciness, and a dizzying number of vegetable and meat combinations. Osaka has a famous saying called Kuidaore(食い倒れ), which means to spoil yourself with …

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Japanese Diaspora Life Style Table For One

Uncovering the Thriving Food Culture in South Korean Society

Me Time Japan Team | February 1, 2024

Korean dramas and movies, which have gained popularity globally, often feature scenes of meals, which stimulate the viewers’ appetite. If you search online for “Korean drama meals,” you can easily find recipes to recreate meals that have appeared in popular dramas. Many books have been published on this subject. We also see that people are flocking to Koreatowns around the world and paying a visit to South Korea in search of authentic gourmet meals. Why do Korean dramas and movies often feature dining scenes? We can find part of the answer in 『続・韓国カルチャー　描かれた「歴史」と社会の変化』written by Junko Ito. Her book examines social changes through entertainment in South Korea and provides detailed explanations …

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Cultural Footprint Me Time Guide

The 5 Luxury Classic Onsen in the Northeast: The Perfect Destinations for Solos

Me Time Japan Team | January 28, 2024

Japan has an ancient custom in traditionally taking hot baths. People in Japan customarily like to go to public bathhouses. There are many different types and varieties of bathhouses. Some use tap water in their baths which is typically called Sentō(銭湯). In contrast, bathhouses that utilize a natural hot spring, are called Onsen(温泉). In particular, a trip to an onsen is one of the most popular activities for modern Japanese people. We will reveal some of the special places that hot spring fans truly enjoy during their trips in Japan. Touji(湯治), means “hot spring cure”. It refers to visiting a resort that possesses a natural hot spring. It typically requires …

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Cultural Footprint Me Time Guide

The Epic & Ultimate Pilgrimage: Ise Jingu for Solo Travelers

Me Time Japan Team | January 16, 2024

One of the most famous Japanese sightseeing pilgrimages for Japanese and foreigners is the Ise Jingu Shrine, located in Ise city, Mie Prefecture. Ise Jingu is a Shinto shrine that represents the country and is preserved by the imperial family. There are an amazing 125 Shinto shrines within Ise Jingo. Two of the two main shrines are Naiku and Geku. Naiku means inner shrine, the most venerable sanctuary in Japan. Within Naiku is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral Shinto deity of the Imperial family. She was enshrined in Naiku about 2,000 years ago and has been revered as a guard of Japan. Geku, the other main shrine, …

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Me Time Guide

Me Time Trend: Onsen Far From Tokyo

Me Time Japan Team | November 26, 2023

There is no surprise that Japan is great country for solo traveling. There are many solo dining spaces in cafes & restaurants, Manga cafes (24 hours internet cafes, with an extensive selection of comics and videos), capsule hotels, solo karaoke rooms and more! Most solo activities are very popular regardless of age and gender. Last time we talked about onsen & ryokan near Tokyo, this time we introduce you to travel to a little more distant/further places from Tokyo. A Hidden Onsen: Hoshi Onsen Chojukan_Gunma Prefecture People love traditional hot springs with warm hospitality, while getting tremendous value for great service at a very reasonable price. Hoshi Onsen has been …

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Me Time Guide

Me Time Trend: Onsen Near Tokyo

Me Time Japan Team | November 26, 2023

During the last ten years, Me Time culture has become increasingly more popular in Japan. The top 3 Me Time trend activities in Japan are onsen, sauna, and camping. These activities provide specialized services for solo travelers. Before we introduce you to the sauna and camping trends in Tokyo we would like to talk about onsen. Because it’s an important aspect of Japanese traditional culture as well as a trending Me Time activity. What’s Onsen? Natural hot springs or onsens are fueled by volcanic activity. The minerals provide various health benefits, and have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. Many onsens are in ryokans (much more preferable and …

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Life Style

Clear Your Mind, Breathe, and Stand on Your Feet

Me Time Japan Team | November 15, 2023

During the pandemic, it was virtually impossible to see what was going to happen in the near future. Some things were occurring at a blinding pace, and we simply did not have any control over certain situations. When our minds are in turmoil, a firm awareness of our feet as the center of our axis can actually help calm our thoughts and strengthen our minds. A Buddhist monk once told us that when our mind is in turmoil, we should be aware of the soles of our feet, to help feel and calm our own presence. “Feet on the ground” is a Japanese idiom meaning a stable, steady, and calm …

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