A Quick Note：These are simply my observations and not judgements about anyone. Stereotypes are often discussed in relation to gender, generation, and nationality. So today, I want to look at seven common stereotypes about Japanese people—from the perspective of someone who grew up in Japan, lived abroad, and eventually returned. As societies become more diverse, the…
A friendly guide to Japanese manners, unspoken rules, and how not to accidentally become that person Have you ever seen any social media posts about tourists behaving badly in another country and thought, What are they doing? Lately, as Japan has become a more affordable destination for many travellers, I have been seeing more and…
I don’t usually write posts like this. Beyond Kimono is where we talk about Japan and I try to keep it as a cheerful corner on the internet. But this autumn in Japan comes with a new reality: bears are showing up in places that used to feel ordinary. Japan logged a record year for…
As it’s widely known that Japan is an earthquake-prone country. I’ve lived through quakes of all sizes — and let me tell you, there’s no such thing as “getting used to it”. But hey, as long as you are in Japan, you can’t always hug your futon like a life raft. You need to know…
I often witness situations like my overseas friends saying, “Ewww, you eat that?!” or politely refusing a sweet snack I offer. As you may know, Japanese food culture is often linked to our long life expectancy. We consume a lot of fermented foods like natto and miso, soy-based products, and of course, fish. You can…
Whether you’re gearing up for a whirlwind vacation or plotting a full-on life swap, here are some insider nuggets to get you ready. If you’re looking for the things to know before going to Japan, you’re in the right place. With these tips, you’ll navigate Japanese culture and etiquette without losing your mind. Some reveal…
We all want to make our trips special and unforgettable, right? I’ve traveled to several countries with a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow style—minimal planning, just pack what I can think of, and off I go. It felt cool and adventurous… until I landed in places thinking, “Why didn’t I research more?” Now older (and hopefully wiser), I’ve…
Have you ever regretted not buying something while traveling — even after debating for way too long in front of the shelf? Yup. Same here. And somehow, those regrets feel bigger when the item was something you stumbled upon in another country. I still think about the stitched cotton dresses in Bali (so beautiful and…