Bowing, or ojigi, is a very visible part of Japanese culture totally foreign to Westerners. It might seem simple from the outside, but it is actually a very complicated practice with deep social implications.
Smart travelers always make budgets before going on trips. To do so, you need to know what the common expenses are in Japan and how much they’ll be. With this information, you can take a financially responsible trip within your means and with no surprises.
Yes, there are some ways to teach in Japan without a degree English without a degree. It’s not impossible but most well-paid English jobs in Japan require a college or university degree.
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport for very good reasons – it’s exciting, complicated, unpredictable, and really fun to watch. Despite the number of Japanese fans and viewers dropping in recent years, sumo is still a fascinating piece of Japanese culture.
The main suspects that bring those emotions out are frequent natural disasters including tsunamis that disrupt daily lives and tragically even take some away — as when the major tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
Who doesn’t like shopping? I know I do — any chance I get to buy a new pair of shoes or a nice top, I’ll grab it. From offline, physical shopping to online, virtual ones, you know I’ve got them all covered. With technology taking over the modern world, brands all around the globe are … Read more
While tobacco is a declining business in most of the world, Japan’s industry has largely managed to stay strong. Here you’ll find a much more smoker-friendly environment than in most Western countries. This is because the tobacco lobby is generally very strong, due in part to the fact that the government finance ministry owns about … Read more
If you’re reading this, I can only assume that you’ve just ordered a ¥1000 Asahi at a Tokyo restaurant, and been served a tiny half-pint glass that will barely last 10 minutes. I feel your pain: alcohol prices can really sideswipe your Japan vacation budget if you enjoy a beer or three with your meal … Read more
Yes, you can use credit cards in Japan, but not as widely or as easily as you’re used to. Cash is the go-to there, so if you do want to use a card, you need to know where and how you can use it. You also need to know how to get cash and pay at places that don’t accept cards. Make a plan before you go.
The highly advanced country that is Japan has hundreds, if not thousands, of fast-paced and driven industries that keep the country going. In each industry, you can imagine jobs of various levels of expertise and skillsets — some of these jobs are more than others. With such a working culture in this island nation, the … Read more
