Japanese books Japanese literature has a rich tradition with a huge population of writers and readers. There are many fiction writers, from the classical authors like Natsume Souseki to the modern authors like Haruki Murakami. Many Japanese also enjoy non-fiction writings and the sales musings by well-known personalities are often best-sellers. That being said though, there is a sign that the w...

Fermented soybeans One of the recurring questions that foreign people get asked by Japanese people is, “Do you like Natto?” And although the question can sound banal at times, it is actually quite an apt one. This is because Nattō, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, is really an acquired taste, due to its powerful smell, strong flavor, and slimy texture. There are many way...

Canoeing in Hokkaido, Japan There are many places where you can go to enjoy nature in Japan. And for those of you looking for outdoor adventures, there are also very good facilities for travelers and tourists to enjoy the local nature. Hokkaido is the northern-most island of Japan and is one of the most blessed places with nature in the country. It offers rivers, lakes and spectacular coastlines...

Disasters in Japan Japan with its floods, landslides, typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions is one of the countries most affected by natural disasters. There are many innovative designs and ideas to prevent devastation and loss of life in the country, yet there are always some casualties in this nation whenever nature strikes. In this thoughtful blog by Japanese teacher Murahara sensei, w...

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