It’s December! The first snow has fallen in the mountains, the last of the summer mosquitos are dying (thank god) and everyone in Gunma is setting up their kotatsu, refilling their kerosene and buying this season’s most fashionable puffy down jackets. It’s time to brace yourself for the long dark winter ahead.

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As we head into spring, the air is becoming warmer, flowers are beginning to bud and nature is awakening. I am finally feeling more cheerful and yearning to be outside. Spring is one of my favorite times of year precisely for these reasons, and it is the perfect time to visit the many breathtaking, calming and mystical temples and shrines around Japan. (more…)

So maybe you got some chocolates on Valentine’s Day from the ladies in the office… pretty sweet deal, right? Yes, but did you know you are expected to return that favor exactly one month later? (more…)

Have you been feeling a little off lately? Sure, the dreaded in-fu-ru-en-za has been going around, but I mean something else entirely—something many people ignore: mental health. If you haven’t been yourself recently, you might even be stuck in the grips of stage two culture shock. (more…)