For a nation tired of dealing with the ongoing pandemic, many are eagerly anticipating Japan’s famous cherry blossoms (sakura) this spring.
Contributor
Mark Kennedy
Mark Kennedy is a native of Chicago who has spent more than 20 years living, studying, and working in Japan. By day he is Country Head - Business Development, Nexdigm - Japan but becomes a writer after work. Mark is a lifelong student of the Japanese language and culture. He loves to travel throughout the country. Mark also is the author behind the "Real Gaijin" Substack, countryroadsjapan.com, as well as the Country Roads Japan and Coastal Sailing Japan YouTube channels. Photo supplied courtesy of the author who had stopped to check out the free-roaming horses and cows about half-way up to the summit of Mt. Aso, an active volcano in the center of Kyushu.
Articles
Hay Fever Attacks Nearly 40% of Japan’s Population
The annual season of runny noses and itching around the eyes has already gotten underway in the west and is now making its way east across Japan.
March 4, 2021
Japanese Super Savers Are Tightening Their Belts Again
Just what do people do with their hard-earned cash? It depends upon the level of their household income.
February 26, 2021
Recent Earthquake Resurrects Anxiety from the “3-11” Triple Disaster
Magnitude 7.3 earthquake strikes in roughly the same location as the epicenter of the Great East Japan Earthquake a decade ago.
February 23, 2021
Coronavirus Spawning Winners and Losers in the Japanese Business World
Covid continues to wreak havoc on some industries while sparing others. What’s going on?
February 11, 2021
Top 50 Craziest Drinks Sold in Japan
Thirsty? Try washing down your next meal with some of these oddities.
February 8, 2021
Pandemic Fuels Increase in Rice Consumption in Japan
As Japanese people continue to be confined at home during the global pandemic, it turns out that they are eating significantly more rice.
January 28, 2021
“Tag You’re It” – Japanese Mobile Phone Carriers Engaged in a Battle Royale
Japan’s market for mobile telephone service is finally becoming just a bit more competitive which is leading to more cost-effective solutions for consumers.
January 21, 2021
All that Glitters is Not Gold – Celebrity Scammers in Japan
In the era of “fake news” lately it seems as though there are more and more cases of career fraud featuring high profile individuals whose credentials turn out to be fake. Japan is certainly not immune to this phenomenon.
January 15, 2021
New Year’s Eve Ratings War on Japanese TV
Japan just experienced the “Super Bowl” of TV ratings wars on New Year’s Eve. Now the official results are in. While NHK’s “Kohaku” defended the top spot as expected, YouTubers are starting to penetrate the terrestrial airwaves.
January 7, 2021