Click on photo or link to read the feature • The Thing I Learned TodayHow to outsmart the fashion police After the shōgun accidentally bowed to the wrong man because he mistook a lavishly dressed merchant for the local lord, he decreed that merchants were no longer allowed to flaunt the wealth they’d snaffled fromContinueContinue reading “FEB 2026”
Category Archives: 2026
FOMO Links: Fun stuff you might have missed
If you don’t subscribe to my Japan travel site (The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had) or the blog where I write about stuff you’d never see anywhere else (Only In Japan), here are links to a couple of other things you might enjoy… • From The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d HadReal foodies skipContinueContinue reading “FOMO Links: Fun stuff you might have missed”
A Mystery Read for Every Occasion
Nine of my favorite go-to authors who might not be on your radar In addition to sending you the Japanagram every month, I also write mystery novels, and because I’ve been wondering how to help readers discover my new book that’s coming out in April, I’ve been thinking about what a delight it is whenContinueContinue reading “A Mystery Read for Every Occasion”
Exorcize your demons the time-honored Japanese way!
I don’t know about you, but I name quite a few demons I’d like to chase out of my life right now. They bear only a passing resemblance to traditional Japanese oni… with their fearsome nail-studded bats, guarding the gates of Noboribetsu’s volcanic “hell”… but even though the American variety are far more sinister, I’mContinueContinue reading “Exorcize your demons the time-honored Japanese way!”
How to outsmart the fashion police
Photo thanks to Ametsuchi Collection After the shōgun accidentally bowed to the wrong man because he mistook a lavishly dressed merchant for the local lord, he decreed that merchants were no longer allowed to flaunt the wealth they’d snaffled from their betters. The merchants, of course, rose to this challenge with entertaining craftiness. If there’s oneContinueContinue reading “How to outsmart the fashion police”
JAN 2026
Click on photo or link to read the feature • Seasonal SecretJapan’s best-kept travel secret: Go when it snows If your travel goal is to check off every Japanese destination people have tagged with 100,000+ hashtags on Instagram, by all means go during cherry blossom season. But if you’re the kind of traveler who lovesContinueContinue reading “JAN 2026”
FOMO Links: Fun stuff you might have missed
If you don’t subscribe to my Japan travel site (The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had) or the blog where I write about stuff you’d never see anywhere else (Only In Japan), here are links to a couple of other things you might enjoy… • From The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d HadHow to makeContinueContinue reading “FOMO Links: Fun stuff you might have missed”
Savory and Sweet Shrubs
Tart Mixers for Delicious Cocktails and Mocktailsby Michael Dietsch Recipe Flavors: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Easy to make: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Uniqueness of recipes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐My recommendation: These are the best non-alcoholic drink recipes I’ve ever tasted. Each one is a sophisticated blend of sweet, sour, bitter and spicy notes, just like modern bartender-crafted drinks. The recipes call for unique combinations of flavors,ContinueContinue reading “Savory and Sweet Shrubs”
Japan’s best-kept travel secret: Go when it snows
These destinations will make you glad you skipped cherry blossom season Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Ichikawa Prefecture If your travel goal is to check off every Japanese destination people have tagged with 100,000+ hashtags on Instagram, by all means go during cherry blossom season. But if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to beContinueContinue reading “Japan’s best-kept travel secret: Go when it snows”
Matcha Sour
An elegant green tea mocktail with a Japanese twist from “Savory and Sweet Shrubs” by Michael Dietsch* Just because you’re a designated driver, expectant mother, or vowing to make it through Dry January doesn’t mean you have to be satisfied with too-sweet fruit juice in a fancy glass. This sophisticated green tea mocktail has allContinueContinue reading “Matcha Sour”
When you wish upon an…Elvis?
Elvis may have left the building, but if you ask this Elvis impersonator Daruma for some blue suede shoes, you just might get them! Daruma figures are a popular New Year’s purchase because they’re renowned for granting your heart’s desire. Make a wish, color in one of its blank staring eyes, and when your wishContinueContinue reading “When you wish upon an…Elvis?”
Superstitions you can use
Ensnare your crush, cure dread diseases, and avoid bad luck like a boss For over two hundred years, the courtesans of Yoshiwara were trapped within the moat and four stout walls of Edo’s pleasure quarter, so it’s no surprise they practiced many superstitions aimed at bringing about the lucky moment a rich man might noticeContinueContinue reading “Superstitions you can use”
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