Shinobi

Energy drinks are drinks that contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants. It seems that we have now entered a generation where energy drinks have become so popular among Japanese teenagers and young adults. Japan has become a really busy and active society. Working hours tend to be long and Japanese people depend on coffee or energy drinks that both contain caffeine to start their day. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, giving you energy and causes you to feel more alert of your everyday surroundings, and gives you that extra energy if you have had a lack of ...

Mount Fuji at 3776 meters, is Japan's highest and most prominent mountain. The mountain itself may look more attractive from afar than from close up, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing through the early morning hours among hundreds of equally minded hikers from across the world are very rewarding and definitely worth trying once.   Mountaineering season Early July to mid-September is the official climbing season when the trails and mountain facilities are open. During this period the mountain is usually free of snow, the weather is relatively mild, access by public transportation is easy, ...

The Daruma doll, also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an Omocha, meaning toy, by some, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma is one of the most popular talismans of good luck in modern Japan.   A brief history of the Daruma ...

While you might think of Japan as a nation of rice, you'd be surprised by the utter ubiquity of bakeries in the country. Bread has taken a long time to rise here, but the results are remarkably appetizing! So let’s begin by looking briefly at the history of bread in Japan.   Bread In Japan A Brief History Bread first came to Japan through Portuguese traders and missionaries in the mid-16th century. However, Christianity was banned in the early 17th century, and any toehold bread had made went with it. But the name stuck, the Japanese word for bread in ...

Shojin-ryori is the traditional dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan and grew widespread in popularity with the spread of Zen Buddhism in the 13th century. As the cuisine is made without meat, fish, or other animal products, it can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. A typical Shojin-ryori meal is centered around soybean-based foods like tofu along with seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants, which are believed to bring balance and alignment to the body, mind, and spirit. This simple meal contributed to Japan’s elegant haute cuisine called "Kaiseki", and today can be eaten at the dining ...

Wasabi—the innocent-looking green paste that accompanies sushi and sashimi, a too-big bite of which can make your eyes water and sinuses explode! Real wasabi (Wasabia japonica, or Japanese horseradish) is native to Japan, where it has been cultivated for at least a thousand years.　Mentions of the plant have been found in botanical books and dictionaries in Japan that trace back to 794 CE.   Wasabi Wasabi is green and has a refreshing aroma and spiciness. Grated rhizomes are mainly used as condiments for sushi, sashimi, and buckwheat noodles. Wasabi is an indispensable part of Japanese food culture. Wasabi, which is ...

I’ve long dreaded summer, it’s my least favorite season, at least in Japan. Back in Europe, I didn’t mind the summers because they were dry heat. It’s early July, the rainy season is more or less over now in Japan for this year, and temperatures are already mirroring those of last year on some days. It seems that during the summertime in Japan no matter where I go, it’s almost like the heat keeps constantly bugging me. To Survive The Summer In Japan Here are some tips for surviving the Japanese summer heat –many of these tips will help you ...

Those who have to pass the practical driving test in order to convert their foreign licenses should be prepared for a long and sometimes frustrating process. First-time pass rates are low even for native Japanese, who routinely spend 200,000 to 300,000 yen for lessons to teach them how to pass this test. There are many seemingly minor details that must be considered. A positive attitude and patience will go far towards minimizing cost, time spent at the driver's license center, and test failures. The following information is based on the experience of a former Saga JET. This advice does not ...

In Japan, you usually obtain a driver’s license by taking lessons at a private driving school. You obtain a license by entering a designated driving school and taking the lessons needed to acquire driving skills and accumulate driving knowledge. Most driving schools offer driving lessons and classes only in Japanese. Although in recent years this has changed, some schools have English speaking staff, and some even hire foreign, or native English speaking instructors.   In the case of Tokyo The Koyama Driving School in Tokyo, says it is “the only driving school that provides lessons in English.” Most Japanese go ...

The Japanese Speaking English It is a question that has been asked many times. Why do some Japanese people struggle to communicate in English? Even though English is taught in junior high school and there are thousands of English conversation schools all over the country, the level of English in Japan remains low compared to other developed countries. This is especially problematic when Japanese students travel to study abroad. A number of professors at various school surveyed said that their Japanese students often have difficulties communicating in English. These are not students from the rural Inakadate, Aomori region of Japan ...