Tamaki SAITO（西東たまき）

The yutampo—Japan’s traditional hot water bottle—was once seen as old-fashioned. Today, it’s making a comeback as a simple, eco-friendly way to stay warm in winter. No electricity, gentle heat, and a cozy bedtime ritual—this is why many people are rediscovering it.   What Is a Yutampo? A yutampo is a heat-resistant container filled with hot (not boiling) water and placed in a bed before sleep. It pre-warms the futon and makes falling asleep easier—especially if your feet tend to feel cold.   Why It’s Back: Comfort × Eco No electricity: Just hot water. Lower bills, smaller footprint. Softer warmth: Doesn’t ...

Obento, a lunch neatly filled in a box to take away is well-known. It is usually a single box. However, when 2 to 5 boxes are piled up in multiple layers, and with a cover, it's called ‘Juubako' － means piled boxes. A lunch filled in a Juubako must be special   Juubako usually carries meals for more than one person while Obento lunch box is usually for a portion for one person. Therefore, Juubako filled lunch is made to be shared, prepared chiefly for the celebratory opportunities such as cherry blossom viewing picnics and an annual family sports day ...

Farmers’ markets in Japan (chokubai-jo) are direct-sale produce markets where local growers sell freshly harvested vegetables, often picked the same morning. Unmanned veggie stalls are small roadside stands that use an “honesty box” system—take what you need and leave the payment in a coin box. Both are everyday parts of rural (and semi-rural) life. And both reveal something quietly powerful about Japan: food shopping can be personal, community-based, and built on trust.   Why These Places Feel Different In Japan, buying vegetables can feel surprisingly personal. At direct-sale markets—or tiny unmanned roadside stalls—you’re not just buying food. You’re connecting with ...

There is a certain exercise that every Japanese person knows — Radio Taiso (literally “radio exercise”). It’s a short, rhythmic workout that has been part of Japanese life for nearly a century.   The Beginning of Radio Taiso Radio Taiso was first introduced in 1928, inspired by similar fitness programs from the United States. Since then, it has become a familiar routine taught in every Japanese elementary school. The exercises are performed to piano music and verbal instructions broadcast by Japan’s national radio station, NHK. The goal is simple: to promote good health, flexibility, and a sense of unity among ...

In Japan, taking a home-made lunch to work or school is more than just a practical routine — it’s a small expression of care, balance, and beauty. The meal packed inside is called an obento, and it reflects a deep cultural sense of thoughtfulness in everyday life.   What Is an Obento? An obento is a single-portion meal neatly packed in a box. It’s the Japanese way of bringing a complete, balanced meal wherever you go. You’ll see office workers opening them in parks, students unwrapping them at lunch, and travelers enjoying them on trains.   The Box Itself The ...