100 Things We’ve Learned in 100 Days
1. While it’s probably true all around the world, breasts are literally worshipped in Japan – the Jison-in temple in Wakayama is covered in boobs. 2. If you tell a Japanese person something unexpected, an involuntary noise will escape from them: “Eiiiiiiigghh!” If you tell them something truly extraordinary, it will become deeper and longer: ...
A Gaijin’s Guide to the Ryokan
Staying at a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn – can be an intimidating experience for the first-timer. With that in mind, we present our handy cut-out-and keep to surviving enjoying your stay. Step One: Take off your shoes. It’s preferable if you can do this by reversing neatly, thereby allowing a quick getaway when ...
Senses and Sensibility
The Taste Say “beans” at home and people will think of baked potatoes, or toast, or pies and chips, and inevitable flatulence. It’s very different in Japan. Here, beans are immediately associated with sweets. You find the stuff everywhere: in the middle of pancakes, in buns, served in restaurants, in shops, with green tea… It’s ...
Day Zero
There was a moment underneath the low-ceiling in Kaikaro in downtown Kanazawa, with film crews in our faces, backed by clicking cameras, when I wondered if the belt on my kimono was too tight. It would have gone some way to explaining why my head had gone numb. It had just been announced that we ...