The Busy Life of a Japanese Child In the United States, after-school activities are usually dominated by seasonal sports like AYSO soccer, Little League baseball, or casual gymnastics. But in Japan, kids are remarkably busy all year round with “Naraigoto” (extracurricular lessons). It is incredibly common for elementary school students to attend different specialized classes three to five days a week! While popular global sports like swimming, soccer, and baseball are always at the top of the list, the Japanese after-school industry includes fascinating traditional and modern subjects that you rarely see in a standard American neighborhood. Training the Brain:…
The Katakana Trap When you travel between Los Angeles and Tokyo, knowing a little English can sometimes be a disadvantage. Because Japan imports thousands of foreign words, they adapt them into their own phonetic alphabet called “Katakana.” While words like “Computer” (Konpyuta) are easy to figure out, global brand names and Hollywood celebrity names often undergo massive, confusing transformations. Sometimes the Japanese pronunciation is based strictly on the spelling, and sometimes it is actually closer to the original European pronunciation, leaving American tourists completely baffled during conversations! The IKEA and Costco Confusion Let’s start with the big box stores. If…
The Casino Standard vs. Japan Whether you are playing a board game with your family in Los Angeles or rolling the dice at a craps table in Las Vegas, traditional dice always look the exact same. They are small white cubes with solid black dots on all six sides. However, if you play a traditional game in Japan like Sugoroku, or just buy a cheap pack of dice at a local 100-yen shop, you will immediately notice a glaring design difference. On almost every standard Japanese die, the single dot for the number “1” is significantly larger than the rest,…
The Missing Name In the United States, having a middle name is entirely standard. Whether it is John Fitzgerald Kennedy or just a family name passed down to honor a grandfather, the middle name is a crucial part of personal identity. But if you look at a Japanese passport or a driver’s license, you will notice that the space between the family name and the given name is always empty. In Japan, middle names simply do not exist. Even if a Japanese person living in LA wanted to officially give their child a middle name, the Japanese government would completely…
The Tissue Obsession If you look inside a typical American home, you will usually find a roll of rough paper towels in the kitchen for cleaning up spills, and maybe a single box of facial tissues hidden in the bathroom cabinet for when someone catches a cold. But in Japan, the consumption rate is absolutely staggering. Japan is the undisputed world #1 consumer of tissue paper. On average, a single Japanese person uses roughly 4.5 kilograms (nearly 10 pounds)—which equals about 18 full boxes of tissues—every single year! In a Japanese home, a soft box of tissues is a permanent,…
Receiving the Gift of Life Before taking the first bite of a meal, Japanese people seamlessly clasp their hands together and say “Itadakimasu.” It is often loosely translated as the French “Bon Appétit” or “Let’s eat,” but the true meaning is far more profound. The word literally translates to “I humbly receive.” Rooted deeply in Buddhist and Shinto animism, it is a direct expression of gratitude toward the plants and animals that sacrificed their lives to become your food. You are acknowledging that to sustain your own life, you are humbly receiving the life energy of the ingredients in front…
The American Tax Nightmare Shopping in the United States requires advanced math skills. If you buy a shirt in Los Angeles, the sales tax is 9.5%. But if you drive 10 minutes to a neighboring city like Santa Monica, it jumps to 10.25%. Because local cities and counties set their own tax rates, you never truly know how much something will cost until the cashier rings it up. In Japan, however, the “Shohizei” (Consumption Tax) is unified across the entire country. Whether you are buying a souvenir in snowy Hokkaido or a t-shirt in tropical Okinawa, the standard consumption tax…
The Global Billboard Invasion For decades, Western pop and recently K-Pop have completely dominated the global music charts. But over the past few years, a massive cultural shift has occurred. Japanese artists like YOASOBI, Kenshi Yonezu, and Ado are racking up hundreds of millions of streams worldwide, completely shattering language barriers and consistently hitting the top of the global Billboard charts. You can now hear upbeat Japanese songs blasting from car stereos in Los Angeles or playing in cafes in Europe. Why is Japanese pop music (J-Pop) suddenly exploding in international popularity? The Anime Streaming Golden Age The biggest driver…
. Lightweight Comfort That Keeps Winning Fans ngs The JINS Airframe series has sold over 26 million pairs in Japan. Since its debut in 2009, it has continued to evolve with a focus on lightweight design and everyday comfort, earning strong support across the country. New “Zero-Gravity Balance” Design In the latest model, a newly designed “Zero-Gravity Balance” system has been introduced. By distributing the weight of the lenses more evenly, it delivers a natural, comfortable fit the moment you put them on. The design also reduces pressure on the nose, making it comfortable to wear even for long periods. In addition, medical-grade materials are used…
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
. Celebration of Shochu: Premium Brands & Exquisite Pairings by Ise-Shima Join us on Friday, April 17th, for “Shochu Fiesta,” an event designed for everyone from shochu beginners to seasoned enthusiasts! The event will be held at Ise-Shima Restaurant, located within the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. Enjoy an impressive lineup of premium shochu, including popular brands like Iichiko, Nikaido, and Nankai Shochu. Best of all, guests can enjoy unlimited shochu tastings throughout the evening. Savor Ise-Shima’s signature appetizers, such as yakitori, are perfectly paired to complement the spirits. Gather your friends and colleagues for a vibrant and flavorful night out! Event Details ・Date &…
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
YOSHIKI returns to Los Angeles for “Classical 2026” at Walt Disney Concert Hall on July16–17! Experience the monumental “rebirth” of a global icon in two amazing LIVE performances-“Scarlet Night” and “Violet Night” – with different set lists each night! Use the exclusive pre-sale code ROCKSTAR to get your seats before general tickets go on saleApril 10!
About two hours away by train, Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to discover a captivating mix of historic treasures, immersive culture, and scenic landscapes—an easy escape for those seeking authenticity beyond the capital.
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Sportiva Arena Offers Unforgettable Ways to Live Your Pro-wrestling Fandom Dreams!
What is Shochu? Shochu is a spirit that features a variety of traditional ingredients drawn from Japan’s long history, offering a wide range of appealing aromas and flavors. There are two main types of Shochu: authentic Honkaku Shochu (single-distilled) and the more neutral-tasting Korui Shochu (multiple-distilled). Honkaku Shochu is crafted from a diverse array of raw, flavorful ingredients. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) typically ranges from 20% to 30%, which is lower than that of many other spirits worldwide. However, the aromas produced by different ingredients and distillation methods give Honkaku Shochu a truly memorable character. Let’s explore some of…
Yuzu is a small, highly aromatic citrus fruit native to East Asia, and it has been treasured in Japan for centuries. In modern times, it remains deeply rooted in Japan’s food culture and traditional customs. The fruit is roughly the size of a small grapefruit, with a rough, bumpy skin. As it ripens, its skin turns a vibrant yellow, releasing a powerful fragrance that can fill an entire room with just a single piece. The flavor of yuzu is uniquely complex, blending the sharp acidity of lemon, the gentle sweetness of mandarin orange, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit.…
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
Haruka Igarashi Profession: ActorBorn: 1995, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan.Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities (European Culture), graduated in 2019.Career Highlights: Made her stage debut in the play Shugakuryoko in Tokyo as a teenager. After graduating from university, she moved to the U.S. in December 2020 to pursue broader acting opportunities. She gained international recognition for her role as “Lady Rin” in the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning historical drama SHOGUN. She also stars as Keiko in the upcoming horror-suspense film Parachutes, which she represented at the San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival. ■ Stepping into the Hollywood Spotlight “I’ve always been…
Were you hesitant to relocate to Japan?
Not really, because I was young and wanted to travel. Japan was not a popular destination at the time and many people thought it was strange to want to go there.
Were you hesitant to relocate to Japan?
Not really, because I was young and wanted to travel. Japan was not a popular destination at the time and many people thought it was strange to want to go there.
About two hours away by train, Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to discover a captivating mix of historic treasures, immersive culture, and scenic landscapes—an easy escape for those seeking authenticity beyond the capital.
Back by popular demand! The “JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ Los Angeles” pop-up store is returning to Tokyo Central Gardena for three days only, from February 6 (Fri) to February 8 (Sun).
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Sportiva Arena Offers Unforgettable Ways to Live Your Pro-wrestling Fandom Dreams!
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
With the continued trend of a weak yen, the number of visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing. In 2024, the number of inbound tourists reached 36.86 million, setting a new all-time annual record. Notably, the United States ranked 4th in the number of visitors by country. Japan’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking seasonal landscapes continue to captivate travelers from around the world. At the same time, travel styles are becoming increasingly diverse. In the past, many tourists focused on experiencing Japan’s history by visiting famous temples and strolling through old townscapes. However, today’s travelers have a wider…
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Beyond the Gas Station Snack In the US, gas station or convenience store desserts are usually sad, pre-packaged donuts or highly processed candy bars that sit on the shelf for months. But in Japan, the “Konbini” dessert aisle is a fiercely competitive culinary battleground. It genuinely rivals the quality of a high-end French bakery, offering everything from fluffy roll cakes made with premium Hokkaido cream to rich, bitter Uji matcha parfaits. The Tuesday Rule The secret to their success is the aggressive product development cycle. Japanese convenience stores release a brand-new lineup of seasonal sweets almost every single Tuesday! They…
The American Favorite If you want a fun, fiery, and highly entertaining dinner in the US, you go to a “Hibachi” restaurant. Chefs wearing tall hats masterfully flip shrimp into their pockets, juggle sharp knives, and create massive volcanos out of stacked onions. It is a beloved American dining experience. But if you travel to Tokyo and ask your hotel concierge to recommend a good “Hibachi” restaurant, they will look at you in complete confusion. The Translation Trap In Japanese, a “Hibachi” (literally “fire bowl”) is actually an ancient, traditional indoor heating stove. It is a ceramic pot filled with…
The Ancient Meat Ban When foreigners think of Japanese food today, they usually imagine Wagyu beef, tonkotsu ramen, or chicken teriyaki. However, for the vast majority of Japanese history, eating the meat of four-legged animals was strictly forbidden. In 675 AD, Emperor Tenmu issued the first official decree banning the consumption of cattle, horses, dogs, monkeys, and chickens, largely influenced by the Buddhist belief in the sanctity of life. This was not a temporary fad; the ban was reinforced for over 1,000 years. While people still occasionally ate wild boar or deer (calling them “mountain whales” to bypass the rules),…
