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EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EVENT IN LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Free Admission! Nova Vita Summer Festival, July 11-12 at Tanaka Farms

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

The Nova Vita Festival returns to Tanaka Farms this summer, and it is shaping up to be a must-see event the whole family can enjoy. Now in its 6th year, this Japanese summer festival (natsu matsuri) is planned and run largely by local high school students, and it drew more than 3,000 visitors last year. Expect food stalls serving takoyaki, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and yakitori, along with a game alley for the kids. On stage, there will be a karaoke contest and a raffle for a chance to win round-trip airfare to Japan. The festival’s big highlight is an…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EVENT IN LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Kinokuniya Bookstore Relocates and Reopens in Little Tokyo

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

Kinokuniya Little Tokyo is back. The Japanese bookstore has relocated and reopened a large new store in the neighborhood this June.Little Tokyo this June. This flagship offers one of the largest selections of translated manga in California, along with a wide range of Japanese-language books and stationery, plus a permanent Studio Ghibli corner. The store is also about twice the size of the previous one, making it the second largest Kinokuniya in the United States. In addition, the separate temporary store has officially become independent as the Los Angeles THE BLOC Store, giving downtown a convenient two-store setup. Check the…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

Japan Now! Why Did Male Artists Just Sweep ALL 10 of Japan’s Mid-Year Music Charts? (6/24)

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

Japan’s Oricon 2026 Mid-Year Ranking is out, and all 10 sales charts went to male artists. See why BTS, Kenshi Yonezu, Arashi, Snow Man and more topped the list.

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES PLACES TO GO POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

The Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Hello Japan SIM, Now on Amazon

japanup_akane 06/23/2026

. Planning a Trip to Japan? Stay Connected from the Moment You Land ✈️ If you’re heading to Japan soon and wondering how to stay connected, here’s an easy solution to consider. No contracts. No hassle. Ready to use as soon as you arrive. Introducing Hello Japan SIM, a data-only eSIM you can conveniently purchase on Amazon before your trip—even while you’re still in the U.S. Skip the hassle of swapping SIM cards and get everything set up in advance with a simple eSIM activation. 💡 Why Choose Hello Japan SIM? Activate instantly with a QR code—no complicated sign-ups or contracts…

I LIVE IN JAPAN INTERVIEW POPULAR

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Bernard McEntee / Teacher

japanup_akane 06/23/2026

March 2026 (VOL.221) Bernard McEntee What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m recently became a licensed teacher in Hokkaido, Japan. Before that I was a JET ALT for 4 years and was the prefectural advisor to the 5th largest city (Sapporo) for my last year as a JET. What do you find different about living in Japan over the term compared when you first arrived or come as a tourist? So some really important advice if you come here to actually live is to know how to seek out help. Especially your…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why a Tiny Japanese Rubber Stamp Just Took Down Asia’s Biggest Cyber-Crime Syndicate (6/22)

japanup_akane 06/22/2026

If you have been following global security news, you likely know that the US and UK governments recently slapped heavy economic sanctions on the Prince Group—a massive, Cambodia-based Chinese conglomerate flagged as one of Asia’s largest criminal syndicates. But today, the story took an unexpected turn right in the heart of Tokyo. On June 22, 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a top executive of this notorious group. The charge? Legally speaking, it is “making and using a false entry in an official electromagnetic record.” In plain English: falsifying official corporate registry documents to hide their tracks. “【BREAKING】Executive of One of…

ANIME EXPO EXPERIENCE POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Want to Work at Anime Expo? How to Find Short Term Jobs in LA!

japanup_akane 06/22/2026

Every July, Los Angeles lights up for Anime Expo, the largest Japanese pop culture event in North America. Around 400,000 fans flood the Los Angeles Convention Center for cosplay, panels, merch, and some seriously good Japanese food. If you love anime and Japanese culture, here’s something you might not have considered: you don’t have to attend just as a fan. You can be part of the team that makes it happen. In this article, we’ll walk through the kinds of short-term jobs that pop up around Anime Expo, and how to find them, even if your Japanese is limited or…

ATT. JAPAN Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why is Japan Quintupling Its Visa Fees? The Story Behind the Massive 2026 Price Hike 🇯🇵 (6/19)

japanup_akane 06/19/2026

For decades, Japan has been the ultimate dream destination for American travelers, offering stunning temples, unmatched hospitality, and in recent years, an incredibly favorable exchange rate due to the weak yen. But Japan visa fees are about to change in a big way. A major financial update from Tokyo is currently making headlines across Japan, and it’s something every future traveler and expat needs to know. Starting July 1, 2026, the Japanese government will implement a massive hike in foreigner visa fees, marking the first major overhaul of its kind since 1978. “【Announcement】Visa fees for foreigners to be raised 5…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel Oishii

Hiratsuka 06/19/2026

. “Channel Oishii” is a dedicated streaming channel featuring a curated lineup of popular programs centered on Japanese cuisine. The lineup features a wide range of programs that celebrate Japanese food culture and regional specialties from across the country, including the popular drama “The Solitary Gourmet,” the hit series “What Did You Eat Yesterday?”, and distinctive shows such as “Exploring Hokkaido’s Underground Food Scene.” Channel Oishii streams popular food-focused programs produced by commercial broadcasters across Japan, 24 hours a day. In addition to watching live, just like traditional TV, viewers can also enjoy on-demand streaming and catch up on their…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why Mt. Fuji is About to Send Reckless Hikers the Bill (6/18)

japanup_akane 06/18/2026

Mt. Fuji is the ultimate postcard image of Japan, drawing hundreds of thousands of hikers every year. But behind those serene sunrise photos lies a growing, costly crisis. Local authorities in Shizuoka Prefecture are officially moving to end “free” rescue operations during the off-season. From now on, if you ignore the warnings and get stuck, the bill is yours. “【Accidents Successive】Shizuoka Prefecture to Formally Discuss “Charging for Rescues” on Mt. Fuji During the Off-Season Currently, the cost of rescue operations for stranded climbers is borne by local governments. The Mayor of Fujinomiya urged for the monetization of off-season rescues, stating,…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why Local Cities are Pressing “Stop” on the Airbnb Boom? (6/17)

japanup_akane 06/17/2026

If you are planning a trip to Japan, your Airbnb booking might be at risk. Japan is currently facing a massive turning point regarding Minpaku—the Japanese term for private home rentals like Airbnb. For years, the Japanese government encouraged these rentals to help welcome the world. But in a sudden and dramatic shift, the Japan Tourism Agency is about to allow local governments to effectively ban Minpaku entirely in their areas. “The Airbnb ban is finally HERE!!! [Local Governments Will Be Allowed to Effectively Ban Short-Term Rentals] Japan Tourism Agency to Issue Notice, Shifting Policy Due to Rising Troubles” Why…

INTERVIEW JAPANESE INTERVIEWS POPULAR

[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Chizuko Higuchi : “Writing Only the Good” Is My Motto

japanup_akane 06/16/2026

Chizuko Higuchi　　 Profession: Real Estate Agent / EssayistBorn: 1949, Hagi, Yamaguchi, JapanEducation: Graduated from a university in Tokyo (earned middle and high school teaching credentials)Career Highlights: oved to the U.S. in 1976 through a work opportunity, traveling across the country. After buying and managing rental properties for a decade, she obtained her license and launched her career as a real estate agent. She has successfully navigated major market shifts, including the subprime mortgage crisis, the Lehman shock, 9/11, and the pandemic. Concurrently, she is an active essayist, contributing pieces to The Rafu Shimpo and US.FrontLine. ■ Chizuko Higuchi, Real Estate…