Kanji Starter – Kanji Pictographs Book

Kanji Starter by Daiki Kasuya had been sitting in my Amazon wishlist for years. Seeing it pop up on social media and most rece

I sort of met Goku

Goku; the hero of planet earth, originally sent from Planet Vegeta to conquer us, but now the greatest warrior in the universe

Japanese Folktales for Language Learners

The never-ending quest to improve my Japanese continues. After plateauing again because much of my brain power was focused on

Life Logger – Python Project Update

A couple of years ago, my interest in personal data security combined with learning the Python programming language birthed Li

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine Goshuin x 2

Recently, I collected two Goshuin (shrine stamps) at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine on the grounds of Hiroshima Castle the morning of

Takamatsu Shinmei-jinja Shrine Goshuin

Takamatsu Shinmei-jinja Shrine was apparently built in the year 941! It has hundreds of years of history and has seen it being

Mikane Shrine Goshuin

Mikane Shrine (御金神社) is a small shrine in Kyoto near Nijo Castle that the guardian deity of metals and minerals. At th

Bon Bon Show – Podcast about Japan, Video Games and more

I have worked on various podcasts and audio shows over the years. However, the Bon Bon Show is special. It’s a collabora

Miyajima Goshuin – Itsukushima and Daishoin Stamps

Miyajima is a famous island in Hiroshima, Japan. It has various temples, shrines, museums and other attractions, making it a h

JAL Wing Collection

I learned one thing from that LAX to Narita leg of my 1st trip; booked via American Airlines but flown by Japan Airlines. It w

Sakaguradori Sake Tasting tour in Saijo

I experienced the Sakaguradori Sake Tasting Tour in Saijo Higashi Hiroshima. It’s a 2-hour tour where you go to seven sa

Shingu Shrine Goshuin in Hiroshima

Recently, my quest for a new stamp for my Goshuincho has lead me to Shingu Shrine in Higashihiroshima. Shingu Shrine (video he

Kyoto: One Day Itinerary

I had a two-day trip to Kyoto recently. The 1st day was forgettable as it rained all day and I mostly went to places I have be

My time as a Hiroshima Study Abroad Ambassador

From April 2024 to March 2025 I was a Hiroshima Study Abroad Ambassador (HSAA). Being a HSAA allowed me to learn more about Hi

Model Trains = Fishtanks but cooler

Having a model train set and a miniature railroad is so soothing. It’s kind of like why people have fish tanks but coole

Volunteering at a Food Bank in Japan

Recently, as part of my work as a Hiroshima Study Abroad Ambassador, I got the opportunity to volunteer at a Food Bank in Japa

I spent the night on a Shinkansen

On July 22nd on the Tokaido Shinkansen, services were suspended between Hamamatsu and Nagoya stations due to a derailment invo

Lost and Found in Japan – wallet edition

Japan is legendary when it comes to the probability of a lost item being returned. Lost and Found in Japan is its own subgenre

HG Mobile Suit Gundam Demi Trainer

The Demi Trainer is the latest gunpla model I have built following on from the Gundam Wing Leo, 7-eleven gold-themed RX-78-2 G

The Shinkansen: A symbol of innovation and efficiency

Japan’s shinkansen, or bullet train, is a marvel of modern transportation technology. First introduced in 1964, the shin

Chibi Gundam Aerial – The Witch from Mercury

Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the most popular anime franchises in the world. It has been around for over 40 years and has give

Kinkakuji – Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion revisited

When I visited Kinkakuji in Kyoto for the first time 11 years ago, I said it was what the Eiffel Tower was to Paris or the Sta

The MOST addictive substance in Japan

No, it’s not alcohol, or drugs (I think). It’s a kind of liquid, a beverage that melts your stresses away and refuels

Capsule hotels in Japan – cheap, no frills accommodation

Capsule hotels in Japan are awesome. They are a kind of overnight accommodation that feature rows of sleeping capsules stacked