Recent Posts
4 Things to Look Out for at the 2017 Sapporo Snow Festival
Headed to the Sapporo Snow Festival next week? Here’s a teaser of what to expect and what you shouldn’t miss.
By Kyle Von Lanken on February 3, 2017
We Need to Talk about This Indian Curry in the Hokkaido Inaka
One man’s search for Indian curry has led him to this gem in Sapporo.
By Kyle Von Lanken on November 5, 2016
Traditional Culture Exemplified in Modern Japanese Media
As manzai has such a long history in Japan, it is only natural that it would be deeply engrained in Japanese comedy in general.
By Kyle Von Lanken on January 13, 2016
Beating the Winter Blues in Hokkaido
During the cold weather nothing warms me up like a hot bowl of ramen.
By Kyle Von Lanken on December 30, 2015
Japanese Phrases Teachers Hate Hearing from their Students
This word lets you know that this is not going to be an easy class.
By Kyle Von Lanken on November 19, 2015
Halloween in Japan: What’s Different? What’s not?
The appeal of Halloween in Japan lies in two things: commercialism and costumes.
By Kyle Von Lanken on October 31, 2015
Sapporo’s Autumn Festival and Octoberfest
As the old adage goes: eat, drink and be merry.
By Kyle Von Lanken on October 1, 2015
Conversations with Japan’s Elders
These and many other conversations reminded me why I wanted to learn the Japanese language in the first place
By Kyle Von Lanken on September 23, 2015
Are Weeaboos Misunderstood?
As most probably already know, the wonderful and terrible thing about the internet is that there is an insurmountable quantity…
By Kyle Von Lanken on September 5, 2015
A Timeless Cultural Experience in Iwamizawa
Who knew that working with pumpkins could be so invigorating?
By Kyle Von Lanken on August 26, 2015
Being a Foreigner in Japan: The Greats and Not-So-Greats
It’s not all anime and sushi.
By Kyle Von Lanken on August 16, 2015
The Natural Splendor of Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park
Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park, a park with waterfalls, pleasant nature walks and colorful rolling fields on various flowers.
By Kyle Von Lanken on July 16, 2015
The Trials of Obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License
Getting a driver’s license in Japan puts you directly in contact with the hierarchical nature of Japanese society.