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Discover the fascinating history of Kamata, from an ancient samurai clan’s influence to its transformation into a modern, safe urban suburb. Uncover the secrets of cattails, plum blossoms, and the yakuza’s impact in this intriguing journey through Tokyo’s lesser-known past. Continue reading What does Kamata mean?
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Today Ginza is the center of fashion and luxury brands in Japan, but its origin is quite humble and its fame grew over the centuries. Continue reading What does Ginza mean?
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Nihonbashi! Once the most famous bridge in Japan, now most people are surprised to hear there’s actually a bridge here at all. Continue reading What does Nihonbashi mean?
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If read literally, Shibuya means “bitter valley.” However, there are multiple theories about this famous place name’s etymology. Continue reading What does Shibuya mean?
It’s been three years since I’ve updated this site. The pandemic left me stateless and homeless for that time. It was hard. And the Japanese Government didn’t make that easy for me. So, without being on the ground and feeling betrayed by my adopted country, I couldn’t bring myself to write anything. Being homeless didn’t help either lol. Anyhoo, I’m back in the game. I just ask for encouragement. I’m not asking for money or for you to join Patreon or anything like that. I’m just asking for encouragement. If you enjoy my site and if it means something, just … Continue reading Waking Up
Yoshiwara: the Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan by Cecilia Segawa Seigle is a great social history of Edo’s pleasure quarters. Continue reading Book Review – Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan
This is a fantastic book about William Adams/Miura Anjin which aims to tell his story “through Japanese eyes.” A must-read for anyone who wants to live in Japan. Continue reading Book Review – Anjin: The Life & Times of Samurai William Adams
After reading the Rock Cave Myth, let’s explore what scholars say about it. Continue reading Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Explained
Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Myth – the most important Japanese legend. Continue reading Amaterasu and the Rock Cave
What does it all mean? This is my in depth breakdown of the Japanese Creation Myth. Continue reading The Japanese Creation Myth Explained
Japanese mythology is confusing, but let’s break down in easy, bite-sized parts and start at the beginning of everything. Continue reading The Japanese Creation Myth
Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese Mythology Continue reading Japanese Cosmology
The women of Edo Castle are often a mystery to us. Let’s see what we can learn about one special woman, Lady Hatsudai. Continue reading What does Hatsudai mean?
A rags to riches story. From sandbar to waterfront boardwalk. What does Tennoze Isle mean? Continue reading What does TennĹŤzu Isle mean?
The Miyake clan may not be very famous, but they definitely left their mark on Edo-Tokyo topography. Continue reading What does Miyakezaka mean?
Shibuya – shopping paradise? tourist trap?
What does Jinnan mean? Continue reading What does Jinnan mean?
Have you ever been to Shibuya? It’s made of many neighborhoods. Let’s explore! Continue reading What does Udagawacho mean?
What do foxes and subways have in common? Continue reading What does Inaricho mean?
Lovers and human sacrifice? Continue reading What does Meotobashi mean?
Exploring one neighborhood in Japan’s largest medieval post town. Continue reading What does AomonoyokochĹŤ mean?
What do cedar trees, post towns, and sexxxy parties have in common?
What does Takaido mean? Continue reading What does Takaido mean?
The greatest fast food capital you’ve never heard of (plus, the shittiest castle ever). Continue reading What does Narimasu mean?
Let’s explore the old TĹŤkaidĹŤ road on the outskirts of Edo. Continue reading What does Shimbamba mean?
A neighborhood in TĹŤkyĹŤ forgotten by time, but cool af. Continue reading What does Tachiaigawa mean?
A common sight in both the city and country, earthen storehouses called “kura” are a quintessential part of the Japanese architectural landscape. Continue reading Kura – All About Kura – Japan’s Traditional Storehouses
Follow up to the last article on Kanda & Kanda Shrine. Continue reading What does Kanda mean? (part two)
People have been asking for this one since 2013. I finally did it in 2 parts. Continue reading What does Kanda mean?
Beat the heat with the best Japanese summer songs! Continue reading Japanese Summer Songs
TaitĹŤ Ward and Minato Ward are the hubs of Edo-TĹŤkyĹŤ History, but how did TaitĹŤ get its name? Continue reading What does TaitĹŤ mean?
Today, let’s get out of central TĹŤkyĹŤ and explore a popular Edo Period hanami day trip spot. Continue reading What does Koganei mean?
Ever wonder how Japan’s most famous dog got his name? Continue reading What does Hachiko mean?
Let’s take a video tour around one of Edo’s execution grounds♪ Continue reading A Tour of Denma-chĹŤ Prison & Execution Ground
