You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
It’s squid fishing time in Chibu and when the waves aren’t too high, the horizon is sure to be speckled with the distant light of squid fishing vessels. Sometimes there are so many boats out at sea that it looks as if dawn is breaking.

Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Seven Airbnb rentals that are perfect for couples, families, and friends vacationing in Japan this summer
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Seven Airbnb rentals that are perfect for couples, families, and friends vacationing in Japan this summer
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
This mountain cottage retreat in Japan is the perfect summer escape
Your search for free-to-use photos of buff shirtless Japanese dudes in a hotel is over!【Photos】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
This secret spring flower-viewing spot in Japan is yet to be discovered by international tourists
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】