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!
The most shocking thing I ate when I first came to Chibu (other than salty fermented squid) was sazae. In Japan, people go nuts over this delicacy. In Tokyo, you have to shell out $3 for a single sazae. In Chibu, they are not only free, they are everywhere you look. Climbing up the side of the docks in the evening, hanging out on the ocean floor while you snorkel; there’s plenty to go around. If you’re wondering what a sazae is, here’s a picture:

Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Number of foreigners studying Japanese in Japan hits record high, but are there enough teachers?
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Does McDonald’s Japan’s new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing shake really taste like a Pucchin Purin pudding?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Here’s why you may want to switch your train home after a night of drinking in the big city
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
Wakayama senior uses AI to identify wild mushrooms, gets poisoned shortly after
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Does McDonald’s Japan’s new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing shake really taste like a Pucchin Purin pudding?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Here’s why you may want to switch your train home after a night of drinking in the big city
Testing out Japan’s portable no-electricity multi-function washing/drying machine【Pics】
Extremely Rare Hermaphrodite Stag Beetle on Display in Chiba Prefecture
Japan’s premier love doll maker is closing, says goodbye to fans with heartfelt message
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Japan’s new Pokémon donut treat marks Ditto’s Mister Donut debut!
Discount super market’s super cheap bento wows us with its looks, confuses us with its taste
Japan’s top 10 food travel destination prefectures【Survey】