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!
Starting around the beginning of October, houses and trees throughout the neighborhood are dotted with orange orbs. It’s kaki season; time to eat some persimmons. The little fruits almost look like Christmas lights in the daytime, lining the rafters of the houses. They sway back and forth in the strong sea breeze and are susceptible to being stolen by the crows that lie in wait for an easy meal.
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
79-year-old Japanese granny who fell in love with Initial D sports car finds perfect new owner【Vid】
Doujinshi manga/anime chain announces moratorium on Visa/Mastercard credit card payments
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
American teenage tourist arrested on suspicion of arson in Tokyo during family trip
Reserve your own spot on an uninhabited Japanese island for an unforgettable camping experience
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
After 21 years, Harajuku’s famous Lolita fashion and cosplay shop is permanently closing
Amazing Swedish Totoro cosplay steals the show at World Cosplay Championship【Pics, video】
Faithful pooch in Akita saves 5-year-old owner from attacking bear
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in Tokyo
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tsukemen ramen restaurant becomes a hit with foreign tourists in Tokyo
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Reserve your own spot on an uninhabited Japanese island for an unforgettable camping experience
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
After 21 years, Harajuku’s famous Lolita fashion and cosplay shop is permanently closing
Amazing Swedish Totoro cosplay steals the show at World Cosplay Championship【Pics, video】
Faithful pooch in Akita saves 5-year-old owner from attacking bear
Starbucks Japan releases first flower drink in exclusive, hard-to-find chilled cup series
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
New limited Starbucks Japan drinks mix tranquil peach and majestic chai
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
What happens if you feed pufferfish poison to pufferfish? Japanese scientists trying to find out
How Mr. Sato got his senbero groove back【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】