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:
Bear breaks into house in Japan, quickly begins spending winter exactly like Japanese people do
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Out-of-this-world omamori shrine charms are blessed by the cosmos
Starbucks Japan releases cute new zodiac goods for Year of the Snake
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Starbucks Japan reveals new winter holiday goods to wrap up 2024
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Tokyo’s Super Mario Christmas decoration displays are super cool【Photos】
Ramen restaurant etiquette reminder follows altercation with angry couple: One person, one bowl
Shimonoseki’s Koreantown isn’t like Tokyo’s or Osaka’s, but it has a retro atmosphere all its own
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
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
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
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
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Starbucks Japan reveals new winter holiday goods to wrap up 2024
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Tokyo’s Super Mario Christmas decoration displays are super cool【Photos】
Ramen restaurant etiquette reminder follows altercation with angry couple: One person, one bowl
Shimonoseki’s Koreantown isn’t like Tokyo’s or Osaka’s, but it has a retro atmosphere all its own
New product aimed at Japanese women and cosplayers helps to create a slimmer, taller nose
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Super Budget Dining in Japan – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen (US$6.70) at Saizeriya?
New indie game The Exit 8 may make us never want to enter another Japanese subway station again
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a special tea latte to celebrate the Year of the Snake
Secret unstaffed hot spring in Japan will make you feel like you’ve been spirited away