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!
My husband and I live on a five square mile island with less than 600 inhabitants. To make matters even cozier, most of our island is mountainous so the houses are clustered together on the coasts where any flat land is available. As a result of our close proximity to our neighbors and the fact that we are the only two foreigners on the island, everyone knows where we live.
This is a great thing most of the time. People often come to our door to give us extra vegetables from their garden or fish they caught. When Khoa and I stayed on the island during New Year’s, the principal of the elementary school saw the light on at our house, figured we were home, and invited us over for a big New Year’s feast.
However, there is a downside to the entire island knowing our whereabouts.
Japan’s Mos Burger creates tempura rice bowl bento boxed lunch burger, but not for its menu
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
The 2023 Sanrio character popularity ranking results revealed
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Japanese hanami lovers reveal the top ten things to bring on a cherry blossom viewing picnic
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
What kind of magic happens when you put Japanese combini pastries into a hot sandwich maker?
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japanese hanami lovers reveal the top ten things to bring on a cherry blossom viewing picnic
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
What kind of magic happens when you put Japanese combini pastries into a hot sandwich maker?
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Hayao Miyazaki says Studio Ghibli once stood up to Harvey Weinstein with a Japanese samurai sword
Japanese mom cooking – A super easy recipe for daikon, Japan’s giant radishes【SoraKitchen】
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
McDonald’s Japan introduces new, kind of lazy breakfast sandwich
How to make your own McDonald’s Japan-only gratin croquette burger