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.
Potama serves up epic rice balls like no other, and there’s only one store in Tokyo
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Nope, these AREN’T eels — Gunma Prefecture’s ‘Nasu no Kabayaki’ blows our reporter’s mind
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
Gamer goes to play naval-themed anime game at Japanese arcade, finds real sailors already there
Family Mart ups its convenience store food game with special burger from beef bowl chain Matsuya
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Adorable Totoro acorn key holders come with a special guest hidden inside[Photos]
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
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
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
Gamer goes to play naval-themed anime game at Japanese arcade, finds real sailors already there
Family Mart ups its convenience store food game with special burger from beef bowl chain Matsuya
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Ninja life skills: Do you know the correct way to eat this traditional Japanese sweet?
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Interview with a “happening bar” customer: “I was getting repulsed by the whole atmosphere”
Tokyo’s best ramen breakfast? Restaurant two minutes from Tokyo Station is a strong contender