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.
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Head of Tokyo board of education gets asked about dumb school hairstyle rule, gives dumb answer
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s new luxury overnight bus is the conveniently classy way to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Head of Tokyo board of education gets asked about dumb school hairstyle rule, gives dumb answer
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s new luxury overnight bus is the conveniently classy way to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Internet survey sheds light on how Japanese women deal with the hair ‘down there’
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Anime feast! Ghibli fan recreates 47 animated dishes in mouthwatering video