Originally from Australia, Ben has lived in Tokyo for three years now, with passions including writing, photography and film while also exploring all aspects of Japan and its culture.
Originally from small-town Ontario, Canada, Helen now calls Kamakura home. She keeps busy with writing, editing, innkeeping, and caring for two small humans.
A foodie who loves to explore, my favorite things to do include walking around any city to find delicious food, as well as taking a mid afternoon break with a glass of wine. I enjoy cooking and exploring new cafes and restaurants in my free time.
Has worked in advertising and publishing and as writer and editor of feature articles on travel, food, art, culture, and lifestyle. Had an eight-year stint as a boutique hotel developer and operator in Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor Wat, then returned to Japan where he presently lives in Kamakura pursuing his interest in Japanese history and culture. Also worked for The Lonely Planet travel guides and wcities.com, the first online international city guide.
Jim Rion is an American translator and writer living in Yamaguchi Prefecture. He came to Japan in 2004 after studying German and earning a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Iowa. He is certified by SSI International as a shōchū advisor and international kikisake-shi, or sake sommelier, and a Sake Professional by the Sake Education Council.
I have a healthy addiction to bathing in Japanese onsens. So far, I have soaked in around six hundred hot springs while traveling across Japan by train, plane, boat, snowshoe, bicycle, and foot. My current home is Niigata, but I've also lived in Nagoya, Nagasaki, Oita, and Matsumoto. I am getting close to my goal of visiting every prefecture of this fascinating country.
From Melbourne, Australia, Steve currently lives in Niigata City. His passions include discovering local sake, marathoning anime, and traveling as much of Japan as possible.
A Welshman living in Japan, who has a passion for craft beer as well as homebrewing.
Also enjoys the outdoors, including bikepacking, hiking and climbing.
Lives with 4 wonderful Jack Russell terriers, so is never bored.
