All About Japan

Allan Cook

Allan Cook

All About Allan Cook
I'm from London and I have been living in Japan since the end of the '90s. I'm a writer, actor, iOS developer and also an avid photographer in my spare time.
What I like about Japan
My favorite thing about Japan is the abundance of great marathons! Japan has three of the biggest full-marathon races in the world: Tokyo, Osaka, and Naha! Having run every Osaka Marathon and even two Tokyo Marathons, I never forget how lucky I am here.
Teaching English in a Japanese Nursery School

Teaching English in a Japanese Nursery School

Japanese nursery schools, or 'hoikuen,' are day-care centers that take care of children while their parents are at work. Both public and private options are available, accepting kids from less than a year old to elementary school age.

5 Freelance Language Teaching Sites

5 Freelance Language Teaching Sites

For many, freelance language teaching jobs are the cream of the crop, offering flexibility and comfort unlike any other. But finding students can be a challenge without the right resources. Here are five solid options to get you started!

Ride 10 Gorgeous Steam Locomotives in Japan

Ride 10 Gorgeous Steam Locomotives in Japan

Japan is famous for its modern trains, but it's also a great lover of traditional steam engines.

Aichi's Maglev Still Running Strong

Aichi's Maglev Still Running Strong

YouTubers Rachel & Jun introduce Linimo, one of only two maglev (magnetic levitation) trains presently open to public use in the world, the other being in Shanghai.

The 5 Best Japanese Toys of All Time

The 5 Best Japanese Toys of All Time

Japan has long been synonymous with anime, computer games and every kind of tech imaginable—and of course when it comes to toys, Japan has created some of the best you can find!

Fukuoka Firefighters Have Ninja-Style Skills

Fukuoka Firefighters Have Ninja-Style Skills

Firefighters have a difficult job—and the Kasuya Hokubu Fire Department trains to be up to the task!

The Meaning of Life & the Ninja Spirit

The Meaning of Life & the Ninja Spirit

Want to know the meaning of life? Douglas Adams told us it was 42, but this TEDx video of 'Last Ninja' Jinichi Kawakami provides us with a very different and (arguably) much more relevant answer.

How to Be a Ninja in 6 Minutes

How to Be a Ninja in 6 Minutes

Want to be a ninja but don't know how? Fear not: Joe Bareta and his epic mustache are here to help you out!

Interview with the 'Last Ninja'

Interview with the 'Last Ninja'

Learn more about the realities of the ninja world from the self-proclaimed, 'Last Ninja,' Jinichi Kawakami.

Happy Ninja Day!

Happy Ninja Day!

So what’s so special about February 22 in Japan? And what's the connection with Ninja?

Mouth-Watering Melty Cheese Pie

Mouth-Watering Melty Cheese Pie

If you're on a diet, or just avoiding sugar, be warned! This video is highly dangerous! You will be tempted beyond the limits of reasonable acceptance!

American vs. Japanese Makeup

American vs. Japanese Makeup

See the difference as presented by "Living Doll" Venus Angelic!

GoPro Snowboarding Perfection in Niseko

GoPro Snowboarding Perfection in Niseko

Two snowboarding GoPro athletes explore the white wilds of winter in Niseko, Hokkaido.

Share a Gorgeous Passion for Otsu

Share a Gorgeous Passion for Otsu

Osamu Hasegwa is one of our favourite filmmakers, and in his latest film, “Passion for Otsu—Youngest Mayor in Japan: Naomi Koshi,” he combines his stylistic technique with a vivid storyline.

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