All About Japan

Michael Kanert

Michael Kanert

All About Michael Kanert
In Japan since 2001, I'm a former ALT trainer who's lived in Shizuoka, Saitama and Tokyo, and visited 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures (13 to go!). When I can get out from behind the editorial desk, I take photos, do bits of theater and practice German longsword.
What I like about Japan
I'm a fan of anything old: castles, temples, art and traditions, you name it! Kyoto wins for density (spring and fall are unforgettable), but I also love everything outside the big cities—particularly Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, the Izu Peninsula and the dynamic southern reaches of Kyushu. You'll find the real heart of Japan in the countryside.
Gaijin Learns How to Make Ramen

Gaijin Learns How to Make Ramen

With over 1,000 bowls under (and over) his belt, Ramen Adventures’ Brian MacDuckson knows a thing or two about eating ramen. But how much does he know about cooking it?

Otsuka Ai Gives You 3 Minutes for Ramen

Otsuka Ai Gives You 3 Minutes for Ramen

Otsuka Ai is best known for her 2003 bubblegum-pop track "Sakuranbo," which spent a staggering 103 weeks on the Top 200 Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Top Sites for Noodle News

Top Sites for Noodle News

There are plenty of sites out there with a nose for noodles.

Fresh Accumulation at Japan's Top Snow Site

Fresh Accumulation at Japan's Top Snow Site

SnowJapan is greeting the 2015/2016 season with a sprawling travel section upgrade.

Ramen White Paper Examines Global Ramen Trends

Ramen White Paper Examines Global Ramen Trends

Conducted from October 3 to November 16, 2012, the survey of 676 ramen fans in 44 countries represented the first (known) systematic attempt to analyze the global love of ramen.

Automated Instant Ramen Is (Not) A Reality

Automated Instant Ramen Is (Not) A Reality

We’ve got automated hot water dispensers, ice makers, coffee machines and soda fountains. So why not an automated instant ramen maker, complete with onions, carrots and a choice of hard- or soft-boiled egg?

A J-Punk/Metal Ode to Noodles

A J-Punk/Metal Ode to Noodles

CANTOY penned the track Tenkaippin to describe the life-affirming qualities of the band's favorite noodle chain.

Top Ramen for Gundam Fans

Top Ramen for Gundam Fans

YouTuber and Gundam model-maker rrobbert184 stakes his claim for the best ramen in Japan.

How Instant Ramen is Made

How Instant Ramen is Made

Potluck Video takes a peek inside Sun Noodles New Jersey.

Make Your Own Ramen Burger

Make Your Own Ramen Burger

Want to make one of Time Magazine's most influential burgers? Just ignore the well-intentioned (but sadly wrong) explanation of the meaning of the word ramen.

Bake Your Own Ramen Cake

Bake Your Own Ramen Cake

Sounds like a terrible idea, right? Not to worry: it's not what you think.

Make Yourself a Ramen Pot Pie

Make Yourself a Ramen Pot Pie

This is basically just chicken pot pie with ramen in it, but why not?

Ramen Rules from Conan O’Brien & Ken Watanabe

Ramen Rules from Conan O’Brien & Ken Watanabe

What's the right way to eat ramen? Find out from Conan, Ken and a few other people who actually know what they're doing!

Star Wars vs. Robotech?

Star Wars vs. Robotech?

Who wouldn't want to see TIE fighters and a few all-barrels-blazing Star Destroyers animated in 'Robotech' style?

Cup Noodles Vending Machine

Cup Noodles Vending Machine

Japan is a land of vending machines, and ramen is no exception.

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