All About Japan

Mina Otsuka

Mina Otsuka

All About Mina Otsuka
I'm a Japanese translator and writer. Besides work and occasional translation projects, I enjoy listening to music (of any kind) and surfing the Internet.
6 Common Sentence Endings in Japanese

6 Common Sentence Endings in Japanese

Learning vocabulary and understanding grammar is important. But knowing these 6 sentence endings will come in handy even if you don't know how to navigate all of the intricate ins and outs of Japanese language!

Top 5 Chocolate Snacks in Japan for Loved Ones

Top 5 Chocolate Snacks in Japan for Loved Ones

Although Valentine’s Day in Japan is said to have become the biggest merchandising opportunity of the year for any confectionary companies in Japan, chocolate is one of the most consumed sweets of all time. Here are five that you'll surely find in Japan.

Love Songs from Japanese TV Shows & Movies

Love Songs from Japanese TV Shows & Movies

Popular TV shows and movies are remembered for many different reasons. Some have good stories and casts, some teach us life lessons. And perhaps more than we realize, theme songs play a large role in making viewers addicted.

The 5 Biggest Snow Festivals in Tohoku

The 5 Biggest Snow Festivals in Tohoku

Check out Tohoku's Five Great Snow Festivals and see how the region's long history of culture and tradition brings the frozen to life!

How to Conveniently Travel by Train in Tokyo

How to Conveniently Travel by Train in Tokyo

Train travel in Tokyo can be either the most tiring or the most exciting experience with the seemingly countless number of network lines. Here are some tips to help you move around the capital of Japan and get the most out of your money.

The 3 Most Beautiful Villages in Shikoku

The 3 Most Beautiful Villages in Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and the most rural. Take a look with us at the most scenic small villages on the island, tucked between mountains and along river banks.

5 Sweet Memories From School Lunch

5 Sweet Memories From School Lunch

Kids in public schools in Japan have the privilege of eating a nutritious, well-balanced meal every day at lunch. Just because it's good for you, however, doesn't mean you can't satisfy your sweet tooth!

5 Notable Songs from Japanese TV Commercials

5 Notable Songs from Japanese TV Commercials

If you find yourself humming a song in the middle of a packed train, your TV may be to blame!

5 Places to Hang When You Miss Your Last Train

5 Places to Hang When You Miss Your Last Train

What should happen if you miss your last train home? Here are some places around the country where you can go while waiting for the first train.

Top 6 'Hanami' Spots in Kyushu

Top 6 'Hanami' Spots in Kyushu

Kyushu is where you can see some of the earliest cherry blossoms in full bloom!

6 Must-Try Local Specialties in Tohoku

6 Must-Try Local Specialties in Tohoku

To learn the heart of a region, you gotta eat like a local! Here are six ways to make sure you eat right in Tohoku.

The 6 Greatest Snowscapes in Tohoku

The 6 Greatest Snowscapes in Tohoku

Tohoku is an incredible area to experience the harshness and beauty of nature—particularly in the winter!

The 5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Hokkaido

The 5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Hokkaido

Take a trip to Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido for some stunning nighttime views, breathtaking no matter the season!

The 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Tohoku

The 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Tohoku

Check out Tohoku's most picturesque countryside towns.

5 Rainy Day J-Pop Hits

5 Rainy Day J-Pop Hits

If you ever thought rain's sole purpose was to ruin your day, then you might be missing the essence of life. Rain is the creative genius behind these hit J-pop tracks!

When You Wish Upon a Pun

When You Wish Upon a Pun

There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.

5 Must-Buy Omiyage at Tokyo Haneda Airport

5 Must-Buy Omiyage at Tokyo Haneda Airport

If you can’t decide what to buy for your friends and family, or if you forget to visit gift shops during your travels, Haneda Airport is here to save the day on your way out the door!

5 Must-Buy Omiyage from Osaka

5 Must-Buy Omiyage from Osaka

Visiting Osaka? Then check out these five souvenirs to bring back!

10 Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

10 Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Between March and April, people flock outdoors to enjoy the brief life of Japan's blooming cherry blossoms. But just because the day ends doesn't mean the 'hanami' (flower viewing) has to as well. Take a look at our 10 recommended night viewing spots!

Where to Get Your Lifelong Brolly

Where to Get Your Lifelong Brolly

Instead of wasting ¥500 on plastic umbrellas every time you get caught in a sudden downpour, Cool Magic SHU'S helps you find that one umbrella you can carry around and even cherish for the rest of your life.

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