Announcements A Medical Emergency in Hong Kong Changed the Way I Travel
A true story of a family medical emergency in Hong Kong, a nearly 10 million yen hospital bill, travel insurance, and using English in a real-life crisis.
Announcements 
Announcements Nagoya Beyond the Guidebooks A Different Way to Discover Japan
Discover a different side of Nagoya through local food, café culture, Nagoya Castle, Centrair, local expressions and humorous travel stories.
Announcements Why I Stopped Writing Blog Posts for a While
I've been busy writing Kindle books instead of blog posts. Discover my latest book about living in Kuala Lumpur for three months beyond the typical tourist experience.
Japan Japanese Beyond Textbooks 3: Invisible Rules of Everyday Japan
A new guide for Japanese learners, expats, and travelers who want to understand the silent rules of everyday life in Japan beyond grammar and textbooks.
Japan One Simple English Sentence That Made Them Leave
A simple English sentence ended an unwanted conversation in seconds. Discover how real-life English can give you control in everyday situations in Japan.
Japan What “I’ll Think About It” Really Means in Japan
In Japan, “I’ll think about it” often doesn’t mean what you expect. Learn the hidden meaning behind this common phrase and avoid misunderstandings.
Japan Why Foreigners Ask Me Where I’m From — In My Own Country
When I am silent, people see me as 100% Japanese.This happens to me all the time in Japan.I look Japanese.I live in Japa...
Japan Japan Said It Had a Rice Shortage. So Why Did I See Japanese Rice Overseas?
Japan talked about a rice shortage, but I saw Japanese rice overseas. This short essay explores what that contradiction reveals about hidden systems and ordinary people in Japan.
Announcements Limited Time: My Most-Read Japan Essay Is Now $1.99
of the most-read essays in my Payhip store is now available for $1.99 for a limited time.It explores the quiet pressure,...
Japan Why Japanese People Line Up for Everything
Why do Japanese people line up for almost everything? This article explores Japan’s queue culture, social pressure, trends, and the fear of standing alone.