Prior to 1609, Ryukyu (modern day Okinawa prefecture) was an independent kingdom, but in that year the Shimazu clan of Satsuma (in southern Kyushu) successfully invaded. The Shimazu left the Ryukyuan…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

The Tokyo Jazz Festival is the largest jazz event in Japan. This authentic jazz festival captivates the audience with traditional and sophisticated performances. Moving its event location to Marunouc…

posted by  Yubi | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

During my eight years in Japan, I’ve been to my share of conferences and they’ve covered all sorts of topics. Some are repeated every year – like “Successful Team Teaching” and “Fostering Student Com…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

Jimbocho is the designated "book town" of Japan. Home to several publishing houses and shops selling used books, unusual books and rare collectors find. Journey to the book town starts at t…

posted by  Yubi | 9 years, 3 months ago | 3 comments

Japanese candy subscription sent to you twice a month directly from Japan. It costs $25 and you get two middle size envelopes of candy.

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posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 2 comments

The noble art. The sweet science. Fisticuffs. Boxing is called by many different names. But what it boils down to in the end is two men stepping into a ring and putting it all on the line.

Though bo…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 1 comment

Woodworker ?saka Hiromichi is a man at the pinnacle of his craft, having been officially designated a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government. His pieces are imbued with a beguiling beaut…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

“Ever lose your drink cup during an evening with friends then wonder if the cup you picked up was actually yours?” asks NY-based Japanese designer Akira Yoshimura. That eventually led him to create…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 1 comment

100 yen shops are a type of store that sells a variety of products for 100 yen (100 yen plus 5 percent consumption tax). They sell processed foods, cosmetic accessories, tableware, cookware, commodit…

posted by  Yubi | 9 years, 3 months ago | 2 comments

With bottles of bubbly and a purification ceremony, a Google-backed undersea cable was given a warm welcome on a beach in Japan last week, a critical step in building the highest capacity data link i…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 1 comment