• Iwashi Sushi

    Eating slightly flame-grilled iwashi (sardine) sushi is a punch of flavor and warmth that hits fast and lingers. The oily richness of the sardine turns buttery when kissed by fire. That quick sear brings out its natural umami, softens the sharpness, and adds a touch of smokiness. You bite in, and the warmth contrasts the cool rice…

  • NTT Green Phones

    NTT green public phones remain a common sight in Japan due to a unique blend of cultural habits, practical needs, and disaster preparedness. Though they might seem outdated in an age dominated by smartphones and wireless communication, these payphones serve an essential role, particularly in emergencies. Japan is a country prone to natural disasters such…

  • SanHe Ancient Town

    Sanhe Ancient Town (三河古镇), located about 30 kilometers south of Hefei in Anhui Province, is a living relic of Chinese history and culture. Named for the three rivers that meet at its center—丰乐河 (Fengle River), 杭埠河 (Hangbu River), and 小南河 (Xiaonan River)—Sanhe has been shaped by water for over two millennia. The rivers not only gave it…

  • DoomScrolling

    Every day on Japan’s trains, a quiet but familiar ritual plays out. As soon as commuters settle into their spots, they reach for their phones. It’s automatic, almost unconscious—like an addict lighting up. They’re not just checking messages. They’re diving into a stream of nonstop stimulation: breaking news, games, gossip, outrage, sexy influencers, shopping deals,…

  • Gyoza and Ramen

    In Japan, one of the most satisfying and popular meal combos is ramen paired with gyoza. Found in countless ramen shops across the country, this classic duo offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The steaming hot bowl of ramen, rich with umami-packed broth, chewy noodles, and toppings like chashu pork and green onions,…

  • Railways

    Railways are an essential part of daily life in Japan. More than just a means of transportation, trains shape how people move, work, and live across the country. With one of the most advanced railway networks in the world, Japan relies on its trains to keep society running smoothly and efficiently. One of the key…

  • Japanese Drift Car

    Spotted in a quiet Japanese neighborhood, this white Mazda MX-5 Miata stands out not just for its clean lines and compact stance, but for its clear nod to car culture. Sporting bolt-on overfenders, deep-dish wheels, and a quirky decal on the door featuring the Japanese “wakaba” mark (a symbol for beginner drivers). The katakana text…

  • Summilux BBQ

    Shot with a Leica M11 and the renowned 50mm Summilux lens, this BBQ scene feels almost tactile. The lens’s signature shallow depth of field isolates the sizzling meats and vegetables with precision, while the background dissolves into a soft, creamy blur. That classic Summilux bokeh lends a dreamy, almost cinematic quality to an otherwise simple…

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    Curved Railway Station

    Curved railway stations are relatively rare around the world because they come with a set of challenges. Building a platform on a curve makes it harder to align train doors with the platform edge, increases the gap between the train and platform, and can complicate accessibility and safety. For these reasons, most rail systems avoid…