A “No Sleeping” sign slapped up in subway corridors often does more than just keep order—it hints at a deeper problem. In cities where such notices appear, it’s usually because public spaces are being used as the only option for a bed. Instead of addressing the root causes like poor housing and economic hardship, authorities…
Ah, the Seiko Clock Tower in Ginza—a monument that’s been keeping Tokyo punctual since 1894. Perched at the Ginza 4-chome intersection, this clock tower has witnessed the evolution of the city, from horse-drawn carriages to bustling modernity. The original clock tower was the brainchild of Kintarō Hattori, Seiko’s founder, who believed that a public clock…
Japan isn’t all futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Step outside the glitzy city centres, and you’ll find plenty of ageing, low-cost apartment blocks dotting the suburbs. These buildings, often constructed in the economic boom years, have seen better days, with faded exteriors, cramped layouts, and minimal insulation. They cater to students, low-income workers, and older…
Tonkatsu: Japan’s way of proving that deep-frying is an art form. It’s a crispy, golden-brown pork cutlet, breaded with panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and deep-fried to perfection. Usually, it’s made from pork loin (rosu katsu) for that juicy fat content or pork fillet (hire katsu) for a leaner bite. Either way, it’s crunchy on the outside,…
Highway service areas in Japan have seen significant upgrades, and food quality has improved as a result. Unlike the basic rest stops of the past, many have transformed into full-fledged dining destinations offering a variety of high-quality meals. Japanese service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA) now feature regional specialities, freshly prepared meals, and even…
Shogi is Japan’s version of chess, but with a brutal twist—captured pieces switch sides and can be redeployed against their former owner. It’s a game of relentless warfare, where no piece is ever truly out of play. The board is a 9×9 grid, slightly larger than a chessboard, and the pieces are pentagonal wedges with…
A sushi master (or itamae, meaning “in front of the board” in Japanese) is a highly skilled chef specialising in the art of sushi-making. Becoming an itamae isn’t just about knowing how to slice fish and roll rice—it’s a gruelling, years-long apprenticeship that demands precision, patience, and an almost religious devotion to technique. Rice is the foundation of…
After using the JPEGs straight from the Leica M11, I started noticing how film-like the high ISO files looked. Unlike many digital cameras that aggressively smooth out noise, the M11 retains a fine, organic grain structure, giving images a textured quality reminiscent of classic film stocks. The noise doesn’t feel artificial or obtrusive; instead, it…
Inokashira Pond is the centrepiece of Inokashira Park, located in Kichijoji, Tokyo. It’s a picturesque spot, especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The pond is part of the Kanda River water system and has been around for centuries—it even supplied drinking water to Edo (old Tokyo) during the early Edo period. A fun (or mildly ominous) fact: the…
The ride to Kamba La Pass is as thrilling as it is breathtaking—literally. As the vehicle winds its way up the steep, twisting road, the air grows noticeably thinner, and the effects of high altitude begin to set in. At 4,794 metres (15,728 feet) above sea level, altitude sickness is a real concern, especially for…
