Japan Travel in the Know– category –

In a Japanese home, the mother is an absolute dictator, and the law is: "You shall eat curry for three days straight." Discover the hilarious reality of Japanese soul food, the "level 10" bravery of Indian spice elites, and why the best soup curry in Asahikawa is served in a showroom full of designer chairs.

Branding is the difference between an ingredient and a legend. Join me as I explore the "tragedy" of Hokkaido's cod roe, the architectural beauty of Rokkatei in Furano, and my own embarrassing (but delicious) habit of driving across the prefecture for factory-second snacks.

Genghis Khan barbecue is a Hokkaido specialty, though it was once just a boring home-cooked meal for me. Tourists love to eat it near sheep ranches, but here's the reveal: more than 90% of the lamb and mutton consumed here is imported from Australia/New Zealand—it's the ultimate imported emperor. If you visit, you can trust any local restaurant, as they've survived the strict taste of Hokkaido people. Crucially, bring a large plastic bag to protect your coat from the intense grill smell. And if you visit MATSUO's newest Tokyo location, you can enjoy this local delicacy while sitting in our chairs.

In Manhattan, it’s a dinner date. In Asahikawa, it used to be a place where talking was forbidden and hair had to be tied back. Explore the intense, monastic world of Hokkaido Ramen and learn why even a local "survivor" sometimes prefers the quiet comfort of a designer chair to the battlefield of the noodle shop.

【We Hokkaido people reach enlightenment by clearing snow】 Nothing can stay the same. This is very famous Buddhist terminology, meaning "Life is fleeting and empty." Even on weekend, I always wake up very early and leave home before six...

Asahikawa: Hokkaido’s second city and a former strategic military front line. Discover its unique history, its 150 rivers, and why we are turning our furniture factory into a world-class destination. Experience industrial tourism in a city where even businessmen fish like James Bond.

Logging isn't just a job; it's a winter siege. Join me as I compare the freezing reality of the forest to a famous hostage crisis, explain the logistical differences between the police and the military (from my own experience of being crushed by the GSDF), and why the "YouTuber" generation is the greatest threat to our forests.

I sell furniture but don't care about "things"—unless they’re a good investment. Join me as I dive into the strange world of collecting: from the 140% returns of the luxury watch market to the profound, sightless whisky collection of Valentino Zagatti, and finally, the 1,350 masterpieces of the Oda Collection here in Hokkaido.

【Have you been to roadside stations in Japan?】 This is one of the basics to enjoy a road trip in Japan, especially in Hokkaido: Make the best use of roadside stations. This transport infrastructure was born in around 1990. It's like re...

For a child in the 90s, Asahiyama Zoo was a "hell" of boredom. Today, it is a miracle of life. Explore the revolutionary shift from "caged animals" to "flying penguins" and see how this local success story inspired CondeHouse to turn their furniture factory into a spectacle of human craftsmanship.