Japan Travel in the Know– category –

From Heraclitus to Dead Poets Society, nature teaches us to "seize the day." But as we look at Hokkaido's shifting red carpets of Coral Grass, we realize that while the universe is in flux, our desire for the workday to end is eternal. Explore the philosophy and beauty of Japan's northern wilderness.

What's the secret to successful fishing? I confess that my human ego prefers bait over the grace of fly fishing. This leads to the salmon homecoming—a majestic life-and-death spectacle in Hokkaido's rivers. I explore the profound ecology of the salmon, arguing that our wooden furniture is made from the ocean's nutrients. I conclude with the amusing human paradox: why you should savor the freshest Ikura (salmon roe) after witnessing the species' great sacrifice.

A tech CEO wants to put chips in our brains, but I think we’re already living in a digital dystopia. Join me as I explore the eerie silence of Tokyo subways, the unfiltered wisdom of my Pokémon-loving sister, and how a "goldfish story" can break the barriers between us. Let’s remember how to connect before we forget for good.

Why was I, a former "movie snob," moved by the Science Behind PIXAR? Because CG animation perfectly fuses art and science. For example, PIXAR engineers added "shock absorbers" to virtual springs to naturally animate Merida's curly hair in Brave. Following this logic, we commissioned world-famous architect Sou Fujimoto to design a virtual Hokkaido Rock House (he said yes, probably because he's my high school senior). His design occupies the perfect, non-reproducible space between pure imagination and cold reality—the future of harmonious living.

A train track is more than just infrastructure; it’s a concrete promise. Join me as I explore the unique psychology of Japan’s rail enthusiasts, the "ghost stations" of the Hokkaido wilderness, and why you should experience the world’s most punctual rail system before the silent beauty of the ruins takes over.

I used to work in the "living hell" of the Ministry of Finance, where one mistake could end a career. Join me as I contrast the cutthroat world of Tokyo's elite bureaucrats with the miracle of Higashikawa—a tiny Hokkaido town that banned the word "no"—and why architect Kengo Kuma chose this rebellious community for his new satellite office.

Why is Soba, a grain historically associated with poverty, considered Japan's most elegant noodle—the ultimate first date material? I explore the Paradox of Elegance and the Pavlovian ritual of Shin-Soba (New Soba) season. I conclude with local pride, recommending OKADA, an exquisite Soba restaurant in our buckwheat heartland of Asahikawa—a Tangible Cultural Property where the historic garden view will enhance your appreciation of the elegant grain.

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.