japan– tag –

Have you watched the Hollywood movie titled "Arrival" (2016)? Simply put, it's a science fiction depicting the contact with aliens. I know it may sound same old, but it's completely different. The movie depicts the close encounters from the view point of linguistics. What is most interesting to me is the design of the letters the aliens use. It is 3D! The scriptwriter must be a genius.

Genghis Khan is a barbecue of mutton, lamb, and vegetables. It's one of Hokkaido specialties. Mutton and lamb are not so generally eaten in Japan. There are many Japanese people who don't like the smell. It's very difficult to find a Genghis Khan restaurant outside Hokkaido.

Japanese giant hornets sit at the top of the insect food chain and are feared even by humans as giant killer hornets. In fact, about 20 people are stung and killed every year in Japan. Are they just a useless nuisance? I personally don't like giant hornets, but I'm trying to re-evaluate their role from the viewpoint of the environment.

The most popular Japanese noodle dish is definitely Ramen. Nobody would argue against it. These days, Japanese Ramen restaurants open even in Manhattan. For your information, one of such restaurants gaining momentum overseas, "Ramen Santouka" originates in Asahikawa (our hometown), though their NY shop is located a little outside of Manhattan.

Why do the colorful feathers of male peacocks attract female peacocks? Some people may accept the simple explanation: "Because they are beautiful," but I never did. In all through my school days from primary to university, I was an enthu...

【Tragic inflation will attack Japanese school kids】 Are bananas categorized as snacks for a trip? I ensure this phrase never fails to make Japanese people laugh. Give it a try if you have any Japanese friends. Japanese elementary schoo...

【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...

Do you know what we used as a point of reference to find stag beetles gather? It's acorns. Yes, it's oak trees where stag beetles are gathered. In Hokkaido, there are many oak trees, and they grow not only stag beetles but also the industry of whisky and furniture.

Godzilla is a super movie content known to everyone in Japan and many people even outside Japan. Many people, not only film critics but also marketing professionals and even university professors have published study on it. The explanation about Godzilla that sounds most feasible to me is "Godzilla is the metaphor of nature."

【Snowy mountains are really harsh】 Last week a logging company invited us to a mountain tour to see how trees are logged. While we were going up the mountain plowing through snow, a staff member talked a lot about the troubles they hav...