MR.X

I work in trade-related jobs in the suburbs of Tokyo. I share the good points and wonders of Japan, as well as its interesting culture.

Tokyo Tower: An Experience of Climbing on Foot

Hello, in this article, I will provide information about Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is cherished as a symbol of Tokyo. While many people take the elevator to the observation deck, you can actually climb it on foot. You can walk up to the main deck located at a height of 150m in Tokyo Tower, which consists of 600 steps. Benefits of Climbing on FootBy walking, you can thoroughly enjoy the internal structure of Tokyo Tower and the cityscape. It's also recommended as a way to combat a lack of exercise and as a personal challenge. By the way, when descending, ...

Japanese Instant YAKISOBA

 

Instant YAKISOBA is one of Japan's popular fast foods. It's easy to prepare and offers a delicious meal in no time. Below, we introduce some basic information about Instant YAKISOBA. Traditional YAKISOBA with flied egg Instant YAKISOBA What is Instant YAKISOBA?Instant YAKISOBA consists of pre-cooked noodles that have been dried and packaged in a plastic container, accompanied by seasonings and sauce. While traditional YAKISOBA refers to noodles that are stir-fried with sauce, Instant YAKISOBA is prepared by cooking the noodles in hot water and then mixing them with sauce and ingredients. How to PrepareThe preparation method is straightforward. Pour hot ...

Japanese Pen Spinning Performance

Hello! Today, I'd like to introduce you to a unique aspect of Japanese culture, "pen spinning." As the name suggests, pen spinning refers to the technique and art of twirling a pen using one's fingers. It's especially popular among students and was often seen during school break times. Origins of Pen Spinning The exact origins of pen spinning—when and where it began—are unclear. However, in Japan, there seems to have been a form known as "pencil spinning" even before World War II. Later, with the introduction of mechanical pencils, which were easier to spin than regular pencils, it seems there ...

The Allure of Japanese Model Railways

Japan is renowned as a railway powerhouse. Many people use trains and bullet trains daily for commuting. This railway culture has further evolved in the form of "model railways." Japanese model railways are embraced by numerous enthusiasts due to their detailed accuracy and high quality. History and Development The history of Japanese model railways dates back to the 1930s. Initially, many were handcrafted, but with the onset of the 1950s, industrialization progressed, and many manufacturers entered the market. Particularly from the 1970s to the 1980s, with technological advancements and growing popularity of railways, it can be said that there was ...

Japan's TAKEUMA: Origins and Its Benefits

Hello! In this article, we will delve deeper into the traditional Japanese game called "TAKEUMA." The Origins of TAKEUMA TAKEUMA is a toy made of bamboo or wood that children can ride and walk on. It has a long history, believed to have been used in Japan around the 10th century AD. From that time, there are records and illustrations showing children enjoying this game. Nowadays, instead of bamboo or wood, stilt toys made of aluminum, plastic, and rubber are sold. The Benefits of TAKEUMA TAKEUMA offers the following remarkable benefits: Mastering Balance: Riding on TAKEUMA helps cultivate the ability ...

Japan's Commuting Rush: Train Crowds and Surprising History

Hello! Today, I'd like to share with foreigners about Japan's "commuting rush" and some surprising stories related to it. What is the Commuting Rush? The "commuting rush" refers to the time periods, mainly in the morning and evening, when a large number of people head to work or school. Especially in urban areas, transportation gets extremely crowded during these times due to the high volume of people moving. Train Crowding Trains in urban areas of Japan get incredibly packed during the commuting rush. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, passengers can hardly move inside the train cars. Many foreign ...

"Pocket Tissue" Advertising in Japanese Streets

One of the surprises for foreigners visiting Japan is receiving free "pocket tissues" on the streets. This is known as a unique advertising method in Japan. What are "Pocket Tissues"? They refer to tissue papers packed in small pouches. Various advertisements are printed on the outside of these pouches. Why are they distributed? Companies and stores print their advertisements on the pocket tissue pouches and distribute them for free to the public as a promotional activity. Every time people use the tissue, they see the advertisement, making it an effective marketing strategy. Things to note when receiving While many locals ...

Japanese Elections and Station Greetings

In Japan, during election season, many candidates greet people in front of train stations. This has been a long-standing traditional activity as part of Japan's electoral culture. For those from abroad, it might be puzzling as to why candidates greet people at stations every day. This article briefly explains the background. 1. Direct Communication with Many People In urban areas of Japan, many people commute to work or school using trains or buses. Therefore, stations are places where many people gather daily. By greeting at the station, candidates can communicate directly with a large number of voters in a short ...

Japanese Culture: The Origins and Significance of Seiza

Japan has a unique sitting style that has been passed down from ancient times, known as "Seiza." Seiza is a traditional Japanese sitting posture, frequently used in ceremonies and formal settings. How to Seiza: Begin by kneeling on the floor or tatami mat. Turn the soles of both feet upwards and rest your buttocks on your heels. Straighten your back and place your palms on your thighs. The Meaning of Seiza: Seiza is a way of sitting that symbolizes politeness and respect and has been deeply embedded in Japanese culture for centuries. In traditional Japanese homes and tea rooms, it's ...

Guide to Sapporo: A Major City in Japan

Hello! For those visiting Japan from abroad, let me introduce you to Sapporo, a major city in Hokkaido. Sapporo is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Japan, filled with numerous attractions. Here are some highlights of what Sapporo has to offer: Location Sapporo is situated in Hokkaido, Japan. This city in the northern part of Japan is known for its scenic beauty that changes with each season and various events that one can enjoy throughout the year. Nearest International Airport New Chitose Airport is about an hour's drive from Sapporo. This airport operates numerous international flights, making ...