Our journey takes us next to Souji-ji, a temple on the north east side of Osaka-fu and the 22nd temple…

Dear Ava, Right from the get-go I’ve been wary of “omiyage”. I hate shopping for birthday presents, and now I…

Japan has a rich culture of stage performance, from kabuki, bunraku and rakugo, to the more modern Takarazaka revue. Now,…

Seeing in the New Year from a mountain top  ‘Leisurely’. Yes, I distinctly remembered that particular adjective being mentioned. ‘Easy’,…

I’m going to prepare you for Valentine’s Day this year. In Japan the whole day revolves around chocolate. This recipe…

Last February I ventured north to Hokkaido for the famed Yuki Matsuri. Admittedly the sculptures were very impressive, the snow…

Where are they now?   In the January issue we featured three inspiring Hyogo alumni who are finding their feet…

I’ve never watched cooking shows with any degree of commitment, but I often use Food Network’s website for recipes; since…

During winter vacation, I traded Hyogo’s rice paddies and fallen leaves for the pineapple fields and mangrove forests of Okinawa!…