There be pirates on the Dotonbori!
Osaka’s Dotonbori river is where much of the action is, day or night. Have a wander around at almost any time, and you will inevitably pass food stalls and restaurants, souvenir shops, and hordes of other tourists. The area is also the home of comedy, with several theatres and clubs including one run by Yoshimoto […]
When yukata, you just gotta
The yukata is the cooler summer version of the kimono. It’s an important difference, but it does not make a yukata any simpler to put on. With Japan’s summer festival season kicking off, I figured it’d be a great time to wear a yukata. In public. No, I’m not sure what I was thinking. I […]
Brexit, by an expat
I think, now that I’m far enough away, it’s finally safe to talk about the EU referendum. I’ll put my weekend city break hat in the ring: I don’t think we should leave the EU. Yes, this woman currently living on the other side of the world wants us to Remain. The Japanese for ‘hypocrite’ […]
Let’s hear it for the Osaka boys
This week, I went to a comedy show in Osaka! Had to review it for you, of course. Let it not be said my adventures never involve anything relevant. Raugh Out Roud (ROR) is the show with the mildly racist name, which has both English and Japanese comedy nights. The Eigo version is the one […]
The magic of USJ
Universal Studios Japan. A place where magic really does happen, especially in the ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ zone: As if I could’ve visited and not done the ‘Potter’ bit, come on. For me, the magical effects of USJ miraculously turned my camera into a potato. You may be familiar with the ‘potato quality’ […]
A load of (octopus) balls
When you’re in the mood for fast food, Japan never disappoints. The homesick can easily find a McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King or Subway for that artificial taste of wherever it is you come from. Your other option is a Japanese take on fast food. A quick bowl of noodles. Convenience store food packaged to within […]
