Category Archives: History/Culture

Hakata Ippudo: The Power of Fukuoka’s Ramen

Posted on March 14, 2012 by

Most people living in Japan know that Hakata ramen (ramen from Fukuoka) is the most famous variety in the country. Oily, thick tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, fresh noodles, mounds of meat and ingredients on top–it’s not your typical Cup O’ Noodles. … Continue reading →

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Oyafukodori: The Street of Wayward Children

Posted on January 30, 2012 by

Oyafukodori (親不孝通り) has changed dramatically over time, and it is a place almost every local has an opinion on. Most people you ask will tell you something along the lines of “Oyafuko is dangerous–don’t go there.” But the dangers of … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots

Posted on January 13, 2012 by

Click here for the most recent 2013 character mascot rankings!! In Japan, yuru-kyara (character mascots for PR purposes) are designed for just about anything you can think of–cities, prefectures, companies, brands, projects, events, sports teams, products and more. This list is a … Continue reading →

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Introduction to Japanese Sake (Nihonshu) and Sake Shops in Fukuoka

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, most people associate Kyushu with shochu, a type of liquor widely produced in the region (especially in southern Kyushu). However, in Fukuoka Prefecture (and neighboring Saga Prefecture), nihonshu has considerable popularity. Nihonshu (lit. “sake of … Continue reading →

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Fukuoka Subway System Symbols: Nanakuma Line

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

The Fukuoka City Subway system is unique in that each station has its own symbol, a depiction showing something characteristic about the district or area that station is in. Continuing on from previous posts covering the symbols of the Kuko … Continue reading →

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Fukuoka Subway System Symbols: Hakozaki Line

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

The Fukuoka City Subway system is unique in that each station has its own symbol, a depiction showing something characteristic about the district or area that station is in. Continuing on from a previous post covering the symbols of the … Continue reading →

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Gunkanjima: Nagasaki’s “Battleship Island” Ghost Town

Posted on July 4, 2011 by

Ghost towns are powerful spectacles. Because built environments are strong symbols human life, it is disconcerting to see a town completely abandoned, thrown away as if it were nothing–a fully built urban environment completely devoid of the residents it once … Continue reading →

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