Category Culture

The Tower of the Sun: An Osaka Expo Remant

A stamp from the UAE showcasing the Tower of the Sun and Osaka Expo'70.

Tucked away in Japan’s Suita, Osaka is a creepy looking marvel that’s both whimsical and profound, strange yet evocative. It’s called Taiyo no To (太陽の塔) or the Tower of the Sun. For those who haven’t had the pleasure (and perhaps…

Cosplaying on a Budget in Japan

Girl in pink hair and a maid outfit leaning over a railing.

Have you yearned to add spice to your ordinary life? Just like adding some chill flakes to your usual pasta recipe. Hasn’t such a thought aroused a feeling within yourself to want more? Don’t you want to make your inner…

Nakano Sunplaza: Sunsetting a Cultural Icon

A view of Nakano Sunplaza from the right side at night from an overpass crossing.

If you get a chance to walk around the area in the middle of Tokyo’s Nakano ward, there’s a distinct triangular building that stands out from the buildings around it. It’s a former hotel and concert venue that’s been an…

Koi No Yokan: The Feeling before Love Begins

A couple hugging on the beach during dusk with the moon partially visible in the blue sky.

Hey friends, Hyeon here! 🙋‍♀️ Today’s lovely term is “koi no yokan”. I love that the Japanese and the Germans seem to have a single word for every feeling like Schadenfreude or Hitomebore so I pay attention when a good…