Minamiise: Three Years in the Japanese Countryside

Originally posted on The Foreign Element:
At first I struggled with loneliness and depression, but slowly, inexorably, I began to carve out a life for myself and find my niche in my adopted home. Looking back, I feel very fortunate for the opportunity I was given, and for all the amazing people I met. It…

Spring in the Japanese countryside

Originally posted on inaka biking:
Spring comes in a flurry of flowers to the Japanese countryside in the tiny town of Kubota in Mie Prefecture. ?

なばなの里 Winter Illuminations

Originally posted on Vipin Shankar's Blog:
Come winter, the gardens of Nabana-no-Sato  at Kuwana are adorned with a million tiny coloured lights, twinkling all the way, atune to the background score. One of the largest winter illumination displays of the world, with over 8 million LEDs all lit up, this place attracts a huge…

Historic Car Meeting Ise-Shima

Every year there is a group of vintage car owners and enthusiasts who tour Mie Prefecture, and it just so happens that one of their stops, albeit a brief one at only thirty minutes, is literally in front of my apartment. My family is full of vintage car admirers, and while I may not know … Continue reading →

It’s back!

Residents of Tsu and Mie rejoice for our favourite Chinese restaurant has returned, reopening in Tsushinmachi earlier this month.  For months now we’ve been waiting impatiently for the much loved Hyouka Gyouza to again dish up its delectable fare and now that it’s back, it more than lives up to its former reputation. Back are … Continue reading →

Hiro’s my hero

I figured it was time I told the rest of you about the quaint and very European bakery in my neighbourhood.  Hiro’s has been around for about three years but since I rarely go past it, my visits have been far too infrequent.  And that’s regrettable. Compared to other Japanese bakeries, Hiro’s definitely has a … Continue reading →

Just dance!

Originally posted on inaka biking:
Photos from the dance competition at this year’s town festival in Tsu, my adoptive home town here in Japan.