Continuation of Part 16. Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido)Just an hour’s drive from Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen has been a beloved retreat for over 150 years. Nestled in a volcanic belt, its mineral-rich waters flow from deep underground, offering a soothing soak surrounded by breathtaking seasonal scenery. Whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, or snowy winter landscapes, Jozankei provides the perfect escape into nature. (Photo Credit taken from Jozankei ...

Lately, I’ve been thinking about my most unforgettable onsen experiences in Japan. Is there a place that still lingers in my mind? While I’ll always hold my very first onsen visit close to my heart, one that truly stands out is a breathtaking spot in Atami, where I went with my in-laws. The onsen was right by the sea, and at night, the water reflected the moonlight in the most magical way—it was one of those totonoeru moments, as the Japanese say. The combination of the steamy hot spring, the...

Who wouldn’t want to sound fluent in a second or third language? Like many learners, I picked up a lot of slang from dramas, but I also learned plenty from my Japanese friends (tomodachi). Of course, I sometimes use it in the wrong context—haha! Being married into a Japanese family has also helped since I get to hear a lot of their casual speech (tameguchi). However, one funny thing is that I sometimes end up sounding boyish with the slang I use. When I get it wrong, people around me laugh, m...

In Japan’s Edo period, rice wasn’t just food—it was currency. Social status and wealth were measured in koku, a unit based on how much rice you could produce or possess. Samurai were paid in rice. A daimyo with one million koku was considered incredibly powerful. This historical relationship between rice and value sparked a bold idea in the minds of Yabe-san and Nagahashi san: What if rice could become currency again—this time, powered by blockchain? Their answer: Kokudaka Project, a local ec...

"Management is ultimately a battle against efficiency"Den Fujita (藤田 田) was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1926. His name, "Den," was unique—chosen by his Christian mother in the hope that the kanji 田, resembling a mouth (口) and a cross (十), would bless him with eloquence. This kanji actually also means 'rice paddy'. His father, an electrical engineer for a British firm, was an outspoken critic of the war, closely monitored by military police. Photo CreditTragedy struck during World War II when ...

When I think of America—the first things that come to mind are Coca-Cola, towering skyscrapers, New York City, and, of course, hamburgers. More specifically, McDonald's. As a kid, I used to watch Adam Sandler movies and other American comedies where the characters devoured burgers with such delight that I couldn't help but crave one myself. I don’t remember exactly when I had my first McDonald’s burger, but I believe it was during a trip abroad in my teenage years. At the time, just tasting a...

I've never attended a World Expo before, and Osaka Expo 2025 looks like it’s going to be an incredible event. I recently learned that the sushi conveyor belt (kaitenzushi) made its debut at the 1970 Osaka Expo, which I previously wrote about in an article called The Kaitenzushi Revolution. This has made me especially curious about the food innovations and discoveries we’ll see this time around. Several articles in both Japanese and English have already highlighted what visitors can expect fro...

As some of you may know, I’m married to a Japanese man, while I come from Albania. Our cultures are so far away geographically and culturally, yet I would choose him in every lifetime ❤. Why'm saying this is because today I will discuss about the etymology of the word 'wife' in Japanese. I have heard many convos how people refer to me when they ask my husband, or how his family refers to me as his wife and so on. I'm indeed a wife now with many names haha 😃. Back when I worked for a chocolat...

Tastes like strawberries on a summer evening— today's newsletter is all about STRAWBERRIES. While the song has a completely different meaning from strawberries as a fruit, for me, strawberries are synonymous with warm spring and summer days spent on picnics with friends and family. Old movies comes to my mind and vintage dresses with white stripes and strawberry prints, and that simple, sweet joy of indulging in something delicious. Who has ever tried strawberry tiramisu and not fallen in lov...

I’ve been living in Japan for seven years now, and one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how active the elderly population is. Everywhere I go, I see more and more seniors—not just existing, but thriving. At my other job, my boss is 75 years old, yet he’s sharper than me, has incredible stamina, and frequently travels abroad for business. His 76-year-old friend still practices karate every day. Meanwhile, I struggle to hit the gym three times a week—imagine that 😃 ! Mornings in Japan of...

Writing from the sunny streets of San Francisco, I recently got the chance to explore an exciting innovation which is making waves in the tech capital of the world: Autonomous Vehicles or ghost driving as I like to refer 🙂 . San Francisco, often referred to as the heart of Silicon Valley, is a city of contrasts—home to groundbreaking innovations and yet challenged by deep social issues. It’s a place where self-driving cars like Waymo share the roads with a cityscape and areas full of homeles...

Happy 2025! I hope this year brings you the strength to grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself. Don’t forget to cherish the small things that bring you joy—whether it’s a hobby or that quiet voice of curiosity inside you. This newsletter is fueled by that very curiosity. For years, I felt it slip away, but living in Japan helped me rediscover and reignite it in ways I never imagined. If you're new here—welcome! I'm Ina. I originally came to Japan to study the language but ended ...