If there’s a rattier bar in Japan, I’ve yet to find it. But I give the place points for being somewhere that patrons can shuffle to in sweatpants and get a cup of shochu with hot water for 100 yen. So last Saturday, I got up at noon, threw on my best Adidas tracksuit, and … The post A Japanese Birthday Party for the Yakuza Boss appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

No, you shouldn’t. See how easy that was? No endless scrolling or clicking through ten pages of images. So maybe you’re on the fence, wondering “Should I visit Japan?” Well, Ken Seeroi’s here to tell you, Yeah no, don’t, not just yet. So helpful, that guy. But you’re like, “The yen’s super cheap and plus … The post Should You Visit Japan Now? appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

The JLPT, jeezus. My alarm clock went off and I rolled from futon to floor at the ungodly hour of seven a.m. I made a leisurely cup of French Roast, then ran to catch the express train to Higashi Bumfuck University for several hours of torture that constitute the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. When I … The post How to Pass the JLPT appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

Nakamura-san was careful to close the windows before he left for work, in case it rained. And because break-ins are all too common in Japan, he made sure to close and lock the sliding veranda door. On his way out, he patted his pockets, checking for wallet, keys, and phone, then grabbed his briefcase and … The post Why You Shouldn’t Marry a Japanese Man Either appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

This is the Tree Test: Look at the picture above, and if it’s not immediately obvious why you shouldn’t marry a Japanese woman, then you shouldn’t marry a Japanese woman. The moment Erick With-a-K saw it, he announced, “That’s the most Japanese thing ever.” “Close enough,” I said, “you pass.” Don’t worry if this makes … The post Why You Shouldn’t Marry a Japanese Woman appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

The Tanuki gingerly picked up a piece of shrimp sushi with his chopsticks, dipped it ever so lightly into the soy sauce, then promptly dropped the whole thing in his lap. He looked down dejectedly as it rolled onto the floor. I thought briefly of remarking, “Impressive chopstick skills,” since that’s what Japanese people always … The post Thanksgiving in Japan appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

I eventually made my way to the counter and ordered a beer, plus some cabbage with miso from the pickled Japanese geezer behind the clear curtain. His mask was pulled down into a decorative chinstrap. “What?” he yelled into the plastic. “What?” I yelled back. So we stood and yelled “what” a few more times … The post COVID Japan: Venturing Into a Japanese Dive Bar appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

The Tokyo Olympics has been a steady topic of conversation in recent months. Although to hear Japanese folks tell it, they might as well be discussing a collective ice bath. Can’t we just put off this horrible thing a little longer? No? Mmmnn, could we at least make it less awful? Okay, how ’bout if … The post Japan and What the Hell to do With Foreigners appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

Sometimes it feels like I just imagined the whole thing. Thinking back, I remember a time when Japanese men wore dark suits, neckties, and leather shoes. Women wore short skirts and heels. That really happened, right? Or did I just dream it? Because these days, the ties are gone. And on weekends, so are a … The post Climate Change in Japan appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more

Guest post by Akita Ben I can’t believe I’ve been living here for three years already. Time in Japan has flown by unbelievably fast, especially this past year and a half of unending government-imposed restrictions and media-induced fear. It’s all so tiresome, but things are even crazier with the Cult of Corona back home in … The post My Time in Japan appeared first on Japanese Rule of 7 ..read more