Ever found yourself wandering through endless mazes of beauty aisles in Japan, wide-eyed at the plethora of Japanese makeup and skincare products…only to realize your wallet might not share your enthusiasm? Fear not, because I’ve stumbled upon a treasure trove that won’t have your bank account giving you the silent treatment. Enter Pixi Beauty, the expat’s alternative to Japanese beauty products.  What’s more, Pixi Beauty is cruelty-free, vegan, and as accessible as kombini snacks thanks to iHerb! Pixi Beauty, The Expat’s Alternative to Japanese Beauty Products This post contains affiliat ..read more

As March winds down, not only do I find myself reflecting on another year around the sun, but 2024 also marks the 5th anniversary of The Wagamama Diaries. It’s a momentous occasion that feels both deeply personal and wonderfully communal. Celebrating my birthday in March and then launching the very first Wagamama Whisper on April 1st feels serendipitous, like the universe’s way of saying, “Yes, this is your moment. 2024 is your year to accomplish great things.” Over these five years, The Wagamama Diaries has grown from a humble online journal into a chronicle of all things beauty, lifesty ..read more

Last Updated on 2024-04-01 by Teni Wada  If your little one is starting first grade this month, congratulations! “From Kindergarten To Kanji: Your Guide To First Grade in Japan” unravels the mysteries of what awaits you and your child. From school supplies checklist to daily grind and yearly event calendar, PTA memberships and after school daycare options, I’ve got you covered! So, grab a cup of coffee (or matcha latte), get comfy, and let’s prepare for a successful journey into Japanese elementary school life. From Kindergarten To Kanji: Your Guide To First Grade in Japan  Thi ..read more

Today, I’m thrilled to unveil something that’s been brewing in my heart for quite some time—a brand new segment on The Wagamama Diaries: Wagamama Whispers. Introducing Wagamama Whispers Wagamama Whispers is all about diving deep into the stories that make us who we are. It’s about connecting on a more personal level, sharing tales of triumph, of beauty, of the nuanced lives we lead here in the bustling, ever-changing landscape of Tokyo. As a mom, a beauty enthusiast, and an expat with roots deeply entwined in Japan’s rich culture, I believe there’s an untapped treasure trove of stories out th ..read more

Welcome to the technicolor world of Japanese tinted sunscreens, where superior sun protection meets a spectrum of skin-perfecting hues! The Japanese approach to skincare isn’t just about keeping skin healthy; it’s about enhancing natural beauty with precision and care. Japanese tinted sunscreens are at the forefront of this philosophy, offering a blend of high-tech UV defense and skin tone correction that feels more like a beauty secret than a daily necessity.  Use this guide to the world of Japanese tinted sunscreens to transform your skincare game, one shade at a time. Japanese Tinted S ..read more

It doesn’t feel like it, but yes, spring is here! Time for one of Japan’s most beloved festivals, Hina Matsuri, a childhood celebration for girls across Japan. To recap, Hina Matsuri (ひな祭り) is one of the 5 sekku (節句), or seasonal events once celebrated during Japan’s imperial era. I’ve touched on Momo no Sekku in my Hatsu Sekku (初節句)  post. It’s held annually on March 3rd and coincides with the spring bloom of peach (桃 | momo) blossoms. As a result, Hina Matsuri is also known as Momo no Sekku (桃の節句. It’s also known as Girls’ Day. Hina Matsuri, A Childhood Celebration For Girls ..read more

The sweet fragrance of plum trees signals that spring is in the air. It’s time to bid farewell to winter skincare woes and welcome the bloom with open arms. Let’s add a touch of sunshine to your transition routine! It’s time to revitalize and bloom – your winter to spring skincare J-beauty guide to crafting a new skincare routine with 5 easy tips and product swaps.  PS: Read in conjunction with my comprehensive guide to the Japanese approach to anti-aging skincare to give your skin an extra dose of TLC. Revitalize & Bloom – Your Winter to Spring J-Beauty Guide Meet the stars of y ..read more

As cherry blossoms bloom, so does your skincare routine! Discover the best sweet sakura skincare and beauty products from Japan. In this post, I’ll unveil the latest and greatest Japanese products infused with the magic of sakura. From petal-infused serums to blossom-tinted lipsticks, get ready to elevate your beauty game with a touch of Japan’s floral elegance. This list includes skincare products, makeup, bath, body, and hair care items. Stock up so you don’t miss out as many of these items are available for a limited time only! The Best Sakura Beauty and Skincare Products From Japan This p ..read more

Konnichiwa, lipstick lovers! February calls for a burst of color, and what better way to embrace the month of love than experimenting with the best Japanese lipsticks worth trying? From vibrant reds inspired by deep crimson leaves  to playful pinks reminiscent of sakura blooms, I’ve curated a list that celebrates both style and quality.  Read on to discover the best Japanese lipsticks worth trying, all known for their innovative formulas, stunning shades, and, of course, the undeniable touch of Tokyo chic!  Best Japanese Lipsticks Worth Trying This post contains affiliate links ..read more

Moving into your first apartment in Japan can be an exciting time OR an overwhelming event if you’re not adequately prepared! If you are moving into a new apartment, there are many things you will need that you actually might typically think of until you move in. In my case, I moved out of my marital home under “extreme circumstances,” so I only had bare minimum and ended up buying nearly everything. After reflecting on my ordeal, I decided to create a checklist of practical products for your first apartment in Japan. So, whether you’re starting over like me or are a first-timer in Japan, I ho ..read more