Inside Outsider in Japan

04/04/2026

Back in Osaka!

03/04/2026

During the Meiji era, Osaka was known as “the city of water” due to its many canals and rivers. (I’ve heard the title was also a metaphor for the smooth flow of commerce.) These waterways allowed for easy movement of people and goods, contributing to the city’s development into the economic powerhouse of the nation. That reputation faded in the early 20th century though, as the city re-oriented itself for automobile traffic and rivers became polluted and often hidden under pavement. But then, around the time I moved to Japan in the early 2000s, a movement started to restore the city’s original rivers and canals. Since then, these waterways have become increasingly accessible, and both locals and tourists have been rediscovering Osaka as a “water city”.

22/02/2026

Here are four examples of Japanese Edo-era architecture. Can you spot the major construction difference between the buildings in the top two photos and those on the bottom? Check the alignment of the front entrances in relation to the roof peaks. Most Japanese homes and shops have historically been constructed with a street-facing main entrance that is parallel to the roof peak line. This is known as “hei-iri”平入り or “normal entrance” style. (Bottom photos.) In contrast, the Ise convention was to have the main entrance perpendicular to the roof line. This is known as “tsuma-iri” 妻入り, literally “wife entrance” style. The connotation here seems to be that Edo-era housewives tended to use a side entrance to their home connecting to the kitchen area. But as for the reason for the variation, it seems like Ise just did things a bit differently. Why? Well, because…it was Ise. (I guess the rules are a bit different when a Goddess lives in your backyard!) ⛩️

18/01/2026

The Nagoya beer adventure begins!

As promised, 8 Great Places to Drink Beer in Nagoya is on the way! I've decided to release several, one-stop videos while I put the finishing touches on that...

10/11/2025

“Okage-inu” is a symbol of Okage-Yokocho, the pilgrim’s hospitality district near Ise Jingu Shrine, in Mie, Japan. This comes from an Edo-era story about a faithful dog that made the pilgrimage to Ise in place of its sick owner. Today, we can often see visitors here accompanied by their pet dogs, but THIS is the most authentic-looking okageinu dog I’ve seen so far!

02/11/2025

Located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, Suzuka Circuit is one of the most famous race tracks in the world. Best known for the Formula One, it also hosts races such as “Super Formula” and the MFJ Grand Prix Superbikes — today’s race. People visit here from all over the world, but in spite of living in Mie prefecture for over 20 years, today was my first time coming here to watch a race. I confess that I've never been particularly interested in racing...but I have to say, today was an exciting experience. I think I'll have to come back again when F1 is on!

18/10/2025

Why so many Buddhist Temples in secular Japan? (A short “silent walking” video.)

I stopped by a small neighborhood Buddhist temple on the way to work the other day. As I walked though the grounds appreciating the beautiful architecture an...