When most people think of Japan, they most likely don’t think of Christmas. But Japan loves events, and Christmas has been added to the roster of things to enjoy throughout the year. (Though, it has become something for couples instead of families since New Years is a family gathering.) This Read more…
Photo: Lost in Translation, © Focus Features Notes from the Obstacle Course Dr. Michael Peckitt A few years ago, as I was teaching students, who were mainly from European countries about Japanese culture and philosophy and, I came across two unsettling realisations, that I was old, and did not really Read more…
Known as a center for youth fashion and culture, Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area that is full of lights, shopping, and crowds. As Shibuya is a large area, accessibility can of course vary with location. Many shops are accessible, but some are not. However, despite the crowds, Read more…
Notes from the Obstacle Course Dr. Michael Peckitt Since the 1990s, JR East, the division of Japan Railway Co that serves Tokyo and the Kanto region has had ‘priority seats’ seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant, disabled and children. Use of mobile phones is forbidden in this area, at least Read more…
Akihabara, or Akiba, has gained worldwide recognition as the heart of Japan’s high-tech and otaku (ie nerd/geek) culture. Almost everyone who comes to Japan wants to visit it to shop, find anime/manga, go to a maid cafe, or see AKB 48. However exciting it is, it is not terribly wheelchair Read more…
Sandwiched between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuku is a great place to see youth culture up close. Named after the area around Harakuju Station, and brought to many people’s attention by Gwen Stafani’s Harajuku Girls backup dancers, Harajuku not only offers the latest in youth fashion, but is also close to Read more…