Mat is a British expat who loves living in Japan. He has been interested in comparing British and Japanese culture for many years. Mat will write about many unique aspects of Japan during his experience here, from sword making and martial arts to visiting hidden sake breweries and mesmerizing festivals. He wants to share the traditional and modern, and the rustic and fashionable with readers from throughout the world.
Japan has a diverse art scene that spans far beyond stereotypes. There is a market for everything. Those opportunities exist in busy metropolitan cities but also in smaller cities and less-well-known prefectures. I recently interviewed an American artist who is originally from Minnesota. She lives in Gifu City and has been commissioned, sold, and continues exhibiting far and wide.
American entrepreneur, Bill Fugate has succeeded in starting, growing, and expanding his own business in Aichi and Gifu Prefecture. Now, he wants to improve language schools across Japan.
Concord College in England has launched an essay competition that offers a great opportunity for Japanese students. The winning student will win a free place on its August summer course.
The founder of Japanese whiskey, Shinjiro Torii, chose Yamazaki because of his preference for high quality water. Construction then began in 1923. Visitors are taken through the fascinating and delicate process of whiskey making.
The Sand Dunes in Tottori are breathtaking. Unfortunately, they are not located in the most accessible area. It is twenty minutes by train from Tottori City or three to five hours from Kyoto or Okayama depending on the road and the time of the year. It is, however, a gem which took the designated driver seven hours to drive to from Gifu city.
Inuyama is a gorgeous large town by western standards. It is located in Aichi Prefecture. There is plenty to eat, see and soak up in one day. It is a simple place to reach for visitors from Kyoto and Nagoya and is a thirty minute train journey from both Nagoya and Gifu City.
The 17th century man called Enku was no ordinary Japanese Buddhist monk. He was dedicated to carving sublime sculptures and comforting the families of those who had lost loved ones.
Seki is a small city with a lot to offer visitors; however, its Sword Museum is a real gem for people interested in the history, skill and art of sword-making. It is a city which can be easily reached from Nagoya or Gifu City.
The Japanese Harvest Festival (Hōnen Matsuri) has caught the imagination and interest of tourists for many years. This can be seen in the wide variety of people who flock to the Tagata Shrine on March 15th every year which is close to Komaki and just north of Nagoya.
