Tokyo Wholesome

February 7, 2017

Foreign Animation: Best Anime Shows with International Origins

Foreign and Japanese animation styles and stories are traditionally very different. However, in today’s global world, foreign animation is bound to be influenced by Japanese anime’s commercial and cultural success. The expressive artwork that Japanese anime is known for, the heart wrenching storylines, their epic battles and expansive story arcs – it all adds up … Continue reading Foreign Animation: Best Anime Shows with International Origins

January 21, 2017

Tomoe Gozen, Japan’s Most Famous Female Samurai Heroine

Tomoe Gozen is Japan’s most famous female warrior. She probably lived during the tail end of the Heian Period and early Kamakura, 1157-1247. According to the Tale of the Heike, she was exceptionally beautiful as well as a skilled warrior. She was an excellent archer, a strong swordswoman both on and off horseback and a … Continue reading Tomoe Gozen, Japan’s Most Famous Female Samurai Heroine

January 6, 2017

Where To Shop For Japanese Street Fashion

It used to be that overseas gal had to buy their clothes from overpriced third-party sellers. These days, however, anyone can buy Japanese fashion straight from the source, from agejo and otona kawaii brands to even larme. Don’t forget to sign up with TENSO if you haven’t already, since these places don’t ship overseas. Click … Continue reading Where To Shop For Japanese Street Fashion

January 2, 2017

Tadao Ando’s Setouchi Aonagi Boutique Hotel in Ehime Prefecture

I heard about this boutique hotel from a Chinese magazine. It’s more of a first-class resort, but with a mere 7 rooms I suppose you can call it boutique. It’s designed by Tadao Ando, the same architect who did Omotesando Hills, Picadilly Gardens and countless other hotels and museums around the world. It’s touted as … Continue reading Tadao Ando’s Setouchi Aonagi Boutique Hotel in Ehime Prefecture

December 31, 2016

Japan Fashion Trends Spring 2017

A lot of Japanese fashion brands have started offering their next-season clothes via preorder online. Let’s take a look at some Japanese street fashion brands and what they’re offering for spring 2017. And deduce some trends while we are at it. Trend 1 – The Long Midi Skirt For summer and fall 2016, I swear, … Continue reading Japan Fashion Trends Spring 2017

December 18, 2016

How To Find Cheap Long-Term Accommodations In Tokyo, Japan

NOTE: This post is old and outdated! Check out the infinitely more useful 7 Cheapest Share Houses and Apartments in Tokyo or for short-term solutions check out How to Live in Tokyo for 1000$ a Month. Since one of my main jobs is mostly writing about Tokyo, I like to spend long periods of time there … Continue reading How To Find Cheap Long-Term Accommodations In Tokyo, Japan

November 17, 2016

When Do Fukubukuro Lucky Bags Go On Sale?

The end of the year is approaching, and the question on every gal’s lips is: when do the fukubukuro go on sale? And where can I get my hands on one? Since a lot of us have to order their lucky bags online, rather than line up on January 2nd, this matters. So far, only … Continue reading When Do Fukubukuro Lucky Bags Go On Sale?

November 2, 2016

The World of Ghibli and Japanese Myth

In every culture, there are stories of mythological beasts, demons and monsters which capture our imaginations, tug at our heartstrings or fill our hearts with fear. The Ghibli Universe is no exception. Sometimes these creatures are Ghibli’s own creation, while in other instances they are based on real myth, from Japan or around the world. … Continue reading The World of Ghibli and Japanese Myth

November 2, 2016

Top 5 – Best Dance and Nightclubs in Taipei 2016

When I was into the whole clubbing scene, Spark and Luxy were the places to be. Both of them have since shut down – apparently there was a mobbing resulting in death at Spark – but there are still lots of cool places popping up and some old favorites (looking at you, Babe18). Here’s a … Continue reading Top 5 – Best Dance and Nightclubs in Taipei 2016

October 29, 2016

A Trip And Tasting At Adamo Estate Winery

I recently visited Adamo Estate Winery outside of Orangeville, Ontario. The premises is new although they’ve been making wine and growing vines here for years. What surprised me is that they still import most of their grapes from Niagara and just ferment them to make their own wines, but obviously they hope to use their … Continue reading A Trip And Tasting At Adamo Estate Winery