The livestream featured a live book reading by Alex of his very own “Lost Japan” best-seller book, which offers a fascinating insight into the Japanese landscape, culture, history and future, based on his several decades of living in the country. 

Alex discusses his thoughts on how Japan has changed over the past years, and continues to evolve. As more young people move to cities, there are multitudes of traditional Japanese crafts, architecture, thought, and knowledge that are soon to disappear. Joining in the conversation is the owner of Kamikoya Washi Studio in Yusuhara who moved to Japan from the Netherlands 40 years ago to learn the art of washi-making, which is a traditional Japanese paper. He offers his reasons for moving to Japan to help preserve the traditional craft, while John also shares his view on how he has seen the country shift based on his extensive travel across all 47 prefectures. 

This is a precious, once-in-a-lifetime conversation among some of the brightest internationals in Japan, which is sure to offer you a deeper look into Japan’s past, present and future.

Check out the livestream HERE.  

The livestream was briefly featured in the Sustainable Japan by the Japan Times (December Edition) HERE.

The post The Jarman International-organized livestream with John Daub, Alex Kerr and Rogier Uitenboogaart was featured in the Japan Times! (Kochi Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

During the show, Ruth shared with us 20 possible reasons why Japan has been voted as the number one country international travelers (particularly from Asia) want to visit after the pandemic. What makes Japan so unique compared to the rest of the world?

From Japan’s punctual trains, cleanliness, polite manners, creative innovations, and more, Ruth shared some of her “only-in-Japan” findings based on her 30-year-experience working and living in Japan.

If you happened to miss the broadcast, no worries! Click the link as follows for free online streaming until June 26: https://tver.jp/corner/f0076509

“Sekaiichi Uketai Jugyou” (The Most Useful School in the World) official website (Japanese): https://www.ntv.co.jp/sekaju/

The post Did you miss watching Ruth Marie Jarman on the popular TV show, “Sekaiichi Uketai Jugyou” (The Most Useful School in the World)? No worries! You can still stream it online for free until June 26th! appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Kurokawa Onsen, Kyushu

The island of Kyushu is known for being perhaps the best area for onsen, and Kurokawa Onsen is probably the pick of the bunch. Located around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Mount Aso, it is a beautiful town that has retained its traditional charm and resisted the big money lure of the concrete and neon spa hotels you find elsewhere. Kurokawa Onsen is particularly well known for its ‘rotenburo’ (outside baths) next to rushing rivers, such as Yamamizuki bath, considered one of the best riverside baths in Japan.

Beppu Onsen, Oita

Another Kyushu based onsen area, Beppu, in Oita prefecture, is one of the country’s best know, and produces eight different springs. One of the most remarkable things about the onsen in Beppu, aside from the fact that you can see the steam rising up all over the city, is the variety of bath types. Rather than just having hot water onsen, Beppu also boasts steam baths, hot mud baths and sand baths where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand. If you want to try out the latter, head to Takegawara Spa. It was constructed in 1879 and it perhaps Beppu’s most famous bathhouse. Though be warned, the building is partially surrounded by a red light district.

Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Located in the mountains of Gunma at 1200 meters (4,000 ft) above sea level, Kusatsu Onsen is probably Japan’s most popuar spa, and has been listed in Japan’s Top 100 Onsen at number one for the last 12 years in a row. The high quality water, as much as 32,300 liters of it being discharged every year making it the greatest quantity in Japan, is said to cure all diseases bar love sickness. The unique bathing method of jikanyu (where bathers sit in 48 degree water for exactly three minutes) and yumomi (stirring the water with long planks for cooling the temperature of the water, also serving as an important pre-bathing exercise) are customs that have been passed down since the Edo period.

To continue reading a full story and learn about more Onsen cultures in Japan, please click Japan’s Best Onsen Towns.

*Original article published on Japan Info Swap, which is full of timely and useful informaiton in English about Japan for expats by the H&R Group.
Who is the H&R Group?

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On a summer hike with a family friend in Winter Park, Colorado, we meandered into a conversation about Japan, my home for 29 years. Wow, Japan! That is so great! Tenkara is one of my favorite fishing styles! I love it!” My Cousin’s best friend’s husband from Boulder Colorado lit up with excitement as he spoke. I’m sure he assumed everyone with any relation at all to Japan would be fond of and fully knowledgeable about Tenkara fly-fishing. Well, I had to disappoint.

Hmmmm. Despite all these years living in Kanagawa and travelling the country for speeches, functioning in Japanese and writing three books about Japan (in Japanese), I’ve never once heard of Tenkara.

It is like when my friend from San Francisco comes to Japan to have “authentic” green tea ice cream or a teenager from Germany remembers my lines from voice work I did for Rockman Megaman in the early 90s. Or maybe Sudoku, Origami and Wasabi. So many precious pieces of Japan finding their home with people who appreciate their beauty and meaning without full knowledge of the words they come with. Similar to receiving a brand new toy but not being able to read the directions…you figure it out by trying it out, working with it and learning it your own way.

Simple yet technical, “Waza” is the Key to Tenkara

The origin of Tenkara fishing is actually unknown. No one knows where the name came from but to my Japanese ear it sounds like “From the Heavens”, actually an accurate description of this unique top to bottom fishing style. Passed down generation to generation in mountain villages, Tenkara is a perfect fishing style for the rocky rivers and streams that riddle Japan. Using a single, simple fly, a reel-less rod that extends after the cast and retracts back to 20 centimeters for easy transport, and a small basket for scooping up the fish, this style is as simple as wielding a Samurai sword. Exactly, it looks simple, but the whole process is based on high level “waza” or technique that is honed by the fisherman as they stand on the river’s edge and learn from their Senpai. Believe it or not, the ultimate technique is actually coaxing the fish up and out of the water after the “fly” and hooking their upper lip in one dexterous flit of the wrist.

While the typical fly fisherman stands on the bank and fishes from afar with a horizontal motion, the Tenkara fisherman stands hidden behind huge river stones in a starting gun stance until the moment his fish stretches for that fly. Fish are not stupid. So the minute the jig is up, that fish will quickly sink back underwater unscathed. It is the Tenkara fishermen’s blink-of-an-eye moment when the fish is just there and the fly is just right.

Mr. Yuzo Sebata who is the Senpai in this video from Tenkara.USA (now boasting 80 locations across the US and a huge fan base including my friend Scott and David Letterman who spoke of receiving his first Tenkara fishing rod in Rolling Stone magazine and how he was excited to try it out in Montana) on a fishing trip in the mountains in Japan explains it simply. He describes the balance of fast and slow, being in the moment and focused on the fish, but yet feeling the movement of nature from the running stream and wind in the trees. You can see his collection of flies tucked neatly inside his hat and the height of the line as it comes down from the heavens. I love that there are photos on the same site of my American compatriots in the same hat. What a great moment when something cool and meaningful is shared from this corner of the world to that like a precious love letter passed hand to eager hand across a crowded schoolroom. There is something lovely in that secret message quietly finding a new home.

Tenkara “From the Heavens” is Something to be Shared

My favorite images from both sides of the world are when the fishermen gently hold their catch for a quick photo and then ease them back into their freshwater abode. Obviously, keeping some for dinner, but most are saved and protected as not to over consume or be wasteful.

I used to think of my home in the USA as a place of overconsumption and waste…

Continue reading by clicking here.

*Article by RuthieJ, originally published on Deep Japan

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Deep Japan – Experienced Senpais living in and enjoying Japan offer inside-knowledge on how to make your trip real, interesting and above all, unforgettable.

Join the Deep Japan Senpai Team – Anyone currently living in Japan for a year or more who can write tips for visitors in English is welcome to register on Deep Japan as a writer.

The post Tenkara Fishing – From Ancient Japan to A Popular Sport With 80 Outlets in the US appeared first on Jarman International KK.

What exactly is wasabi anyway?

If you’ve ever eaten sushi, chances are that you’ve had wasabi. It’s that spicy green stuff that makes your head explode!
I see wasabi in a lot of snacks these days, but it hit me one day that I really had no idea what this magic green root was … was it even a root?

WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT:
https://youtu.be/7XTncCmFabM 

FACTS:
* Wasabi is not a root, it’s a stem (because it’s grown submerged in water).
* It takes 12-18 months to grow just one.
* There is no way to tell the size before it is pulled. A big one is like finding a diamond.
* It’s not a horseradish.
* Fresh wasabi loses it’s spiciness 15 minutes after grating. That’s why sushi chefs put it under the fish on the rice.
* Wasabi is loaded with vitamin C and is good for digestion. Some consider it a superfood.

Daio Wasabi Farm is the largest in Japan

DAIO WASABI FARM is in Azumino (city) in Nagano prefecture. It’s about a 3 hour trip by car or train. Entry to the farm is free.

Apart from seeing all the wasabi in the river, you can walk around the farm which has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies for its traditional landscape. It’s most famous appearance was int he 1990 Kurasawa film DREAMS in the “World of Watermills” scene.

You can also take a cooking class. For 1030 yen / 20 minutes, try your hand at wasabi cuisine by making a snack. You also get to take home what you make. Now that’s a real HOT deal.

The farm also has wasabi flavored EVERYTHING!
Try the wasabi soft ice cream for 380 yen.
The wasabi burger is pretty good, too. It’s got fresh wasabi leaves in it. How about a wasabi beer? It costs you 520 yen and yes, there are loads of wasabi pieces to give you that kick in the mouth you’re dying for.
The gift shop is loaded with more wasabi than any other place on the globe! Honestly, just the shop is worth the trip.

The wasabi itself is reasonably priced here. Small stems go for 500 yen and the largest ones are 3000 yen. To put it in perspective, that large one can go for 10,000 yen in Tokyo and even more if exported! They come in a bag filled with water so it’ll stay fresh for a few days.

Wasabi beer up close!

If you’re looking for something else to see in Nagano besides the snow monkeys, the sky slopes and the onsen, add in this farm. In fact, this place is worth a special trip all by itself!

DAIO WASABI FARM is open from 09:30 to 17:30 (09:30 to 16:30 in the winter).

URL: http://www.daiowasabi.co.jp/ 
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/M1qvS 

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Deep Japan – Experienced Senpais living in and enjoying Japan offer inside-knowledge on how to make your trip real, interesting and above all, unforgettable.

Join the Deep Japan Senpai Team – Anyone currently living in Japan for a year or more who can write tips for visitors in English is welcome to register on Deep Japan as a writer.

The post Deep Japan: The Complete Wasabi Guide appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Promoting Amazing Aspects of Kanagawa Prefecture From An “International Visitor” Viewpoint
Expanding our Reach into Tourism-related Information Channels via Collaboration with “Deep Japan” website

Kanagawa Prefecture has signed a memorandum with Zero-in Inc. for mutual cooperation to provide information on Kanagawa Prefecture through their website “Deep Japan”. Deep Japan is an English language travel website which provides a more approachable Japan to the world based on various articles posted by expert “Senpai” writers (elders) who live and/or stay in Japan.

Deep Japan helps international visitors experience all the fun, culture, and excitement of Japan’s local side from the most basic elements up. Our team of expert Senpai writers can help open up all that is wonderful and local about Japan such as recommended sightseeing spots, restaurants and foods to the world in a different way that differs from and actually fills in gaps left by ordinary guidebooks.

Ruth Jarman Shiraishi, who is the author of the best-selling book “33 More Reasons to Be Proud” (日本人が世界に誇れる33のこと) and is currently in her second season as business consultant on NHK E channel’s “Basic Business English” (しごとの基礎英語), plays an active and important part in the Deep Japan project.  A broad range of her personal connections were also active in building the Deep Japan Senpai network and it’s positive tone is another reason why Deep Japan is successful in sharing high-quality, forward-thinking, and interesting information with the goal of deeper understanding about this country.

We hope to further highlight the attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture to the world and bring more international visitors to Kanagawa by cooperating with Deep Japan.
Kanagawa Prefecture Promotion video: ENJOY JAPAN http://youtu.be/eV2A7WMFmlc

1. Cooperation Content

Kanagawa Prefecture
– provides travel information to Deep Japan through their travel website in foreign languages “Kanagawa Travel Info” and other travel related channels
-Kanagawa International Fan Club, Kyuutoukaidou (Old Toukaidou) Project and other events provide event information and other open informaiton to Deep Japan

Deep Japan
-Expert Senpai writers who live or/and stay in Japan post articles about Kanagawa Prefecture in English on Deep Japan website
-Deep Japan support and collaborate for various events together with Kanagawa Prefecture projects such as Kanagawa International Fan Club and Kyuutoukaidou (Old Toukaidou) Project.

2.Advantages for both parties

Kanagawa Prefecture
– Improve and enhance Kanagawa’s ability to deliver information to the world about attractions, history and various events in Kanagawa
– A collaboration between Kanagawa International Fan Club and Deep Japan will help to promote Kanagawa the Fan Club’s activities
– Links on Deep Japan are expected to create more traffic to the Kanagawa’s travel website homepage
– Invite more international visitors to Kanagawa

Deep Japan
– By having both Kanagawa Prefecture and Deep Japan highlight its collaboration, it will promote exposure to public notice as well as increase traffic to the site
– Deep Japan can utilize existing contents provided by Kanagawa and it will help to further activate the site itself

<“Deep Japan”Website>
http://www.deepjapan.org/
– Launch : August 2013
– Travel website to teach international visitors how to enjoy a deeper experience in Japan including various sightseeing spot information.
– Information is posted by expert Senpai writers, most of them are longtime Japan residents. You get insights into Japanese culture and traditions, as well as first hand reports from Japan travel and tourism.

<Examples of Deep Japan post>
– How to enjoy Kaiten-zushi (Conveyer-belt sushi):
Isn’t That Green Powder Wasabi? How NOT to make the Mistake of Green Tea Powder in your Soy Sauce
– Ride The Tokyo Metro Like A Boss With These Apps
A list of useful English-language capable apps for Droid and iOS

※ Number of Senpai writers: 573, Number of posts 1,786 as of Jan 2015

<Zero-in Corporation Corporate Profile>
Company Name:     Zero-in Inc.
Owner:                      Daijo Mitsuyoshi, CEO
Founding date:　　 February 2, 1998
Business description:　   Communication Service Consulting, Office Service Consulting
Number of Employee:　  115 (As of January 2015)
Office:                               4F Ginza Medical Building, 7-4-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Note
Kyuutoukaidou (Old Toukaidou) Project: Kanagawa prefecture and local municipalities provide the information about Old Tokaido to local enterprises and communities and encourage them to develop smart phone applications to enjoy walks around the Old Tokaido.

Contact Information:
Mr. Arai
Director of Public Relations Strategy, Office of the Governor, Kanagawa Prefectural Government
Tel: 045-210-2024

Japanese Press release: http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/prs/p870937.html

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