2AM Tokyo

Hattachi Beach Hattachi Beach is one of the most scenic spots I’ve seen in Japan. The way the rock formations jut out of the emerald water to support a giant red torii gate is breath-taking. The beach is located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Iwaki, Fukushima. It was reopened to … More Hattachi Coast and Ukedo Elementary School, Fukushima: Part 4

I wanted to share the story of three remarkable people I met during my trip to Fukushima—a cattle farmer, a flower grower and an artist. They’re each helping Fukushima recover in very different ways. The first is Masami Yoshizawa, a farmer who calls himself “Cow-Godzilla.” He’s an active protestor who defied a government order to … More Fukushima: Part 3

This is the border of the restricted area. We weren’t allowed to enter any further. It felt a bit eerie seeing all the abandoned homes and buildings. This was an empty town with no cars, no bicycles, no people, and nothing open. Being a cold, winter day added to the effect. Other than the single … More Namie, Fukushima: Part 2

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got accepted to take a tour of the Fukushima disaster area. The travel company, Japan Wonder Travel, was advertising a free tour in return for sharing what you find social media. I had never heard of that kind of thing before so I was a little skeptical … More Rebuilding Fukushima: Part 1

Last week, when I was walking home from the station, I noticed lots of political ads posted everywhere. Then I heard campaign promises being blared out of vans driving around. A few rival candidates were set up near the station wearing a beauty-pageant-looking banners strung across their chests. They spoke into a mic while their … More Marino Kayo, Protecting Japan from NHK

Japan’s largest Yakuza organization, the Yamaguchi-gumi, handed out Halloween treats to kids from their official headquarters in Kobe City. They said they are doing this because “the children enjoy the holiday.” The event stirred up plenty of controversy as about 100 residents gathered to protest. The protestors held banners saying violent gang should be expelled, … More Yakuza Headquarters Hands Out Halloween Treats in Kobe

家に帰ると妻が必ず死んだふりをしています(When I Come Home, My Wife Always Fakes Her Death) is the title of a unique movie with a strange origin. It’s based on a true story that began in 2010. A husband asked a peculiar question on Yahoo! Japan and it went viral. The popularity of it led a voice synthesized song, which led … More When I Come Home, My Wife Always Fakes her Death 家に帰ると妻が必ず死んだふりをしています。

I found a strange connection to Japan when I visited Largo, Florida over the New Year holidays. This was my first there, so when I was wide awake at 4am with jet-lag, I decided to go for a jog and check out the area. Not far from where I was staying, I found Largo Central … More Largo, Florida’s Odd Connection to Japan

  The book I translated for Manaka Unsui came out last month. I was particularly interested in translating this work because the main topic was “mushin.” Manaka Unsui says that this mental state is the most valuable thing he has taken away from his decades of training in martial arts. I was feel the same … More About the translation of “Kakusei-mushin: A Research Study on the Ideal Mental State in Martial Arts”