Buying Omiyage from Japan
July 2nd, 2009

No Image
Ever have a problem deciding what souvenir to buy from Japan? The hardest thing about buying souvenirs in Japan is not deciding what, but which, because there are so many different souvenirs to choose from. Some of the more popular items people choose are: green teas dried seafood items Japanese candies chocolates cookies clothes fashion accessories kimonos and yukatas fans chopsticks combs tea cups and/or sets Japanese cloth Japanese shoes, slippers or sandals postcards Most of these items can be found just about anywhere in Japan, especially in touristy areas. Where are the touristy areas? In Japan, just about anywhere you go. Why? Because Japanese people buy many of these same things and take them back home… Continue reading
No Humidity Just Yet, But Just Wait
The Kansai area of Japan, and many other parts of the country, are well known for having high humidity. Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe are three cities that rank high on humidity. So far this year, the humidity is relatively low. But that will change, no doubt. Continue reading
Michael Jackson Dies at 50! May He Rest in Peace
Michael Jackson died today at the young age of 50! The news of his death comes as a complete shock! Early reports say he died of a heart attack. It's difficult to believe anyone with his stature would die at such a young age, especially from a heart attack. But taking into consideration all the news on him in recent years, it is not hard to believe he had too much Continue reading

Gion Festival Float Tour
June 25th, 2009

Gion Festival Float Tour
On July 13th from 2:30 to 6:30 pm up to 20 non-Japanese residents are invited to see how to build two Gion Festival floats - Kikusui Boko and Kita Kannon Yama - decorated with beautiful tapestries. Continue reading
No Image
Osaka International House will host a job fair on June 28 from 1 to 6 pm.  Major and midsize retail businesses and manufacturers will have booths for students to learn about each company. There will be a seminar on how to find a job in Japan as well as legal advice on how to get a working visa. The seminar will be held from 10:30 to 12:30 pm on the same Continue reading
No Image
The number of individuals becoming infected with the swine flu, H1N1, is dropping and has been on the decline since May 20th according to data taken by the Japan Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. Continue reading

Swine Flu Rises to 315
May 23rd, 2009

No Image
The majority of swine flu cases are in the Kobe-Osaka area of Japan and are increasing at a slow pace thanks to the efforts of health officials and people living in the area who are using precautions to keep the virus from spreading. Continue reading