Unbelievable English in Japan

by Kyle Yates | Jan 9, 2012 | Japan Related, Kansai Living, Kansai Shopping

Even though Japan has come a long way from the days when foreigners were seldom seen and English was a language that most Japanese could only read and write, Japanese people still have a hard time using English, as is apparent in this recent sale sign created by a...

Costco Ringing in People’s Ears in Kyoto

by Kyle Yates | Jun 22, 2011 | Kansai Living, Kansai Shopping

Costco has projected the new Kyoto store located in Yawatashi would open around the end of July beginning of August. From the outside, the building looks ready to open for business. But the doors aren’t open yet. Residents living just across the street from the...

Buying Omiyage from Japan

by Kyle Yates | Jul 2, 2009 | Kansai Culture, Kansai Shopping

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. Japan has an abundance of souvenirs to choose from. Some of the more popular items people choose are: green teas dried...

Mad Rush to Temples and Shrines

by Kyle Yates | Dec 23, 2008 | Kansai Visitors

Christmas is only two days away! It is celebrated all over the world by Christians and non-Christians alike, especially in Japan where only about 1% of the population are Christian. However, in recent years, Christmas has gained in popularity even among non-Christians...

Canceling My Costco Membership

by Kyle Yates | Aug 29, 2008 | Kansai Shopping

Since Costco came into Japan, many stores have popped up offering almost as low prices for items of similar size and quality. Some stores even offer items made in America at low prices, but not many. Although they are not made by the same manufacturers, most items I...