Control stick (Pixabay.com/AlohaWorld) The Japanese are known for their hard-working and disciplined culture. However, behind the busyness, they are also good at finding a balance in life by pursuing hobbies that don't drain your pockets. Unlike the trend of Western hobbies that are often synonymous with big expenses, the Japanese prioritize simplicity and beauty in small things. Here are some of their favorite hobbies that are easy on the wallet: Survey on Hobbies That Don't Cost Money Hobbies are hobbies that are enjoyed in your free time. Hobbies have several benefits such as reducing stress and improving skills. Although there are quite a few hobbies that cost quite a lot of money, there are some hobbies that don't cost money. In fact, these hobbies can generate income. Here are some hobbies that don't cost money according to the Japanese. Biz Hits Co., Ltd. conducted a survey on awareness of non-money hobbies among 500 men and women in Japan from November 15-18, 2022. The results showed that the top ranking for non-money hobbies was sports and fitness (79 people), followed by reading and manga (76 people), watching videos, dramas, and movies (62 people), crafts and handicrafts (38 people), games (35 people), walking (31 people), and gardening (24 people). Sports and fitness hobbies Illustration of a man jogging Sports and […]
Western Cuisine (Image by jcomp on Freepik) It seems that Japanese people are used to eating Japanese cuisine such as sushi, Miso soup, and so on. Japanese people also eat Western cuisine just like foreigners eat Japanese cuisine. Japan, a country with a rich and unique culinary culture, is also very fond of various Western dishes. Japanese culinary adaptations and innovations to Western food have resulted in delicious dishes that are unique and different from the original. We will dive into the brief history, manufacturing process, variations, and factors that make this dish so loved in Japan. Reported from Hint-Pot, MyVoicecom Co., Ltd. conducted a survey on Western cuisine in 2020. The top five favorite Western cuisine menus (multiple answers allowed) were occupied by Curry Rice (74.1%), Hamburger (70.6%), Steak (64.1%), Omurice (62.6%), and Eby Fry (60.9%). Curry Rice: More Than Just Curry Curry Rice is a dish commonly found in Japanese anime and dramas. It is a popular dish in Japan. Curry Rice was introduced to Japan through the British who were colonizing India at the time, so it was initially considered a western dish. Curry rice is not just your ordinary curry. It is a dish with a different taste and texture than Indian or British curry. Japanese curry tends to be sweeter and slightly thicker, with […]
A man walking around (Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik) Having an oshi (idol) is great! It feels like there’s something special, a personal connection, even if it’s just through a screen. And of course, we want to show our support, one way is by buying goods from our oshi. However, the world of oshian is quite vast and can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners. This article will guide you, from a novice fan to a true collector, in buying oshi goods wisely and effectively. Recognizing the Types of Oshi Goods Before you start hunting, it’s important to know the types of oshi goods that are available. Each has its own appeal and price. Here are some common categories: CD/Album: This is the most basic item and is usually the entry point for many fans. Choose an album that suits your musical tastes and of course, your oshi album! Consider limited editions which usually come with interesting bonuses such as photobooks, posters, or trading cards. DVD/Blu-ray: Similar to CD/Album, DVD/Blu-ray contains concerts, dramas, or other exclusive content from your oshi. Pay attention to the picture and sound quality, as well as the bonuses included. Photobook/Photocard: This item is very popular among fans. Photobooks contain a collection of photos of your oshi, both professional and candid. Photocards are small photo cards, often included as bonuses in […]
A man playing a game (Image by Lifestylememory on Freepik) The term “Otaku” is often associated with die-hard anime and manga fans outside of Japan. However, in Japan itself, the meaning of this word is much more complex and layered. More than just a label for animation and comic lovers, “Otaku” describes a rich, diverse, and—sometimes—controversial subculture. Let’s dive into the world of Otaku in Japan and break down its various aspects. A Brief History and Evolution of the Term “Otaku” The word “Otaku” was originally used as a general and neutral term to refer to a person’s “home” or “residence.” After that, the term “Otaku” was then used to refer to individuals who have a strong obsession with a particular hobby, often related to the world of fiction, such as anime, manga, games, and model kits. This usage then became popular and widespread, although it was not entirely positive at first. Initially, “Otaku” had a negative connotation, even considered a derogatory term describing antisocial, strange, and isolated individuals from society. This image is often depicted in the mass media as individuals who neglect personal hygiene, live in chaos, and only focus on their hobbies. However, over time, the negative connotation has begun to fade. Among fans themselves, “Otaku” has become a proud identity, a label that embraces their love and dedication to their chosen hobby. Today, although still […]
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