What's Jappening?

Existential questions aside, this is something I've been thinking about for quite a while now. Obviously, I'm studying abroad, so that would suggest that I should be focusing on my classes whilst I am here. But it's not quite so simple. My friends and family, myself and the wider realm of the internet have all told me that there is more to it than that. I should not only be studying, I should be making friends, learning about the culture, learning the language, travelling (both in and out of Japan), trying new foods, going to local events, visiting galleries and museums, the list goes on. The thing is, as much as I really want to do all of those things, I don't think I can. As I'm sure many of you reading this will know, I have Aspergers, and one of the characteristics of that is that I find most situations more difficult than the average person, for a number of reasons. The two main ones being that: a) I have sensory difficulties, meaning that my senses are much...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Japanese rest stops are better than English ones. Not only do the toilets not make you feel like you need a chemical shower after using them, but the entire entrance way is filled with sweets, snacks, drinks and all kinds of Omiyage (souvenirs), which would probably be quite handy if you were driving to see a friend or family member and forgot to get them something. Suck on that WHSmith. So this week I went to Atami, a vibrant coastal town southeast of Mt. Fuji, for two days with my friends and, despite being beyond exhausted when I got back, I had a really great time. Before we checked into our guest house, we stopped off at the Atami Museum of Art , which is quite possibly the most picturesque museum I've ever been to. Located some way above the town, MOA provides you with a sweeping panorama of the ocean and subsequently, great photo opportunities (I was particularly excited because I could see a large plankton bloom just off the bay...

Last week, most students in England went back to school/university after their Easter holidays. I unfortunately missed out on this two week break, but instead have been granted Japan's springtime equivalent - Golden Week. This 9 day period that was introduced in 1948 grants not only students but many workers the opportunity to travel, spend time with friends and family and partake in activities such as picnics or a spot of tourism. It falls during the end of April and beginning of May, and encompasses a total of four national holidays; Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day. Here is a bit of insight into these four days: 29th April - Shōwa Day Originally a day to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Hirohito who reigned from 1926-1989, but after his death in 1989, it was renamed Greenery Day because of his love of nature. In 2007, it was eventually named Shōwa Day to celebrate both the late emperor and the work put into rebuilding the county as w...