Roger Jones

Culture

Why Japanese is so difficult

Do a search for the most difficult language to learn and, especially for English speakers, Japanese is at the top. I'm s...
Culture

Kyushu Rainbow Pride

About 25 years ago a gay friend visited Fukuoka and we couldn't find any gay, well, anything; no clubs, no events, no in...
Culture

Prank Store ???

So it's not really a store ? or maybe the staff always tricks the customers ?or if you want to pull a prank on someone t...
Culture

Japanese White Weddings

Some people lose their heads over weddings, and no more so than in Japan, where the average ceremony costs around $30,000 U.S.,
Culture

blood types

There are four blood types, A, B, O, and AB. If you don't know what your blood type is, you're probably not Japanese. Bl...
Sights

Nagasaki

When you come to Kyushu (especially Fukuoka, and soon we hope !) be sure to save a day or two for Nagasaki. It's just ab...
Culture

Hakata, Fukuoka

Hakata is the name of the bay that probably brought people to this area ten thousand, or more, years ago. Hakata is the ...
Sights

Tsushima

Tsushima is an island city between Japan and Korea, but so close to Korea you don't have to be Sarah Palin to see it. Th...
Traditional Crafts

Masuda paulownia wood boxes

Paulownia wood has been used for centuries in Asia. Because it's a natural insect repellent and desiccant, it's been use...
Traditional Crafts

Looking back to go forward.

Japan Eight has a sister website called Takumi that is dedicated to promoting unique, high quality products that are mad...