Being in Japan undeniably taught me a lot of things. I’m sure anyone who’s travelled at any point in their lives, no matter where or for how long, can testify that you can stand to learn a lot from being away from home and outside of your comfort zone. You learn how to speak new words, how to appreciate new foods, and how to practice new skills.
The most valuable thing being in Japan taught me was how to be alone. Continue reading “Life in Japan in Photos: How to Be Alone”
I love visiting temples and shrines in Japan – not just the bigger or more famous ones that commonly top the visitor lists, but also the smaller ones that don’t attract much attention or are tucked away in rural pockets of the country. In part this is probably because I’ve always lived in rural Japan myself, so seeing secluded little temples and shrines dotted about the place is par for the course. Also though, I tend to love these kinds of places for their own sake – there’s just something about the quiet, mysterious, slightly unkempt feel that I like over many temples and shrines that are constantly bustling and meticulously kept, every tree branch and pebble in their place. Continue reading “Life in Japan in Photos: Obscure Temples and Shrines”
This is Kappa. She was the one of several rescues I made in Japan over the past few years who ultimately survived. The rest, despite immediate vet care, eventually died due to the severity of their injuries or illnesses. I and a fellow lover of cats kept Kappa in our respective houses for several months, although we weren’t supposed to – like many apartments in Japan, big or small, pets were not allowed. However, the reason I’ve chosen this particular photo to post about is not just because I love cats, but also to highlight exactly how much of a problem Japan has with stray animals, and with cats in particular. Continue reading “Life in Japan in Photos: Kappa”
This is the start of something new for Otaku Lounge. While I’ll still absolutely be keeping up with the seasonal anime posts and more occasional miscellaneous posts about Japanese music, film, fashion, and general culture, I also felt the need to try something new. Continue reading “Life in Japan in Photos: Rice Fields of Fukui”
OTAKU LOUNGE 