Sometime in the last five to ten years, the popularity of Japan and its cultural exports has exploded in the West. I tried to explain this phenomenon to one of my Japanese coworkers: how matcha, manga/anime, and Japanese selvedge denim… Continue reading

Last week I decided to investigate yet another beach. I’ve been to the one right near my apartment, as well as a nicer one near City Hall called Goshikihama, but now I’ve been invited to check out Bashinji Beach, north… Continue reading

It was just like any other day. I came home to my family’s hovel, where all four of my grandparents sleep in the same bed, sailor style, because we live in such abject poverty. I had saved up my shillings… Continue reading

Welcome to Ehime, the land of sunsets and tangerines. Or more accurately, mikan. Everywhere in Matsuyama, the prefectural capital and largest city on Shikoku, you’ll find orange-related products. The mascot of Ehime (because everything in Japan has to have a… Continue reading

Live and direct from my laptop, it’s Zev Eats It. In case you were not aware, I have accepted an invitation from the JET Program to be an ALT – Assistant Language Teacher – in Iyo-shi, Ehime-ken, Shikoku, Japan for… Continue reading

Hey hey hey, Yeah, it’s been a while, but I’ve been busy.  I had a lil’ somethin’ called high school to attend to, and I attended to it in a graceful and efficient fashion.  But I’m done (for know), which… Continue reading

As I have discussed in the past, Coca-Cola products range from country to country.  This is part of the reasoning behind my collection of Coke cans from every country I visit.  The last time I was in Japan I had… Continue reading

As some of you may have read in my last blog post, I recently scoured Japanese 7-Elevens, top to bottom, for the most interesting foods and drinks that I could find.  One of the more bizarre beverages was Coca-Cola Clear, a… Continue reading

When I try to explain Japanese 7-Eleven to mortals (AKA Americans), their puny minds can’t comprehend it.  How can their 7-Eleven: a world of Slurpees, junk food, and armed robberies be so different just an ocean away?  But it’s true;… Continue reading