Author: Genevieve G.

  • Kurikinton in Gifu – Japan’s Pure Chestnut Sweet That Marks the Start of Autumn

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    Discover Gifu’s kurikinton (栗きんとん) — a simple chestnut + sugar wagashi that signals Japan’s autumn. Learn the difference between osechi 栗金団 and Gifu’s fall version, explore Nakatsugawa & Ena shops, and taste the spirit of the season.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Three pieces of kurikinton, traditional Japanese chestnut sweets, placed on a glossy black lacquer plate with soft autumn lighting, surrounded by blurred red and orange maple leaves on a warm washi paper background.

  • The Art of Chopstick Etiquette in Japan — A Guide to Eating Mindfully

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    When I first came to Japan, I thought chopsticks were just simple sticks. But over time, I learned they carry centuries of culture and care. In this post, I share how chopsticks began, the “don’ts” of Japanese etiquette, and the small phrases that show respect during meals.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Red chopsticks and fortune cookies on a dark background — symbolizing Asian dining culture and tradition.

  • Visiting a Japanese Home: Modern Etiquette, Phrases, and Acts of Respect You Should Know

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    Visiting a Japanese home is more than just a social visit — it’s a gentle exchange of trust and kindness. From saying ojamashimasu at the door to offering a small gift and accepting tea politely, every action carries quiet meaning. In this post, I share what I’ve learned — the modern manners, useful Japanese phrases,…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Historic Japanese tea house with wooden exterior and hanging greenery, representing traditional hospitality culture.

  • Useful Japanese Phrases I Use Every Day at Work

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    From “ohayou gozaimasu” to “otsukaresama desu,” my day as a caregiver in Japan is filled with gentle phrases that show teamwork, care, and respect.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Smiling caregiver in green scrubs holding a paper heart, symbolizing kindness and compassion in caregiving.

  • What Is a “Day Service” in Japan?

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    Every day service in Japan is unique — each with its own rhythm and personality. Here’s what daily life looks like at the warm, café-style day service where I work in Gifu.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A warm café-style interior with wooden tables and sunlight streaming through the windows, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

  • How I Got My Caregiver Job in Japan

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    From Chicago nurse to Gifu caregiver — this is how I found my first caregiving job in Japan. It wasn’t easy, but it became one of the most meaningful choices of my life.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Sunrise over the Meoto Iwa sacred rocks connected by a Shinto rope in Japan, symbolizing harmony and new beginnings.

  • Ramen Dates in Gifu, Vol. 1 — Nageyari’s Famous Pork & Seafood Bowl

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    One of our favorite weekend traditions is what I like to call our “ramen date.”No fancy plans — just me and my husband going out to slurp noodles somewhere new. This time, we finally tried Nageyari (なげやり) — a well-known ramen shop in Gifu City that’s often featured on YouTube and Japanese TV shows. It’s…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A steaming bowl of ramen from Nageyari in Gifu, topped with thick slices of char siu pork, seasoned egg, spinach, bamboo shoots, and seaweed in a rich pork-and-seafood broth.

  • A Morning at 251 Café – Simple, Cozy, and Worth the Wait

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    Hidden in Gifu, 251 Café (ニコイチカフェ) offers a warm and minimalist space perfect for slow mornings. Enjoy a beautiful Morning Set with croissant, salad, and latte — simple, cozy, and worth the wait.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    The wooden exterior of 251 Café in Gifu, with black metal letters and a small olive tree in front, creating a warm and rustic welcome.

  • Understanding “気分転換 (Kibun Tenkan)” — The Japanese Art of Refreshing the Mind

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    In Japan, kibun tenkan means taking a gentle pause to refresh your mood. Through my caregiving work and daily life, I’ve learned that even a small moment — a walk, a cup of tea, a quiet breath — can change everything.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A person sits alone on a park bench surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms under the spring sunlight.

  • Osewa ni Natte Orimasu” Meaning and Usage — How to Use Japan’s Polite Expression of Gratitude

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    In Japan, you’ll often hear the phrase “Osewa ni natte orimasu.” It’s more than just “thank you” — it reflects gratitude, humility, and the value of human connection. Here’s what it really means and how to use it naturally in daily life and work.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A peaceful bronze Buddha statue seated on a lotus pedestal surrounded by green pine trees at a Japanese temple garden, symbolizing serenity and mindfulness.