Category: Life in Japan

  • Pocky Day in Japan – Sweet Moments on November 11

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    Celebrate Japan’s Pocky Day on November 11! Learn the story behind this fun snack holiday and my favorite Almond Crush flavor from Glico.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Box of Almond Crush Pocky chocolate sticks on a wooden table – Pocky Day in Japan

  • A Gentle Escape to Fukui: Camping by the Sea, Local Flavors, and the Beauty of Mikata Lakes

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    There’s something about the sea that instantly softens your mind.It might be the sound of waves, the cool air brushing against your face, or the slow rhythm that reminds you to pause.Our short trip to Fukui Prefecture had all of that — quiet mornings, coastal views, warm food, and a little bit of adventure. It…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Rainbow arching over the Sea of Japan, seen from the Rainbow Line Summit Park — panoramic view of Mikata Goko lakes and coastline.

  • A Visit to Ochobo-san: The Little Fox Shrine of Blessings and Business

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    Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Kaizu, Chiyoho Inari Shrine, lovingly called Ochobo-san, is a place where faith and daily life meet. For over a thousand years, people have come here to thank the gods for prosperity, family safety, and the simple joys of each month. Visitors light candles and offer fried tofu to…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Image of OChobosan

  • A Gentle Autumn Day Trip to Nagoya: Our Relaxed Journey from Gifu

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    A personal yet practical guide to an ideal autumn day trip from Gifu to Nagoya — exploring Sakae, Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon Temple, and café moments along the way. Includes itinerary, local tips, and must-try Nagoya dishes.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    image of nagoya Castle

  • 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.

  • 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.