My courses this semester are divided between the University of Tokyo's two campuses: Komaba and Hongo. I spend most weekday mornings at the former before catching a train across the city to the latter. Hongo is located at the site of…
Hanami
This time of year ushers in several new beginnings in Tokyo. It marks the beginning of the University of Tokyo's school year, Japan's fiscal year, and spring, represented in the cherry blossoms (sakura) decorating the city. Friends, families, and co-workers congregate in parks all…
Osaka’s Social Cuisine
I'm back in Tokyo now. When I'm not busy getting ready for the second semester, I tend to spend my time fantasizing about some of the food I had while on vacation. Of all the dishes I tried, I was most…
Osaka to Okinawa
After spending a few weeks hanging out with friends and host families in Hiroshima and Osaka, I'm ending my spring break with a brief solo trip to Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. Once a semi-independent kingdom, Okinawa subtly separates itself…
Hiroshima in One Day
Hiroshima holds a strong sentimental value for me. It was the first Japanese city that I spent a significant amount of time in, and my friends and homestay families there introduced me to Japan. Last week, for the first time I…
Japan’s School Year
The University of Tokyo's school year is dramatically different from that of most Canadian universities. The first semester begins in April and ends in August. After a two-month summer holiday, the second semester begins in October and ends in February.…
Where to Hang Out in Tokyo
Tokyo's hangout spots are overwhelmingly diverse. In terms of music, atmosphere, and menu, there is a venue to match almost anyone's taste. Since there are few social spaces on the University of Tokyo's campus, most socializing instead takes place in one of the…
Dealing with Homesickness
Almost every exchange student experiences homesickness at some point. Living in an unfamiliar environment where everyone speaks another language can be alienating at times. Tokyo's case is ironic; despite being the most populous city in the world, it's easy to feel isolated…
Yokohama and Japanese History
I went to Yokohama for the first time last weekend to catch a play. The professor of my Japanese theatrical history course has a number of friends in the Greater Tokyo Area’s theatre scene. He somehow negotiated free admission for the…
Tips for Learning a Language
Learning another language is an important part of many exchange students' time abroad. In my case, part of the reason why I'm here is to improve my ability to read and write academic papers in Japanese. I have a history with the Japanese…