Tokyo's Secret Island Paradise: Aogashima

I was very favorably impressed with how well Japan, Tokyo specifically, administers this small island with its tiny population. I also learned that Tokyo public transportation includes helicopter rides. Who knew?

Shun-Taro: Japanese robot dog evaluates stinky feet

"Anthem" by Kawehi

If you're unfamiliar with Kawehi, she's a Hawaiian-American who beatboxes and loops like there's no tomorrow. This song of hers, "Anthem," is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it and have an awesome weekend!

It is impossible to stay angry...

... when you are wearing squeaky bunny shoes.

Jaiden Animations: Stupid Lies I Believed for Way Too Long

Jaiden Animations is a YouTube channel featuring the work of an Asian American animator who identifies herself only by her first name. Just 19 years old, Jaiden has rocketed to success on YouTube, with over one million subscribers. She's taken a hiatus from college to focus on her animation career, and I suspect she's going to go far in the years ahead. Her hallmarks are clean, well-thought-out animations, good storytelling, and a wry sense of humor. Hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.

Japanese Halloween Candy with Risa

Just in time for Halloween, language instructor Risa makes a survey of Japanese limited-edition Halloween sweets.

Kumiko-Zaiku: Beautiful Japanese Latticework

I've just learned about kumiko-zaiku, a type of geometic wooden latticework from Japan, and thought I'd share a couple videos about it in case others don't know of it. Dating from at least 1700, the craft was used to decorate the transom spaces above doors in artistocratic homes and then was incorporated into shoji screens and other furnishings. Today you can find kumiko-zaiku in everything from lampshades to beverage coasters.

Jaiden Animations: My Insane Experience with Misaki from Samurai Buyer

Jaiden Animations is a YouTube channel featuring the work of an Asian American animator who identifies herself only by her first name. In this video, Jaiden describes her experiences working with a Japanese businessman.

Top 10 Responses to "How Are You?" in Japanese

In her characteristically cute way, Risa demonstrates 10 ways to respond to "How are you?" in Japanese.

Building Without Nails: The Genius of Japanese Carpentry

This documentary about a Japanese carpenter doing business in New York City is wonderful and may leave you wanting to live in a Japanese-style house. It's been out for awhile; my apologies if it's already been posted. For those who haven't seen it, I think you'll find it's 25 minutes well-spent.