What does it mean to become Japanese? Can a foreigner or ‘gaijin’ ever fully integrate into Japanese society such that they blend in and are treated ‘normally’? A recent video foray into this tricky topic.

On 3rd December I shot up to the COSPA offices in Tokyo on the Hikari Shinkansen to attend the 6th CGM Night – Otaku Version, organised by Danny Choo. Among all the self-acclaimed otaku were many fellow Japan bloggers, and the small venue meant conversations positively bloomed with success.

I’ve been pretty busy during the last few weeks, hoping back and forth between Tokyo and Nagoya, stopping off at Hakone and infiltrating numerous haikyo. And in the crevices between all that? Networking with some of Japan’s finest j-bloggers, adventurers and musicians. And hey, Autumn isn’t even over yet!

At first a faint wail carried by a distant wind, slowly growing louder and louder into a caterwauling song. As the leaves turn yellow and red and the temperature drops, Japan’s 100 year-old Ishi Yaki-Imo Man comes out to play. Video below.

A bit of a chance encounter after work today saw me with my first photography job doing some shots for a small Japanese interior decoration store. It was literally a walk-in and shoot for charity sketch! So here are some photos of the gorgeous hand-made Japanese furniture.

Here are a few pictures I’ve taken walking around my city and whatnot. Loads of interesting stuff to photograph in Japan, and only my lack of ability to hold me back (no more compact camera restrictions!) I’d love your comments on what works, what doesn’t and why so I can keep bringing you better pictures!

Just a few pictures I’ve taken recently walking around Aeon in Japan. I’m enjoying using my new Olympus PEN E-P1 camera and flexing my creative muscles. I have tested two lenses in this post – the Olympus 17mm f/2.8 pancake and the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 pancake. Enjoy!

Wow, a whole month just flew by! How did I manage to survive without the internet? We may never know, but let me recap on what’s been going on with me this past month in Japan. Highlights include Dannychoo’s figure event, canyoning in Hakuba, numerous nomikai and playing with my new Olympus E-P1!

I made it back from Shodoshima, my feet cursing me, however, and my shoulder muscles having painful twinges from bearing a rucksack all week. That’s aside from all the mosquito bites and fatigue. I completed it though, all 88 temples in the circuit and an extra 8 not necessary, but along the route.

Things have been been pretty busy these last two weeks, not that I’m complaining about it, as it’s mainly down to farewell dinners ^^. I’ve been trying to tie up some loose ends and prepare as much as I can for the upcoming pilgrimage on Shodo island (小豆島).

It’s odd that I’ve forgotten to include the topic in my posts, but Sunday saw me heading out to the Zepp Hall in Osaka to see Jack Johnson, live. Kyunai Ayaka-san brought a CD of his along to play during exercise care way back in January and I was caught by the intriguing lyrics and

It occurs to me that if I don`t start writing in this now, I may never get around to it before I return home. Considering my paper diary is still on `catch up`, although much closer now – only a week or so behind – and the length of time it took me to write