The linked article is in Japanese but it basically says that new regulations will make it possible for people to get permanent residency after only one year. Took me eight, and getting married was a big help. The new system is based on points. If you’re doing high level research, or have some advanced specialties, … More Japan just made it easier to get permanent residency

Japan’s onna bugeisha (female warriors) aren’t often portrayed in Samurai films but they existed. While the title of Samurai was only given to men, there were many women who trained and fought alongside them in battle. Onna bugeisha often used a weapon called a naginata, which is a long pole with a curved blade at one … More Onna Bugeisha: Japan’s Ancient Female Warriors

Police in Japan will start offering martial arts classes to tourists in Matsue City, as promotion to help build trust and improve the officers English abilities. Sounds like an intersting program to me. http://japan-community.com/japan-police-offer-martial-arts-classes-for-tourists/

Interesting article. I might have to track these places down. http://moving-japan.com/articles/127

Kyoto is moving utility poles underground to give a more traditional feel to certain popular parts of the city. The plan is to be finished before the 2020 Olympics. I think this is an awesome idea. Hopefully it turns into a trend and spreads into my area. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/08/national/kyoto-removing-utility-eyesores-revive-old-time-ambiance/#.WJwvlTzXeEe

I was surprised to find this newspaper article on an unusual aspect of kobudo (traditional Japanese martial arts). It’s about a walking style called ‘nanba,’ which was the common way martial artists walked in Japan until western influence during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Nanba-walking is walking without swinging your arms and without twisting your shoulders … More Nanba-Walking

I rang in the New Year at a small temple near my house called Sangu-jinzan. The bell was made in the early Edo period which makes it older than America. New Year’s eve is the only time they allow the public to ring it. I look forward to giving it a good “gong”every year.