We wanted to try van life in Japan, so we rented a tiny kei camper and set off from Tokyo. Here’s what we discovered about 車中泊, roadside stations, RV parks and camping in the Japanese summer.

I miss Japanese toilets already. From washlets and heated seats to clean, free public toilets, Japan has turned something completely ordinary into a surprisingly pleasant experience.

In Japan, fireworks mean summer. I finally experienced a Japanese fireworks festival from the beach — 20,000 fireworks, bentō, trains and a perfect summer night.

We spent three days at Motosu Lake trying to see Mount Fuji in the summer. From a glimpse through the clouds to a 4 am sunrise, this is what finally happened.

A Japanese word led me down a linguistic rabbit hole, and back to my own ever-growing pile of unread books. Why do we buy books we aren't ready to read yet?

May 5 is Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day in Japan. Discover the story behind koinobori, Tango no Sekku and the Five Seasonal Festivals of Japan.

Why is brown “tea color” in Japanese? From 茶色 and blue traffic lights to poetic names inspired by nature, discover how Japanese colors can change the way we see the world.

January 2 is a Day of Beginnings in Japan. Growing up, it meant kakizome—the first calligraphy of the year—and the moment when the New Year already started asking us to begin again.

Osechi ryōri is Japanese New Year food filled with symbolism. I make my own version in Rotterdam, adapting family traditions, ingredients and flavours for a new generation.

December 31 is Ōmisoka, the last day of the year in Japan. From deep cleaning and toshikoshi soba to temple bells and New Year’s greetings, this is how I remember celebrating it.

Christmas looks quite different in Japan. From KFC and strawberry shortcake to romantic Christmas Eve traditions, here’s how Christmas became a Japanese winter celebration.

What does -yoku mean? From sunbathing and onsen to forest bathing, discover the Japanese words built around 浴 and the idea of immersion behind Nihongo-yoku.

“The departing bird does not muddy the water behind it.” A Japanese proverb about leaving gracefully, taking responsibility and not leaving a mess for others.

Giving up your seat sounds simple, but it can become surprisingly awkward. A small lesson in Japanese thoughtfulness, dignity and omoiyari.

What happens when work is taken away from someone who finds meaning in being useful? A story about madogiwazoku, work and the connection with ikigai.