Hanami: watching the cherry blossom in Japan

The annual profusion of blossom in Japan - ume [plum], momo [peach] or sakura [cherry] - is a magical sight. With the blossom comes the promise of warmer weather and people begin to enjoy coming back out, gathering in parks and having fun together. Here are some photos and some suggestions of where to go for the best hanami, or blossom viewings. Read the story »

Photograph postcards of Japan and the UK for sale….

Japanorama.co.uk is delighted to be able to offer you a selection of stylish postcards, all created from original photographs by the British, Tokyo-based photographer, Alfie Goodrich. Superb shots of Japanese nature, landscapes, people and some of the classic tourist spots like Mount Fuji, as you may not have seen them before. Read the story »

First day of school in Japan

Having now experienced our son’s first day of school in both the UK and Japan, there are some important differences that it is worth writing about. And, perhaps, some important lessons for education officials in the UK to learn about how to make the day more special for parents and children alike. Read the story »

The flea market comes of age in Japan

Days, weeks and probably - if I added the time up - months of my young life in England were spent trawling around second-hand and antique markets with my parents. Now, it seems, here in Japan the equivalent ‘flea market’ has shifted from something students and young people frequent and entered the mainstream. Read the story »