Lice at Hotel Testicle – The Comedic Writings of Hiraga Gennai

In the mid-18th century, Edo (modern-day Tokyo) had over 1 million inhabitants, making it the largest city in the world. That didn’t make it the best place to live, though. The city was constantly plagued by fires, famines and plagues, forcing the citizens of Japan’s capital to find joy wherever they could. So, they overwhelmingly went looking for it in books. High literacy among Edo commoners in the 1700s created a market for mass production of literature and, with it, the country’s first bestselling author: Hiraga Gennai, also known as Japan’s Leonardo da Vinci — that is, if da Vinci enjoyed puns and fart jokes.

Portrait of Hiraga Gennai, by Nakamaru Seijuro, Waseda University Library, Japan (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Gennai’s Lousy Educational Jokes

Born the son of a low-ranking samurai in 1729, Gennai eventually becomes a ronin and self-taught expert at just about everything. He’s credited with inventing the

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Chris Broad Celebrates 10 Years in Japan With His First Book

Ten years is a long time to be doing anything — let alone stay relevant on the internet, an arena of notorious trends that explode and then diffuse within a matter of days. But that’s exactly what the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel has done and continues to do. Helmed by filmmaker and host Chris Broad, his content has introduced a global audience to Japan through his natural affinity for videography and his own brand of British wit. Broad now adds author to his list of accolades, with an eponymous memoir, a culmination of over a decade spent living life in Japan.

The Early Years

There are 29 chapters in this book and each one is written in the style of a personal essay. Many of the chapters document brod’s time in Yamagata Prefecture as an assistant language teacher (ALT), a gig he received via the Japanese government-sponsored JET

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Suikawari 101: Smashing Watermelons in the Summer

Japanese watermelons are famous across the world for their fantastically bizarre shapes and deep, sweet flavors. When they come into season from June onwards, watermelons (suika in Japanese) make for the perfect summertime snacks. The game associated with the fruit, suikawari, or watermelon smashing, providing enjoyment and refreshment in one go. Let’s have a look at the history of it and how to play it.

What is Suikawari?

Suikawari is a traditional Japanese summertime activity. Usually taking place on a beach or on a sports field, it involves participants trying to smash open a watermelon while blindfolded. Frequently, one or more teams will have a go. Once the watermelon is successfully split, it is divided out for everyone to enjoy.

A popular group game for the beach, suikawari is easy to prepare. Most Japanese people have played suikawari at least once in their lifetime. Many even more so. For

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Winnipeggers looking to travel cheaply this summer

Canadians are on the hunt for affordable travel options this summer.

That includes Amedee Arbor, who is planning to ride around Manitoba in his pedal-powered velomobile.

“I might go to Falcon Lake or something like that,” Arbor said.

His trip’s cost will only be the food he eats on the way. Arbor is not the only one looking for a cheaper way to travel.

A Nanos research poll conducted for CTV News found 38 per cent of people surveyed said they are more likely to save on travel this summer – that’s a seven per cent jump from 2015. It also found 51 per cent of people said cost was the most important travel plan factor.

The survey was conducted between June 29 and 30.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority says it’s expecting a busy summer.

“Over the last couple of years each summer we’ve seen more and more travelers through

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On This Day: Shinzo Abe’s Assassination

It’s been 12 months since Shinzo Abe’s assassination, an incident that sent shock waves across the globe. On the morning of July 8, the former Japanese prime minister was gunned down while giving a speech in Nara Prefecture. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was quickly arrested at the scene. After he was taken away, paramedics arrived to find Abe lying unconscious with blood all over his shirt. Frantically flown to Nara Medical University Hospital via helicopter, he wasn’t breathing and his heart had stopped. The ex-PM was pronounced dead at 5:03pm, five and a half hours after he’d been shot.

For our latest On This Day in Japan article, we’re looking back at Abe’s assassination and its aftermath, including the controversies surrounding his funeral and his links to the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, widely known as the Unification Church. We’re also taking a closer look at the life

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You’ll soon be able to use your phone on EU flights. But passengers aren’t sure that’s a good thing

A new poll has revealed that passengers are split on new inflight phone rules.

Passengers on flights within the European Union (EU) will soon be allowed to use mobile phones without enabling airplane mode.

The new rules – outlined by the European Commission last year – will mean travelers can make phone calls, text and stream videos. But not everyone’s happy.

According to new research by Kayak, one-in-five passengers oppose the change.

21 per cent of British respondents are against the ruling, while 40 per cent welcome it but think there should be a limit on usage with a “quiet hours” time on flights.

“A flight can often be seen as dead time… but for some, it’s part of the experience of going on holiday, relaxing and switching off from the world, having a snooze or watching an in-flight movie, which could be interrupted by others using 5G,” said Evan

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Business travel for Indonesians to Australia will be made easier in a deal between national leaders

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Business travel for Indonesians to Australia will be made easier in a bid to boost the economic partnership between the two countries following a deal struck between their leaders. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed on visa changes, climate initiative funding and education partnerships during talks Tuesday at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Albanese announced that Indonesians will be able to access extended business visas for Australia, increasing from three to five years, while Indonesian e-passport holders will be prioritized. Indonesians will also be able to access a frequent traveler visa.

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Canada updates travel advice for France amid anti-police protests – National

Canada is urging travelers to exercise a “high degree of caution” when traveling to France as protests have broken out across French cities in response to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by police.

“Since June 27, 2023, demonstrations in opposition to police violence have been taking place. Further demonstrations are planned in the commune of Nanterre, in Paris and in several other cities across the country, including Lyon and Toulouse,” the advisory issued on Thursday read.

“They have caused disruptions to services and transportation and have led to acts of vandalism, arson, and violent clashes between demonstrators and police. In certain cases, security forces have used to tear gas and disperse crowds.”

The Canadian government has urged those already in France to monitor local media for the most recent information, follow the instructions of local authorities and be prepared to modify their plans in case of disturbances.

Story continues

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Minobusan: A Sacred Mountain and a Peaceful Mountainside Retreat

For over 700 years, worshippers have visited Minobusan, one of Japan’s most sacred mountains. An imposing sanmon gate welcomes visitors to Kuonji, the heartland of Nichiren Buddhism, while the scent of towering cedar trees helps relieve the arduous climb up the 287 “steps of enlightenment” to the temple’s main hall. Guests staying at nearby Kakurinbo, a popular temple lodging, and its sister property, Guest Villa Ebisuya, are encouraged to take this same pilgrimage, if only to savor the view from Kuonji’s extensive grounds and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the mountain’s peak.

Elements of Tradition

As an important satellite temple, Kakurinbo has accommodated visiting priests and pilgrims for over 550 years. Today, Kakurinbo offers a place of relaxation for tourists and worshipers alike while maintaining a traditional environment in which guests may enjoy local cuisine and cultural experiences. Visitors to Minobusan can also choose to stay at

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19 Things To Do in Tokyo This Week: June 26–July 2

This week is your last chance to catch spring-inspired afternoon tea campaigns and special exhibitions. On the weekend, kick off the month of July with live music events organized by More Than Music. This and more things to do in Tokyo this week, all listed below.

Community Events

1.
Omotenashi Selection Awardees at Shishokuya

Shishokuya is a new specialty shop where you can sample food and drink items from all over Japan for free before purchasing. It’s a rare experience and it can be exciting to get to know the unique products by actually tasting them.

date & time UNTIL Jun 30, 2023・11:00-19:00
Price Food and drink sampling is free
Location

試食専門店 試食屋

Live Events

2.
MTM Presents: Till Death Do Us Part vol.2

A live music event organized by More Than Music for all rock lovers, the special guest this time is Yeti Valhalla, who headlined the annual

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