Amy Ellis, Author at Savvy Tokyo

10 Surprising Things You Can Rent in Japan

Amy Ellis — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Beyond the usual apartments, cars or party venues, there’s a whole world of rental services that range from practical to downright surprising. Curious about what’s possible? Here are 10 unusual things you can rent in Japan that you probably never thought of before.

1. Suitcase Rental

Perfect for infrequent travelers who don’t want to waste limited storage space in their Tokyo apartment. Choose from a range of suitcase sizes, styles, and brands. Select your preference and required dates, and the case will be delivered straight to your door.

Price: From ¥3,780〜

2. Middle-Aged Man Rental

Yes, you read that right. For just ¥1,000, you can hire a man between the ages of 45 and 55 for almost any purpose. Previous requests have included chatting, listening to complaints, filling in as a sports buddy and even being a camping companion

Price: ¥1,000 per hour

3. Christmas Tree Rental

Want to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo without worrying about storage? You can rent a fully decorated artificial tree, complete with ornaments and LED lights. It’s delivered to your door, shipping included and collected after the season is over.

Price: From ¥15,000〜

4. Apology Service

Need to say “I’m sorry” but can’t quite face it yourself? In Japan, you can actually rent a professional to apologize on your behalf. Services range from face-to-face meetings to phone calls and even heartfelt letters—whether it’s for a customer, a neighbor or even an ex.

Price: ¥10,000–¥20,000

5. Baby Goods Rental

Babies grow quickly, and their needs change just as fast. Instead of buying new gear every few months, parents in Japan can rent cribs, high chairs, strollers and even baby monitors. Many services include delivery and assembly too.

Price: From ¥5,000〜

6. Wedding Dress Rental

Why buy an expensive gown you’ll only wear once? In Japan, renting a wedding dress is a popular, eco-friendly option. Dresses are professionally cleaned and ready for another bride to love. Shoes and accessories can also be added to the package.

Price: ¥33,000–¥400,000

7. Furniture Rental

Moving into a new apartment or staying short-term in Tokyo? Renting furniture can be far more affordable than buying everything new. From complete room packages to individual items like beds and cushions, you can even buy the pieces later at a reduced price if you fall in love with them.

Price: Packages from ¥5,000–¥90,000

8. DIY Tool Rental

Do you have a project in mind, but don’t have the tools? Stores like Kohnan offer tool rental with interchangeable heads, including drill drivers, saws and vibration drills. With 30 stores across Tokyo, it’s a budget-friendly way to get the job done.

Price: ¥330–¥1,320

9. Allotment Garden Rental

For city dwellers craving a bit of green, joining a community garden with allotment rentals is a fantastic escape. Share Batake sites provide seeds, fertilizers and tools, so you can just show up and start planting. This is a perfect hobby for Tokyoites missing the countryside.

Price: ¥6,000–¥9,000

10. Wedding Guest Rental

Worried your side of the wedding hall will look a little empty? You can actually rent wedding guests in Japan! They’ll attend, smile and even give a heartfelt speech for an additional fee. A very Japanese twist on ensuring your big day looks picture-perfect.

Price: ¥20,000–¥30,000

Japan’s unique approach to problem-solving: why buy when you can borrow? If you’re living in Japan or just visiting, keep these unusual rentals in mind—you never know when you might need them.

Furoshiki: Japan’s Eco-Friendly Cloth Wrapping We Should All Be Using

Amy Ellis — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of aesthetically folding square-shaped material for practical purposes, such as gift wrapping, transporting daily items or even decoration. Incorporating traditional Japanese history into gift-giving celebrations has elevated the art of present wrapping while reducing our carbon footprint. Furoshiki refers to both the method and the cloth itself. In this age of eco-friendly living, reusable cloth has been given a new lease of life, as many people are seeing the environmental benefits.

The sustainability of furoshiki is extended into gift-giving. In this social protocol, the recipient unwraps the present and then returns the cloth to the sender, allowing for future reuse.

Gift-giving is a love language, and putting thought and effort into the way it’s presented is an extension of that care. The consideration in choosing colors and patterns that the receiver likes, along with choosing the way the material is lovingly folded, demonstrates that thoughtfulness. Furoshiki is a true representation of the attention to detail that is prevalent in Japanese culture.

The History Of Furoshiki

Today’s beloved furoshiki was given its name around 600 years ago, during the Muromachi period. A Shogun named Yoshimitsu Ashikaga created a large bathhouse in his Kyoto residence and invited many other high-ranking lords to visit. To ensure the lords didn’t confuse their belongings, they would wrap their kimonos and personal items in furoshiki (furo 風呂, bath, and shiki 敷, spread), usually emblazoned with their family crest. It was also common to spread the material across the floor to stand on while getting dressed.

It wasn’t long before furoshiki rippled out to the public, sparking a new trend for transporting goods. From carrying shopping to elaborately wrapped sake bottles, these square wraps became a household necessity.

Furoshiki Today

Furoshiki is still commonly used to carry bento boxes to school and to hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). It’s loved by gift-givers as a personal touch to elevate the craft of wrapping.

Choosing The Right One

Traditionally, the colors chosen reflected the occasion for which they were used. Warm colors, such as reds and oranges, were used for celebrations such as weddings and birthdays. Darker colors were used for more somber events like funerals.

Seasonal Influence

Like with many things across Japan, the four seasons have a great influence on patterns and designs. Furoshiki can be embellished with bursts of cherry blossom for spring and clusters of maple leaves for autumn. Animal patterns, especially fabrics featuring the zodiac animals, are also popular choices for those wishing to invite luck. 2025 is the year of the snake, so keep your eyes peeled for slithering snake-adorned furoshiki!

What Material Is Furoshiki Made Of?

Japanese furoshiki can be made from various materials best suited to its intended use. Popular materials include silk, cotton, nylon, and polyester. Silk should be saved for expensive gifts or very special occasions, whereas cotton is preferred as a more durable and affordable alternative.

Furoshiki is usually hemmed to be more aesthetic, as well as to strengthen the fabric. Take care not to confuse furoshiki with tengui. Tengui (te 手, hand, and nugu 拭, wipe) is made from thin cotton, and its main purpose is for wiping hands or dabbing sweat. The edges are not usually hemmed, as it’s just for personal use.

How To Fold Furoshiki

There are multiple ways furoshiki can be folded, depending on the gift and situation. One of the beauties of furoshiki is how customizable it is. The gift giver can choose the material, design and wrapping style—the possibilities are endless!

Below are a couple of wrapping techniques for beginners:

Otsukai-Tsutsumi

Otsukai-dutsumi is one of the most popular wrapping methods, its simple but chic form can be used for everyday items or to present a gift for a special occasion.

Place the fabric down in a diamond shape, then place your box in the center of the square.
Fold the bottom point up over the box and tuck it underneath. Bring the top corner of the fabric down over the box.
Use the two side pieces to tie a simple knot, followed by another knot for security. Tease the fabric ties in a bow.

Bin-Tsutsumi

Bin-tsutsumi is best for wrapping bottles, particularly for gifts. Topped with an effortless-looking knot, your bottle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Place the fabric down in a diamond shape, then place your bottle upright in the center of the square.
Pull two opposite corners of fabric over the top of the bottle, and tie in a knot.
Hold the remaining two corners and wrap them around the bottle in opposite directions, and finish by tying them in a bow.

Where Can I Buy Furoshiki?

Musubi

Musubi has over 500 different furoshiki made from a range of fabrics, including cotton, silk and linen. They often collaborate with contemporary artists to create unique designs. Musubi originated in Kyoto and now has a store in Jingumae.

Address: 2-31-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Karakusaya

Karakusaya offers a wide range of furoshiki styles. You can find everything from traditional to modern designs. If you’re struggling to master your wrapping technique, Karakusaya holds workshops free of charge.

Address: 3-4-6 Tomizawacho, Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Have you ever used furoshiki? Let us know about it in the comments below!

Keto Diet in Japan: What To Look Out For

Amy Ellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Japanese food and carbohydrates go together like sushi and soy sauce. However, those wanting to explore different eating habits might stumble across the ketogenic (or keto for short) diet in Japan. The keto diet is high in fat and incredibly low in carbs, but it’s more than just cutting pasta and bread from your meals. The aim of keto is to keep your carbs under 20-50 grams (for reference, one medium-sized apple contains around 20 grams of carbs).

What Are The Benefits Of A Keto Diet?

While the most common reason to follow the keto diet is for weight loss, it can have multiple health benefits. Research suggests it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease and help people manage diabetes by improving their insulin sensitivity and lowering cholesterol.

It’s hard to believe that these benefits could derive from such a high-fat diet. By replacing your carbohydrate intake with fat, your body is put into a metabolic state known as ketosis, in which your body produces ketones (by-products of fat breakdown) to use for fuel.

While the keto diet is much less commercialized in Japan than in the West, many traditional Japanese dishes are more keto-friendly than you might think.

Please be advised I am not a nutritionist; this content is based on my own experiences and research.

Keto-Friendly Japanese Dishes

Many Japanese dishes have an abundance of fresh vegetables with every serving, all of which change with the season. Below are a few classic Japanese dishes that are suitable or can be tweaked to match the keto lifestyle.

Yakitori

Fans of the beloved Japanese chicken dish will be delighted to hear that yakitori (skewered grilled chicken) remains very much on the menu. Yakitori is an ideal high-protein and low-carb dish. For flavor, choose the salt option as it contains less sugar than tare (soy basting) sauce.

Yakiniku

Yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) boasts endless chicken, pork and beef for you to add to your personal barbecue grill alongside veggies. It’s a perfect way to stick to a keto diet while dining out. Just skip the usual dipping sauces provided and stick to soy sauce to keep carbs low.

Shabu-shabu

When cooler weather starts creeping in, a bowl of boiled meat and vegetables in a large pot of broth is just the ticket to warm up. This makes shabu-shabu (a type of Japanese hotpot) the ultimate keto comfort food.

Sukiyaki

Similarly to shabu-shabu, sukiyaki (a type of Japanese hotpot) is also keto-friendly, thanks to the high meat and vegetable-to-carb ratio. It’s another meal that’s great to enjoy with people who aren’t following the keto diet.

Sashimi

There are slices of sashimi (raw fish) to suit everyone’s palette, including salmon, tuna and mackerel, all boasting zero carbs and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.

Miso soup

A Japanese staple that’s the perfect accompaniment to your meal at home, or in the restaurant. The light and salty misoshiru (fermented soybean soup), or better known as miso soup in English, can be packed with nutrition as tofu and seaweed are also suitable for the keto diet.

Edamame

Edamame (green soybeans) makes a tasty snack or side dish. They’re easily accessible in Tokyo, sold in convenience stores, fresh and frozen in supermarkets and on the menu at most izakayas.

Carb Substitutes in Japan

Cauliflower Rice

¥250 for 300 grams

It may feel like a sin to substitute rice for cut-up cauliflower, but cauliflower rice is a great way to bulk out your dinner for a very low amount of carbs. Bags of cauliflower rice can be found in the frozen section of most supermarket chains.

Shirataki Noodles

¥130 for 180 grams

Shirataki noodles have been dubbed “miracle noodles” and it’s not hard to see why. Made from konnyaku (yam cake), these noodles are incredibly low calorie, as well as fat-free, gluten-free and sugar-free. These noodles comprise around 97% water and contain less than one gram of net carbs per 100 grams. A true keto delight. Bags of shirataki noodles can be found in the chilled section of most supermarkets.

Helpful Keto Words/Phrases in Japanese

Japanese (Kanji)	Romaji	English
炭水化物	Tansuikabutsu	Carbohydrates
たんぱく質	Tanpakushitsu	Protein
脂質	Shishitsu	Fat
食物繊維	Shokumotsu sen-i	Dietary fiber
糖質	Toshitsu	Carbohydrates from sugar

I’m on a low carb diet = 炭水化物抜きダイエットをしています。(Tansuikabutsu nuki daietto wo shiteimasu.)
No rice, please = ご飯はなしでお願いします。(Gohan wa nashi de onegaishimasu.)
Do you have anything without carbs? = 炭水化物が入っていないものはありますか？ (Tansuikabutsu ga haitteinai mono wa arimasu ka?)

Have you tried following the keto diet while in Japan? Please share any tips in the comments below!

The Art of Kokedama: Make Your Own

Amy Ellis — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Kokedama, or “moss ball”, is an ancient Japanese art form that is derived from the practice of bonsai. The beauty of exposed bonsai roots, which would accumulate moss over time, was the inspiration behind kokedama. It was colloquially referred to as “the poor man’s bonsai” as it was a simpler, more affordable way for people to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese garden in their homes.

The concept of kokedama began as a way for Japanese people to stay connected to the forest while living in the city. The lack of man-made pots surrounding the plant mimics the natural environments in which plants grow and embodies the idea of mother nature being self-sufficient. In Japanese culture, moss symbolizes longevity, something that flourishes over time and is in harmony with its surroundings.

These rustic spheres of nature are a perfect reflection of wabi-sabi, which loosely translates as finding beauty in natural imperfections. Sculpted by hand, a misshapen ball of soil encompassing an asymmetric plant is then wrapped in nature’s blanket. Kokedama is a true appreciation of wabi-sabi.

These days, kokedama is seen as a stylish and unique addition to homes, cafes and shops. This ancient art form has been given a modern twist as people experimented with different ways to display their moss balls, such as suspended in the air or in terrariums.

Studies have shown that many indoor plants can absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen through photosynthesis and remove pollutants. As many people are still working remotely from their homes, keeping our living/working space clean and fresh is important and the improved oxygen levels in the air increase concentration and productivity. Kokedama can be created as big or as small as desired, perfect for tiny Tokyo apartments!

Kokedama Plant Suggestions

Choosing the right plant for your kokedama requires more consideration than simply for atheistic purposes. Your chosen plant should be slow-growing, be able to thrive without direct sunlight and can tolerate humidity. Check out our suggestions below;

Spider plant
Palms
Peace lily
Lucky bamboo
Rabbit’s foot fern
Dracaena
Grape Ivy

What You Need

Your plant of choice
Peat moss
Two cups of potting soil
Waxed string or fishing wire for an invisible effect
Scissors

How To Make Kokedama

1. The first step of making kokedama is to prepare the soil. Place two cups of potting soil into a container and slowly add water until you can mold the soil into a firm ball.

2. Take your chosen plant out of its pot and gently shake the soil from around the roots, leaving them as exposed as possible.

3. Carefully split your soil ball in half and lay the plant’s roots in the center. Combine the two halves to re-create the ball, adding more water if necessary.

4. Next, soak your peat moss in warm water to loosen it up, allowing it to move flexibly. Lay the moss face down, put your soil ball in the middle, and wrap the moss around the ball.

5. Use the string to keep your kokedama tied together neatly.

Where To Buy Kokedama in Tokyo

If making your own kokedama sounds like the opposite of tranquil, there are plenty of places around Tokyo to buy these beautiful moss balls too.

Buriki no Zyoro

Address: 3 Chome-6-15 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035
Phone: 03-3724-1187

Flower Plants Cafe Jiyugaoka

Address: 2 Chome-15-10 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035
Telephone: 03-3723-3380

Have you ever bought or tried to make your own Kokedama? Let us know in the comments!

Processing Overseas Loss And Grief As An Expat

Amy Ellis — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Living overseas can sometimes feel like a complete detachment from reality. In a city as thrilling as Tokyo, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and adventure of immersing ourselves in a new culture. Meanwhile, life back in our home country feels as if it stands still. Unfortunately, for many, that blissful bubble can burst with one dreaded phone call—a loved one has passed. Suddenly, the city that we’ve come to call home has become the loneliest place on earth. The rush of mixed emotions trying to process this loss is impalpable. We’re hit with grief, heightened by the distance from family, regret for not spending enough time with them and guilt for selfishly choosing life as an expat.

Dr. Mira Simic-Yamashita, a psychologist and therapist based in Kobe, gives us advice on how to overcome these feelings.

What’s the best way to get past the guilt of missing out on time spent with a loved one before their passing?

One way of overcoming grief is instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, focus on what you did do for them while they were alive. Maybe you were talking to them often, encouraging them or helping them financially. Maybe you were able to experience some special moments together because you lived far from them. You will likely realize that you did more than you thought and that you showed your love and devotion in different ways while they were alive.

How can we support grieving family members from so far away?

Support is so much more than just being with them in person. Talking to and sharing the sadness of losing a loved one can often deepen the bond between family members. It’s a valuable opportunity to reconnect while keeping the memory of the deceased alive. You can also offer some practical help:

Call the insurance companies
Help make some funeral arrangements
Order food
Send financial support

All of that can easily be done from a distance. Not only will it help them but it will also help you feel like you’re part of the process.

Some people can’t make it to the funeral, how can they get closure?

A funeral provides us with some sense of closure, which is vital in the grieving process. Not being able to attend it will likely aggravate our grief. However, there are other ways to say goodbye and find closure. We can perform some mini-rituals on our own:

Keep a photo of the deceased one and light a candle next to it
Say a prayer
Write them a letter
Make a memory box with photos and items that remind us of them
Plant a tree in memory of them
Do something they used to like doing

Even if we create them ourselves, rituals can help us stay sane, accept reality and process grief faster.

It’s difficult when communication with the deceased comes to an abrupt halt, are there ways to stay connected to them?

Sharing stories about them and acknowledging their birthdays and death anniversaries are ways we can stay connected with them. In my therapy practice, when clients have unresolved feelings about their deceased ones—whether it’s grief, anger or resentment—I let them have a conversation, then switch roles with the deceased and answer their own questions. It is a powerful and cathartic method that helps clients let their feelings out, which brings immediate relief and allows them to make their own closure.

How can we be vocal about our grief when our friends, coworkers and partners never had the opportunity to meet them and don’t understand how we feel?

Grief is universal, everyone loses loved ones at some point in their life. Even if they didn’t know the person you are grieving for, they will know grief, understand and have empathy for you. In this sad period of your life, it is also important that you diversify your support and have various people to talk to. Having different people supporting you is also beneficial because hearing other people’s experiences and points of view can help you process your emotions faster.

As expats, we don’t see loved ones for long periods of time, so it’s easy to not fully accept that they’re gone. What’s the best way to accept reality and avoid being hit with it when we go home and they’re not there?

You will probably be hit with it, and that’s ok. You will experience strong feelings of sadness, loss and confusion, but those feelings are needed for you to accept that life is never going to be exactly the same again. What I would certainly recommend is that, if there’s a grave, go visit it. Some people avoid doing it out of fear of facing reality but that is seriously unhelpful. Although deeply painful, it can also be very relieving and freeing. Make sure that you leave most of your feelings there, so you can go back home and back to your life lighter and happier.

Do you have any advice on how to move on?

You will move on faster if you have proper support and allow yourself to grieve. In therapy, we say “we cannot heal what we cannot feel”. You need to allow yourself to feel those deep, painful feelings fully until they no longer need to be felt. Don’t pressure yourself to “get over it” and get back to normal as soon as possible. Keep in mind that no matter how hard or long you grieve, it has no correlation with how much you loved this person. It’s ok to take a break from grieving and enjoy life.

…No matter how hard or long you grieve, it has no correlation with how much you loved this person.

If you feel there is no progress with your grief, then you may be suffering from ‘complicated grief’ or ‘unresolved grief.’ In this case, therapy can be a powerful way to ease your symptoms.

If you’re looking for professional guidance about overseas loss and grief, Dr. Mira Simic-Yamashita can be reached through her website.

Some other sources in Japan and Tokyo include:

TELL Japan
International Mental Health Professionals Japan
Tokyo Mental Health

It’s never a wrong time to seek help! The sources above can also help with any other mental health-related issues so please reach out to these professionals when needed.

This article has been republished for 2024 in the hope that it will be beneficial for some readers as we approach the holiday season.

Sun Protection Culture: Japan vs The West

Amy Ellis — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Sun protection is taken to a whole new level in Japan. We’re all familiar with the near-unbearable heat during the summer, as we search for different ways to stay cool, but is protecting our skin still an afterthought? In the West, sunscreen remains the most common choice of sun protection, possibly with the addition of a hat, if you’re feeling fancy. But in the East, people have taken several steps forward in their mission to protect their skin.

In East Asian countries, many people favor the beauty ideal of a fairer skin tone. They do what they can to prevent the natural darkening of their skin. It’s a stark contrast to countries like America and Australia, where a deep tan is a desirable look, achieved by baking in the sun for hours on end, without much thought to the long-term effects of skin damage. Growing up in England (when the sun did make a rare appearance) my eager pursuit of turning a ‘healthy-looking’ shade of bronze meant I would purposely avoid using sunscreen with the misinformed hopes of tanning faster. Facepalm.

Tanning oil? Good luck finding that at your local Japanese store.

Over time, exposure to the sun accelerates signs of aging, along with skin blemishes like sun spots. Staying out of the sun is not purely for aesthetic purposes, it reduces our risks of skin cancer as well as heat stroke. It’s an all-around no-brainer.

So what do Japanese people do differently in terms of sun protection?

Wearing High-Factor SPF

It goes without saying that SPF needs to be applied liberally throughout the summer, however, in Western culture it’s common to apply suncream once in the morning, then proudly tell everyone that you remembered your suncream today.

It’s no secret that Korean and Japanese sunscreens are more highly regarded than most Western sunscreens. This is largely due to the wide access to ingredients not yet approved in America or Europe. Ingredients like Tinosorb and Mexoryl are common components in Japanese sunscreen, and create much more wearable formulas, which could be a factor as to why Westerners wear sunscreen less often than Japanese people.

As awareness of sun damage rises, more SPF products are hitting the shelves. Lots of foundations and primers include SPF, sun sticks for on-the-go reapplication, and even lip balms and scalp sprays to protect those less-considered areas. Remember to reapply your SPF every two hours for maximum protection!

Covering Up In Protective UV Clothing

While the Western approach to dealing with high temperatures is to take off as many layers of clothing as appropriate, the Japanese way is to wear full-length clothing, in light and airy materials. UV protective clothing is all the rage during the sweltering summer months. For clothing to be certified against UVA and UVB rays, the material should incorporate reflective properties or UV-absorbing properties.

Uniqlo offers an affordable UV protection collection for the whole family, and the most popular look seems to be the Airism mesh zip-up hoodie. Pair this with a wide-brim hat to cover your neck and face, and you’re ready to hit your 10,000-step goal!

No sun protection look is complete without full-length UV arm sleeves, right? Even though these sleeves are not such a summer staple, you definitely see more of them in Japan than in England or America. Sun protection sleeves are often worn by people working outdoors in the baking sun for long periods of time, and are made from breathable fabric so as to not restrict movement. Sun smart? Yes. High fashion? Debatable.

Adding Chic (ish) UV Accessories

Is it even a sun protection article if we don’t mention the trusty parasol? For Westerners, carrying an umbrella in the sun is probably quite the culture shock. However, in Japan, it’s a common sight to see women, and more recently men, shielding themselves from the sun with a handy parasol. Sun parasols are a great way to ensure you stay in the shade. They offer protection for your skin and also a slightly cooler respite from the punishing heat.

Have you heard of bicycle handlebar covers? No? Welcome to Japan! Riding your bike to and from work or the station results in a lot of direct sun rays on the hands. It’s often forgotten about, but the skin on our hands also shows signs of aging, which is accelerated with sun exposure.

One thing you might have noticed during summer is the minimal amount of people wearing sunglasses. I’ve asked around and received a variety of responses, including how sunglasses make a person appear untrustworthy, they’re simply an unnecessary accessory, and even how sunglasses were associated with yakuza back in the day. However, the most common answer was that sunglasses draw attention and look too ‘flashy’. Being rendered to near-blindness every time I step into the sunlight, I won’t be giving up my shades anytime soon!

Do you have any sun protection tips for the hot summer months in Japan? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s Time To Talk About No-Mask Anxiety

Amy Ellis — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Before the sweltering summer heat kicked in, the Japanese government relaxed its guidelines for wearing masks, advising people to remove them where possible to avoid heat-related incidents. For some people, this was music to their ears. No more sweaty chins or running back home when you were halfway to the station and you realized you could feel the breeze against your face. For others, this news incited a whole new level of hidden anxiety.

In Japan, the social pressure of wearing a mask may just be the reason why many are hesitant to remove it. It’s not an uncommon sight to be walking down an empty street in the Tokyo suburbs and see people walking or riding their bike while wearing a mask (and not even as a chin hammock, actually wearing them as a nose and mouth covering).

…the social pressure of wearing a mask may just be the reason why many are hesitant to remove it.

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were told to wear masks to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus. It became a reassurance, almost a safety blanket. It offered a sense of control over a situation that we had little control over, so it’s easy to understand why people aren’t ready to ditch masks completely, especially as coronavirus is far but gone.

However, after almost three years and three vaccines, can this reluctance purely be down to concerns over catching the virus? Or are the masks covering a deeper issue?

Mental health is not a widely discussed topic in Japan. For many, it’s easier to blame fear of the virus rather than opening up about what other factors may be contributing to their anxiousness.

So, we have to ask, by keeping the mask on, are we just prolonging the anxiety? Wrapping ourselves in cotton wool instead of tackling the issue head-on?

What is ‘mask fishing’?

The term “mask fishing” was coined during the height of the pandemic, and as defined by Urban Dictionary, is “the phenomenon where a person appears to be more attractive because they are wearing a face mask.” If you cover the lower half of the face, the mind automatically constructs an image of what the rest of the face looks like under the mask, which has led to claims that people’s insecurities have justifiably been heightened.

Another slang term coined during this crazy period was “maskne”—acne from wearing a mask. With all these terms being brandished around, is it any wonder that people worry about removing their masks?

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”
—Swedish Proverb

For me, it started with the joyful realization that I could skim 10 precious minutes off my morning regime by lazily applying makeup to only the top half of my face and leaving the mask-covered portion wild and free. Subsequently, this signified the beginning of an unwillingness to pull my mask down and before I knew it, it reached the point where I couldn’t even bring myself to lower it for a drink of water.

One day a coworker asked if I’d like to grab some lunch together. A simple suggestion that instantly filled me with dread. After months of turning down social invitations, claiming “I will once Covid calms down a bit,” I finally decided enough was enough.

Even though my coworker didn’t bat an eyelid when I took my mask off, I was still hyper-aware of my facial expressions and constantly felt like I was moving my mouth in a weird way.

As the meal progressed, my anxieties gradually faded into the background as I relaxed and enjoyed the conversation. Once lunch had finished and I was safely hidden away behind my mask again, I felt pleased that I had pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

How to ease no-mask anxiety?

Lately, I’m in a much better place with my no-mask anxiety. There are still days when I can’t bear to be seen without a face covering, but I’m finding it easier to talk to myself rationally and calm those overactive thoughts that race around my mind. Here are some things that I tell myself during those stressful moments, that I hope you can use as tips:

Transition little by little: Choose a low-pressure situation, an open space with few people around you, this might be in a secluded park or even walking at night.
Encourage yourself to socialize: Picturing yourself socializing without masks is an intimidating thought, but if you can overcome that voice in your head telling you to fake a last-minute emergency and hide in your bed, you’ll remember how fun it can be to hang out with your friends.
Give yourself time: If you’re not ready to remove the mask—then don’t! Some people (pointing the finger at myself) feel more comfortable hiding behind humor, so make a joke of it; “I’ve eaten garlic, it’s best for everyone if I keep the mask on.”

I told myself that at some point in the future, the mask will have to come off. In one way or another, may it be in an unavoidable social situation or your mask getting damaged, there will be a time when you have to remove it. Start the process of healing instead of prolonging the issue.

Looking for more support?

If anxiety is starting to affect your daily life, and you’d like to reach out to a professional health care provider, below are some websites that can offer guidance.

Tokyo Mental Tokyo: English-speaking psychologists and counselors.
International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ): provides mental health care, therapy and related services to people of various nationalities living in Japan.
Tell: Offers support and counseling services to Japan’s international community.

Tips To Relieve Back Pain Caused By Working From Home

Amy Ellis — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Working from home has become the new normal for so many people in Tokyo, and we’re all aware of the pros and cons (unlimited snack breaks fall into both categories). For the last few years, many of us have found ourselves reluctantly leading a more sedentary lifestyle, and without the walk to the station or the quick errands around the office, many people are starting to feel the effects physically.

Considering that very few people have a home office, or perhaps even own a desk chair, it’s safe to say that people were vastly underprepared for working from home. Most Tokyo apartments and local cafes with free wifi don’t have adequate space to accommodate an ergonomic work setup. When choosing furniture, the main concerns are usually cost or appearance — to fit in with our home furnishings. Often these types of chairs don’t meet the regulations that some company office furniture has to adhere to. Therefore, physical well-being, particularly back health, became an afterthought for working-from-home newbies.

We’ve seen the posters and the emails from our company recommending we sit at a 90-degree angle in a chiropractor-approved chair, near a window, sipping water at a comfortable 22 degrees. However, it doesn’t stop us from slumping into the sofa, covered in crumbs, while we balance the laptop on our knees.

Tips for avoiding back pain:

Walk around your room every 30 minutes. Standing up and getting some movement helps to get the blood flowing back into your muscles.
Posture is everything! Sit up straight with your shoulders back to take the strain off your lower back.
Don’t look down at your screen. Make sure your computer is at a comfortable viewing height for you to look at with a straight neck.
Invest in back support. There are many affordable lower-back support tools online, but in a pinch, a rolled-up towel placed between the chair and your back curve will offer some support.

Stretching encourages the core muscles which support your spine to strengthen, which can help reduce the strain that leads to back pain. Flexing and extending the spine can help improve circulation within the discs in your back. Try some of the following stretches to loosen up the muscles and provide some much-needed relief from the daily working-from-home conditions.

Child’s pose

Start with your knees and palms on the floor, keep your palms shoulder-width apart and your knees together.
Push your hips back until your bum is resting on your heels, keeping your arms extended in front of you. Your stomach should be resting on your thighs.
Walk your hands further away until you feel resistance along your spine.
Hold the position for 30 seconds while you focus on breathing deeply. Repeat 2-3 times.

Good for: Stretching your lower back, shoulders and muscles around the hips.

Knee to chest

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
Using both hands, pull your left knee towards your chest. Hold the position for 30 seconds.
Return to the starting position and slowly repeat with your right leg.
Return to the starting position and repeat while slowly pulling both legs at the same time. Repeat 2-3 times

Good for: Stretching lower back, hips and glutes.

Cat cow

Start with your knees and palms on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
Relax your spine and allow your stomach to drop towards the floor, creating a dip in your back. Lift your chin towards the ceiling.
Hold the position for 30 seconds, breathing in and out slowly. Return to the starting position.
Arch your back, pulling in your abdominal muscles. Tuck in your chin to your chest. Hold the position for 30 seconds before relaxing back to the starting position. Repeat 2-3 times.

Good for: Relieving tension in the middle of the back, chest and shoulders.

For those who are back in the office, and don’t fancy demonstrating the downwards-facing dog pose in their office cubicle, here are a few exercises you can do while sitting at your desk.

Spinal twist

Sit up in your chair with your feet firmly on the ground.
Keep your hips still and twist your shoulders left as far as feels comfortable. Your head should follow the direction of your shoulders.
Hold the position for 30 seconds, breathe deeply and return to face the front.
Twist your shoulders right, hold for 30 seconds, and return. Repeat 2-3 times.

Shoulder blade squeeze

Sit up in your chair with your feet firmly on the ground.
Pull your shoulder blades back, as if trying to squeeze a ball between them.
Hold the position for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 2-3 times.

Do you have any tips for relieving back pain? What are your go-to remedies? Let us know in the comments below!

Avoiding The Sizzle: 5 Japanese Sunscreens for Summer 2022

Amy Ellis — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Summer in Japan is brutal, with temperatures reaching over 35℃ (95℉) This means sunscreen is non-negotiable. So, you make your way to the drugstore, overcome the sickly-sweet music from every aisle, and come face to face with the sea of sunscreen. It can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help.

Most Japanese sunscreens helpfully display the SPF factor along with PA protection. The P-what? I hear you ask. To put it simply, SPF protects against UV-B rays (the ones that cause sunburn) and PA, short for Protection grade of UV-A, protects against UV-A rays (the ones that cause sun spots and wrinkles).

As someone with skin drier than the Sahara Desert, I look for a hydrating sunscreen that will lock in moisture whilst providing UV protection. I strive for the glowing, dewy-not-sweaty look. For those with oily or combination skin, a sunscreen that dries down to a matte finish might be preferred.

After trying every best-selling or friend-recommended sunscreen, I want to share my personal favorites.

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

First up—it’s hailed as the No. 1 summer staple in Japan—we have Biore essence. The lightweight formula is easy to apply evenly and dries down to virtually nothing. It’s completely colorless once applied and can be removed just by washing with soap. It’s perfect for those who hate wearing sunscreen, or who care to dedicate a maximum of 10 seconds to their morning skin regime (like my husband.)

One downside, this sunscreen does contain alcohol, which can be drying for the skin. However, the clever clogs over at Kao Biore have combated this by upping the hydrologic acid and royal jelly ingredients to ensure dry skin stays at bay. Light and refreshing? Yes. Cheap and cheerful? Double yes. White cast? We don’t know her. Overall, a well-deserved cult favorite.

Price: ¥800
SPF 50+ / PA++++
Recommended for: Dry/normal skin types

2. Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Milk

As we’ve mentioned, Japanese summer is hella sweaty. Anessa sunscreen skincare milk boasts being sweat and waterproof, thanks to its aqua-boosting technology. In fact, it claims to get even stronger when met with water or sweat, ensuring long-lasting protection from harmful rays. Anessa sunscreen is where luxury skincare meets UV protection. The thin, milky texture is almost velvet-like when applied to the skin. It dries down to a matte finish, which I would say is better for oily skin types. This sunscreen is truly the holy grail of sun protection, which is reflected in the higher cost of around ¥3,000.

Price: ¥3,300
SPF 50+ / PA++++
Recommended for: Oily skin types

3. Curel Day Barrier UV Protection Milk

Curel has been designed with dry and sensitive skin in mind. The texture of Curel is similar to Anissa, the milky formula glides on like silk. A word to the wise, however, like many mineral sunscreens, Curel does leave the dreaded white cast. I found it to sit well under makeup. Still, during those baking hot summer months, I personally tend to steer away from heavy foundations that will be melting off my face as I walk to the station, so I prefer to use this sunscreen to hydrate and protect during the winter. You heard correctly, don’t skip out on your sunscreen in the winter!

Price: ¥1,600
SPF 50+ / PA+++
Recommended for: Dry skin types, wears well under make-up

4. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence (Lavender)

We’ve heard of color-correcting make-up, but allow me to introduce a Japanese, award-winning, color-correcting sunscreen. The color is a light purple to help counteract skin redness, while the pearly finish has a brightening effect. The texture is similar to the Biore essence, it’s light and feels weightless on your skin. The scent is a little soapy, but not overbearing. This gentle sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and ages. If an everyday battle with your child to wear sunscreen sounds familiar, this ‘unicorn sunscreen’ might sweeten the deal.

Price: ¥800
SPF 50+ / PA++++
Recommended for: All skin types

5. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV

Finally, we have Canmake Mermaid Gel. I’ll be the first to admit I’m a marketing department’s dream. I saw the cute seashell packaging and into the basket it went. Luckily for me, the gel formula was one of the most moisturizing sunscreens I have come across. The texture is thin and light to give great coverage, and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy. It claims to contain 85% beautifying ingredients (disclaimer: I don’t know what that means exactly, but I know that I need it.) This sunscreen is primarily advertised as a make-up primer with UV protection, designed to be used before foundation to help it sit better and last longer.

Price: ¥800
SPF 50+ / PA++++
Recommended for: Dry/normal skin types, wears well under make-up

After my first never-ending summer in Japan, I quickly learned that not looking sweaty is basically impossible, so just steer into the skid, and focus on protecting your skin. Future you will thank you for it.

Have you tried any Japanese sunscreens? Do you have a summer staple that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!