This year is already shaping up to be a monumental year for Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi. After calling a snap election in February, a record number of women joined the campaign trail (24.4% of all candidates). The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won by a landslide, grabbing 316 out of 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Overall, female candidates won 68 seats in the lower house, adding to the list of must-know women in Japanese politics today.

Although sizable, it’s still lower than the 73 seats won by women in the 2024 election. It also falls short of the government’s mandate to ensure an equal number of male and female members in the Diet, as set out in the 2018 Act on the Promotion of Gender Equality in the Political Field. Globally, Japan also ranks pretty low in gender affairs, at position 118 out of 148 countries in the latest World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index (June 2025). 

Still, there’s hope. These are the 68 seats won by women, by political party affiliation:

• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): 39 out of 316 seats 
• Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA): 8 out of 49 seats 
• Democratic Party for the People (DPP): 8 out of 28 seats
• Sanseito: 8 out of 15 seats 
• Team Mirai: 2 out of 11 seats 
• Japanese Communist Party: 2 out of 4 seats 
• Japan Innovation Party: 1 out of 36 seats

Overall, women now make up 14.6% of the newly elected members of the lower house. With this in mind, who are the women in Japanese politics?

Ayuko Kato (LDP)

Winning her constituency seat in Yamagata Prefecture, this Columbia University graduate is now serving her fifth term in government. Ayuko Kato hails from a family of politicians. Her father, Koichi Kato, was the LDP’s Secretary General and Chief Cabinet Secretary, while her grandfather, Seizo Kato, served in the House of Representatives.

Like her dad, she believes that listening to the people is the key to good politics. The mother of two boys has previously served as Minister of State for child policy, gender equality, youth empowerment and the declining birth rate. This must-know female Japanese politician is considered a next-generation LDP leader, hoping to follow in Takaichi’s footsteps.

Hikaru Fujita (LDP)

Hikaru Fujita shocked everyone when she announced her first pregnancy on the campaign trail. On February 8, the Harvard-educated former diplomat won her seat in Nagano Prefecture. Even though some locals think she’s a waste of time, she hopes to inspire more young women to enter politics, even as expectant mothers. 

Fujita grew up admiring her grandparents who farmed rice and tobacco in the mountains. Over the years, she has volunteered for nonprofits abroad, spent a decade with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and completed a stint with global consulting firm McKinsey & Company. 

She believes that responsible child-rearing and regional revitalization are keys to a new Japan. The future looks bright for this one.

Kimi Onoda (LDP)

As Minister in charge of economic security, “cool Japan” and “a society of well-ordered and harmonious existence with foreign nationals,”  House of Councillors member Kimi Onoda certainly has some big shoes to fill. 

Born in Illinois, USA, to a Japanese mother and American father, she and her mother moved back to Okayama Prefecture when she was one year old. Since she was a little girl, she has admired superheroes, particularly those in Super Sentai and Dragon Ball Z. 

Because of her strong sense of justice, she studied politics at university and entered the political game in 2011. In 2017, she finally renounced her American citizenship to show her dedication to her homeland. As one of only two women in Takaichi’s Cabinet, she is one to watch.

Satsuki Katayama (LDP)

Twice married, no kids but lots of firsts. Even in elementary school, one teacher wondered whether Satsuki Katayama would become a bride, a lawyer, an MP or the PM. Seems like the majority of those predictions came true for this high achiever. 

Unlike many of her female peers, after law school, she joined the Ministry of Finance at a time when few women held leadership positions there. She quickly rose through the ranks to become the first female in many departmental roles. 

After almost a quarter of a century in the public service,  she joined the political realm on an LDP ticket. After stints in the lower and upper houses of the Diet, in October 2025, she became the first female Minister of Finance and one of two women in Takaichi’s Cabinet. Previously, she was the only female in Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet at one point in time

Eri Yamada (Team Mirai)

Eri Yamada won the South Kanto block through proportional representation. She is one of two women who won seats in the Diet on a Team Mirai ticket. Team Mirai is a spanking new political party that believes that technology, including AI, can be used to increase efficiency in schools and government agencies. 

The former EPIC Records employee has a track record in politics, having served the Kawasaki City Council since 2019. Yamada first entered politics when she heard about a child murdering another child along her favorite Tama River. 

Since then, she has been vocal about child rearing, particularly inclusivity and offering childcare subsidy programs to all families, regardless of income level. 

Muto Kazuko (Team Mirai)

Like Yamada, Muto Kazuko is a new member of Parliament hailing from Japan’s youngest political party. Her priorities include childcare, particularly tax reduction for families with many children. She also supports using tech to deliver government services to those who need them. 

Prior to politics, the mother of two worked as a server engineer and project manager in IT for almost two decades. After retiring from the industry, she served a non-profit that supported single mothers. 

When she applied for the position of online secretary for Takahiro Yasuno (now the leader of Team Mirai), she had no idea that her entire life path would change. Let’s hope she makes a dent in the Diet.

Rina Yoshikawa (Sanseito)

Winning the Tokyo block seat through proportional representation, 38-year-old Rina Yoshikawa is one of eight women who emerged victorious for Sanseito in the election on February 8. The mother of three is also the deputy leader of the orange-hued party. 

Yoshikawa’s main platform is that mothers are important to safeguarding the future and raising Japanese children with “peace of mind.” The registered nurse who previously worked in cosmetic medicine also believes that Japanese people should live in a society where “health is the norm.”

Mayuko Toyota (Sanseito)

Mayuko Toyota won the seat for the North Kanto block through proportional representation. The ex-LDP MP now serves as a Board Member for ultraconservative Sanseito. The mother of two’s political platform emphasizes social security and education. 

The Harvard grad previously served the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Financial Services Agency and the Permanent Mission of Japan to International Organizations at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. 

After nine years, Toyota has risen from the ashes of a tattered political career. In 2017, after serving two terms in the Diet, she resigned from her position after claims that she verbally and physically abused her male secretary surfaced. Let’s hope she treats her new political aide better than the last.

What do you think about these women in Japanese politics? Only time will tell whether they deliver on their campaign promises.

Looking for more girl power articles? Here’s one about the 5 most powerful women in Japan.

With specials on romantic dinners and getaways for two, Valentine’s Day in Japan might appear a holiday reserved only for couples. Why should couples have all the fun? Get the family in on the love, too! When two people fall in love and start a family, babies and young kids immediately take center stage, demanding a lot of care and attention. In such a situation, it’s easy for the couple’s relationship to take a backseat. So, what’s the compromise? Want to know how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan for couples with kids? Here’s my humble advice.

Make Something With Love This Valentine’s

Make something thoughtful with your kids and presto, core memory encoded! Why not rustle up some homemade chocolate treats? From January until Valentine’s Day in February, hyaku-en (¥100) stores and supermarkets in Japan are awash with supplies to make your own chocolates. 

What to include on your shopping list: 

• Chocolate molds (the silicone ones are fuss-free)
• Chocolate for melting in a double boiler or microwave (regular chocolate bars, couverture chocolate (higher cocoa butter content) or chocolate chips work just fine)
• Decorations and fillings like sprinkles, dried fruit, chopped nuts, crushed candy, crushed cookies 
• Chocolate cups/wrapping paper/chocolate boxes (optional)

This might be the easiest dessert you can make with kids. Just be careful with melted chocolate straight off the stove or out of the microwave. Pour into the molds, decorate and pop in the fridge for about thirty minutes to an hour. 

If you and your partner are particularly crafty, you can also encourage every family member to make a Valentine’s Day card. Again, head to your favorite hyaku-en shop for supplies: card paper, markers, paints, ribbon, washi tape and stickers.

Let each person pick someone’s name at random. Then make a card for that special someone. The best part is what goes inside the card. Help your kids write something nice to the person they love. 

Tour a Chocolate Factory in Japan

© Photo by iStock/ mutarusan

Like any decent Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fan, I’m all about getting to know my chocolate from the factory floor. Touring a chocolate factory in Japan is possible but you usually have to make a reservation. If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day adventure, book well in advance. Do note that some factories are not open on weekends or national holidays. Here are just a few to get you planning ahead.

Lotte Okashi School 

• Address: 3-1-1 Numakage, Minami-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Musashi-Urawa Station (5-minute walk)
• Price: Free (reservation required);  persons aged 3 and over 
• Opening hours: tour times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; closed on weekends, national holidays, Obon, New Year’s and factory maintenance days

Meiji Naruhodo Factory Sakado

• Address: 5-3-1 Chiyoda, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Wakaba Station (15-minute walk)
• Price: Free (reservation required); persons aged 4 and over
• Opening hours: closed on Saturdays and Sundays; see website for more details

Glicopia East

• Address: 9-55 Nakamaru, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Okegawa Station or Kitamoto Station 
• Price: Free (reservation required) 
• Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed on Obon and New Year’s holidays, Fridays and factory maintenance days (see website for more details)

Get Together After Hours 

© Photo by iStock/ Image Source

After the kids have spent all day making, looking at, and eating chocolate, read them a bedtime story, give them a hug and a kiss and rejoice! Now, it’s couples-only time. Spend the rest of Valentine’s in Japan as a couple without kids (even if they’re just sleeping in their bedrooms). 

Netflix and chill. Dine or snack by candlelight. Snuggle under the blankets. What you do with your time is totally up to you! All that matters is that you use it to genuinely reconnect as a couple. 

If, however,  you’re really knackered after a day out with the fam, why not plan a date night for another time? Here are some suggestions for inspo: 

• A Year Worth of Monthly Date Ideas in Japan for All Ages
• Best Outdoor Date Idea for Valentine’s in Tokyo

Let us know how you and your family get on this Valentine’s Day in Japan!

As the cold winds blow, we are really feeling the season now. In Europe, Italy is almost ready to host the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Which Japanese female athletes will climb the podium at the 2026 Winter Olympics for figure skating? Mark your calendars: the competition runs from February 6 to 22. Here’s the lowdown on just some of the amazing Japanese female athletes hoping to make their nation proud on the world stage this year. 

Figure Skating Singles

Kaori Sakamoto

Figure skating is not just about flair. It’s also about athletic skill. This has always been the mantra of veteran skater Kaori Sakamoto. Since her senior debut in 2017, she has proved she can skate, jump and spin better than the rest. She is synonymous with charisma and clean skating.

Her career has been a host of superlatives: the first Japanese woman to participate in three consecutive Olympics and the first Japanese athlete to win three successive World Championships (2022-2024). Copping bronze at Beijing in 2022, after Milano-Cortina, she is more than happy to pass the baton and enjoy her retirement.

Kobe-born Sakamoto was first inspired to become a figure skater after watching the J-drama Teru Teru Kazoku. Since her debut, the Japanese superstar has transformed from a tomboyish athlete to a sophisticated queen on the ice. When she’s not at the rink, she loves driving, doing 400-500 piece puzzles and making origami.  

Ami Nakai

This will be Nakai’s Olympic debut. The Japanese female athlete is one to watch at this Winter Olympics. Last year, the seventeen-year-old rookie copped gold at the Grand Prix de France (beating fellow teammate Sakamoto), silver at the Grand Prix Final and bronze at Skate Canada. 

Even though the high schooler bungled her performance at the Japan Championships last December, the Japan Skating Federation has high hopes that she will perform well at Milano-Cortina. 

This Niigata-born ice queen is all about upping her game, with her all-or-nothing attitude. She was initially inspired to skate after watching three-time World Champion and Olympic vet Asada Mao skate in shiny costumes on TV. 

Nakai’s skating style has been described as “flowy,” “liquid” and “storytelling” on ice. Her signature move is the challenging triple axel. In her downtime, she likes listening to music. 

Mone Chiba

Like Nakai, this will be Chiba’s maiden games, but she’s no shrinking violet. Among other accolades, she’s won gold at the Four Continents Championships (2024), silver at the Grand Prix Final (2025) and bronze at the World Championships (2025).

Chiba was born in Sendai, the same hometown as legendary figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. She considers Hanyu her idol and “big brother.” In her free time, the Waseda University student likes to wind down with a book or a spot of embroidery.

However, she has battled several health issues in the past. She even performed on the ice with gastroenteritis at the Four Continents Championships last year. Even though she didn’t medal, she believes in giving it all to the very end. 

Rinka Watanabe

First alternate is Rinka Watanabe. Already, she has climbed the podium at several major international competitions, including silver at Skate America (2025) and bronze in the Four Continents Championships (2024). 

The Chiba-born Watanabe started skating at four. After several setbacks due to injury, she wanted to quit skating but persevered to earn a place on the Japanese national Olympic team.  

The self-professed anime fan has a weird and wonderful hobby: collecting giant isopod merch. She’s also fluent in English, having lived with a host family during her pre-pandemic training days in Vancouver. And, she’s played Tony Tony Chopper on One Piece on Ice. Rinka-chan, you are a wonder!

Yuna Aoki

Second alternate is Yokohama-born Yuna Aoki. During her debut Four Continents Championships in January this year, she snatched gold. Fellow teammates Ami Nakai and Mone Chiba came in second and third, respectively. 

This Shizuka Arakawa fan is also the fourth woman in the history of the International Skating Union (ISU) competition to land the incredibly difficult triple Lutz-triple loop combination jump. 

Despite a series of injuries and a desire to retire at the end of university, she has continued to fight. Her skating has been described as “emotional” and “elegant,” one reason why she has been chosen for an Art on Ice show in Switzerland later this year. 

Pair Skating

Riku Miura/Ryuichi Kihara

Since their Olympic debut at the Beijing Games in 2022, Rikuryu has climbed the leaderboard in just four years, earning a string of achievements. World Champions and Four Continents Champions in 2023 and 2025. Grand Prix Final winners in 2022 and 2025. 

Now, the heat is on. Will they come away with gold at Milano-Cortina? After becoming world champions, they admitted that they felt the pressure to perform. Now, the pair says they are putting the title behind them and focusing on the Games. 

They are a team through and through, especially during the tough times. Despite Riku suffering a dislocated shoulder, the unstoppable pair pulled through the All Japan Figure Skating Championships last December, grabbing gold. They just get on with it. And the results are remarkable with the team spinning, lifting and twirling all the way to the podium.

Yuna Nagaoka/Sumitada Moriguchi

Following in Rikuryu’s footsteps is Yunasumi. Although they have only paired up since 2022, they have already achieved some formidable results. They copped first place in the Japan Championships in 2023 and 2025 and third in the Four Continents Championships (2026) and the Asian Winter Games (2025). 

Hokkaido-born Nagaoka and Kyoto-born Moriguchi have been dividing their time between Kyoto and Canada, training for international tournaments. Their signature moves are high-speed lifts and the triple twist lift.

Although they are feeling the pressure to perform, the young duo hopes to make a solid debut at the Milano-Cortina. Making a strong showing at the Games will definitely be a career highlight for Nagaoka who celebrated her Coming of Age in January this year. 

Will the Games inspire you to get out there this winter? Check out our beginner’s guide to skiing in Japan!

If you’re a tropical girl like me, hitting the slopes can seem terrifying at first. Fear not! Japan is legendary in ski circles because of Japow (Japanese powder snow). These conditions make gliding on the slopes feel so effortless, like floating on a cloud. Not to mention, Japan’s snow resorts are very affordable compared to other places in the world. Here’s what you need to know about skiing in Japan, from where to go, how much it costs and what to expect

Where to Ski in Japan

If you’re a total novice when it comes to winter sports in Japan, choose ski resorts with lots of green/beginner slopes. These are gentle and wide, making it less likely that you’ll bump into other learners. Many also feature “magic carpets” (conveyor belts), which make going up and down the course a breeze. There are also nets on the edges to catch you if you run off course.

Here are some well-known Japanese ski resorts that are great for newbies.

• Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)
• Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano)
• Meiho Ski Resort (Gifu)
• Iwappara Snow Resort (Niigata)
• Kuju Shinrin Koen Ski Resort (Oita)
• Grandeco Snow Resort (Fukushima)
• Snow Park Yeti (Shizuoka)

How Much Does Skiing in Japan Cost?

If you do your research, winter sports don’t have to cost a fortune. Getting to the ski resort, however, can be a major deal-breaker. If you have to fly there, the cost is going to rack up. Consider Tambara in Gunma for a quick and easy day trip. Karuizawa Prince Hotel is also within walking distance of the shinkansen (bullet train) station. 

Lift tickets can run from ¥4,000 and up. Renting ski or snowboard equipment can cost ¥ 4,000 or more. To rent a full ski suit, set aside at least ¥3,000. Sign up for a package deal to save that precious yen: transport to the resort, ski lift ticket and gear rental in one.

Don’t forget to include locker and meal fees (you’re likely to be ravenous after a couple of hours sliding in the snow). 

Top tip: Learn from the pros at an accredited ski school. If your Japanese isn’t fabulous, sign up for classes that offer multilingual instruction. Classes can be one-on-one or in small groups, so choose according to your needs or budget. 

What Should I Wear?

Snow resorts are chilly, so bundle up! The key is to dress in stretchy, non-bulky layers. Your base layer should be something quick-dry and warm, like a heat-tech/wool thermal top and bottom. The second layer can be a high-neck midweight fleece or sweatshirt. Your third layer should be a windproof and waterproof ski jacket and ski bottoms to keep the snow out. To keep your feet warm, ski socks or knee-high winter socks are essential. 

Since COVID-19, you can no longer rent small items that come into close contact with your face and hands. Bring ski gloves, ski goggles and a beanie to keep your head toasty. A helmet is nice if you want to be extra safe. 

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and an SPF lip balm. Kairo (heat packs) that you can stick on your clothes or slip into a pocket can also keep you cozy on the slopes. 

Top tip: Bring a plastic bag for wet clothes and a small towel to dry off. Keep your lift ticket, some cash and mini tissues on hand. Stash your street clothes, shoes (non-slip soles are best) and everything else in the locker and you’re good to go!

Japanese Ski-related Vocabulary

If you’re a winter sports rookie like me, you’ll need to understand a couple of Japanese terms to avoid confusion on the slopes. Here’s a table of some common lingo you’re bound to hear at any ski resort in Japan.

What to Expect

If you’re good at skateboarding, paddleboarding or surfing, then balance is probably your thing. You may be able to shred that slope in no time. For the rest of us non-sporty peeps, please manage your expectations. 

You may fall on your butt or eject from your ski bindings several times. You may feel like an idiot if kids are getting it before you. Don’t stress! Go with the flow. Take a break. Watch the snow sparkle under the sunlight. Breathe in that clean mountain air. Eat something and get back out there! 

And if you’re really not getting it, there’s no shame in throwing in the towel. Try something less stressful. Make a snowman. Go snowshoeing. Relish the Japanese après-ski ritual of soaking those tired limbs in an onsen (hot spring). 

Need some more inspo? Read Maxine Cheyney’s personal essay about shreddin’ the gnar: a beginner’s snowboarding experience.

Dear reader, have you gone skiing in Japan? How was it? We want to hear all about it in the comments!

Ahh, winter. Dreary days. Bone-chilling temperatures. Late sunrises. Sounds miserable, right? It may seem like the end of the world, but here are some fun family activities for winter in Japan.

Although it may be tempting, don’t stay indoors all the time. If you have young kids, getting outside is essential to get rid of the wiggles and save your sanity. Even if it’s freezing, get out. There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes, right?

If you’re too tired to schlep outdoors, don’t sweat it! There are lots of things your family can do at home to make the wintry season a memorable one. Here’s my survival kit to chase those seasonal blues away.

1. Check Out The Lights

Luckily, in Japan, the lights usually stay on well past Christmas and New Year’s. 

I don’t know any kid who isn’t a fan of twinkly fairy lights. The glow of thousands of LED lights can make for a magical evening and stunning family selfies. 

The best time to feast your eyes and avoid the crowds is on a weekday at dusk. Popular locations where the razzle-dazzle stays up past December 25 include:

• Country Farm Tokyo German Village (until Apr. 5, 2026)
• Tokyo Dome City (until Mar. 1, 2026)
• Odaiba Decks Tokyo Beach (until Feb. 27, 2026)
• Yomiuriland Jewellumination (until Apr. 5, 2026)

2. Hit the Slopes 

January in Japan is synonymous with Japow (fresh powder snow). The ski season usually runs from December to April, with January and February delivering the most snow and the biggest crowds. 

But what if your family isn’t a couple of powder hounds? Not to worry. Many popular resorts in Japan offer one-on-one and group beginner lessons to kids and adults. Some even offer them in English! 

Strapping on a snowboard requires some skill, so why not try something with less of a learning curve? Equally fun family winter activities in Japan include sledding, tubing, snow rafting, ice fishing, ice skating, even dog sledding! 

Check out these family-friendly snow resorts in Japan this winter:

• Tsugaike Mountain Resort (Nagano)
• Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (Hokkaido)
• Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)
• Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort (Niigata)

3. Warm up in a Hot Spring

Not on friendly terms with the white stuff? Onsen (hot springs) are aplenty in Japan. A visit to the hot spring doesn’t require schlepping across the country. Kusatsu, Hakone and Atami are all famous onsen towns a hop and skip away from the capital.

Or enjoy the best of both worlds! Nozawa Onsen, a famous ski resort and onsen town in Nagano, is perfect for the family that plays hard by day and enjoys downtime at dusk. 

An onsen visit is just what the doctor orders during the cold season, helping you and your loved ones warm up the body without breaking the bank. Pick a public one or keep things intimate by renting a private pool. Check out our family guide to planning a trip to the onsen.

4. Hit up a Winter Festival

Even if you’re not a hardcore ski bum, you can still enjoy the ice. These winter matsuri (festivals) celebrate the white stuff, shaping it into pretty spectacles. 

Everyone knows about the Sapporo Snow Festival but what about the Tokamachi Snow Festival? In Niigata,  locals “befriend” the snow and make equally stunning snow sculptures. 

Or check out some really cute illuminated kamakura (igloos) along a riverbank at the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival in Tochigi. Afterward, be sure to warm up in a hot pool.

Witness epic snowball fights (with participants in hilarious getups) at the Koide International Snowball Fight in Niigata. 

And for an even more glorious show, watch fire flowers explode against a Mt. Fuji backdrop during the Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks Festival.

5. Catch Those Early Blossoms 

When winter starts winding down in Japan, do you know you and your family can catch some early blossoms? 

Before the eponymous sakura (cherry blossom) in spring, there are ume (plum) blossoms. Every year, Hanegi Park hosts the Setagaya Ume Matsuri. Gaze at the flowers, get your matcha on or try your hand at haiku or mochitsuki (mochi pounding).

There are also some early sakura bloomers like Atami-zakura and Kawazu-zakura that flower as early as January and February. Every year, the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka hosts Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival and Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. 

If you’re not up for a road trip, you can also hanami (view flowers) under kawazu zakura trees in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Rinshi no Mori Park in Tokyo.

6. Kick Back with a Flick

When your family just wants to hibernate indoors, break out the popcorn and host a feel-good movie marathon. I’m talking snowy landscapes, heartwarming stories, colorful characters. 

Some family-friendly movie recs that fit the bill:

• Ponyo (girl-fish turns into a girl and falls in love with a human boy)
• The Secret World of Arrietty/Karigurashi no Arietti (who doesn’t love a tale of tiny borrowers living in a cute little house?)
• Mirai (little boy time-travels to meet his baby sis and other relatives)
• Little Forest: Winter/Spring /Ritoru Foresuto: Fuyu/Haru (girl moves back to hometown in the wilderness and enjoys slow living)

However, I’m not including the beloved Hachiko Monogatari in this comfort movie list. 

Whoever said (spoiler alert) that watching a beautiful Akita lose his home and die a common stray in the snow in front of Shibuya Station clearly doesn’t know the meaning of heartwarming. If this plotline sounds too traumatic, feel free to skip. 

7. Take a Yuzu Bath

Japanese culture mandates yuzuyu (yuzu bath) on the winter solstice but who says your family can’t enjoy it throughout winter? 

Bath time becomes extra-special with tangy notes wafting about. Cut a couple of yuzu (Japanese citrus) in half and dunk them in the bathwater. If the fruit isn’t available, your next best bet is a yuzu-scented bath bomb. 

Soaking in the citrus-infused water may ward off colds. Not only is yuzu rich in vitamin C, its oil also contains immune-boosting nomilin. And of course, a nice long soak increases circulation and relaxes the body. 

If you have a lot of fruit, here are some other ways to use yuzu during winter.

8. Making Sweet Treats

Winter is the perfect time in Japan to bake your family’s way to happiness. Make desserts from seasonal ingredients like strawberries, yuzu and mikan (mandarin orange) like yuzu pavlova or mikan cake.

Get those kids measuring and mixing with this salty-sweet miso chocolate chip cookie recipe. If baking seems intimidating, check out our guide to buying baking ingredients in Japan.

Even if you don’t have an oven, all is not lost. With just a stovetop and refrigerator, you can whip up a seasonal amazake purin (amazake pudding) or chocolate treats for Valentine’s or anytime. 

9. Strawberry Picking

Did you know that even in the depths of winter, you can go strawberry picking? Thanks to numerous greenhouses in Japan, this fun activity is available from as early as January to June. 

Why did I include this as an indoor activity? Since the greenhouses protect the berries from the elements, rest assured you and your fam won’t get nippy or wet while eating all that delicious fruit.  

At Yokohama Strawberry Park, you can even chow down on those moreish berries all year round! Pick berries in the city or in a neighboring prefecture. Try any of these popular strawberry-picking locations in and around Tokyo.

10. Play Karuta

Winter activities with the family in Japan don’t always have to cost a fortune. 

For New Year’s, many Japanese families indulge in karuta (card games). This mashup of kai-awase (a traditional Japanese matching game involving shells) and a deck of European cards is so popular that there’s even a national tournament.

To play karuta, one person reads the yomifuda (reading card) from the deck while the other players rush to grab/touch/slap its matching torifuda (card to be retrieved) scattered on a surface face up. The player with the most cards wins! 

If this sounds like too much of a tussle, check out some more traditional Japanese games.

Which of these fun family activities for winter in Japan are you going to try with your loved ones?

Japan made history in 2025 when it appointed its first-ever female Prime Minister. So far, Sanae Takaichi has impressed the Japanese population and conservative world leaders with her no-nonsense work ethic and social media savvy.

The Japanese “Iron Lady” (she’s a Maggie Thatcher fangirl) is also making waves overseas. Forbes Magazine dubbed her the third most powerful woman in the world in 2025. In fact, she was the only Japanese entrant out of one hundred women recognized for their influence over global affairs.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2025, Japan still lags way behind in gender equality, ranking 118th out of 148 countries. This is not great news for the world’s fifth-largest economy. However, this doesn’t mean that Japan lacks influential female leaders. In fact, here’s what you should know about the most powerful women in Japan.

1. Naomi Watanabe

The first on our list of powerful women in Japan, Naomi Watanabe isn’t called “Japanese Beyoncé” for nothing. Since her debut impression of the American diva on TV in 2008, this Taiwan-born comedian has catapulted into the stratosphere. 

Watanabe’s star power has since grown aggressively, with high visibility on social media and partnerships with global brands. Unlike many other celebrities, the “pocha kawaii” (cute and chubby) Watanabe is no dummy when it comes to show business. 

Japan’s highest-paid female entertainer shrewdly controls her image and intellectual property. Her empire also includes a clothing line, Punyus. Unlike many Japanese fashion brands, hers celebrates body positivity, catering to anyone who is not stick-thin.

Growing up poor in a single-mother household in Ibaraki, life was not always easy for Watanabe. Also bullied in school, she sought solace in front of the screen. What started as her clowning around in middle school led to her moving to Tokyo to do sketch comedy. Now she calls New York home. Who’s laughing now, right?

Since then, Watanabe’s influencer game has been validated globally, including being ranked on the BBC 100 Women 2024 list. Time will only tell what’s next for the parody queen.

2. Yuriko Koike

For Tokyoites, Yuriko Koike is no stranger. In 2016, she became the first female Tokyo Governor. Today, already well into her third term, she calls the shots in a global city of more than 9 million. 

Following her father’s advice to challenge the status quo always, Koike studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. On returning to Japan, she worked as a translator and then as an economic news anchor for Nippon TV.  

Koike then switched to politics in 1992, joining the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her ministerial portfolio included many firsts, including first female Minister of Defence. Under her leadership as Minister of the Environment, she also spearheaded the Cool Biz campaign.

Since then, her charisma and political clout have become legendary. Like the current Japanese PM, Koike also made Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women in 2023. In fact, Koike was first tipped to be Japan’s first female PM but Takaichi beat her to the chase.

As one of Japan’s most powerful women, Koike has always been vocal about the gender gap in Japanese society, calling the glass ceiling an “iron plate” that makes it difficult for women to ascend the corporate ladder. 

Under her leadership as Tokyo Governor, she has weathered many storms, including the COVID pandemic and the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games. Koike continues to spearhead environmental sustainability and women’s issues, even coining the term “iku-gyo” (childcare as a mission) rather than the normal “iku-kyu” (childcare as rest).

3. Makiko Ono

Making the cut for Fortune’s 2025 list of the most powerful women in business is Makiko Ono. After more than forty years at the same company, Ono clambered up the ranks to take the helm as president of Suntory Beverage and Food in 2023. In doing so, she became the first woman in the driver’s seat at a major listed Japanese company. 

It was just one of many firsts for the Kanagawa-born trailblazer. She also advocated to become the first woman boss Suntory assigned abroad. In France, she acquired the reputable vineyard Château Lagarde and during her posting in England, she snatched up Lucozade and Ribena for the drinks giant.

The Tokyo Uni graduate admits that breaking the glass ceiling in Japan is more difficult than in the West. Last year, she told the Broadsheet, a Fortune magazine newsletter, that while Japan does have fewer women in the C-suite, “I just happened to be female.” She hopes her appointment will inspire younger women in Japan to achieve as much or more.

4. Rei Kawakubo

With over five decades in the business, Rei Kawakubo is synonymous with avant-garde fashion. Notoriously media shy, the blunt bob-wearing designer prefers to let her designs do the talking. Her aesthetic has been described as “visionary” and “anti-fashion.” She also holds the honor of being one of only two designers celebrated by the Met Gala in New York.

The self-taught artist’s Comme des Garçons label consistently challenges conventional ideals of beauty and fashion. Her designs are often difficult to categorize, with dramatic and often distorted shapes, asymmetrical lines, holes and exposed seams that hide rather than flatter the body.

Her influence on global fashion has been so pervasive that she has been called “the mother of deconstruction.” To date, she has received many accolades, including the Isamu Noguchi Award for innovation in 2019. Now, the co-founder of Dover Street Market continues to push boundaries and pursue the new.

5. Mitsuko Tottori

Rounding up our list of powerful women in Japan is Mitsuko Tottori. She shattered the ceiling when she became the first female CEO of Japan Airlines (JAL) in 2024. Similar to Ono, the Fukuoka-native moved up the corporate ladder, from a humble flight attendant to president.

Her career trajectory is far from the norm, described as “non-elite” compared to that of past JAL CEOs. Like Ono, Tottori also made the list of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business this year. This powerful Japanese woman also made the cut in 2024.

Her leadership stint, however, has been no stranger to controversy. In 2025, her pay was docked for two months after the company experienced an incident involving two drunk pilots who caused a major flight delay on a Melbourne to Tokyo flight. In spite of this, this women’s college graduate continues to cut a path in corporate Japan for younger women to emulate.

Do you agree with our list? Who are other powerful women in Japan you think should be included? We want to hear from you!

As a kid, I never really liked cats. Then, one day in Japan, a black cat walked into my life and I had to reevaluate my decision. It was just a stray, but a persistent one at that. My husband and I called her Mikka-chan. She became a constant companion during our year-long sojourn in Tottori Prefecture. It was Mikka-chan who sparked my curiosity about what Japanese books have to say about cats.

Indeed, today, if you go to any bookstore, you’re bound to find more than a few titles featuring a cute kitty on the cover. These titles perform well not only in Japan but overseas. Book lovers, especially feline enthusiasts, gravitate to these quirky, sweet and sometimes heartbreaking stories.

Japan’s Love Affair With Cats

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Japan, of course, has a special affinity for cats. Have you ever noticed that there are often stray cats but rarely stray dogs out and about? Locals allow these feral creatures to roam the streets freely. In addition, many Japanese households typically have a fluffy feline or two lounging in the window or sleeping under the kotatsu (heated table) during winter.

Japanese culture loves cats. Why? Because they’re cuddly, independent and mysterious, of course! There are cat islands, cat cafes, cat station masters, Kitty Chan/Hello Kitty, even a delivery company named after a black cat.

In Japan, authors also have a fondness for cats. From the classics to modern tales, these 10 Japanese books about cats are the perfect accompaniment to any dreary day. So pull up a chair! Let’s get the cat out of the bag and learn more about these delightful Japanese cat books!

1. A Cat, A Man And Two Women

In the title novella of this collection, Lily the cat gets embroiled in a “custody battle” between a man and his two wives (one divorced and his new bride). Through this story, Tanizaki shows the pettiness and manipulative nature of humans in spurned relationships.

• Author: Junichiro Tanizaki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,405)

2. We’ll Prescribe You A Cat

What if you could go to a clinic in Japan where the only prescription is cat therapy? In a perfect world, this could happen, right? This collection of five short stories about the healing nature of cat/human relationships is bound to soften anyone’s heart towards felines.

• Author: Syou Ishida
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥4,264)

3. She And Her Cat

If you’re a fan of Your Name and Weathering with You, then you may enjoy She and Her Cat. Originally an anime short by Makoto Shinkai, this collection is written by screenwriter Naruki Nagakawa. The four interconnected short stories about women and their cats are a purrfect choice for the female cat lover.

• Authors: Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥3,207)

4. The Traveling Cat Chronicles

Similar to the Japanese classic I Am A Cat, the cat narrator here is Nana, a feisty stray cat who ends up in the life of Satoru. This tear-jerker follows Satoru as he travels around Japan to convince his friends and family to adopt his favorite cat.

• Author: Hiro Arikawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,426)

5. The Cat Who Saved Books

Hikikomori (social recluse) Rintaro takes over his grandfather’s rare bookstore when a magical talking cat, Tiger, enters his life. Tiger encourages Rintaro to go on labyrinthine “quests” to rescue books that are not being appreciated by their owners. These quests also help him cope with his grandfather’s death.

• Author: Sosuke Natsukawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,390)

6. If Cats Disappeared From The World

In this story, the protagonist discovers he has a terminal illness. Soon afterward, he meets the devil, who offers a bargain: give up something from his life to extend it. What challenges him the most is whether to give up his beloved pet cat, Cabbage.

• Author: Genki Kawamura
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,556)

7. The Blanket Cats

One pet shop. Seven cats. Seven stories. In each story, the pet shop allows one customer to rent one of its seven special cats for a period of three days. Similar to the premise in We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, this collection celebrates the healing properties of owning a cat (for a while).

• Author: Kiyoshi Shigematsu
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,784)

8. Mornings With My Cat Mii

One evening, author and poet Mayumi Inaba rescues a pitiful kitten along the Tamagawa riverbank in Tokyo. Mii becomes her constant companion over the next two decades. This memoir documents the author’s fond relationship with Mii.

• Author: Mayumi Inaba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,751)

9. The Guest Cat

A couple in their 30s living in Tokyo gradually drifts apart until a cat literally walks into their lives. Chibi gives the husband and wife a new lease on their crumbling relationship, drawing them out of their humdrum lives.

• Author: Takahashi Hiraide
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,428)

10. I Am A Cat

An alley cat is rescued from starvation by a middle-class family. Soon, he finds himself critiquing the host of strange humans he meets and the foolish social expectations of the Meiji era in which he now lives. The cat’s sassy narrative voice makes this a timeless Japanese classic.

• Author: Natsume Soseki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,371)

Bonus: Japanese Books For Kids That Love Cats

11ぴきのねこ (Juichipiki No Neko)

My kindergarten-aged sons absolutely love this classic series. The stories revolve around a band of cats who are always hungry. You’ll often find them scheming to eat any new creature they meet. Sometimes, they succeed. Sometimes, they don’t. The illustrations are simple yet hilarious.

• Author: Noboru Baba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,320)

こねこねねこの ねこピッツァ (Kone Kone Neko No Neko Pizza)

Talk about a title tongue twister! This children’s book is apparently very popular with the younger generation because of its seven quirky cat characters, wordplay and songs available by QR code embedded in the text.

• Author: Minako Kusaka
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

100万回生きたねこ (Hyaku Mankai Ikita Neko)

This 1977 classic is not your ordinary children’s book. Here, we meet a seemingly immortal cat. He lives and dies several times, meeting several people along the way. What follows is a deeply profound story about loss and love. If you like the movie A Dog’s Purpose, then this kitty tale is probably right up your alley, too.

• Author: Yoko Sano
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

Bookmark this article for your TBR (To Be Read) list. Do you have any Japanese books about cats that you recommend?

My introduction to nabe (hot pot) in Japan came in the middle of summer, not winter. When I touched down in Tokyo, it was the first thing I ate. Everything went into the boiling pot: chopped mushrooms, leeks, meat and vegetables I was not yet familiar with. During the meal, everyone dived in and scooped up what they wanted. After more than 24 hours in the air, this Japanese hot pot really hit the spot. And it was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and meet Caribbean folk in the city.

Enjoying hot pot with new friends in Japan this way instantly reminded me of soup limes (get-togethers) in Trinidad and Tobago. Back in the Caribbean, we “bubble a pot” on a portable gas stove on the ground rather than on the table. However, the camaraderie surrounding a pot of hot broth in Japan and Trinidad and Tobago remains the same.

What Is Nabe?

© Photo by Pixta: polkadot

In winter, nabe or nabemono is one of the most popular Japanese ways to combat the cold. It’s filling, warming and nutritious—talk about hitting all the targets! At home, nabe is usually cooked in a heavy earthenware pot called donabe. The soup simmers throughout the meal atop a portable gas stove that can be used on the dining table. It uses a butane canister and is also handy for cooking outdoors and during power outages/natural disasters.

Nabe has all the ingredients for a great time: seasonal winter vegetables, delicious kombu (kelp)-based broth, mouthwatering meat or seafood, silky or chewy tofu—you name it!

Always Save Room For The Finally

When everyone finishes the meat, seafood and vegetables, never toss the broth at the bottom of the pot. That leftover soup is actually one of the best parts of nabe. Instead, add fresh udon noodles, ramen noodles or cooked rice to soak up every last drop.

This final step is called the shime, a traditional method for concluding any nabe meal. It also reflects mottainai, the Japanese philosophy of “waste not, want not,” by making full use of the rich, flavorful broth you worked so hard to create together.

Nabe Classics

Want to try nabe for the first time but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the most familiar hot pots you’ll find in households across Japan. They have warmed winter tables for generations and are an excellent choice for your first experience.

Yosenabe

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This is your basic or homestyle nabe, and it has been a cold-weather favorite since the late Edo to early Meiji periods, when families gathered around a shared hearth. Add whatever you like or whatever’s in the fridge that day.

In winter, it’s common to add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, gobo (burdock root), daikon (Japanese radish), hakusai (Chinese cabbage), negi (leek) and carrots. You can also add your favorite meat (chicken, beef, pork or even game meat) or seafood like fish or shellfish. If you’re vegan, you can enjoy yosenabe with silky or fried tofu. The dashi is usually simple, using kombu or katsuobushi (bonito flakes).

Chankonabe

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This hearty stew is traditionally served to bulk up sumo wrestlers and became a staple in sumo stables during the early 20th century. In it, you’ll find massive chunks of animal protein (usually chicken and meatballs) and good portions of vegetables. It’s all served up in a basic dashi (kombu or katsuobushi) or chicken stock.

Today, you’ll find chankonabe restaurants all around Japan, but especially near Ryogoku in Tokyo, the heart of the sumo world.

Sukiyaki

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Sukiyaki gained nationwide popularity during the Meiji era when Japan began embracing meat after centuries of avoiding it. For sukiyaki, thin slices of beef or pork and vegetables are simmered in a salty and sweet soy sauce-based broth. The cooked meat and vegetables are then dipped into raw egg before being served.

Shabu Shabu

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Shabu shabu first appeared in the 1950s in Osaka as a lighter, quicker alternative to sukiyaki. Instead of simmering meat directly in the pot, each diner picks up a raw slice kept next to the pot and gives it a quick dip and swish in the kombu-based broth to cook it. The cooked meat is then dipped in ponzu or goma (sesame) sauce before eating.

The name shabu shabu comes from the soft “swish swish” sound made as the meat moves in and out of the hot broth.

Oden

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Oden has roots dating back to the Muromachi era, but gained widespread popularity in the Edo period as a street food. When the cold months approach, convenience stores bring out the heated trays. In each, you may find well-shaped proportions of konjac, various varieties of fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs slowly cooking in hot stock.

Shizuoka prefecture is famous for its darker, soy-rich version of this hot pot.

Regional Nabe

Japan’s regions each bring their own local ingredients, traditions and climate to the nabe table.

Hokkaido: Ishikarinabe

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Popular up north, ishikarinabe centers around locally sourced ingredients: fresh salmon or trout, sometimes salmon roe, butter and a creamy miso-flavored stock. The dish originated among fishermen along the Ishikari River during the Meiji era and remains a winter staple in Hokkaido.

Fukuoka: Motsunabe

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In Fukuoka, motsunabe is a collagen-rich soup made with chili peppers, vegetables and offal (intestines). It rose in popularity after World War II, when ingredients were limited and offal was inexpensive. For those in the know, collagen is a way to achieve that youthful, glowing skin.

Akita: Kiritamponabe

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Kiritamponabe hails from Akita and features chicken and grilled rice dumplings that soak up all the goodness of the chicken broth. The dish dates back to the late Edo period, when hunters would shape freshly cooked rice around cedar skewers and toast them over the fire.

Hiroshima: Dotenabe

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If you’re after the sweetest kaki (oysters) in Japan, hands down, Hiroshima comes out on top. What better ingredient to add to the local version of nabe? Dotenabe became popular in the early 20th century. What makes it extra flavorful is the miso paste smeared around the inside of the donabe, which gradually melts into the broth.

Kyoto: Yudofunabe

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For tofu purists, try Kyoto’s yudofunabe. The humble yet insanely nutritious tofu is boiled in a kombu broth and then dipped in ponzu sauce. This simple hot pot traces its roots to Zen Buddhist temple cuisine and remains the perfect nabe for those who are also strictly vegan.

Modern Nabe

Global inspiration and Japan’s love for playful food innovation have given rise to a new wave of hot pot flavors.

Tomato Nabe

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Tomato nabe is a Japanese-Italian fusion dish that became popular in the 2000s. It includes chicken, vegetables and cheese in a tomato-based stock. The shime at the end of the meal often means adding pasta or cooked rice to the leftover broth.

Tōnyūnabe (Soy Milk Nabe)

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For soy milk fans, there’s a nabe made just for you. Tōnyūnabe revolves around a soy milk and miso-based broth with plenty of pork slices and chunks of tofu. It surged in popularity in the 1990s when soy-based dishes became a trend in Japan.

Kimchi Nabe

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For a Japanese-Korean take on nabe, try kimchi nabe. It became a household favorite as kimchi became more accessible in Japan in the late 20th century. Who can resist the combination of meat or seafood and veg simmering in a mellow miso and spicy kimchi-flavored broth?

Cheese Nabe

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Another popular modern version is cheese nabe. Melty cheese, of course, is best (think cream cheese or other soft cheeses). This fondue-like concoction, which grew trendy in the 2010s, is guaranteed to satisfy almost any nabe skeptic.

Lemon Nabe

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Lemon nabe is a modern-style regional nabe from Hiroshima, Japan’s largest lemon producer, created to promote their renowned setouchi lemons. It gained popularity in Tokyo around 2012 and is now a popular nabe flavor among women seeking a zesty, uplifting dish full of vitamin C. It’s made with clear chicken broth infused with fresh lemon juice, and by adding slices of lemon directly over the top, it also makes for a very photogenic nabe.

For a more Southeast Asian-inspired twist, try adding fresh coriander and a splash of fish sauce to the broth—these ingredients give the nabe a fragrant, slightly savory edge that pairs perfectly with the citrus notes. Use rice noodles as the shime and you’ve got yourself some nabe-style pho.

How To Make The Perfect Nabe

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The best part about nabe is that there are really no strict rules to it, as it can really be made with any ingredients added to any broth. You can mix and match to your heart’s content. That being said, here are some basic tips to ensure a successful nabe experience.

• Cook the broth first and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Cook the tough stuff in the broth first. Think raw chunks of meat and hardy veggies.
• Last go in thin slices of meat, seafood and softer vegetables like mizuna (mustard greens) and hakusai leaves.
• Don’t crowd the pot! The joy of nabe is that it’s meant to be cooked in small batches, allowing everyone to eat a little at a time over a long period. You can keep a separate bowl with extra ingredients nearby the hot pot, allowing you to add to it as needed.
• If you like, have one person in charge of the nabe pot, adding ingredients, manning the fire and dishing out portions.
• Enjoy nabe with a cold beer, sake or whatever you like!

Where To Try Nabe in Tokyo

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In Japan, nabe can be enjoyed almost anywhere during winter: convenience stores, izakaya (Japanese pubs), ryokan and restaurants. Here are just a few places to try nabe in Tokyo.

Shabu Shabu Onyasai

Shabu Shabu Onyasai is one of the most famous chain restaurants specializing in shabu-shabu, with locations not just in Tokyo but all over Japan. The menu features fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats and a variety of flavorful broths, ranging from classic kombu to spicy and modern styles. Guests can choose between all-you-can-eat courses or set menus, making it an easy, customizable option for groups and families.

• Price Range: ¥1,628–¥7,128 per person
• Where: Available all over Japan

Mo-Mo Paradise

Mo-Mo Paradise is another extremely popular Japanese chain restaurant that serves both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Formerly known as Nabezo, the brand is recognized for its use of high-quality meats, flavorful broths and fresh vegetables.

• Price Range: ¥2,200-¥8,800 per person
• Where: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara and Asakusa

Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya

Located in Marunouchi, Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya specializes in the Fukuoka motsunabe. The restaurant is renowned for its depth of flavor and for serving authentic Kyushu-style dishes that pair perfectly with the hot pot, such as mentaiko and lightly pickled vegetables.

• Price Range: ¥2,200–¥6,500 per person
• Where: Available in most main cities across Japan

Chanko Kirishima

Chanko Kirishima serves authentic chankonabe in the heart of Tokyo, just steps from Ryogoku Kokugikan, the city’s sumo stadium. The restaurant itself has a nostalgic, old-Tokyo ambiance and is a great way to immerse yourself in sumo culture through food.

• Price Range: ¥1,650-¥3,520 per person
• Where: 2-13-7 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Komagata Dozeu

A true Tokyo classic, Komagata Dozeu is one of the city’s most historic nabe restaurants, serving its signature loach hot pot since the early 1800s. Step inside and you’re greeted with an Edo-period atmosphere—tatami floors, low tables and staff in traditional attire. The specialty here is dozeu nabe, a shallow iron pan filled with small loach simmering in a mildly sweet broth and topped with generous layers of negi.

• Price Range: ¥3,400–¥4,900 per person
• Where: 1-7-12 Komagata, Taito City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Bookmark for later, when the hunger pangs strike. How do you nabe?

When my husband and I went in for our first ultrasound, our jaws dropped when the doctor confirmed two heartbeats. “Futago desu (they’re twins),” he said matter-of-factly. Twins? We were shocked.

Back in Trinidad, our mothers worried. “I’m coming,” said one mom. “We’ll be fine,” I assured them.

When the twins were delivered, we were ecstatic. Then the pandemic hit—lockdown. No one could come. I had been granted maternity leave, but what did I know about being a twin mom in Japan? I had to learn fast.

That week I spent in the hospital post-delivery was definitely worth it. While I recovered, the staff took care of my babies. In the maternity ward, I learned how to hand-express milk. In the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), I learned how to breastfeed, change and bathe my babies. If I hadn’t spent that extra time there, I don’t think I would have been prepared for the world of work when the twins came home.

I Needed An Extra Pair Of Hands

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Raising twins alone as a foreign mom in Japan seemed insurmountable. In my case, with the pandemic and no family support, my husband had to man up. Thankfully, he did and was granted childcare leave from his company.

We became a team. It was essential, especially with those round-the-clock three-hour feeds and diaper changes. While I breastfed one twin and pumped afterward, he bottlefed the other. We burped and rocked our babies back to sleep in synchronicity.

Because Japanese society is patriarchal, whenever my husband wore one of the twins in an infant carrier, he sometimes endured some strange looks from older folk in the neighborhood. However, today, the Japanese workplace is slowly softening its attitude towards paternity leave. One Japanese company has even taken it a step further, making it mandatory!

After six months, my husband returned to work. I was now on my own, but thankfully, the babies were a little older and I was a bit more seasoned. I tried tandem breastfeeding, which occasionally worked. In general, however, I managed to feed, change and clean the babies one after the other. Occasionally, when I really needed another pair of hands at the doctor’s office or with babysitting, I asked my landlady to help.

Surviving The Eat, Poop, Sleep Months

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In those first months when the twins spit up, peed and pooped around the clock, we needed to change and clean them efficiently. We ordered diapers and baby wipes in bulk from Rakuten. For bigger messes, we relied on our Angelcare mesh baby bath. Bathtime was one-on-one and anxiety-free because the baby rested in the mesh incline while he was shampooed, soaped and rinsed.

We also invested in easy-to-change baby clothes. Kimono-shiki and jimbei worked wonders! Unlike Western-style onesies, Japanese-style baby clothes lie flat and have adjustable ties, making outfit changes a cinch! They also “grew” with the twins, so we didn’t have to keep buying baby clothes every couple of weeks. We used these clothes during the day.

At night, however, we relied on two-way zipper onesies, presents from our friends in Australia. We could do these on autopilot, despite dim lighting and bleary eyes.

In hindsight, however, we did struggle with cooking, laundry and cleaning during those early months. If I had to do it all over again, I would have definitely used the cleaning and childcare services available from the city at a subsidized rate.

Cosleeping Is Just Right For Twins

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One thing I learned as a mom raising twin babies in Japan was how convenient cosleeping was. Although some foreigners may think it’s unusual for a family to sleep in one room, having the twins in the same space was the perfect setup. We all slept on futons 川 (kawa; “river”) style, with the swaddled twins in the middle and us parents on either end.

Unlike in some Western homes, I didn’t need to leave the comfort of my bedroom to attend to crying babies in a separate nursery. When it was time to breastfeed, I just rolled over and fed one kid while my husband got a bottle ready for the other. Readymade formula cubes were really helpful when he was too sleepy to measure out the formula. That being said, he wished we had a hot water dispenser for those early morning feedings!

When the kids started rolling around, we didn’t worry about them falling from or climbing out of cribs because they were already on the floor! We became so comfortable on our futons that the double bassinet/playard setup we bought during pregnancy became a storage space for baby supplies.

Out & About With Twins

© Photo by Suzanne Bhagan

When my husband returned to work, raising twins as a solo act was often chaotic. What kept me grounded were long walks on the river and visits to the local park. Thankfully, there are many safe green spaces in Japan, so moms don’t need to worry too much while getting fresh air.

Just allowing the kids to dip their toes in the sandbox helped keep me and them happy. Plus, they made their earliest friends there! I also made my first mama-tomo (mom friend) at the park. She, too, was worried about the pandemic and chose to let her baby play outside rather than indoors.

To get around alone, I depended on an Evenflo double stroller. When strangers saw me pushing it, they often commented, “Sugoi bebi ka! (What an amazing stroller!)” Unlike other double strollers available at the time in Japan, my stroller’s seat positioning was super customizable (front facing, back facing, diagonal).

This feature came in handy when I needed to fit through narrow doors and tight public spaces. It was also easy to maneuver on the local train. However, I could not take the double stroller on the bus unless I folded it up. I get it. A double stroller does take up a lot of space.

Using the bus became another team effort where my husband and I swapped the double stroller for two infant carriers and foldable GB Pockit strollers. The GB Pockits also came in handy whenever we used the shinkansen (bullet train) and when we flew back home (they did not need to be checked).

If I could go back in time, however, I would have definitely invested in a twin-friendly mamachari (mom’s bicycle). Pushing that stroller became a workout as the twins got older and heavier.

Surviving Those Doctor Visits

© Photo by Suzanne Bhagan

In the first year, the mandatory home visits were very convenient. The public nurses came to our apartment armed with everything they needed to check, measure and weigh the babies. Unlike our routine hospital visits, we were very comfortable during these consultations. The nurses were very friendly and tried to answer all our questions about the twins’ development and other child-rearing issues.

For immunizations, however, we had to go to the pediatrician as a team. During the first visit, we struggled to fill out routine forms with the babies strapped to our chests. After that, the nurses provided us with an English translation and the necessary forms for the next visit so that we could fill them out at home in advance. Crisis averted.

With time, however, being a twin mom in Japan became my new normal. Now that the twins are older, I look back and think, I survived, pandemic and all! It was challenging, but I learned a great deal and continue to learn to this day.

Are you a twin mom in Japan? How did you manage those early years?

When the weather turns chilly, families in Japan flock to the nearest local onsen (hot spring) to warm up, relax and detox the body. Visiting an onsen in Japan as a family is one of the coziest ways to embrace the season—what could be more lovely than dipping your entire body in a steaming, mineral-rich pool and then bundling up afterward?

In addition to communal relaxation, there’s the idea of hadaka no tsukiai (naked communication) at the onsen. Japanese people believe that when everyone’s in their birthday suits, there are few barriers to open and honest communication.

In a seismically volatile country like Japan, onsen are scattered across the length and breadth of the archipelago. However, it is possible to visit famous onsen towns relatively close to Tokyo. If you’re up for a relaxing day trip, try:

• Hakone (Kanagawa)
• Yugawara (Kanagawa)
• Atami (Shizuoka)
• Ito (Shizuoka)
• Kusatsu (Gunma)
• Kinugawa (Tochigi)

Why not introduce your family to this Japanese tradition this season? Here’s our guide on how to enjoy onsen in Japan with the family.

Public Onsen: So Many Rules!

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In Japan, onsen can be private or public. Public onsen are, by and large, affordable. However, one drawback is that they are usually divided by gender. Generally, however, a child can accompany a parent of the opposite gender until they are of elementary age (6 years and up). This practice may vary depending on the onsen, so please check before booking.

If you’re thinking of visiting a public onsen, you and your family need to be aware of the rules, especially if you have young children. For hygiene and onsen etiquette reasons, here are some guidelines to help you enjoy onsen with your family in Japan.

1. Babies and kids wearing diapers (including swim diapers) are not allowed in the pool. Young children must be potty-trained. It’s recommended that they go to the bathroom and scrub their bodies thoroughly before entering the hot spring.
2. Remind your kids that it’s rude to point, stare and laugh at the naked bodies on display. If this presents a challenge, consider renting a private bath or using an onsen facility that allows swimsuits. 
3. Teach your kids that the itty-bitty towel they get at the onsen is for wiping the body and covering privates (in the front only). However, these towels should not be allowed in the pool! Teach them to put it on the side of the pool or on top of the head.
4. Children with long hair should tie it up so it doesn’t touch the water. 
5. Public onsen require kids to be on their absolute best behavior—no loud talking, screaming, etc. 
6. There should be no running and horsing around, as the area around the pool can become very slippery.
7. Kids should enter the pool gently, without splashing and making a scene.
8. Warn your kids that the water will be hot. Test before entering and don’t stay in too long. Soaking for about five minutes at a time is probably the best approach.
9. You shouldn’t use an onsen if you have open cuts or sores on your body.
10. And of course, don’t drink the water!

Private Onsen: Much More Family-Friendly

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If you rent kashikiri onsen (private bath), particularly kazokuburo (family bath) by the hour, you don’t have to worry about so many rules and gender segregation. The entire family can get naked, that is, if you’re comfortable doing that with your partner and your kids. These private baths typically require reservations, so it’s best to book in advance.

If you’d really like to prolong the experience, why not try a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) stay with an adjoining private bath? This is perfect for some overnight family downtime.

Remember to keep the private bath clean! Remind those kids to use the toilet first and then shower before entering the pool at all times.

Swimsuit-Friendly Onsen

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If you and your family members haven’t achieved that level of intimacy yet, don’t fret. There’s still another option. It is possible to visit an onsen without all your bits and bobs out. However, these are far from the norm and tend to operate more like theme parks than traditional hot springs.

A place where you and your family can enjoy an onsen in Japan without getting your kit off is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Kanagawa prefecture. This facility includes 23 hot spring baths, water slides, caves, a waterfall and specialty wine/coffee/sake/green tea baths. For the unprepared, Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture offers body coverings for the whole family. It features outdoor mixed-gender baths set amidst spectacular scenery.

If getting into a swimsuit is still too risqué for your family members, feel free to dip only your tootsies in ashiyu, free footbaths found in many onsen towns.

Excited to experience more onsen? Be sure to check out these other helpful onsen guides:

• 5 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Tokyo
• 12 Breathtaking Onsen Resorts To Visit This Autumn

Have you been to onsen in Japan with your family yet? How was it?

You’re walking home late at night. Someone is following you. You squirt pepper spray in the person’s face. You’re just defending yourself, right? Not quite. According to the laws on self-defense in Japan, you can quickly morph from the victim into the aggressor if the court deems it necessary.

Recently, Japan has been reeling from disturbing stories of stalking and the murder of women in particular. In Kobe, Megumi Katayama was stabbed to death in her building’s elevator by a stalker. In Kanagawa, Asahi Okazaki was stalked and allegedly murdered by her ex. These stories have led to a spike in the sale of pepper spray as women prepare to defend themselves. But legal experts warn that the law may not be on their side.

What Is Self-Defense?

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Legal self-defense, or 正当防衛 (seitou bouei), is a tricky concept. What is considered self-defense in other countries may not fly in Japan. Article 36 of the Japanese Penal Code lays out the law. To use self-defense, you need to prove that:

1. Your attacker broke the law, i.e., the attack was illegal.
2. The attack was “imminent,” putting you in immediate danger. In other words, you had to defend yourself on the spot.
3. Your defensive actions were proportionate to the attack. You did not counterattack with excessive force. Also, you did not defend yourself before or after the threat had passed.

What Is Not Self-Defense?

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Article 36 also states that if you defend yourself “excessively” (かじょうぼうえい/kajoubouei),  the judge may reduce or exempt you from punishment, depending on the circumstances. 

Let’s give an example. A man gropes you on the train and swiftly exits at the next stop. You chase him down and beat the crap out of him. He deserves it, right? Maybe, but the court may see things differently. Why?

The court may judge that when your attacker escaped, the threat from the groping expired. You were no longer under “imminent” attack and your defensive actions appear vengeful. Your attacker may even press injury charges because you over-defended yourself.

What About Using “Weapons”?

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Let’s go back to the pepper spray example. If you carry pepper spray in public, you could be charged under the Misdemeanor Act. It’s illegal to hide and carry, without a valid reason, a knife, iron rod or any device that can be used to harm a person’s life or body. In this context, pepper spray can be considered a “device” that could hurt someone.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, if you spray your stalker even though he hasn’t touched you, he could press charges because you injured him without a good reason.

In the same way, if you were carrying a household item like a pair of scissors or an umbrella and you used it to over-defend yourself, you could be charged with injury. If convicted of injury under Article 204 of the Japanese Penal Code, you could face a fine of ¥500,000 or go to prison for up to 15 years. Talk about being on the wrong side of the law!

Domestic Violence: An Iffy Situation

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Let’s look at another scenario. Your significant other has grown increasingly abusive and violent towards you. One day, when he threatens you as he usually does, you counterattack with such force that you kill him. 

This happened in a 2014 domestic violence (DV) case. The Sapporo District Court acquitted the defendant on the grounds of self-defense. During a heated argument at home, the defendant stabbed her partner in the shoulder and he died. The court found that the attack was immediate. The victim kept hitting the defendant and she could not escape without defending herself. They also found that the stabbing was proportionate to the victim’s repeated violence.

However, in another DV case, in 2019, the Nagoya District Court did not allow the defendant to plead self-defense. Here, the defendant suffered years of abuse. One day, her husband proceeded to attack and threaten her as usual. She strangled him to death. The court judged her actions as “excessive” and that she should have tried to escape. However, she received a lesser sentence because of the history of violence.

These two cases clearly show that, even if parties have a long history of abuse,  the court will always pay attention to the “imminence”  and “proportionality” of the defendant’s actions.

What Can I Do To Defend Myself Legally?

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Back to that old pickle. Now that you’re clued up about self-defense laws in Japan, what is legally permitted to protect yourself, others and your property from would-be attackers?

If attacked, you should:

1. Block, push away or otherwise escape your attacker.
2. Defend yourself only to the extent of stopping the attack.
3. Scream, yell out or use a rape alarm/security buzzer to alert others around you.
4. Report the attack at the nearest police station or koban (police box).

To minimize the risk of being followed and attacked:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Ditch the screen and earbuds. 
2. Walk in well-lit areas or areas with surveillance cameras. If the area looks dodgy, take a taxi.
3. Live in an apartment higher than the second floor.
4. Hang out men’s underwear/clothing on your washing line outside to showcase a male presence.

Other things to try for ease of mind:

1. Learn aikido. Unlike other martial arts, in aikido, you do not attack but rather “redirect” the actions of your attacker to defend yourself.
2. Keep pepper spray at home for emergencies. Although it is illegal to carry around as a self-defense weapon, it is completely legal to have it stored in your home.
3. If you have any suspicions, inform your local police immediately. They may not be able to take immediate action without evidence, but they can increase patrols in your area.

Of course, it’s easy for things to get iffy in the heat of the moment because life is life. Whatever happens, keep your head on and protect yourself. Just don’t overdo it.

Have you or a friend ever experienced a situation like this? How did you defend yourself? Read more about groping in Japan and how you can deal with the dreaded chikan.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice but for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified attorney if necessary.