Stripes Japan

Japan’s Ocean Day to be observed July 21

Japan’s Umi-no-hi, or Ocean Day, will be observed July 21 this year. This national holiday is the unofficial start of the summer season for students, but there are not official celebrations.

MY FAVES: Night views in Japan

Hang around long enough and you’ll notice that in Japan’s cities, the hustle and bustle often continues on into the night. What does change however, is the nightly glow of the streetlights and illuminations some of the major buildings host.

Food & Drink

Where to drink Japanese tea in Tokyo: Matcha, Houjicha and Wagashi

Where to go for an authentic steep.

Travel

Finding central Tokyo: Let’s explore the city’s six wards

Finding central Tokyo sounds easy, right? At first glance, finding a city’s center seems simple. London calls its center “central,” New York claims Manhattan, and Sydney points to Circular Quay.

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Travel

Exploring Japan: 4 great attractions in Hachinohe City near Misawa AB

Hachinohe City, only a 30-minute drive from Misawa Air Base, is a good destination to enjoy the great weather and great attractions. Here are four great spots to visit in Hachinohe City.

Food & Drink

Japanese eels: Your guide to unagi & anago: Let’s dive into the depths of Japanese eels

In Japan, eels are considered a delicacy, grilled, lathered in a sticky, sweet sauce, laid over rice and enjoyed all year round.

Videos

SEGA STORE TOKYO Opening on July 18th: SEGA’s first flagship in Japan brings limited goods and more

Some big news has been confirmed for gaming fans: SEGA’s very first official flagship store in Japan, branded as SEGA STORE TOKYO, is set to open on July 18th 2025 at Shibuya PARCO.

Travel

VIDEO: Take me out to the ballgame at Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Stadium

In Japan, one of the favorite summer pastimes is heading to the ballpark for a fun game of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Food & Drink

Taste of Japan: Walk off a hearty steak dinner in Tokyo’s Daimon District

For a taste of old and new Tokyo, head to Daimon, also known as Hamamatsucho, a busy business district near Tokyo Tower.

Food & Drink

Taste of Tokyo: Cheap and delicious Chinese lunch at Nanaban in Roppongi

In the center of Tokyo, Roppongi and neighboring Nishi-Azabu are home to skyscrapers, embassies and many fancy shops, bars and restaurants. In the busy and flashy district, cheap eats are usually hard to find.

Travel

A journey through Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Japan’s Volcanic Heartland

Community News

Summer survival products in Japan

It’s time to upgrade your summer strategy for staying cool and hydrated.

Travel

Dance to the beat of a traditional Japanese festival

In the next couple of months, you may see people in summer kimonos gathering in local off-base parks - colorfully decorated with lanterns - to eat, drink and perform traditional dances to the beat of Japanese folk music.