January 2021 - Rambling Merchant

Tears in Nagoya by Luke Baker-Smith

January 26, 2021

This week we share an excerpt of a post by Luke Baker-Smith whose travel blog can be found at Load of B-S. Luke has been living in Japan since March of last year. While primarily a teacher at the moment, he is an avid traveler and writer who shares his experiences of day to day life in a small town…read more

Culture, Diary

What Counts as being ‘Made in Japan’?

January 14, 2021

There is a big difference between a product being designed in a country, made in a country, and being from that country. Where do the different pieces come to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts? What counts as being 'Made in Japan'? Many modern products, especially complex ones - think electronics, are like a typical American…read more

Culture, Diary

Is your neighbor’s kitchen also a coffee shop?

January 5, 2021

Bizu Coffee is really just a renovated room in the owner's house

In smaller cities in Japan, looking for a coffee shop or restaurant can entail driving through a quiet residential area away from the main streets and plazas. A coffee shop in your neighbor's kitchen is just a little out of place in the US. If you live in the US,there's one of two scenarios you are likely accustomed to. You…read more