Japan Resources

Here is our not so comprehensive list of what we like about Japan.  There are thousands of resources on the web, but many of them are created for Japanese web browsers, which leaves slim pickins for those of us who use English web browsers or can't read Japanese anyway.  So here are a few things we like, in English:

The One Thing

  • So you want to know what you can do in Japan.  But have you considered what you can do for Japan?  Christians, take note.

Japan Culture

  • I love the Mining Co. for their up to the minute information on urban legends and viruses.   But it looks like they are quite the authority on Japan links as well.

  • A huge list of links that is sorted for your convenience, try the Japan Web Navigator.

  • Fujisawa Kouji's webpage has a worldwide penpal list that people actually use and keep updated.   I found a couple penpals myself there (before I started using Postpet).

Tokyo Culture

  • The Tokyo Life Navigator looks like it was produced by an American ex-pat and will give a good sample of the things to do and problems you might face your first (or second, or third...) time visiting Tokyo.

  • Tokyo Roads is what Fongnet was originally supposed to be (for Singapore, not Tokyo) before I took that wrong turn somewhere and ended up here.

Japanese Pop Culture

  • Always on the edge and thankfully in English, check out J-pop.com for what the youth of Japan are tuned into, at least for the next few days.

  • Cool Girls Japan ain't just for girls (or so they say anyway).  But it is way cool.

  • It don't look like much, but Flux claims to have information you can't find in other "ordinary media".  You be the judge.

Video Games

  • The battle is raging for the attention of Japanese teens, and it spills over to the rest of the world.  Who will be the victor:  Sony, Sega, or Nintendo?

  • I've read many video game magazines, but for an overall perspective of all the major platforms in a cool looking mag, Gamer's Republic is the one to beat.

  • And as far as games are concerned, I love Squaresoft's Final Fantasy VIII.  I don't even own a Playstation, but thinking about the beautiful graphics makes my eyes bug out.

Recommended Books on Tokyo

 

Little Adventures in Tokyo : 39 Thrills - I have not read this book, but it does stand out from the crowd of other city guides.  The author has lived in Tokyo for many years and has a good grasp about the subtle things in a city not really known for being subtle.  A regular guide can tell you where to get your shopping done but this guide will help you to find those beautiful things that make Japan (and Tokyo) such a wonderful place.

 

Tokyo Metropolitan Area Rail & Road Atlas - If you try to get around in Tokyo by yourself without this book, you're either really brave or really crazy.  After three years and a dozen trips to Tokyo, I still won't go out without this book.  Covers all the subway lines and details of every train line in and around the Tokyo metropolitan area, in English and Japanese.