Jamaipanese

Summer is in full swing, but a recent typhoon brought the temperatures down enough for me to go frolicking in Tokyo. I went to the famous but peaceful Nezu Shrine, one of the city’s oldest and most historic Shinto sites in the city. I also wanted to put a new camera through its paces; more on that in a future post. Getting to Nezu Shrine is super easy; just a 5-minute walk from Nezu Station…

Whether I’m grinding away in an MMORPG for hours on end, getting utterly lost in a retro nostalgia trip, or tackling a brutally punishing modern masterpiece, video games have been a core part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the days of struggling through Game Boy puzzles without being able to search for the answer to leading a global guild in Star Wars the Old Republic, certain…

My Goshuin (shrine stamp) collection officially has a new addition! During a recent trip to the Chiyoda area of Tokyo, I visited the famous, and at times controversial, Yasukuni Shrine (靖國神社) to add two new stamps to my Goshuincho (stamp book). Of the two stamps I collected, one was Yasukuni’s regular standard-issue design, while the second was a stunning limited-edition special summer 2026…

In this episode of our Japan Tour Series, Aaron and Kirk dive deep into Hiroshima, a prefecture close to Kirk’s heart from his grad school days and a place filled with unforgettable memories for both of them. Tune in as they share their favorite spots, delicious food, and must-visit spots! Men Yohaku Ramen! Kure Portpia Park Hatchoza Movie Theatre Shukkeien Garden We want to hear from you! Sent…

The Mandalorian and Grogu movie is the latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, and much like my experience with recent reboots, I think the movie was… um okay. I absolutely loved the Disney+ series. In fact, it was the main reason I subscribed to Disney+ in the first place, and it easily remains my favorite of all the Star Wars shows on the platform. Naturally, I was hyped for this movie. I…

Super Metroid is an action-adventure masterpiece that originally debuted on the Super Nintendo back in 1994. I first experienced it in the mid-90s, fresh off the heels of playing Metroid II: Return of Samus on the original Game Boy. For years, if anyone asked me what my favorite game of all time was, the answer was always immediate: Super Metroid. The lasting effect it had on me, combined with…

All aboard for a taste of the stratosphere! In this episode of The Bon Bon Show, Aaron and Kirk transition from train spotters to dreaming big as they explore Japan’s most exclusive, ultra-luxury “cruise trains” including the breathtaking Train Suite Shiki-Shima, where tickets can clear over 1.5 million JPY. Kirk shares the hilarious reality check he experienced after spotting one of these…

Join Aaron and Kirk on The Bon Bon Show as we deep dive into Pragmata, the stunning new IP from Capcom that proves original sci-fi is still alive and well. Kirk shares his spoiler-free journey through this cinematic lunar adventure, comparing the heartfelt bond between Hugh and Diana to iconic duos like Joel and Ellie (Last of Us) or the Mandalorian and Grogu. We explore the game’s long…

Japan has a deeply rooted culture of collecting. Whether it’s limited-edition anime merchandise or traditional shrine stamps, there is an undeniable thrill in completing a set. I’ve personally experienced this many times before, from my adventures tracking down Starbucks Japan digital stamps to my growing physical Goshuin collection. Now, a new digital quest has caught my attention: EkiTag. What…

Since its debut in 1980, the world of Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Model) has undergone an incredible evolution. What started as simple plastic kits has grown into a sophisticated hobby that allows fans to bring the iconic Mobile Suits of the Gundam universe to life. For the uninitiated, these 18-meter-tall giants are the centerpieces of various series, often piloted by protagonists who grow and face…

Capcom has finally released the sci-fi action game Pragmata, and after spending significant time in its hauntingly beautiful world during my 1st playthrough on PC, I’ve realized it’s a game that defies modern trends in the best ways possible. While many have compared it to Dead Space or The Last of Us, those comparisons only scratch the surface. To me, Pragmata is best described as the classic…

While living here in Tokyo, I’m always on the hunt for local spots that make practicing Japanese feel less like a chore and more like a hobby. Recently, I’ve traded the textbooks for some leisure reading at a Tadoku book club, and it has been a fantastic experience. Free Japanese Book Club in Shinjuku Every Saturday afternoon, Japanese learners gather at the Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza to dive…

My relationship with Japanese study has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I’ve recently been posting a weirdly named vlog series titled 日本語食べる時間 (It’s time to eat Japanese) on YouTube and Instagram. The lastest one has me talking about the July 2026 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). After some time away from the books, I’ve decided it’s finally time to step up. This summer, I am officially…

If you’ve been following my journey here on Jamaipanese.com, you know that I went from a Pikmin newbie to a full-blown fanatic after being “trapped” by the simple but addictive Pikmin 4. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with “Dandori.” Naturally, when Re-Ment released the Pikmin Terrarium Collection 2, I wanted to jump in; as luck would have it, a friend visiting Tokyo gifted me one! Much like my…

Who reigns supreme in the Japanese skies? Join Aaron and Kirk as they compare Japan’s two biggest international carriers. It’s a battle between Star Alliance and Oneworld as we share our personal experiences, flight stories, and why we think one is clearly better than the other. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love aviation, this is an episode you can’t miss! We want to hear from you!…

My 1st game in the MH Stories series. I am a not-so-casual mainline Monster Hunter fan. I tried MH Stories 1 and 2, but the child-focused nature of the games was not working for me after the demos and trailer. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is different, more mature, more serious, and more approachable. 80 Hours In: The Gameplay Loop and Verdict I have played almost 80 hours, and I…

Join Aaron and Kirk as they explore the vibrant culture of watching professional sports in Japan. Recorded on March 22, 2026, this episode covers the duo’s personal experiences with the J-League (Football), NPB (Baseball), B-League (Basketball), and even Ice Hockey in Hokkaido. Discover why Japan offers one of the best spectator environments in the world—highlighting the affordability, top-tier…