Jamaipanese

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…

Recently I have been trying to start studying Japanese with video games again. Some would say I lack discipline, but I find studying with textbooks extremely boring. 6 or 7 years ago I started a YouTube series where I used cutscenes in video games to practice Japanese. I did one for the Witcher in Monster Hunter World, another I forgot about for Doraemon: Story of Seasons and another for Sekiro,…

When I started this blog in February 2006, it was intended to be an online journal where I keep track of my Japanese studies and share my thoughts on discoveries about and interests related to Japan and life in Jamaica. Twenty years later it has morphed into an interesting, evolving viewpoint of the last 20 years of my life. Working on a new logo—sneak peak I am grateful for the experiences I…

In Episode 19 of the Bon Bon Show, recorded February 1, 2026, Aaron and Kirk prove that picture books aren’t just for children! We dive deep into the world of Japanese Train (Densha) Books and explore why these colorful pages are actually a goldmine for adult Japanese language learners and travel enthusiasts alike. If you are studying Japanese, planning a trip to Japan, or just love trains…

2025 has come and gone, and what a year it was. Writing my 2025 Year in Review is a bit difficult (and late) this time around, but I am determined to get it done. My plan for 2025, according to my 2024 review, was: “I just want to shine my brightest and do my best in all my endeavors.” I do believe I managed to do just that, so I am happy. Highlights Completing Grad School Launching the Bon Bon…