Shun Ogawa– Author –
Decades of cultural research fuel this historian’s narratives. He connects past and present through thoughtful explanations that illuminate Japan’s evolving identity.
-
Kagoshima
Yakushima’s Secret Sesh: How to Vibe with the Kodama Spirits in Ghibli’s OG Forest
Yo, let's get real for a second. You've seen Princess Mononoke. You've seen those little white dudes with the rattling heads, the Kodama, and thought, "That's a mood." Well, what if I told you the forest that birthed that entire vibe is ... -
News
Japan’s Fizzy Jewels: A Deep Dive into the Retro Pop World of Cream Soda
There is a particular kind of magic that exists only in Japan, a magic woven from nostalgia, precision, and an almost reverential appreciation for transient beauty. It’s a feeling you might find in the fleeting cherry blossoms or the qui... -
Kagoshima
Yakushima: Level Up Your Soul in the Forest of the Gods
Yo, what’s up, world wanderers and vibe seekers! Get ready to plug into a place that’s not just a destination, but a whole different dimension. We’re talking about Yakushima, a small island south of mainland Japan that’s packing some ser... -
Kagawa
Kanamaru-za: This Edo-Era Kabuki Theater is a Straight-Up Time Machine
Yo, what’s the vibe? Shun Ogawa here, dropping in to talk about a place that’s so legit, it feels like you’ve glitched into another century. We’re not talking about some slick, modern museum with sterile glass cases. Nah, we’re diving he... -
News
Japan’s Time-Slip Sesh: Vibin’ in Samurai and Geisha Districts
Yo, what’s the deal? Ever scroll through your feed, see those pics of Japan with the epic wooden houses and glowing lanterns, and think, “Is that even real?” It feels like a movie set, a fantasy world dropped into modern life. Well, lemm... -
Aomori
Japan’s Wildest Highway is a Staircase: Conquering the Legendary Route 339 at Cape Tappi
Yo, let's talk about roads. Not just any roads, but the kind that make you question the map, the kind that tell a story. In Japan, a country absolutely laced with engineering marvels and pristine highways, you’d think you’ve seen it all.... -
Kagoshima
Yakushima: Stepping Into a Real-Life Fantasy Forest That’s Older Than History
What’s up, fellow adventurers? Shun Ogawa here, ready to drop some serious knowledge on a place that’s straight-up legendary. We’re talking about an island that’s basically the final boss of nature, a spot so epic it feels like it was co... -
News
Divine Intellect: Exploring the History and Legends of Japan’s Tenmangu Shrines
Yo, let's spill the tea on a real one from Japan's epic history. We're talking about a story so wild it sounds like it's straight out of a blockbuster anime – a tale of genius, political backstabbing, righteous fury from beyond the grave... -
Hokkaido
Okushiri Island’s Volcanic Soul: Sea Kayaking Hokkaido’s Wildest Coastline
Yo, let's get real for a second. There are places on the map that are just dots, and then there are places that get into your soul. We're talking about spots that have a pulse, a rhythm you can feel in your bones the moment you step off ... -
Hokkaido
Sapporo Snow Festival: A Winter Wonderland Flex That’s No Cap Epic
Yo, let's get real for a sec. Imagine a city that doesn't just endure winter, but decides to totally own it. A place where the streets don't just get covered in snow, they get transformed into a legit, larger-than-life art gallery made o... -
Shimane
Paddling Through Creation: Sea Kayaking the Epic Volcanic Coasts of the Oki Islands
Yo, what’s up, world travelers. Shun Ogawa here, dropping in to talk about a place that’s seriously off the grid and straight-up legendary. Forget the neon buzz of Tokyo for a minute. We’re going deep, way out into the Sea of Japan, to a... -
Fukuoka
Dazaifu: The OG Capital Where Ancient Vibes & Scholarly Swag Still Rule
Yo, what's up, world travelers and culture seekers! Shun Ogawa here, ready to drop some serious knowledge on a place that’s low-key one of Japan's most important historical hotspots. Forget what you think you know about ancient capitals....
