It seems like there’s an island for everything in Japan. In this case, we have an island covered in modern art. There was also a James Bond museum, because one of the James Bond books took place here. This is a nice getaway for anyone who’s into art, isn’t a fan of the crowds, and who wouldn’t mind a few adorable cats thrown into the mix.

The Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji is a temple in Kyoto-Prefecture known for its 1200 Rakan Statues, all made by a different amateur. You can tell that they’re all amateur carvers as well… not because they’re bad, because they’re a lot of fun! No, it’s because of how unique each one is.

I had a lot of fun visiting the temple with the Gakuranman, who actually introduced me to this place.

Mt. Koya is one of my favorite places to be. You’re away from everyone, you’re hanging out in the middle of a bunch of temples on the top of a mountain, and you pretty much always stay with some Buddhist monks (who make a wicked vegetarian meal). I’ve been here a few times now, and I have to say, I always come away relaxed. I’d love to spend a month up here in the winter, just writing and getting to know all the monks of the area.

If you’re working / living / around the Japanese culture, especially outside of Japan, you’re going to run into the otaku culture as well. These are the kinds of things otaku say… well, sometimes, anyways.

As a part of the “Japanese Body Language” series, we take a look at the Japanese gesture for “come here” (or as Scorpion would say “get over here!”)

As a part of the “Japanese Body Language” series, we take a look at the Japanese body language used to mock someone. Nya nya nya!