How to ride Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train) following the new baggage rule
Fast, Convenient, Comfortable! Riding a bullet train (or 'Shinkansen' 新幹線 in Japanese) is probably one of the top must-do experiences for many travellers when visiting Japan. Japan's shinkansen network has multiple lines with the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka) being the most popular. Similar to airplanes, the shinkansen have seat and class categories: Ordinary and Green Car, with reserved or non-reserved seats.Plus, a new rule was implemented in May 2020 that requires passengers to book in advance if they have any baggage between 160cm and 250cm...
Lawson’s first futuristic avatar-staffed convenience store opens in Tokyo
Lawson Japan has opened 'Green Lawson' in Tokyo, its first convenience store staffed by on-screen avatars remotely controlled by employees. Aiming to solve manpower shortages and building a society where everyone can play an active role, this initiative makes it possible for even those with mobility issues to work. 'Green Lawson' is a sustainable store that tackles on social issues (e.g. food loss, plastic waste) with eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives, such as this avatar customer service and eliminating usage of plastic bags and cutleries. Click the link for more. Related...
Halal Ramen Ayam-YA in Kyoto reopens with a new look
When you mention halal ramen in Japan, Ayam-YA is one of the well-known halal ramen restaurants you cannot miss out with branches in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Its Kyoto branch 'Ayam-YA Karasuma Kyoto' has reopened for business from 12 December 2022 after completing its renovation. (more…)
Journey to Amami Oshima Island Part 1
Hi everyone! Konnichiwa! Let me introduce myself. You can call me Hood; I'm from Malaysia, and my favourite food is the infamous sushi!I have been living in Japan for 7 years: 2 years studying in Okayama and 5 years working in Japan. I spent most of my years in Kagoshima prefecture, my second home, or in Japanese, we say Dai Ni no Furusato. (more…)
5 Most Beautiful Winter Destinations in Japan
One of the reasons why I love Japan is because Japan has so many to offer throughout the seasons. Spring with its beautiful sakura (cherry blossom), Summer with its advanced technology of hanabi (fireworks), Autumn with its gorgeous golden-red-orange colour trees and Winter with its outstanding mountainous landscape covered with snow. (more…)
The best from Japan! Halal Aomori-made fruit juices coming to Malaysia, more Muslim nations
The Japanese processor/supplier of Aomori agricultural products, JA Aoren (The Farm Village Industry Federation of Aomori Prefectural Agricultural Cooperatives), will export new halal apple and peach juice products from January 2023 to the Muslim world, starting with Malaysia, followed by Thailand and Singapore. Did you know that the famous Japanese apple, Fuji Apples, comes from Aomori? Not only is Aomori the NO.1 apple-producing prefecture in Japan, but its apples also have one of the best quality in the world.JR Aoren has been advancing its initiatives, obtaining halal certification for its...
Muslim bento in Yonezawa, To let tourists enjoy local Yonezawa food
Under the SDGs philosophy of 'No One Will Be Left Behind', students from Kurino Gakuen High School in Yonezawa City have been developing Halal bentos (lunchboxes) since this spring, so that Muslim travellers can enjoy local food in Yonezawa. What kind of a place is Yonezawa? Scroll down to find out more! (more…)
Anyone can eat it! Famous Japanese β-Glucan EX health supplement now comes as trial pack
Aureo Co., Ltd. launched a new trial pack of its popular & No.1 selling supplement β-Glucan EX, which contains black yeast β-glucan and EF lactic acid bacteria, on 12 December 2022. A limited first-time '54% off' campaign has also begun on the same day. It has no preservatives and synthetic colours. Aiming to ensure its products are safe for anyone to eat, at any time, and in any quantity (there is a guideline), the company has maintained a stringent control and quality, from raw materials to shipping. Its domestic factory...
Rising global popularity, Japan soft drinks moving into Muslim countries
Japanese soft drinks are gaining popularity worldwide with exports increasing at a steady pace. This also includes exports of Halal-certified beverages to the Muslim countries, which are also on the rise. Among them, Marumatsu Co., Ltd., a Japanese citrus wholesaler, processor and distributor that obtained Halal certification last winter, has been receiving numerous calls from Muslim countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE. Marumatsu Co,. Ltd. was the first company in Japan to obtain Halal certification for more than 10 citrus juices and citrus jellies. With such movements, consumers...
Klook Visit Japan Promo, JNTO Asia Campaign kicked off in 11 Asian countries
Klook, Asia's largest attractions, tours, and activities booking platform, has launched a unique Japan tourist attraction promo "KonnichiWOW!" for 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. The platform is also running a large-scale collaboration campaign "Asia Campaign" with Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) for 9 Asian countries. ■ Targeted Countries・KonnichiWOW! Campaign: Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand・Asia Campaign: Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia As part of these campaigns, visitors can find out all kinds of sightseeing experiences...
Japan entry rule update: Now switched from MySOS app to a website
The Fast Track pre-registration requirement in Japan has changed.Before 1 Nov, visitors needed to pre-register by entering personal details, such as vaccination status, into the Fast Track app 'MySOS'. But in November, the usage of the MySOS app has ended, and now has been replaced with Visit Japan Web (VJW), an online service for immigration procedures. This means that the 3 procedures: quarantine, immigration and customs declarations, are all combined into VJW, ensuring a better and smoother process when visitors/travellers enter Japan. Before you fly to Japan, make sure to...
Muslim-friendly, plant-based, healthy ‘Lactic Acid Bacteria from Forest Shirakami’ to boost product value
'Lactic Acid Bacteria from Forest Shirakami', a natural plant-based and functional ingredient developed by LAVIEPRE Co., Ltd., has secured the 'No Animal' and 'No Pork No Alcohol' recommendation marks by Japan Business Halal Association (JHBA). The ingredient is mainly available for food product manufacturers involved in health, beauty and sports, expecting to improve product value with its functionality. 'No Animal' and 'No Pork No Alcohol' recommendation marks are verification by JHBA that no primary raw materials of animal, pork and alcohol origin are used in the products by inspecting material...