Latest Posts
Muslim-friendly Ikeda (Osaka): 2 recommended cultural spots, halal/vegan food
If you're looking for somewhere calm– some quietness away from the metropolitan area –mixed with a cultural ambience around Osaka, Ikeda City is perfect for you! Located in the northern Osaka prefecture, 20 minutes away by Hankyū Train from Umeda, stroll around Ikeda City to immerse yourself in the local history and its beautiful nature. Check out two sightseeing spots you can visit there to experience Japanese culture, such as Rakugo (a Japanese traditional art form). When you're hungry, why not try one of these Muslim-friendly and vegan options, such...
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...
First halal corner onboard! Don Don Donki now in Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
Indoor artificial waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport 'Jewel' Pan Pacific Retail Management (Singapore), a member of the Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH) Group, has opened DON DON DONKI Jewel Changi Airport inside Changi International Airport's megamall, Jewel, on 20 December 2022. This marks its 15th store in Singapore. (more…)
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…)
Halal emergency food by the firm behind the ingenious Alpha Rice, Onisi Foods
Onisi Foods Co. Ltd., a manufacturer and seller of long-term preservation (shelf-stable) foods including Alpha Rice, has over 30 products certified Halal by the Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA)*1.Discover how its Halal shelf-stable foods was born and what makes them so special. (more…)
Why tasting is vital? A step to spread out halal Japanese food
Hello, this is Salam Groovy Japan's Chief Editor Okuma back with another blog. From time to time, we receive Japanese halal food products at our office as samples. So we would conduct taste-tasting session sometimes within our company, where both Muslim and non-Muslim Japanese staff can join. (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…)
Handout free Halal cup noodles, Malaysian sweets/sambal at Masjid Istiqlal Osaka
Hello, it’s Muslimah staff Iman here!On 9 December, I helped distribute free Halal cup noodles at Masjid Istiqlal Osaka (MIO), an Islamic facility (mosque) in Nishinari-ku, Osaka, so here's a glimpse of how it all went. (more…)
Notice of Winter Holidays
Thank you for your continued support.Salam Groovy Japan will be unavailable from 29 December 2023 (Fri) until 8 January 2024 (Mon) due to the winter holidays in Japan.All enquiries received after 5 pm on 28th December 2023 (Thu) will be replied after 9th January 2024 (Wed). We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.Although we are away, you can still get the latest news as usual on this website. So stay updated with Salam Groovy Japan! Have a great new year!
Notice of Winter Holidays
Thank you for your continued support.Salam Groovy Japan will be unavailabe from 29 December 2022 (Thu) until 4 January 2023 (Wed) due to the winter holidays in Japan.All enquiries received after 5pm on 28th December 2022 (Wed) will be replied after 5th January 2023 (Thu). We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.Although we are away, you can still get the latest news as usual on this website. So stay updated with Salam Groovy Japan! Have a great new year!