If you’ve been dreaming about buying a property in Tokyo, Yen Loans is pioneering mortgage loans for non-residents of Japan.

This is a huge deal as it’s not something that’s been done before. While non-residents can purchase property in Japan, they normally have to pay the entire price upfront.

Yen Loans is making it way easier for foreigners to finance property in Tokyo, creating the opportunity for you to purchase a vacation home, investment, or both.

In addition to opening doors for international buyers, Yen Loans is a friend of Japan or Die. Please check them out!

Samurai Black

Black T-shirt aficionados rejoice. You can now get a shirt that is as dark as your soul.

Yabakuro makes deep black t-shirts using a technique first developed around 1611 in the early Edo period for samurai banners and flags. The fabric is first dyed red, then over-dyed black. This combination creates more depth to the black color.

Now the 400-year-old Nagoya Kuromontsukizome tradition is being kept alive by introducing it into modern fashion via the t-shirt.

Shouryakugo/Japanese Shortened Words

Japanese shortened words or “shouryakugo” are one way to sound more natural speaking Japanese and are super fun to learn. These abbreviated words are everywhere. You will certainly hear them in casual conversations. As far as I know, they are also not frequently taught in textbooks.

I prefer to learn Japanese by speaking with Japanese people. In order to understand them and sound like a native speaker, you need to learn some contracted words.

The shortening of words happens in a variety of ways. Syllables can be removed from the beginning, middle, or the end of words. Two words can be shortened and combined. The most famous example that most people know is Pokemon. It’s a shortened combination of Pocket + Monster (poketto monsutaa). Somehow I don’t think pocket monster would have been a great name for a children’s card game.

Some common shouryakugo you will hear and may want to use:

Sebun - Seven Eleven

Sutaba - Starbucks

Toriki - Torikizoku

Makku or Makudo - McDonald’s

Kokoichi - Coco ichibanya

Burapi - Brad Pitt (Had to include this because hilarious)

Shuwa-chan - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Sando - Sandwich (I guess the Aussies use this one as well. In fact, they love making contractions themselves.)

Ossu - Ohayou Gozaimasu. Good Morning. Can also be used like “hey” or “yo”

Choko - Chocolate

Su-pa- - Super market

Aisu - Ice Cream

Infinity Books in Asakusa

This small, independent bookstore in Asakusa specializes in used English books priced affordably. Much better deals than buying the same books new at Kinokuniya, Junkudo, or other big-name Japanese bookstores.

Featuring a small event space with live music, poetry readings, book readings, comedy shows, English lessons, etc. Infinity Books also acts as a cultural hub for expats and Japanese people interested in English. 

There is also a tiny bar inside, but it is only open during events. So if you want to enjoy a drink with your books, music, etc., make sure you check the events calendar.

Here’s a link to their events calendar.

The most clicked link from the previous issue was for the Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa which I love and reviewed last week.

The 2nd most clicked link from the previous issue was this video about Night Photography in Tokyo.

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