We are always singing the praises of Yokohama in this greeting–its convenience, laid-back atmosphere, sense of community, opportunity, tightly knit business network, friendly neighborhoods, music venues, art scene, educational institutions, relaxing strolls, and overall commitment to a balanced lifestyle. This city is great. But its greatest asset? Its people. Hopefully, you’ve been enjoying our interview series in which we feature the people who are making this city so dynamic. In the big scheme of things, their influence on the city’s culture may seem small. Collectively, their impact is priceless. Whatever you do, if you’re doing something positive for Yokohama, you’re…
Author: Seasider
1988 was the year I opened my first Japanese bank account. Wait! Did I say “I”? It wasn’t all me, actually. With no functional Japanese at the time and little English infrastructure in Japan, I wouldn’t have had much luck at a bank on my own. It was thanks to my senior colleague at the Japanese company where I worked that I was able to find one, be welcomed there and open an account. It didn’t hurt that my employer was one of the bank’s largest customers. I’m sure my connection with an important client was pretty much the only…
Ruth Jarman seems to have endless stores of energy and positive initiative. She’s a bona fide Hamakko (Yokohama-ite), having lived 18 years in the Hodogaya area before relocating to a quieter part of Kanagawa in recent years–her children graduating from Saint Maur and going overseas for school prompted the move. As the CEO of her eponymously named company, Jarman International KK, she stays busy helping Japanese companies and local governments reach targeted audiences–another way of saying “likely customers.” The customers Jarman helps with are primarily from the international community. Explaining her company, Jarman says, “We’re connectors. There’s this gap between…
We hope our readers have been enjoying the longer interviews with Yokohama illuminaries that we’ve been running these last few months. We find the personal stories interesting, educational and inspiring. They give us a better sense of the people who are shaping Yokohama culture and the local economy. These people may be friends, neighbors, former classmates or even clients. Hearing the details of their lives, we feel the closeness of this great community. Many of these individuals have been engaged in their work here for decades. But it doesn’t necessarily take that long to make a mark in the city…
Due to the rainy season ending the latest we’ve ever witnessed (August 1st!), the dog days of summer were tolerable. For beach lovers the absence of annual summer beach shacks was an almost alien experience, but getting out for a dip in the ocean during these times when many of us are spending more time at home has been more refreshing than ever. Fans of cooler weather can revel in the fact that we are on the edge of fall already. In the Yokohama Seasider have always highlighted optimism in uncertain times. We won’t alter course now! COVID-19 continues, but…
It’s difficult for an establishment in the lively Noge area to set itself apart, but Sandaime Hulk does so with a unique, engaging atmosphere and excellent cuisine made from locally procured ingredients. Previously a medical clinic, the residential-looking building was repurposed as an upscale izakaya near the beginning of 2020. The spacious interior is decorated with a seemingly endless variety of figurines, ceramics, and other ornaments providing a homey feel. Owner Hiroshi Kuroda chose the interesting name due to an admiration for the wrestler Hulk Hogan. A Chigasaki resident, Kuroda likes to showcase local pride as evidenced by a menu…
Teddy Lee is one of the most respected people in Yokohama’s Chinatown. A Yokohama native who graduated from Yokohama International School (YIS), he is the CEO of an extensive family business that includes Rose Hotel Yokohama, the Chungking Szechwan Chinese Restaurant group, and also a line of related packaged food products which are sold nationwide via its online shop. As if running such a complex business weren’t enough, from 2013, he served three two-year terms as chairman of Chinatown Development Association. Somehow, he still finds time for family and playing guitar. These days, however, his thoughts are occupied with how…
Originally conceived by a group of friends in East London, Dark Arts Coffee in Hayama opened two years ago, bringing with it a unique attitude, and love for coffee. The interior presents comfortable, rustic decor with a pinch of dark/raw attitude. A section of the cafe is dedicated to their boldly designed T-shirts, which have an edgy flair celebrating the occult, magic, or anything else deemed a “dark art”. If you’re looking for just a little buzz to help energize you, go for either the coffee of the day (¥480) or Vietnamese-style iced coffee (¥550). You can even buy specially…
Marumasala is a hole-in-the-wall gem in Fukutomicho that we cannot recommend enough. From beautiful presentation to rich, delicious flavors, their colorful plates consisting of a variety of curries are one-of-a-kind and quite tasty in the heat of summer. The curry plate is the only food option on the menu (which includes several choices of drinks) and rotates daily so that you can enjoy curry styles from different countries. During our visit, the daily plate featured three varieties of South Indian curry (¥1200)–chicken, keema and bean–paired with basmati rice. We also decided to top off our already-full plate with a hard-boiled…
Anyone who has active hobbies knows the pain–both physical and mental–of a sports injury. Returning to the activities we love always requires more patience than we’d like. Sometimes in our eagerness to return we end up reinjuring ourselves by rushing our recovery. Most of us could use a little help in expediently getting back to full health without suffering setbacks. The physiotherapists at Club 360 are here to provide guidance. I have been plagued by a heel deformity called Haglund’s Syndrome (simplified, a bony heel growth that painfully limits extension of the Achilles) for many years. As a jogger, mountain…