I understand your term as the Vice Chairman of the Kanagawa Bar Association ended this past March, but what did your duties entail? And how were you chosen for this role? The Bar Association is a professional organization of lawyers that performs an array of duties (record keeping, hosting legal consultations, exchanges with other professional groups, committees, etc). The work of its key positions (chairman, vice chairman) involves enhancing cooperation and making decisions concerning the business affairs of its members. Japan’s lawyers are required to register with their local bar association, so lawyers practicing in Kanagawa must all register with…
Author: Seasider
We’re into the thick of summer. With the O-bon holidays this can seem like the most sluggish time of the year. After these last few months, we could probably use a moment to take a breath and slow down. We all need to carve out time for ourselves, whether that’s an hour of reading each night (not device screen time!) or simply chatting with friends. It’s good for our mental and physical health. In this intro, we’re always encouraging you to get out and see this wonderful city. Of course we want you to do that, but if creating time…
Hamabread just opened in May, but it’s already garnered a lot of attention from locals with over a thousand followers on Instagram. Though tucked away on the back street running parallel to Ishikawacho’s main thoroughfare, the bakery is hard to miss with its bright, sky-blue walls and long line of people waiting out the door. We recommend arriving earlier than opening time (11:00) if you want a spot near the front of the line. Note that the small bakery has no eat-in space and only offers take-out. Hamabread boasts authentic, sophisticated breads, some of which are traditional, classic selections while…
Akemi and Andrew Balmuth own and operate Yokohama-based Nagano Trading, Japan’s largest importer, distributor and retailer of American craft beer. With roots going back to 2004, they incorporated the company in Yoshidamachi in 2012. Two years ago, after a 3.5-year stint in California where the couple operated the company remotely, they returned to Yokohama with ambitious plans for the future. Since then, the company has been expanding its staff and operational reach rapidly. While Nagano Trading is changing the landscape of beer in Yokohama for certain, its ripples are traveling ever wider. “Our business is not political,” says Andrew. “It’s…
If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, there are several food items you’ll certainly miss upon your return–poke bowls and fluffy pancakes are a couple of them. While Hawaiian restaurants are abundant in Yokohama, Merengue in Minatomirai stands out with its ideal location in a sunlit spot. Inside, the relaxing music and atmosphere transport you to the islands, allowing you to forget about the bustle of the big city beyond its doors. We, of course, had to order the aforementioned Hawaiian comfort foods together with tropical drinks to get into full vacation mode. The Salmon and Avocado Mayonnaise Poke Bowl (¥1080) was…
Any normal summer we’d be talking about all the great concerts and festivals that take place this season. As we all know, this isn’t a normal summer. Instead of dwelling on the negative, let’s look at the positive–and there is a significant amount to consider. In Yokohama, and Japan as a whole, we have been much more fortunate than many other countries in the world during this pandemic. Let’s not take it for granted! We should be thankful that we are once again able to visit our favorite shops and restaurants, even if it may be for takeout only. Our…
The last few months of self-isolation may have been a time for people to discover new interests while exploring current hobbies. Drawing and painting seem to be popular activities among kids and adults alike, perhaps because of their calming effect and subjective nature. In this article, Kensuke Takahashi gives us insight into his career as an artist, and shares his favorite art materials and tools, as well as advice for aspiring artists. Takahashi has collaborated with Yokohama Brewery and worked on multiple album covers. Born and raised in Yokohama, Takahashi also talks about how this city had presented opportunities that…
Cafe Geek’s bright, airy layout and relaxed feel make it instantly endearing to any coffee shop buff. A varied decor of plants, assorted artwork, trinkets and reading material lend it its character. The mood is set by a steady flow of mellow, Western rock classics streaming unobtrusively in the background. But like any good cafe, it’s the staff that put it over the top. Cafe Geek is run by affable husband-wife team Yu Akimoto and Ji-hyoung Yu. They serve every order with a pleasant profusion of smiles–something that makes it easy to become a regular. The couple wanted to create…
Kamakura’s Rudy Brew is a craft beer bar that blends Western culture and cuisine with a solid dose of Japanese beer. Energetic punk rock and ska provide a driving but unobtrusive musical background for this street-level establishment, which recently celebrated its first year. Just outside Kamakura Station’s east exit opposite the popular Komachidori shopping street, it makes for a great stop after a day of touring the city. Bar manager Jeremy Kircher is a transplant from the U.S. He runs the small bar with help from his wife Miku Yoshimura. Kircher grew up in Pennsylvania and spent 10 years in…
Just a few days, a few hours, a simple word. They’re all precious moments. Sometimes we forget memories and the time we’ve spent, but photography reminds us of them. Shoot moments that you want to embrace. Because one day, you’ll find yourself embraced by those moments. By Moemi Abe