The TELL Lifeline is an English-language support service. While suicide prevention is a major aim, TELL’s website states, “Whatever is troubling you, we are here to listen.” It was established in 1973 as a member of the Inochi-no-Denwa (Japanese Lifeline) federation and is run by volunteers. Skorji has been working for over 15 years at TELL in a variety of roles, but is now the director of the Lifeline. Why do people call the Lifeline? We take calls on absolutely everything. Our volunteers may take calls for suicide, domestic violence, or rape. But the most common type of call we…
Author: Seasider
Welcome to an unusual edition of the Yokohama Seasider. Last month marked 11 years of publication! This month is the first issue with no event listings. That’s because of COVID-19 and the uncertainty of events even taking place. We slimmed down for this issue, but included a longer article on a relevant topic. We’ve been pivoting away from events and toward longer articles for some time, as more people gather that information online. We’ll continue in this direction as the situation evolves. Please note that free pdfs of our magazine, including back issues, are always available from our website. Keep…
Tanmachi is an area full of hidden gems and unexpected discoveries. Amid busy streets you’ll find quiet alleyways and parks, interesting buildings, and hole-in-the-wall cafes and restaurants. Gorge Bakery sits just two minutes away from Tanmachi Station. The cozy eat-in space, warm atmosphere, and trays and baskets full of pastries exude Parisian vibes. You’ll notice that every baked item is beautifully presented and impactful in appearance, but the flavors are clean and simple. “My goal is to accentuate the quality and flavor of the flour, so I aim to keep my recipes simple,” explains owner Kohei Kobayashi. Just a bite…
It might surprise some to know that there is a trendy coffee shop tucked away in the middle of Chinatown’s numerous restaurants, shops and teahouses. Chillulu Coffee & Hostel is a specialty coffee shop with dormitory-type lodging offered on the 2nd floor. The name is a mix of the English word “chill” converted to a Japanese verb form. The intent is to convey that it’s a place where you can chill out in the usual bustle of the neighborhood. A wooden table handmade by the staff, a heart-shaped wall display made from colorful tape, and a pet-friendly terrace all convey…
Few snacks go alongside beer better than nuts. Your hand seems to automatically reach for more as soon as you put your glass down. And if you’re drinking craft beer, it just seems right to be snacking on some smoked nuts made locally in the same spirit as your beverage. For those of us that live in Yokohama, that’s an available option. Sakura Smoked Workshop in Isogo-ku makes small batches of smoked nuts, all handmade by Yokohama native Kōji Takahashi and his wife Rie. Craft beer fans that frequently visit the Noge area surely know Takahashi’s popular bar, Sakura Taps,…
Spring is already in the air. Though this winter was a mild one, it’s difficult not to get excited by the violet ume (plum) blossoms popping up everywhere. If all goes as predicted by the experts, the sakura (cherry trees) will be blooming as early as mid-March. The ephemeral flowers will be the centerpiece of countless gatherings in parks, the dominant subject of endless photos and art, and a topic in every school principal’s speech to begin the new academic year. You would think that we would be used to it by now, but Mother Nature’s grand spring display is…
The skyline of the greater Sakuragicho area near our office has changed dramatically in the last few years. Multiple skyscrapers have gone up and the station itself has grown; construction continues, in fact, and will soon link Sakuragicho Station via an elevated walkway to the Bashamichi neighborhood. Even in quaint old Noge, high-rise apartment buildings are replacing aged structures on nearly every block. Such change is inevitable, perhaps, and it can certainly alter the character of a district. We hope city planners are keeping small businesses in mind and working to ensure a continued sense of community–that, after all, is…
Amid the high-end boutiques and restaurants found along the classy streets of Motomachi, you’ll be surprised to learn that there is only a single place selling wagashi (Japanese sweets). Kouro-an, a staple in the neighborhood since 2004, sells some artistically crafted sweets that make for excellent gifts. Executive Director and Hamakko Masaya Saito tells us that the family-run business also goes to great lengths to make its attractive products distinctly representative of Yokohama. Company president Tomoya Saito, Masaya’s brother, spent ten years honing his skills in the confectionery world prior to the Saito family opening the store. The name…
Delving into an entirely new culture, especially one that is as unique as Japan’s, takes courage and effort. Visiting here is one thing, but in order to live here, learning Japanese is a must. Once the language barrier is gone, the experience of living in Japan can become far more rewarding and enjoyable. If you plan on studying and/or working in Yokohama and are looking for a Japanese school, look no further than YIEA (Yokohama International Education Academy). They offer a variety of intensive programs that cater to their students’ needs and desires, and have an impressive lineup of successful…
Happy New Year to all our readers! We hope you enjoyed your Shogatsu with family and friends and are ready to kick off 2020 refreshed and determined. According to the Chinese zodiac 2020 is the year of the rat. While this sounds unappealing to most Westerners, in actuality, in Chinese culture the rat is seen as a sign of wealth and abundance. Actresses Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow are both rats. Also, due to rats’ prolific birth rate, couples wishing to be blessed with children might offer prayers to them. People born in the year of the rat are said…