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For Better Understanding, Communication and RelationshipsWhat kind of country is Japan? This site aims to become a guide to Japan and Japanese culture by introducing various information about Japan, from basic information such as its location, climate, transportation, food, language and manners, to whats and whys about the local traditions and customs.

Caterpillar's Murmur

To Be Noted

(MON) February 2nd, 2026

9:08 p.m. Just for my memory, it should be noted that the level of recent dirt grade races around this time of year are getting lower than before, thanks to the top horses mostly aiming the grade races in Dubai. I believe that's also the reason why Lord Fons and Battle Cry performed well in Negishi Stakes, a race in which repeaters are rare.

Also, though to be noted is that such drop in race level is limted to dirt races held before March and, that turf races should be thought differently. Because this weekend's grade races Tokyo Shinbun-hai and Kisaragi-sho are both run on turf. Let's make sure to switch our minds.

Tokyo turf seems to be in good condition just entering the second week after the opening, as the recorded time is pretty fast while the front runners are doing well. As for Kyoto, the most damaged inner part of the course has been covered by the temporal fence set since last week, but the condition of the turf is apparently better on the outside.

The End

Caterpillar

Pick Up

Pocketchange
Pocketchange - How to charge your left-over Yen to digital money

If you are ready to leave Japan but have your pocket heavy with leftover Japanese Yen, why not empty your pockets and feel light with Pocketchange?

Holidays

Holidays of February

  • February 11th (WED)
  • National Foundation Day
  • February 23rd (MON)
  • Emperor's Birthday

Food Catalog

Cream Anmitsu
Cream Anmitsu

Fed up with the heat? Here's a nice cold Japanse-style sweets to cheer you up! Cream Anmitsu is a delux version of Anmitsu, Kanten(Japanese gelatine) jelly and fruits with ice cream topping and Kuromitsu caramel sauce poured over it. And what's great, it's low calorie!

Magnifier

airframe seen from side
Manned flight by oxyride dry-cell batteries project

The Tokyo Institute of Technology in cooperation with Panasonic, has led the project 'Manned Flight by Oxyride Dry-cell Battery' into the world's first success. On July 16th this year (2006), they made success in a trial of manned flight using commercially available oxyride batteries, in a project that they had been bringing forward together.