All posts by TF Tribe

  • Art Matters

    Teaching art in Japan was an unimaginable possibility for someone coming through the Los Angeles public schools in the 1960s and ‘70s.  At least I would not have imagined it for myself.  After all, I had no...

    • Posted March 8, 2014
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  • The tall order

    Family restaurant Denny’s has joined the pancake bandwagon to serve the increasing demand for this beloved dessert. Denny’s new pancakes come in three different flavours and tall arrangements.  The Honeyberry pancake is a choice of two or...

    • Posted March 7, 2014
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  • An Outdoor adventure in Tarzania

    Looking for family adventure?  Tarzania seems to top the adventure seeker’s  list of places to go to.  It is more than just child’s play. Over half of its visitors are adults only.  There are two main courses...

    • Posted March 5, 2014
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  • The Phoenix Weekly Story Comic Book

    Set your kids on the right path with help from the Phoenix. The Phoenix Weekly Story Comic for Kids published by David Fickling books is a Weekly Comic series with an iPad version. Newly launched in Japan,...

    • Posted March 4, 2014
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  • Which credit card in Japan offers the most value to user?

    Do you want to make sweeping changes to your finances ahead of the consumption tax increase in April? If you’re starting off by saying goodbye to credit cards that offer no extra value  but bills to pay...

    • Posted February 18, 2014
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  • Wolfgang Steakhouse opens in Tokyo

    On February 1st, father and son team Wolfgang Zweiner and Peter Zweiner bring to the table their exquisite brand of fine dining. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zweiner (not to be confused for Wolfgang “Puck”),  is an upscale...

    • Posted February 12, 2014
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  • Where to find bouldering gyms in Tokyo

    An adventure sport for the whole family, bouldering is one fun activity to do in the city.  Rise up to the challenge. Slip on your most comfortable pair of shoes and practice scaling walls whilst gripping hand...

    • Posted February 12, 2014
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  • Soccer Power

    Cienciano Soccer Club Japan teaches children from ages 3 years old to junior high school age five times a month. Cienciano Soccer club offers beginners and advanced development classes to children under the tutelage of professional soccer...

    • Posted February 12, 2014
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  • Mom and dad cocktails

    This one is for mom and dad only. Once in a blue moon, Liz likes to enjoy a cocktail while watching TV or just checking out other blogs.  She likes her cocktail sweet and with a hint...

    • Posted February 11, 2014
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  • Sausage Pavillon opens at Kidzania

    Kidzania Tokyo opens a Sausage Pavillon on March 27, 2014, a new addition to its line of edutaining activities for kids. Kids will learn the nitty-gritties of sausage-making from preparation to stuffing, using Nippon Ham products.  To...

    • Posted January 17, 2014
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  • New book for the modern family

    Following the success of her ‘Your Family’ series, children’s author Michelle J Forte is getting her readers involved in the launch of her new book about modern families. Michelle, who lives in Adelaide with her partner Tunde,...

    • Posted January 12, 2014
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  • 2014 New Year’s Message by His Imperial Majesty of Japan

    A third winter since the Great East Japan Earthquake has come around. At the dawn of the new year, my heart once again goes out to the afflicted people, those who cannot return to the places they...

    • Posted January 2, 2014
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  • Uma no Hakubutsukan (Equine Museum of Japan)

    What better way to prepare for the imminent arrival of the year of the horse than a visit to a horse museum. Located in the Negishi Racecourse’s former site, the Uma no Hakubutsukan is a fantastic place...

    • Posted January 1, 2014
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  • Snowpacked fun at Minakami kogen

    Gunma prefecture’s Minamikami Ski Resort  packs some serious fun activities for families with young kids this winter.  Whether you are a skater, snowboarder, skiier or simply a curious spectator, the resort has something for everyone to help...

    • Posted January 1, 2014
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  • Listening to incense

    When most Westerners think of incense, they envision lighting up thin, sparkler-length, pungent sticks or powdery, dense and colorful cones of our favorite aroma, then placing them in a myriad of holders, from wooden boxes to ceramic...

    • Posted January 1, 2014
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  • Japanese preschooler donates his piggy bank savings to typhoon victims

    According to the United Nations, typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte,  Philippines has recorded a death toll of 4,460 with the number still expected to rise as local and international disaster relief operations continue the search.  Some bodies are...

    • Posted December 17, 2013
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  • A bright spot

    In less than three years following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan delivers a brand new 70 – megawatt solar facility powering up some 22,000 homes in Kagoshima from Nov 2013.   The ethereal-looking Kagoshima Nanatsujima Mega Solar Power...

    • Posted December 17, 2013
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  • The gift of fab

    Wondering what to give the kids on Christmas? We’ve handpicked the best toys out there from classic to smart to inspire your holiday shopping!   Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio is a set of markers, activity book...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • The new celebrity robot

    If you want to learn a language start young. If you want your kids to build coding skills early, invest in this toy.  The new celebrity robot called  play-i is the brainchild of Vikas Gupta,  ex Google...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Parents Beware

    Internet has certainly revolutionized the way people do shopping.  Parents enjoy the convenience, variety and the freedom to shop for better prices and products.  It is easy to trust goods advertised online when you see keywords like...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Nature’s way: Asia’s secret to healthy hair

    The most disturbing experience for moms after giving birth is losing lots of hair.  This happens as a result of changes in hormone levels. The cold season and stress factors considered, moms suffer hair loss the most....

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Chicken Soup a la Minestrone

    You need: 2 medium size celery sticks 2 medium size carrots, peeled and cut into strips 1 large size potato cubed 1 can cannellini beans (the dried ones require more cooking time) 1 cup shredded cabbage 2...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Chicken Soup with Shiitake in Coconut Milk

    Nothing beats this Thai-inspired soup on a cold day.  This is best enjoyed by a family who likes a bit of spice in their soup.  Definitely not recommended for small children. You need: 2-3 med size potatoes...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Chicken Ginger Soup with Couscous

    Chicken soup is known as the remedy for colds and flu in many cultures around the world.   Chicken soup gives a positive feeling of comfort to children especially when served to them by Mom.    Tired of your...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Family Skiing in Nagano

    Looking for ski and snowboard day trips?  Click here. Nozawa Onsen Village   Located up north Nagano prefecture,  Nozawa is both a ski and onsen resort. It gets packed during the winter season with major skiing and snowboarding...

    • Posted December 16, 2013
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  • Autumn Essentials

    Thermal Indulgence Before the winter chill sets in, go out and about with these fall essentials.  Tokyo families guides you to the key essentials of the season and best buys in town.                Uniqlo design has just...

    • Posted November 14, 2013
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  • Climbing season starts as Mount Fuji receives UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status

    Every year in July,  Mt Fuji’s climbing season starts with a ceremony.  This year is special as Japan’s symbolic volcano receives the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status. Attending the opening ceremonies at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha...

    • Posted July 9, 2013
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  • You can now post images beside your comments on Facebook

    Another welcome change on Facebook is being able to post an image beside your comments.  With this new feature, everyone active on the social networking site should be able to enhance their facebooking experience with friends and...

    • Posted June 20, 2013
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  • How much does a public daycare in Japan cost?

    Structure The curriculum objective of a public daycare in Japan is a mix of both childcare and educational play supervised by city authorized child care professionals. Hours Although the hours vary depending on municipality rules,  drop off...

    • Posted June 18, 2013
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  • Tokyo German Village

    Tokyo German Village Sometimes, all you need to cool off in the summertime are wide-open spaces. And nestled in nearby Chiba, the Tokyo German Village offers just that. The spacious park and farm is a charming recreation...

    • Posted June 17, 2013
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