iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

On a clear day you can also see Mt. Fuji from Asakusa Skytree. It rarely happens in the Summer, but it happens more in Fall and Winter as temperatures cool and there’s less rain

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 23h

Last night was so clear that on our way back home from Tokyo we got to see Skytree AND Mt. Fuji. So. Freakin. Cool. #japan #mtfuji #skytree

A view of the Tokyo skyline from the highway at sunset. Skytree and Mt. Fuji are both visible

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 24/09/2026

New blog just dropped! I put all of the tips and tricks I’ve learned about traveling in Japan in this one. I was once (and still am) young and foolish, so here are my pointers for anyone interested in visiting for the first time! Up on my blog & substack katinjapan.com/tips-for-you... #japantravel

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 24/09/2026

If you’re in Japan and you can get to a Chateraise, these are the BEST. Chocolate filled soft cookies (sable) that only come out around October 🤩

A chocolat sable cookie from Chateraise in its halloween-themed wrapping

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 17/09/2026

This has gotta be one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. I can’t find sourdough anywhere else in Japan, so Brød is such a godsend 🥖 Anyone else have a favorite lil’ spot in Tokyo? #japan #japantravel

A picture of the storefront of Brød, a sourdough bread company in Tokyo

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 17/09/2026

By the way, the blog isn’t going anywhere, but I realized that usng substack as a newsletter is the easiest, most straightforward way to get my blogs to you

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 17/09/2026

Fun news! I’ve officially started a substack. So now you can get my blogs directly to your inbox. But if you’re not sure whether you want to subscribe, check out one of ‘em first! substack.com/@katinjapan/... #blog #blogging #substack #writer

Learn how to write hiragana in minutes cover image featuring the japanese word for sun.

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 06/09/2026

The Strawberry Thief hobonichi got sold out so fast 😭 So I went with the Hello Kitty original instead! #hobonichi #journaling

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 25/08/2026

The final lineup is outttt but ヤハリ I'm going to go for the Strawberry Thief design (tho I'm considering the Mr. Saturn weeks, too) youtu.be/4EM2CTJei2s?... #hobonichi #journaling

youtu.be

[EN] Hobonichi Techo 2027 Full Lineup Introduction | Planners, Covers & Stationery

YouTube video by Hobonichi Techo Global

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/08/2026

Omg. I think I have to get this one. I'm in love with Strawberry Thief. I have a mug and an entire quilt my mom made that feature this pattern 🫨 www.1101.com/store/techo/... #hobonichi #hobonichitecho

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 17/08/2026

Who else is hyped for the new hobonichi techos this year? 🤩 I can’t wait to see the full lineup #hobonichi #planner

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/07/2026

Okay this one's a little different from my usual stuff, but this is my 'How to Start a Blog' blog. I'll be back to my usual Japan life blogs, but I wanted to share some of this journey and help others create blogs, too! katinjapan.com/how-to-start... #blog #jblogger #livinginjapan #blogging #writer

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 29/06/2026

You’ve heard it before: summer in Japan is hot & sweaty. Yet it's also one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. So knowing how to pack for the weather is crucial to enjoying your trip. Get my Ultimate Japan Summer Packing List now: katinjapan.com/the-ultimate... #japantravel #packinglist

The Ultimate Japan Summer Packing List image. A teal blue themed summery list with everything you need to pack for a summer vacation to Japan. Full, high resolution pdf available at katinjapan.com.

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 27/06/2026

Just applied for a localization gig. Not confident I'll get it, but you miss 100% of the chances you don't take, so at least I tried!

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 14/06/2026

I saw this on japaneat’s youtube channel then spotted it in my local conbini and had to try it. Lowkey was good bc ofc sprinkles and whipped cream is good. Would you try it? #japanesefood #conbinifood #sprinklesando #japan

chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream sando in its packaging from seven eleven

chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream sando in all its glory from seven eleven

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Reposted by Kat

The Japan Times @japantimes.co.jp · 29/05/2026

Japan has enacted a bill to hike visa-related fees for foreign nationals, enabling the government to use the additional revenue to help cover the administrative costs of managing the country's growing foreign population.

ebx.sh

Japan enacts bill to drastically raise visa-related fees

Under the bill, the statutory upper limit for fees to change residency statuses or extend a period of stay will go from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000.

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 20/05/2026

Okay I just learned these are a thing: Biore's cooling single-use towels. I don't know what kind of magic is in these, but mine stayed cool for like an hour and a half in the heat today. I'm not usually one for disposables, but it did help a lot. #jblogger #blog #japan #summerinjapan

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 18/05/2026

Lesson 5 on How to Learn Kanji is live! There was so much I wanted to cover, but I'll come back to kanji in a future lesson! Check out how to start reading and writing kanji, and download the first three worksheets FREE here: katinjapan.com/lesson/how-t... #learnjapanese #japanese #jblogger #blog

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/05/2026

Restaurant Spotlight: Restaurant Yoyogi at Meiji Jingu in Harajuku We visited this restaurant in December 2024. The atmosphere and food were high quality, and the staff were very attentive and polite. The flavor was delicious, too! It was the perfect place to stop for lunch after seeing Meiji Jingu

mixed fried food set meal featuring fried shrimp and cream crab croquette. paired with rice and miso soup

a decadent omurice topped with demiglace sauce, served with a side salad and coffee

the main torii gate of Meiji Jingu shrine ensconced in forest

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 29/04/2026

After a nice 2-month break, I'm back with a miniblog about our experience visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park. It was truly unique, and certainly interesting. If you've ever wanted to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can learn more about it in my blog! katinjapan.com/miniblog-vis... #japan #blog

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 19/04/2026

So glad I managed to catch sakura season before they all blew away! Since we were visiting the US during spring vacation, we almost missed them 😅 #sakura #cherryblossoms #sakuraseason #springinjapan #livinginjapan #jblogger

sakura blossoms on a branch with the tree in the background, softly blurred

sakura blossoms on a branch with more flowers in the background, softly blurred

A sakura tree positively dripping in cherry blossom blooms

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Kat ⭐️ Artist @shiawasekat.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

The Pretty in Pink zine is out! Check out everyone's pink song-inspired pieces! The zine itself is free, so give it a download! pretty-in-pink.itch.io/pretty-in-pi... (@vocapink39's insta post: www.instagram.com/p/DXKFejrAFxP/) #mikuhatsune #prettyinpink #zine #hatsunemiku #illustration

a preview of my entry for the pretty in pink zine. it's miku from the eve song, anoko secret

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 02/02/2026

This year, I'm starting to roll out Japanese "lessons". If you've ever wanted to learn Japanese, start here with learning hiragana! FREE PDF included in the blog :P katinjapan.com/lesson/learn... #learnjapanese #japan #blogger

An image with an outline of japan, and some hiragana characters. "japanese lesson, learn hiragana 001" on katinjapan.com/learnjapanese.

A hiragana chart, showing 3 more pdf pages for easy studying

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 25/01/2026

This year, I’m using my hobonichi not only for to-do’s but to track my goals and more. Check it out! katinjapan.com/using-my-hob... #blog #japanesestationery #hobonichi #journaling #japan

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 03/01/2026

Quickly following the New Year comes Coming of Age Day (seijin no hi) in Japan. Learn more about its tradition through the lens of my own experience as a study-abroad student. This miniblog is a fun one! katinjapan.com/coming-of-ag... #blog #japan

women in winter furs and kimonos walk toward the asakusa public hall. titled "miniblog: coming of age in Japan"

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 20/12/2025

This will be my last blog of 2025, and I'm so proud of myself for writing 13 of them this year. Starting this blog was something I'd been wanting to do since studied abroad in 2017, and it's a project I'm really proud of. Here's to at least 13 more in 2026! #blogging #2025reflection #newyear

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 20/12/2025

Planning your Winter Japan trip and still not sure what to do? Check out my 6 Fun Things to do in Winter in Japan: katinjapan.com/fun-things-t... Winter is my favorite season in Japan, and there are so many ways to spend the holiday season. #japan #japanblog #blogging #writing

a photo of hokkaido jingu shrine covered in snow. titled: "6 fun things to do in winter". read at katinjapan.com

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/11/2025

This month's blog entry is all about my top 9 must-go places to eat in Mashiko. If you make it out to Mashiko in Tochigi Pref. check these out! Portions are plentiful, nature is abundant, and the art is incredible. katinjapan.com/must-go-plac... #blog #omurice #japan #japanblog #katinjapan #writing

A large round plate of food consisting of omurice with a tomato cream curry and salad, overlaid with the title "9 must-go places to eat in Mashiko". Read more at katinjapan.com

View out the window of Mashiko's Michi-no-eki. A picturesque sky framed by a sleek wooden interior and circle lamps

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Kat ⭐️ Artist @shiawasekat.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

I don't plug my other projects too often, but read my blog about where I got my ink on @katinjapan.com: katinjapan.com/miniblog-vis... #blog #sailorink #stationery #art

My oc, Enoch wearing his cape, rendered in sailor 223 ink

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/10/2025

This week's blog is just a love letter to my favorite childhood anime, Ojamajo Doremi. I visited the 25th anniversary exhibit last year, and it was great. I did have to brave a downpour to get there, though 😅. Read more: katinjapan.com/visiting-the... #anime #ojamajodoremi #japan #jblogger #blog

a piece of art from the exhibit featuring all 6 little witchlings from ojamajo doremi. Titled: visiting the ojamajo doremi 25th anniversary museum pop-up

a decorative commuter pass holder with doremi on it, and a sticker with a magic wand inside

water flooding at harajuku station in august 2024

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/09/2025

This week, I got to interview my friend, and owner of @findyourexitplan, Jace, about where to get the best matcha, his business philosophy, and how he got started in the specialty tea industry. Read: katinjapan.com/where-to-get... #matchalatte #japan #matcha #matchalover #interview #localbusiness

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 20/09/2025

Got my #hobonichi techos today! Can't wait to start using 'em. I usually just get the weeks, but I want more of a journalling experience with the day free. Thinking of a blog post to make about it... or maybe I'll just update my existing post...

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/09/2025

ordered my new hobonichi for 2026 😎 time to wait two weeks for it to arrive 😭 #hobonichi #bulletjournal #hobonichitecho

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 08/09/2025

I was eight hours off from being able to apply for the JLPT this year aahhhh

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 24/08/2025

If you love customizable fountain pens and a seemingly endless ink catalogue, check out my blog about Ancōra in Tokyo: katinjapan.com/miniblog-vis... I was impressed by their high-quality stationery products, and even tested one of their inks! #jblogger #japan #ginza #stationery #sailor #blogging

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 22/08/2025

So excited about the full Hobonichi lineup announcement! Thinking about getting a weeks and a hon this year to have an extra space for journaling... 😌 #hobonichi

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/08/2025

I think this is a great step for future students to benefit from. Romanization is tricky to begin with, so simplifying it is a great idea.

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 19/08/2025

I never thought I’d love vegan sushi, but eating vegan and gluten free in Osaka gave me a new perspective. katinjapan.com/eating-vegan... I talk about trying to find vegan and GF restaurants in Japan in my blog! #japaneats #japan #osaka #jblogger #blog

the colorful dotonbori street in osaka combined with a photo of vegan sushi. title: eating vegan and gluten free in osaka. read at katinjapan.com

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 08/08/2025

From Japanese-style breakfast to luxury shopping, here are my top 7 picks for what to do when you’re in Ginza! katinjapan.com/7-must-go-pl... #japan #japantravel #travelguide #jblogger #blogging #ginza

glowing aquamarine pylons holding holdfish illuminate the dark. 7 must-go places in ginza. read more at katinjapan.com

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The Japan Times @japantimes.co.jp · 24/07/2025

The number of people in Japan sent to hospital by ambulance in June due to heatstroke more than doubled from a year before to 17,229, the highest for the month in records dating back to 2010, data shows.

ebx.sh

Record number of people sent to hospital for heatstroke in June, data shows

Of those hospitalized, 10,342 were age 65 or over, accounting for about 60% of the total.

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/07/2025

If you're planning on visiting Tokyo in the Summer, these are 5 Ways to Stay Cool in the Tokyo Heat: katinjapan.com/5-ways-to-st... Share with your friends or family visiting this season and stay cool! #japan #japantraveltips #staycool #summer #traveltips

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 27/05/2025

Ever wanted to use the handy ETC toll-booths in Japan? If so, check out my blog on how to apply for a personal ETC card. Plus, an ETC card is an absolute must for roadtrips, especially near Tokyo. Read more: katinjapan.com/your-guide-t... #etccardjapan #japantravel #roadtripjapan #japanroadtrip

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 25/05/2025

Inspired by my own travel around Japan, take a 10-day culture tour around Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima using my Japan Travel Guide. No matter the season, you can enjoy cultural touchstones of Japan with this guide and free PDF! katinjapan.com/japan-travel... #japantravelguide #japantravel

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/03/2025

If you or someone you know has accepted an ALT job in Japan, send this blog to them! Knowing what to bring on your first day of work can be nerve-wracking. But not if you check out my top 7 Things to Bring on your First Day! katinjapan.com/7-things-to-... #teachinginjapan #blog

A pastel road lined with sakura, backed by skyscrapers in Tokyo. The title reads "7 things to bring on your first day as an English teacher in Japan". Read on katinjapan.com

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 19/02/2025

Cherry Blossom Season is the most sought-after season for tourism in Japan. Beautiful blossoms create the perfect backdrop for any trip! Check out the Best Places to See Sakura in Tokyo and Kyoto: katinjapan.com/best-places-... #travel #japan #japantravel #sakura #blog

Pink sakura (cherry blossoms) against a blue sky. Titled "the best places to see sakura in Tokyo and Kyoto 2025" @ katinjapan.com

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/02/2025

Can you travel to Japan on a budget? The short answer is yes! The long answer comes with helpful tips, tricks, and examples to make your budget-travel dreams come true: katinjapan.com/traveling-on... -- #japan #japantravel #budgettravel #budgettraveltips #traveltips #travelingtojapan #japantrip

1000, 5000, 10000 yen notes and several yen coins overlayed with the title: "The Ultimate Guide to Traveling on a Budget in Japan"

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Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/11/2024

Since many people are wondering about KFC Christmas in Japan and how to pre-order it, check out my blog post: KFC Christmas in Japan "We started our foray into ordering KFC on their Japanese website. They make the process quick and easy-ish." katinjapan.com/kfc-christma...

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