iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/10/2026

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

040

Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/10/2026

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

0183

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

020

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

010

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

041

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

010

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.

020

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

021

Kat @katinjapan.com · 25/08/2026

Oh god. Oh no. Not the Japan only hello kitty cover 😫 I'm gonna spend way too much this year

000

Kat @katinjapan.com · 25/08/2026

And omg the mini keychains stopppp

100

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

101

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

010

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

010

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

030

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.

031

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!

030

Kat @katinjapan.com · 14/06/2026

Usually these type of fruit sandos come with two, albeit thinner, sandwiches. But this one was alllll cream baby

000

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

240

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.

393

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

030

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

020

Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/05/2026

The price was on the higher side for lunch (around ¥1700 per set meal if I recall), but the portions were large, and the restaurant was clearly nice. A great place for large parties to brunch and relax after walking around for an hour.

000

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

130

Kat @katinjapan.com · 16/05/2026

What a gorgeous photo. There were so many that day!

010

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

150

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

020

Reposted by Kat

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

001

Kat @katinjapan.com · 02/02/2026

Btw, I'm rolling out these lessons on the Japanese writing system over the course of the month. But if you're trying to learn from scratch and can't wait, I do recommend the Genki series or Minna no Nihongo series. Both are great for beginners.

000

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

230

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

050

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"

120

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

000

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

030

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

131

Reposted by Kat

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

031

Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/10/2025

btw, i love using this pass holder when i take the train or pay for something at the conbini because it looks like i'm casting a money spell LMAO

000

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

110

Kat @katinjapan.com · 21/09/2025

For those in RVA, if you read and comment on the blog, you’ll get $1 off your next order at Jace’s matcha cart until September 27th! Support his journey: www.instagram.com/findyourexit... And don’t miss his exclusive Black Sesame Banana Matcha Latte recipe at the end of the blog! 🍌🍵

000

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

140

Kat @katinjapan.com · 20/09/2025

They honestly arrived so much faster than I expected. It took about a week to get shipped, but only a couple days to get here.

000

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...

100

Kat @katinjapan.com · 11/09/2025

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

010

Kat @katinjapan.com · 09/09/2025

*takes notes* Definitely gonna set an alarm for the next signup period!

010

Kat @katinjapan.com · 08/09/2025

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

110

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

021

Kat @katinjapan.com · 22/08/2025

The Yumi Kitagishi and Tamagotchi covers this year are so cute omg

000

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

100