JJWalsh
@jjwalsh.bsky.social
Hiroshima, Japan based sustainable tourism & biz consultant, creator, educator & guide
Seek-Sustainable-Japan talkshow-podcast creator
https://youtube.com/@seeksustainablejapan
Seek-Sustainable-Japan talkshow-podcast creator
https://youtube.com/@seeksustainablejapan
Pinned
JJWalsh
@jjwalsh.bsky.social
· 10d
Why Japan has so many cute & bizarre characters - Professor Debra Occhi
YouTube video by Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
youtu.be
Wonderful talk with Dr.Occhi about cute & bizarre characters in Japan with historical & creating better society connections as well as commercial - we do need more fun characters to promote sustainable strategy in Japan though - fabulous 😍 insights @debraocchi.bsky.social
youtu.be/9J7nYZeYIN4?...
youtu.be/9J7nYZeYIN4?...
Why No sleeping cat 😺?
February 18, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Why No sleeping cat 😺?
Reposted by JJWalsh
5) 'Kyōto-gyoen' (京都御苑), due to its proximity to the city centre, is one of the most accessible spots to enjoy ume for those with a tight schedule.
The palace park's ume grove was created in 1945, 200 plum trees grown from branch grafts donated by shrines all over the city.
The palace park's ume grove was created in 1945, 200 plum trees grown from branch grafts donated by shrines all over the city.
February 18, 2026 at 8:13 AM
5) 'Kyōto-gyoen' (京都御苑), due to its proximity to the city centre, is one of the most accessible spots to enjoy ume for those with a tight schedule.
The palace park's ume grove was created in 1945, 200 plum trees grown from branch grafts donated by shrines all over the city.
The palace park's ume grove was created in 1945, 200 plum trees grown from branch grafts donated by shrines all over the city.
Reposted by JJWalsh
4) Sugawara-no-Michizane was likely born at the home and private school ('Sanin-tei' 山陰亭) of his father Koreyoshi (是善).
Known as Kōbai-dono (紅梅殿 'Red Plum Blossom Mansion'), after a beloved ume tree, the villa was later transformed into Kandaijin Tenman-gū (菅大臣天満宮).
Known as Kōbai-dono (紅梅殿 'Red Plum Blossom Mansion'), after a beloved ume tree, the villa was later transformed into Kandaijin Tenman-gū (菅大臣天満宮).
February 18, 2026 at 7:44 AM
4) Sugawara-no-Michizane was likely born at the home and private school ('Sanin-tei' 山陰亭) of his father Koreyoshi (是善).
Known as Kōbai-dono (紅梅殿 'Red Plum Blossom Mansion'), after a beloved ume tree, the villa was later transformed into Kandaijin Tenman-gū (菅大臣天満宮).
Known as Kōbai-dono (紅梅殿 'Red Plum Blossom Mansion'), after a beloved ume tree, the villa was later transformed into Kandaijin Tenman-gū (菅大臣天満宮).
Reposted by JJWalsh
🔍👀IN SEARCH OF BLOSSOMS🗺️🌸
Plum blossoms (梅 'ume'/aka the 'Japanese apricot') herald springtime in Japan, arriving a few weeks before the first cherry blossoms (桜)🙌
Here is a handy thread about some of the best places to catch ume in Kyōto...
#Kyoto #京都 #梅 #plumblossoms #ume #梅の花 #Japan
Plum blossoms (梅 'ume'/aka the 'Japanese apricot') herald springtime in Japan, arriving a few weeks before the first cherry blossoms (桜)🙌
Here is a handy thread about some of the best places to catch ume in Kyōto...
#Kyoto #京都 #梅 #plumblossoms #ume #梅の花 #Japan
February 18, 2026 at 4:52 AM
Sounds like this problem could be eliminated if all scores were given online to applicants like the TOEFL test is done & gave up the mailing of hard copies - seems a shame not to allow anyone visitors or residents to challenge their japanese ability if they pay the fee & want to do it
From 2026, tourists will no longer be allowed to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in Japan.
Tourists no longer allowed to take JLPT in Japan from 2026
The change was driven by problems linked to overseas applicants using Japanese addresses without permission or submitting invalid phone numbers.
ebx.sh
February 18, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Sounds like this problem could be eliminated if all scores were given online to applicants like the TOEFL test is done & gave up the mailing of hard copies - seems a shame not to allow anyone visitors or residents to challenge their japanese ability if they pay the fee & want to do it
Oh no, hope your day is less stressful ☺️
February 18, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Oh no, hope your day is less stressful ☺️
Too 'right' unfortunately 💯
February 18, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Too 'right' unfortunately 💯
Reposted by JJWalsh
In much of the country, the air remains dangerous to breathe by World Health Organization standards.
China has slashed air pollution, but the ‘war’ isn’t over
ebx.sh
February 18, 2026 at 12:17 AM
In much of the country, the air remains dangerous to breathe by World Health Organization standards.
My UME tree is in full bloom but no lively little japanese white eye birds this year is strange, they usually love these blossoms 🌸.. is it the cats?
Toki & Gary remind me they have been around for 5 years tho.. I do remember one dead bird last year so our tree might be black-listed from the route
Toki & Gary remind me they have been around for 5 years tho.. I do remember one dead bird last year so our tree might be black-listed from the route
February 18, 2026 at 12:13 AM
My UME tree is in full bloom but no lively little japanese white eye birds this year is strange, they usually love these blossoms 🌸.. is it the cats?
Toki & Gary remind me they have been around for 5 years tho.. I do remember one dead bird last year so our tree might be black-listed from the route
Toki & Gary remind me they have been around for 5 years tho.. I do remember one dead bird last year so our tree might be black-listed from the route
Reposted by JJWalsh
How did Hirohito remain as Emperor when it was clear he was complicit in war crimes?
grahamthomasauthor.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/t...
grahamthomasauthor.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/t...
The British view on how to treat the Japanese Emperor post-surrender.
As seen in one of my articles on the Evolution of the Postdam Declaration, sent to Japanese demanding their unconditional surrender, the British had taken a backseat to the U.S. when it came to for…
grahamthomasauthor.wordpress.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:21 AM
How did Hirohito remain as Emperor when it was clear he was complicit in war crimes?
grahamthomasauthor.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/t...
grahamthomasauthor.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/t...
Great talk this morning with WalkJapan CEO Paul Christie about sustainable business, rural organic farming with solar robot ducks, his love of snack bars & how creating rural tours can save villages, drive entrepreneurship & also have wonderful tourism appeal
www.youtube.com/live/4fEr-Fj...
www.youtube.com/live/4fEr-Fj...
CEO Paul Christie WALK JAPAN talks Appeal of SLOW travel in Japan
YouTube video by Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
www.youtube.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Great talk this morning with WalkJapan CEO Paul Christie about sustainable business, rural organic farming with solar robot ducks, his love of snack bars & how creating rural tours can save villages, drive entrepreneurship & also have wonderful tourism appeal
www.youtube.com/live/4fEr-Fj...
www.youtube.com/live/4fEr-Fj...
Crossing the Seto-Ohashi even in overcast wintry weather is still very cool 😎
youtube.com/shorts/PCsv0...
youtube.com/shorts/PCsv0...
Crossing the Seto-Ohashi bridge by train #japan #travel
YouTube video by Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
youtube.com
February 16, 2026 at 5:19 AM
Crossing the Seto-Ohashi even in overcast wintry weather is still very cool 😎
youtube.com/shorts/PCsv0...
youtube.com/shorts/PCsv0...
Reposted by JJWalsh
Following the success in the Feb. 8 Lower House election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi now 'has a historic chance to transform her country,' the British magazine said.
Takaichi declared ‘world's most powerful woman’ by The Economist
ebx.sh
February 16, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Following the success in the Feb. 8 Lower House election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi now 'has a historic chance to transform her country,' the British magazine said.
It's underrated for sure!
February 16, 2026 at 4:18 AM
It's underrated for sure!
Consulting for a few days in the charming town of Utazu, Kagawa Shikoku island & a highlight was staying in this stunningly renovated traditional Japanese house - one of the many amazing projects of Japanologist Alex Kerr / Chiiori Alliance - so wish this was my home!
youtube.com/shorts/XgKej...
youtube.com/shorts/XgKej...
Japanese house renovated into stylish boutique guest house #japanesearchitecture #kagawa
YouTube video by Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
youtube.com
February 15, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Consulting for a few days in the charming town of Utazu, Kagawa Shikoku island & a highlight was staying in this stunningly renovated traditional Japanese house - one of the many amazing projects of Japanologist Alex Kerr / Chiiori Alliance - so wish this was my home!
youtube.com/shorts/XgKej...
youtube.com/shorts/XgKej...
Reposted by JJWalsh
English-language guides to hiking Japan’s many mountains can be scarce, but one Filipina resident has taken it upon herself to map out the country’s many trails.
A semianonymous, comprehensive guide to hiking Japan’s mountains
ebx.sh
February 15, 2026 at 11:16 PM
English-language guides to hiking Japan’s many mountains can be scarce, but one Filipina resident has taken it upon herself to map out the country’s many trails.
maps.app.goo.gl
February 15, 2026 at 7:33 AM
Make sure you find Kubo-san's Tofu shop & cafe next time you're in kagawa
February 15, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Make sure you find Kubo-san's Tofu shop & cafe next time you're in kagawa
Delicious 🤤 plantbased vegan 'meatballs' lunch in Utazu Kagawa today arranged by the Chiiori Alliance team #japan #sustainable #travel
February 15, 2026 at 7:15 AM
Delicious 🤤 plantbased vegan 'meatballs' lunch in Utazu Kagawa today arranged by the Chiiori Alliance team #japan #sustainable #travel
Thanks so much for the photo Sebastien 😁
I've booked to go and stay for 2 nights in March, looking forward to seeing it for myself! If you book 30-days in advance you get a nice discount & they say they can do vegetarian meals 😀 so I'd like to encourage them how to adapt & offer vegan too 🧐
I've booked to go and stay for 2 nights in March, looking forward to seeing it for myself! If you book 30-days in advance you get a nice discount & they say they can do vegetarian meals 😀 so I'd like to encourage them how to adapt & offer vegan too 🧐
February 14, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Thanks so much for the photo Sebastien 😁
I've booked to go and stay for 2 nights in March, looking forward to seeing it for myself! If you book 30-days in advance you get a nice discount & they say they can do vegetarian meals 😀 so I'd like to encourage them how to adapt & offer vegan too 🧐
I've booked to go and stay for 2 nights in March, looking forward to seeing it for myself! If you book 30-days in advance you get a nice discount & they say they can do vegetarian meals 😀 so I'd like to encourage them how to adapt & offer vegan too 🧐
Reposted by JJWalsh
🧵11/ #JapanTravelAwards judge @jjwalsh.bsky.social handed the 2026 Best Sustainable Travel award to Ento 🌿 It's #Japan first geopark-based facility where you can sleep, a “geo-hotel” in #Shimane. I’m very curious, and interested in learning more about breadth & depth on site… ento-oki.jp/en/
February 14, 2026 at 10:09 AM
🧵11/ #JapanTravelAwards judge @jjwalsh.bsky.social handed the 2026 Best Sustainable Travel award to Ento 🌿 It's #Japan first geopark-based facility where you can sleep, a “geo-hotel” in #Shimane. I’m very curious, and interested in learning more about breadth & depth on site… ento-oki.jp/en/
Better travel can make better people - moving words by the co-founder of the Japan Travel Awards last night - such a positive event in these crazy negative times - can travel save humanity?
youtube.com/shorts/hn2pA...
youtube.com/shorts/hn2pA...
Good Travel makes Good People 😃 Ally Hongo speaks from ❤️ JTA2026
YouTube video by Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
youtube.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Better travel can make better people - moving words by the co-founder of the Japan Travel Awards last night - such a positive event in these crazy negative times - can travel save humanity?
youtube.com/shorts/hn2pA...
youtube.com/shorts/hn2pA...
Reposted by JJWalsh
South #Australia power prices plummeting as it nears 100% renewables, proving to the world relying largely on wind and solar energy with battery back-up is incredibly cheap, with electricity prices tumbling by 30 % in a year and sometimes going negative.
www.newscientist.com/article/2514...
www.newscientist.com/article/2514...
This state’s power prices are plummeting as it nears 100% renewables
South Australia is proving to the world that relying largely on wind and solar energy with battery back-up is incredibly cheap, with electricity prices tumbling by 30 per cent in a year and sometimes ...
www.newscientist.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:22 AM
South #Australia power prices plummeting as it nears 100% renewables, proving to the world relying largely on wind and solar energy with battery back-up is incredibly cheap, with electricity prices tumbling by 30 % in a year and sometimes going negative.
www.newscientist.com/article/2514...
www.newscientist.com/article/2514...