Blogs on Japan

Blogs on Japan has started a new feature where we interview different bloggers who blog about Japan. If you would like to be interviewed, please contact me! Also if you are looking for some interesting blogs on Japan, take a look at the previous interviews. Today we are lucky to have Rinkya stop by.

What does “Rinkya” mean?
Rinkya has no particular meaning. We were looking for a silly and fun name that would stick. Kind of like Google, Sony, Yahoo. All have names which do not relate to the product, but are household names!

When did you start blogging about Japan and why did you start?
I started the blog last November for Rinkya which is our Japan on-line auction and shopping service. It was basically a result of customer demand. Our users wanted to know more about Japan trends and exclusive products- and we thought a blog format would be the best way to get the info out. The blog has evolved from Japan exclusives to include much more- culture, fashion and your basic Japan weirdness ^_- Japan is the 2nd largest consumer market in the world- they pump out a brand new type of you-name-it every week and so the turnover here and amount of product and ingenuity is absolutely amazing. It takes a lot to keep up!!

Describe your blog in one word
Fun. Fun. Fun.

If you could introduce one of your posts to new readers which one would it be and why?
“The Wacky, Weird & Fun USB Drives from Japan!” is one of our most popular posts. It’s a great example of Japanese ingenuity combined with humor.

What blogs do you read?
Plastic Bamboo, Steve Levenstein’s blog at Inventor Spot, Samurai Soapbox are a few.

What is your favorite place you have been to in Japan and why?
I love visiting an onsen in Japan. The whole ritual of the Japanese Hot Springs experience combined with nature and great food is very peaceful compared to the freneticism of Tokyo.

How long have/did you live in Japan?
My sister has lived in Japan for 7 years. My brother for over a year. Unfortunately, I just get to visit them several times a year.

The best thing about Japan is…
The people

The worst thing about Japan is…
Rush hour on a train- just when you do not think it is not possible anymore people could fit in a car, ten more come on. Little too close for my comfort! I must add though that the trains in Japan are very clean and are always on time!

One thing about Japanese culture that I will never understand is….
Their love for poop, cell phone straps, toys, etc.

What is the coolest gadget you have used or seen in Japan?
Toilets! There is nothing better than Japanese toilets.

What is the most delicious food you have had in Japan?
Cold soba noodles

What is the most disgusting food you have had in Japan?
Fish cakes, I call them the fish equivalent to hot dogs in the US (except I DO love hot dogs). Stick everything that’s left over from fish and make some funky kind of meat with it that has a jello texture- no thanks!

Speaking of food, enter our contest and submit the weirdest Japanese food/drink item you can find!

OK, that should do it for today. Thanks again for the interview, we really appreciate it! Good luck!