Respect is firmly on the agenda in Japanese society, says Matt Nighswongeras he sees a society unashamed to encourage politeness.

Matt Nighswonger finds his exercise programme is a bit of a highlight of life in Japan.

As a summary of a culture, ‘It is what it is’ may sound trite. But Matt Nighswonger backs up his analysis of what makes the Japanese so distinctively different in this thoughtful essay.

The economic miracle that is modern Japan owes nothing to its educational regime, says teacher Matt Nighswonger in this critical look that uncovers a system failing its students.

If you’ve been working for a while in one of Japan’s cities, you’ll be looking quite urgently for a rural getaway. Matt Nighswonger finds peace within weekend distance of Tokyo.

Most things happen slightly differently in Japan, and baseball games are no exception. Matt Nighswonger finds the girls with backpack beer packs a bit of a highlight, though the accompanying fish flakes he could do without.

Time to go to work, but Matt Nighswonger finds himself distracted by a Japenese street festival.

Living and working in Japan takes its toll on Matt Nighswonger, in this account from the frontline of Yachiyo, Chiba.