"Jujutsu Kaisen" has taken the anime world by storm, in large part thanks to the incredible quality of work done by studio MAPPA. Here are 10 similar series to enjoy while you're waiting for more.
The Shimanami Kaido has seen a spike in popularity in recent years. Since it's not far from the Sanyo Shinkansen line, it's accessible to most tourists. Here's how to get the most out of the seaside cycling road and its amenities.
The best novels and novellas out there have some key elements that make them resonate with a wide range of readers. Here are seven tried-and-true tricks for writing better fiction, whether you're writing romance or a sci-fi epic.
Anime selections can vary widely on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Here's the rundown of which streaming services are worth your money if you're an anime fan.
Though there are millions of free and paid stock photos out there, navigating them all can be tricky. Here's the rundown on how to find and choose images without getting into legal trouble.
The general principles of design are the same for all types of art. Here are 5 key design tips for making a book cover look as professional as possible.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, a local tour guide can help you get around Japan more smoothly. Here's the rundown on why having a tour guide matters, and the costs of private tours and tour groups.
Many anime series manage to wrap up their plot in a satisfying little package. Other series have unexplored worldbuilding or unfinished plot lines that need resolving. Here are ten anime from the past two decades that could really use a sequel.
Hotels and flights will sell out fast during the Tokyo Olympics, but with enough planning, you can fit some sightseeing in around the main events. Get away from the crowds around Mt. Fuji and Nikko by checking out these three spots.
Fans of the original 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' series have been looking forward to 'Magia Record' for months. Here are 10 dark yet beautiful anime to watch while waiting for new episodes.
The anime adaptation of "Fate/Grand Order" is a unique fantasy action series, but there is a handful of similar shows. Here are 10 shows to try if you like the fast-paced battles and larger-than-life characters in "FGO."
While no country is perfect, Japan comes pretty close to being an ideal destination for women traveling alone. Here are some of the things you'll enjoy when touring Japan by yourself.
In just 3 seasons, MHA has managed to solidify its standing as one of the best currently-running shounen series. While there are many outstanding moments in the show, these 5 battles are some of the best.
Traveling solo as a woman can be risky in any part of the world, but some areas are much more dangerous than others. Here are five countries where the risk of harassment, stalking and violence is too high for solo female travelers.
You don't want to lug a five-year-old around Paris if he's not even going to enjoy most of it, right? Here are five cities to avoid for your next family vacation with kids and preteens.
If you're having superhero withdrawal while waiting for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, check out these ten TV series and movies for a healthy dose of action, adventure, and character development.
Whether you're doing to Boston or Bali, traveling in a group of like-minded friends isn't as simple as you think. Here are the best ways to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings during your trip.
Buying a property can be time-consuming and cumbersome, but depending on your life plans and where you live, it may actually be your smartest option. Here are the key reasons why buying remains a smart option for today's young people.
It's safe to stick to the known tourist spots and easy-to-remember train routes, but Japan has tons to offer outside of Tokyo and the major tourist destinations. Here are some easy ways to make your next trip to Japan more fresh and exciting.
Tokyo is surprisingly overrated, especially if you want to experience Japanese culture in deeper ways than just visiting shrines, shopping, and gawking at Shibuya Crossing. There are many other great major cities in Japan, so you should consider skipping Tokyo on your next visit.
Teaching English as a foreign language online may seem easy, but like any freelancing gig, it has its pros and cons. Make sure you know the downsides before applying to online English companies.
With the rise of English as a global language, there is more and more demand for private English teachers around the world. Here's how to get started in this in-demand field.
Isekai anime can vary radically, with some focusing way more on action than on comedy and romance. Here are 10 shows similar to the upcoming "Arifureta" light novel adaptation.
While the shinkansen, or bullet train, may be convenient for major tourist destinations like Hiroshima and Osaka, the best option for you will depend on factors like price, how far you're going, if you're getting a JR Pass, and more.
Here are 10 more action-packed fantasy anime to watch while waiting for the next installment in the franchise, titled 'War of Underground.'
With its dark blend of fantasy action and drama, "Kimetsu no Yaiba" is on track to be one of Ufotable's biggest shows. Here are 10 similar shounen and fantasy anime.
It's hard to find family-friendly shows that are smart enough for older audiences, but 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' manages to pull it off. Here are 10 more shows to watch while waiting for the final season.
With "Young Justice: Outsiders" being split into two parts, fans are once again left waiting for more adventures. Luckily, there are plenty of other action-packed and emotionally-charged shows to watch in the meantime.
"Attack on Titan," otherwise known as "Shingeki no Kyojin," has a perfect blend of action and drama, and it's going to be really hard to wait for the final season. Here are 10 other anime with epic battles and intense plot development.
With all of the hype around 'Alita: Battle Angel,' movie fans may be searching for something similar to satisfy their sci-fi fix. Here are 10 anime that explore the same themes as the original series and offer an action-packed adventure.
Early reviews are already praising 'Alita: Battle Angel' for its visually stunning action and well-executed premise. Here are some similar films for fans looking for nuanced and thought-provoking sci-fi movies.
'The Promised Neverland' was one of the most gripping anime of the Winter 2019 season. Here's what to watch while waiting for season 2 of this shounen fantasy series.
There's one more Code Geass film in the works for 2019, but for now, fans can dig into these anime with great plot twists and compelling sci-fi action.
Though season six drew mixed reactions and the show was marred by controversy, "House of Cards" did a lot of things right. Here are some similar TV series to watch if you like smart, complex political dramas.
Though the "Love Live!" franchise will hopefully continue for years to come, English-speaking fans will have a bit of a wait before the next installment. Here are some similarly cute idol and schoolgirl slice-of-life shows to tide you over.
Even if your employer has reassured you that they'll help you with the transition abroad, they'll likely fall short at times. Here are words to listen for, look for, and be able to say in case of any problems while in Japan.
Though two "Sailor Moon Crystal" movies are planned, North American fans of the series may have to wait a while for the series' continuation to be available in English. Here are some similar magical girl anime to watch in the meantime.
With "Tokyo Ghoul:re" ending and no further sequels announced, fans of the gory supernatural franchise will likely be seeking similar shows to watch. Here are some new and classic anime with a similar premise or dark tone.
If you're starting work as an ALT or other type of English teacher, you'll want to brush up on your Japanese. While your dispatch company or supervisor will help with the language barrier, knowing some basic words will make things go more smoothly.
While the character development in "Young Justice" is inconsistent at best, there's still a lot of entertainment value in the action and plot twists. Here's my review of the first 2 seasons.
Bangkok, Hanoi and Singapore all have a lot to offer, but there are cheaper and quieter places to enjoy all that Southeast Asia has to offer. Check out these options in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and more.
You can never be too prepared - especially if a night of drinking is involved. Here are tips for making sure your bachelorette party goes as smoothly as possible while keeping your guests thoroughly entertained.
The long-awaited final season is already causing a furor among fans, and for good reason: the ending is about as disappointing as they come. While Allura's leadership is refreshing, every single character on the show gets robbed of a proper ending, character development, or both.
Hollywood cycles through popular actresses fairly often, but Margot Robbie’s range of acting capabilities may mean that she’s here to stay. Here are the next big films on her schedule.
Like many A-listers, Will Smith's star power hasn’t faded with age – and he still has the same charisma that won him fans on The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire. Here's what to expect from him over the next year.
It's common for mecha anime to not be very good. It's a little less common for mecha anime to get fans excited and then let them down. Here are some of the worst offenders from the past 15 or so years.
Chicago has a bad reputation when it comes to crime, but you're much less likely to run into trouble if you act like a local. Here are some pointers and places to avoid - some of which might surprise you!
Thousands of charities across the globe launch appeals for donations year-round, but these efforts really pick up steam around Christmastime. The best recipient of your money, though, may not always be the one that’s flooding your inbox or popping up in your newsfeed.
While no organization is perfect, some charities have truly questionable management practices. Even household names like Oxfam and the American Red Cross have had major scandals in the past few years. Here are the major charities to consider avoiding.
If you’re not particularly passionate about a particular type of law, then you may end up stuck with a degree that you don’t enjoy and doesn’t even pay very well. Examine your interests, strengths, and career options closely to see if heading to law school is right for you.
Conference calls often do little more than breed multitasking and snarky conversations on Slack or Gchat. At their worst, they're a full-on waste of people's time or a drain on morale. Sometimes they're unavoidable, so here's how to make the most of them.
Japan is a modern enough country that getting currency is easy, but you need to know your options and plan in advance. Here are the best ways to avoid fees while keeping enough cash on hand while traveling.
While there are hundreds of great face scrubs and toners out there, getting clear and beautiful skin requires some basic best practices. If you forget the fundamentals, your homemade coffee-pomegranate scrub won't do you much good!
You don't need to break the bank with specialized craft store supplies. Go beyond coloring book pages with art ideas and crafts that your kids can easily do with household items.
Whether you've just started college or are moving to another country, homesickness can strike at any time. Sometimes having familiar food can help you feel better. Other times, coping with loneliness requires different strategies.
"My Hero Academia" season 4 is finished airing, and waiting for new episodes is painful for the show's die-hard fans! Here are 5 excellent anime and Western animations to entertain you in the meantime.
While nothing can replace "Voltron: Legendary Defender" with its blend of epic space battles, lovable characters, and incredible team dynamics, there are plenty of shows out there with broad, relatively light-hearted sci-fi appeal.
Want to teach English abroad? When it comes to teaching abroad, every country has its pros and cons, but some are certainly riskier than others. Sometimes the problems in a country run much deeper than the recruiters' glossy websites would lead you to believe. Here are the countries to avoid.
While Japanese elementary schools have drawn some influence from Western education, they have some significant cultural and logistical differences. Disciplinary policies, teaching styles, and even lunch practices are unique and can be confusing for foreigners.
Floods and landslides are becoming more common in Japan. Whether you're visiting during the rainy season or living here year-round, make sure to familiarize yourself with evacuation locations and safety tips ahead of time. Here are some guidelines and resources in Japanese and English.
For many people, Japan seems too exotic and distant to ever consider living in. The reality, though, is that the country's high quality of life is refreshing - as long as you can handle the loneliness and language barriers.
It's easy to get complacent with your mid-level Japanese – but you can improve by leaps and bounds if you change up your learning methods!
Japan is an incredibly safe country because it's tough on crime. Make sure you're aware of the laws that are sometimes different than other countries'. Find out what's legal and illegal and if you can bring items like Sudafed and pepper spray, and learn general safety tips.
Japan isn't the cheapest country in the world to travel in, but there are ways to make it much more manageable. Economical hotels, transit, and entertainment can free up more money for souvenirs and big adventures.
Whether you're making a domestic connection or just trying to get into Tokyo, Narita Airport can be surprisingly easy if you know what to expect. Read about customs, layovers, terminals, and other aspects of this airport.
It's easy to get bogged down in the first lines of your story, or to give up because you haven't come up with a compelling plot. Try some story starters to get things moving!
Moving to Japan can seem terrifying, but it's more doable than you think—as long as you have a sense of adventure and are willing to play by the rules.
If you've decided you want to teach English in Japan, congratulations! You're in for a treat. Next question: What kind of English do you want to teach? Do you crave the chaos of Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) life, or would you prefer teaching at an eikaiwa English school?
Any country can be a challenge for expats to get used to, but living in Japan comes with its own set of unique cultural challenges, and problems can arise quickly. Rest assured; there are more resources at your fingertips than you think.
1. Write a character who doesn’t know what they want to do in life. Put them in a setting where they’re staring off into space, wondering what they’re going to do with their life, when something suddenly falls into their lap - literally - and...
You have a basic character in mind for your next work - but now it's time to really figure out what makes them tick and where they're going next. Here are 321 questions to help you think it through!
Prompts, tips, and ideas for all writers - whether you create short stories, novels or fan fiction! Get those juices flowing!