AuthorJonelle Patrick

Writing mystery books set in Tokyo is mostly what I do, but I also blog about the odd stuff I see every day in Japan. I'm a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo, and a member of the International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. When I'm not in Tokyo, I live in San Francisco. I also host a travel site called The Tokyo Guide I Wish I'd Had, so if you're headed to Japan and want to check out the places I take my friends when they're in town, take a look!

Posted 2 days ago2 Comments Awesome Stuff To Do

April Japanagram Preview

Hi, it’s me again, Jonelle! Here’s what’s going out to Japanagram subscribers on April 1 – if you’re not already signed up, there’s still time to get yours! Scroll down, … Continue Reading April Japanagram Preview

Posted 4 days ago3 Comments Cute to the nth

Kawaii Masks

Hey, just because we all have to wear masks now doesn’t mean we have to look like grim extras from ER. In Japan, face masks have been a fashion go-to … Continue Reading Kawaii Masks

Posted 1 week ago4 Comments Animals

Artist Turns The Best Pet Tweets Into Hilarious Tiny Sculptures

If I had to nominate one artist for Most Sanity-Saving In The Time of Coronavirus, it would absolutely be @meetissai, whose miniature sculptures inspired by pet tweets never fail to … Continue Reading Artist Turns The Best Pet Tweets Into Hilarious Tiny Sculptures

Posted 2 weeks ago Awesome Stuff To Do

Every year, in every season: These lovely Tokyo sites light up at night

One of the most entertaining things you can do in Tokyo is wander around the city after the sun goes down, if you know where to look. The wizards of … Continue Reading Every year, in every season: These lovely Tokyo sites light up at night

Posted 3 weeks ago3 Comments Animals

Cutest Curry Rice Molds On The Planet

I thought I’d seen it all when it comes to Japanese curry rice molds, but these two cuties redefine ADORABLE. The only problem is that it comes in both cat … Continue Reading Cutest Curry Rice Molds On The Planet

Posted 3 weeks ago Japanagram

Nine spectacular cherry blossom gardens, a firewalking field trip & a book giveaway!

It’s already that time again! The March Japanagram is out, and if you’re not a subscriber yet, here’s what you’re missing: I’m sorry that these aren’t clickable like last month … Continue Reading Nine spectacular cherry blossom gardens, a firewalking field trip & a book giveaway!

Posted 3 weeks ago Awesome Stuff To Do

Five Japanese flower seasons that will make you happy you missed the cherry blossoms

If you have to postpone your Japan trip and miss the cherry blossoms this spring, don’t despair! There are other flower seasons you can catch after the current contagion dies … Continue Reading Five Japanese flower seasons that will make you happy you missed the cherry blossoms

Posted 4 weeks ago4 Comments Just another day in Japan

More Haiku Musings On The Ironies Of Modern Life

Elderly uncle buying sake. Do I really have to Check his ID? • This odd store. I’ve never seen a customer here, Yet, it survives. • The forecast changes To … Continue Reading More Haiku Musings On The Ironies Of Modern Life

Posted 2 months ago2 Comments Just...Beautiful

Feast Your Eyes On This: A Shop Full Of Taisho, Meiji & Showa Era Kimonos

Today I was beelining toward a garden, through a neighborhood I never visit, when I was stopped cold by the kimono lovers’ equivalent of Aladdin’s Cave. Before I knew it, … Continue Reading Feast Your Eyes On This: A Shop Full Of Taisho, Meiji & Showa Era Kimonos

Posted 2 months ago Awesome Stuff To Do

Spring Arrives Early: Flowers by Naked 2020

Just when you’re beginning to long for spring but it’s still shivery and damp and gray outside…Flowers By Naked arrives! The projection-mapping environment group Naked is staging its annual flower-themed … Continue Reading Spring Arrives Early: Flowers by Naked 2020

Posted 2 months ago1 Comment Misc Frantery

Japanese Home Cooking, Weird Chocolate, Thousands Of Tiny Igloos & More!

A n d . . . we’re live! Japanagram is my new monthly newsletter, featuring different stuff than you’ll see here on Only In Japan or on The Tokyo Guide … Continue Reading Japanese Home Cooking, Weird Chocolate, Thousands Of Tiny Igloos & More!

Posted 2 months ago2 Comments Misc Frantery

How Did I Survive Before There Were Standing Cat Toys?

The question isn’t really “Do I really need more gachapon capsule toys?” but “How did I ever communicate without them?” This series may be sold out by the time you’re … Continue Reading How Did I Survive Before There Were Standing Cat Toys?

Posted 2 months ago3 Comments Misc Frantery

Japanagram Book Review & Giveaway!

• Hello, fellow lover of all things quirky and Japanese! Would you like a chance to win a copy of a new Japan-centric book every month? That’s one of the … Continue Reading Japanagram Book Review & Giveaway!

Posted 2 months ago4 Comments Awesome Stuff To Do

If You Miss The 2020 Tokyo International Quilt Festival You Will Have REGRETS

I won’t be in town for the Tokyo International Quilt Festival next week <sob!> but if you are, go. The hundreds of quilts on display will be world-class quality, and … Continue Reading If You Miss The 2020 Tokyo International Quilt Festival You Will Have REGRETS

Posted 3 months ago1 Comment Awesome Stuff To Do

It’s Time For The Craziest Car Show In Tokyo

If it’s mid-January, you know where to find me: Tokyo’s biggest eye-candy car event of the year, Tokyo Auto Salon! Unlike the more stuffy Tokyo Auto Show (where big makers … Continue Reading It’s Time For The Craziest Car Show In Tokyo

Posted 3 months ago Awesome Stuff To Do

Kimono Princess For A Day!

Ever since I discovered that one of the most inspiring kimono stylists I know offers private tour and photo sessions, I’ve been dying to swan around Tokyo in a gorgeous … Continue Reading Kimono Princess For A Day!