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Japan Guide

Project Type

Private Project

In my illustrated Japan Guide, I collect quirky, funny, and surprising observations from my travels through Japan – drawn as comic illustrations. Each page is a little journey of discovery through everyday Japanese life.

With a wink, I share fun facts, cultural quirks, and personal anecdotes – visually packaged and charmingly exaggerated.

A comic illustration explains how to find a restaurant in Japan. The focus is on a restaurant window with many plastic plates showing different dishes and prices. Above the window hangs a red banner with the word "Ramen" in Japanese. To the left and right are red flags with the words "Yakitori" and "Okonomiyaki" written on them. Text boxes explain that restaurants often display plastic food to show their offerings, and that the flags at the entrance indicate the specialty. Below is a thoughtful person with the message "Let your appetite guide you!" next to it. Further information explains that some restaurants offer specialty dishes and the plastic food often looks just like the real thing.

A colorful comic illustration explains what happens when you enter a restaurant in Japan. At the top, it says in large letters, "First thing when entering a restaurant in Japan." On the left, an employee greets you with "Irasshaimase!" and asks, "Nanmeisama desu ka?" (How many people?). Next to it, illustrations show how to count from one to five with your fingers in Japanese for other people (hitori, futari, san nin, yonin, go nin). A box shows how to count to ten for yourself. Below, it says, "Japanese people often use just their hands; you can do the same."

A colorful comic illustration explains what to do if you can't read a menu in Japan. At the top is the big slogan "OH NO!". Next to it is the note: "What to do if you can't read Japanese menus: Most places nowadays offer English menus as well!" In the picture, a person who is obviously a tourist and wearing an "I ♥ Japan" shirt is sitting at a table and asking the waitress for help, saying "Sumimasen! Eigo no menyu?" (Is there an English menu?). Japanese characters can be seen in the background. A tip at the bottom: "If you're not sure what to get you can ask for osusume" (the house's recommendation). The scene is humorous and drawn in a friendly comic style.

A colorful, hand-drawn infographic explains how to easily order food in Japan. "Magic Word" is written in large letters in the center, with the word "Kore!" (meaning "this") below it, along with a hand pointing to a dish. Next to it, it reads, "You only need one word to order in Japan." A yellow cartoon character points to a photo on the menu while a waitress listens. A note reads, "Menu menus in Japan often use photos." Below, it reads, "You can also point to the window displays." It's recommended to add "o kudasai" to be more polite.

A colorful infographic shows various hand gestures commonly used in Japan, performed by a person with medium-length hair and a green T-shirt. At the top, it reads "Hand Gestures in Japan."

From left to right, top to bottom:

Two peace signs – "When taking a picture."

Hand raised sideways to the head – "Excuse me."

Hand wiggling downward-pointing fingers – "Come!"

Crossed fingers – "Check, please!"

Index finger tapping nose – "Me."

Rubbing fingers – "Money."

Hand gesture to mouth – "Let's eat!"

Finger forming an O sign – "Yes."

Arms crossed in an X – "No!"

Below, it's explained why the Japanese PlayStation controller uses the circle (O) for "confirm" and the cross (X) for "cancel."
A fun fact shows that in Japanese emojis, the O means correct and the X means incorrect.

A colorful infographic titled "Seasonal Beauty in Japan" compares nature experiences in spring and autumn.

On the left is a pink blossoming cherry tree ("sakura") with people picnicking beneath it – labeled "Hanami – Flower Viewing," typical of April. Cherry blossoms, seasonal snacks, and drinks are depicted around it.

On the right is an orange-red maple tree with falling leaves – labeled "Momijigari – red autumn leaves hunt," typical of November. Maple leaves ("momiji") and autumnal foods are shown next to it.

A note at the bottom states: "Autumn is less crowded and usually cheaper to travel."

This colorful infographic explains how to count to ten in Japanese and why different counters are used. At the top, a cartoon character is shown with a raised finger, presenting the numbers from one to ten in Japanese. The numbers are represented using Latin transcription and Japanese characters. Explanatory text points out that these numbers cannot be used for all things.

Below is a representation of the specific counters for generic things, such as "hitotsu," "futatsu," "mittsu," and others, each with Japanese script and transcription. Another text box explains that there are over 350 different counters, depending on what is being counted.

Various counters are clearly illustrated at the bottom of the graphic. For each counting word, the corresponding Japanese character is shown, accompanied by small drawings as examples: "HON" stands for long, thin objects like pens or umbrellas, "MAI" for flat objects like paper, "HIKI" for small animals like cats or rabbits, "TOU" for large animals like horses or cows, "WA" for birds, "SASSU" for books, "DAI" for machines and vehicles, and "NIN/RI" for people. The entire infographic is playful and colorful, with explanatory speech bubbles and appropriate illustrations for each counting word.

Illustration of the Japanese custom of "Mimikaki - Ear Cleaning": Several cartoon drawings show one person cleaning the ears of another while the person is relaxing in an armchair. A screen shows the inside of the ear. Other small drawings explain that Japanese mothers traditionally clean their children's ears, which conveys a feeling of closeness. Tools such as ear scoops, tweezers, and an endoscope are shown. A comparison illustrates that Mimikaki is more effective than cotton swabs. A text points out that the nerves in the ear are similar to those in the nipples, which is why the procedure is pleasant. A girl holds her ear with pleasure. The illustration is done in warm colors and includes explanatory English text.

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