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W. Tanner Kirk
For W. Tanner Kirk's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Characters from the Super Mario Bros. franchise adorn the front of Super Potato, a well-known retro game shop in Akihabara.
LIFE / Digital
Sep 20, 2023
Let the gaming begin: A guide to Tokyo's video game landmarks
Whether it's arcades, retro finds or chip-tune nightclubs, Japan's capital won't disappoint gamers wanting to geek out.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / Community
Jun 10, 2023
Finding familiar ground at a D&D-inspired Tokyo comedy show
The stories are wild and the jokes are improvised, but expat audiences find these monthly shows a comfort.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jan 30, 2022
Some of Tokyo's best ramen is tucked away along the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Most Tokyo food guides focus on the city's downtown when it comes to recommendations, but a good bowl of ramen can always be found outside the central core.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / THE RECIPE BOX
Jan 29, 2022
Recipe: Tomato ramen with a beef-and-pork meatball
An interesting trend among Tokyo ramen heads matches nicely with memories of mom's spaghetti dinners.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Dec 21, 2021
Ditch the KFC this Christmas and cook up some easy-to-make pan-seared chicken with homemade gravy
You've been working all week and may not have time to plan a proper feast, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on Christmas dinner.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 3, 2021
Cleopatra Kebab: Where you can have your pita and stream it, too
Expertly marinated meat is always a guarantee at this Tokyo kebab stand, but if you're lucky, chef Nizaris Khalifa will have fresh falafel on offer, too.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Apr 3, 2021
Recipe: How to make Japanese katsu-style chicken Parmesan
The slightly sweet and super crunchy style of Japanese chicken katsu (cutlet) is the perfect base for the Italian American classic, chicken Parmesan.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Feb 13, 2021
No pork? No problem: Make a mushroom-miso carbonara instead
This incredibly luxurious bowl of pasta pairs well with a glass of sauvignon blanc for an impressive at-home dinner date.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Nov 7, 2020
Harry's Sandwich Company: Bringing familiar flavors to homesick American residents
It can be surprisingly hard to find a decent sandwich in Tokyo. Good thing Harry's Sandwich Co. is here to fill the sub-shaped hole in our hearts.
Japan Times
CULTURE
Jul 3, 2020
Ellie descends further into darkness in The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog's newest release, The Last of Us Part II, is an achievement in storytelling and character development.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores