Japan has been experiencing another extremely hot summer.

Today the temperature reached 36°C (96.8°F), and honestly, simply walking outside feels exhausting.

Many people believe climate change is making Japanese summers hotter every year, and I agree. If you’re planning to visit Japan during July or August, especially places like Kyoto where you’ll spend hours walking outdoors, please be careful.

Always carry water, wear a hat and sunglasses, and don’t forget sunscreen.

You can easily buy sunscreen at any convenience store or drugstore in Japan for around ¥800 (€4-5), and I highly recommend getting some before you begin sightseeing.

---

Originally I planned to write another article about trading cards.

However, after my previous blog, many readers told me something unexpected:

“Please tell us more about everyday life in Japan.”

That made me happy.

Instagram is where I usually post the latest news about Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and ONE PIECE cards.

But here on the blog, I’d also like to introduce the Japan that local people experience every day.

So today, let’s talk about something different.

Japanese drinking culture.

---

Kyushu: One of Japan’s Great Drinking Regions

I live in Kyushu, the southern part of Japan.

Within Japan, Kyushu has a reputation for people who enjoy drinking.

As for me…

I almost never drink alcohol at home or when I’m out.

Only during special occasions or when entertaining guests.

When I do drink, though, I’ll happily enjoy beer, whisky, or almost anything.

Have You Ever Tried Shochu?

Kyushu is famous for producing Shochu, one of Japan’s traditional distilled spirits.

Depending on the region, it’s made from ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, or brown sugar.

The alcohol content is usually around 25-30%.

Unlike whisky, Shochu isn’t known for an elegant aroma.

Instead, each ingredient gives it a completely different character.

Some visitors love it immediately.

Others need a little time to appreciate it.

If you visit Japan, I definitely recommend trying it at least once.

You can usually choose to drink it:

• On the rocks
• Mixed with cold water
• Mixed with hot water

At most restaurants, a glass costs around ¥500-700 (€3-4).

A Japanese Supermarket Tells You a Lot

The other day I went shopping at my local supermarket.

One thing visitors often notice is just how much space is dedicated to alcohol.

Especially here in Kyushu.

After work, many Japanese people enjoy relaxing at home with a drink, so the shelves are filled with an incredible variety of canned beer and canned “sours.”

If you’ve never heard of a Japanese sour, it’s usually made with shochu or vodka, fruit juice, and sparkling water.

Lemon Sour is by far the most popular.

With around 5-7% alcohol, it’s refreshing and easy to drink.

Prices are also surprisingly affordable.

You can find them in supermarkets from about ¥78 to ¥248 (€0.40-1.30).

Even if you aren’t a big drinker, trying one during your visit is a fun way to experience everyday Japan.

If You Don’t Know What to Eat, Go to an Izakaya

Many visitors ask me:

“Where should I eat if I want to experience real Japan?”

My answer is almost always the same.

Go to an Izakaya.

An Izakaya is Japan’s casual pub-style restaurant.

Most open in the evening, although those inside train stations often serve customers throughout the day.

The best part is the variety.

Instead of specializing in just one type of food, you can usually order grilled fish, sashimi, fried chicken, vegetables, local specialties, noodles, and many other dishes—all at the same table.

They’re often lively and full of people enjoying food and drinks after work.

It may seem noisy if you’re visiting from overseas, but that’s part of the atmosphere.

And despite the crowds, Japan is generally very safe, making Izakaya one of the easiest places to experience everyday Japanese life.

Even While Shopping… I Found Dragon Ball

Of course…

I can’t completely escape trading cards.

Inside the supermarket was a small arcade, and there I found a Dragon Ball Super Divers machine.

At the moment, V Jump September 2026 (released July 21) includes the Son Gohan SDVPJ-036 Promo card.

I’ve seen unopened copies selling on eBay for around ¥4,000 (€22).

If you’re looking for a sealed copy, I can usually offer it for less than typical eBay prices, so feel free to contact me anytime.

---

Why I Share These Stories

Trading cards have become part of my daily life.

But for me, collecting and selling cards has never been only about business.

It has introduced me to people from all over the world and allowed me to learn about different cultures, while also sharing my own.

That’s why I’d like this blog to become more than just a place to discuss cards.

I want it to be a small window into everyday life in Japan—from supermarkets and local food to seasonal traditions and, of course, the collectible treasures that appear along the way.

If you’re curious about Japan, or if you’re searching for Japanese trading cards that are difficult to find in your country, I’d be happy to help.

Feel free to get in touch anytime.

See you in the next blog.

Shinobu 🇯🇵

Instagram: @pokeshopjp
WhatsApp: Click here
Substack: Market updates & insights