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Drawn to Japan logo. Comic Artist. drawn by Darryl Knickrehm

PROLOGUE: Who Is Dariru?

My name is Darryl Knickrehm, comic artist and full time ‘gaijin.’ I’m originally from the sunny shores of Orange County, California, but somehow found myself calling Japan home. How did I end up here, you ask? Well, grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated diuretic and settle in, because it’s a story filled with twists, turns, and a loooot of self-discovery.

Thanksgiving, Japan Style!

Hey there, world explorers! It’s that time of the year again – Thanksgiving in Japan. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate a traditional Thanksgiving feast when you’re 6000 miles away from home, buckle up, because today I’m taking you on a journey through my attempts at crafting a slice of Americana right here in Japan.

Living in Japan – First Day

Hey, Japan connoisseurs! Dariru back at it again with another tale from the vault of my Japan journey. It’s a bit of a time warp, folks, as we’re rewinding two whole decades. Buckle up, because it’s about my first day in Japan.

EXPLORE JAPAN: Eikaiwa

Hey there, Japan enthusiasts! It’s me again, your friendly neighborhood Dariru, coming to you with another installment of my adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun. Today, let’s dive into the world of English teachery, the tried and true gateway for many foreigners looking to make their way to Japan. Specifically, the Eikaiwa.

MAKING COMICS: Why not draw manga?

Hey there, fellow comic enthusiasts! It’s me again, your trusty guide through the wonderful world of drawing comics. So, I bet some of you are scratching your heads and wondering, “Hey, you’re in Japan, why aren’t you drawing manga?” Great question! Buckle up, because today’s entry is all about that.

Life as a Gaijin 2 – Language Barriers

Hey, fellow world travelers! Welcome back to the chronicles of my escapades in the captivating land of Japan. Today, we’re diving into a quirky aspect of life in Japan that’s been a part of my daily tapestry for the past two decades – language, or more precisely, the delightful challenge of communication.

Christmas in Japan?!

Hey there, friends of Japan! Today we’re diving into the magical realm of Christmas in Japan! Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Christmas in Japan? That’s gotta be a wild ride!” Well, you’re absolutely right, my friends. Let me spill the cocoa on this unique holiday experience.

2023 – A Year in Review

Hey there, fellow comic enthusiasts and Japan lovers! Can you believe we’re wrapping up 2023 already? Time really does fly when you’re juggling a million things at once, and let me tell you, this year has been nothing short of a Rubenstein’s Revenge. So get ready for some an epic juggle of Odyssean proportions, because here’s 2023 in review – Drawn to Japan style.

2024 – A Map to the Future

Hey there, fans of Japan and comic enthusiasts! Today is a new year! 2024 to be exact. And this year I’m NOT starting of with any New Year’s resolutions. How’s that for a twist? That doesn’t mean I don’t want to get a lot done this year. I’m just going to go about doing it different than I normally do.

Life as a Gaijin 3 – Conquering Isolation

Konnichiwa fellow adventurers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us who have embarked on the thrilling adventure of living in a foreign land. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene landscapes of Kyoto, or anywhere in between, being an expat is an experience that opens up a treasure trove of new possibilities. But, let’s not beat around the cherry blossom-covered bush; there’s a tiny dragon lurking in this story, and its name is isolation.

EXPLORE JAPAN: Kidzania – Mini Work Wonderland

Child labor – pretty much EVERYONE sees it as a bad thing. I, for one, am grateful that I didn’t have to work in the mines instead of going to school (although I was never happy to go to school). But here in Japan… well, no, it’s a bad thing here too. But! There is a place that you can pay $70 to have your kid work! You heard that right! And that worker wonderland is Kidzania – actually one of the best ideas ever!

EXPLORE JAPAN: How (not) to climb Mt. Fuji

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Pull up a virtual seat, and let me take you on a journey back in time – a time when my idea of conquering Mt. Fuji went from “bucket list dream” to “couch potato calamity.” Fasten your mountain climbing belts; we’re diving into the tale of how (not) to climb Mt. Fuji.

Life as a Gaijin 4 – Personal Space Paradise

Hey there, fellow adventurers of the world! Living abroad can be a whirlwind of emotions. The excitement of exploring a new culture, the frustration of not being able to read the simplest signs, and, of course, the occasional wave of loneliness that crashes over you like a tsunami. But hold on tight, because in the heart of Japan, there’s an unexpected perk that arises from the foreigner experience – the art of disconnecting.