Dungarees In Japan

10/16/2026

When I came back to Japan a few years ago at age 51, I weighed around 270 pounds. Today, I’m sitting at my target weight of 210 pounds—a weight I’ve officially maintained for the past 12 months after hitting it this time last year.

This past summer during a trip back to Ohio, my doctor was pleasantly surprised by my 55+ pound weight loss and immediately assumed it was from diet meds. I told him the truth: the meds weren't working, so I stopped taking them altogether. Instead, I made a complete lifestyle change—focusing on consistent exercise and practicing the traditional Okinawan principle of Hara Hachi Bu (eating until you are 80% full). Shifting from "eating until stuffed" to simply "no longer hungry" made all the difference.

Have you ever tried practicing Hara Hachi Bu or made a major lifestyle shift without relying on quick fixes? Drop a comment below and share what works for you!

Follow Dungarees in Japan with Daniel J Stone for more real-world insights on health, daily life, and habits in Japan.

10/16/2026

One of the most valuable habits you can take home from a trip to Japan is the Okinawan practice of Hara Hachi Bu—learning to stop eating when you’re 80% full. Stepping away from oversized portions and practicing mindful satiety is a complete game-changer for energy and longevity.
Follow Daniel J Stone at Dungarees in Japan for more cultural insights, daily life, and practical takeaways from Japan.

10/15/2026

100% Shimane, From the Beef to the Buns 🍔

Countryside road trips in Japan hit different when you find a place that takes local sourcing this seriously.

At Sanbe Burger in Oda City, every layer is regional—charcoal-grilled Shimane beef and pork, crisp local lettuce, a slice of cheese, thick bacon, tomato, and a fried egg squeezed between sesame seed buns. Served up alongside classic potato wedges, cold drinks, and open-air wooden patio tables right in the mountains.

📍 Sanbe Burger (Oda City, Shimane Prefecture)
🚗 Parking: Dedicated lot on site
💵 Tip: Cash only
Which layer are you going for first? Save this spot for your next Shimane drive!

10/15/2026

Shimane Prefecture is closer than you think if you are in the Hiroshima/Iwakuni area. In an era where more and more foreigners are seen throughout Japan, in Shimane, you will likely be the only one. This burger place was terrific. It really hit the spot.

10/15/2026

Farm-to-Table Burgers in the Japanese Countryside 🍔✨
Tucked away at the base of Mt. Sanbe, this hidden gem uses 100% Shimane-sourced beef and pork, charcoal-grilled over an open wood fire. Rich local flavors, fresh-baked buns, and a local egg on top make it well worth the drive into the mountains.

📍 Sanbe Burger (Oda City, Shimane Prefecture)
🚗 Parking: Large dedicated lot (~20 spaces)
⏰ Best Time to Go: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM for easy seating and no wait
💵 Payment: Cash only (bring yen before heading up the mountain!)
Have you ever tried a burger topped with a fried egg? Save this post for your next Shimane road trip!

10/11/2026

I’ve been seeing a lot of discussions lately about long-term expats struggling to feel a true sense of belonging in Japan. I wanted to share my perspective on this over at Dungarees in Japan.
Forcing yourself into a mold usually leads to burnout. Embracing your unique standing as an outsider actually opens up far more room for genuine, long-lasting connections with local friends and the community.
What’s your take on finding your groove here over the years?

「日本に長く住んでいても、本当の居場所が見つからない」という長年在住の外国人の悩みをよく目にします。これについて、Dungarees in Japanの視点から僕の考えをシェアします。
無理に周りに合わせようとすると、疲れてしまいます。むしろ「アウェイ」である自分の立場を受け入れることで、かえって地元の人たちと深くて良い関係が築けるはずです。
皆さんは長年の日本生活で、どのように自分らしいスタイルを見つけましたか？

10/11/2026

10/10/2026

Learning how to eat with chopsticks…

10/09/2026

Eight years old, pure focus, and a plate of avocado rolls. Back when we first started practicing chopstick technique with Maddie, it was just a fun family dinner habit. Turns out it was early training for our life in Japan. She handles them better than I do now! It’s these quiet family moments that make living abroad feel like home. ❤️🍱

By Daniel J. Stone, creator of Dungarees in Japan