• Egg sandwiches are sold in Japan's many convenience stores.
• Anthony Bourdain said he particularly loved the version from Lawson, a convenience store.
• For $2, the chain makes the perfect grab-and-go option for breakfast or lunch.

If the idea of a convenience store sandwich conjures up visions of stale bread and a mysterious filling that may not pass the sniff test, think again. Anthony Bourdain called egg sandwiches found at Japan's convenience stores "pillows of love."

On a recent trip to Japan, I too fell in love with egg salad sandwiches and wanted to try a grab-and-go version from one of the country's ubiquitous convenience stores. The sandwiches are quick, tasty, and the perfect thing to eat when you're in a hurry.

In the Okinawa episode of "Parts Unknown," which aired in 2015, Bourdain described this snack as having an unholy grip on him. Bourdain swore by Lawson's version in particular.

Lawson, a chain of convenience stores, sells packaged egg sandwiches, or tamago sandos, for around $2.

Before heading to the airport on my last day in Japan, I stopped in for one. For the price and speed, it was hard to top.

It was my first trip to Japan from the US, so I did plenty of research about must-try foods.

Oysters in Hiroshima. Kaiseki meals in Kyoto. Egg salad from a convenience store?

During my research, tamago sandos popped up again and again. They're sold in restaurants, vending machines, and convenience stores, or konbini.

Dutch and Portuguese traders introduced bread to Japan in the 16th century, and Western-influenced sandwiches became more popular during the Meiji Era in the late 19th century, per Tasting Table. Japanese chefs soon adapted sandwiches to add their own culinary style, flavors, and techniques.

My friend swore by the 7-Eleven version, but I wanted to try Lawson's.

Lawson started in Ohio in 1939 and opened stores in Japan beginning in 1975. Only two stores remain in the US, both in Hawaii.

Sandwiches from both 7-Eleven and Lawson have their fans, and you can find dupe recipes from Food & Wine, Tasting Table, and more.

Paradise. Utopia. These are the words people use to describe the bounty to be found in 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, the three major convenience store chains in Japan. Estimates put the number of konbini at around 56,000, The Guardian reported in 2024.

They offer a huge variety of items, from underwear to face masks to alcohol. It's the wealth of fresh, prepared foods that sets them apart from their US counterparts.

It was around 10 a.m. on a Sunday, and the egg sandwiches were nearly all gone from the shelves.

There were plenty of potato salad options left, though. Tuna and egg and ham and egg options were also available.

My sandwich expired two days after I bought it, at 11 p.m., according to its label.

Milk bread and Kewpie mayo are the keys to a great egg sandwich.

Fluffy and lightly flavored, milk bread, or shokupan, adds a touch of sweetness. Bon Appétit compared its softness to white bread but with more fat. The sandwiches are crustless, cut into perfect squishy triangles.

Those trying to replicate the sandwich in the US typically use Kewpie mayo. The Japanese brand uses an extra egg yolk, several types of vinegar, and MSG, per Tasting Table. The result is a creamy, rich sauce that's a little different from other types of mayo, though the US version doesn't contain MSG.

I paired it with a café au lait and bottled water, all for under $4.

There was no shortage of canned coffees and other beverages available in to-go cups. The latter came with straws to pierce through the foil tops.

After buying my items, I tasted the sandwich. The bread was soft and springy, while the filling was rich with a touch of tanginess.

When I got back to the US, I checked out the sandwich options in my local 7-Eleven. There was a small cooler with a few options, including an egg salad. It cost $5.29, more than double what I paid in Tokyo. Since its "best by" date was the same day, I decided to skip trying it.

It wasn't my favorite tamago sando I had in Japan, but I'd definitely eat one again.

In Kyoto, I usually spent breakfast at sit-down restaurants that invariably had incredible, creamy egg sandwiches and perfectly brewed coffee. I was able to enjoy a leisurely meal while planning out my agenda for a day of sightseeing.

When you're late for work or rushing to the airport, though, stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson can't be beat for a speedy, inexpensive option.

• A 53-aircraft exercise put US military airpower on display in Japan earlier this week.
• Fighter jets, rescue helicopters, and spy planes taxiied the runway at Kadena Air Base.
• The massive aircraft display "sends a message you can't ignore," a senior enlisted leader said.

Dozens of fighter jets, military helicopters, and Patriot missile defense systems lined the runway at a US Air Force base, which could be the largest "elephant walk" ever in Japan.

The "elephant walk" exercise at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, was part of a broader capability demonstration, showcasing US military airpower as China's growing military presence fuels tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Here are the various military aircraft and assets featured in the exercise, which drills airmen on readying large numbers of aircraft to take off in rapid succession.

What is an elephant walk?

Dating back to World War II, the term "elephant walk" referred to the taxiing of military aircraft en masse before taking off in single-file formations like a herd of elephants walking trunk-to-tail.

Elephant walks not only demonstrate operational airpower and readiness but also train military pilots in wartime operations that involve launching a large number of sorties in a short period of time.

Third-largest elephant walk in Air Force history

Elephant walks typically involve a large number of aircraft, and the Kadena Air Base event on Okinawa was no exception — 53 Air Force and Navy aircraft, as well as two Army Patriot air defense batteries, participated in the runway display.

The elephant walk could be the largest to ever take place in Japan, nearly twice the size of last year's 33-aircraft display at the base, which featured F-22 Raptors and F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The Kadena elephant walk is among the largest ever by the US Air Force, outnumbering an elephant walk in 2020 at Hill Air Force Base in Utah that only featured F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

In April 2023, 80 aircraft were displayed in an elephant walk at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.

At Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, a 70-aircraft demonstration consisted of only F-15E Strike Eagles, making it the largest single-type elephant walk.

Rescue helicopters, drones, and fighter jets

Fighter jets made up more than half of the elephant walk, with 24 F-35As, eight F-15Es, and two Navy EA-18 Growlers.

Six HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters led the herd, along with two MQ-9 Reaper drones, which are used for surveillance and precision strikes.

Cargo planes, tankers, and spy planes

Two MC-130J Commando II special operations cargo planes and six KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft brought up the rear of the formation.

Three spy planes also made an appearance in the elephant walk — one E-3G Sentry radar surveillance aircraft, one RC-135 Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft, and one P-8 Poseidon operated by the Navy for maritime patrol and reconnaissance.

The formation was flanked by two US Army MIM-104 Patriot missile interceptors, which have proven to be vital assets in the US' air defense strategy against Chinese missile threats.

Exercise Beverly Herd

The airpower demonstration on Okinawa was an iteration of Exercise Beverly Herd, an annual military exercise that prepares US and allied forces for combat in the Pacific.

Aside from the elephant walk, rescue and maintenance squadrons stationed at Kadena also practiced surveilling damage on an airfield, and Air Force civil engineers worked with Navy specialists to remove simulated unexploded ordnance from the runway.

At Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, about 11 miles from Kadena, F-35 fighter squadrons from Eielson Air Force Base are also training in warfighting concepts and maneuvers focused on Agile Combat Employment, which is designed to increase lethality and survivability in combat.

'A message you can't ignore'

The military exercises come as China escalates its military presence in the Pacific over Taiwan, the self-governing island which Beijing claims as its own.

"An elephant walk like this sends a message you can't ignore," Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 18th Wing command chief master sergeant, said in a statement. "It shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we're united, capable, and ready."

China's rapid military build-up has been fueling tension with other US allies on the First Island Chain, which includes Japan and the Philippines. The latter nation also has ongoing territorial disputes with China, primarily in the South China Sea.

Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

The Beverly Herd exercises were among a series of military drills the US and its allies are hosting in the Indo-Pacific theater to counter growing Chinese aggression in the region.

Earlier this month, the US and the Philippines held a joint exercise, Balikatan, at a strategic chokepoint south of Taiwan. China criticized the military drills, accusing the US and the Philippines of using Taiwan as an excuse to "provoke tension and confrontation."

"This kind of teamwork and presence is exactly how we maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific," Wolfgang said of the Kadena elephant walk.

• Hawaiian Airlines Flight 457 declared an emergency due to a device stuck in a seat.
• After a priority landing in Tokyo, the airline was able to remove the mobile device.
• Trapped devices pose fire risks, and similar incidents have led to flight diversions before.

Another flight had a precarious moment when a passenger's device got stuck in a seat.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight 457 was traveling from Honolulu to Tokyo on Monday.

Partway through the journey, flight attendants noticed an "electrical smell" in the cabin, an airline spokesperson told Business Insider.

They added that it was "coming from a guest's mobile device that became lodged in a seat."

The pilots then declared an emergency, which allowed them to obtain priority handling at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. This was done "out of an abundance of caution," the spokesperson said.

They added that the airline's team was able to remove the device from the seat after everyone deplaned safely.

"Safety is our priority, and we apologize to impacted guests for the inconvenience."

Airlines take trapped devices very seriously because lithium batteries can catch fire and spread throughout the cabin, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Airlines tell passengers to keep devices in the cabin rather than the hold so that any problems can be spotted.

Some Japanese news outlets reported that the device caught fire, but the airline told BI this wasn't the case.

Back in January, an Air Busan Airbus A321 caught fire shortly before takeoff in South Korea, injuring seven people. Investigators said in March that it was likely caused by a portable power bank.

After the fire, the airline announced it would no longer allow passengers to keep power banks in their carry-on luggage.

Earlier this month, a Lufthansa Airbus A380 had to divert after someone's tablet became "jammed" in a business-class seat.

The flight from Los Angeles to Munich, carrying 461 passengers, had been flying for around three hours when it diverted to Boston.

And last May, a United Airlines flight from Zurich to Chicago had to turn around and divert to Ireland after a business-class passenger's laptop got stuck in their seat.

Donald Trump has started signaling that he's ready to slash tariffs on Chinese imports, but economists have warned that the US softening its stance now likely cedes power to China, which perhaps benefits from dragging out trade talks.

On Tuesday, Trump confirmed that he is willing to reduce 145 percent tariffs on all Chinese imports. A senior White House official told The Wall Street Journal that the tariffs may come "down to between roughly 50 percent and 65 percent." Or perhaps the US may use a tiered approach, charging a 35 percent tax on goods that don't threaten national security, while requiring 100 percent tariffs on imports "deemed as strategic to America’s interest," other insiders told the WSJ.

For now, Trump is being vague, only confirming that tariffs "won't be that high" or "anywhere near" 145 percent. Attempting to maintain a tough veneer, Trump warned that China must act quickly to make a deal to end the trade war or else risk making concessions that China may not consider ideal.

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President Donald Trump is turning his attention to the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which is leagues behind its near-peer competitor China, and recently signed an executive order designed to reinvigorate it. 

Trump's April 10 order instructs agencies to develop a Maritime Action Plan and orders the U.S. trade representative to compile a list of recommendations to address China’s "anticompetitive actions within the shipbuilding industry," among other things.

Additionally, the executive order instructs a series of assessments regarding how the government could bolster financial support through the Defense Production Act, the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital, a new Maritime Security Trust Fund, investment from shipbuilders from allied countries and other grant programs. 

But simply throwing money at the shipbuilding industry won’t solve the problem, according to Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institute think tank’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.

"It is unlikely that just putting more money into U.S. shipbuilding – even with foreign technical assistance – will make U.S. commercial shipbuilders competitive with experienced and highly-subsidized shipyards in China, Korea, or Japan," Clark said in a Monday email to Fox News Digital. "In the near to mid-term, the government will need to also drive higher demand for U.S.-built ships."

US RISKS PUSHING EUROPEAN ALLIES INTO CHINA'S ARMS WITH NEW TARIFFS, EXPERTS WARN 

Clark also said the executive orders appear to complement the SHIPS for America Act, a series of legislative measures introduced in December 2024 in both the House and Senate aimed at fostering growth within the U.S. shipbuilding industry and strengthening the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet that is capable of transporting military materials during times of conflict. 

Specifically, the SHIPS Act includes provisions establishing a Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would seek to develop merchant vessels that could operate internationally, but are American-built, owned and operated. The legislation would also seek to beef up the U.S.-flag international fleet by roughly 250 ships in 10 years. 

"If we implement the EO and the SHIPS Act together, the government would create incentives to flag and build ships in the U.S. and provide capital to the shipbuilding industry so it could meet the increased demand with greater efficiency and lower costs," Clark said. "This will not result in the U.S. surpassing China, Korea or Japan as shipbuilders, but it would provide the U.S. more resilience."

The U.S. is drastically behind near-peer competitors like China in shipbuilding. China is responsible for more than 50% of global shipbuilding, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, compared to just 0.1% from the U.S. 

However, Trump has indicated interest in working with other nations on shipbuilding, and suggested working with Congress to pass legislation authorizing the purchase of ships from foreign countries when signing the orders. Specifics were not provided. 

US RISKS PUSHING EUROPEAN ALLIES INTO CHINA'S ARMS WITH NEW TARIFFS, EXPERTS WARN 

But doing so could upend a century-old law known as the Jones Act – a controversial law fundamental to the current U.S. shipbuilding environment that requires that only U.S. ships carry cargo between U.S. ports and stipulates that at least 75% of the crew members are American citizens. It also requires that these ships are built in the U.S. and that U.S. citizens own them.

Proponents of the Jones Act assert it is key to national security and prevents foreigners from gaining entry to the U.S. But experts claim the law has significantly hampered U.S. shipbuilding, and is undercutting competition while keeping shipbuilding costs high. 

Efforts to repeal the legislation have failed amid bipartisan support in Congress. But some experts claim eradicating the law is a first step in changing the shipbuilding industry in the U.S. 

"Anyone who is serious about reviving the shipping industry should basically start by getting rid of the Jones Act," Veronique de Rugy, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, told Fox News Digital Thursday. "It's not everything, but it's a start." 

Colin Grabow, an associate director at the Cato Institute’s Center for Trade Policy Studies, said shipbuilding issues in the U.S. are multifaceted, but the Jones Act is a major part of the problem. Still, he doubts efforts to repeal it will prove successful. 

"I think the bar has been set so low, it is hard not to think that, absent the Jones Act, that we’d be doing any worse," Grabow said. "And in fact, I think we’d do better. And why do I think we’d do better? It's because… fundamentally, I think an industry that doesn't have to compete will become uncompetitive. I think it's just kind of axiomatic." 

• President Donald Trump compared the US to a department store that everyone wants "a piece" of.
• In Oval Office remarks on Thursday, he said trade deals could be concluded in a matter of weeks.
• He said there would be a "little bit of transition" before tariffs are successful.

President Donald Trump compared the US to a "big beautiful department store, before that business was destroyed by the internet."

In Oval Office remarks on Thursday, he said that he felt each country wants "a piece of that store."

"China wants it, Japan wants it, Mexico, Canada — they live off it, those two, without us, they wouldn't have a country," he added.

Trump was responding to questions from reporters about US trade deals with other countries.

Asked how much time he thought the US needed to make deals, Trump said, "I would think over the next 3 to 4 weeks."

"I think maybe the whole thing could be concluded" by then, he said.

But Trump said that, at a certain point, if a deal isn't made, a tariff will just be set and the country or the market may find the tariff rate too high.

"They'll come back and say, 'Well, we think this is too high, and we'll negotiate,' or they're going to say something else, they're going to say, 'Let's see what happens,'" Trump said.

Trump's recent tariff announcements have roiled global markets and affected relationships between the US and other countries worldwide.

Trump said any country has the right to decide not to shop in the "store of America" in order to avoid the tariffs, but that "we have something that nobody else has, and that's the American consumer."

In his remarks on Thursday, Trump also said that he may not raise tariffs on China if it goes beyond the 125% duty it currently has on American goods.

"At a certain point, I don't want them to go higher because at a certain point, you make it where people don't buy," he said.

• I traveled to every continent in a year. Some countries won me over more than others.
• Countries like Australia and Argentina were my favorites to visit, and I'd happily go back.
• I'd skip returning to Ghana or Japan and instead visit other places on their respective continents.

Between October 2023 and September 2024, I visited all seven continents.

I had been to most continents, like Europe, several times before, but it was my first time visiting Australia and Antarctica.

During the year, I visited new-to-me countries like Vanuatu, and I also stuck to tried-and-true favorites like Italy and Spain.

All in all, I visited 18 countries. Three were my favorite stops, but there are two I'd skip on my next trip around the world.

I loved visiting Australia.

I kicked off my year of travel with a visit to Australia. I was blown away by the country's landscapes, both above and below the water.

I loved getting to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, where I swam with turtles, friendly sharks, and thousands of colorful fish.

The highlight of my visit to the country, however, was a three-day stay in the Australian Outback. I was especially astonished by the cultural significance of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, home to cave drawings estimated to be nearly 30,000 years old.

Even still, I feel like there's so much more I want to see in Australia.

I can't wait to return to Argentina.

South America is my favorite region of the world, and a short visit to Argentina had me longing for more.

From Patagonia's iconic hiking trails to Buenos Aires' late-night dining scene to Mendoza's picturesque vineyards, Argentina offers an ideal blend of everything I love about South America.

After Australia, I headed to Argentina to board an expedition cruise to Antarctica. Before embarking, I made time to quickly see some of the country's highlights.

I explored the café culture of Buenos Aires, indulging in delectable alfajores, which are shortbread-like cookies filled with creamy dulce de leche. Later, I headed to the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, and hiked through Tierra del Fuego National Park.

My short, four-day visit to Argentina barely scratched the surface, and I can't wait to plan another trip back.

Turkey was amazing, too.

Turkey quickly became one of my favorite countries during my visit to all seven continents.

Its major city Istanbul was a gift to my senses. Labyrinthine bazaars took me back in time, while modern, jam-packed shopping centers were just a few blocks away.

Visiting the Cappadocia region left me further impressed as I watched a dazzling display of hot-air balloons fly over the unique landscape and rock formations.

Also, booking a traditional cave hotel is a must-do in the region — it's as cozy as it is magical. Overall, there's so much I'd love to revisit and still explore in Turkey.

However, I'd skip Ghana next time.

To visit all seven continents in one year, I needed to plan a trip to Africa. Having previously traveled to Egypt and Morocco, I visited Ghana to try something new.

During my 10-day trip, I hopped along the coast to busy cities and off-the-grid beach towns. I was in awe of the organized chaos of Ghana's markets and I appreciated how the cuisine featured textures and flavors completely foreign to my American palate.

A visit to its Cape Coast Castle, used in the Atlantic slave trade, was both heavy and insightful. It was one of the most perspective-shifting moments during my entire year of travel.

Despite loving my trip to Ghana, I feel I saw most of the country's main tourist attractions in one visit. On my next trip to the African continent, I might visit somewhere like Tanzania or South Africa instead.

If I'm in Asia, I'd rather go back to South Korea instead of Japan.

I had high expectations for my trip to Japan, but I think I'd skip the country next time I head to Asia.

My final trip of the year was to South Korea and Japan, where I traveled by bicycle to lesser-visited regions of each country. After over 600 miles of riding, I found I preferred South Korea to the latter.

Not only did I think South Korea had better bicycle infrastructure, with car-free bike paths spanning much of the country, but also I preferred the country's cuisine, weather, and culture.

Japan's temples and cities were awe-inspiring, but the oppressive summer heat made exploring miserable.

Additionally, as a vegetarian, I found the country's cuisine options limited as many focused on fresh seafood. On the contrary, I loved South Korea's spicy dishes and communal dining culture.

I'm not opposed to visiting Japan again in the future, although certainly not in the summer. Regardless, I'd probably pick South Korea instead if I'm in Asia.

Yuzu has been trending in the United States for a few years now. Michelin-starred chefs, craft breweries, and foodies across the country pay a premium for the hard-to-find fruit. All the while, in Japan, yuzu has been a staple for centuries. The country is one of the top producers and consumers of yuzu, growing about 27,000 tons a year. But strict importation regulations keep yuzu from Japanese producers, like Senkoji Farms, out of the United States, leaving fans to depend on the few stateside producers, like Flavors by Bhumi. But growing yuzu in the US, especially on the East Coast, comes with its challenges. We visited both farms to see how yuzu in Japan compares to yuzu in the US and to understand why it's so expensive here.

• Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway issued $628 million of so-called samurai bonds on Friday.
• Several Japanese companies postponed similar bond sales as Trump's tariffs rocked markets.
• Strategist Larry McDonald suggested Buffett was raising fresh funds to go on an epic buying spree.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sold yen-denominated debt worth $628 million on Friday, even as Japanese companies delayed bond issues amid roiling markets and a burgeoning trade war.

The famed investor's conglomerate issued six tranches of bonds ranging from three to 30 years, and offered higher premiums than its last yen note issue in October, per a term sheet viewed by Reuters.

Beverage makers Asahi and Suntory and Cup Noodle owner Nissin Foods postponed yen-bond issues they had planned for this week as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and threats of retaliatory duties tanked stocks and rattled bond markets worldwide.

Buffett, famous for keeping his cool when others panic, forged ahead.

The Berkshire CEO nearly doubled his company's stash of cash and Treasurys to more than $320 billion last year, as he pared key holdings such as Apple and Bank of America and halted stock buybacks. This latest fundraising fueled fresh speculation on social media that the bargain hunter is preparing to pounce as stock prices reel.

"Just wow," Larry McDonald, the author of "The Bear Traps Report" and former head of US macro strategy at Société Générale, posted on X. "Buffett is loaded with cash and he's reaching into the margin account (borrowing) in yen. Next 12 months - he's going to buy this puke festival with both hands."

Betting on Japan

Berkshire has been issuing so-called samurai bonds since 2019 to finance its investments in five Japanese trading houses: Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo. Friday's yen deal was its smallest so far, which could reflect limited investor appetite given all the market turmoil.

Buffett's company raised its stakes in the five largest "sogo shosha" in March, after he disclosed in his annual shareholder letter in February that the quintet had agreed to let Berkshire increase its ownership of each of them to more than 10%.

The billionaire investor wrote that he and his team originally piled in because they were "amazed" at the companies' cheap valuations.

Buffett also praised their use of capital, quality of management, and shareholder-friendly policies. He pointed to their responsible stock buybacks and dividend increases, and their more modest executive compensation compared to US counterparts.

The famously long-term investor said he expected his planned successor Greg Abel and Abel's successors to keep Berkshire invested in the five companies for "many decades" to come. He also boasted that Berkshire had spent $13.8 billion on the positions, which were worth $23.5 billion, or 70%, more at the end of 2024.

Moreover, Buffett said the five bets were poised to yield $812 million in dividends this year, dwarfing the $135 million of interest on yen bonds that Berkshire expected to pay.

'Like having God just opening a chest'

Buffett's late business partner, Charlie Munger, sang the Japan bet's praises on a podcast in 2023.

"If you're as smart as Warren Buffett, maybe two, three times a century, you get an idea like that," he said. "It was like having God just opening a chest and just pouring money into it."

Munger explained that Berkshire was able to borrow money for 10 years at 0.5% a year and use it to purchase stocks yielding roughly 5% in dividends annually, a type of investment known as a carry trade.

Shares of all five Japanese trading houses have fallen this year with Mitsubishi down about 5%, Marubeni and Sumitomo down about 7%, Itochu down 16%, and Mitsui down 20%. They now trade close to where they did early last year, which could make them appealing targets to an investor with deep pockets and a love for deals.

• I recently went to Japan for the first time, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shima Onsen.
• I made some mistakes while planning my trip, like stressing about dinner reservations.
• I also wish I had spent far more time in Kyoto, which I fell in love with.

Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list.

So, my boyfriend and I booked a last-minute trip for the end of March, hoping to catch the start of cherry blossom season as we explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and the hot-spring town of Shima Onsen.

The trip was full of incredible food, the kindest people, and sights I'll never forget. It was nearly perfect, but I made a few mistakes while planning.

Stressing about dinner reservations

As a food writer, I love researching restaurants when planning a trip. I dive into reviews, food blogs, and the occasional TikTok.

It wasn't long before the algorithm caught on, suddenly inundating my FYP with videos full of suggestions. As I attempted to navigate all the different reservation systems — Tabelog! TableCheck! Omakase! — I found myself getting more and more stressed. In the end, I only made a single reservation for an omakase experience — the very good Sushi Yuu.

And you know what? Almost every meal we ate was still fantastic.

With so much great food around every corner of Tokyo and Kyoto, it was easy to embrace spontaneous travel. When we got hungry, my boyfriend and I would just pull up Google Maps and see what looked promising around us, often finding spots beloved by locals rather than packed because of a popular TikTok.

This led to our favorite meals of the trip, including a delicious lunch set at Isshin Daikanyama and an incredible shabu shabu experience at Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Chikarayama Pontocho — the best dinner of our 10-day trip.

Packing revealing outfits

I flew to Tokyo after a weeklong trip in Sydney for one of my best friend's weddings, so I had packed plenty of summer dresses for Australia's hot weather and daily beach visits.

I knew I wouldn't wear them often in Japan, where winter was only just coming to an end. But when a tour guide told me that locals tend to dress more conservatively and rarely opt for outfits that expose their shoulders or décolletage, I felt even more out of place with my wardrobe.

I left my strapless tops in the luggage and covered up my spaghetti-strap dresses with a jacket throughout the trip. If I had done more research beforehand, I would've brought more options with sleeves to ensure I was considerate of the culture and its customs.

Only spending two full days in Kyoto

As we walked through Kyoto's Gion district at sunset, I immediately knew I would fall in love with the city.

All my favorite meals from our Japan trip were in Kyoto. I still dream about the perfectly crispy pork and shrimp tonkatsu I had at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo and the tender wagyu cooked in sugar and soy sauce at our aforementioned shabu shabu dinner.

There were also so many gorgeous sights I'll never forget, like walking under thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari (go at 7 a.m. to beat the crowds) and relaxing in the gardens at Nijō Castle.

We had a packed itinerary, but I would've loved an extra day to appreciate Kyoto like a local. The city seemed to hum with a laid-back vibe. I wanted to walk around and check out some of the city's many listening bars. We visited one where the owner was also the bartender and DJ, swapping out vinyls as he set the mood and asked everyone about their lives while feeding us chips.

Buying a physical PASMO card instead of adding it to Apple Wallet

My boyfriend and I frequently rode on Tokyo and Kyoto's subway systems as we explored different neighborhoods during our trip, so we used PASMO cards to pay for our fares. While my boyfriend had added PASMO to his Apple Wallet before arriving in Tokyo, I bought a physical card before our first subway trip.

Taking out the card to pay for each trip wasn't a big deal, but I ran out of money en route to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Instead of being able to add money to my PASMO via Apple Wallet, I had to join a long line of people who were trying to top up their cards at the only machine in the station.

Booking a ryokan too far from one of our main hubs

I knew I wanted to spend at least one night of our trip in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn that typically features rooms with tatami floor mats, futon beds, and hot-spring baths known as onsens.

We had a great experience at Kashiwaya Ryokan, which I booked due to a friend's recommendation. But in my excitement (and jet lag after flying to Australia), I didn't do enough research on how we'd get to Shima Onsen from Kyoto. Since there were no direct trains between the two cities, we had to take the two-hour bullet train back to Tokyo before getting on a four-hour bus. Major oops!

I still loved experiencing such a beautiful ryokan and will cherish my memories of relaxing in the private outdoor onsens surrounded by mountains. But if you plan to spend less than two weeks in Japan, I'd recommend selecting a ryokan near or between the main cities you want to explore.

Hatsushima is not a particularly busy station, relative to Japanese rail commuting as a whole. It serves a town (Arida) of about 25,000, known for mandarin oranges and scabbardfish, that is shrinking in population, like most of Japan. Its station sees between one to three trains per hour at its stop, helping about 530 riders find their way. Its wooden station was due for replacement, and the replacement could be smaller.

The replacement, it turned out, could also be a trial for industrial-scale 3D-printing of custom rail shelters. Serendix, a construction firm that previously 3D-printed 538-square-foot homes for about $38,000, built a shelter for Hatsushima in about seven days, as shown at The New York Times. The fabricated shelter was shipped in four parts by rail, then pieced together in a span that the site Futurism says is "just under three hours," but which the Times, seemingly present at the scene, pegs at six. It was in place by the first train's arrival at 5:45 am.

Either number of hours is a marked decrease from the days or weeks you might expect for a new rail station to be constructed. In one overnight, teams assembled a shelter that is 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) tall and 10 square meters (32 square feet) in area. It's not actually in use yet, as it needs ticket machines and finishing, but is expected to operate by July, according to the Japan Times.

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• I'm an American who moved to Tokyo in search of a new beginning.
• Japan's work culture can be intense, but I've been presented with amazing opportunities in Tokyo.
• There's so much to love about the city, from the food and culture to the energy.

I was 24 when I decided to leave the US in 2014. I thought about the decision for a long time, but life at home felt like a constant hustle with no real sense of balance.

I needed a change, a reset, a place where I felt like I could breathe again.

I'd always been drawn to Asia, mostly because of the food, culture, and sense of history mixed with rapid innovation. So, I left Mississippi and headed to Taipei, Taiwan, in hopes the move could be just what I needed.

Taiwan was my home base for years as I bounced around the world until finally landing in Tokyo in 2019. At last, it felt like home.

Here's what it's like living in Tokyo as an American.

The food in Japan is truly incredible

Let's start with my favorite subject: food. In Tokyo, ramen is a form of art. Every bowl is crafted to perfection.

I've lost count of how many bowls of ramen I've tried, but I'm convinced the best one is hidden in a tiny, eight-seat shop tucked away in a back alley. The chef barely speaks, but his food says it all.

The broth is rich, the noodles are firm, and the ajitama (soft-boiled marinated egg) is cooked to perfection. Even if you can't speak Japanese, you can understand the universal language of satisfied slurping and sighs.

But honestly, it's not just the ramen. The entire culinary scene here is unmatched, and I love being able to try new things constantly.

But don't just take my word for it — Tokyo was the only city late culinary icon Anthony Bourdain said he could live in forever. That speaks volumes.

Tokyo is a crowded city with pockets of tranquility

To me, Tokyo is a city of contradictions. It's a place that can provide both sensory overload and a sense of serene tranquility.

For example, I can be shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of strangers on the train, and then moments later find myself in a quiet garden. Sometimes, I feel like the entire world is on top of me, and then suddenly, I have the whole world to myself.

Tokyo seems to thrive on organized chaos — the flashing neon lights, the bustling crowds, and the hum of vending machines that dispense everything from hot coffee to canned corn soup.

It's a place that attacks my senses but somehow soothes my soul simultaneously.

The work culture is a double-edged sword

Before leaving the US, I felt stuck in the relentless work culture, where grinding long hours didn't necessarily lead to success.

However, I soon learned that Japan's work culture is its own beast. Hard work is deeply ingrained in the cultural DNA. Many people here dedicate themselves to their jobs, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and an almost monastic devotion to their craft.

It's inspiring to witness, but it also comes with immense pressure to conform and put in those extra hours.

At first, I wondered if I had traded one high-pressure work culture for another. However, I quickly learned that in Tokyo, balance is possible if you know where to draw the line.

Unlike the US, where hustle culture often feels like a competition, Japan's work ethic seems more about collective responsibility. The line between dedication and overwork can sometimes blur, but I've learned to focus on finding that balance.

Six years after moving to Tokyo, I couldn't be happier

After six years here, I can confidently say moving to Tokyo was the right decision.

Above all, moving here helped me achieve my dreams of starting my own video-game company. After all, Japan has one of the most passionate and established gaming cultures in the world.

Now, my company is thriving, and I'm doing what I love in a city that fuels my creativity.

Still, the city has its flaws — the language barrier can be difficult to navigate, the apartments are tiny, and sometimes I miss a good cheeseburger. But in my opinion, the trade-offs are worth it.

The food, culture, opportunities, and sheer, relentless energy of Tokyo are incredible. It made me realize there's a whole different way to live and experience the world. And frankly, I can't imagine going back to the way things were.

• Trump's big new tariffs on imports may lead to higher consumer electronics prices.
• US tariffs on China, the world's largest electronics manufacturing hub, hit 54%.
• Should US consumers buy electronics now to avoid potential price hikes?

I've been thinking about getting a new TV for a while.

There's a strange bug with our Samsung TV that keeps the volume stuck on a really loud setting. It inexplicably defaults to Newsmax when turned on, so we have to fumble with the flawed remote while a pundit shouts about immigrants.

I was ready for a new one but hadn't got around to it. This week, Donald Trump gave me another reason to buy now.

The US president unveiled draconian tariffs on imports from most countries on Wednesday. All in, China will have 54% tariffs. This is where most consumer electronics are still made. Among other tech manufacturing hubs, Vietnam got 46%. Taiwan got 32%, while South Korea and Malaysia were 25% and 24%, respectively.

These are such huge trade levies that it's hard not to expect prices to increase. Best Buy's CEO, Corie Barry, said during the company's March earnings call that Trump's tariff plans were likely to increase prices. And that was before the president really went all in.

Another example is Apple, which still assembles most of its iPhones and other hardware in China. On Thursday, tech analyst Dan Ives put some rough numbers on what might happen.

He warned that for US consumers, the reality of a $1,000 iPhone "would disappear" if Apple was forced to make these devices in the US instead of China.

"If consumers want a $3,500 iPhone we should make them in New Jersey or Texas or another state," Ives wrote. "If they are produced in the US will be 2x-3x more expensive."

Being half Scottish, I dislike the idea of stuff being more expensive, so I headed to my Silicon Valley Best Buy on Thursday morning to see if I could lock in any pre-tariff deals. It was surprisingly empty. Maybe tariff-wary shoppers had better things to do — the tariff memes wouldn't create themselves.

I picked out a Roku TV that was a discounted floor model. It was just over $200 with tax. On the back, it read "Assembled in China," so you might have to add 54% to this price in a few months. 

It's not as simple as that, of course. Trump might roll some or all of these tariffs back as part of a grand negotiating strategy. There could be carve-outs and exceptions. Tim Cook, aka Tim Apple, has a pretty good track record of getting Apple special treatment. 

Given these wrinkles, I spoke on Thursday to Les Shu. He oversees Business Insider's Tech Reviews department, which includes consumer electronics reviews and explainers.

Here's his advice about what to (not) panic buy:

Question: Do you expect Trump's new tariffs to impact the prices of consumer electronics in general in the US?

"We think existing products on shelf have already established pricing, so we don't anticipate that to change from the manufacturer standpoint. We could see prices go up for future products like the next iPhone."

Q: Which tech products stand out as potentially seeing the most pricing increases?

"Accessories and smaller electronics, particularly those from Asia, could see more immediate increases, particularly if they haven't already been imported and warehoused in the US. Once we get a better picture of the scale and when semiconductors are taxed, we may see it affecting more categories like TVs and computers and graphics cards."

Q: Which consumer electronics companies stand out as being particularly exposed? 

"We aren't sure, but it's likely all companies will feel the effects since the majority of goods are made abroad."

Q: Which consumer electronics products would you suggest BI readers try to buy now before prices might increase?

"We don't believe consumers should panic buy. If they have been debating whether to purchase something and had been holding off, perhaps now is a good time to buy. We also think older products from 2024 still on sale would be an even better deal as they're likely unaffected by tariffs, like last-generation TVs. But again, don't buy for the sake of buying, as it's too soon to tell."

Q: If BI readers want to follow my lead and go looking for electronics deals, is there anything they should snap up now? A new Roku TV? Or a MacBook Air? Or maybe a new smartphone or speaker?

"As long as you were planning to buy something, any of those would be fair game. Given how quickly tech becomes obsolete, we don't know if you're going to have an advantage in purchasing now as a way to protect against higher tariffs. People will always want the latest tech, so they may be willing to pay the extra price."

• I've been to 64 countries before turning 30, but not all destinations were worth the hype for me.
• South Africa and Morocco were beautiful, but I didn't always feel safe on my travels there.
• Japan and Greece were wonderful but felt crowded — I'm in no rush to visit them again.

I've been traveling internationally since I was young.

Years of family cruises eventually transformed into a fiery passion for global travel in college and throughout my 20s. Studying abroad with Semester at Sea only fueled that passion, allowing me to visit 10 countries while living aboard a cruise ship for 100 days.

I never had a specific goal of how many countries I wanted to visit before turning 30. Instead, I set my sights on traveling as often as my work schedule and budget allowed.

Between family vacations, girls' trips, and getaways with my husband, I've visited 64 countries across six continents before the age of 30.

Some of these destinations lived up to their hype, but there were a few countries that fell short of my expectations when I traveled to them.

Here are a few places I don't have plans to visit again.

South Africa

Many rave about South Africa as one of the best countries they've ever visited, so the destination was high on my bucket list for a while.

I finally visited last year when I cruised along South Africa's coast on a safari adventure with a friend. I was awestruck by the country's scenery and rich culture.

Nothing could compare to the thrill of looking for the "Big Five" on game drives. I also loved exploring the country's hidden coastal gems, from charming Mossel Bay to the breathtaking Addo Elephant Park near Gqeberha.

However, when we got to Cape Town, our local guides frequently warned us to be cautious and watch out for theft, robbery, and street crime.

They emphasized the city's high crime rate, which created lingering stress during our visit, especially as two women traveling alone.

At times, I found it hard to enjoy the beauty of Table Top Mountain and Cape Peninsula when worrying about safety was always in the back of my mind. Out of an abundance of caution, we also avoided visiting anywhere at night.

Of course, it's important to be cautious no matter where you travel. However, I'm still in no rush to return to South Africa — especially since I was able to check a safari off of my bucket list.

Greece

I've traveled to Greece four times, including Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu.

Each visit has felt increasingly more crowded, especially in tourist hot spots like Santorini. For instance, catching Santorini's famous sunset in Oia meant I had to battle hundreds of other tourists in the village's tiny alleyways.

Greece's weather was also miserably hot during the summer and fall months, creating an uncomfortable climate for exploring.

Although I can't deny the country has beautiful beaches and impressive ancient ruins and landmarks, I can't see myself going back.

For those looking to visit, I'd suggest planning to visit Greece during the offseason so you may get cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Or, I'd suggest going to nearby Croatia instead. It's just as beautiful and typically sees millions of fewer visitors a year.

Spain

From its sunny weather to its beautiful landmarks and landscapes, Spain is a magical destination for many — but I'm not in a rush to return.

As a cruise fanatic, I have visited many regions throughout Spain, including Barcelona, Vigo, Málaga, Cádiz, and Valencia.

Although I especially appreciated quieter, less touristy cities like A Coruña and Vigo in Northern Spain, I'd rather visit a new destination in the future, such as Malta or the Azores.

In some ways, I also found it tough to adjust to the country. Local siesta culture also meant many businesses were closed for most of the afternoon, and dinner was typically served at night. As an American, I struggled to plan my schedule and adjust to business hours and meal times I wasn't used to back home.

Not to mention, recent protests against overtourism in Spain leave me hesitant to plan a return trip to the country anytime soon.

Morocco

I was eager to visit Morocco during my semester abroad, as it marked my first visit to Africa. The popular Saharan country is known for its colorful cities, bustling medinas, mosaic architecture, and sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert.

I crave authentic experiences when traveling, especially when immersing myself in an entirely new culture. So, I tried to embrace haggling with vendors at Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa market, navigating the maze-like alleys and tasting the bold, unfamiliar cuisine.

Unfortunately, my trip felt overshadowed by some of the extra-persistent vendors' sale tactics and the unwelcome advances of some locals, which left me overwhelmed.

For instance, one vendor grabbed my arm and applied henna tattoos to it, unprompted, only to demand money afterward. At one point, two men also tried to steal my purse, which further dampened my visit.

Looking back, I wish I'd set more realistic expectations and better prepared myself to safely and confidently navigate the busy markets.

Even though parts of my visit to Morocco caught me off guard, it was also the backdrop to unforgettable memories with my now-husband, such as riding camels together at sunset.

I've never visited anywhere else in the world like it, which is really cool even if I'm not planning to return.

Japan

It's easy to see why Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia — I've been there twice, to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

The country is also considered to be fairly safe, which I especially appreciate as a female traveler.

However, I thought dining and accommodations were surprisingly expensive in bigger cities like Tokyo. In some cases, we struggled to find value in our trip.

As tall individuals, my husband and I felt cramped in our tiny, budget hotel room in the city that felt reminiscent of a college dorm. For the same $150 nightly cost, we could stay at the upscale Le Meridian in Phuket, Thailand, one of our favorite destinations in Asia.

We struggled to find sit-down restaurants within our budget during our trips and relied on a lot of fast food and quick bites. I also ended up feeling more overwhelmed by the crowds in the city than I expected.

Although it was my choice to stay in more popular areas and extra planning could've helped improve our experience, I'm not in a rush to go on another trip to Japan.

If I'm able to return to Asia, I would rather I'd rather head to Thailand, where I know firsthand my accommodations and dining will be significantly more affordable.

Iwao Hakamada is believed to be the world’s longest-serving death row inmate