So...who are you?
Hi, and thanks for asking.
My name is Bill...surprise, surprise. I have lived in Tokyo for quite some years now, coming over after finishing my degree in food sciences. However, I'm not a brewer nor in the restaurant business, nor am I a professional food or entertainment writer.
I started this site to keep myself productive during Covid lockdown, work on my writing and web skills and otherwise keep myself busy with my work situation offering fewer hours than I really would like. I toyed with the idea of Twitch streaming but geez, look at me -- can you imagine listening to me ramble on while I (very badly) play Left for Dead or World of Warships?? I'm just not that good at conversation!
My interest in Japan was not because of some romantic Asian fantasy or fascination. Yes, I saw Shogun on TV. Yes, I was a rabid viewer of The Master with Lee van Cleef during its short run. Yes, I got into Jackie Chan movies and other Golden Harvest productions when at university. Yes, I think Asian women are tremendously attractive. But I DID get into Japanese martial arts, and THAT inspired me to consider actually moving here and, well, I Did move here!
That said, why should you pay any attention to me? Well...you really don't have to -- and that's okay! I simply want to invite you to share in some of my experiences exploring the Tokyo area craft beer scene, and maybe some other fine establishments you won't find out about in the travel guides. As you might have read, I like to showcase some of the products and places that I happen to like, and to highlight upcoming events that you may appreciate knowing about.
So with that, my fellow beverage aficionados, welcome to, and thank you for visiting...theTokyoBill.
P.S. And, not to sound like I'm begging, but I Could use a bit of help, if you're so inclined. Not that I'm Expecting an angel to drop a bucket of cash at my feet, but as I work part-time in a falling economy, I've resorted to trying my hand at online sales & donations.
Cheers for reading all this, once again! :)
Thanks, folks!
A shoutout to some of you who've helped me out with my work, by helping yourself to some merch! If you want to show off your thanks, write me and say so...and share a pic if you're up for it! :)
'Greenland is NOT for sale!',
via ebay
'Glory to Ukraine' car magnet,
via ebay
'Ninja' tees,
via Bonfire
An introduction to my stores
There are a number of e-stores with print-on-demand services, as well as a donation link below. Hopefully you find something interesting and if you do make a purchase, send me a pic of you modelling it and I'll feature you in the section below!
Bonfire
Link to Bonfire Store
Bonfire offers print-on-demand items, especially clothing items.
Selected items are displayed below, but click the link above to view All items on the Bonfire store page...apparel items, especially, come in various sizes and colors!
Shopify
Link to Shopify Store
The link above will take you to my Shopify general store page
-- links to Some items are shown below!
ebay
Link to ebay Store
Now, I'll make sure that each item listed on ebay has a direct link.
Clicking on the item picture will take to you the ebay product page - -you're not under obligation to buy anything, but I'd appreciate your interest!
BuyMeACoffee
Link to Buy Me A Coffee
If you can offer support but don't need any merch, well that would be cool, too. I have a donation link to BuyMeACoffee.com.
Your donations would Definitely be welcome, and would help me cover my costs--cheers!
*NEW! Reading Eye Dogs! *Partial proceeds to charity.
Two...no, Three! of my loves together: dogs, reading, and coffee!
A new doggy series, various models wearing glasses to promote reading and literacy. A portion of sales will be donated to a charity that I support, Room To Read. RTR provides books for children in developing countries who otherwise might not have access to reading materials. I often attend the charity event Beers for Books in Tokyo which raises money for RTR, but I've found that print-on-demand provider Bonfire allows me to make donations! Help me out!
There are two 11 oz. mug designs: plain white, or with colored trim in various colors. All six doggy models are featured together on the opposite side, as shown.
Feel free to ask me for an alternate design...I can probably post more if there is demand!
Updated: Sweater Dogs!
Wherever it gets cold, be mindful to take care of your doggy pals, okay?
With winter being over, I've limited the sweater dogs to a few samples. The new items feature identical prints on both the right and the left side of the cup. All good for righties and lefties!
As with the Reading-Eye-Dogs series, there are two 11 oz. mug designs: plain white, or white with colored trim in various colors.
Also shown below are air fresheners for your car -- 3 scents are available at the store!
Assorted Mugs
Japan fans, enjoy the hand-drawn 'Ninja' kanji schemes. Other patterns on the way!
Clicking on the picture will take you to ebay...though they're listed on Shopify as well. Each item features identical prints on both the right and the left side of the cup. All good for righties and lefties!
Scented Candles
Available in two sizes -- 4oz/9oz -- coconut-apricot wax candles lasting up to 20/50 hours.
Eight scents (plus one unscented) in clear glass jars, formulated in the USA with vegan-friendly ingredients. Click the links to see pricing and other details...there's no obligation to buy!
Bonfire
Various tees, sweatshirts, mugs and more!
One big reason I came to Japan was the opportunity to study the martial art lineage known as ninjutsu. The dojo founder and head teacher, Masaaki Hatsumi, has officially retired from teaching, whereas I've only unofficially halted my training.
I've put out a clothing line with "ninja" in kanji calligraphy, and a range of other products, available on Bonfire. Some items you can see here, linked to my Bonfire store.
Alternate styles & colors are viewable via the store link. But, should you want different color choices, let me know and I'll see what else is available: orders[at]thetokyobill.com
Windbreaker w/Cdn maple leaf
Canada -- Not for Sale! trucker cap
Canada -- Not for Sale! baseball cap
Greenland -- Not for sale (Trucker cap!)
NOT for Sale!
I'm SO tired of this SH*T!
'Ninja' coffee mugs
'Ninja' - full front
'Ninja' - left chest
'Ninja' Longsleeve Tees
'Ninja' Sweatshirts
'Beer Responsibly' Tees (w/logo)
'Beer Responsibly' Tees
'Beer Responsibly' Sweatshirts
'Beer Responsible' Sweatshirts
Beer-ware logo Tees (no text)
'Beer Responsible' Tees (w/Logo)
'Beer Responsible' Tees
Beach/Swimwear
There are varying sizes available, and many of the fashions have optional color schemes.
Info on individual products via the links.
For Shopify: Click the picture
For ebay: Click the text
There is No obligation to buy! :)
Beachwear
Spring and summer fashions...i.e. swim and beach wear are on the menu!
Many items have color variations on the trim/strings, with pictures available at the stores, and available sizes are listed as well.
Click the pics to see details & pricing. :)
Direct links to Shopify, though these items are also available on ebay, FYI.
Also on ebay...
Clothing items such as tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats. Also, coffee mugs, car air fresheners, drink coasters and more!
For details, visit the ebay page by clicking on a photo.
By the way, if you're looking for a different color, a variation on the themes, or want to make a product suggestion, email me at orders[at]thetokyobill.com. I'd be happy to redesign if it's not too difficult!
Car Accessories
Air fresheners, bumper stickers, and car magnets.
For Shopify: Click the picture
For ebay: Click the text
FYI, air fresheners are available in three scents: Pine, New Car, and Black Ice.
Bumper Stickers
"NOT for sale!" message with 2 maple leaves in support of Canadian freedom from USA bullying.
Color: blue
Bumper Stickers
"NOT for sale!" message with 2 maple leaves in support of Canadian freedom from USA bullying.
Color: orange
Bumper Stickers
"NOT for sale!" message with 2 maple leaves in support of Canadian freedom from USA bullying.
Color: yellow
Bumper Stickers
"NOT for sale!" message with 2 maple leaves in support of Canadian freedom from USA bullying.
Color: white
Car Magnets
Stickers not your style?? Then maybe non-permanent magnets are better for you...shout out your support for Canadian freedom!
Color: blue
Car Magnets
Stickers not your style?? Then maybe non-permanent magnets are better for you...shout out your support for Canadian freedom!
Color: orange
Car Magnets
Stickers not your style?? Then maybe non-permanent magnets are better for you...shout out your support for Canadian freedom!
Color: yellow
Car Magnets
Stickers not your style?? Then maybe non-permanent magnets are better for you...shout out your support for Canadian freedom!
Color: white
Car Magnet: "Slava Ukraini!"
Support Ukraine--tell the world you stand with them!
ebay
The original Sweater Dog series: coffee mugs and car air fresheners!
Coffee mugs and car air fresheners, as a reminder to keep our loved pets warm in the colder months. Take a thought to your own doggie friends who might need some shelter from the elements.
Mugs are printed with the message, "It's cold outside!" and a pic of a lovely sweater-wearing canine model. Should you wish a left-handed printing, message me and I can arrange for that!
There are three scents available for the air fresheners, by the way.
All info is listed on the product page. Click on the pics for direct links to the ebay page....there's No obligation to buy! :)
KUMOJI Skincare products [on ebay]
For healthy lifestyles, vitamin and post-workout supplements, skincare conditioners for sensitive skin.
*PLEASE NOTE: Distribution is currently limited to Canada and the USA (and its territories) for the time being -- please check the delivery conditions on the ebay site carefully!
KUMOJI Lifecare products [on ebay]
For healthy lifestyles, vitamin and post-workout supplements, skincare conditioners for sensitive skin.
* PLEASE NOTE: Distribution is limited to the USA only (and its territories) at this time -- if you are outside the USA, please make sure on the ebay site what the current sales delivery situation is, before purchasing!
Artwork
From my personal collection of calligraphy and pictures, hand-painted by my teacher, now-retired grandmaster of Bujinkan ninjutsu Hatsumi Masaaki.
Over many years I collected pieces from Hatsumi-sensei, and kept them in storage but I haven't the space to show them. Maybe You will be able to show them off on your own wall.
Each piece is a unique item, ink-on-paper, you can frame and hang for a beautiful touch of Japanese culture. As for size, each item is roughly 25x35cm.
Pieces will be sent directly by me via snail mail, at no extra cost to you. Should you wish alternate shipping, however, we can discuss.