Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this site created ?
Who created the site ?
How is the site supported ?
Does the site make any money ?
How can I help and get involved with the site's development ?
How can I print these pages properly on my printer (white letters on black background) ?
Can you recommend other Japan travel/life related web sites ?
How can I quickly post a mention of my restaurant or school or other service?
How can I advertise my restaurant or service on JapanInYourPalm.com?

Why was this site created ?

Partially because I wanted a means by which to enjoy more of the abundant Japanese restaurants in Hiroshima on my own or with other western friends in the cases where native help was not available; and partially to teach myself internet technology and it's ability to bring a community together in a new way.

The internet seemed like the perfect way to maintain a database of unique information that could be shared and added to by all those who visit Japan and Hiroshima. Everyone sees Japan and Hiroshima in a different way and through different people. The people who have been here for a while have developed a vast knowledge of conveniences, restaurants, purchases, travel, sites, etc. This web site provides a means for the experienced to leave some good advice and information before returning to their home country.

The site's contents are useful for those of us on long term assignments in Japan as well as for those who visit for a few days or weeks. If you have a Palm Pilot, or Windows CE PDA, the possibilities extend further since I've arranged for the various English menus and other useful information to be downloaded to a browser type program for the Palm. Portability is key feature of this site.

Use of the English language is limited in Japan, and more so Hiroshima. Restaurants and department stores can be a difficult experience without some command of the Japanese language. Our goal is to mitigate those difficulties by sharing English restaurant menus, new and past experience, useful Japanese phrases, and more.

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Who created the site ?

The site was created by Al Nevarez of the Ford Motor Company and Visteon during a 2 year assignment in Hiroshima, 1998 to 2000. Al was an engine software development engineer at Ford and later Visteon where he helped Mazda develop engine controls for several of their vehicles. Prior to that, Al helped to develop the engine controls for the new Lincoln LS which went on to win the 2000 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Al is originally from New Jersey, USA. He lived in Palo Alto, California during graduate school and then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1992 to work for the Ford Motor Company. He's now back in the Silicon Valley enjoying the weather and a new career and still longs for some fresh Japanese udon and Hiroshima okonomiyaki.

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How is the site supported ?

The site is currently supported by Al Nevarez and several of his friends who are interested in internet technology, living well and eating well in Japan. (Team Photos)

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Does the site make any money ?

Not really, but we certainly are open to the idea. Interested in advertising? -> click here

At this point, our primary goals are to enjoy more Japanese food, to create some desktop and mobile web features that help make life easier in Japan, and to learn about internet technology and entrepreneurism by simply doing something different.

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How can I get involved in the site's development ?

We welcome any support. We welcome advice and content from current ex-pats, folks on a short term business trips, and folks who have lived here in the past. The easiest way to help is to contribute to the various discussion groups. We hope the advise provided by our visitors will make this a dynamic and interesting site If you'd like to help with web design and content directly, please email me at

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How can I print these pages properly on my printer (white letters on black) ?

Microsoft's Internet Explorer version 4.0 or 5.0 will automatically 'flip' the colors and print light lettering as dark and keep the black background transparent.

Netscape Navigator doesn't seem to do this automatic 'flip' yet (not even 4.0). To print with Netscape's Navigator go to "File" then "Page Setup". Check the boxes labeled "Black Text" and "Black Lines"

Click here for a graphical display of Netscape's print options menu.