Claire Jenq

Claire Jenq joined Stars and Stripes in 2022 as a digital editor and is based out of Japan. She has a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on marketing from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor of English degree from the Ohio State University.

@claire_jenq

jenq.claire@stripes.com

A large booklet that says “Armistice Agreement Maps Volume II” on the cover in black lettering and translated into Chinese and Korean.

‘Antiques Roadshow’-type find at Army base in Japan recalls Korean War armistice

Tucked away inside a cardboard box at the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan is a relic of the original armistice that ended the Korean War 72 years ago.

A missile sensor is seen in a desert environment.

Engineer pleads guilty to stealing missile-sensing technology for Chinese government

A Japanese monk in traditional attire stands in the foreground while a fire burns behind him.

Monks, pilgrims to test their limits during fire-walking ritual in western Tokyo

A Humvee is driven through desert terrain with a Marine standing in the gunner position.

Humvees, other equipment stolen from Army Reserve center amid California wildfires

The first round of all-you-can-eat snow crabs at the Kanimatsuri restaurant in Tokyo.

Fill up on all-you-can-eat crab near Tokyo’s old fish market

Kanimatsuri restaurant keeps the festival season party going with all-you-can-eat crab in Tokyo’s vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market.

Expressive bread at PainPeti bakery in Machida, Japan, on April 3, 2024.

Turn Japanese summer on its head with a trip to Grandberry Park south of Tokyo

Grandberry Park, a sprawling shopping outlet in Machida only 30 minutes from Camp Zama, the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan in greater Tokyo, is a breezy option to beat the heat this summer. With more than 240 stores, including a market, a movie theater and multiple play spaces, there’s something for everyone in the family.

Daicha-an's chanko nabe is protein-heavy with various kinds of meatballs, tofu and chicken pieces.

Sumo-size me: Former wrestler serves up sumo stew in Kusatsu Onsen

Daicha-an is an intimate venue a few hours northwest of Tokyo where a former sumo wrestler serves up traditional stew.

Comedian Ashley Gutermuth peforms relatable bits about her life as a military spouse, runner and animal lover.

‘Heal-arious’: Military spouse’s comedy mission is to bring laughs to bases in Japan

Ashley Gutermuth is a clean comic who does relatable bits about her life. She pokes fun at her high-and-tight haircut and seems to relish confusing people about her gender. The Best Medicine Brigade — founder and Army veteran Robin Phoenix, Christian Johnson and Gutermuth — kicks off the first performance of its Japan tour on Feb. 7 at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.

The lily room in the botanical gardens at Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden, Higashiizu,Japan, on Oct. 8, 2023.

Hot springs, gators and blooms: Atagawa gardens on Japan’s Izu Peninsula

A tropical garden near Kawazu has combined two more warm-climate fixtures to create a distinctive attraction: alligators and... bananas. Also, lily pads so huge, children could sit on them.

A penguin swims playfully past Aqua Museum visitors at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise near Yokohama, Japan, Oct. 1, 2023.

Thrilling theme park blends roller coaster fun with mesmerizing aquatic encounters

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is the perfect nearby day trip, or weekend getaway, for couples, families and friends to enjoy aquatic fun. And it has no entrance fee.

Kawaplar, or lamb skewers, and polo, an Uygher-style pilaf, are well-known Uyghur dishes.

Lamb done Uyghur-style in Greater Tokyo will have you ordering more and more

Mostly known for its lamb dishes, traditional Uyghur cuisine adapted dishes from China and Central Asia. The novel combination of familiar flavors will have foodies coming back for more.

A dophin is rewarded for performing tricks at Shimoda Underwater Aquarium on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, May 29, 2023.

Aquatic adventure awaits at floating aquarium on Japan’s Izu Peninsula

Find shimmering ocean views and up-close experiences with aquatic wildlife at Shimoda Underwater Aquarium, on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula.

A panda-shaped steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste is included with the kids set from Everyones Cafe inside Ueno Park in Tokyo.

There’s something for everyone at this enchanting cafe within Tokyo’s Ueno park

Everyones Cafe inside Tokyo’s Ueno Park incorporates its fresh, vibrant herbal abundance into its menu, particularly the drink offerings. From refreshing rosemary and mint lemonade sodas to invigorating mint-infused teas and a zippy, herbal mojito, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy.

Even though Pizzeria Gelateria Razzo in Yokohama, Japan, is best known for its pizza, the pasta is equally great. The linguine with seafood arrived perfectly al dente, and the tomato sauce tasted fresh and complex at the same time.

Razzo’s brick-oven pizza, gelato will transport you from Yokohama to Italy

Razzo is a quaint Italian restaurant that specializes in brick-oven pizzas and rich gelato and seems to have something for everyone on its large English menu.

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