Monthly Archives: June 2019

Life In Japan: Lotus Flowers, a Castle, and a Moat

Posted on June 25, 2019 by johnrachel

We have a 400-year-old castle in the center of town. Well, to be fair it’s really the ruins of a castle. Even so, it’s an impressive sight and many of our festivals and fairs are held in an area adjacent to the castle compound. It’s completely surrounded by cherry trees, so it’s a popular spot during the Cherry Blossom festival, and whenever the weather is good, for families and friends to picnic, for people to stroll. Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Vegetable Gardens

Posted on June 2, 2019 by johnrachel

Gardens are the thing here in Japan, especially vegetable gardens. Even yours truly gets in on the action from time to time. As a city-boy born and raised in the industrial heartland of Detroit, Michigan I have to confess to a bit of awe when a seed or two actually sprouts, grows, and I end up with the fruits — and vegetables — of my personal labor on the dinner table. Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment