Monthly Archives: December 2019

Life In Japan: Shinto Monk Home Blessing

Posted on December 18, 2019 by johnrachel

How many of you folks can say they’ve had Shinto monks come by your house to bless your home, your life, and all of those in your immediate family? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Harvesting Soybeans

Posted on December 12, 2019 by johnrachel

Soybeans are called kuromame — 黒豆 — here in Japan, literally ‘black beans’. Because when they are left on the vine to completely mature, they dry, become very hard, and are a deep ebony color. When they are harvested earlier, they are green and soft, and are called edamame — 枝豆. Continue reading →

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