Author Archives: John Rachel

A Tale of the Wild West

Posted on March 7, 2022 by John Rachel

Some would say that the cowboy ethic is still alive and well and drives not only our dealings with the pitiable nullities who aren’t fortunate enough to live here in the “land of the free, home of the brave” — you know, foreigners — but is the key to understanding ourselves, what makes us tick. This story tries to get to the heart of the matter. As if it mattered. What is matter other than energy? Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Living On The Edge, Nihilism, Satire, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Few Things Left Out of the Russia-Bashing Narrative

Posted on February 26, 2022 by John Rachel

I abhor violence. I abhor war. But Putin and Lavrov respectfully requested that US/NATO imperial powers grant Russia some basic courtesy and understanding. US/NATO refused. Russia did and is doing what she had to do to protect itself from further intimidation and inevitable military assault. Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Political Analysis, War and Peace | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: National Cat Day 2-22-22

Posted on February 22, 2022 by John Rachel

TODAY — February 22, 2022 — here in Japan is National Cat Day! This is how it came about. Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Japan | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Covid Care Package

Posted on February 17, 2022 by John Rachel

This is what arrives on your doorstep here in Tambasasayama if you test positive for Covid and have to self-isolate. Continue reading →

Posted in Altruism, Japan, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Longing For Spring

Posted on February 4, 2022 by John Rachel

Kasai is a small town about an hour-and-a-half southwest of Tambasasayama. There’s a splendid rose garden there. We go almost every spring. Last visit, Masumi, her daughter Azusa, Azusa’s Black Labrador, JiJi, and I, arrived during the peak of the rose blossoms. Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Japan, Spiritual, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Life In Japan: “Let it snow . . . let it snow . . .”

Posted on January 24, 2022 by John Rachel

Understandably, with my thousands of friends, millions of acquaintances, uncountable fans and followers, I am overwhelmed with curiosity about the details of my life here in Japan. Here’s one question I’ve gotten . . . well, hmm . . . taking a microscope to the past thirteen or so years . . . I’d say at least three times: “What’s the weather like there?” Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Spiritual, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Life In Japan: Rice Cakes

Posted on January 22, 2022 by John Rachel

Rice cakes are edible hockey pucks which very popular here in Japan. Not surprisingly they are made out of rice. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Life In Japan: Buddhism is fun!

Posted on November 30, 2021 by John Rachel

Okay … the title is hyperbole. No religion is actually fun. Most seem preoccupied with scary demons, suffering, sacrifice, gnashing, weeping, incantations, uncomfortable positions, and men dressed in funny clothes. But at least some Buddhists have a sense of humor! Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Religion, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

COMING SPRING 2022!

Posted on November 29, 2021 by John Rachel

“Love Connection: Romance in the Land of the Rising Sun” is unlike any love story you’ve ever read. Set in Japan and East Africa, it is based on real events. It’ll be here Spring 2022. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Generous Spirit

Posted on November 24, 2021 by John Rachel

We have a nickname for our friend Keiko Iwashita. My wife and I call her “Bangladesh Lady”. There’s a very inspiring story behind this. Continue reading →

Posted in Altruism, Education, Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment