Author Archives: johnrachel

Life In Japan: Panda Heartbreak

Posted on April 30, 2025 by johnrachel

Because they are due to be returned to China in June, we just visited the four pandas living at Adventure World, in
Wakayama Prefecture. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Cherry Blossoms 2025

Posted on April 16, 2025 by johnrachel

It’s that time of year again. Cherry blossoms! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Street Aesthetics

Posted on April 15, 2025 by johnrachel

The city here did an amazing job of improving the aesthetics of one of our traditional streets. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Mount Fuji

Posted on March 31, 2025 by johnrachel

Just recently, we spent three wonderful days in the Mount Fuji area. The weather was totally on our side, with clear blue skies every day, and hardly a cloud in sight! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Our 13th Wedding Anniversary

Posted on March 30, 2025 by johnrachel

Today, March 30th, is our 13th wedding anniversary! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Taiko

Posted on March 25, 2025 by johnrachel

Taiko performances are common both in Japan and other parts of the world. We recently had such a performance at the castle grounds located in the heart of downtown Tambasasayama. Continue reading →

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Book Recommendation: My Father’s Journal by William Astore

Posted on March 16, 2025 by johnrachel

I have a great idea for you. Take a break from the horror show going on in the world and savor a brilliant memoir-tribute by a son to his father. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Peek Inside a Japanese Elementary School (1st-Grade)

Posted on February 27, 2025 by johnrachel

Unbelievably charming and heartwarming short film about Japanese first-graders putting together a concert to welcome the new first-graders coming to their school. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: I Love Snow

Posted on February 8, 2025 by johnrachel

I grew up and lived the first half of my life in Michigan. There, over the entire three months of winter, there’s tons of snow! When it snowed it was SO BEAUTIFUL! Being out in a gentle snowfall is truly delightful. The snowflakes tumble and swirl, land on your skin and melt, and fill the entire air with a joy which is incomparable. Continue reading →

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Alisha Idlewild Performs “War Is Making Us Poor”

Posted on February 5, 2025 by johnrachel

How about some folk rock to make this a more peaceful world? Alisha Idlewild emerges from the cosmic white noise to sing “War Is Making Us Poor”! Continue reading →

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