Author Archives: johnrachel

Life In Japan: Hyogo Prefecture, Breadbasket of Asia

Little did I know that Hyogo Prefecture — the equivalent to a state or province — is among the top producers in a host of other agricultural products. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Prescription Drugs

I still have part of my tonsil. Help! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: A Typical Sunday

If last Sunday wasn’t typical, it was representative. There’s no doubt about it, I do some very different things here in Japan … and I love it! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Rice Balls

When Americans need to eat on the fly, they grab a hamburger. When Japanese need to eat on the fly, they grab a rice ball. Suggestion: Choose what you eat as if your life depended on it. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Eating Octopus

For at least six decades of my life, I never once thought about eating an octopus, or any part of one. I put them right in there with rats, earthworms, cockroaches, garden slugs, slime mold, the beating heart of another human, in the I’d-rather-starve-to-death folder. Now I love eating octopus! Continue reading

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Photoshop is great for promoting a book!

All advertising is deceptive. That’s why it works! Shhh … don’t tell anyone. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: One Potato Two Potato

You’ve heard the expression, “The world is an oyster.” It’s attributed to Shakespeare, from The Merry Wives of Windsor. I have to come clean. I never bought into that. In fact, for some reason lately I’m leaning toward: “The world is a potato.” Which puts a whole new spin on global warming, wouldn’t you say? Continue reading

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LIVE FROM JAPAN! Revisited

I wanted to send some love to the wonderful fans of LIVE FROM JAPAN! Continue reading

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The Recent Emergence of Human Eyelashes

I have scientifically arrived at a truly startling conclusion. Until only about 200 years ago, NO ONE HAD EYELASHES! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Teaching Peace

I had to write about my wife’s trip to Hiroshima with the entire 6th grade of her school, over eighty students. They’re on a field trip to visit the Peace Park and the Peace Museum. Continue reading

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