Author Archives: johnrachel

Life In Japan: JA

Posted on January 20, 2019 by johnrachel

JA stands for Japan Agriculture. JA is a huge, sprawling organization, with hundreds of stores, facilities, and offices across the entire country. But … it’s not a corporation. It’s not a government facility, branch, or department. It’s a COOPERATIVE! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Taylor Swift in Tokyo

Posted on January 10, 2019 by johnrachel

In November 2018, my wife Masumi, her daughter Izumi, and yours truly, ambled like sheep with close to 50,000 other folks into the Tokyo Dome for an evening of pop entertainment featuring Charli XCX and Taylor Swift. The arena concert was a technological marvel and my whole life passed before me. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Kobe’s Luminarie

Posted on December 20, 2018 by johnrachel

There are so many dazzling, interesting, spectacular festivals and celebrations going on in Japan, it’s often overwhelming. The Luminarie is extremely beautiful but more somber than most. It has been held every year now for twenty-three years in downtown Kobe, to commemorate the thousands of victims of the 1995 earthquake which devastated much of the city. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Monkeys

Posted on December 4, 2018 by johnrachel

There are an estimated 950 macaque monkeys in Hyogo Prefecture, and 180 alone in Sasayama, my hometown here in Japan. How many of you can say you have seen monkeys in the unwild surrounds of your home and community?

Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Japanese Maples

Posted on November 27, 2018 by johnrachel

We make a point of going every year to Kumanoshingu Shrine for its spectacular Japanese Maple trees, which in November turn fire red, yellow, orange, brown, and every shade in between. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Western Holidays

Posted on November 12, 2018 by johnrachel

I admit, at first I had mixed feelings when I encountered Western holidays in Asia.  Wasn’t it cultural pollution?  Wasn’t any place safe from Ken and Barbie dolls, the Easter Bunny, Superman, Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, Taylor Swift? Gradually, however, I’ve adjusted to the fact that in Asia, Japan in particular, the modus operandi tends to be a sponge more than a condom.  The cultural roots here are so deep, a little cross-pollination actually reinforces the uniqueness of the region’s distinctive features. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Persimmons

Posted on October 27, 2018 by johnrachel

Ever had a persimmon? You should try one! I’m glad I did. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Lost Wallet

Posted on October 22, 2018 by johnrachel

Every year in October, we have here in Sasayama — my hometown — the Festival of the Portable Shrines. It’s one of my favorites! An incident occurred during this year’s festival which speaks volumes about the people here and the general level of moral integrity. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Morning at the Clinic

Posted on September 15, 2018 by johnrachel

I have one story that accurately represents how the “socialized” health care works here, straight from my perspective as a patient. Let me say up front, I’m completely blown away by health care in Japan, but I’ll let you judge for yourself the merits of centrally organized and controlled health care. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Onsen

Posted on September 11, 2018 by johnrachel

An onsen — 温泉 — is a hot spring for bathing. Onsens come in all shapes and sizes. Some indoors, some outdoors. Some are spartan. Others indulge in lavish aesthetics and connecting with nature. Continue reading →

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