Category Archives: Japan

Life In Japan: An Interview

Posted on September 30, 2024 by johnrachel

About two months ago, I was interviewed locally about my book “Live From Japan! Anecdotes on the People and Culture of Contemporary Japan from the Perspective of an American Expat.” I thought the interview went well. It certainly was fun! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Clouds

Posted on September 11, 2024 by johnrachel

Clouds sure carry a variety of messages, encourage some wild imaginings, evoke a range of reactions and sentiments. The clouds here in rural Japan are splendiferous! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: The Triumph of the Lotus Plants

Posted on August 31, 2024 by johnrachel

I described in a previous article how an area elementary school was using our local castle moat for a school project. In one end of a section protecting the castle on its south side, they planted lotus flowers, purely to add some color to the huge puddle. Their work has come to fruition. It’s amazing! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Swallows

Posted on August 29, 2024 by johnrachel

Among the many surprises which moving to Japan has blessed me with is my acquaintance with swallows — the bird, not the muscular movement of the esophagus. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Dekansho 2024!

Posted on August 18, 2024 by johnrachel

The Dekansho Festival here in my hometown is my favorite. The music, dancing, food and fireworks are great. But most of all, it’s seeing the whole community come together to have a good time that makes it so special. It’s truly inspiring! Continue reading →

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My Two Recent Anti-War Books

Posted on July 18, 2024 by johnrachel

Writing about and promoting peace to an American audience might be a thankless enterprise. But to be thankless, it would first have to be noticed. Dylan said it best: There’s no success like failure. Continue reading →

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LIVE FROM JAPAN! Revisited Redux

Posted on July 5, 2024 by johnrachel

My my how time flies! LIVE FROM JAPAN! was published end of January, 2021. I sent the first shot of love here to the fans of the book June 2023. Then, as now, I let everyone know that the saga continues, as I regularly post articles on new happenings and my evolving perspective on life here as an American expat. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Monkey Attack!

Posted on June 23, 2024 by johnrachel

My wife and I were finishing breakfast this morning and when we looked out the back window on the forest that is adjacent to our property, there was a MONKEY! Continue reading →

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What Do Mermaids Eat?

Posted on June 22, 2024 by johnrachel

I’m thinking about how many times in my entire life someone has asked me this question . . . “What Do Mermaids Eat?” Ah hah! I remember. ONE TIME! That was when my unpredictable, truly fascinating Japanese wife was sitting across from me in a café on Taketomi Island, Okinawa. Masumi smiled and said, “What do mermaids eat?” That was the one time. And it became the inspiration for my latest book! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: My Wife the Drummer

Posted on June 21, 2024 by johnrachel

Despite more than thirty years teaching kids both how to play and how to appreciate music, my wife is still improving her “chops” both at pedagogy and performing music. She is already a marvelous piano player and singer, and regularly takes ballet classes. Much to my genuine delight, she now dedicates much time and energy to learning cello and DRUMS! Continue reading →

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