Category Archives: Japan

Life In Japan: A rose is a rose is an onion . . .

Posted on May 16, 2024 by johnrachel

I was trying the other day to imagine what went through my mind when I was 25. It’s both a difficult and amusing exercise. One thing I can assert with absolute certainty . . . I never imagined I would at this stage in my life be living in Japan growing onions in my modest garden! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Peace Parade

Posted on May 13, 2024 by johnrachel

As a public school teacher, my wife Masumi belongs to a union and that union supports a truly left-wing agenda. This year’s “peace parade” emphasized their support for Article 9 and ending Japan’s destructive allegiance to America. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Shitake Barbecue Restaurant

Posted on April 24, 2024 by johnrachel

My wife, one of her twin daughters, and I had an interesting experience recently. We went to a shitake barbecue restaurant, specializing — you guessed it — in shitake mushrooms! What made it so interesting is that we gathered our own shitake to grill. They grow it on the premises and when you enter, they give you a little green basket and off you go, personally selecting the feature food item for today’s barbecue feast. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Yosakoi Festival

Posted on April 18, 2024 by johnrachel

The fun and excitement never lets up here. This past weekend, there was another festival here in Tambasasayama, the Yosakoi Festival. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: 2nd Day of Spring

Posted on March 22, 2024 by johnrachel

Have I ever mentioned how crazy the weather is here? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Otsuka Museum of Art

Posted on March 13, 2024 by johnrachel

Japan continues to dazzle and amaze me. This past weekend, Masumi took me to the Otsuka Museum of Art, and it was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Music Education

Posted on December 18, 2023 by johnrachel

I continue to be amazed at the level of education here in Japan. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Hyogo Prefecture, Breadbasket of Asia

Posted on July 20, 2023 by johnrachel

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

Posted on July 14, 2023 by johnrachel

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

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Life In Japan: A Typical Sunday

Posted on July 7, 2023 by johnrachel

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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