Category Archives: Japan

Life In Japan: Food … Fixation Obsession Celebration

Posted on March 17, 2023 by johnrachel

Why are Japanese, as obsessed as they are with food and eating, so svelte? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Let it snow! Let it snow!

Posted on January 29, 2023 by johnrachel

I believe that new records were set for Tambasasayama earlier this week. The temperature plunged to -13º C (8º F) and it snowed four days in a row. One day we got almost a foot of snow. It was spectacularly beautiful! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai

Posted on November 30, 2022 by johnrachel

The longest shopping arcade in Japan is a truly unique, I have to say fun, experience. All individual shops, some very interesting, and unlike most of what’s sold in the name brand stores, very affordable. Apparently unconsciously sustaining a sweet tooth that day, I bought mountain flower honey and short bread cookies. Also some fresh vegetables. Does it get better than that? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Cotton Balls

Posted on November 28, 2022 by johnrachel

Literally right near my house is the world headquarters for a new enterprise . . . Samurai Cotton Jeans! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Kogenji Temple

Posted on November 25, 2022 by johnrachel

Going to a shrine or temple for me now is one of life’s simple pleasures. So last weekend, we went to Kogenji Temple in nearby Tamba. It’s not a particularly fancy or spectacular temple but it’s very popular this time of year for it’s maple trees. (This article has some harsh things to say about Christianity and Catholicism. If you’re not up for it, don’t read it.) Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Religion, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 7, 2022 by johnrachel

How sweet it is! We just harvested the most recent item to appear on Mother Nature’s Day-Timer, or maybe she has an iCalendar these days, who knows? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Excellence

Posted on October 24, 2022 by johnrachel

Whether you like, love or hate classical music. Please watch at least one of the videos here. I have things to say about them which I think will astonish you. Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Japan, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Festival of the Portable Shrines 2022

Posted on October 19, 2022 by johnrachel

This past weekend we had our annual Festival of the Portable Shrines. It was a truly splendid event! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Where Aging Is Valued

Posted on September 20, 2022 by johnrachel

Because yesterday was Respect for the Aged Day (a national holiday), every person in my small city of about 50,000 people who was 75 or over, received a gift package from the city. How charming! Continue reading →

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Love Connection: Coming in ????

Posted on August 31, 2022 by johnrachel

Here’s my offer to you, which will really help us get this book out to the public. If anyone out there is interested in reading my new real crime/travel/suspense novel, let me know. I can send either a paperback to hold in your hands, or a PDF to read on your computer, tablet, or book reader. I’m shooting for fifteen more folks to dive into my story, take the ride, have fun, and then tell me what they think. Continue reading →

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