Category Archives: Japan

Life In Japan: Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 20, 2018 by johnrachel

They celebrate Valentines Day here — a distinctly Japanese version of the love holiday. It’s very innocent to be sure, but the guys are still in charge. Yes, on Valentines Day, the guys in Japan just sit back and the girls pile it on — chocolate, that is. From what I can tell, none of the giving is based on hot passion, hot sex, hot anticipation. Basically, the message is: “I’m a girl and you’re a boy and you’re not all that bad.” Or maybe: “I like you. I think. Call me maybe?” Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Arthur the Celebrity Cat

Posted on February 12, 2018 by johnrachel

My adorable cat Arthur beat me to the punch and got in the newspaper. And he doesn’t even have an agent. What do I need to do to get some press around here? Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Japan, Living On The Edge, Satire, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Bicycle Theft

Posted on January 31, 2018 by johnrachel

There’s an innocence here in Japan, and a sense of honor and courtesy, a respect for the possessions of others. So much so that a bicycle theft is truly out-of-the-ordinary. And thus it warrants extraordinary response by the authorities. This is a true story. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: New Years

Posted on January 30, 2018 by johnrachel

Oh yes, what a wild time we had bringing in the New Year. Fasten your seat belts and savor the events which surrounded the onset of 2018 for us here in Japan. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Benten Shrine Ceremony

Posted on July 12, 2017 by johnrachel

This past weekend was our annual Benten Shrine ceremony. The whole celebration took about an hour. Lots of smiles, good will, warm feelings. Life in Japan is still full of wonder for me. What a fascinating country! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: I Love Japan Redux

Posted on June 12, 2017 by johnrachel

Japanese have kept alive some traditions which promote sense of community, and the shared responsibility of living in that community. They create opportunities to work together for the common good, get to know one another, and just enjoy other folks who happen to live in the same geographical setting. This is what America desperately needs to overcome the fear, divisiveness, isolation, fragmentation. Here’s a challenge to my fellow Americans: How do you think people would react if you went from house to house and said, “How about if we get together and clean up the neighborhood, plant some flowers, then have a nice barbecue?” Continue reading →

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