Category Archives: Social Commentary

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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Life In Japan: Artistry

Posted on August 30, 2022 by johnrachel

There are apps for creating works of art, writing stories or entire novels. Apps for composing music. Apps for making up jokes, pick-up lines, compliments on your grandmother’s new hairdo. You have to wonder where this will all end up. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: New Kid on the Block

Posted on August 27, 2022 by johnrachel

There’s always a surge of excitement when a new face appears on the scene. My village in Hyogo, Japan is no exception to this universal rule. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: ‘Japan Pom Pom’

Posted on August 24, 2022 by johnrachel

Japanese people, even OLD ones, like to have fun. Don’t believe it? Check out Japan Pom Pom! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Rice Art Honoring a Great Champion

Posted on July 23, 2022 by John Rachel

While looking at reports this week of the retirement of mega-star Japanese skater, Yuzuru Hanyu, I discovered a very special tribute to this great athlete, done as only the Japanese do things. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Revenge Bento

Posted on July 13, 2022 by John Rachel

Hope you find this as funny as I did when my Japanese wife, Masumi, told me about it. Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Food, Japan, Satire, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: A Not-So-Random Act of Kindness

Posted on June 30, 2022 by John Rachel

Something happened the other day which really got me thinking. Good thinking. Continue reading →

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War is over if . . .

Posted on June 14, 2022 by John Rachel

John Lennon was idealistic and inspiring. Personally, I appreciate Lennon’s genius most listening to the background vocals of his beautiful Christmas ode, “Happy Xmas”. But is it true? “War is over if you want it!” Hmm. Don’t think so, folks. Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Peace Dividend, Political Analysis, Social Commentary, War and Peace | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Children’s Day

Posted on May 30, 2022 by John Rachel

There is an official holiday in May here in Japan for which there is no equivalent in the West. It is called Children’s Day! Continue reading →

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