Category Archives: Spiritual

Life In Japan: Building a Catio

Posted on July 1, 2025 by johnrachel

“Hey Daddio, what’s a catio?” Why, a catio is a cat patio. You got that, Pinnochio? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Our 13th Wedding Anniversary

Posted on March 30, 2025 by johnrachel

Today, March 30th, is our 13th wedding anniversary! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: I Love Snow

Posted on February 8, 2025 by johnrachel

I grew up and lived the first half of my life in Michigan. There, over the entire three months of winter, there’s tons of snow! When it snowed it was SO BEAUTIFUL! Being out in a gentle snowfall is truly delightful. The snowflakes tumble and swirl, land on your skin and melt, and fill the entire air with a joy which is incomparable. Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! (from Japan)

Posted on December 30, 2024 by johnrachel

This is a holiday song of fellowship and unity for 2025. Considering the horror show we have unleashed in the world this past year, maybe this seems too wholesome, too positive. But I believe, when things are at their worst is when we must envision ourselves at our best. Continue reading →

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Corinne

Posted on October 7, 2024 by johnrachel

Meet Corinne, a mermaid that was hit by a nuclear submarine. Read all about her and 18 other mermaids in the most uniquely beautiful fantasy/travel/cookbook ever! 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: 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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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: 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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