Category Archives: Spiritual

Life In Japan: “Let it snow . . . let it snow . . .”

Posted on January 24, 2022 by John Rachel

Understandably, with my thousands of friends, millions of acquaintances, uncountable fans and followers, I am overwhelmed with curiosity about the details of my life here in Japan. Here’s one question I’ve gotten . . . well, hmm . . . taking a microscope to the past thirteen or so years . . . I’d say at least three times: “What’s the weather like there?” Continue reading →

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What Goes Down Must Come Up!

Posted on December 30, 2021 by johnrachel

All we can do is do our best . . . Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Buddhism is fun!

Posted on November 30, 2021 by John Rachel

Okay … the title is hyperbole. No religion is actually fun. Most seem preoccupied with scary demons, suffering, sacrifice, gnashing, weeping, incantations, uncomfortable positions, and men dressed in funny clothes. But at least some Buddhists have a sense of humor! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Generous Spirit

Posted on November 24, 2021 by John Rachel

We have a nickname for our friend Keiko Iwashita. My wife and I call her “Bangladesh Lady”. There’s a very inspiring story behind this. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Special Purpose Temples & Shrines

Posted on August 27, 2021 by John Rachel

The really fascinating temples and shrines in Japan are the special purpose ones. There are shrines and temples devoted to the usual things: money, health, happiness, long life, good marriage. There are ones dedicated to uniting two people in love or in friendship. Interestingly, there’s at least one shrine for breaking up! We spent the day at one my wife calls the “Karma Temple”. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Himeji Castle

Posted on May 18, 2021 by johnrachel

Himeji Castle is the largest castle in Japan, its architecture is prototypical of all such castles, it is made of stone and wood, has extensive fortifications dating to Japan’s feudal times. Registered December 1993, Himeji Castle was one of the first locations designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Pandas

Posted on April 12, 2021 by John Rachel

Pandas are not native to Japan. They’re from China. But Japanese people love them, my wife among their biggest fans. As close as I can determine, there are eleven of these beautiful, fascinating creatures living here in Japan right now. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: My Pergola

Posted on October 10, 2020 by John Rachel

Spoiler alert: Here I am tooting my own horn. Last summer, I spent four weeks putting together a structure which provides in our very modest yard, a place to relax, have fun, read a book, drink tea, eat lunch or barbecue. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Sophie, Cinderella Orphan

Posted on July 22, 2020 by johnrachel

It’s quite a story how Sophie came into our lives. When Masumi first saw her, the poor thing was undernourished, had runny eyes, in general looked sick and sickly. She begged Masumi to take her home. And she did! Continue reading →

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Wild and Crazy in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Posted on January 4, 2020 by johnrachel

As is standard operating procedure for us, on New Years Eve Masumi and I were well off the beaten path. We certainly weren’t in Times Square. We weren’t wearing a beer guzzler cap. We didn’t do vodka jello shooters, smoke DMT or put magic mushrooms on our eleven-cheese pizza. We never even got around to singing Auld Lang Syne. Between Christmas and New Years, we spent a week in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Continue reading →

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