Tag Archives: holidays

Life In Japan: National Holidays

Posted on May 28, 2019 by johnrachel

Holidays here in Japan are innocent, demonstrating cultural pride and appreciation. I can’t help but smile and be grateful I’m not hearing war drums, 21-gun salutes, and parades of politicians moralizing about the honor of dying on the battlefield. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Western Holidays

Posted on November 12, 2018 by johnrachel

I admit, at first I had mixed feelings when I encountered Western holidays in Asia.  Wasn’t it cultural pollution?  Wasn’t any place safe from Ken and Barbie dolls, the Easter Bunny, Superman, Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, Taylor Swift? Gradually, however, I’ve adjusted to the fact that in Asia, Japan in particular, the modus operandi tends to be a sponge more than a condom.  The cultural roots here are so deep, a little cross-pollination actually reinforces the uniqueness of the region’s distinctive features. Continue reading →

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