Tag Archives: Japan

Life In Japan: A Peek Inside a Japanese Elementary School (1st-Grade)

Unbelievably charming and heartwarming short film about Japanese first-graders putting together a concert to welcome the new first-graders coming to their school. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: I Love Snow

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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Life In Japan: “Sasayama Mary”

Meet Sasayama Mary! Yes, she’s a cat-woman. Or is it woman-cat? How did this happen? Very interesting story indeed! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: An Interview

About two months ago, I was interviewed locally about my book “Live From Japan! Anecdotes on the People and Culture of Contemporary Japan from the Perspective of an American Expat.” I thought the interview went well. It certainly was fun! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Clouds

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: The Triumph of the Lotus Plants

I described in a previous article how an area elementary school was using our local castle moat for a school project. In one end of a section protecting the castle on its south side, they planted lotus flowers, purely to add some color to the huge puddle. Their work has come to fruition. It’s amazing! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Swallows

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!

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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Life In Japan: Monkey Attack!

My wife and I were finishing breakfast this morning and when we looked out the back window on the forest that is adjacent to our property, there was a MONKEY! Continue reading

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What Do Mermaids Eat?

I’m thinking about how many times in my entire life someone has asked me this question . . . “What Do Mermaids Eat?” Ah hah! I remember. ONE TIME! That was when my unpredictable, truly fascinating Japanese wife was sitting across from me in a café on Taketomi Island, Okinawa. Masumi smiled and said, “What do mermaids eat?” That was the one time. And it became the inspiration for my latest book! Continue reading

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