Tag Archives: Japan

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 →

Posted in Japan, Music, Nature, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: The Triumph of the Lotus Plants

Posted on August 31, 2024 by johnrachel

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 →

Posted in Environment, Japan, Nature, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Environment, Japan, Nature, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Japan, Living On The Edge, Philosophy, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Monkey Attack!

Posted on June 23, 2024 by johnrachel

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 →

Posted in Environment, Japan, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

What Do Mermaids Eat?

Posted on June 22, 2024 by johnrachel

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 →

Posted in Creativity, Food, Japan, Satire, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Deconstruction, Education, Food, Japan, Philosophy, Revolution, Spiritual, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Peace Parade

Posted on May 13, 2024 by johnrachel

As a public school teacher, my wife Masumi belongs to a union and that union supports a truly left-wing agenda. This year’s “peace parade” emphasized their support for Article 9 and ending Japan’s destructive allegiance to America. Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Japan, Political Analysis, War and Peace | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Shitake Barbecue Restaurant

Posted on April 24, 2024 by johnrachel

My wife, one of her twin daughters, and I had an interesting experience recently. We went to a shitake barbecue restaurant, specializing — you guessed it — in shitake mushrooms! What made it so interesting is that we gathered our own shitake to grill. They grow it on the premises and when you enter, they give you a little green basket and off you go, personally selecting the feature food item for today’s barbecue feast. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Japan, Living On The Edge, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Yosakoi Festival

Posted on April 18, 2024 by johnrachel

The fun and excitement never lets up here. This past weekend, there was another festival here in Tambasasayama, the Yosakoi Festival. Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment