Tag Archives: Tambasasayama

Life In Japan: Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 7, 2022 by johnrachel

How sweet it is! We just harvested the most recent item to appear on Mother Nature’s Day-Timer, or maybe she has an iCalendar these days, who knows? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Festival of the Portable Shrines 2022

Posted on October 19, 2022 by johnrachel

This past weekend we had our annual Festival of the Portable Shrines. It was a truly splendid event! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Where Aging Is Valued

Posted on September 20, 2022 by johnrachel

Because yesterday was Respect for the Aged Day (a national holiday), every person in my small city of about 50,000 people who was 75 or over, received a gift package from the city. How charming! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Artistry

Posted on August 30, 2022 by johnrachel

There are apps for creating works of art, writing stories or entire novels. Apps for composing music. Apps for making up jokes, pick-up lines, compliments on your grandmother’s new hairdo. You have to wonder where this will all end up. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: New Kid on the Block

Posted on August 27, 2022 by johnrachel

There’s always a surge of excitement when a new face appears on the scene. My village in Hyogo, Japan is no exception to this universal rule. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Rice Art Honoring a Great Champion

Posted on July 23, 2022 by John Rachel

While looking at reports this week of the retirement of mega-star Japanese skater, Yuzuru Hanyu, I discovered a very special tribute to this great athlete, done as only the Japanese do things. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: ヤクザ Raccoon Dog Attacks Again!

Posted on July 20, 2022 by John Rachel

“We have a problem, Houston. Our garden is under attack … AGAIN!” Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Not-So-Random Act of Kindness

Posted on June 30, 2022 by John Rachel

Something happened the other day which really got me thinking. Good thinking. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Lunch Anyone?

Posted on June 28, 2022 by John Rachel

A few days ago, my wife Masumi decided we should go to one of her favorite cafés for a special Saturday lunch. It’s truly astonishing what a person can learn from just eating lunch. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Our New Garden

Posted on June 10, 2022 by John Rachel

Time to plant a new garden! Actually it was time well over a month ago. But we were on the job. If you can handle the excitement, here’s my report. Continue reading →

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