Tag Archives: Tambasasayama

Life In Japan: Good Hamburger Hunting

Posted on March 23, 2022 by John Rachel

Hey, protoplasmic virtue signalers from every whispered and howling corner of the human genome, let me introduce you to the best American-style hamburger within an hour of home! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Covid Care Package

Posted on February 17, 2022 by John Rachel

This is what arrives on your doorstep here in Tambasasayama if you test positive for Covid and have to self-isolate. Continue reading →

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

Life In Japan: Longing For Spring

Posted on February 4, 2022 by John Rachel

Kasai is a small town about an hour-and-a-half southwest of Tambasasayama. There’s a splendid rose garden there. We go almost every spring. Last visit, Masumi, her daughter Azusa, Azusa’s Black Labrador, JiJi, and I, arrived during the peak of the rose blossoms. Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Japan, Spiritual, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Spiritual, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Police Power IV

Posted on October 7, 2021 by John Rachel

It’s hard to exaggerate the contrast of what looks like the horror show of police brutality in the U.S. with what life is like here. But I’ve tried to capture it in a few stories. This is my latest. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Respect for the Aged Day

Posted on September 21, 2021 by John Rachel

This past Monday was a national holiday here in Japan: 敬老の日, Keirō no Hi, Respect for the Aged Day. My neighbor brought me a very special gift from the people of Tambasasayama. 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 →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Religion, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Kamikochi . . . “Japanese Alps”

Posted on August 17, 2021 by John Rachel

My wife and I just spent three days in the “Japanese Alps” — Kamikochi — a mountainous region of Nagano Prefecture the beauty of which is simply impossible for words. So feast your eyes on the pics! Continue reading →

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

Life In Japan: Elections

Posted on July 12, 2021 by johnrachel

We have local elections coming up soon here in town. This reminds me of just how unique and charming campaigning is out here in the countryside of Japan. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Working Together

Posted on May 25, 2021 by John Rachel

Noma Village, on the far east end of Tambasasayama, my hometown in Japan, has “work days”. When the weather is accommodating, one member from each household shows up at 8:00 am on a work day — it’s always a Sunday — and we do whatever needs to be done to keep our village clean, attractive, and functional. I can’t begin to tell you how cool I think this is! Continue reading →

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