Author Archives: johnrachel

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Cassandra

Cassandra was the 6th mermaid I met. I was stunned by how young she looked. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Continue reading

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Rahqa

Meet Rahqa, a mermaid with muscles, tattoos, and some very passionate concerns about the destruction of the oceans. You can’t blame her. It’s where she lives! Continue reading

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Corinne

Meet Corinne, a mermaid that was hit by a nuclear submarine. Read all about her and 18 other mermaids in the most uniquely beautiful fantasy/travel/cookbook ever! 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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My Two Recent Anti-War Books

Writing about and promoting peace to an American audience might be a thankless enterprise. But to be thankless, it would first have to be noticed. Dylan said it best: There’s no success like failure. Continue reading

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LIVE FROM JAPAN! Revisited Redux

My my how time flies! LIVE FROM JAPAN! was published end of January, 2021. I sent the first shot of love here to the fans of the book June 2023. Then, as now, I let everyone know that the saga continues, as I regularly post articles on new happenings and my evolving perspective on life here as an American expat. Continue reading

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