Category Archives: Travel

War is making us poor?

Posted on January 13, 2025 by johnrachel

‘Poor’ is a relative term. The US constantly trumpets itself as the richest country in the world, the richest country in history! And via carefully compiled spread sheets prepared by neoliberal economists, we can find strong evidence for the claim. However, facts on the ground for millions of American citizens, tell a different story. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Christmas Season . . . Osaka

Posted on December 29, 2024 by johnrachel

Japan does Christmas in style. This year we went to Osaka and two floors of the huge Hankyu Department Store were Christmas themed. There was every holiday gift item from all over the world there. Continue reading →

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“Mermaids” Special Sale Extended till January 2nd!

Posted on December 1, 2024 by johnrachel

My publisher, Literary Vagabond Books, is swept up in the holiday spirit. The special sale on the deluxe print version of What Do Mermaids Eat? has been extended! Again! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: “Sasayama Mary”

Posted on November 15, 2024 by johnrachel

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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SALE ON DELUXE PRINT VERSION OF “MERMAIDS” EXTENDED!

Posted on November 5, 2024 by johnrachel

You can still get a super high-quality deluxe full-color copy of “Mermaids” for 25% off the regular price. Order it for only $29.95, DIRECTLY FROM THE PRINTER . . . HERE. This is easily one of the most beautiful books you’ll … Continue reading →

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Advance Praise: What Do Mermaids Eat?

Posted on October 16, 2024 by johnrachel

For a book that isn’t even out yet, there sure seems to be a lot of “buzz”. Could it be that it has given people a reason to be positive and hopeful at a time when there’s so much bad news in the world? Continue reading →

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Rahqa

Posted on October 10, 2024 by johnrachel

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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Life In Japan: An Interview

Posted on September 30, 2024 by johnrachel

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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LIVE FROM JAPAN! Revisited Redux

Posted on July 5, 2024 by johnrachel

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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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 →

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