Tag Archives: Live From Japan!

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: 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: 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 →

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Life In Japan: Kawashima Highway Oasis

Posted on August 7, 2021 by John Rachel

What can I say? Japan goes out of its way to make life a pleasant adventure for everyone. Here’s another highway service area which amazed me! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Himeji Castle

Posted on May 18, 2021 by johnrachel

Himeji Castle is the largest castle in Japan, its architecture is prototypical of all such castles, it is made of stone and wood, has extensive fortifications dating to Japan’s feudal times. Registered December 1993, Himeji Castle was one of the first locations designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Public Restrooms Redux

Posted on February 22, 2021 by John Rachel

Having an abundance of clean, well-maintained, easily-accessed public restrooms is just one small way that this country shows its big heart. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: My Pergola

Posted on October 10, 2020 by John Rachel

Spoiler alert: Here I am tooting my own horn. Last summer, I spent four weeks putting together a structure which provides in our very modest yard, a place to relax, have fun, read a book, drink tea, eat lunch or barbecue. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Awe-Inspiring Extreme Honesty

Posted on September 13, 2020 by johnrachel

Here are a few anecdotes which will give you phenomenal insights into the remarkably high ethical standards and general character of the Japanese people. Continue reading →

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