Tag Archives: Tambasasayama

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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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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Life In Japan: Clouds

Posted on September 11, 2024 by johnrachel

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

Posted on August 31, 2024 by johnrachel

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: Dekansho 2024!

Posted on August 18, 2024 by johnrachel

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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Life In Japan: Monkey Attack!

Posted on June 23, 2024 by johnrachel

My wife and I were finishing breakfast this morning and when we looked out the back window on the forest that is adjacent to our property, there was a MONKEY! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A rose is a rose is an onion . . .

Posted on May 16, 2024 by johnrachel

I was trying the other day to imagine what went through my mind when I was 25. It’s both a difficult and amusing exercise. One thing I can assert with absolute certainty . . . I never imagined I would at this stage in my life be living in Japan growing onions in my modest garden! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Yosakoi Festival

Posted on April 18, 2024 by johnrachel

The fun and excitement never lets up here. This past weekend, there was another festival here in Tambasasayama, the Yosakoi Festival. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Hyogo Prefecture, Breadbasket of Asia

Posted on July 20, 2023 by johnrachel

Little did I know that Hyogo Prefecture — the equivalent to a state or province — is among the top producers in a host of other agricultural products. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Prescription Drugs

Posted on July 14, 2023 by johnrachel

I still have part of my tonsil. Help! Continue reading →

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