I feel like I’ve talked about this before. I’m almost sure I have. But it is such an ordinary aspect of daily life. So, here we go. One of the aspects about my life in Japan that I value, is that I can maneuver the city without needing a car. Sure, I’ve been lucky in … More Priority in Japan
I’ve lived in Japan for almost 15 years. I have seen a lot of amazing acts of kindness, and been the beneficiary of such. I have also seen such staggering lacks of common curtesy that it has boggled my mind. At times I have likely been guilty of focusing on negative acts. Today will be … More The Flip Side
There have been several articles the last week that paint a bleak picture of how women are treated in Japan. These articles ran the gamut from cabinet ministers agreeing that businesses should be able to force women to always wear high heels, to judges freeing an “accused” rapist even though the judge agreed that consent … More A Haiku about recent news in Japan
Today is a Sunday and that means a good portion of the day was spent in a local park with my son. I’m still a little sun-bleached and likely a little sandy, but it was a fantastic day. One neat little nugget was when my son wanted to play one of the games that he … More Songs in a Park
There are some absolutely wonderful things about living Japan. I love the ease of public transportation here. As some one who has never really been all that interested in cars, being able to go almost anywhere, especially in a city like Tokyo, by relying on trains and buses is a dream. And, of course, this … More The Noise Vans Return
Quick, out of Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and tailgating, tell me which one I am describing: at the same time several groups of people get together for outdoor food and drinks. The stated reason for the gathering is to watch an event that only happens during a certain season of the year, but many of … More Hanami and Tailgating
I have been living in Japan since 2004. In that time I have had some incredible moments, and, of course, moments that have been rather frustrating. Japan does excel at many things. Compared to where I was born, the USA, it would be hard to argue against the notion that when it comes to service, … More A Human Moment
As you might know, my mom was visiting us here in Japan for around two weeks. We talked a great many things, of course. One if the things we discussed was how I used to go much more into my specific “Japan” adventures when I first arrived, and how I should one day write up … More Blast from the Past
They dress in red robes and sing to say goodbye. Parents and teachers watch, clap and cry. Diplomas are passed out. Speeches are given. Pictures are taken. Then comes the lunch. Awkward conversation. More speeches. Skits. Speeches. Tears. Sobbing tears of farewell. One last song together. Goodbye teachers. Retire to the classroom. One last look. … More Graduation Day
I have been living in Japan since 2004, and while I am not comfortable saying I am fluent in Japanese, I do consider myself highly conversational. I should honestly study more. Not just exist in a Japanese environment, but legitimately study. But life is busy and time is short. But it is on my list … More Raising a Bilingual Child
Deadly Troubadour 