Japan

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Happy Father's Day!

This is a special day to celebrate fathers all over the world. However, here in Japan, Father's Day is a bit different than it was in the states.  Read More »

This morning I heard about the big 7.9 magnitude quake that just slammed central China killing at least 10,000 people. Scary. I truly hope the victims of the hard-hit areas get the aid they need in this difficult time. It will be interesting to see what sorts of repercussions this could have for the impending summer Olympics.  Read More »

I live a few miles from Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. I have a phenomenal view of it from my apartment balcony. Scary?  Read More »

I love America. I’m very happy I was born there, and I enjoy visiting there from time-to-time. I also like Canada, England, and the “Western World” in general. However, since moving to Japan, I have discovered how toxic the western world can be for various other countries and cultures.  Read More »

The other day Japan was rocked by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake about 100 miles off the coast of Tokyo. It shook things up a bit and injured two people. There were a few mid-sized aftershocks that were a bit scary for some people as well. Japan got off lucky this time, since the quake originated in the ocean rather than land, and didn't produce any big waves.  Read More »

I was sitting in a Kagoshima, Japan, Starbucks yesterday enjoying my tall green tea frappuccino. Suddenly, a Japanese woman at the table next to me started talking to me in English (her English was quite good, by the way). This is not an unusual occurrence, as I’m often approached by Japanese people wanting to practice their English on a foreigner.  Read More »

You’re in an upscale shopping center in Japan and you have to use the restroom. You wander in, stand in line, then get your turn in the little stall. You’re relieved to see your stall choice does not feature a Japanese squat-style toilet. However, what you find is a throne full of buttons with little descriptions in illegible Japanese writing.

Okay… be brave…  Read More »