BY MARY BETH HORIAI The energy of summer comes in many forms: sounds, smells, tastes, temperatures and sights. The orchestrated buzz of the cicadas are strong indicators of summers in Japan. Omatsuri all over the country bring aromas and flavors experienced, typically, in melting temperatures among pounding Taiko vibrations. Visually, summer energy fills the night [...]
BY HEATHER SHIDA After our second wedding celebration in Japan at the end of August we got settled into our new home and our new life. It had been decided that since my husband is an only child that he would be living with and helping his father with his father’s business. I had agreed [...]
BY KAREN CARMELI I often hear people saying that sometimes they feel bad emotions. When I ask, “what does that mean?”, the answer is “anger, sadness, jealousy, fear, or hate.” When I ask, “what is good emotion?”, The answer is “happiness, love, compassion, mercy, or excitement.” We’ve been taught that the emotions are divided into [...]
Love origami but not sure how to decode the complicated instructions found in books? Having trouble visualising just what a valley fold is as compared to a mountain fold? Thanks to Heather, an American woman who has been living in Japan for 14 years, origami can be entirely possible for all of us! She creates [...]
One my favourite songs is Adele’s hit Someone Like You, which is why I was completely intrigued to find this Japanese version of the song! Performed by Canadian Youtube star Ciaela (who now lives in Fukuoka) and her friend Kirby, who did the translation, it’s both a compelling music video and, in my opinion, great [...]
BY MAY BAKER, PHOTOS BY HARUHI OKUYAMA As a foreigner unfamiliar with Japan, penetrating the opaque surface of its society can sometimes be a daunting prospect. When Sayuki decided to enter the secretive and ancient world of the Japanese geisha, she took on cultural practices much more complex than just standing to the left on the [...]
BY HEATHER SHIDA (image to left: Texican3k) I am currently on vacation. It has been two and a half years since my last visit to my family and friends in America. It has been fun getting ready for our trip and planning all of the fun things we could do. We left for America on [...]
BY MARY BETH HORIAI Hot, humid, and melting describes August in Tokyo. Sometimes the heat can drain your energy, unless you choose some healing, spirited options for your evening entertainment. And I know just the place. This Sunday, August 12th, treat yourself to the rugged, high-powered sounds of Spirit Dance at What the Dickens in [...]
BY CATHERINE HAGAR When someone asks how long I’ve been in Japan, the conversation goes something like this: “How long have you been in Japan?” “A little over two years.” “Wow! You don’t find many American girls who stick around that long. Good for you.” I’ve had strangers brave with beer ask me to be [...]
The Tyler Foundation journeys to the summit This summer, the Tyler Foundation will be leading a group of climbers to the top of Mt. Fuji. But the reward will be more than the sunrise. Participants will be carrying Beads of Courage (r) to the top to inspire children fighting cancer in Japan. Small in size, [...]
