Okay, summer vacation is over at last, and I suppose it’s time to quit slacking off on these blog posts. Or at least it’s time to try. We’ll see how that goes. Today, though, I’m particularly motivated, due to some things that happened on my morning commute that still have me fuming here at the end of the day. … read more
Convenience Stores
When Japan imports a concept, they really pick up the ball and run with it. As Exhibit A, I submit the humble Japanese convenience store, or konbini (コンビニ). … read more
The Press in Japan
Well, it’s been a particularly long time since the last post on this blog. What can I say? With the U.S. election and the holidays … read more
Japan Rides the Rails
Like no other country in the world, Japan is a nation of trains and train riders. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go here by rail … read more
The Emperor Speaks
On Monday, 8 August 2016, the Emperor of Japan made a rare televised address to the Japanese people. … read more
Does Japan Love Stress?
Sorry for the recent paucity of blog posts. (Paucity! Nice, huh?) I’ve been on vacation in the United States … read more
The Lessons of Yamato Tanooka
On Saturday, 28 May 2016, seven-year-old Yamato Tanooka went missing in the forests of Hokkaido. … read more
For Shame!
As a foreigner working for an old-school Japanese real estate company, it seems like there is always some fascinating new experience at work to enjoy. I’m thinking, of course, about public shaming. … read more
A Fish Out of Water
As an American who moved to Japan as an adult, mid-career, it didn’t take me long to figure out that there are few places more different from one another than my home country and my adopted one. … read more
Gaijin Adventures 