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
Category: Daily life
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
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
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
Workplace Culture Shock
In early April 2012, the last stage of a long relocation effort was nearing completion. For a variety of personal and professional reasons, I had decided some time previously to relocate from my hometown in California to Tokyo, Japan. … read more
Gaijin Adventures 