Having just landed on the Land Of The Rising Son, I barely spoke any Japanese, and my new friend’s English was basically zero. He invited me over to his house for my very first sukiyaki experience.
A few short days after my arrival on January 11, 1987, I was invited to a lovely girls house and what a surprises that awaited me there.
The way one thinks about beef is fundamentally different between America and Japan. It seems that the general philosophy of the Americans is; more is better.
The beauty of the Japanese language never fails to take the breath away.
Historically, tattoos in Japan were associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia), and, therefore, when the common citizens of Japan see people with tattoos, the red flags go up immediately, and caution mode is invoked.
Like many aliens , I mean foreigners, I got my start in Japan as an English lecturer. Fortunately, I had the privilege of sub contracting to a large Japanese company for my career.
Let’s think about it: Who in their right mind would think, “Why not – let’s eat fish raw”, said no one from the western world, ever. However, once you discover the delightful and subtle flavours of the “umi no sachi [delights of the sea]” there is no turning back.
The importance of the Sazae Family to the Japanese can not be over emphasized.
Did you know that Japanese has an extensive amount of “loan words” most of them are English?
There was quite a stir in Japan recently as a Japanese citizen became the first Japanese basketball player to be taken in the first round of the NBA draft by the Washington Wizards.
Along my merry way in my neighborhood, I am always entreated by these Deities guarding the traveler. And indeed, for the thoughtfulness of the ones who created and set up these in order to "guard and protect" the wary travelers on the way.
Every Day My wife (also known as The Big Girl), and I normally started our day with the Japanese radio calisthenics program: Known in Japanese as rajio taisō.
There was something that burned inside of him that compelled him forward, no matter what. Even after one of the most devastating blows one could endure in old age, he got back up. Not only did he get back up, but he never lost his sense of humour throughout his many ordeals, which included growing up in poverty.
A large vessel can not be created quickly; To become great, it takes much time. Therefore, it’s not too late, for one.
After going to stay in the 328 year old Japanese Inn, I thought it was only appropriate to visit the annual Summer festival in my hometown. I mean why not, this is also very, very old.
I read an interesting quote in my Japanese study application by Einstein in the “Wise Saying” section. He said, "I don't have any particular talents, but have an extraordinarily curious mind.
The Beauty of Gunma Prefecture When was the last time you stayed in a 328 year old hotel? Never? Me either, until the other day!
“every thousand mile journey starts with the first step” Glad to have decide to read the Compound Effect 7 years ago, and took the information to heart and more importantly acted on it.
Why Would Anyone Cheat Granny? Just like any other country, Japan has its share of crime. In particular, the swindling of the elderly has been particularly problematic over the last several years.
Coming from Zen Buddhism, this is a state where two parties need not language spoken or written to communicate between their heart for mutually unspoken understanding. i shin den shin is still a fundamentally unknown concept in the west, however, it is an ingrained Japanese cultural phenomena unparalleled anywhere else, it’s woven into the Japanese DNA, I don't doubt it.
A couple of weeks back there was a horrific attack on innocent school children and the accompany adults. A blatant loss of innocent life in such a matter is this is truly a heartbreaking story.
I like living in the country of Japan, no, I literally mean in the countryside of Japan. Negishi is the name of this restaurant, and it has been here, well, a long time!
Continuing my theme of no hair on this week’s blog post. The funniest thing happen to me just the other day, and I couldn't be more tickled.
Why I love the Japanese barber even though I no longer have hair. Looking back upon old pictures, I have to admit, I had pretty nice naturally curly hair.
