“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” — a Japanese proverb Japanese society is full of rules. Rules explicitly stated, and rules that are just in the air. When I moved to Japan, I unknowingly broke every rule. At first, people cut me some slack — I was a foreigner, fresh off the plane. … Read more
I wish I were in Japan right now, in the countryside, enjoying the summer evening in a crisp cotton yukata robe. I’d fan myself as I clomp around in wooden geta sandals. The chirp of crickets pervades the air… {{Snapping out of it}} Back to reality. I’m still in Philly. It’s still hot and humid … Read more
Days are getting longer, clocks have sprung ahead, and soon it’ll be cherry blossom season in Japan. The blossoms are weeks early this year. They’re scheduled to begin blooming around March 21 in Tokyo. Which means it’s— HANAMI TIME! Across the country, people will grab blue vinyl tarps to stake out their turf under the … Read more
I hope you’re having a wonderful 2019. I welcomed the new year with a traditional soul food meal of black-eyed peas, greens, and chitlins. (I usually don’t eat pork— much—but it’s the year of the pig…) My husband, from Kyoto, ordered Japanese osechi—a Godzilla-sized New Year’s bento box with black beans, dried fish, seaweed. It’s … Read more