education shrinks or shrines?
education shrinks or shrines? Shrinks or Shrines? A 24-year old Japanese girl frantically enters a shrine and consults with a Shinto Priest about her decision to leave her boyfriend and move out on her own. She is here to ask for advice on the move. As her boyfriend cheated on her, the Priest agrees with […]
Traveling Korea Heart and Seoul
Traveling Korea Heart and Seoul HEART AND SEOUL Add a little spice to your life with a trip to South Korea– by Michael Curren Looking for a getaway? Need to add a little flavor in your life without spending half of your vacation and budget on an airplane? In approximately 2 hours from the […]
can of worms – how silk makes the man 2
Whitehead puts all of us consumers to shame by being involved in every aspect of the Herculean task of production. Not only does he raise the silkworms, but he also reels cocoons into thread which he then weaves into silk, and dyes with natural indigo dye that he himself grows. There are no Japanese […]
japan on ¥425 a day – part II of the odyssee4
I spend most of my journey to Sapporo in a gomi truck. Gomi-man is gruff, aggressive mumbler. After three attempts to comprehend his name I give up. Surely, Gomi-man has several cars on cinder blocks in front of his decrepit trailer. He smokes Hi Lites. Actually, he smokes my cigarettes and offers nothing. I […]
japan on ¥425 a day – part II of the odyssee3
The woman manning the counter at the Tokyo Tourist Information Center had boasted, “Hokkaido is a hitchhiker’s paradise!” It wasn’t the kind of information I expected from the office, but she was more than right. Hell, you don’t even need to hitch. I was merely confused, scanning a city map of Hakodate when a […]
japan on ¥425 a day – part II of the odyssee2
Day two of the journey has a liberating feel. No longer intent to teach for salary, I now subtly imply for a helping hand. A typical spiel: “In two years of teaching English I spent all but a couple of weeks in Tokyo. So now, since it’s the MOST EXPENSIVE country on earth, […]
education in the shadow of basho
education in the shadow of basho In the Shadow of Basho Renowned Business Professor & Japan Authority Robert E. Garrity Robert E. Garrity, often referred to as “the Grand Poobah of Gaijin” began his forty-year love affair with Japan in the 1950s where he spent seven years living in various parts of the country. […]
journey to the stars & beyond open air and space art in hakone
journey to the stars & beyond open air and space art in hakone Journey to the Stars and Beyond Weekend Excursions to Hakone Open Air Museum & the Kazuaki Iwasaki Space Art Museum Looking for something to do during your upcoming vacation? Exhausted all of your possibilities for leisure and play in the Big […]
education don’t tell mom
education don’t tell mom Extra Curricular Activities By Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie Japan’s schoolgirls get sex education on the streets High court judges, homeroom teachers and corporate executives engage in after school affairs with underaged prostitutes. Such stories have headlined the news over the past few years. Enjo kosai – often translated as “compensated dating” has […]
konishiki the gentle giant
konishiki the gentle giant Konishiki, The Gentle Giant From Sumo Champion to Cultural Ambassador By Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie Statistics Birthplace: Oahu Island, Hawaii Birth Date: December 31st, 1963 Height: 6’1” Weight: 600 pounds+ Given Name: Salevaa Fauli Atisanoe Sumo Name: Konishiki(named after former Yokozuna Yasokichi Konishiki) Name given as Stable Master: Sanoyama Oyakata Japanese […]