Thanks to everyone who checked up on me because there was apparently a　tsunami warning on American television. But in fact I didn't even know about it until I checked my email! The warning primarily effects Hokkaido which is way up north, and I didn't even feel an earthquake or anything. But again, thanks for your concern!

Good night . . . (-

Here are some pictures from the annual Halloween party in Kochi. This year I was "sukebe daihyo" which means pervert representative or some such thing. The sash was suggested to me (perhaps as a joke) by a friend when we were costume shopping. From there I just wore a suit and carried around a mildly dirty comic book, a pair of underwear, and a ( Read more... )

A couple weeks ago I went to visit Nagasaki. Despite being known as the second city to be the target of a nuclear bomb, Nagasaki also has an interesting history as, at one time, the only place in Japan through which foreigners were allowed to pass. To this day, Nagasaki still has a Chinatown and a fairly large amount of Christians because of that ( Read more... )

I guess I haven't updated the journal in over two months eh ( Read more... )

For those even vaguely familiar with European languages, the title of this journal entry may seem strange. Amontillado is the name of a Spanish alcohol, and naming an "Irish Pub" after it seems a little strange. But in Japan strange things like that happen every day. It is quite important for your bar to have a ridiculous name if you want it to ( Read more... )

So it was a big secret but last week I went to Korea for five days. It was a lot of fun, despite basically flying by the seats of our pants. My friend Ti basically asked me if I'd like to come along with him, and so of course I did. We booked tickets on "The Beetle," a highspeed ferry that runs from Fukuoka to Busan and takes only 3 hours. So ( Read more... )

Recently I've been feeling kind of crappy. I think it's the weather. It's really hot and humid or hot and rainy every day. And I think it's somewhat effecting my mood. I can't really tell if people have been being butts lately or if I've just been in a sour mood or what. Like I got peeved when the teacher I teach with called me Richardo in ( Read more... )

Did you know the world cup is happening right now? Being from a country that is known around the world for not being interested in soccer, I am finding it somewhat interesting. Tonight Japan is playing Australia, and everyone is watching it. As my friend said, even though she doesn't usually watch soccer, it's like a festival, and so she's ( Read more... )

It's been a while.  It's not that things haven't been
happening, but I've been keeping rather busy and updating the journal
has been somewhat of an afterthought.  But I promised myself I'd
update it today.  First, a "some people are so dumb" story.

Just now, not five minutes ago, I was walking down the hall. I ( Read more... )

What's really 'Chinese' about fortune cookies?
By ERIC PRIDEAUX

Try this for fun next time you're in New York City: Walk into any sushi bar, eat your fill and then ask for a fortune cookie.

"Would that be a Chinese fortune cookie?" the waiter will likely respond a little loftily. "Sorry, but this is a Japanese restaurant ( Read more... )