First, just to assuage any worries anyone might have, I was nowhere near the earthquake that hit Japan today. Actually, the island I'm on rarely seems to get hit by earthquakes, especially compared to how often I felt quakes back when I lived in Tokyo. I swear in Tokyo it felt like we had a small quake once or twice a month. Really, you barely ( Read more... )

Someone, who will remain nameless, recently accused me of having a ugly kitten. I'd like to respond to those libelous and completely baseless allegations with these photos:


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While I am all for encouraging safe practices among the young people of Japan, I really could do without the giant chlamydia awareness poster  first thing in the morning. Don't even get me started on the EXTREMELY detailed photographs. Seriously people, no one wants to see that, especially not right after breakfast.

I blame the fact that the ( Read more... )

Yeah, I know it doesn't exactly rhyme. What're you gonna do about it?

This time of year is known as tsuyu in Japan, which roughly translates as "the rainy season" or "Hell at 85 degrees". Imagine a month of meteorological mood swings, from torrential downpour to cataclysmic thunderstorm to raining ALL THE DAMN TIME, EVEN WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING. Add ( Read more... )

I've decided there are advantages and disadvantages to living near a large active volcano.

Advantages:

-Boasting rights ("Oh, you have a sundeck? That's cute. I have AN ACTIVE VOLCANO! IN YOUR FACE!")

-Scenic view

-Cutesy anthropomorhic volcano mascots for various local stores and tourist destinations. You think I'm kidding? This is Japan. EVERYTHING ( Read more... )

From the country that brought you such hits as chocolate-covered squid, shrimp ice-cream, and fish sperm sacs, I give you:

CUCUMBER SODA!

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Ugh. The one downside to having a nearby beach--sand invades every inch of your body and everything you bring to the beach.  How did I get sand in my ears?! How does that even happen?

Picture of the day:


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I apologize for my relative silence over the past couple of weeks--I have been locked in battle with armies of cockroaches that have laid siege to my fair apartment. One of the major drawbacks to a semi-tropical climate. But fear not!

I shall go on to the end, I shall fight on the kitchen table, I shall fight on the surfaces and floors, I shall ( Read more... )

 So, this weekend I traveled far into the deepest depths of Kyushu for a Hash. No, not the corned beef kind. Or the illegal kind. No, this was a Hash House Harriers kind of Hash.

So, what's a Hash? A Hash is sort of a footrace. It's also sort of a rabbit hunt. It's also sort of an outdoor bender. Well, actually it's mostly an outdoor bender.

Let me ( Read more... )

One of the downsides of having houseguests (and loaning them your video rental card): finding a copy of "Sister Act 2"* rented A MONTH AGO still sitting in your VCR.

You two owe me $25 in late fees!

* = Interestingly enough, called Tenshi no Rabu Songu 2 (Angel's Love Song 2) in Japanese

Picture of the day:

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