Sharing favorite finds from across the archipelago
I concede that I initially thought I might not be the best person to give an honest review of a book on alcohol. Not being much of a drinker, I generally shy away from any kind of liquor. Sure, I've tasted a variety of what's on offer here in Japan (and admit to a fondness... Continue Reading →
Whenever possible, reading forms a large part of my day. And I admit to being a throwback to the "age of paper". I always have an actual, printed book with me. Though it would be more convenient - and easier on my back muscles when toting books while traveling - I still haven't made that... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, my brother and sister-in-law gifted us with the board game Tokaido, a game based on the old "highway" that linked Kyoto and the shogun's capital of Edo. The game sat in our cabinet for entirely too long (5 year olds don't listen to complicated game explanations) until guilt ate away too... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, Stonebridge Press sent me an advance copy of My Year of Dirt and Water: The Journal of a Zen Monk's Wife in Japan by Tracy Franz. I've been fortunate to review a good many Japan-themed books on this blog over the years but never before have I been privileged to review the book... Continue Reading →
October is here and the past weeks have flown - the start of school, a flurry of traveler itineraries, plans for the autumn pilgrimage "home" to Japan. (I can't miss foliage season!) Meanwhile, the pile of books by my bedside table has continued to grow. This week, the stack finally reached a guilt-inducing height and... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to support one of those crowd-funded projects that seem to be ever-more popular these days. Sure, many of them sound cool, but this one in particular caught my eye. Actor and activist George Takei (you may remember him from the original Star Trek series) was raising funds for... Continue Reading →
When I picked up last month's Review selection (K is for Kabuki), I also grabbed another book called Real Samurai. This nonfiction book is written by Stephen Turnbull, a noted military historian. I haven't reviewed many samurai books so I thought I'd take it home and give it a go. Confession time - I find... Continue Reading →
While moving is never fun, it's always a treat to discover the local library in my new home. The library has been an invaluable to resource over the years to me, and I am constantly surprised by the unique and enjoyable resources it often holds. This week, I found the book K is for Kabuki:... Continue Reading →
I've mentioned it before, but libraries are one of my favorite places. So of course, one of the first places I went in southern California was the library closest to my house. Sticking out at the end of one o the shelves was a title I had never actually come across before - Yuki and the... Continue Reading →
A few months ago, I was asked by Japan Travel to cover a story on a Tokyo-based tattoo artist and his French assistant. I don't know much about tattoos, don't personally have any tattoos and had never really educated myself on the subject. (I'm in no way anti-tattoo, mind you. But I do find it easier to... Continue Reading →
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