Ah, the dog days of summer. Yup, it's STILL hot here. This is not my favorite time of year in Japan. The heat is one thing (temperatures have been in the high 80s and low 90s for the second half of this month) but it's the humidity that really saps you. Still, as much as... Continue Reading →
Experience: Wearing a Kimono
Kimono are beautiful, but they are WORK. Of course, I still stop and stare (as unobtrusively as possible, of course) whenever I see a woman in kimono walk by, but now I have a better appreciation for what all goes into wearing a kimono. It all starts from the bottom up. First come the tabi, two-toed... Continue Reading →
5 Faves: Holiday Gifts for Japanophiles (2013 Edition)
The leaves are still turning but my calendar is relentless in informing me that the holidays will be here all too soon. Thanks to a friend, I am inspired to give my family back home a variety of Japan's uniquely flavored Kit Kats. Knowing how long it can take to track those down, I had... Continue Reading →