Category Archives: Moving to Japan

Another Culture Lesson Learned the Hard Way- #16

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Today, I will review a case study, which will, if committed to memory, prevent your new Japanese friends from committing seppuku (suicide) after attending a party at your apartment. Harasi-san, a Japanese male in his early twenties. A recent graduate … Continue reading →

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Irises at Meiji Shrine – and a Surprise Sighting

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Emily Cannell

My favorite ” go to” spot- Meiji Shrine. Always entertaining- to me anyway, as  I can never find anyone else to tag along. The Offspring hide until I`ve been gone for 10 minutes. Spouse will go if he can see … Continue reading →

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Birds of a Feather Bike Tokyo Together

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Emily Cannell

I prefer to limit constraints on my behavior with too many rules. Therefore, I operate under a general set of guiding principles which can be altered if circumstances require a quick adjustment. There is one that has remained constant, has … Continue reading →

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Tattoos – Today`s Taboo Topic

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Today`s taboo topic is the tattoo. There are two main reasons I don`t have any. I view the largest organ of the body as a blank canvas, thus my first major hurdle is the limited color palate from which to … Continue reading →

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Andretti-san Plus New Phone Equals Danger in Tokyo

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Andretti-san- fastest driver in the East, cultural guide, and Japanese sensei- is also a self-professed otaku– someone obsessed with electronics and gaming to the exclusion of all other interests and activities. He and I have debated the validity of his … Continue reading →

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A New “First” to Add to The Unusual List

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Five years ago, had my station wagon fallen in to a sink hole on my way to Pilates and that deranged Alice revealed our lives full of “firsts” in Japan, I would have asked for one of whatever she had … Continue reading →

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Uhh- What the Hell is That?

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Emily Cannell

“What the HELL is that?” I ask that question at least once a day. Politely. Yesterday it occurred when Andretti-san and I encountered these: Andretti-san  – “Eat it.” Not unless my other choice is being forced to watch the movie … Continue reading →

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Cherry Blossom Viewing- A “How To” Guide for the Novice

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Emily Cannell

I`ve been remiss as a blogger covering Japan given my lack of attention to “Hanami”- loosely translated as “viewing of cherry blossoms.” I`ve felt a hesitation to do so given the ubiquitous coverage and adoration piled upon the petaled pink … Continue reading →

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A Stroll Through The Cemetery During Sakura Season

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Emily Cannell

I am possessed by a morbid fascination with cemeteries. I`ve pin pointed its genesis to the stories told at my Grandfather`s supper table about the flooding of Elba, a small town in south Alabama. He sat on the roof of … Continue reading →

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Getting Genki with Geisha Clampitt Style

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Emily Cannell

A mini bus commandeered by Andretti-san and packed with invading Clampitts from Oregon squirmed ominously awaiting our departure toward downtown Kyoto as I faced the motley crowd to pose this thought-provoking question- “Geisha- who are these masked white beauties of … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments