Tag Archives: Tokyo

Shrine Sale or Bust

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Emily Cannell

One of my favorite pastimes and one missing from my current ExPat lifestyle is “junkin’,” a term used for dotingly, carefully, and surrepticiously clawing through piles of used items while being careful not to arouse the attention of other junkers … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Sensei Wields the Sword of the Samurai- on Ouiser

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Emily Cannell

And cut me to the quick. For the last 8 months, Sensei has attempted with no results to teach me the building blocks of the Japanese phonics- the 46 Hiragana characters. I have resolutely and with great success blocked her … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

What a Doll!- Hinamatsuri

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Beginning February, and ending on March 3rd with Girl’s day, is Hinamatsuri – the Japanese Doll Festival. Japanese homes throughout Japan display elaborate dolls on red carpets depicting the Emperor, Empress and Court Attendants from the Heian period. Unlike the Chistmas … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

A Food Puzzle- And the National Snack of Japan

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Emily Cannell

The Rice Ball- The national snack of Japan. Sold by the dozens in every convenience store in Japan, each costs about 120 yen- 140 or $1.20- $1.40. Crunchy sea weed surrounds sticky rice which then encapsulates a filling. The filling … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving Lesson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

“We Interrupt our Usual Broadcasting to Bring You This Important Message..”

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Emily Cannell

The Japan Sumo Association confirmed the cancellation of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament due to match fixing. The last time a Grand Sumo Tournament was cancelled occurred in 1946 due to damage of the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium from WWII. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

“You…you…you…. Oni!” The Setsubun Festival

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Emily Cannell

According to a high-ranking Japanese authority on cultural issues to whom I have close ties, hurling an insult might include calling someone an “Oni” in Japan- or demon. Spouse might claim that I’ve been inhabited by an Oni the past … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture Lessons, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

An American Experience in Tokyo- Costco

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Emily Cannell

I love to see American products packaged for the Japanese. Costco is becoming one of the most recognizable American discount warehouse stores. Whenever the toilet paper runs low, it’s time for a Costco run. The last time, as I took … Continue reading →

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Posted in Food, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Food Peep Show

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Emily Cannell

On Sunday I was wandering around Shibuya replacing all of the various computer chords and headphones Demolition Derby boy had destroyed during his ill-fated school ski trip when I happened upon a snaking line of Japanese. It appeared to lead … Continue reading →

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Posted in Food, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Asking “No” Questions- How Could it be so Hard? Culture Lesson #10

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Emily Cannell

It is easier to draw blood from a turnip or shake millions from the money tree than to gain a negative answer to a question from a Japanese person. When faced with unusual, off-putting and uncomfortable Ouiser questions, many of … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture Lessons, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

“Japan in a Box” Mt. Takao

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Their nickname- not mine. Apparently everything one could want on a hiking excursion one hour outside of Tokyo- all Japanese. The Social Chairman and I set out armed to the armpits, she with the file folder of maps and information … Continue reading →

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Posted in Moving to Japan, Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments