Tag Archives: Tokyo

Getting Genki with Geisha Clampitt Style

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

Snow Monkeys- Karmic Cuteness

While the rest of the world celebrates the Year of the Dragon, the Clampitt clan has been in a parallel universe celebrating the Year of the Monkey. Primates, those in addition to the hairless version in my family, have participated … Continue reading

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

You Can`t Judge A Book By Its Cover- the Kimono

The kimono. Long thought by Western cultures to be an elegant robe, loosely wrapped and cinched with an elaborate belt allowing Japanese men and women to conduct the business of daily living devoid of the discomforts associated with ties and … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

What Not to Do While Visiting an Onsen

Several years ago I left my persona as a corporate climber and established myself as a trophy wife. That pesky full length mirror in our shower insists, however, that I am in fact a consolation prize won for participation only. … Continue reading

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Coming of Age in Japan- Seijin no Hi

I don`t recall the details of my coming of age other than it was welcomed in an intoxicated stupor. Here I remained for several years following just to ensure I was acting like an adult, or the ones in my … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Ringing in the Year of the Dragon- Japanese Style

The Year of the Dragon roared in to Japan hailed by a 7.0 earthquake. Somebody`s a drama queen. In spite of that auspicious entry, I think I speak for all Japan residents when I say we are happy to see … Continue reading

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

Yes- I`m a Temple Snob

After living in Japan for over a year, and visiting thousands, if not millions, of temples and shrines, I`ve become a “Temple Snob.” Enticing the Ouisar-san in to a temple visit now requires a hook. Upon further reflection, the temples … Continue reading

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

Wedding Stalkers Anonymous Welcomes Two New Members

Hi, my name is Ouisar-san and I`m a wedding stalker. I have a fetish for Japanese Shinto weddings. The urge to ambush elated couples during their nuptial celebration stems from experiences as a child. I don`t recall which ones exactly. … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

The Nose Visits Japan- A Guest`s Reaction

Many of you are familiar with my younger sister, the Nose, so nicknamed for her savant type recall of maps, ability to identify geographical landmarks, and unsurpassed skill at navigating around a place with which she has no familiarity. In … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Only in Japan

No matter what the country of origin, religious preference or family upbringing, there are certain irrefutable facts about boys. 1) They always take unnecessary risks, 2) stay dirty until the age of 18 3) prefer eating with fingers and using … Continue reading

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