Tag Archives: Travel

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

The Melter- You Just Made a Mistake- Culture Lesson #11

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Today I found myself the regrettable but most certainly deserving recipient of most noxious and withering look, the kind of which stops all life related activity dead in its tracks- I call it the Melter. So named because of the … Continue reading →

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Ordering Food Japan Style

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Emily Cannell

The day started with a threat. A certain Offspring claimed the discovery of a snowboarding sweet spot currently off-limits according to the snow patrol, while mysterious evidence of recent use in the form of tracks proved otherwise. And I don’t … Continue reading →

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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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“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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“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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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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Nagano- Home to the ’98 Winter Olympics

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Emily Cannell

And site of the latest injury. Just another winter for the Clampitts and our quest to  establish long-term relationships with every Emergency Clinic within a 50 mile radius no matter where the global coordinates. In this case, Nagano, Japan. Home … Continue reading →

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“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