Went to the park to play basketball with my 12 year old daughter (13 in 2 months). Two of her middle school friends were there, so she got kind of shy. I asked her if she was feeling weird because her friends were there and she said, “yeah.” I suggested we go get a drink … More Hoops
As I learn more shodo I find I understand not only the art of the lettering, but also the poetry. Truth be told, I don’t really concentrate on the meaning of the words as I’m writing; I focus on the lines and the composition. But lately, the poems themselves are hitting me in the heart … More Shodo – Test up Kana
Been in Japan long enough to be able to read quite a bit now. But English still has a more direct line into my brain. I see the meaning without having to process the words. With Japanese, I have to concentrate, go from top level words to lower level meaning. So if I see a … More Japan is Awesome – Translations
Japanophiles are probably aware, but for the rest of the world it might come as news that the current emperor is going to step down in May. That means a change not only in Emperors, but also in the current era in Japan. The period during which the emperor rules has a name. You might … More A New Era – Reiwa
If you every thought that Nancy Reagan’s campaign in the 80’s to Just Say no to drugs was at best a joke, welcome to Japan. Because “If you feel like smoking, you should slurp some udon.” “If you want some white powder, flour is better.” That is all.
Cherry blossoms peak like Olympic gymnasts, young and fast. It’s over before you know the best of it was last weekend. This week the petals are falling like snow, replaced with a new green that’s almost yellow. And I stop wondering why the aesthetic of Japanese poetry is sad and ephemeral.
In 2016, I joined a writers group so I could flex my old dream into maybe more than a hobby. Writing. The long-term dream is still there, but the skill is not much more than a hobby. I’ve published one short story and sold another (still not published, but sold, I cashed the check). Over … More My New Pen
