Hello all, November, November, I scarcely remember. November has always felt like a filler month to me; nowadays it’s little more than an extension of December, everyone just anticipating Christmas now that we’ve got the pesky first five sixths of the year out of the way. Certainly, there’s very little to distinguish it from its…
I’ve been travelling a lot recently, and I had an epiphany at 3.00 am yesterday (or 11.00 am, depending which time zone you want to use), while into the 23rd hour of a 28-hour trip. The world is actually that little animatic map you get on planes. You know, the strange Windows 95-era rendering of…
Greetings! Remember, remember the month of September- it’s when school resumes. Yes, I’m sure we’re all aware that we’re back to work this month and I’m sure we’re all thrilled about that prospect. If you’re new, it might be a shock to actually start classes; if you’re old, it might be a shock how…
People are leaving. It’s sad, in case you didn’t know. It’s sad because you might not see people ever again and, even if you do, they might be changed beyond recognition. Or you might be. It might turn out your friendship was ephemeral and ethereal and it crumbles when you don’t live in the same…
It’s hot and muggy, the JLPT is in two days, and many Americans are probably cursing that fact. Welcome to July, and my final issue as the editor of the Hyogo Times! My first July was the easiest: I went on a road trip up to 天橋立 with my Kobe area friends,…
Ah, the rainy season. Fortunately, Starbucks is this year presenting us with a baked cheesecake frappuccino, which sounds intriguing and with the potential to be incredible. Keep those waterproof accoutrements around you yet (for frappuccinos spillages, and the rain, I guess)! My first June in Japan, I jetted off back to Portland for a…
The weather may stay warmer, my school will have Taco Rice Tuesdays, and Golden Week insanity is upon us! May also brings a more settled schedule for many of us following the holidays at its start. My first year, Golden Week was split into two, with the first half devoted to a solo trip…
The peak of the sakura is upon us, as is the beginning of a new school year, with new teachers, students, and seating arrangements. April is here! My first ever hanami was preluded by a night of making yakisoba and peanut butter cookies (sorry Sarah!). My friend and I were not the greatest…
As we march forward toward hanami and the end of the school year, let us not forget to be grateful for the advantages life in Japan offers us (see what I did there?). So far, every March I’ve spent in Japan has included at least one weekend full of cosplay and nerdiness at…