10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet 163

Wholesome Meme: Appreciate Where You Are Now Rare Historical Photo: African American maid, does the food for the family who employs her, 1950s. kodachrome shot It wasn’t so long ago was it? It explains a lot about why the racists are in power there now, the people in this image and their children are stillContinue reading “10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet 163”

Book Review Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

One man’s quiet resistance and fascinating real-world study of human beings and the connections they forge with each other. This highly amusing and entertaining book tells the story of Late-Stage Capitalism from within a series of vignettes. #Capitalism #Biography #Social #Psychology #Experiment #Politics #Relationships #Emotions #Tokyo #Culture #Japan

Travel: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

In the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is an Edo era (Tokyo) garden of hushed quiet contemplation amidst the bombastic, rushing and striving modern world

Cosy Asakusa, Tokyo by night

People were nestled in their own little womb-like worlds of ramen and Izakaya meals, chugging on massive oversized beers in big jugs. Sheltered and obscured by plastic curtains and held up by plastic chairs. #Tokyo #TravelStories #shortstory #writing #travel

Ancient Word of the Day: Sansai

Sansai. n. ‘mountain vegetables’ from Japanese. Sansai grow wild in marshlands, and grasslands, or in the forest. Japanese people have been gathering wild food to cook with since ancient times. In fact, wild plants or Sansai have helped Japanese when food has been scarce because of drought or some other natural disaster. When food wasContinue reading “Ancient Word of the Day: Sansai”

In praise of Japan’s most majestic cat, circa 889 A.D

In the year 889 A.D, the 23 year old Emperor of Japan writes a journal entry filled with awe and gushing praise for his beloved cat. “On the 6th Day of the 2nd Month of the First Year of the Kampo era. Taking a moment of my free time, I wish to express my joyContinue reading “In praise of Japan’s most majestic cat, circa 889 A.D”

Book Review The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

This is the perfect transportive holiday reading. An uplifting and psychedelic novel about a mystical and ephemeral cafe-on-wheels that appears on the full moon where gigantic cat waiters serve human passers-by with coffee, cake and an astrological reading of their past, present and future. If it sounds cosy, well it really is! It’s a bit like a Murakami novel but less dark and forboding and more heavy on the kawaii-cute.

Book Review: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

Hi, my name is Nao. I am a time being. Do you know what a time being is? Well if you give me a moment, I will tell you.

A time being is someone who lives in time, and that means you, and me and every one of us who is, or ever was, or ever will be.

Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism

The fauna of Japan, rich in diversity, is intricately woven into the tapestry of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditions. Each animal is not just a part of the ecosystem but a bearer of profound spiritual messages and teachings. This article delves deeply into the shamanic symbolism of eight Japanese animals, revealing their roles in folklore,Continue reading “Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism”

Tea for Peace in Shibuya farmers market

On November 1st 2023, PB and I went to Tea for Peace in Shibuya. At UNU towards the back of the weekly farmer’s market, was a showcase of dozens of passionate tea makers from across Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. Each tea producer was friendly and eager to tell the story of their teas andContinue reading “Tea for Peace in Shibuya farmers market”