Category Archives: Life in Japan

A Moment of Silence

March 11, 2020. Today is the anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands of Japanese people. Events had been planned to remember the lives lost this day, but they’ve been canceled due to the coronavirus. Instead, we’re asked to observe a moment of silence. It’s very sad, but unfortunately, that’sContinue reading “A Moment of Silence”

More Coronavirus Woes: Lessons I’m Learning

I’m struggling to keep balance. Things are happening at a rate that I can’t keep up. But I’m attempting to keep a level head with all the panic happening around me. The best way to do this is to list what I can learn from this experience: Having multiple sources of income is important I’veContinue reading “More Coronavirus Woes: Lessons I’m Learning”

Coronavirus

Okay, I’m jumping on the bandwagon. It’s just inescapable. I’m inundated everyday on the news about the coronavirus and its spread all over Japan. Everyday, new cases are reported. The worrying thing is that it’s affecting even those who had no direct contact with people from China’s Wuhan province. There’s a lack of masks inContinue reading “Coronavirus”

Catching Up

It’s funny how work always gets in the way of the things I want to do. The last few weeks have been very busy for me. As an English teacher here in Japan, I had to prepare for our special Christmas lessons at school as well as other End-of-Year activities. I think every educator knowsContinue reading “Catching Up”

Black Friday, Japan

Things that make you go, hmm… Last week was Thanksgiving in the US, but I live here in Japan and there was hardly any mention of the holiday except from fellow Americans. However, the big thing that was on people’s minds was Black Friday–which made me go, “Huh?” Black Friday is such an American thing:Continue reading “Black Friday, Japan”

Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan

I am at Fujiya, our local cake place, choosing which cake to eat for dessert tonight. I make my choice and take out the money for this purchase. The lady pauses for a moment before she rings up my order. She seemed to be waiting for something. And then, “Do you have your point card?”Continue reading “Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan”