Theatre Presentation Pictures

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Japanese Students, History of Theatre

It seems like forever ago I promised more school pics soon. This was the first event where I didn’t get a fast turnaround on photos from the moms at school. Probably because it was the end of the school year and they now have a new teacher. I’ve also broken their hearts. My old students still come and see me… Read more »

Japanese School Bus

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school bus in japan

In Japan, several of the private pre-schools have very special busses. One of my favorites is this dog bus. It goes by my school daily. I want to know if it barks for a horn. There is an old fashioned train bus near the base and it toots for it’s horn. I can never get a great shot of it… Read more »

Stuff in the Mail

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japanese food

A few people have asked me about the kinds of things that we can’t get here that can be sent in  the mail. A lot of it I’ve adjusted to living without, even  though I miss it. I’ll keep adding to this list when I think of stuff. Post cards, American stickers (I use them at school), Beef Jerky, Fruit Leather, See’s Candy, … Read more »

My School’s Website

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I have spent a long time trying to hunt down this “great website” that my school has. And here it  is: http://www.sands-kinder.com In Japanese, it’s: http://www.sands-edu.com There is another web server we use that hosts our e-mall, and so far all I’ve found there Is  this “Goodbye Mr. Mike” page. At least I’m in it, right? http://www.imageup.ne.jp/SS Our school was… Read more »

Fashion Plus – In Japan

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Fashion Lingere in Japan

I was really surprised by the number of people who e-mailed me back with questions about the Japanese fashion stuff, so … I’ve decided to do another Culture Twist update on the fashion here. Keep in mind, these are my viewpoints, and nothing more, but I have been here a full year now with no car, so walking and taking… Read more »

Kitten Update (aka more pics!!)

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Mika

I finally figured out her name. Mika (mee-kah). I was going to name her Mike (mee-keh) for  the tri-color pattern (“mikeneko” in Japanese), but I’ve slipped up a few times and called her Mika, which turns out is a  Japanese name for women. It means vase/urn in Japanese with that spelling, but it’s a stem in a lot of other  neat… Read more »

KITTEN!

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Japanese Tri Color Cat

After fostering many baby kitties, I’ve finally found the one I’m going to keep. Her current name is Sprite, but I think I may name her Bina, as in Columbina from Commedia dell’Arte. Her face looks like a Venetian mask with the diamond patterns. She also reminds me of Rose from “A Rose for Pinkerton.” She’s got the green eyes… Read more »

My Yukata (The Kimono Looking Thing)

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Japanese Yukata on American

As you’ve probably seen from my profile, I have a new Yukata. It looks like a kimono, but really isn’t. Kimonos are silk and carry high price tags. I will get one someday, but I need to come down from the $4,000 tag before I can decide on one. What I’m wearing in my pictures is made of cotton, with… Read more »

Phantom of the Opera in Japanese

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Last weekend, I went to see The Phantom of the Opera in Tokyo. Naturally, being in Japan, the entire play (songs and all) was done in Japanese. Naturally.  Except that I wasn’t ready for that.  I thought it would be a U.S. touring show.  Silly me. The play was still a killer show.  I was a little sad because I… Read more »

Fuji-San Hike

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Two Packs on Mt. Fuji in Japan

So this weekend I finally did it, I hiked Fuji.  I’ve got lots of great pictures to show you all, but only 1/2 are digital, so you’ll have to wait a few more days for all the pics, but here are a few tid-bits for those who can’t wait, here are some details and pics: