Take a peak: Surveying the heights of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group. Man on a mountain By MARK BRAZIL Special to The Japan Times In the very center of Hokkaido lies a landscape so far removed from the urban sprawl ⋯

I’ve have lived in Japan for almost four years now. Looking back, I have indeed accomplished a great number of things. Learning just enough Japanese (read, write, conversation) to survive. I’ve even managed to lose ⋯

The loneliness of the long-distance foreigner A few months ago I had beers with several old Japan-hand guys (combined we have more than a century of Japan experiences), and one of them asked an interesting question: After ⋯

One of the many things I like about Japan are the public “wheelchair” restrooms (aka multifunction rooms). These restrooms cater to Moms that need to change their kids’ diapers and for wheelchair bound individuals to take care ⋯

Marvelous Minakami: the great year-round escape By: JEFF KINGSTON (Special to The Japan Times) Sunday, July 10, 2011 Face it, you need to get out of Tokyo during the dog days of summer, when it gets like a fetid ⋯

Japan - rain and lack of drains on the road< 🔗 Why is it that most of Japan’s roads have virtually no overflow drains? No curb drains? In a country where it rains often, I’ve wondered why the roads have no drains to collect ⋯

The below sites are a good source to monitor for the situation in Japan and around ⋯

The below sites are a good source to monitor for the situation in Japan and around ⋯

​Hindsight is said to be 20/20… It would be hoped that in hindsight we would learn to avoid past mistakes. In reading the JapanTimes, I find myself irritated with how the information is revealed. Now that things appear to be ⋯

As we approach the third week of nature’s disaster upon Japan, we find the aftermath of these connected events plaguing us. From the M9.0 quake to the resulting tsunami and the weakened nuclear reactors in Fukushima, it goes ⋯

Looking at the USGS site that covers Japan, I can see all the earthquakes are focused along the deep oceanic trench where the Eurasia plate and the Pacific plate meet. In the last 10 days alone, we have experienced over 300 ⋯

These last several days are only the beginning of what I’m certain will be a very trying and difficult time for Japan. Not just economically, but in all facilities such as food, medical assistance, and resource distribution. ⋯

The damage to the power plants in Fukushima are having wide and deep unexpected impacts. Services to many trains are suspended indefinitely. A few trains are running at 30% capacity. My train routes are completely down. Many ⋯

Below, I will define the traits and qualities I look for in a potential mate. Personality: Fluent in 日本語。Since I am to live in Japan indefinitely, Japanese language is a must to survive in Japan. MOST IMPORTANT: Can accept me ⋯

I recently received the results of my physical from last month, I had a check-up which found that my blood pressure was “normal” but on the high side. Additionally, the urine test showed that my urine acid was slightly high. ⋯

On the eve of yet another year, I find myself hopeful and optimistic of the future. Despite all the challenges of the year 2010, I have successfully ​conquered all of my financial difficulties. Back in the black, I can look ⋯

Okay… So, we had a long video phone chat via Skype last Saturday… We talked about my job situation. And as I suspected, that was her primary point of concern and worry. Followed by the recent events from my Birthday weekend ⋯

List of things about Naoko that I like or “hate…” : Good Bad Charming FeistyAcademic Wants family and children Hates Tobacco does not drink alcohol - good for baby Hint of rebelliousness *seems* to have accepted my ⋯

I will be moving apartments again. So over the next month, I doubt that I will be able to post much to my site. I will need to take time in sorting out my new place. Not to mention build a new network for my PCs and ⋯

⋯