Connecting with strangers
A couple of memories from my recent trip to Japan — the blazing fast bullet train and ways strangers reached out to connect with me Continue reading Connecting with strangers
Category: Japan
“The Female Experience (in Japan)” — podcast
Podcaster Amy Chavez drew me out on several experiences I’ve written about for her latest podcast, “The Female Experience Teaching in Japan.” Continue reading “The Female Experience (in Japan)” — podcast
Connected by Moon and Zoom
I’m feeling thankful for the power of Zoom, which connected me for a conversation with a writer I admire … on the other side of the world. Continue reading Connected by Moon and Zoom
What day is it?
I hadn’t planned to visit Japan this fall … But when we learned the country would open its borders to regular tourists just days before the Japan Writers Conference, my husband encouraged me to shift gears. Wouldn’t it be better to present in person, rather than over Zoom? Yeah. A couple of weeks later, I stepped off an airplane in Tokyo. It had been fifteen … Continue reading What day is it?
Japanese gift reveal
A couple of weeks ago, a friend I hadn’t seen in years told me she had something I might like. All I needed to do was say yes and pick it up … Continue reading Japanese gift reveal
Plot twist — off to Japan!
Japan wasn’t on my bingo card for 2022, but a writer’s conference, a new immigration policy and an encouraging husband say otherwise. Off I go! Continue reading Plot twist — off to Japan!
Harvest moon-viewing … and rabbits
This weekend’s Harvest Moon brings o-tsukimi, an opportunity to gather, appreciate and look for … rabbits? Continue reading Harvest moon-viewing … and rabbits
Turning order into chaos
The chaos of summer has knocked me off writing and into projects … currently turning visual order into chaos … Continue reading Turning order into chaos
Book review: ‘a clearer meaning of tolerance’
I’m tickled to share this new review of my memoir, The Same Moon, from the Japan America Society of Minnesota. Here’s what reviewer Tom Haeg identified as a takeaway: What we learn here is a clearer meaning of tolerance. We must accept others as similar to, not different from ourselves. What we share in common is more important than what distinguishes us. Inclusion not exclusion. … Continue reading Book review: ‘a clearer meaning of tolerance’
Peony snow
This type of snowfall takes me back to one of Japan’s aptly named weather phenomena … Continue reading Peony snow
Sarah Coomber 