Halloween seemed a world away when I lived in rural Japan in the 1990s. A friend of mine knew about it, though, and in an effort to help me feel at home, she corralled a few neighborhood kids to dress up and visit my door. They arrived, giving each other looks that said, “We didn’t sign up for this, and we don’t know what we’re … Continue reading Halloween in Japan: 2024
(Nov. 14, 2023) Looking for holiday gifts with a touch of Japanese flair? The Same Moon store is open — with 50% off apparel today only. Continue reading Same Moon apparel is 50% off today
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
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
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
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?
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
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!
This weekend’s Harvest Moon brings o-tsukimi, an opportunity to gather, appreciate and look for … rabbits? Continue reading Harvest moon-viewing … and rabbits
The chaos of summer has knocked me off writing and into projects … currently turning visual order into chaos … Continue reading Turning order into chaos
Sarah Coomber 