Thirty dedicated volunteer “Toy Doctors” in our town, Miyazaki, run an organization called The Toy Hospital (omocha-no-biyouin in Japanese.) As you have might have guessed, they mend br … read more

It is still cold, and Spring seems a way off. However, days are starting to get longer noticeably, and unmistakable signs of change are in the air. The plum trees in my backyard have hundreds of pr … read more

night, and once again as I wait for you cold wind turns into rain (byōshō no | ware ni tsuyu chiru | omoi ari) Masaoka Shiki (1867 – 1902) Masaoka Shiki is one of the four Japanese great … read more

All of us at WAWAZA wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. No matter what they are, may all your wishes for this new year come true. Happy Holidays! … read more

There is a chill in the air. Winter will be here in Japan soon. Persimmons are in season; bright red, sweet, juicy and bursting with flavor. Our local farmers dry them to make a tasty treat calle … read more