I live in a traditional Japanese wooden house in Miyazaki with modest insulation. It doesn’t snow much here, though winters are relatively cold, and nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing.& … read more

In Japan, traditions are in full display as the year ends the new year begins. It is the time of the year to clean the house thoroughly, pay debts, visit relatives and friends, and exchange gi … read more

I'm fond of seasonal foods. They are fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. It's early February and the kumquats grown in my hometown of Miyazaki are in high s … read more

If you are in Japan on the second Monday of January, you’ll see many young people out and about for the Coming of Age Day—the day for celebrating the youth entering adulthood, and encouraging them … read more

Winter solstice will be upon us soon. Days will begin to get longer, and the promise of new beginnings is in the air.As we put 2017 behind us, just as we do every year, we want to say thanks to our … read more