Rojone: Drunk Sleeping

Ah, yes. The fabled Rojone, or Drunk Sleeping. The phenomenon of people drinking so much that they pick wherever it is they are, lay down, and begin their nightly slumber. So prevalent in Japan that it has its own word (路上寝: Ro (路 – road), Jo (上 – on), Ne (寝 – sleep). What is […]

Silver Week

After a long hiatus, I’m back! And back just in time to take another holiday! Most people have heard of Golden Week, that glorious holiday in the Spring where you get one full week or as close to one full week as humanly possible to not work and just enjoy the beauty of Japan. Well, […]

Life in Japan With Covid-19: Telecommuting and Life Online

Even though Japan has abysmally low telecommuting numbers, which have a plethora of reasons and factors behind them, there are still some of us out here engaging with work and earning money online. Here’s a bit about my experience being online in Japan during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Life in Japan With Covid-19: The New Normal

In his speech last Monday announcing the end of the state of emergency in the last six prefectures still under the declaration, Primer Minister Abe stated that there would still be guidelines for how to reopen safely and smartly. Japan is anticipating a second wave and doesn’t want to take any more risks than necessary, […]

Jerónimos Monastery

This has to be one of the longest buildings I saw in Portugal: It stretched and stretched along the road, its towers hovering above the lines of the apartment and office buildings nearby. It’s a beautiful spot with lots to explore and see, and a bit of a focal point for visits in the area.

Belém Tower

One of the most iconic sights in Lisbon is Belem Tower. It sits just off a nice sandy beach on the outskirts of a now public park. Back in the day, however, it was a fearsome welcome to those who thought they could simply walk… or sail… into the heart of Portugal.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

There is no shortage to history and importance of Portugal’s seafaring prowess in centuries gone-by along the Tagus. By Jerónimos Monastery on the banks of the river is Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a very large and imposing monument dedicated to that gilded golden age of Portugal.

Boca do Inferno

Do you like nature? How about tall seaside cliffs with crashing waves? One of the most spectacular views to be had in Portugal would definitely be Boca do Inferno, which we checked out as a small day trip from Lisbon.

Life in Japan With Covid-19: State of Emergency

A few weeks ago, Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency for a few choice provinces around Japan. Just last week, he expanded that to include the entire nation. So what does that mean for me and the rest of my community here in Japan?

Life in Japan With Covid-19: Anti-Coronavirus Mascots?

Japan has a mascot for just about anything and a global pandemic doesn’t stop those creative impulses. There was, earlier this year, the introduction of an official quarantine mascot who came out of the shadows of obscurity to shine once more. Additionally, an old Edo-era monster, known as a Yokai, has been gaining popularity for […]