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A total solar eclipse was observed on July 22, 2009 in Japan. Although it was only the southern islands that observed the total eclipse, all of the Japan was able to observe a partial eclipse. It has been 46 years since the last total eclipse in Japan, and the next one will be in 26 [...]

“Doyo ushi no hi” is a day in late July dedicated to eating eel. The day falls on July 19th this year. The custom began in the 18th century. Since Japanese summer is hot and humid, many people suffer from natsubate (summer fatigue). It is believed that eating nutritious eel helps to increase stamina and [...]

The Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan had a 12-day visit to Canada recently. It marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan. They also cerebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. I was fortunate to be able to see them closely. Some of my friends were more fortunate and were [...]

The Japanese don’t generally move as much as North Americans, though there are some people who are forced to move regularly because of their jobs. Once one buys a house, one usually lives there forever. I’ve never experienced moving until I left Japan. My parents still live in the same house I grew up in [...]

July 7th is Tanabata, Star Festival. People write their wishes on strips of a paper and hang them on leafy bamboo. They are quite pretty and are like summer Christmas trees.