Yoshimi

What to do with a Monday Off

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June 18th 2007
Here I am, finishing off my holiday Monday with a melon soda and some computer time. Our school's culture festival is taking place this Friday and Saturday so our school gave us a holiday in exchange for our attendance on both days. I'm exhausted even though I was supposed to use this extra time to relax and prepare for my departure. Living in the countryside, it's not always easy to find exci ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kagoshima » Shibushi

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more