yuge155

Karaoke and Late-Night Ferry Ramblings

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December 11th 2006
The end of the year is upon us. In America, this means it's time to get a Christmas tree and do last minute Christmas shopping. In Japan, it means that it is time for bounenkai, or end-of-the-year parties with coworkers. I've been invited to three so far, and have attended two of them already. Working at several different places means attending a separate bounenkai for each place. Last week was my ... read more

Asia » Japan » Ehime » Ochi » Kamijima

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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