Early winter in Yamanashi

Despite the cold, quite a few species of trees and plants here continue to bloom and produce fruit. It's quite odd to me, actually. Fruit is the most common gift for many occasions, and the Japanese really enjoy giving and receiving gifts year-round. It's a significant part of the culture. I was out for a bike ride; I think these are pear trees. Yamanashi means "yama = mountain" and "nashi = pear," so "mountain pear."

"I'll (not) be home for Christmas..."

December 23rd 2007
Ima nanji desu ka? Christmas desu. What time is it? It’s Christmas. Ok, I think that’s pretty close. We’re always practicing! Christmas just isn’t the same so far from family. You don’t miss the other stuff here - just family. But, we’re doing our best to revel in the Japanese Christmas season, which consists of everything overwhelming and unnecessary about Christmas and none of the ... read more

Asia » Japan » Yamanashi

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

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