Since leaving America August 2006, I have traveled to sixteen countries. A great deal has happened. This site is to share my thoughts, photos, music, writings, travel experiences, and developing political/social commentary with you. I hope you find it interesting and informative.
Showing posts with label #Bangladesh #cosplay #Japan #opera #poetry #Sasayama Mary #Tambasasayama #teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Bangladesh #cosplay #Japan #opera #poetry #Sasayama Mary #Tambasasayama #teaching. Show all posts
Again, it’s time to send some love to the wonderful fans of LIVE FROM JAPAN!
My my how time flies! LIVE FROM JAPAN! was published end of January, 2021. I sent the first shot of love here to the fans of the book June 2023, and again July 5, 2024. On those two occasions, as now, I let everyone know that the adventure continues, as I regularly post articles on new happenings and my evolving perspective on life here as an American expat.
While I believe my understanding of and appreciation for the customs and people of Japan is always growing in depth and subtlety, one thing has not changed: I love living here!
There’s no simple explanation for this. All I can suggest is read my book, then read the articles that have subsequently appeared. Judge for yourself..
Here is the entire list of “living in Japan” essays that have appeared on this website, to date:
All of those were written after this splendid book got published. My way of keeping you up to date and hopefully dazzled and delighted.
If you don’t have a copy, you have no idea what you’re missing. Time to remedy that. You can order it from your local book store or visit one of these sites:
How did this happen? Very interesting story indeed!
Sasayama Mary was a very popular and successful fortune teller. As her success mounted, those around her became envious and spiteful. She found herself abandoned. When her best friend turned on her, it was the last painful straw. She became depressed and withdrawn, not sure where to head with her life.
Then attending a Halloween costume party changed everything, She went to the party as a cat. As she mixed among the guests, the smiles of delight were evident. She was making people happy! It felt good to again be accepted and to spread some joy in the world.
Thus, Sasayama Mary, the feline celebrity of our sleepy little town, was born! Currently, she only appears in public as a cat and can be seen anywhere and everywhere around town.
Masumi reminded me that we originally spotted her at our Dekansho Festival. I remember seeing her but just assumed it was another person dressed up specifically for the occasion, a common practice. But no, this was Sasayama Mary, doing her thing.
How we officially just met . . .
We had guests last weekend and were sitting in the store of our friends, Keiko-san and her husband Yatsushi-san, when in strolled a human-size cat! To put it mildly, I was surprised … amazed … delighted!
Sasayama Mary sat down with us and we got acquainted. Meow!
About the folks in this photo, starting bottom right and going clockwise: Of course, first is my wife Masumi. She’s a public school music teacher, phenomenal piano player and opera singer, is currently studying cello, drums, and ballet. Then there’s Sasayama Mary. My wife loves cats. Maybe that’s why she’s sitting next to her.
Coming around the circle, there’s yours truly. My Facebook Profile says “I can balance a Boeing 767 on my nose while I dance Swan Lake. I see hope where others see soap.” That’s really all you need to know about me.
Next are Yatsushi-san and Keiko-san. They are genuinely amazing people. They have built over thirty schools in Bangladesh. In the background of the photo, you can see pics on the wall of some of the hundreds of students they’ve helped with their education.
Next lady is Yoko-san, married to Gary-san. Yoko used to work for the World Bank. Through her contacts, she was able to arrange a huge grant for Yatsushi’s and Keiko’s NPO, funding the construction of at least five schools in Bangladesh. Finally, her American husband, Gary, is a poet, philosopher, political writer, formerly a teacher.
It’s certainly true that the tiny city I live in, Tambasasayama, is a quiet, traditional, rural town. But don’t think for a minute, it’s only farmers and rice fields we have here. Some rather unique and interesting people live here and come to visit. Does your home town have a cat-lady?
