Category Archives: Japan

Japanese addresses

Posted on 2014/11/18 by Joe Larabell

This is just a quick note to help simplify the Japanese postal address system. It’s different from the system used in the US and many other countries but once you understand the theory, it’s really not that confusing.

Posted in Japan | 1 Comment

Cost of living in Japan (and elsewhere)

Posted on 2014/04/24 by Joe Larabell

I’ve just discovered a web site called Numbeo (http://www.numbeo.com). It was created by a guy who used to work for Google Ireland. The idea is to have regular people from around the world submit prices in their areas for certain … Continue reading →

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2014 Sake Professional Course

Posted on 2014/01/30 by Joe Larabell

To anyone who knows me, it should come as no surprise that I enjoy Japanese Sake (also known as Nihon-shu in Japanese to distinguish it from sake, the Japanese word for alcoholic beverages in general). Living in Japan puts me … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Sake | 2 Comments

Sobering Advice for anyone contemplating a cross-cultural marriage

Posted on 2014/01/15 by Joe Larabell

This hard-won advice is intended only for those couples who are truly considering entering into a cross-cultural marital situation. Simply marrying someone whose ancestry is different from your own is not quite the same thing. Much of who we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Rants | 72 Comments

Things to know before visiting Japan

Posted on 2013/12/19 by Joe Larabell

This is an excerpt from a letter I sent to my step-daughter before she brought my son over to visit me in Japan for the summer. At the time I had only been in Japan for about six months (and … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Old posts | 8 Comments

Energized enthusiasm…

Posted on 2010/08/30 by Joe Larabell

Well… once again I survived the annual neighborhood festival. Being in somewhat worse physical shape than usual and less prepared this year than last, I really wasn’t sure how well I’d hold up. To make matters worse, I spent more … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | 1 Comment

Politics as usual in Japan

Posted on 2009/07/03 by Joe Larabell

Well… it’s erection time again in Tokyo. Oops… I meant “election” (get your mind out of the gutter for once, will you?). How do I know, given that foreigners can’t vote in public elections? I know because my otherwise quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in Current events, Japan | Leave a comment