Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Aug 27, 2017
Blame for 'bad tourists' to Japan lies with the advice they never receive
by Amy Chavez
The answer to holidaymakers' poor behavior isn't shutting out "bad tourists" but educating all tourists.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Jul 30, 2017
Red tape must go if Japan is to woo seafaring visitors
by Amy Chavez
Japan has no system in place for admitting small craft into its waters. As a result, pleasure boats are, across the board, treated the same as commercial ships.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Jun 25, 2017
Remembering the life and works of Boye De Mente, a giant of writing on Japan
by Amy Chavez
Any Japanophile will have at least one of the 30 or so books authored by Boye Lafayette De Mente during his long and prolific writing career in Japan. His works are read by travelers, businesspeople and scholars alike, with offerings ranging from "The Pocket Tokyo ...
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE May 28, 2017
In Kyoto, a jarring one-off encounter or the tip of the iceberg?
by Amy Chavez
Kyoto is adapting to meet the needs of hordes of tourists, but importing foreign customs purely for profit is not the way to go.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Apr 23, 2017
There's something about Miffy, the gender-bending bunny
by Amy Chavez
Tackling the mysteries of why Japan is one of the largest markets for Miffy merchandise — and whether Miffy is a boy or a girl.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Mar 26, 2017
The confessions of a Japanese-to-Hungarian translator
by Amy Chavez
Over some Hungarian wine, a translator who does not wish to be identified spills the beans on the juicier bits of her job.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Feb 26, 2017
At the site of WWII Japanese POW breakout in Australia, a space for peace
by Amy Chavez
In the early hours of Aug. 5, 1944, more than 600 Japanese POWs attempted an escape, knowing full well that most, if not all, would be killed before they could reach freedom.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Jan 29, 2017
Caroline Kennedy's legacy in Japan will be her message of equality and reconciliation
by Amy Chavez
Caroline Kennedy left a deep impression upon Japan and will long be remembered for her positive role here.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Dec 25, 2016
Discovering the mystery behind 'Goat Island' in the Seto Inland Sea
by Amy Chavez
There was a man living on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea who had a goat. He was not an old man, and he didn't know much about ruminants, so when his goat grew bigger, and its stubbornness exceeded its usefulness, the ...
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Nov 27, 2016
Finding fishy enlightenment and sustenance on the Mackerel Trail
by Amy Chavez
The Wakasa Road is a historical trail that helped advance Japan's culture and cuisine. The Wakasa region of Fukui Prefecture, on the nation's west coast, was one of the strategic miketsukuni regions of Japan that produced food for the emperor in ancient times. Wakasa-mono from ...
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Oct 23, 2016
Uninvited pair of animal invaders leave island in a tizzy
by Amy Chavez
When a boar and a deer show up offering diversity and hope to repair our ecosystem, we should be honored that they'd even consider taking up residence here.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Sep 25, 2016
If you don't feel accepted in Japan, join the far-from-exclusive club
by Amy Chavez
If you feel you've never been accepted in Japan, then welcome to the club: Many Japanese people don't feel accepted here either.