Spring is here! That means a brand new school year with new students and staff, your un-insulated house is finally livable again, and you can day-drink under the cherry blossoms. It also marks the return of something else incredibly important: baseball season! I was first introduced to Kansai’s most famous team during my…
If you grew up in the States and are of my generation, you may remember that KFC once sold the most delicious corn bread ever! So in honor of the ãªã¤ã‹ã—ã„ (nostalgic) food memories of times passed, and the beautiful pink sakura of spring, I present a new creation! Tada! Strawberry Corn Muffins! …
 Much like Buffy before me, I’ve decided to split my Graduation episode in two. Also, to bring a stake to school.  At time of writing (about three weeks before time of publishing, if you’re interested, which I know you’re not), I have just finished watching my third year JHS students graduate. I…
By the time you see this, gentle readers, the third years will have graduated and the school year will be over. Unless you’re exclusively an ES ALT at which point, the sixth years will have graduated and the school year will be over; also have a drink on me, you must be exhausted. …
April has always seemed to be one of the most standout months in Japan. Since my time coming here, I have thought of it as Japan’s “second New Year’s.†It is certainly a season of rebirth, as the Sakura come out for its annual celebration, the animals come from their hibernation to nab the picnic…
The peak of the sakura is upon us, as is the beginning of a new school year, with new teachers, students, and seating arrangements. April is here! My first ever hanami was preluded by a night of making yakisoba and peanut butter cookies (sorry Sarah!). My friend and I were not the greatest…