Japan is a country that loves its castles. Despite decommissioning and dismantling almost all of them in the late 19th century, they have been on the comeback as more than a hundred ‘rebuilt’ castles have joined the surviving dozen originals.…
Name That Castle!
In preparation for tomorrow’s new article let’s play a rousing game of Name That Castle! The first person to correctly guess the castle wins a genuine Original Marvel No-Prize! Ganbatte ne! The answer will be revealed in tomorrow’s story.
Nara: Ancient Japan at its Finest
When people think of ancient Japan, many first think of the former capital city, Kyoto. Even many of the Japanese I meet, when I mention that I enjoy visiting historic places, one of the first questions I’m asked…
A Corsair Comes Home
Near the end of World War II most carrier aircraft that flew missions over Japan would strike their targets and return. Generally those that didn’t come back after a mission never would, but for one Corsair coming back just took…
Jinmu-ji and Mt. Takatori – A hiking paradise
One of the great things about living in Japan, and in Kanagawa in particular, is that there are always new and interesting places just waiting to be discovered. There always seems to be some cluster of old shops, an…
Art and Architecture in Liepaja
Liepaja, Latvia, is the home of extremes in architecture from the beautiful late 19th century downtown to its dead, both artistically and habitably, Soviet blocks (or is it blocs?). During my visit in 2014 I didn’t get a chance to…
A Jogashima Walking Adventure
In addition to its immense and ancient history, Japan is also a land of great natural beauty. A bit more than a year ago, I had the privilege of experiencing some of that beauty at a place called Jogashima.…
Two Warbirds in One Little Museum
The first flying Zero to call Japan home in 70 years has come to Kanoya, in the far south of Kyushu. Flying or not, Japanese warbirds are a rare breed. They were never produced in the same numbers as…
My Bullet Train Can Eat Your Bullet Train: 500 Type Eva Shinkansen
Japan and trains go together, they’re a common sight and practical means of conveyance, and while most are pretty unassuming there are more than a few colorful and distinct trains running around. One of those is the Neon Genesis Evangelion-themed…
Bargello: A Medieval Frame for Renaissance Art
Painted, sculpted, constructed, there is an overabundance of impressive art, art that is part and parcel to the history and existence of the town. The Uffizi and it’s never ending halls, the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the Galleria del’Accademia, which…