International Women’s Day – An Afterthought

The truth is I didn’t even know the day was coming up. I didn’t know it was a thing, and when I heard the title, it felt like ‘okay a new holiday again.’ And then I thought about it more. Of course, I couldn’t help but think about it more as my newsfeed on Facebook … Continue reading →

The Congo – A Sad History

Warning: some gruesome details and pictures. Also my language isn’t the prettiest it’s ever been, so pardon me in advance. I recently finished a book called Facing the Congo, by Jeffrey Tayler. Minor spoilers are ahead, but this post is not really about the book itself, so much as the discoveries I made as a … Continue reading →

50 Shades of Japanese

I know, I know, I’m following a terrible trend. There are so many 50 Shades posts right now it’s unbelievable. I think 50 Shades is outdoing The Interview on the controversy level right now. Anyway, if you’re here to read about 50 Shades of Grey, you’re in the wrong place. I’m sure you can find something … Continue reading →

The Normality of Harassment

I took the Amtrak home to Wisconsin for the week of Christmas. It included a layover in Chicago both ways, so I was happy to be able to meet two of my friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time. Well, technically I saw them when I was on my way to PA in … Continue reading →

Because What the World Needs Now, is More Instability

I don’t know how many of you keep up to date with news about refugees, but since my current position involves serving them, I like to. Even if they are not likely to end up where I am working, I find it’s good to keep up to date with the general state of things. But … Continue reading →

The Plight of the Refugee

I have only been working with refugees for a few weeks now, but I have seen and heard so much that I really feel the need to share. In the little time I’ve spent at my new job, I have heard so many terrible stories. I haven’t gotten to know any refugees really well yet, … Continue reading →

Things People Say When I Talk About Japan

I don’t mean to be mean. Well, only slightly. Okay, maybe more than slightly. I’ve heard my share of dumb things. Some of these were said by people when they found out I studied abroad there, and some are from people who heard that I study Japanese.   • “Oh. Cool.” • “But you don’t … Continue reading →

The Negative Effects of Conformity in Japan

I wrote a post awhile back mentioning that as an outsider who stayed in Japan for a long time and dating someone that is Japanese, I’ve seen a lot of the good sides of Japan, as well as the issues. Earlier I talked about sexual assault and the misconception that there is no crime in … Continue reading →

No Crime in Japan?

When talking about Japan with people who also love Japan, I often find that the conversation goes in the direction of “Japan is the best country in the world, it’s perfect!”  Hearing that has always bothered me somehow, but I never know quite what to say because I love Japan too.  I love it, but…it’s … Continue reading →

The News – Why Don’t We Hear About These Stories?

I know a lot of people complain about the lack of positive news, and that’s certainly a valid point.  There is too much negativity in the world!  But what I’m concerned about in this post is the lack of coverage of news stories that are strikingly similar to ones that received MAJOR coverage. The first … Continue reading →