The hunt for up-to-date information The internet knows everything. A recipe for kimchi that doesn’t give me the runs? CHECK. A beginner’s guide to solar flares? CHECK. A top-10 list of films with Keanu Reeves at his hottest? CHECK. No matter what I may be interested in, somebody else was…

What happens on the other side When we first meet, you won’t notice anything. All you see is a moderately charming, well-put together, and most importantly normal woman. Of course you do. After all, I’ve had decades to perfect my facade. Even my closest friends have no clue, and we…

The Story of Sada Abe — Japan in the early 1930s was a country torn between ancient traditions and modern Western influences. This split ran through the entire nation, from the lowest laborer to the highest classes, including the government. In almost yearly coup d’etats the military sought to increase its political influence. In particular the…

How a horse inspired a whole nation — One of the most important words a Japanese learner can memorize is ganbatte. It is ubiquitous: Parents say it to their children learning a new task. Teachers admonish their students with it before their university entrance exams. And managers use it to welcome new recruits on their first day. So…