TsukuBlog A Local Perspective on Life in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Posts

• Category: Accommodations
  • Getting to Narita from Tsukuba in the Early Morning November 26th, 2008
  • Guest Room in Tsukuba November 28th, 2008
  • Hotel Bestland Offers Discounted Rates February 1st, 2008
• Category: Animals
  • A Hard Fact To Swallow- Swallows Not Getting The Respect That They Have Been Long Used To In Japan May 15th, 2009
  • A late winter walk leads to the UBAYURI (姥ユリ) a type of wild lily, which is more beautiful AFTER its flower has fallen off- AND was an important food source for Japan`s early inhabitants February 20th, 2011
  • Adopting a Dog or Cat in Japan December 26th, 2008
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai) For Animals Sacrificed At Medical School October 29th, 2008
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai,慰霊祭) For Animals Sacrificed At Tsukuba University`s Medical School (again) October 23rd, 2010
  • Autumn Leaves Fall Away- Sometimes Revealing the Shrikes`Macabre Handiwork- MOZU NO NIE (鵙の贄)- Tsukuba`s ( and Japan`s) Shrikes- birds with a very curious habit! November 25th, 2011
  • Birds Of a Feather Flock Together July 25th, 2008
  • Discovering Tsukuba's Animal Welfare Activists ( at last! ) August 31st, 2009
  • Dragons in Japanese History and Culture- Strongly Connected to Water, Rainfall and Fire Prevention- among other things January 25th, 2012
  • Eating Uguisu Mochi (鶯餅) in Anticipation of Japan`s most Famous Sound of Spring- The cry of the bush warbler (uguisu) February 15th, 2011
  • Eating UGUISU MOCHI In Anticipation of Japan's Most Famous Sound of Spring February 18th, 2009
  • Egret Rookery Threatened! May 26th, 2008
  • Fido-Friendly, Alfresco Dining at Cafe Plus 1 August 7th, 2008
  • Fighting To Protect Tsukuba's Remaining Wilds in Nakane Kondadai (中根 金田台) June 23rd, 2008
  • For The Year of The Rabbit- some musings on RABBITS and HARES in Japanese Culture and History January 19th, 2011
  • FROG CHORUS is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen – REVISITED June 10th, 2011
  • FROG CHORUS Is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen May 22nd, 2009
  • FROG CHORUS Is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen - REVISITED May 19th, 2010
  • From the Deep Waters Off Ibaraki, a Winter Delicacy: ANKO NABE December 14th, 2008
  • In Winter, JOBITAKI (ジョウビタキ)- Daurian Redstarts- Bring Color to Japanese Home Gardens- but mostly to those which already have some January 17th, 2011
  • In Autumn, Don't Forget WEB SEARCH as You Near Your Front Door! September 29th, 2008
  • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue Needs Your Help More Than Ever As Migrators Pass Through En Masse And Tsuchiura City Approves Funding For MORE Deadly Nets April 11th, 2009
  • Making a Mountain of Tsukuba's Mole Hills (mogura zuka) January 21st, 2009
  • Making a Mountain of Tsukuba’s Mole Hills - a look at moles (mogura) in Japan and Japanese culture- again December 11th, 2010
  • More on Dogs and a Dog's Life in Japan August 7th, 2008
  • More Tree Fellings In Tsukuba Leave Local Activists and Forest STUMPED February 23rd, 2010
  • My Wild (and buggy!) Garden the Perfect Place to Rehabilitate an Injured Swallow July 1st, 2010
  • Once Again, Goshawks Not Given a Fair Trial- This Time in Nakane Konda-Dai (中根 金田台) September 26th, 2009
  • One Coin Horse Riding December 21st, 2008
  • Party Crashing Red-Billed Leiothrix (ソウシチョウ) Stunned, But Apparently Unharmed December 11th, 2008
  • Party Crashing Red-Billed Leiothrix (ソウシチョウ) Stunned, But Apparently Unharmed (again) December 6th, 2010
  • Peacock at Amabiki Kannon May 9th, 2007
  • Pheasant Surprises in Tsukuba- Japan`s National Bird is an important component of Tsukuba`s soundscape May 4th, 2010
  • Praying Mantis Egg Cases Almost Ready To Release Their Loads April 27th, 2010
  • Running with Tsukuba Center's Tireless Bird-Chasers September 6th, 2008
  • Savoring Tsukuba`s Fleeting Snowscapes, once again! January 16th, 2011
  • Shinichi Ebihara`s Photo Exhibitions Paint a Broad Portrait Of Eastern Japan`s Birdlife- and it isnt always a PRETTY PICTURE November 12th, 2011
  • SOUNDSCAPES and GROUNDSCAPES Shift as Starlings are Chased from One Roosting Place to the Next August 19th, 2008
  • Thar She Glows! Fireflies (蛍) Make a Strong Comeback Not Far From Tsukuba Center - Watch Them Now (at the end of June) when they are at their best! June 29th, 2011
  • Thar She Glows! Wild Fireflies Making a Comeback Not Far From Tsukuba Center (revisited) June 29th, 2010
  • Thar She Glows! Wild Fireflies Spotted Not Far From Tsukuba Center June 22nd, 2008
  • The Brown-Eared Bulbul ( HIYODORI,　ヒヨドリ)- Might Be An Everyday Bird Here In Japan, But You Wont Find It In Many Other Places (again) March 6th, 2011
  • The Brown-Eared Bulbul (Hiyodori) Might Be An Everyday Bird Here In Japan, But You Wont Find It In Many Other Places March 15th, 2009
  • The Japanese, In General, Are Surprisingly Talkative When it Comes to the Subject of WHALING- but, unfortunately they miss the Key Point- Whales Need To Be Protected from Whalers of ALL NATIONS, or they will hunted to extinction May 24th, 2010
  • The POWER SPOT Boom Has Thousands of Women ( and a fair share of men, as well) Flocking To Meiji Shrine`s Gyoen Garden- But Unfortunately, the Presence of All These Ladies Has Driven Away the Tits- the Varied Tits ( the Japanese song bird- the yamagara), that is! August 18th, 2010
  • The Tiger in Japanese History and Culture ( a brief look) February 16th, 2010
  • Their Long Hard Run Is Over - Ibaraki`s Salmon ( and salmon in Japanese culture) November 19th, 2011
  • Traces of Tsukuba`s Mammals- Past and Present September 8th, 2009
  • Traps are Back Up as Three Day New Year's Moratorium On Mouse Catching Ends January 5th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Central Park Pond Gets A Scrubbing (And its Carp Get Sucked Away) January 15th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Traditional Hunters: Hawkers and Falconers January 10th, 2009
  • Tsukuba`s Fleeting Snowscapes ( revisited) February 2nd, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Indefatiguable Bird-Chasers are Back Again! This Time in Force ! Come Watch ( and hear) Them in Action, as they help keep our groundscapes clean! August 19th, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Indefatiguable Bird-Chasers are Back Again! This Time in Force ! Come Watch ( and hear) Them in Action, as they help keep our groundscapes clean! (this season every evening from 6:30-7:30 at Tsukuba Center) August 4th, 2011
  • Tsukuba`s Popular Mascot- The Owl - does not get much love in REAL LIFE ( Owls in Japanese history and culture ) December 19th, 2010
  • TV Show about Cats December 14th, 2008
  • Vet Recommendation: Tsukuba Gakuen Pet Clinic November 28th, 2008
  • What to do if you find a sick or injured raptor ( or other wild bird )- for those of you who GIVE A HOOT February 16th, 2011
  • What's That BUZZ About? August 21st, 2008
  • What`s the Buzz About ( yet again!)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer August 1st, 2011
  • What`s the Buzz About ( yet again!)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer July 27th, 2010
  • What`s the Buzz About (again)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer July 29th, 2009
  • With Japan`s Abundant Spider-life, Do Not Forget WEB-SEARCH before you near your front door September 3rd, 2010
  • Category: Kasumigaura Bird Rescue
    • A Day for the Birds December 24th, 2008
    • Bird Rescue Stuck in the Mud February 18th, 2008
    • Bird Rescue Underway! Six saved, thousands to go..... December 26th, 2007
    • In Real Life, Tsukuba's Official Bird and Ubiquitous Mascot Gets Little Love These Days January 27th, 2009
    • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue January 13th, 2008
    • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue Meeting: Feb 28 February 26th, 2008
    • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue Needs Your Help More Than Ever As Migrators Pass Through En Masse And Tsuchiura City Approves Funding For MORE Deadly Nets April 11th, 2009
    • Save the Birds December 4th, 2007
    • Still Caught Up In Kasumigaura Bird Rescue December 18th, 2008
    • Tsukuba`s Popular Mascot- The Owl - does not get much love in REAL LIFE ( Owls in Japanese history and culture ) December 19th, 2010
    • What to do if you find a sick or injured raptor ( or other wild bird )- for those of you who GIVE A HOOT February 16th, 2011
• Category: Art
  • A Look from Behind: The Yakushi-Ji Treasures In Ueno June 3rd, 2008
  • A Showing Of Provocative New Works by Thomas Mayers September 28th, 2009
  • Aigasa Masayoshi`s Striking Works Capture The Numbing Sense Of Alienation Brought On By Modernization And Urbanization May 8th, 2009
  • Annual Azabu Juban Open Air Ceramic Exhibition March 16th, 2009
  • Art fair and festival in Kasama this weekend June 5th, 2008
  • Ballads in Wood - This Friday February 6th, 2008
  • Big Black Heart: Photography and the Aboriginal September 14th, 2009
  • BlizzardBoy Talks about Dolls December 29th, 2006
  • China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe to perform in Ibaraki October 24th, 2007
  • Closer Examination Of My Local Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) Reveals Beautiful Carvings Detailing The Yamata no Orochi (八岐の大蛇) Myth July 23rd, 2010
  • Come and see the works of local artist family! April 19th, 2008
  • Contemplate a Great Art History Mystery While Enjoying Some Iconic Japanallia at The Tokyo National Museum`s Comprehensive SHARAKU Exhibition May 11th, 2011
  • Contemporary dance performances today and tomorrow September 4th, 2007
  • Contemporary Japanese Art With A View (of the City) November 9th, 2007
  • Daruma Dolls- the Evolution of Japan`s Longest Selling CHARACTER ( and tomorrow`s DARUMA MARKET in Joso City) January 2nd, 2011
  • Dazzling Works From The Red Center- An Emily Kame Kngwarreyey Exhibition July 26th, 2008
  • Drop Everything And Go See The Dazzling Kayama Matazo Retrospective -- You've Only Got Till March 2nd! March 1st, 2009
  • Faces for Father's Day June 15th, 2008
  • Fragrance- an EYE-OPENING Exhibition at The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts -in Ueno- until May 29th May 22nd, 2011
  • GERD KNÄPPER, a German artist to open his gallery in Daigo May 21st, 2007
  • Have a Close Look at a Little of What Has Been DUG UP at Some of Archaeological Excavations Which have been Carried out in Tsukuba November 22nd, 2011
  • I've Discovered One In Tsukuba at Last! A Horse-Headed Kannon Sacred Stone with an Actual Horse-Headed Image! March 9th, 2009
  • Kabuki coming to Ibaraki April 22nd, 2008
  • Kasama Pottery Fair April 18th, 2007
  • Leonard Fujita Exhibit Shows Newly Found Works But Fails to Give the Whole Picture January 9th, 2009
  • Maria Elizabeth Robles Exhibition this week September 6th, 2007
  • Michi no Ichi (arts and craft fair) in Kasama May 31st, 2007
  • Mokuzougan: Intricate Artwork Made of Wood August 31st, 2007
  • New exhibit at the Ibaraki Nature Museum February 1st, 2007
  • No Place Like Home June 3rd, 2008
  • Noh mask exhibit July 5th, 2007
  • Pin-Wheels Set Up Around Tsukuba Center Make For a Quaint Art Installation and a Great (inadvertant) Political Satire October 5th, 2010
  • Quilt Show at Tsukuba Museum of Art June 3rd, 2009
  • Retro-bus from Tsukuba Station April 15th, 2007
  • Roots of Manga October 28th, 2007
  • Sakura-themed exhibit in Tsuchiura April 13th, 2007
  • Second Nature: Tsukuba Photography Exhibit by John Tran November 15th, 2007
  • The 15th ARTwave Tsukuba Exhibition June 12th, 2009
  • The 6th Challenge Art Festival in Tsukuba February 27th, 2007
  • The Daruma Doll - The Evolution Of Japan's Longest Selling CHARACTER January 3rd, 2009
  • The filming of an Indian movie taking place in Tsukuba! April 4th, 2007
  • The Legend Returns to the Place of Origin April 23rd, 2009
  • Tsuchiura Sakura Festival 2008 March 25th, 2008
  • Tsuchiura Takigi Noh September 7th, 2007
  • Tsukuba dancers to perform in a dance event May 8th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Museum of Art Schedule (March 2008) March 5th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Famous Architect January 23rd, 2008
  • Two “one of a kind” Doll Festivals taking place in Ibaraki February 1st, 2007
  • Very Cute Illustrations July 31st, 2008
  • What Is Now Culture Day Was Long Celebrated As The Emperor Meiji's Birthday November 3rd, 2008
  • Yasato Pottery Festival May 29th, 2007
• Category: Books
  • A New Year`s Card Game- Hyakunin Isshu Karuta (百人一首かるた) is a Gateway to the Sublime World of Classical Japanese Poetry January 5th, 2011
  • A Perfect Day for OPENING THE HARBOUR ( ハーバー開き) at Tsuchiura`s Marina January 10th, 2011
  • An Introduction to Amazon.co.jp September 5th, 2007
  • An Original Recipe for Sugar-Coated Ginger Chews ( and a bit on GINGER in Japanese Culture) February 9th, 2012
  • HARDCORE Discovery ! Giant Stone Phallus is Possible Evidence of Hyakudayu Worship in Yatabe, Tsukuba! December 8th, 2010
  • Inter-Library Loans in Tsukuba September 12th, 2007
  • Libraries in Tsukuba March 3rd, 2007
  • Scribblings on the Occassion of Shiki-Ki （子規忌）, the Memorial Day for Poet and Man of Letters- Masaoka Shiki September 20th, 2009
  • Search for Books in Tsukuba Public Library through Amazon.co.jp September 21st, 2007
  • The River with No Bridge (Hashi No Nai Kawa), New Arrival at ARS Library September 5th, 2008
  • USEFUL TREES OF JAPAN: A COLOR GUIDE , is a very USEFUL book indeed- for anyone interested in Japanese nature and culture November 24th, 2011
• Category: Computers
  • ACCS Improves Payment Options November 28th, 2008
  • Cleaning Up a Computer January 24th, 2008
  • Computer Classes January 14th, 2007
  • Computer Course for Foreign Residents of Tsukuba February 2nd, 2009
  • English Service for NTT Customers March 6th, 2009
  • Notice to Users of Panasonic Let's Note Laptops January 25th, 2008
  • Category: Hardware
    • Trojan Horse in Certain Buffalo Flash Memory Sticks October 17th, 2007
  • Category: Software
    • Kanji Practice Made Fun December 26th, 2006
• Category: Culture
  • Japan's Traditional Celebrations of Longevity October 25th, 2008
  • Mysterious (and Creepy) Roadside Markers Explained October 21st, 2008
  • A Brief History of Buraku Discrimination in Japan July 1st, 2008
  • A Celestial Bridge for the Gods of Mt Tsukuba December 10th, 2008
  • A Climb To The Top Of Tsukuba`s Little Mt. Fuji (23 steps high) Sheds Light On Local Edo Period Dispute Resolution Processes, Folk Beliefs, And The Origin Of The Place Name SENGEN (千現 ) June 11th, 2009
  • A closer look at why eel (unagi) is commonly eaten in Japan in July- especially on certain days called DOYO-NO-USHI (this year July 21st)- again July 18th, 2011
  • A Deeper Look at Japan`s Shichi-Go-San Celebrations ( which are especially extravagant in Ibaraki Prefecture!) November 8th, 2011
  • A Deeper Look at O-Sechi (お節)- Japan`s Special New Year`s Dishes (which are served cold) January 2nd, 2011
  • A Fine day For Fire-Walking at Mt Kabasan (加波山) ! December 22nd, 2008
  • A Glimpse (and Whiff) of Things to Come February 5th, 2009
  • A Hard Fact To Swallow- Swallows Not Getting The Respect That They Have Been Long Used To In Japan May 15th, 2009
  • A History of WHITE DAY in Japan March 13th, 2010
  • A Lesser Seen Japanese Rite of Passage: O-KUIZOME ( お食い初め), in which, besides the baby, A ROCK is the STAR! March 14th, 2010
  • A Look At Japan`s Various Hanami Confections April 11th, 2010
  • A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan October 4th, 2009
  • A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan- Tonight (Sept. 22nd) is the Ju-Go-Ya, while tomorrow night, September 23rd, will be the night of the full moon September 22nd, 2010
  • A Magical Night on Mt Tsukuba at the Omido Temple`s Mando-Sai (大御堂万灯祭) August 19th, 2011
  • A New Year`s Card Game- Hyakunin Isshu Karuta (百人一首かるた) is a Gateway to the Sublime World of Classical Japanese Poetry January 5th, 2011
  • A Whole Lotta Lotus- Ibaraki`s Beautiful Lotus Blossoms and the Role of These Plants in Japanese Culture And History (revisited) July 20th, 2010
  • Aigasa Masayoshi`s Striking Works Capture The Numbing Sense Of Alienation Brought On By Modernization And Urbanization May 8th, 2009
  • Akemashite Omedeto! -(Happy New Year!)- a revealing look at the origin of the expression January 1st, 2012
  • All Doors are Open, as the Old Town of Makabe ( in Sakuragawa City) gets DOLLED UP for its annual HINA DOLL FESTIVAL (真壁の雛祭り) -until March 3rd) February 7th, 2012
  • All Doors are Open, as the Old Town of Makabe ( in Sakuragawa City) gets Dolled Up for its Hina Doll Festival (真壁の雛祭り）from Feb.4th-March 3rd February 4th, 2011
  • Amabiki Kannon May 8th, 2007
  • Amazing Turn-Around ! Moxibustion Gets Fetus to Move Out Of The Breech Position and Thus, C-Section is Avoided! March 30th, 2010
  • Among the Brocade Of Spring Flowers Dont Overlook the Daikon Radish Blossoms (daikon no hanan 大根の花) April 19th, 2010
  • An Encounter with Japan`s Traditional Hunters: the hawkers and falconers January 11th, 2011
  • An evening with Indonesian Dance and Music August 31st, 2007
  • An Icon of Autumn- Hagi (萩, bush clover) Often Goes Unnoticed- look for it ! September 23rd, 2011
  • Ancestors Remembered Around the Autumnal Equinox September 21st, 2008
  • Ancestral Spirits Guided Back Home For the O-Bon Festival in a variety interesting ways here in Tsukuba`s old neighborhoods August 14th, 2011
  • Ancient Custom Hanging on by a (Silk) Thread March 28th, 2008
  • Annual Ibaraki Artifact Exhibit at Seibu August 6th, 2007
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai) For Animals Sacrificed At Medical School October 29th, 2008
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai,慰霊祭) For Animals Sacrificed At Tsukuba University`s Medical School (again) October 23rd, 2010
  • Another of the 25 MANYOSHU Poems Which Refer to Mt. Tsukuba- translated into English and discussed November 29th, 2011
  • Are you ready for the BIG ONE? September 2nd, 2008
  • Argentina Day at University of Tsukuba May 27th, 2008
  • Around the Spring Equinox in Japan, All Around Things Start To Stir -- Even the Graveyards! March 20th, 2009
  • Around The Spring Equinox, All things Begin to Stir in Japan- Even The Graveyards! (revisited) March 19th, 2010
  • At Last, a Visit to Onozaki`s Suwa Jinja- to learn its name and ask about its annual prayer meeting- NOT to rob the offerings box! September 2nd, 2011
  • At The Kattate Matsuri (かったて祭り) Help Set Sakuragawa-City`s Mt Gongen-Yama Aglow! (and hopefully keep typhoons at bay!) every year on Aug. 31st August 30th, 2011
  • Autumn Festival at Raijinsama November 22nd, 2008
  • Autumn is SANMA-TIME, as Japan`s Favorite Fish of the Common-Man, Sanma (秋刀魚)- is at its JUICY best November 24th, 2010
  • Autumn is SANMA-TIME, as Japan`s Favorite Fish of the Common-Man, Sanma (秋刀魚)- is at its JUICY best September 4th, 2011
  • Azalea ( tsutsuji, 躑躅), Japan`s Late Spring and Early Summer Regalia May 10th, 2011
  • “Miracle Working” Stone -(a Rare Remnant of Tsukuba`s Old Hanamuro-Jo Fortress) - Still Has Devotees in Tsukuba and Beyond ! A Look at the HANAMURO MIGAWARI AMIDA-ZON (花室の身替り阿弥陀尊) January 23rd, 2011
  • “Tsukuba Havriin Bayar” Mongolian Festival April 17th, 2009
  • Big Names in Shamisen Coming to Tsukuba April 17th, 2007
  • Bitter Herb an Important Component of Traditional Japanese Spring Sweet- KUSA MOCHI (草餅) March 7th, 2011
  • BON Jour! August 15th, 2008
  • Bon Odori (盆踊り)- O-Bon Dancing and Traditional Music THIS EVENING (Aug.14th) in Hojo, Tsukuba August 14th, 2011
  • Bonenkai (忘年会)- a Deeper Look at Japan`s Year-End Parties December 26th, 2009
  • Bonenkai (忘年会)- a Deeper Look at Japan`s Year-End Parties ( yet again) December 2nd, 2011
  • Bonenkai (忘年会)- a Deeper Look at Japan`s Year-End Parties (again) December 1st, 2010
  • Camellias (tsubaki) Create Special Spring Soundscapes And Groundscapes April 16th, 2009
  • Camellias (tsubaki,椿) Create Distinctive Japanese Spring Soundscapes And Groundscapes (again) April 26th, 2011
  • Capture Go as Communication January 30th, 2007
  • Cascade Fireworks (立花) at Teshirogi`s Mysterious Old O-Washi Jinja Shrine (手代木の大鷲神社)- tonight, September 13th, 2011 at 7:30 pm September 13th, 2011
  • Celebrating a First Birthday the Traditional Japanese Way- with ISSHO MOCHI (一升餅), 2 kilograms of pounded rice, strapped to the child`s back! November 4th, 2010
  • Celebrating HINA MATSURI ( The Doll Festival)- some Tsukubans will be taking their time in putting away their HINA DOLLS! March 3rd, 2011
  • Celebrating Soba again this year- this time at my place! Making Noodles, Dumplings and Cakes- all out of Ibaraki`s famed buckwheat! October 2nd, 2011
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Onzagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year November 1st, 2010
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Ozagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year (revisited) November 3rd, 2011
  • Changing of the Gods: Mt Tsukuba's Onzawari Ceremony April 2nd, 2008
  • Changing of the Gods: Mt Tsukuba’s Onzawari Ceremony (Every April and November 1st)- revisited March 29th, 2010
  • China Week at Fureai Plaza September 30th, 2009
  • Choco LOCO -- The Legacy of Lupercalia in Contemporary Japan February 16th, 2009
  • Choco Loco- A Deeper Look at Valentines Day in Japan February 13th, 2010
  • Closer Examination Of My Local Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) Reveals Beautiful Carvings Detailing The Yamata no Orochi (八岐の大蛇) Myth July 23rd, 2010
  • Come Away From Mt. Tsukuba Shrine's Toshikoshi-Sai Festival With Plenty Of Booty! February 10th, 2009
  • Come On Out To Hojo (北条), My New Neighborhood at The Foot of Mt Tsukuba for this Weekends Events August 6th, 2011
  • Coming Across the PERFECT ZAKUMATA- Embedded in Stone! A beautiful example of a very localized living folk custom November 8th, 2011
  • Complete this year`s Moon-Viewing (お月見, O-Tsukimi) TONIGHT ( Oct. 20th, 2010) with the JU-SANYA (十三夜)- 13th night moon October 20th, 2010
  • Complete Your Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi) For This Year- Tonight With The Ju-Sanya ( 13th night) Moon October 30th, 2009
  • Complete your MOON-VIEWING this year tonight (October 9th 2001) with a unique Japanese tradition- JU-SAN YA (十三夜)- appreciating the beauty of the NEARLY full moon October 9th, 2011
  • Contemplate a Great Art History Mystery While Enjoying Some Iconic Japanallia at The Tokyo National Museum`s Comprehensive SHARAKU Exhibition May 11th, 2011
  • Contemporary Japanese food culture documentary "eatrip" June 19th, 2009
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION February 1st, 2009
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION (revisited) January 28th, 2010
  • Convenience Stores and Suprmarkets Promote an Osaka Custom Pointing Kanto Area Setsubun Celebrations in a NEW DIRECTION! (again) February 1st, 2012
  • Cries of- SAKURA might be mistaken, but dont let that discourage you from savoring the beauty of Tsukuba`s anzu (apricot) blossoms March 21st, 2009
  • Daikon Radish Hung Out To Dry Mark The Beginning of the TAKUAN Making Process December 10th, 2009
  • Daikon Radish hung out to Dry mark the beginning of the TAKUAN making season November 22nd, 2010
  • Daily Victuals - Online German Bread Shop October 15th, 2008
  • Dancers, Musicians and Artists Converge On Rustic Chestnut Farm for Unique HAPPENING inspired by Fashion Designer`s Latest Works October 16th, 2009
  • DANGO-BURUMAI (団子振る舞い)- In Some Parts of Ibaraki Prefecture, 42-Year-Old Men are Presented Rice Dumplings (dango) AND Some New Underwear! February 2nd, 2011
  • Daruma Dolls- the Evolution of Japan`s Longest Selling CHARACTER ( and tomorrow`s DARUMA MARKET in Joso City) January 2nd, 2011
  • Dazzling Works From The Red Center- An Emily Kame Kngwarreyey Exhibition July 26th, 2008
  • Demon Masks, Soy Beans,Thick Sushi Rolls and Sardine Heads Posted on Doorways- Celebrating SETSUBUN ( the Eve of the First Day of Spring) in Japan January 29th, 2012
  • Did You Win This Year? February 3rd, 2008
  • Digging for Bamboo Shoots - Getting to the Root of the Matter! (again) May 1st, 2011
  • Do The Shikoku 88 Temple Circuit Pilgrimage Right Here In Tsukuba At The Nichirinji Temple April 27th, 2009
  • Do You Have Good Chopstick Manners? September 4th, 2007
  • Do You Uchimizu? August 8th, 2007
  • Doll's festival in Tsuchiura! February 19th, 2007
  • Doll's Festivals taking place in Tsukuba February 17th, 2007
  • Dondoyaki: Festive Decorations Go up In Smoke on Jan. 16th in Tsuchiura January 14th, 2010
  • Dragons in Japanese History and Culture- Strongly Connected to Water, Rainfall and Fire Prevention- among other things January 25th, 2012
  • Drop Everything And Go See The Dazzling Kayama Matazo Retrospective -- You've Only Got Till March 2nd! March 1st, 2009
  • Early Plum Blossoms, So-Bai (早梅), Reassure Us That Spring Is Not Far Off January 24th, 2010
  • Earth Festa Kanagawa 2008 May 14th, 2008
  • Eating Uguisu Mochi (鶯餅) in Anticipation of Japan`s most Famous Sound of Spring- The cry of the bush warbler (uguisu) February 15th, 2011
  • Eating UGUISU MOCHI In Anticipation of Japan's Most Famous Sound of Spring February 18th, 2009
  • EBISU KO (えびす講)- Alive (but not very well) in Tsukuba November 15th, 2011
  • Emperor and Empress to Visit Tsukuba August 1st, 2009
  • Emperor's Birthday December 22nd, 2006
  • Ending the Year With Buckwheat Noodles- A Deeper Look at Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば) December 31st, 2010
  • Ending the Year With Buckwheat Noodles- A Deeper Look at Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば)- again December 31st, 2011
  • Enjoy a Gion Festival (祇園際) in or around Tsukuba, at a neighborhood near you (or beyond!) July 22nd, 2011
  • Enjoy Japan`s Aromatic Autumn Delicacy- MATSUTAKE MUSHROOMS (松茸)- you dont always have to pay through the nose for them! October 8th, 2010
  • Enjoy Japan`s Aromatic Autumn Delicacy- MATSUTAKE MUSHROOMS (松茸)- you dont always have to pay through the nose for them! (Again) October 17th, 2011
  • Enjoy the Moss, Get Rid of the Mould! June 29th, 2008
  • Everything Is Peachy Keen At Koga`s Momo Matsuri March 24th, 2009
  • Face to Face with the Noguchi Family Masks (野口家の能面) February 22nd, 2011
  • Fall Event at Hirasawa Kanga September 19th, 2007
  • Fallen Gingko Leaves (銀杏落葉) Give Tsukuba ( and much of Japan) Glimmering, Golden Groundscapes November 26th, 2011
  • Feeding Hungry Ghosts- Late August is the season for SEGAKI (施餓鬼) Services in Tsukuba (and the rest of Japan) August 25th, 2011
  • Fiery (and noisy) Fun at The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭) Held at The Venerable Daiho Hachimangu Shrine in Shimotsuma- on September 12th and then AGAIN on the 14th! September 13th, 2010
  • Fiery (and noisy) Fun at The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭) Held at The Venerable Daiho Hachimangu Shrine in Shimotsuma- on September 12th and then AGAIN on the 14th! That means Tonight and then Wednesday this week! September 12th, 2011
  • For SETSUBUN (節分), Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Promote Kansai-Style Custom: EHO MAKI (恵方巻) January 27th, 2011
  • For The Delicate Aroma Of Japan's Matsutake Mushrooms You Have To Pay Through The Nose October 25th, 2008
  • For the Winter Solistice (冬至)- Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, and Fire-Walking (火渡り) December 21st, 2010
  • For the Winter Solstice (冬至)- Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, and Fire-Walking (火渡り)- again! December 19th, 2011
  • For the Winter Solstice - Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire December 20th, 2008
  • For the Winter Solstice – Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire (revisited) December 18th, 2009
  • For The Year of The Rabbit- some musings on RABBITS and HARES in Japanese Culture and History January 19th, 2011
  • Forty Seven Samurai December 14th, 2006
  • Fragrance- an EYE-OPENING Exhibition at The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts -in Ueno- until May 29th May 22nd, 2011
  • Free bamboo grass for Tanabata July 2nd, 2007
  • Free guided tour of Akihabara! August 29th, 2007
  • Free Rakugo shows at Seibu tomorrow June 1st, 2007
  • FUGU (pufferfish)- safe and reasonably priced- but still TO DIE FOR! February 6th, 2010
  • Fuji Flowers Create a PURPLE HAZE Overhead, but For some real WISTERIA HYSTERIA Head Out For Ashikaga May 1st, 2009
  • Gangyu-Ji (願牛寺), said to be THE FIRST Temple SHINRAN Founded in The Kanto Area- just a 30 minute drive from Tsukuba University! December 3rd, 2011
  • Garagara Sendo (ガラガラ千度)- an Annual Ritual in Which the Local Kids Have Been RAPPING for Centuries September 17th, 2011
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu (Japanese New Year) Preparations- yet again December 26th, 2010
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu (New Year's) Preparations December 28th, 2008
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu Preparations December 27th, 2011
  • Getting Ready For Ibaraki's Unique Hatsu Uma (初午) Celebrations, At Home And At Inari Shrines February 6th, 2009
  • Getting Ready For Ibaraki`s Unique Hatsu-Uma (初午) Celebrations ( Feb. 8th)- By Cleaning up Inari Shrines, and making SUMITSUKARI (スミツカリ) February 6th, 2011
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu December 27th, 2008
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu ( お正月)- The Japanese New Year Festival (once again) December 26th, 2011
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu ( お正月)- The Japanese New Year Festival (yet again) December 15th, 2010
  • Getting Ready For O-Shogatsu ( The Japanese New Year Festival)-once again! December 27th, 2009
  • Getting Ready For The Big One- The Great Ishioka Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri, 石岡のおまつり) which will be held this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday- and some pics of the event from last year! September 14th, 2011
  • Getting Ready For The Big One- The Great Ishioka Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri, 石岡のおまつり) which will be held this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday- and some pics of the event! September 17th, 2010
  • Getting to the Root of the Matter- Digging Up Bamboo Shoots (Take no Ko Hori) May 2nd, 2010
  • Gion Galore ! July 25th, 2009
  • Gion Galore! July 20th, 2008
  • Gion Matsuri Season is here! July 20th, 2007
  • Godzilla (1954) Roots Can Be Traced Back to Short Animated Superman Film- The Arctic Giant (1942)- Tsukublog Exclusive! July 7th, 2010
  • Greeting the New Year the Traditional Way, at a Temple or a Shrine Can Be a FROSTY EXPERIENCE- Make sure to Bundle Up!- or stay home and watch tv like most Japanese! December 31st, 2011
  • HANABIRAMOCHI ( 花びら餅 )- a Japanese sweet for January ( especially for HATSUGAMA- the First Tea Ceremony of the Year) which has roots in an ancient court ceremony- again January 18th, 2012
  • HANABIRAMOCHI ( 花びら餅 )- a Japanese sweet for January which has roots in an ancient court ceremony January 19th, 2010
  • HARDCORE Discovery ! Giant Stone Phallus is Possible Evidence of Hyakudayu Worship in Yatabe, Tsukuba! December 8th, 2010
  • Have a Close Look at a Little of What Has Been DUG UP at Some of Archaeological Excavations Which have been Carried out in Tsukuba November 22nd, 2011
  • Having Evolved In A Very Rainy Country, The Japanese Language Is Unusually Rich in Words and Expressions Describing Different Kinds Of Rain July 11th, 2009
  • Hearing Another Side of the Famous Story (The CHUSHINGURA) at the remains of KIRA KOZUKUNOSUKE‘s manor house (吉良上野介義央の邸跡) in Ryogoku, Tokyo December 17th, 2011
  • Higashioka's Fudo-Ko: A Meeting With The Unmoveable One July 28th, 2008
  • Hina Matsuri Event: Tea and Ikebana February 24th, 2008
  • Hina Matsuri- Tsukubans In No Rush To Put Away Hina Dolls ( revisited) March 3rd, 2010
  • How to Eat Sushi February 3rd, 2007
  • How to Make (and eat) Salted Cherry Blossoms- Sakura no Hana no Shiozuke (桜の花の塩漬) May 7th, 2011
  • Hydrangea (AJISAI-紫陽花) in Japanese History and Culture (revisited) June 18th, 2011
  • I've Discovered One In Tsukuba at Last! A Horse-Headed Kannon Sacred Stone with an Actual Horse-Headed Image! March 9th, 2009
  • Ibaraki`s Famous Plum ( Ume) Season Sweets, and some thoughts they elicit on Japanese culture March 16th, 2010
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting October 8th, 2009
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting (again) October 18th, 2010
  • Ibaraki`s Unique HATSU UMA (初午) Celebrations- this year on the same day as Setsubun ( February 3, 2012) February 3rd, 2012
  • Ibaraki`s Winter Delicacy-Anko Nabe- あんこう鍋 (monkfish stew) November 13th, 2010
  • Iina Shrine`s Traditional Daruma Market- on the first DAY OF THE SNAKE of the year (according to the old, lunar calendar) February 2nd, 2012
  • Ikebana Class Party November 5th, 2007
  • In autumn MUMS THE WORD, as Japans Chrysanthemum Cultivators Display their Creations November 9th, 2009
  • In Autumn MUMS THE WORD, as Japan`s Chrysanthemum Cultivators Dislay their Creations! The Chrysanthemum in Japanese History and Culture October 16th, 2010
  • In Early Winter it’s Sazanka 山茶花 (camellia sasanqua), not Tsubaki　椿 (Camellia)-again December 10th, 2011
  • In Japan, Ancestors Are Remembered On and Around Equinox Days (O-Higan)- Revisited September 23rd, 2009
  • In Japan, August is a month of REMEMBERANCE August 9th, 2009
  • In Japan, it doesn`t have to be Halloween for a good GHOST EXPERIENCE! October 31st, 2010
  • In Japan, Semi-translucent Ro-bai 蝋梅 Blossoms ( Japanese allspice) are The New Year`s First Tree-based Flowers to Bloom and Fill The Winter Air With a Welcome Fragrance January 7th, 2012
  • In Japan, Summer Is Autumn- for MUGI (wheat and barley) June 12th, 2009
  • In Line With the Far Side March 21st, 2008
  • In Line with The Far Side- Three days before the equinox days, O-Higan (お彼岸) begins in Japan September 20th, 2011
  • In Many Japanese Neighborhoods, the Increasing Number of Eldery Residents Plus Tighter Budgets Means Cutting Costs On Respect-For-The-Aged Day Gifts September 19th, 2011
  • In Miharu 〔三春）, Reverent Crowds Gather Round The Greatest Sakura Tree Of Them All- the Taki-Zakura (滝桜)- the Cascading Cherry May 1st, 2010
  • In One of Tsukuba`s Old Hamlets- OMONOI (面野井) - the Birth of a Child is Celebrated by the Neighbors on the Third Day- with Boxes full of Uncooked Rice and a Sprig of Nandian (nanten,南天) December 25th, 2011
  • In Real Life, Tsukuba's Official Bird and Ubiquitous Mascot Gets Little Love These Days January 27th, 2009
  • In the Tsukuba Area MISOPI ( roasted peanuts in miso paste) is NOT Just a Snack! January 24th, 2012
  • In Tsukuba, Fancier Than Usual Offerings to Roadside DOSOJIN ( 道祖神) Sacred Stones, Probably Mean Someone Is Having Bad Back Or Leg Pain August 26th, 2009
  • In Tsukuba`s Old Neighborhoods SETSUBUN can be just as lively as O-Shogatsu ( New Year`s) - or even MORE SO! February 4th, 2012
  • Ishioka Festival this weekend September 13th, 2007
  • Its the Turn of the YABURAN (ヤブラン)- Liriope platyphylla - to be the Highlight of Tsukuba`s Dark and Shadowy Spaces September 4th, 2009
  • Japan Turns Yellow As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape April 20th, 2009
  • Japan Turns Yellow, as NANOHANA (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape ( revisited ) April 19th, 2011
  • Japan Turns Yellow, As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape ( revisited ) April 21st, 2010
  • Japanese Buzzwords for 2007 November 21st, 2007
  • Japanese Christmas- A look at the history of Japan`s celebration of Western Culture- KURISUMASU (again) December 22nd, 2010
  • Japanese Christmas- A look at the history of Japan`s celebration of Western Culture- KURISUMASU (yet again) December 23rd, 2011
  • Japanese Farmers Let Their DAIKON RADISH (大根) Chill Out in The Soil- the colder, the sweeter! January 12th, 2011
  • Japanese Fencing (Kendo) and Archery (Kyudo) Lessons March 23rd, 2009
  • Japan`s Eye-Grabbing HINA DOLLS (雛人形)- Coming Out of the Closet - in all their variety! February 3rd, 2011
  • Japan`s Firefighters Show Their Stuff in January DEZOME SHIKI (出初式) Parades, Ceremonies, and Performances January 8th, 2012
  • Japan`s Great Winter Delicacy-FUGU (河豚): Now Safe and Reasonably Priced- but still TO DIE FOR! (again) December 18th, 2010
  • Japan`s Prehistoric Staple Food - The Chestnut ( KURI, 栗), Is One of Tsukuba`s Most Outstanding (and dangerous!) Features September 12th, 2009
  • Jichinsai (地鎮祭) - a closer look at Japan`s traditional GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY held before construction of any sort November 28th, 2010
  • Joso brings back SOIL OF KOSHIEN after disappointing early exit August 4th, 2008
  • July First Is YAMABIRAKI (山開き) On Mt Fuji - Which Means The Climbing Season Has Begun ! July 1st, 2009
  • Kabuki coming to Ibaraki April 22nd, 2008
  • Kado-Matsu (門松) in their Purest Form- and at their most extravagant ( Japanese New Year Season Doorway Decorations Explained- again) December 28th, 2011
  • Kado-Matsu (門松) in their Purest Form- and at their most extravaggant December 30th, 2010
  • KAGAMI BIRAKI (鏡開き)- Breaking Open the Mirrors- a closer look at how and why the Japanese break open and eat the New Year`s Kagami Mochi rice cakes on January 11th January 10th, 2011
  • KAGAMI BIRAKI (鏡開き)- Breaking Open the Mirrors- a closer look at how and why the Japanese break open and eat the New Year`s Kagami Mochi rice cakes on January 11th (again) January 10th, 2012
  • Kaki (persimon) is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan ( yet again) October 12th, 2011
  • Kaki (persimon) is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan (again) October 11th, 2010
  • Kaki is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan November 9th, 2008
  • Kakuo-Ji Temple in Tsukuba is a SITE FOR SORE EYES each year on August 11th, with the Yakushi Mando Ceremony August 12th, 2010
  • Kanji Day December 11th, 2006
  • Kansai Area`s Popular Rite of Passage For 13 Year Olds Is Also Celebrated In Ibaraki, At Tokai-Mura`s Muramatsuyama Kokuzo-Do Temple April 13th, 2009
  • Kanto Plain Is Transformed Into The Mongolian Steppes (again) For Festival April 25th, 2010
  • Kanto Plain Is Transformed Into The Mongolian Steppes During 2 Day Festival April 22nd, 2009
  • Karakasa Mando Event TONIGHT (Aug.15th) near Tsukuba August 15th, 2011
  • Kasama Area Summer Events August 14th, 2007
  • Kit Kats and other Lucky SOUNDING Charms for Japan`s Entrance Exam Season January 26th, 2010
  • Kit Kats and Other Lucky Sounding Charms for the Entrance Exam Season January 16th, 2009
  • Kitsune no Kamisori ( 狐の剃刀) Bloom around O-Bon Time ( mid-August) near Temples and Shrines ( and an introduction to Mt Tsukuba`s Iina Jinja ) August 29th, 2011
  • Know the Local Lingo (2): Sha-Meh-Nah August 6th, 2008
  • KVA Festival: Japanese Education Exhibition October 14th, 2007
  • Last Night`s Full-Moon was the Bon-Moon (Bon no Tsuki, 盆の月), for those who still celebrate the ancient O-Bon Festival in its MOST AUTHENTIC way August 24th, 2010
  • Learn by Doing: Japanese Culture August 24th, 2007
  • Lecture on Italian Culture February 14th, 2008
  • Leonard Fujita Exhibit Shows Newly Found Works But Fails to Give the Whole Picture January 9th, 2009
  • Lightning ! Hide Your Bellybuttons! (Thunder and Lightning in Japanese Culture)- again July 25th, 2010
  • Lightning ! Hide Your Bellybuttons! (Thunder and Lightning in Japanese Culture)- again July 26th, 2011
  • Lightning! Hide Your Bellybuttons! August 30th, 2008
  • Locally Made Fabric Sent to Nara as a Tax Payment 1,260 Years Ago is Back Home For a Short Stay at the Tsuchiura City Museum February 1st, 2012
  • Locusts (INAGO 稲子)- Once very popular as a food in Japan, can still be found at stores- and occassionally at the table! November 16th, 2010
  • Long Living Tsukubans December 8th, 2006
  • Look at the Etymology of the Word SAKURA For a Deeper Understanding of Japan’s UNIQUE Celebration of Cherry Blossoms: O-HANAMI (お花見)- Revisited April 2nd, 2010
  • Loss of Traditional Respect Hard Fact to Swallow for Swallows July 23rd, 2008
  • Lots o' Lotus! September 8th, 2008
  • Lotus Flowers in Bloom at Hojo`s Oike Pond (北条大池) and Lake Kasumigaura- AND the Role of these Beautiful Plants in Japanese Culture and History August 17th, 2011
  • Lunar or Solar? July 19th, 2008
  • Makabe All Dolled-Up Until March 3rd February 27th, 2009
  • Make a Wish Upon 2 Stars at a Tanabata Decoration Near You! July 3rd, 2008
  • Make a Wish Upon 2 Stars at a Tanabata Decoration Near You! (again) The Tanabata Festival Today and in History- a deeper look July 2nd, 2011
  • Make a Wish Upon Two Stars (Japan`s Tanabata Festival) July 6th, 2009
  • Making a Mountain of Tsukuba's Mole Hills (mogura zuka) January 21st, 2009
  • Masked Nation March 17th, 2009
  • Masked Nation- The History of the Wearing of Medical Masks (by the general public) in Japan February 23rd, 2011
  • Men Facing Tough Choices as WHITE DAY Draws Near March 13th, 2009
  • Mito`s Special UME-FLAVORED Sweets Greatly Enhance Plum Blossom Viewing- and are great any time of year! March 4th, 2011
  • Mongolia Exhibition May 30th, 2007
  • More on this season`s ubiquitous fruit- YUZU (again)- a simple recipe December 15th, 2010
  • More on Tsukuba`s Ubiquitous Winter Citrus Fruit- The YUZU ( 柚子) December 19th, 2009
  • More Traditional Functions of Seasonal Bon-Fires: Roasting Potatoes and Toasting Buns December 8th, 2011
  • MORIJIO Salt Piles (盛塩)- A Deeper Look January 22nd, 2011
  • Mount Tsukuba Plum Festival February 21st, 2007
  • Mums the Word! Chrysanthemums ( KIKU, 菊) in Japanese Culture and History (yet again!) October 25th, 2011
  • Myoga (茗荷)- One of Japan`s Distinctive Flavors, from summer through autumn October 30th, 2010
  • Namiki Kominkan Festival May 23rd, 2007
  • Nandian ( NANTEN, 南天) Berries Provide Seasonal Color, Relief to Sore Throats- AND Protection from MISFORTUNE December 6th, 2011
  • Nandian ( NANTEN, 南天) Berries Provide Seasonal Color, Relief to Sore Throats- AND Protection from MISFORTUNE December 25th, 2010
  • Nearly Intact 3,000 Year-Old DOGU (土偶) Clay Figurine Unearthed at Tsukuba`s Asahidai Kaizuka Shell Mound (旭台貝塚) December 7th, 2011
  • Negi (Welsh onion) helps keep Japan green and fragrant in winter January 19th, 2011
  • NEGI BO-ZU (葱坊主)- Welsh Onion Flowers Look Like Bald Heads ( either those of monks or those with crew cuts) To The Japanese May 8th, 2011
  • New Year's Cards December 10th, 2006
  • New Year's Postcard Lottery January 27th, 2009
  • Nihonglish December 12th, 2008
  • Noh mask exhibit July 5th, 2007
  • Nova Hall and Capio Schedule (March 2008) March 5th, 2008
  • O-Bon in July? That is when many in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture do celebrate it. Why the difference from the rest of Japan? July 12th, 2011
  • O-Bon Lanterns Hung Out and Lit Early in August Shows Excited Anticipation Of Return of Ancestral Spirits August 10th, 2011
  • O-Chugen (お中元)- Summer Gifts FOR THE LIVING! A deeper look at the custom July 11th, 2011
  • O-Sechi (御節)- A Deeper Look at Japan`s Traditional New Year`s Dishes January 5th, 2010
  • OHAGI- special snacks and offerings for the Equinox weeks (and the question of what to call them) March 23rd, 2010
  • On January 15th, some will eat AZUKI-GAYU　(小豆粥) while others will wait for next month`s FULL MOON (Feb. 6th) to celebrate Koshogatsu (小正月)- Most, however, will do　nothing at all ! - again January 13th, 2012
  • On January 15th, some will eat AZUKI-GAYU　(小豆粥) while others will wait for next month`s FULL MOON to celebrate Koshogatsu (小正月)- Most, however, will do　nothing at all ! January 14th, 2011
  • On January the 7th -the Seven Herbs Of Spring (春の七草) in Rice Porridge　(revisited) January 6th, 2011
  • On Respect For The Aged Day ( Keiro-no-Hi), a Look at Japan`s OTHER Traditional Celebrations of Longevity September 19th, 2011
  • On the Evening of August 11th, Kakuo-Ji Temple (覚王寺) in Tsukuba`s Hanamuro is a SITE FOR SORE EYES- with the Yakushi Mando Ceremony August 10th, 2011
  • One of Japanese Summer`s Representative Veggies, NASU (eggplant) Is Versatile,Tasty, Culturally Significant, AND Has Beautiful Flowers July 16th, 2009
  • One of Japan`s GREATEST Fireworks Events- The Tsuchiura Hanabi Taikai- Will Be Held This Coming Saturday Night- Here is it`s surprising history September 30th, 2010
  • One of Japan`s GREATEST Fireworks Events- The Tsuchiura Hanabi Taikai- Will Be Held This Coming Saturday Night- Here is it`s surprising history September 27th, 2011
  • One of Japan`s More Popular Traditional Festivals — KURISUMASU (revisited) December 23rd, 2009
  • One of the More Popular of Japan's Traditional Festivals -- KURISUMASU December 25th, 2008
  • One of Tsukuba`s Local Legends- The Rock Throwing Jizo Stupa ( Ishinage Jizo 石投げ地蔵) January 16th, 2012
  • Outdoor Daruma Market December 16th, 2006
  • Perform The Ancient Chinowa-Kuguri Ritual ( by walking through a straw circle) tomorrow night ( July 30th) at Tsukuba`s Tanaka Hie Shrine! July 29th, 2011
  • Philippine Fiesta 2008 in Ishioka April 15th, 2008
  • Plum Crazy! March 18th, 2008
  • PLUM crazy! Ibaraki`s Ume Trees in Bloom! ( revisited) March 5th, 2010
  • Praying For Good Tobacco Harvests at Mt. Kabasan`s Kiseru Matsuri (きせる祭)- The Giant Tobacco Pipe Festival ! September 5th, 2010
  • Professional Sumo coming to Ibaraki! May 26th, 2007
  • Rainbows In Japanese Culture- their connection to bridges - and Mt. Tsukuba December 4th, 2010
  • Rankin' By Palanquin January 19th, 2009
  • Religious Symbols Used To Discourage Littering (and Urinating in Public) October 11th, 2008
  • Report on Autumn Festival at Raijinsama November 23rd, 2008
  • Retro-bus from Tsukuba Station April 15th, 2007
  • Ringing out the Old Year, Ringing in the New December 31st, 2008
  • Ringing Out the Old Year, Ringing In The New- Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) - Japan`s New Year Bells December 28th, 2010
  • Ringing Out the Old Year, Ringing In The New- Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) – Japan`s New Year Bells (again) December 29th, 2011
  • Rude Awakenings! Early Morning Explosions Explained ( once again, for the Gion Festival season) July 16th, 2010
  • Saiki`s Old Fudo-Hall and its Traditional Monthly Women`s Prayer Meetings (妻木の不動尊) October 21st, 2009
  • Savoring Tsukuba`s Fleeting Snowscapes, once again! January 16th, 2011
  • Scribblings on the Occassion of Shiki-Ki （子規忌）, the Memorial Day for Poet and Man of Letters- Masaoka Shiki September 20th, 2009
  • See the Iwasaki-Ya (岩崎屋) an Extant Meiji Period Shop, from the INSIDE, as it serves its last weeks as Hojo`s Tourist information Office　(until Nov. 20th) November 6th, 2011
  • Shichi-Go-San Celebrations are held in Japan throughout November- and they are especially extravagant in our very own Ibaraki Prefecture! November 6th, 2010
  • Shichi-Go-San celebrations uniquely extravagant in Ibaraki November 22nd, 2009
  • Some Musings on the History of Japan`s National Foundation Day February 10th, 2012
  • Something Smells Fishy: It's Setsubun! February 2nd, 2008
  • Sports Day in Japan Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games- Why is it in October? ( and a bit about the Tsukuba University Festival) October 10th, 2010
  • Striking up a Debate with The Right-Wing Activists Outside The Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th Might Not Be a Very Good Idea After All August 20th, 2009
  • Tai-Yaki Eaters' Dilemma -- Is It Heads or Tails? February 23rd, 2009
  • Taiko at iias on August 15 and 16, 2009 August 13th, 2009
  • Taiko at iias on January 1, 2, and 3, 2009 November 30th, 2008
  • Taking in the Autumn Leaves- LITERALLY! - with Momiji no Tempura ( もみじの天ぷら, maple leaves deep-fried in batter) Snacks October 4th, 2011
  • Tango no Sekku Over the Ages May 6th, 2008
  • Tantric Fire Ritual on New Year's Eve December 25th, 2007
  • Tara No Me ( タラの芽), the King of Wild Vegetables, Growing Right Under My Nose All these Years! April 23rd, 2010
  • Ten Hours, One Piece of Paper February 13th, 2007
  • Ten Japanese Habits Worth Emulating January 10th, 2007
  • The Ancient Rite Of Chinowa Kuguri (passing through an upright circle of straw set up at certain shrines) Explained! July 29th, 2010
  • The Belief in Myoken (妙見信仰), the Deified Polar Star (and Big Dipper) Thrives at Tsukuba`s Hokuto-Ji Temple (北斗寺) in Kurihara 　 February 11th, 2011
  • The Belief in Myoken- the Deified Polar Star and Big Dipper- thrives at Tsukuba`s Hokuto-Ji Temple! Its big festival is THIS COMING SUNDAY (Jan.29)! January 26th, 2012
  • The Connection Between the Sakura River (桜川) in Tsukuba and Sakura (Cherry Trees) Traced to its Source- the SOURCE OF THE RIVER ITSELF! (again) April 10th, 2011
  • The Connection Between Tsukuba`s Sakuragawa River and Sakura (cherry) Trees Traced To Its Source- THE ACTUAL SOURCE OF THE RIVER ITSELF April 10th, 2009
  • The Daruma Doll - The Evolution Of Japan's Longest Selling CHARACTER January 3rd, 2009
  • The Daruma Goma (ダルマ護摩) at the (Gansan-Daishi) Anraku Ji Temple in Mitsukaido (Joso City) January 3rd, 2012
  • The Enduring Legacy of the SAKIMORI ( 防人), Japan`s Ancient Conscripted FRONTIER GUARDS ( and separating fact from legend when remembering them) March 21st, 2010
  • The Etymology of DOKKOISHO, a word uttered by the Japanese at the onset or completion of certain acts of EXERTION July 4th, 2009
  • The Evolution of Japan`s Hina Dolls (雛人形)- a deeper look February 18th, 2011
  • The Fascinating Evolution of Childrens Day ( Kodomo no Hi, 子どもの日)- in a year (2011) in which few carp streamers can be seen flying in this region May 2nd, 2011
  • The Fascinating Evolution of Children`s Day ( Kodomo no Hi) in a year (2010) in which the rain has kept Ibaraki`s awesome CARP STREAMERS ( koi nobori) mostly out of sight April 29th, 2010
  • The Gion Festival Season Gets Underway This Week- with the unique Garlic Festival (Niniku Matsuri),on July 7th, as one of the highlights! July 4th, 2011
  • The Hozuki Ichi (ground cherry market) in Asakusa- 46,000 visits to the Asakusa Kannon at one shot - This Weekend July 7th, 2011
  • The Japanese Custom of O-Higan- Remembering Ancestors Are On and Around The Equinox Days (O-Higan)- Revisited September 25th, 2010
  • The Japanese, In General, Are Surprisingly Talkative When it Comes to the Subject of WHALING- but, unfortunately they miss the Key Point- Whales Need To Be Protected from Whalers of ALL NATIONS, or they will hunted to extinction May 24th, 2010
  • The Kakuoji Temple ( 覚王寺) in Tsukuba`s Hanamuro Will Be Lit Up ( by candles) Tonight For the Beautiful and Solemn Yakushi-Mando Ceremony August 11th, 2010
  • The Kattate Matsuri (かったて祭り)Sets Makabe`s Mt Gongen-Yama Aglow! (and hopefully keeps typhoons at bay!) September 1st, 2010
  • The Last Straw? Yoshiro Yaguchi Keeps Unique O-Bon Traditions Alive in Tsukuba`s Kami-Hiro-Oka Neighborhood August 13th, 2010
  • The Last Straw? Yoshiro Yaguchi Keeps Unique O-Bon Traditions Alive in Tsukuba`s Kami-Hiro-Oka Neighborhood (again) August 9th, 2011
  • The Man Behind Ibaraki Prefecture`s Mascot- Tokugawa Mitsukuni- AKA Mito Komon December 16th, 2011
  • The Man Behind Ibaraki`s Mascot November 7th, 2008
  • The Nemu no Ki (silk tree) and The Nebuta Matsuri- a connection between one of Japan`s most spectacular flowering trees of summer and its greatest summer festival! July 27th, 2011
  • The New Year`s Decorations Go Up In Smoke at DONDO-YAKI (どんど焼き) Bonfires This Saturday January 14th (at the ruins of Oda Castle, in Tsukuba, and by the Sakura River in Tsuchiura) January 12th, 2012
  • The New Year`s Decorations Go Up In Smoke in Tsuchiura`s Big DONDO-YAKI (どんど焼き) Bonfire on Saturday January 15th January 13th, 2011
  • The O-Shogatsu Spirit Lingers While the PINES ARE UP- Matsu no Uchi (松の内) January 2nd, 2012
  • The Old Miyamoto Residence ( Once a Soy Sauce Brewery and Shop) in Hojo, Tsukuba (北条の宮本家の店蔵)- visit it as part of the Autumn Festival at the Foot of Mt Tsukuba ( Oct. 29th, 30th, Nov. 3rd, 5th and 6th) October 28th, 2011
  • The Poisonous Flower with the Very Auspicious Name- FUKUJUSO (福寿草), The GOOD FORTUNE- LONG LIFE FLOWER February 8th, 2011
  • The Possible Connection Between The Myth of The Sun Goddess (Amaterasu), Himiko, Ruler of The Ancient Kingdom of Yamatai and a Solar Eclipse (or two)! July 25th, 2009
  • The POWER SPOT Boom Has Thousands of Women ( and a fair share of men, as well) Flocking To Meiji Shrine`s Gyoen Garden- But Unfortunately, the Presence of All These Ladies Has Driven Away the Tits- the Varied Tits ( the Japanese song bird- the yamagara), that is! August 18th, 2010
  • The Ritual Firing of Arrows at the beginning of the year- For Driving Away Misfortune, Forecasting the Harvest, and　Occassionally for CURSING THE NEXT VILLAGE January 9th, 2012
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th January 6th, 2009
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th　( revisited) January 6th, 2010
  • The Shimodate Gion Festival (and the Gion Season)Ends With a SPLASH- and the reason why O-Mikoshi (portable shrines) are often carried into a river or the sea August 1st, 2010
  • The Tiger in Japanese History and Culture ( a brief look) February 16th, 2010
  • The Tori no Ichi (酉の市) Rooster Day Fairs- A closer look at one of the Kanto Regions most exciting events of November! This year on the 7th and 19th of the month. November 10th, 2010
  • Their Long Hard Run Is Over - Ibaraki`s Salmon ( and salmon in Japanese culture) November 19th, 2011
  • They're Coming Home -- on Serpents of Straw, Cucumber Horses, and Eggplant Oxen August 13th, 2008
  • THINKING Green Grass Group October 19th, 2009
  • To Eat the Leaf or Not to Eat the Leaf ?- That is the Question (when eating traditional Japanese sweets) April 11th, 2011
  • To Eat the Leaf or Not to Eat the Leaf, That is the Question April 12th, 2008
  • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願) February 1st, 2011
  • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願)- again January 20th, 2012
  • To Start the New Year-The Seven Gods of Good Fortune (七福神)- in Treasure Ships, under your pillow, or as part of a mini pilgrimage: SHICHIFUKUJIN MEGURI January 5th, 2012
  • Tomorrow is Tsukuba`s MOST DISTINCTIVE (and aromatic!) Gion Matsuri- Ichinoya Shrines Garlic Festival ! July 27th, 2009
  • Tori no Ichi (酉の市)- Japan`s November Rooster Day Fairs- this year there are three!The two remaining are tomorrow ( the 14th) and then on the 26th ! A comprehensive look November 13th, 2011
  • Toshi no Ichi (年の市) - Japan`s Traditional End-of-The Year Markets December 28th, 2009
  • Toshikoshi-Soba (年越しそば)- Why? December 29th, 2009
  • Traditional Korean and Japanese Music Concert in Tsukuba May 25th, 2007
  • Traps are Back Up as Three Day New Year's Moratorium On Mouse Catching Ends January 5th, 2009
  • Tsuchiura Takigi Noh September 7th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Becomes A WATERWORLD As Rice Transplantation ( Taue) Gets Underway May 2nd, 2009
  • Tsukuba Becomes a WATERWORLD, as TAUE (田植え), Rice Transplantation, Gets Underway ( revisited) May 2nd, 2010
  • Tsukuba Festival page updated May 2nd, 2007
  • Tsukuba U. Archaeologists Made HAIRY Discovery in Niihari - an intact MIZURA (みずら) side-lock! December 12th, 2010
  • Tsukuba Wadaiko Festa in Nova Hall September 8th, 2007
  • Tsukuba's Coming of Age Ceremony (Seijin Shiki) Proceeds Without Incident -- Well, Almost... January 14th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Sweetgums Ablaze November 18th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Traditional Hunters: Hawkers and Falconers January 10th, 2009
  • Tsukubans in No Rush to Pack up Hina Dolls March 3rd, 2008
  • Tsukuba`s Popular Mascot- The Owl - does not get much love in REAL LIFE ( Owls in Japanese history and culture ) December 19th, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Sweetgums（紅葉葉楓）and other Roadside Trees ABLAZE with Autumn Color November 30th, 2011
  • Tsukuba`s Venerable HIMACHI STONES　(つくば市の日待供養塔)-again December 8th, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade! (revisited) August 29th, 2009
  • Tsukuba`s Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade- At this weekend`s Matsuri Tsukuba Festival August 26th, 2010
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire and Smoke Spewing Puppets On a String August 23rd, 2009
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire-and-Smoke Spewing Puppets on a String- This year on August 23rd and 24th in Tsukubamirai-City! August 20th, 2010
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire-and-Smoke Spewing Puppets on a String- This year on August 23rd and 24th in Tsukubamirai-City! Once Again! August 22nd, 2011
  • Tunisian Day January 23rd, 2008
  • Twenty-Third Night Stones ( 二十三夜塔) in Tsukuba are Evidence of How MOON WAITING (月待) Prayer Meetings Once Thrived in This Area October 12th, 2009
  • Two “one of a kind” Doll Festivals taking place in Ibaraki February 1st, 2007
  • UMEMI (梅見)- Plum Blossom Viewing- and smelling! February 5th, 2011
  • Up In Arms! Dressing Up in Samurai Armour in Sakura, Chiba May 10th, 2008
  • USEFUL TREES OF JAPAN: A COLOR GUIDE , is a very USEFUL book indeed- for anyone interested in Japanese nature and culture November 24th, 2011
  • Valentines Day in Japan- A Deeper Look at the Long Road from Lupercalia to BARENTINE February 12th, 2011
  • Westernized Calendar Makes New Year`s Joya No Kane (year-end-bells) and Futsuka-Mode a Frosty ordeal- Bundle up ( revisited!) December 31st, 2009
  • Westernized New Year Makes Joya No Kane and Futsuka-Modeh a Frosty Ordeal! January 1st, 2009
  • What is a MANDO-E (万灯会) or MANDO-SAI (万灯祭)? There are some more in Tsukuba Tonight ( Aug.24th 2011) as there have been all through the month August 24th, 2011
  • What Is Now Culture Day Was Long Celebrated As The Emperor Meiji's Birthday November 3rd, 2008
  • What is now the Japanese National Holiday- Culture Day (November 3rd), was long celebrated as the Birthday of the Emperor Meiji November 3rd, 2011
  • What's SHUN (旬) in June? June 19th, 2008
  • What’s SHUN (旬) in Summer? June 25th, 2010
  • Whats The Deal With All This Eating Of Eel (UNAGI)- A More Comprehensive Look at Japan`s DOYO NO USHI (土用の丑) July 19th, 2009
  • Whats The Deal With All This Eating Of Eel (UNAGI)- A More Comprehensive Look at Japan`s DOYO NO USHI (土用の丑) -again July 26th, 2010
  • What`s IN SEASON in Summer in Japan (again) June 24th, 2011
  • What`s the Buzz About (again)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer July 29th, 2009
  • Where are all the REAL PEACH BLOSSOMS (momo no hana, 桃の花) around the time of the PEACH FESTIVAL (momo no sekku, 桃の節句)- or The Hina Doll Festival March 2nd, 2011
  • Why Are Coins (rudely) DROPPED, TOSSED, or THROWN into Offerings Boxes at Japanese Shrines and Temples January 1st, 2012
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! June 1st, 2009
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! revisited June 7th, 2010
  • Winning Lottery Numbers for New Year's Cards January 14th, 2007
  • Wintery Weather Has Hanami Revelers All Bundled Up April 9th, 2010
  • Wisteria Hysteria (revisited)- Yet Again, a PURPLE HAZE Over Tsukuba (and most of the rest of Japan) May 4th, 2011
  • Wisteria Hysteria (revisited)-Once Again, a PURPLE HAZE Over Tsukuba (and most of the rest of Japan) May 6th, 2010
  • With All The Attention On Cherry Blossoms and Hanami, HANA-MATSURI, The Japanese Celebration Of Buddha`s Birthday On April 8th, Is Often Overlooked These Days (revisited) April 6th, 2010
  • With All The Attention On Cherry Blossoms and Hanami, HANA-MATSURI, The Japanese Celebration Of Buddha`s Birthday, Is Often Overlooked These Days April 7th, 2009
  • With TX, Toned-Down Sanja Matsuri Still Well Worth The Trip May 20th, 2008
  • Yanaka no Mori (矢中の杜)- an Interesting Old Residence Designed with an Imperial Visit in Mind- now open to the public twice a month September 8th, 2011
  • Yuzu Bath December 22nd, 2006
  • Zakumata, Y-shaped sticks placed at cross-roads are a unique way of praying for EASY DELIVERY! March 9th, 2010
  • Zakuro (Pomegranates) and The Goddess of Fertility and Easy Delivery - Kishibojin November 21st, 2008
  • Zakuro (pomegranates) in Japanese Culture- and on Tsukuba`s trees in this season October 29th, 2010
  • Zen Priest Baiho`s Idea Proves to be a Long-Lasting HIT as the Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition Grows More Popular By the Year October 2nd, 2009
• Category: Education
  • April 2008 Ibaraki JALT Presentation April 2nd, 2008
  • Buying an Electronic Dictionary June 2nd, 2007
  • Education Information for Foreign Residents January 4th, 2007
  • Free admission day @ Ibaraki Nature Museum March 20th, 2007
  • Henjo-In (遍照院)- A Buddhist Temple which long served as the Teshirogi Elementary School and in the 1960`s was a base for locals who opposed the creation of the Tsukuba Science City September 16th, 2011
  • Ideas about Improving Tsukuba October 9th, 2008
  • JALT Meeting: Joe Tomei January 30th, 2008
  • Japanese Fencing (Kendo) and Archery (Kyudo) Lessons March 23rd, 2009
  • Kit Kats and other Lucky SOUNDING Charms for Japan`s Entrance Exam Season January 26th, 2010
  • Kit Kats and Other Lucky Sounding Charms for the Entrance Exam Season January 16th, 2009
  • Lectures on the nature of NZ and its conservation project July 11th, 2007
  • Make your own replica of a teeth fossil November 9th, 2007
  • Map and Survey Festival May 30th, 2007
  • Meguro Parasitological Museum May 14th, 2007
  • Mt. Tsukuba, One of 100 Unique Geological Spots in Japan June 20th, 2007
  • Namiki High School Festival May 29th, 2007
  • New Zealand Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum August 17th, 2007
  • Remembering Sho Nemoto ( 根本正)- the Father of Japan`s Drinking Age Laws ( and free universal education!)- on Coming-of-Age Day January 11th, 2010
  • Science Day and Environment Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 31st, 2007
  • Science Day Events at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 28th, 2008
  • Study in Canada Fairs September 3rd, 2008
  • Summer Events at the Geology Museum August 17th, 2007
  • TABS Boarding Schools Fair in Tokyo October 23rd, 2009
  • TIS Open School Days September 2nd, 2008
  • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願) February 1st, 2011
  • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願)- again January 20th, 2012
  • Translations of Letters from Japanese Elementary Schools March 23rd, 2009
  • Tsuchiura Nihon University Secondary School and a new school in Namiki April 6th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Schools Information Sessions in October September 27th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Statistics May 10th, 2008
  • Updates on free Japanese lessons at TGU February 20th, 2008
  • YMCA Day Care Accepting Kids January 29th, 2008
  • Category: Students
    • Donations to China for Earthquake Fund May 15th, 2008
    • Free Japanese lessons at TGU February 12th, 2008
    • Kit Kats and Other Lucky Sounding Charms for the Entrance Exam Season January 16th, 2009
    • Mind the Gap: April 2008 May 8th, 2008
    • Mind the Gap: August 2006 August 1st, 2006
    • Mind The Gap: December 2006 December 5th, 2006
    • Mind the Gap: July 2006 July 1st, 2006
    • Mind the Gap: June 2006 June 1st, 2006
    • Mind the Gap: October 2006 October 1st, 2006
    • Mind the Gap: September 2006 September 1st, 2006
    • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願)- again January 20th, 2012
    • yougakusei~! February 1st, 2007
  • Category: Universities
    • Tsukuba's Non-Turning Windmills-Turned Objets D'Art - Gone With The Wind October 7th, 2008
    • yougakusei~! February 1st, 2007
    • Category: University of Tsukuba
      • AgESD Symposium 2008 November 8th, 2008
      • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai) For Animals Sacrificed At Medical School October 29th, 2008
      • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai,慰霊祭) For Animals Sacrificed At Tsukuba University`s Medical School (again) October 23rd, 2010
      • Argentina Day at University of Tsukuba May 27th, 2008
      • Big Black Heart: Photography and the Aboriginal September 14th, 2009
      • CAPEDS presents Sudan Café in Tsukuba vol.2 - What we found in "Real" Sudan- November 25th, 2009
      • City Chat Cafe - Let's meet at LALA Garden August 26th, 2008
      • Dormitory Festival "Yadokari-sai" will take place May 25th, 2007
      • Free Japanese Classes in Tsukuba March 16th, 2007
      • Glorious Weather For Sports Day and University Festival 2008 October 13th, 2008
      • JALT-Ibaraki Chapter December Meeting December 2nd, 2009
      • Libraries in Tsukuba March 3rd, 2007
      • Mind the Gap: April 2008 May 8th, 2008
      • Mind the Gap: August 2006 August 1st, 2006
      • Mind The Gap: December 2006 December 5th, 2006
      • Mind the Gap: July 2006 July 1st, 2006
      • Mind the Gap: June 2006 June 1st, 2006
      • Mind the Gap: October 2006 October 1st, 2006
      • Mind the Gap: September 2006 September 1st, 2006
      • New University "Re-Use" System February 27th, 2007
      • Photos of Tsukuba University by Mori March 11th, 2007
      • Plenty of BLUE BLOOD passing through Tsukuba's Main Arteries November 15th, 2008
      • Sports Day in Japan Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games- Why is it in October? ( and a bit about the Tsukuba University Festival) October 10th, 2010
      • Superpowers Start in Tsukuba March 11th, 2007
      • Tsukuba U Students Let Their Hair Down (or Put Their Wigs On!) May 24th, 2008
      • Tsukuba U. Archaeologists Made HAIRY Discovery in Niihari - an intact MIZURA (みずら) side-lock! December 12th, 2010
      • University of Tsukuba Grad wins Akutagawa Prize March 10th, 2007
      • University of Tsukuba Marching Band June 10th, 2007
      • Which university’s lectures do you most want to see available as Open Course Ware? March 4th, 2007
      • Youth Ending Hunger Charity Concert June 26th, 2008
• Category: Environment
  • A late-night encounter with O-Demari (大手毬) - Japanese Snowballs! May 16th, 2011
  • A Celestial Bridge for the Gods of Mt Tsukuba December 10th, 2008
  • A Day for the Birds December 24th, 2008
  • A Fine Day to Try The Segue Human Transporter (and for Cosplay) near Tsukuba Center February 13th, 2011
  • A Glimpse (and Whiff) of Things to Come February 5th, 2009
  • A late winter walk leads to the UBAYURI (姥ユリ) a type of wild lily, which is more beautiful AFTER its flower has fallen off- AND was an important food source for Japan`s early inhabitants February 20th, 2011
  • A Lesson to be Learned from the Popular Japanese God Of Good Fortune- EBISU (恵比須) November 18th, 2011
  • A Showing Of Provocative New Works by Thomas Mayers September 28th, 2009
  • A Whole Lotta Lotus- Ibaraki`s Beautiful Lotus Blossoms and the Role of These Plants in Japanese Culture And History (revisited) July 20th, 2010
  • Advisory for smog was issued yesterday May 24th, 2007
  • An Icon of Autumn- Hagi (萩, bush clover) Often Goes Unnoticed- look for it ! September 23rd, 2011
  • Another fruit which grows wild in Tsukuba (and other parts of Japan)- MUBE (moo beh むべ) December 11th, 2011
  • Another, Less Pleasant Fertilizer, Gives New Meaning to the Expression KUNPU (薫風, Fragrant Breezes of May)- in my neighborhood May 13th, 2010
  • Are you ready for the BIG ONE? September 2nd, 2008
  • At Tsukuba`s Botanical Garden You Don`t Need a Special Exhibit to Enjoy Japan`s ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES December 1st, 2011
  • Autumn Leaves Fall Away- Sometimes Revealing the Shrikes`Macabre Handiwork- MOZU NO NIE (鵙の贄)- Tsukuba`s ( and Japan`s) Shrikes- birds with a very curious habit! November 25th, 2011
  • Azalea ( tsutsuji, 躑躅), Japan`s Late Spring and Early Summer Regalia May 10th, 2011
  • Bags, Bags, Everywhere... August 24th, 2007
  • Bird Rescue Stuck in the Mud February 18th, 2008
  • Bird Rescue Underway! Six saved, thousands to go..... December 26th, 2007
  • Birds Of a Feather Flock Together July 25th, 2008
  • Bitter Herbs in this Season's Sweet March 17th, 2008
  • Check Out the Blossoms on Japan`s Tea Trees (Camellia sinensis)- the Cha no Hana, which are in bloom now- though not popular among flower lovers in Japan- they just might be YOUR cup of tea! October 25th, 2011
  • Chestnut Trees Give Tsukuba Its Distinctive Summer Smell June 7th, 2009
  • Chestnut Trees Give Tsukuba Its Distinctive Summer Smell (once again) June 15th, 2011
  • Clear Skies Over Tsukuba, and the Rest of Japan- Nippon Ba-reh ( 日本晴れ) ! November 17th, 2011
  • Cries of- SAKURA might be mistaken, but dont let that discourage you from savoring the beauty of Tsukuba`s anzu (apricot) blossoms March 21st, 2009
  • Destruction of Woods in Tsukuba`s Nakane Konda-dai ( 中根金田台の自然破壊が始まりました) Is Now Underway. Its NOT a pretty picture. January 23rd, 2010
  • Do You Uchimizu? August 8th, 2007
  • DOKUDAMI- Traditional Herbal CURE-ALL Flourishes In Japan`s Damp and Shadowy Places June 3rd, 2011
  • Early Plum Blossoms, So-Bai (早梅), Reassure Us That Spring Is Not Far Off January 24th, 2010
  • Eating Uguisu Mochi (鶯餅) in Anticipation of Japan`s most Famous Sound of Spring- The cry of the bush warbler (uguisu) February 15th, 2011
  • Ecoshop System February 23rd, 2007
  • Encountering PHALLUS IMPUDICUS (stinkhorns or SUPPON-TAKE) in Tsukuba`s Bamboo Forests October 23rd, 2010
  • Encountering Phallus Impudicus In Tsukuba's Bamboo Forests November 4th, 2008
  • Enjoy the Moss, Get Rid of the Mould! (again) June 14th, 2010
  • Enjoy the Moss- Get Rid of the Mould and Mildew (yet again) June 5th, 2011
  • Extremely Hot Summer In 2010 Leads to Slightly Disappointing Rice Harvest September 5th, 2010
  • Fair Weather Friends: Tsukuba's Solar Cooking Enthusiasts Enjoy The Taste Of Nature While Promoting GREEN Lifestyle October 18th, 2008
  • Fallen Gingko Leaves (銀杏落葉) Give Tsukuba ( and much of Japan) Glimmering, Golden Groundscapes November 26th, 2011
  • Famous Environmentalists Come to Tsukuba October 5th, 2007
  • Fighting To Protect Tsukuba's Remaining Wilds in Nakane Kondadai (中根 金田台) June 23rd, 2008
  • For Getting a Look At One of Japan`s MOST AMAZING FLOWERS (the karasu-uri no hana) a Flashlight comes in handy August 17th, 2009
  • For Getting a Look At One of Japan`s MOST AMAZING FLOWERS (the karasu-uri no hana) a Flashlight comes in handy- again August 12th, 2011
  • For Getting a Look At One of Japan`s MOST AMAZING FLOWERS (the karasu-uri no hana) a Flashlight comes in handy- again August 2nd, 2010
  • FROG CHORUS is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen – REVISITED June 10th, 2011
  • FROG CHORUS Is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen May 22nd, 2009
  • FROG CHORUS Is Nature`s Richest Orchestral Show- Take Some Time To Give It a Serious Listen - REVISITED May 19th, 2010
  • Fuji Flowers Create a PURPLE HAZE Overhead, but For some real WISTERIA HYSTERIA Head Out For Ashikaga May 1st, 2009
  • Gardeners or Butchers? Tsukuba's Tree Trimmers Go About Their Annual Winter Hack Job January 29th, 2009
  • Get Ready for a Hot Summer March 22nd, 2007
  • Gone With The Dew- The tiny, blue blossoms of TSUYUGUSA (露草) Appear Before Dawn and Vanish by the Afternoon (again) July 15th, 2011
  • Good News for Pollen Allergy Sufferers in Tsukuba December 28th, 2006
  • Having Evolved In A Very Rainy Country, The Japanese Language Is Unusually Rich in Words and Expressions Describing Different Kinds Of Rain July 11th, 2009
  • Hydrangea (AJISAI-紫陽花) in Japanese History and Culture (revisited) June 18th, 2011
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting October 8th, 2009
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting ( and a bit on the history of SOBA in Japan) September 30th, 2011
  • In Autumn, Don't Forget WEB SEARCH as You Near Your Front Door! September 29th, 2008
  • In Early Winter it’s Sazanka 山茶花 (camellia sasanqua), not Tsubaki　椿 (Camellia)-again December 10th, 2011
  • In Japan, Semi-translucent Ro-bai 蝋梅 Blossoms ( Japanese allspice) are The New Year`s First Tree-based Flowers to Bloom and Fill The Winter Air With a Welcome Fragrance January 7th, 2012
  • In Japan, Summer Is Autumn- for MUGI (wheat and barley) June 12th, 2009
  • In Late June Its Raining YAMAMOMO (under Tsukuba`s YAMAMOMO trees) June 27th, 2009
  • In Miharu 〔三春）, Reverent Crowds Gather Round The Greatest Sakura Tree Of Them All- the Taki-Zakura (滝桜)- the Cascading Cherry May 1st, 2010
  • In Real Life, Tsukuba's Official Bird and Ubiquitous Mascot Gets Little Love These Days January 27th, 2009
  • Information about the Environment in Japan May 1st, 2007
  • Its the Turn of the YABURAN (ヤブラン)- Liriope platyphylla - to be the Highlight of Tsukuba`s Dark and Shadowy Spaces September 4th, 2009
  • Japan Turns Yellow As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape April 20th, 2009
  • Japan Turns Yellow, As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape ( revisited ) April 21st, 2010
  • Japanese Farmers Let Their DAIKON RADISH (大根) Chill Out in The Soil- the colder, the sweeter! January 12th, 2011
  • Japanese Tree Pruning by the Book January 30th, 2009
  • Japan`s Prehistoric Staple Food – The Chestnut ( KURI, 栗), Is One of Tsukuba`s Most Outstanding (and dangerous!) Features- revisited September 22nd, 2010
  • Japan`s Pretty little HEBI-ICHIGO ( literally snake strawberries) Are NOT Eaten By Snakes, NOT Poisonous and NOT Very Tasty, But Some Old-Timers Believe They Have Medicinal Powers May 29th, 2009
  • Japan`s Pretty little HEBI-ICHIGO ( literally, snake strawberries) are NOT Eaten By Snakes, NOT Poisonous and NOT Very Tasty, But Some Old-Timers Believe They Have Medicinal Powers May 14th, 2011
  • July First Is YAMABIRAKI (山開き) On Mt Fuji - Which Means The Climbing Season Has Begun ! July 1st, 2009
  • July First Is YAMABIRAKI (山開き) On Mt Fuji – Which Means The Climbing Season Has Begun ! July 1st, 2011
  • Kaki (persimon) is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan ( yet again) October 12th, 2011
  • Kaki is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan November 9th, 2008
  • KARIN (Japanese quince) Trees Affect Tsukuba`s Autumn Groundscapes as they drop their fruit (KARIN`s place in Japanese history and culture) November 16th, 2011
  • Karin' For Your Sore Throat December 8th, 2008
  • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue January 13th, 2008
  • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue Meeting: Feb 28 February 26th, 2008
  • kinmokusei (金木犀) Blossoms Give a Sweet Accent to the Autumn Air- reminding many Japanese of........freshened-up restrooms! October 6th, 2011
  • Last Chance For Kumagusu's Forest January 21st, 2008
  • Lectures on the nature of NZ and its conservation project July 11th, 2007
  • Lightning ! Hide Your Bellybuttons! (Thunder and Lightning in Japanese Culture)- again July 25th, 2010
  • Lightning ! Hide Your Bellybuttons! (Thunder and Lightning in Japanese Culture)- again July 26th, 2011
  • Locals Still Taking in The KOWASHIMIZU Spring Waters At the Foot of The Konda Castle Ruins June 30th, 2009
  • Locusts (INAGO 稲子)- Once very popular as a food in Japan, can still be found at stores- and occassionally at the table! November 16th, 2010
  • Loss of Traditional Respect Hard Fact to Swallow for Swallows July 23rd, 2008
  • Lots o' Lotus! September 8th, 2008
  • Lotus Flowers in Bloom at Hojo`s Oike Pond (北条大池) and Lake Kasumigaura- AND the Role of these Beautiful Plants in Japanese Culture and History August 17th, 2011
  • Make the Summer Solstice Meaningful (revisited) June 20th, 2010
  • Make-Your-Own Solar Heater November 22nd, 2007
  • Making a Mountain of Tsukuba’s Mole Hills - a look at moles (mogura) in Japan and Japanese culture- again December 11th, 2010
  • More on Tsukuba`s Ubiquitous Winter Citrus Fruit- The YUZU ( 柚子) December 13th, 2011
  • More Traditional Functions of Seasonal Bon-Fires: Roasting Potatoes and Toasting Buns December 8th, 2011
  • More Tree Fellings In Tsukuba Leave Local Activists and Forest STUMPED February 23rd, 2010
  • Mushroom Mania at Tsukuba`s Botanical Garden ( through Oct. 23rd) October 20th, 2011
  • My Wild (and buggy!) Garden the Perfect Place to Rehabilitate an Injured Swallow July 1st, 2010
  • Nandian ( NANTEN, 南天) Berries Provide Seasonal Color, Relief to Sore Throats- AND Protection from MISFORTUNE December 6th, 2011
  • Nandian ( NANTEN, 南天) Berries Provide Seasonal Color, Relief to Sore Throats- AND Protection from MISFORTUNE December 25th, 2010
  • National Parks of Japan June 18th, 2007
  • Negi (Welsh onion) helps keep Japan green and fragrant in winter January 19th, 2011
  • Negi 葱 ( welsh onions)- Keeping Tsukuba`s fields Green and fragrant through the winter January 9th, 2010
  • New University "Re-Use" System February 27th, 2007
  • NIES Summer Open House 2007 June 29th, 2007
  • NO-ZENKAZURA 凌霄花 (trumpet creepers) Give Tsukuba`s Old Neighborhoods a Tropical Glow July 10th, 2011
  • NPOs Devise Business Model to Revitalize Lake Kasumigaura December 19th, 2006
  • Once Again, Goshawks Not Given a Fair Trial- This Time in Nakane Konda-Dai (中根 金田台) September 26th, 2009
  • One of Japanese Summer`s Representative Veggies, NASU (eggplant) Is Versatile,Tasty, Culturally Significant, AND Has Beautiful Flowers July 16th, 2009
  • One Person, One Day, One Kilogram Reduction in CO2 August 15th, 2007
  • Party Crashing Red-Billed Leiothrix (ソウシチョウ) Stunned, But Apparently Unharmed December 11th, 2008
  • Party Crashing Red-Billed Leiothrix (ソウシチョウ) Stunned, But Apparently Unharmed (again) December 6th, 2010
  • Pheasant Surprises in Tsukuba- Japan`s National Bird is an important component of Tsukuba`s soundscape May 4th, 2010
  • Picking Wild MUKAGO (零余子)- again October 24th, 2010
  • Pollen Count for 2008 January 28th, 2008
  • Praying Mantis Egg Cases Almost Ready To Release Their Loads April 27th, 2010
  • Rainbows In Japanese Culture- their connection to bridges - and Mt. Tsukuba December 4th, 2010
  • Religious Symbols Used To Discourage Littering (and Urinating in Public) October 11th, 2008
  • Religious Symbols Used To Discourage Littering (and Urinating in Public)-again August 7th, 2010
  • Renge So ( Chinese milk vetch), Probably the Most Beautiful of Japan`s Commonly Used FERTILIZERS! May 11th, 2010
  • Running with Tsukuba Center's Tireless Bird-Chasers September 6th, 2008
  • Sagiso (鷺草)- Flying Egret Orchids- now rare, and thus even more delightful to chance upon August 21st, 2011
  • Sarusuberi (not Salisbury) Trees, Provide Long-lasting Color During Tsukuba’s Dog Days- A look at Japan`s Crape Myrtles (again) July 25th, 2011
  • Sarusuberi, not Salisbury, Adds Longlasting Color to Tsukuba's Dog Days August 7th, 2008
  • Save the Birds December 4th, 2007
  • Science Day and Environment Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 31st, 2007
  • Science Day Events at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 28th, 2008
  • Scribblings on the Occassion of Shiki-Ki （子規忌）, the Memorial Day for Poet and Man of Letters- Masaoka Shiki September 20th, 2009
  • SETSUBUN-SO (節分草) -Eranthis Pinnatifida- Blooms a Few Weeks After SETSUBUN ( the Bean Throwing Festival) March 9th, 2011
  • Shinichi Ebihara`s Photo Exhibitions Paint a Broad Portrait Of Eastern Japan`s Birdlife- and it isnt always a PRETTY PICTURE November 12th, 2011
  • Skies Are Bright And Clear But Outlook Gloomy for Worlds Oceans On Japan`s Sea Day ( Umi no Hi) 2010- and a brief history of this national holiday July 22nd, 2010
  • Some Prefer Nettles- No-Azami (野薊), The First Thistles Of The Year- Beautiful AND (as most thistles are- ) Edible ! May 25th, 2011
  • SOUNDSCAPES and GROUNDSCAPES Shift as Starlings are Chased from One Roosting Place to the Next August 19th, 2008
  • Spotting HOTOKE-NO-ZA (仏の座) for the first time in the year can bring on EXCITEMENT and CONFUSION! January 30th, 2011
  • Still Caught Up In Kasumigaura Bird Rescue December 18th, 2008
  • Take a Walk on Tsukuba`s WILD SIDE- a nature and history tour of some of the city`s old neighborhoods- Sunday morning October 23rd October 21st, 2011
  • Tara No Me ( タラの芽), the King of Wild Vegetables, Growing Right Under My Nose All these Years! April 23rd, 2010
  • Thar She Glows! Fireflies (蛍) Make a Strong Comeback Not Far From Tsukuba Center - Watch Them Now (at the end of June) when they are at their best! June 29th, 2011
  • Thar She Glows! Wild Fireflies Making a Comeback Not Far From Tsukuba Center (revisited) June 29th, 2010
  • Thar She Glows! Wild Fireflies Spotted Not Far From Tsukuba Center June 22nd, 2008
  • That Screwy Flower- the Nejibana (捩花)! June 20th, 2011
  • The 19th Urban Greening Festival tomorrow September 28th, 2007
  • The Brown-Eared Bulbul ( HIYODORI,　ヒヨドリ)- Might Be An Everyday Bird Here In Japan, But You Wont Find It In Many Other Places (again) March 6th, 2011
  • The Brown-Eared Bulbul (Hiyodori) Might Be An Everyday Bird Here In Japan, But You Wont Find It In Many Other Places March 15th, 2009
  • The Colder, the Sweeter: Farmers Let Their Daikon Radish Chill Out in the Soil March 5th, 2009
  • The Connection Between Tsukuba`s Sakuragawa River and Sakura (cherry) Trees Traced To Its Source- THE ACTUAL SOURCE OF THE RIVER ITSELF April 10th, 2009
  • The Destruction of Rare Woods and Covering Up Of Ancient Ruins For Suburban Chicago-Style Development in Tsukuba`s Nakane Konda-Dai (中根金田台) Is Bizarrely Hailed As green development By Officially Sponsored Groups March 28th, 2009
  • The Iris Festival (Ayame Matsuri) in Sawara (佐原), Chiba Prefecture- Every June! May 31st, 2011
  • The Japanese, In General, Are Surprisingly Talkative When it Comes to the Subject of WHALING- but, unfortunately they miss the Key Point- Whales Need To Be Protected from Whalers of ALL NATIONS, or they will hunted to extinction May 24th, 2010
  • The Nemu no Ki (silk tree) and The Nebuta Matsuri- a connection between one of Japan`s most spectacular flowering trees of summer and its greatest summer festival! July 27th, 2011
  • The Poisonous Flower with the Very Auspicious Name- FUKUJUSO (福寿草), The GOOD FORTUNE- LONG LIFE FLOWER February 8th, 2011
  • The POWER SPOT Boom Has Thousands of Women ( and a fair share of men, as well) Flocking To Meiji Shrine`s Gyoen Garden- But Unfortunately, the Presence of All These Ladies Has Driven Away the Tits- the Varied Tits ( the Japanese song bird- the yamagara), that is! August 18th, 2010
  • The Shrub with the Clusters of Lustrous Purple Berries and the Grand, Literary Name- MURASAKI SHIKIKBU (ムラサキシキブ) November 30th, 2010
  • The Story of the URABORI (裏堀), the Irrigation Canal ( and alleged defensive moat) which runs through my neighborhood in Hojo, Tsukuba October 16th, 2011
  • Their Amazing Blossoms Are Gone, But The Fruit Of the KARASU-URI (烏瓜) Have Started To Glow Deep Orange October 9th, 2009
  • Their Amazing Blossoms Are Gone, But The Fruit Of the KARASU-URI (烏瓜) Have Started To Glow Deep Orange (again) October 21st, 2010
  • Their Amazing Blossoms Are Gone, But The Fruit Of the KARASU-URI (烏瓜) Have Started To Glow Deep Orange (yet again) October 13th, 2011
  • THINKING Green Grass Group October 19th, 2009
  • This Year, HATSUSHIMO (初霜), the First Frost, Comes Early and Suddenly to Tsukuba- Lets Hope Its a Fluke November 5th, 2009
  • Tiny Spring Wildflowers With An Embarrassing-to-say Name In Japanese: O-Inu No Fuguri ( Large Dog Testicles!) April 20th, 2010
  • Tobacco- One of Ibaraki`s Most Important Traditional Crops ! The Tobacco Shrine on Mt Kaba ! And, why the Tokugawa Shogunate Tried to Ban Smoking! August 10th, 2010
  • Traces of Tsukuba`s Mammals- Past and Present September 8th, 2009
  • Trench Warfare Declared on Woods, Hikers and Wildlife in Tsukuba`s Nakane Konda ( 中根金田台) March 14th, 2010
  • Tsukuba Becomes A WATERWORLD As Rice Transplantation ( Taue) Gets Underway May 2nd, 2009
  • Tsukuba Becomes a WATERWORLD, as TAUE (田植え), Rice Transplantation, Gets Underway ( revisited) May 2nd, 2010
  • Tsukuba Dust Bowl March 23rd, 2009
  • Tsukuba Farmers Give This Year's Rice Crop a Big Thumbs Up! September 11th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Farmers Still No.1 at Growing Grass ! A closer look at our turf-lawn heritage ( revisited) February 19th, 2010
  • Tsukuba Statistics May 10th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Central Park Pond Gets A Scrubbing (And its Carp Get Sucked Away) January 15th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Fleeting Snowscapes March 4th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Non-Turning Windmills-Turned Objets D'Art - Gone With The Wind October 7th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Smokey Autumn Air - The Gomi Moshi Problem November 2nd, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Sweetgums Ablaze November 18th, 2008
  • Tsukuba`s Fleeting Snowscapes ( revisited) February 2nd, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Indefatiguable Bird-Chasers are Back Again! This Time in Force ! Come Watch ( and hear) Them in Action, as they help keep our groundscapes clean! August 19th, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Indefatiguable Bird-Chasers are Back Again! This Time in Force ! Come Watch ( and hear) Them in Action, as they help keep our groundscapes clean! (this season every evening from 6:30-7:30 at Tsukuba Center) August 4th, 2011
  • Tsukuba`s Smokey Autumn Air (The Gomi-Moshi Problem) November 23rd, 2010
  • Tsukuba`s Sweetgums（紅葉葉楓）and other Roadside Trees ABLAZE with Autumn Color November 30th, 2011
  • Tsukuba`s Unusual Mid-April Groundscapes of 2010 April 17th, 2010
  • Turn Off the Lights, Take it Slow June 22nd, 2007
  • UMEMI (梅見)- Plum Blossom Viewing- and smelling! February 5th, 2011
  • What to do if you find a sick or injured raptor ( or other wild bird )- for those of you who GIVE A HOOT February 16th, 2011
  • What's That BUZZ About? August 21st, 2008
  • What`s the Buzz About ( yet again!)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer August 1st, 2011
  • What`s the Buzz About ( yet again!)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer July 27th, 2010
  • What`s the Buzz About (again)?- The Cicadas (semi) of Japanese Summer July 29th, 2009
  • Where are all the REAL PEACH BLOSSOMS (momo no hana, 桃の花) around the time of the PEACH FESTIVAL (momo no sekku, 桃の節句)- or The Hina Doll Festival March 2nd, 2011
  • Why The Area On Which the Science City was Built Remained Undeveloped Until Recent Years August 28th, 2008
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! June 1st, 2009
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! revisited June 7th, 2010
  • Wintery Weather Has Hanami Revelers All Bundled Up April 9th, 2010
  • With Japan`s Abundant Spider-life, Do Not Forget WEB-SEARCH before you near your front door September 3rd, 2010
  • Category: Garbage
    • Buying Tickets to Dispose of Large Items May 11th, 2008
    • Clean Up Tsukuba August 23rd, 2007
    • Cleaning Up the City January 18th, 2007
    • Closed for the Holidays December 28th, 2008
    • Cost of Waste Management in Tsukuba September 21st, 2007
    • Dondoyaki: Festive Decorations Go up In Smoke on Jan. 16th in Tsuchiura January 14th, 2010
    • Holiday Garbage Schedule December 8th, 2006
    • Religious Symbols Used To Discourage Littering (and Urinating in Public) October 11th, 2008
    • Religious Symbols Used To Discourage Littering (and Urinating in Public)-again August 7th, 2010
    • The New Year`s Decorations Go Up In Smoke in Tsuchiura`s Big DONDO-YAKI (どんど焼き) Bonfire on Saturday January 15th January 13th, 2011
    • Tsukuba's Smokey Autumn Air - The Gomi Moshi Problem November 2nd, 2008
    • Underground Garbage Collection System January 31st, 2007
  • Category: Recycling
    • Buying Tickets to Dispose of Large Items May 11th, 2008
    • Ecoshop System February 23rd, 2007
    • Farmer's Market in Namiki April 26th, 2007
    • Recycle Cooking Oil at Ritz'n March 30th, 2008
    • Recycling Telephone Books November 21st, 2006
    • Supporting Groups who Collect Resources for Recycling May 30th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Recycle Festival November 2nd, 2007
    • Tsukuba Recycle Market May 24th, 2007
  • Category: Reusing
    • A visit to the Umezono House March 5th, 2007
    • Buying Tickets to Dispose of Large Items May 11th, 2008
    • Making Cloth Zori ( nuno-zori, 布草履)- a perfect gift for Respect for the Aged Day, or for anyone who appreciates fine traditional foot-wear! September 19th, 2010
    • No More Free Bags in Tsukuba August 16th, 2008
    • Tsukuba Recycle Market March 8th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Recycle Market May 24th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Recycle Market September 13th, 2007
    • Umezono House's New Store Hours July 18th, 2006
    • Upcoming bazaars and flea markets May 28th, 2009
• Category: Events
  • Japan's Traditional Celebrations of Longevity October 25th, 2008
  • Sports Day (Tai iku no Hi, 体育の日). this year on Monday the 10th, Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Why is this holiday in October? AND a little about this weekend`s festival at Tsukuba University (again) October 7th, 2011
  • 11th Dragon Boat Race Competition in Kasumigaura City June 29th, 2007
  • 46,000 Visits at One Shot! Asakusa Kannon's Hozuki-Ichi July 10th, 2008
  • 7th Anniversary events at You World July 6th, 2007
  • A Fine day For Fire-Walking at Mt Kabasan (加波山) ! December 22nd, 2008
  • A Fine Day to Try The Segue Human Transporter (and for Cosplay) near Tsukuba Center February 13th, 2011
  • A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan October 4th, 2009
  • A Look from Behind: The Yakushi-Ji Treasures In Ueno June 3rd, 2008
  • A Magical Night on Mt Tsukuba at the Omido Temple`s Mando-Sai (大御堂万灯祭) August 19th, 2011
  • A Most Tsukuba-like Racing Event- on November 18th and 19th- The Tsukuba Challenge 2010 November 17th, 2010
  • A Perfect Day for OPENING THE HARBOUR ( ハーバー開き) at Tsuchiura`s Marina January 10th, 2011
  • A Showing Of Provocative New Works by Thomas Mayers September 28th, 2009
  • Advance Tickets for Extra Dralion Shows May 30th, 2007
  • Adventures in Jamblini March 31st, 2009
  • AIST Open House 2007 July 17th, 2007
  • All Doors are Open, as the Old Town of Makabe ( in Sakuragawa City) gets DOLLED UP for its annual HINA DOLL FESTIVAL (真壁の雛祭り) -until March 3rd) February 7th, 2012
  • All Doors are Open, as the Old Town of Makabe ( in Sakuragawa City) gets Dolled Up for its Hina Doll Festival (真壁の雛祭り）from Feb.4th-March 3rd February 4th, 2011
  • An evening with Indonesian Dance and Music August 31st, 2007
  • Ancestors Remembered Around the Autumnal Equinox September 21st, 2008
  • Annual Azabu Juban Open Air Ceramic Exhibition March 16th, 2009
  • Annual Ibaraki Artifact Exhibit at Seibu August 6th, 2007
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai) For Animals Sacrificed At Medical School October 29th, 2008
  • Annual Memorial Service (Ireisai,慰霊祭) For Animals Sacrificed At Tsukuba University`s Medical School (again) October 23rd, 2010
  • April 2008 Ibaraki JALT Presentation April 2nd, 2008
  • Are you ready for the BIG ONE? September 2nd, 2008
  • Argentina Day at University of Tsukuba May 27th, 2008
  • Around The Spring Equinox, All things Begin to Stir in Japan- Even The Graveyards! (revisited) March 19th, 2010
  • Art fair and festival in Kasama this weekend June 5th, 2008
  • At The Kattate Matsuri (かったて祭り) Help Set Sakuragawa-City`s Mt Gongen-Yama Aglow! (and hopefully keep typhoons at bay!) every year on Aug. 31st August 30th, 2011
  • At This Weekend`s Matsuri Tsukuba Festival- A Giant Beetle Robot makes its Debut - Come out For the Crowds, LOTS of Food, Entertainment, and Tsukuba`s Very Own (??) Nebuta Parade! August 27th, 2011
  • Autumn Festival at Raijinsama November 22nd, 2008
  • Azalea Festival May 4th, 2008
  • Azalea festivals in Tsukuba and Kasama April 20th, 2007
  • “Tsukuba Havriin Bayar” Mongolian Festival April 17th, 2009
  • Baiho's Idea a BIG HIT in Tsuchiura October 2nd, 2008
  • Ballads in Wood - This Friday February 6th, 2008
  • Beethoven's Ninth Symphony December 16th, 2006
  • Best Tsuchiura Fireworks Ever! October 5th, 2008
  • Big Black Heart: Photography and the Aboriginal September 14th, 2009
  • Big Names in Shamisen Coming to Tsukuba April 17th, 2007
  • Blast! May 27th, 2007
  • BON Jour! August 15th, 2008
  • Bon Odori (盆踊り)- O-Bon Dancing and Traditional Music THIS EVENING (Aug.14th) in Hojo, Tsukuba August 14th, 2011
  • Bonenkai (忘年会)- a Deeper Look at Japan`s Year-End Parties (again) December 1st, 2010
  • Canada Pavilion at Tokyo International Anime Fair 2007 March 15th, 2007
  • Capture Go as Communication January 30th, 2007
  • Cascade Fireworks (立花) at Teshirogi`s Mysterious Old O-Washi Jinja Shrine (手代木の大鷲神社)- tonight, September 13th, 2011 at 7:30 pm September 13th, 2011
  • Celebrating HINA MATSURI ( The Doll Festival)- some Tsukubans will be taking their time in putting away their HINA DOLLS! March 3rd, 2011
  • Cello and Piano Recitals at Nova Hall January 29th, 2008
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Onzagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year November 1st, 2010
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Ozagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year (revisited) November 3rd, 2011
  • Changing of the Gods: Mt Tsukuba's Onzawari Ceremony April 2nd, 2008
  • Changing of the Gods: Mt Tsukuba’s Onzawari Ceremony (Every April and November 1st)- revisited March 29th, 2010
  • Charity Ballet Presentation for Kids November 21st, 2006
  • China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe to perform in Ibaraki October 24th, 2007
  • China Week at Fureai Plaza September 30th, 2009
  • Choco Loco- A Deeper Look at Valentines Day in Japan February 13th, 2010
  • Christian Preschool Bazaar October 23rd, 2007
  • Christmas Lights and Merry-Go-Round! November 27th, 2006
  • City Chat Cafe: December 2008 December 1st, 2008
  • City Chat Cafe: February 2009 January 26th, 2009
  • City Chat Cafe: January 2009 January 5th, 2009
  • City Chat Cafe: November 2008 October 27th, 2008
  • Clematis Exhibit April 29th, 2008
  • Closer Examination Of My Local Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) Reveals Beautiful Carvings Detailing The Yamata no Orochi (八岐の大蛇) Myth July 23rd, 2010
  • Clothing Swap in Tokyo March 8th, 2008
  • Coffee Hour: International Relations in Tsukuba January 23rd, 2007
  • Come Away From Mt. Tsukuba Shrine's Toshikoshi-Sai Festival With Plenty Of Booty! February 10th, 2009
  • Come On Out To Hojo (北条), My New Neighborhood at The Foot of Mt Tsukuba for this Weekends Events August 6th, 2011
  • Coming-of-Age Ceremonies (Seijin Shiki, 成人式) to be held around Japan this holiday weekend (Jan.10th in Tsukuba)- A closer look at the evolution of SEIJIN NO HI ( Coming-of-Age-Day) January 9th, 2011
  • Complete this year`s Moon-Viewing (お月見, O-Tsukimi) TONIGHT ( Oct. 20th, 2010) with the JU-SANYA (十三夜)- 13th night moon October 20th, 2010
  • Complete Your Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi) For This Year- Tonight With The Ju-Sanya ( 13th night) Moon October 30th, 2009
  • Computer Classes January 14th, 2007
  • Contemplate a Great Art History Mystery While Enjoying Some Iconic Japanallia at The Tokyo National Museum`s Comprehensive SHARAKU Exhibition May 11th, 2011
  • Contemporary Japanese food culture documentary "eatrip" June 19th, 2009
  • Crash Testing April 19th, 2007
  • Crash Tests at JARI this Weekend April 17th, 2008
  • Current events at Aquaworld Ooarai February 15th, 2007
  • Dancers, Musicians and Artists Converge On Rustic Chestnut Farm for Unique HAPPENING inspired by Fashion Designer`s Latest Works October 16th, 2009
  • Daruma Dolls- the Evolution of Japan`s Longest Selling CHARACTER ( and tomorrow`s DARUMA MARKET in Joso City) January 2nd, 2011
  • David Sanborn Group Performance at Tsukuba Capio October 29th, 2009
  • Dazzling Works From The Red Center- An Emily Kame Kngwarreyey Exhibition July 26th, 2008
  • Desmostylus Exhibit in Tsukuba September 20th, 2007
  • Disaster Drill in Tsukuba August 25th, 2007
  • Doll's festival in Tsuchiura! February 19th, 2007
  • Doll's Festivals taking place in Tsukuba February 17th, 2007
  • Dondoyaki: Festive Decorations Go up In Smoke on Jan. 16th in Tsuchiura January 14th, 2010
  • Dormitory Festival "Yadokari-sai" will take place May 25th, 2007
  • Doudou N'Diaye Rose Percussion Orchestra May 6th, 2008
  • Drop Everything And Go See The Dazzling Kayama Matazo Retrospective -- You've Only Got Till March 2nd! March 1st, 2009
  • Earth Festa Kanagawa 2008 May 14th, 2008
  • EBISU KO (えびす講)- Alive (but not very well) in Tsukuba November 15th, 2011
  • Emperor and Empress to Visit Tsukuba August 1st, 2009
  • Events for August 4-5 weekend August 3rd, 2007
  • Events for Marine Day weekend July 11th, 2007
  • Events in January 2009 December 26th, 2008
  • Everything Is Peachy Keen At Koga`s Momo Matsuri March 24th, 2009
  • Faces for Father's Day June 15th, 2008
  • Fall Event at Hirasawa Kanga September 19th, 2007
  • Famous Environmentalists Come to Tsukuba October 5th, 2007
  • Feeding Hungry Ghosts- Late August is the season for SEGAKI (施餓鬼) Services in Tsukuba (and the rest of Japan) August 25th, 2011
  • Fiery (and noisy) Fun at The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭) Held at The Venerable Daiho Hachimangu Shrine in Shimotsuma- on September 12th and then AGAIN on the 14th! September 13th, 2010
  • Fiery (and noisy) Fun at The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭) Held at The Venerable Daiho Hachimangu Shrine in Shimotsuma- on September 12th and then AGAIN on the 14th! That means Tonight and then Wednesday this week! September 12th, 2011
  • Fighting Lanterns in Koga-shi December 1st, 2006
  • Fireworks Display at Potiron July 20th, 2007
  • Fireworks Festivals along Tx Line July 18th, 2006
  • For SETSUBUN (節分), Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Promote Kansai-Style Custom: EHO MAKI (恵方巻) January 27th, 2011
  • For the Winter Solistice (冬至)- Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, and Fire-Walking (火渡り) December 21st, 2010
  • For the Winter Solstice (冬至)- Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, and Fire-Walking (火渡り)- again! December 19th, 2011
  • For the Winter Solstice - Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire December 20th, 2008
  • Free admission day @ Ibaraki Nature Museum March 20th, 2007
  • Free admission day at Potiron-no-Mori April 5th, 2007
  • Free Admission Day at Potiron-no-Mori April 4th, 2008
  • Free concerts at Seibu November 29th, 2006
  • Free Rakugo shows at Seibu tomorrow June 1st, 2007
  • Fun at NIES and AIST July 18th, 2006
  • Garagara Sendo (ガラガラ千度)- an Annual Ritual in Which the Local Kids Have Been RAPPING for Centuries September 17th, 2011
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu (Japanese New Year) Preparations- yet again December 26th, 2010
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu (New Year's) Preparations December 28th, 2008
  • Getting Ready For Ibaraki's Unique Hatsu Uma (初午) Celebrations, At Home And At Inari Shrines February 6th, 2009
  • Getting Ready For Ibaraki`s Unique Hatsu-Uma (初午) Celebrations ( Feb. 8th)- By Cleaning up Inari Shrines, and making SUMITSUKARI (スミツカリ) February 6th, 2011
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu December 27th, 2008
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu ( お正月)- The Japanese New Year Festival (once again) December 26th, 2011
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu ( お正月)- The Japanese New Year Festival (yet again) December 15th, 2010
  • Getting Ready For The Big One- The Great Ishioka Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri, 石岡のおまつり) which will be held this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday- and some pics of the event from last year! September 14th, 2011
  • Getting Ready For The Big One- The Great Ishioka Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri, 石岡のおまつり) which will be held this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday- and some pics of the event! September 17th, 2010
  • Gion Galore! July 20th, 2008
  • Gion Matsuri Season is here! July 20th, 2007
  • Girl's Festival in Makabe February 6th, 2007
  • Global Communication Movie Party October 12th, 2007
  • Glorious Weather For Sports Day and University Festival 2008 October 13th, 2008
  • Gospel Events in June June 8th, 2007
  • Halloween goods at Joyful Honda September 14th, 2006
  • Harvard Krokodiloes and Cymbeline May 20th, 2008
  • Have Your Treasures Appraised in Tsukuba April 22nd, 2007
  • Higashioka's Fudo-Ko: A Meeting With The Unmoveable One July 28th, 2008
  • Hina Matsuri Event: Tea and Ikebana February 24th, 2008
  • Hina Matsuri- Tsukubans In No Rush To Put Away Hina Dolls ( revisited) March 3rd, 2010
  • Hirasawa Kanga Illuminations August 16th, 2007
  • Ibaraki Artifact Exhibit at Seibu August 10th, 2006
  • Ibaraki Golden Golds Tsukuba Series May 12th, 2008
  • Ichinoya's Garlic Festival Kicks Off Gion Season in Ibaraki July 12th, 2008
  • If You See Only One Show This Year... February 22nd, 2007
  • Iina Shrine`s Traditional Daruma Market- on the first DAY OF THE SNAKE of the year (according to the old, lunar calendar) February 2nd, 2012
  • Ikebana Class Party November 5th, 2007
  • In Autumn MUMS THE WORD, as Japan`s Chrysanthemum Cultivators Dislay their Creations! The Chrysanthemum in Japanese History and Culture October 16th, 2010
  • Ishioka Festival this weekend September 13th, 2007
  • JALT Meeting: Joe Tomei January 30th, 2008
  • JALT September 2007 Event September 20th, 2007
  • JALT-Ibaraki Chapter December Meeting December 2nd, 2009
  • Japanese Christmas- A look at the history of Japan`s celebration of Western Culture- KURISUMASU (again) December 22nd, 2010
  • Japan`s Eye-Grabbing HINA DOLLS (雛人形)- Coming Out of the Closet - in all their variety! February 3rd, 2011
  • Japan`s Firefighters Show Their Stuff in January DEZOME SHIKI (出初式) Parades, Ceremonies, and Performances January 8th, 2012
  • Japan`s Great ( and surprising) Circus History- and the impact of Japanese artistes on the circus world March 10th, 2011
  • Jeff Nelson Worship Concert at Tsuchiura Megumi Church June 29th, 2007
  • KAGAMI BIRAKI (鏡開き)- Breaking Open the Mirrors- a closer look at how and why the Japanese break open and eat the New Year`s Kagami Mochi rice cakes on January 11th January 10th, 2011
  • Kakuo-Ji Temple in Tsukuba is a SITE FOR SORE EYES each year on August 11th, with the Yakushi Mando Ceremony August 12th, 2010
  • Kanto Plain Is Transformed Into The Mongolian Steppes During 2 Day Festival April 22nd, 2009
  • Karakasa Mando Event TONIGHT (Aug.15th) near Tsukuba August 15th, 2011
  • Kasama Area Summer Events August 14th, 2007
  • Kasumi Accepting Event Proposals February 7th, 2007
  • Kasumigaura Bird Rescue Meeting: Feb 28 February 26th, 2008
  • KEK Open House 2007 August 29th, 2007
  • Kitsune no Kamisori ( 狐の剃刀) Bloom around O-Bon Time ( mid-August) near Temples and Shrines ( and an introduction to Mt Tsukuba`s Iina Jinja ) August 29th, 2011
  • KVA Festival: Japanese Education Exhibition October 14th, 2007
  • Lantern Festival at Ushiku Daibutsu August 9th, 2006
  • Last Chance For Kumagusu's Forest January 21st, 2008
  • Lecture by a Nobel Prize Winner February 26th, 2008
  • Lecture on Italian Culture February 14th, 2008
  • Look at the Etymology of the Word SAKURA For a Deeper Understanding of Japan's UNIQUE Celebration of Cherry Blossoms: O-HANAMI (お花見) April 4th, 2009
  • Look at the Etymology of the Word SAKURA For a Deeper Understanding of Japan’s UNIQUE Celebration of Cherry Blossoms: O-HANAMI (お花見)- Revisited April 2nd, 2010
  • Makabe All Dolled-Up Until March 3rd February 27th, 2009
  • Make a Wish Upon 2 Stars at a Tanabata Decoration Near You! July 3rd, 2008
  • Make the Summer Solstice Meaningful June 21st, 2008
  • Make the Summer Solstice Meaningful (revisited) June 20th, 2010
  • Make your own replica of a teeth fossil November 9th, 2007
  • Map and Survey Festival May 30th, 2007
  • Matsuri Tsukuba 2007 August 26th, 2007
  • Men Facing Tough Choices as WHITE DAY Draws Near March 13th, 2009
  • Michi no Ichi (arts and craft fair) in Kasama May 31st, 2007
  • Mint Exhibition in Tsukuba February 4th, 2007
  • Miraikan Turns Six May 9th, 2007
  • Mokuzougan: Intricate Artwork Made of Wood August 31st, 2007
  • Mongolia Exhibition May 30th, 2007
  • Mother and Young Children Cafe October 9th, 2008
  • Mount Tsukuba Festivals August 4th, 2006
  • Mount Tsukuba Plum Festival February 21st, 2007
  • Mushroom Mania at Tsukuba`s Botanical Garden ( through Oct. 23rd) October 20th, 2011
  • Musicafesta di Tsukuba 2007 June 9th, 2007
  • My Ami Festival 2007 August 2nd, 2007
  • Nagareyama Green Festival May 4th, 2008
  • Namiki High School Festival May 29th, 2007
  • Namiki Kominkan Festival May 23rd, 2007
  • National Women's Ekiden January 5th, 2007
  • New exhibit at the Ibaraki Nature Museum February 1st, 2007
  • New Zealand Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum August 17th, 2007
  • NIES Summer Open House July 25th, 2006
  • NIES Summer Open House 2007 June 29th, 2007
  • No Place Like Home June 3rd, 2008
  • Nova Hall and Capio Schedule (February 2008) February 2nd, 2008
  • Nova Hall and Capio Schedule (March 2008) March 5th, 2008
  • O-Bon Lanterns Hung Out and Lit Early in August Shows Excited Anticipation Of Return of Ancestral Spirits August 10th, 2011
  • Oh, yeah, "that" festival! April 26th, 2007
  • On January 15th, some will eat AZUKI-GAYU　(小豆粥) while others will wait for next month`s FULL MOON to celebrate Koshogatsu (小正月)- Most, however, will do　nothing at all ! January 14th, 2011
  • On January the 7th -the Seven Herbs Of Spring (春の七草) in Rice Porridge　(revisited) January 6th, 2011
  • On the Evening of August 11th, Kakuo-Ji Temple (覚王寺) in Tsukuba`s Hanamuro is a SITE FOR SORE EYES- with the Yakushi Mando Ceremony August 10th, 2011
  • Once Again, Nearly Perfect Conditions For the Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition (2010) October 3rd, 2010
  • One Day of No Rain July 20th, 2006
  • One of Japan`s GREATEST Fireworks Events- The Tsuchiura Hanabi Taikai- Will Be Held This Coming Saturday Night- Here is it`s surprising history September 30th, 2010
  • One of Japan`s GREATEST Fireworks Events- The Tsuchiura Hanabi Taikai- Will Be Held This Coming Saturday Night- Here is it`s surprising history September 27th, 2011
  • One of the More Popular of Japan's Traditional Festivals -- KURISUMASU December 25th, 2008
  • Open House Events at NIES and AIST July 20th, 2007
  • Outdoor Daruma Market December 16th, 2006
  • Pedeon,The First Tsukuba Open Air Music Festival April 14th, 2009
  • Perform The Ancient Chinowa-Kuguri Ritual ( by walking through a straw circle) tomorrow night ( July 30th) at Tsukuba`s Tanaka Hie Shrine! July 29th, 2011
  • Philippine Festival at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo July 8th, 2007
  • Philippine Fiesta 2008 in Ishioka April 15th, 2008
  • Piano Recital in Tsukuba June 9th, 2007
  • Pink Ribbon Festival May 4th, 2008
  • Plenty of BLUE BLOOD passing through Tsukuba's Main Arteries November 15th, 2008
  • Plum Crazy! March 18th, 2008
  • Potiron Festival and Fireworks Displays August 10th, 2007
  • Praying For Good Tobacco Harvests at Mt. Kabasan`s Kiseru Matsuri (きせる祭)- The Giant Tobacco Pipe Festival ! September 5th, 2010
  • Professional Sumo coming to Ibaraki! May 26th, 2007
  • Report on Autumn Festival at Raijinsama November 23rd, 2008
  • Residents' Day and "Nenrin-pic" November 9th, 2007
  • Ringing out the Old Year, Ringing in the New December 31st, 2008
  • Ringing Out the Old Year, Ringing In The New- Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) - Japan`s New Year Bells December 28th, 2010
  • Ringing Out the Old Year, Ringing In The New- Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) – Japan`s New Year Bells (again) December 29th, 2011
  • Roots of Manga October 28th, 2007
  • Rude Awakenings! Early Morning Explosions Explained ( once again, for the Gion Festival season) July 6th, 2011
  • Rude Awakenings! Early Morning Explosions Explained ( once again, for the Gion Festival season) July 16th, 2010
  • Rude Awakenings! Today`s Early Morning Explosions Explained- Tsukuba`s AIZU NO HANABI (合図の花火) September 11th, 2010
  • Salsa Party December 1st, 2007
  • Science & Technology Week 2007 April 16th, 2007
  • Science Day and Environment Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 31st, 2007
  • Science Day Events at Ibaraki Nature Museum May 28th, 2008
  • Second Harvest Japan Charity Concert December 13th, 2007
  • Second Nature: Tsukuba Photography Exhibit by John Tran November 15th, 2007
  • See the Iwasaki-Ya (岩崎屋) an Extant Meiji Period Shop, from the INSIDE, as it serves its last weeks as Hojo`s Tourist information Office　(until Nov. 20th) November 6th, 2011
  • Seminar on Medical Translation Assistance in Tsukuba January 28th, 2007
  • Sen-Hime Festival on Sunday May 12th, 2007
  • Seshami Street at Matsuri Tsukuba 2007 August 18th, 2007
  • Shichi-Go-San Celebrations are held in Japan throughout November- and they are especially extravagant in our very own Ibaraki Prefecture! November 6th, 2010
  • Shichi-Go-San celebrations uniquely extravagant in Ibaraki November 22nd, 2009
  • Shinichi Ebihara`s Photo Exhibitions Paint a Broad Portrait Of Eastern Japan`s Birdlife- and it isnt always a PRETTY PICTURE November 12th, 2011
  • Sirens -- Do Not be Alarmed January 5th, 2007
  • Sixth Guitar Festival in Tsukuba April 16th, 2007
  • Snowbird Ski School March 5th, 2008
  • So you think you can "food fight" July 23rd, 2007
  • Solemn OPEN HOUSE Event at the Old Nogi Residence (next to the Nogi shrine in Tokyo) on September 12th and 13th- the Anniversary of the General`s ( and his wife`s) Ritual Suicide (s) September 8th, 2010
  • Special Lecture by Former Chairman of Sony February 21st, 2008
  • Special Showing of a film in Joso City February 7th, 2007
  • Special Thanks Week November 20th, 2006
  • Sports Day in Japan Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games- Why is it in October? ( and a bit about the Tsukuba University Festival) October 10th, 2010
  • Sri Lanka Festival 2007 May 17th, 2007
  • St. Patrick's Day in Tsukuba March 7th, 2009
  • Star Wars Celebration Japan June 30th, 2008
  • Striking up a Debate with The Right-Wing Activists Outside The Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th Might Not Be a Very Good Idea After All August 20th, 2009
  • Taiko at iias on August 15 and 16, 2009 August 13th, 2009
  • Taiko at iias on January 1, 2, and 3, 2009 November 30th, 2008
  • Take a Walk on Tsukuba`s WILD SIDE- a nature and history tour of some of the city`s old neighborhoods- Sunday morning October 23rd October 21st, 2011
  • Take Me Out To Za Ballgame: Kin-Chan's Baseball Team May 19th, 2008
  • Tennis Tournament for Beginners February 14th, 2007
  • Teshirogi`s O-Washi Jinja (手代木の大鷲神社)- Its Tachibana（立花) Fireworks Festival and its Mysterious Straw Snake (大蛇) September 15th, 2010
  • Thanksgiving at Cork Head's November 21st, 2006
  • The 100th Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival Starts This Saturday October 10th, 2007
  • The 15th ARTwave Tsukuba Exhibition June 12th, 2009
  • The 19th Urban Greening Festival tomorrow September 28th, 2007
  • The 26th Ushiku Kappa Festival this weekend July 27th, 2007
  • The 6th Challenge Art Festival in Tsukuba February 27th, 2007
  • The Ancient Rite Of Chinowa Kuguri (passing through an upright circle of straw set up at certain shrines) Explained! July 29th, 2010
  • The Belief in Myoken (妙見信仰), the Deified Polar Star (and Big Dipper) Thrives at Tsukuba`s Hokuto-Ji Temple (北斗寺) in Kurihara 　 February 11th, 2011
  • The Enduring Legacy of the SAKIMORI ( 防人), Japan`s Ancient Conscripted FRONTIER GUARDS ( and separating fact from legend when remembering them) March 21st, 2010
  • The Fascinating Evolution of Childrens Day ( Kodomo no Hi, 子どもの日)- in a year (2011) in which few carp streamers can be seen flying in this region May 2nd, 2011
  • The Fascinating Evolution of Children`s Day ( Kodomo no Hi) in a year (2010) in which the rain has kept Ibaraki`s awesome CARP STREAMERS ( koi nobori) mostly out of sight April 29th, 2010
  • The Gion Festival Season Gets Underway This Week- with the unique Garlic Festival (Niniku Matsuri),on July 7th, as one of the highlights! July 4th, 2011
  • The Gion Festival Season Has Begun! Its Gion Galore- and not only in Kyoto! (again) July 16th, 2010
  • The Hozuki Ichi (ground cherry market) in Asakusa- 46,000 visits to the Asakusa Kannon at one shot - This Weekend July 7th, 2011
  • The Iris Festival (Ayame Matsuri) in Sawara (佐原), Chiba Prefecture- Every June! May 31st, 2011
  • The Kakuoji Temple ( 覚王寺) in Tsukuba`s Hanamuro Will Be Lit Up ( by candles) Tonight For the Beautiful and Solemn Yakushi-Mando Ceremony August 11th, 2010
  • The Kattate Matsuri (かったて祭り)Sets Makabe`s Mt Gongen-Yama Aglow! (and hopefully keeps typhoons at bay!) September 1st, 2010
  • The Legend Returns to the Place of Origin April 23rd, 2009
  • The New Year`s Decorations Go Up In Smoke at DONDO-YAKI (どんど焼き) Bonfires This Saturday January 14th (at the ruins of Oda Castle, in Tsukuba, and by the Sakura River in Tsuchiura) January 12th, 2012
  • The New Year`s Decorations Go Up In Smoke in Tsuchiura`s Big DONDO-YAKI (どんど焼き) Bonfire on Saturday January 15th January 13th, 2011
  • The Old Miyamoto Residence ( Once a Soy Sauce Brewery and Shop) in Hojo, Tsukuba (北条の宮本家の店蔵)- visit it as part of the Autumn Festival at the Foot of Mt Tsukuba ( Oct. 29th, 30th, Nov. 3rd, 5th and 6th) October 28th, 2011
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th January 6th, 2009
  • The Shimodate Gion Festival (and the Gion Season)Ends With a SPLASH- and the reason why O-Mikoshi (portable shrines) are often carried into a river or the sea August 1st, 2010
  • The Summer Hanabi (fireworks) Season in Tokyo Swings Into Full Gear Tonight with the Great Sumida River Hanabi Festival July 31st, 2010
  • The Tori no Ichi (酉の市) Rooster Day Fairs- A closer look at one of the Kanto Regions most exciting events of November! This year on the 7th and 19th of the month. November 10th, 2010
  • The World of Historical Maps, an exhibit at University Library October 4th, 2007
  • They're Coming Home -- on Serpents of Straw, Cucumber Horses, and Eggplant Oxen August 13th, 2008
  • Thinking about visiting Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th? August 14th, 2011
  • THINKING Green Grass Group October 19th, 2009
  • Time To Go Through The Wringer Again! June 26th, 2008
  • TODAY: Showing of Hana Makhmalbaf Film October 17th, 2009
  • Tokyo Scavenger Hunt April 10th, 2007
  • Tomorrow, November 23rd, is the Autumn Festival (and traditional potted-plant market) at the RAIJIN-SAMA SHRINE (雷神様)in Kamigo, Tsukuba November 23rd, 2011
  • Tori no Ichi (酉の市)- Japan`s November Rooster Day Fairs- this year there are three!The two remaining are tomorrow ( the 14th) and then on the 26th ! A comprehensive look November 13th, 2011
  • Toshi no Ichi (年の市) - Japan`s Traditional End-of-The Year Markets December 28th, 2009
  • Traditional Korean and Japanese Music Concert in Tsukuba May 25th, 2007
  • Tsuchiura City Museum reopened July 3rd, 2007
  • Tsuchiura Curry Festival November 21st, 2007
  • Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival 2007 October 4th, 2007
  • Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival 2008 October 1st, 2008
  • Tsuchiura Sakura Festival 2008 March 25th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Agriculture Research Gallery Open House - Today! July 28th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Calendar November 27th, 2006
  • Tsukuba Catholic Church Bazaar October 6th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Catholic Church Bazaar October 15th, 2008
  • Tsukuba City Hall Newsletter: Oct 2008 October 1st, 2008
  • Tsukuba Environmental Walk Festival: Ushiku-numa January 15th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Environmental Walking Festival February 10th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Festival flyer May 9th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Festival page updated May 2nd, 2007
  • Tsukuba Heliport Open House tomorrow October 12th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Japanese Speech Contest 2007 October 11th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Machikado Music Festival 2007 October 5th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Marathon November 23rd, 2006
  • Tsukuba Marathon 2008 November 30th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Movie Marathon August 18th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Orientation Seeking Volunteers February 28th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Park Street Walk May 8th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Pink Ribbon Festival May 11th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Recycle Market March 8th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Recycle Market May 24th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Science Tour Stamp Rally January 26th, 2007
  • Tsukuba U Students Let Their Hair Down (or Put Their Wigs On!) May 24th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Wadaiko Festa in Nova Hall September 8th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Walk Rally April 25th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Walking and Mountaineering Club: Upcoming Walks November 28th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Coming of Age Ceremony (Seijin Shiki) Proceeds Without Incident -- Well, Almost... January 14th, 2009
  • Tsukuba's Vegetarian Restaurant Ritz'n Celebrates 7th Anniversary September 13th, 2007
  • Tsukuba's Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade! August 25th, 2008
  • Tsukuba`s Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade! (revisited) August 29th, 2009
  • Tsukuba`s Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade- At this weekend`s Matsuri Tsukuba Festival August 26th, 2010
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire and Smoke Spewing Puppets On a String August 23rd, 2009
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire-and-Smoke Spewing Puppets on a String- This year on August 23rd and 24th in Tsukubamirai-City! August 20th, 2010
  • TSUNABI (綱火), Ina-Machi`s Fire-and-Smoke Spewing Puppets on a String- This year on August 23rd and 24th in Tsukubamirai-City! Once Again! August 22nd, 2011
  • Tunisian Cooking Class August 28th, 2007
  • Tunisian Day January 23rd, 2008
  • Tunisian Ishwiya January 17th, 2009
  • TWMC's annual family hike April 1st, 2008
  • Two “one of a kind” Doll Festivals taking place in Ibaraki February 1st, 2007
  • U2 in Saitama December 1st, 2006
  • Ume in Umezono Park February 18th, 2007
  • Up In Arms! Dressing Up in Samurai Armour in Sakura, Chiba May 10th, 2008
  • Ushiku Science Festa today February 10th, 2007
  • Valentines Day in Japan- A Deeper Look at the Long Road from Lupercalia to BARENTINE February 12th, 2011
  • Vertical Jousting December 4th, 2006
  • Volunteer Festa 2009 at Oho Kouminkan This Sunday October 3rd, 2009
  • Volunteer to Interpret at a Triathlon February 4th, 2008
  • Walking RinRin Road March 8th, 2007
  • Watch the Procession of 100 Warriors at the Masakado Matsuri (将門まつり)- as Bando City Celebrates the Fearsome Rebel Taira no Masakado (Sunday Nov. 13th) November 11th, 2011
  • Westernized Calendar Makes New Year`s Joya No Kane (year-end-bells) and Futsuka-Mode a Frosty ordeal- Bundle up ( revisited!) December 31st, 2009
  • Westernized New Year Makes Joya No Kane and Futsuka-Modeh a Frosty Ordeal! January 1st, 2009
  • What is a MANDO-E (万灯会) or MANDO-SAI (万灯祭)? There are some more in Tsukuba Tonight ( Aug.24th 2011) as there have been all through the month August 24th, 2011
  • What Is Now Culture Day Was Long Celebrated As The Emperor Meiji's Birthday November 3rd, 2008
  • What is now the Japanese National Holiday- Culture Day (November 3rd), was long celebrated as the Birthday of the Emperor Meiji November 3rd, 2011
  • Where are all the REAL PEACH BLOSSOMS (momo no hana, 桃の花) around the time of the PEACH FESTIVAL (momo no sekku, 桃の節句)- or The Hina Doll Festival March 2nd, 2011
  • Where Have All The Flowers Gone?! Problem POPS up at Shimotsuma Poppy Festival! June 1st, 2008
  • Wild Orchid Across Korean Peninsula December 14th, 2007
  • With All The Attention On Cherry Blossoms and Hanami, HANA-MATSURI, The Japanese Celebration Of Buddha`s Birthday On April 8th, Is Often Overlooked These Days (revisited) April 6th, 2010
  • With All The Attention On Cherry Blossoms and Hanami, HANA-MATSURI, The Japanese Celebration Of Buddha`s Birthday, Is Often Overlooked These Days April 7th, 2009
  • With TX, Toned-Down Sanja Matsuri Still Well Worth The Trip May 20th, 2008
  • Women's Varsity Basketball Championships in Tsukuba September 26th, 2007
  • World Refugee Day June 12th, 2007
  • Yasato Pottery Festival May 29th, 2007
  • Youth Ending Hunger Charity Concert June 26th, 2008
  • Zen Priest Baiho`s Idea Proves to be a Long-Lasting HIT as the Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition Grows More Popular By the Year October 2nd, 2009
  • Zeppelin in Tsukuba May 12th, 2007
  • Category: Classes
    • 2008 Classes at the Community Centers May 5th, 2008
    • Computer Classes January 14th, 2007
    • Computer Course for Foreign Residents of Tsukuba February 2nd, 2009
    • Ikebana Classes in Tsukuba September 20th, 2007
    • Japanese Classes at Tsukuba Gakuin University March 10th, 2009
    • One Coin Horse Riding December 21st, 2008
    • Sold on Square Dancing April 8th, 2007
    • The 34th Japanese Conversation Course March 10th, 2009
    • Tsukuba Square Dance Club March 27th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Square Dance Club: Beginner's Class 2008 February 9th, 2008
• Category: Family
  • Japan's Traditional Celebrations of Longevity October 25th, 2008
  • 11th Dragon Boat Race Competition in Kasumigaura City June 29th, 2007
  • A Lesser Seen Japanese Rite of Passage: O-KUIZOME ( お食い初め), in which, besides the baby, A ROCK is the STAR! March 14th, 2010
  • Celebrating a First Birthday the Traditional Japanese Way- with ISSHO MOCHI (一升餅), 2 kilograms of pounded rice, strapped to the child`s back! November 4th, 2010
  • Celebrating HINA MATSURI ( The Doll Festival)- some Tsukubans will be taking their time in putting away their HINA DOLLS! March 3rd, 2011
  • Christian Preschool Bazaar October 23rd, 2007
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION February 1st, 2009
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION (revisited) January 28th, 2010
  • Ending the Year With Buckwheat Noodles- A Deeper Look at Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば) December 31st, 2010
  • Enjoy the Night View from the Top of Mt. Tsukuba, as rope-way (aerial lift line) and cable car (tram) services are extended up to 9 PM and 8 PM, respectively, through the end of the year (on weekends and holidays) October 27th, 2011
  • Faces For Fathers Day ( revisited)- and a bit on the history of that special day as it is celebrated in Japan! June 18th, 2010
  • Free admission day @ Ibaraki Nature Museum March 20th, 2007
  • Free admission day at Potiron-no-Mori April 5th, 2007
  • Free Admission Day at Potiron-no-Mori April 4th, 2008
  • Getting Ready For The Big One- The Great Ishioka Festival (Ishioka no Omatsuri, 石岡のおまつり) which will be held this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday- and some pics of the event! September 17th, 2010
  • Glorious Weather For Sports Day and University Festival 2008 October 13th, 2008
  • Hebi Ichigo - The Movie - a Well-Written, Well-Acted and Thought-Provoking Look at a TYPICAL Japanese Family that you might want to watch more than just once June 5th, 2009
  • Japan With Kids website renewed May 15th, 2007
  • Japan`s Great ( and surprising) Circus History- and the impact of Japanese artistes on the circus world March 10th, 2011
  • Kansai Area`s Popular Rite of Passage For 13 Year Olds Is Also Celebrated In Ibaraki, At Tokai-Mura`s Muramatsuyama Kokuzo-Do Temple April 13th, 2009
  • Make a Wish Upon 2 Stars at a Tanabata Decoration Near You! (again) The Tanabata Festival Today and in History- a deeper look July 2nd, 2011
  • Make a Wish Upon Two Stars (Japan`s Tanabata Festival) July 6th, 2009
  • Parent Care When You Can’t Be There December 6th, 2008
  • Schedule for Shrek3 at Cineplex Tsukuba July 6th, 2007
  • Shichi-Go-San Celebrations are held in Japan throughout November- and they are especially extravagant in our very own Ibaraki Prefecture! November 6th, 2010
  • Social Network for Families in Japan January 10th, 2007
  • Thar She Glows! Wild Fireflies Making a Comeback Not Far From Tsukuba Center (revisited) June 29th, 2010
  • The 26th Ushiku Kappa Festival this weekend July 27th, 2007
  • Tsukuba Statistics May 10th, 2008
  • TWMC's annual family hike April 1st, 2008
  • Ume in Umezono Park February 18th, 2007
  • Where are all the REAL PEACH BLOSSOMS (momo no hana, 桃の花) around the time of the PEACH FESTIVAL (momo no sekku, 桃の節句)- or The Hina Doll Festival March 2nd, 2011
  • Category: Children
    • A Lesser Seen Japanese Rite of Passage: O-KUIZOME ( お食い初め), in which, besides the baby, A ROCK is the STAR! March 14th, 2010
    • And Still More Food For Autumn Foraging In Tsukuba: MUKAGO (or NUKAGO) October 28th, 2008
    • Celebrating a First Birthday the Traditional Japanese Way- with ISSHO MOCHI (一升餅), 2 kilograms of pounded rice, strapped to the child`s back! November 4th, 2010
    • Celebrating HINA MATSURI ( The Doll Festival)- some Tsukubans will be taking their time in putting away their HINA DOLLS! March 3rd, 2011
    • Children's Club After School December 28th, 2007
    • Children's Home Needs Computers December 5th, 2007
    • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION February 1st, 2009
    • Current events at Aquaworld Ooarai February 15th, 2007
    • Demon Masks, Soy Beans,Thick Sushi Rolls and Sardine Heads Posted on Doorways- Celebrating SETSUBUN ( the Eve of the First Day of Spring) in Japan January 29th, 2012
    • Excellent Site for Tsukuba Moms December 4th, 2007
    • Faces for Father's Day June 15th, 2008
    • Faces For Fathers Day ( revisited)- and a bit on the history of that special day as it is celebrated in Japan! June 18th, 2010
    • Fiery (and noisy) Fun at The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭) Held at The Venerable Daiho Hachimangu Shrine in Shimotsuma- on September 12th and then AGAIN on the 14th! September 13th, 2010
    • Free bamboo grass for Tanabata July 2nd, 2007
    • Hand-Held Fireworks (Senko-Hanabi) Make Japanese Summer Nights Sparkle! August 24th, 2010
    • Hina Matsuri- Tsukubans In No Rush To Put Away Hina Dolls ( revisited) March 3rd, 2010
    • Mother and Young Children Cafe October 9th, 2008
    • On Location- at Tsukuba Center ( filming another kids`program) January 24th, 2011
    • Pin-Wheels Set Up Around Tsukuba Center Make For a Quaint Art Installation and a Great (inadvertant) Political Satire October 5th, 2010
    • Social Network for Families in Japan January 10th, 2007
    • The Anpanman Museum to open in Yokohama tomorrow April 19th, 2007
    • The Fascinating Evolution of Childrens Day ( Kodomo no Hi, 子どもの日)- in a year (2011) in which few carp streamers can be seen flying in this region May 2nd, 2011
    • The Fascinating Evolution of Children`s Day ( Kodomo no Hi) in a year (2010) in which the rain has kept Ibaraki`s awesome CARP STREAMERS ( koi nobori) mostly out of sight April 29th, 2010
    • They're Coming Home -- on Serpents of Straw, Cucumber Horses, and Eggplant Oxen August 13th, 2008
    • To ACCS Customers: Nickelodeon's Airtime has Changed April 2nd, 2009
    • Tsukuba City Hall Newsletter: Oct 2008 October 1st, 2008
    • Tsukuba's Central Park Pond Gets A Scrubbing (And its Carp Get Sucked Away) January 15th, 2009
    • YMCA Day Care Accepting Kids January 29th, 2008
    • YMCA Ibaraki 2009 Spring Day Camp May 20th, 2009
    • YMCA Ibaraki 2009 Summer Programs June 11th, 2009
    • Zakuro (Pomegranates) and The Goddess of Fertility and Easy Delivery - Kishibojin November 21st, 2008
    • Category: Pregnancy
      • Amazing Turn-Around ! Moxibustion Gets Fetus to Move Out Of The Breech Position and Thus, C-Section is Avoided! March 30th, 2010
      • Maternity Mark January 9th, 2007
      • Zakuro (Pomegranates) and The Goddess of Fertility and Easy Delivery - Kishibojin November 21st, 2008
• Category: Food
  • A closer look at why eel (unagi) is commonly eaten in Japan in July- especially on certain days called DOYO-NO-USHI (this year July 21st)- again July 18th, 2011
  • A Deeper Look at O-Sechi (お節)- Japan`s Special New Year`s Dishes (which are served cold) January 2nd, 2011
  • A late winter walk leads to the UBAYURI (姥ユリ) a type of wild lily, which is more beautiful AFTER its flower has fallen off- AND was an important food source for Japan`s early inhabitants February 20th, 2011
  • A Look At Japan`s Various Hanami Confections April 11th, 2010
  • A Whole Lotta Lotus- Ibaraki`s Beautiful Lotus Blossoms and the Role of These Plants in Japanese Culture And History (revisited) July 20th, 2010
  • Ancestors Remembered Around the Autumnal Equinox September 21st, 2008
  • And Still More Food For Autumn Foraging In Tsukuba: MUKAGO (or NUKAGO) October 28th, 2008
  • Another fruit which grows wild in Tsukuba (and other parts of Japan)- MUBE (moo beh むべ) December 11th, 2011
  • Any passionfruit lovers out there? October 2nd, 2007
  • Around Mitsukaido Station, Its Not Arigato- Its OBRIGADO ! August 7th, 2009
  • Autumn is SANMA-TIME, as Japan`s Favorite Fish of the Common-Man, Sanma (秋刀魚)- is at its JUICY best November 24th, 2010
  • Autumn is SANMA-TIME, as Japan`s Favorite Fish of the Common-Man, Sanma (秋刀魚)- is at its JUICY best September 4th, 2011
  • Autumn mackerel (fresh, juicy and tasty!) October 2nd, 2007
  • Bitter Herb an Important Component of Traditional Japanese Spring Sweet- KUSA MOCHI (草餅) March 7th, 2011
  • Celebrating a First Birthday the Traditional Japanese Way- with ISSHO MOCHI (一升餅), 2 kilograms of pounded rice, strapped to the child`s back! November 4th, 2010
  • Celebrating HINA MATSURI ( The Doll Festival)- some Tsukubans will be taking their time in putting away their HINA DOLLS! March 3rd, 2011
  • Celebrating Soba again this year- this time at my place! Making Noodles, Dumplings and Cakes- all out of Ibaraki`s famed buckwheat! October 2nd, 2011
  • Choco LOCO -- The Legacy of Lupercalia in Contemporary Japan February 16th, 2009
  • Contemporary Japanese food culture documentary "eatrip" June 19th, 2009
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION February 1st, 2009
  • Convenience Stores And Supermarkets Promote Osaka Custom And Point Setsubun Celebrations In NEW DIRECTION (revisited) January 28th, 2010
  • Cries of- SAKURA might be mistaken, but dont let that discourage you from savoring the beauty of Tsukuba`s anzu (apricot) blossoms March 21st, 2009
  • Curry Shop SRI LANKA Still Spicing Up Life In Tsukuba May 13th, 2011
  • Daikon Radish Hung Out To Dry Mark The Beginning of the TAKUAN Making Process December 10th, 2009
  • Daikon Radish hung out to Dry mark the beginning of the TAKUAN making season November 22nd, 2010
  • Daikon Radish Rolls- a traditional New Year`s Treat from the foot of Mt. Tsukuba December 30th, 2011
  • Daily Victuals - Online German Bread Shop October 15th, 2008
  • DOKUDAMI- Traditional Herbal CURE-ALL Flourishes In Japan`s Damp and Shadowy Places June 3rd, 2011
  • Eating Uguisu Mochi (鶯餅) in Anticipation of Japan`s most Famous Sound of Spring- The cry of the bush warbler (uguisu) February 15th, 2011
  • Eating UGUISU MOCHI In Anticipation of Japan's Most Famous Sound of Spring February 18th, 2009
  • Encountering Home-Made Mie (Prefecture)-Style Oden, Right Here in Tsukuba November 20th, 2010
  • Ending the Year With Buckwheat Noodles- A Deeper Look at Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば) December 31st, 2010
  • Ending the Year With Buckwheat Noodles- A Deeper Look at Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば)- again December 31st, 2011
  • Enjoy Japan`s Aromatic Autumn Delicacy- MATSUTAKE MUSHROOMS (松茸)- you dont always have to pay through the nose for them! October 8th, 2010
  • Fair Weather Friends: Tsukuba's Solar Cooking Enthusiasts Enjoy The Taste Of Nature While Promoting GREEN Lifestyle October 18th, 2008
  • Farmer's Market in Namiki April 26th, 2007
  • Fido-Friendly, Alfresco Dining at Cafe Plus 1 August 7th, 2008
  • First Burger King Restaurant to Open in Shinjuku Tomorrow June 7th, 2007
  • For SETSUBUN (節分), Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Promote Kansai-Style Custom: EHO MAKI (恵方巻) January 27th, 2011
  • For The Delicate Aroma Of Japan's Matsutake Mushrooms You Have To Pay Through The Nose October 25th, 2008
  • For the Winter Solistice (冬至)- Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, and Fire-Walking (火渡り) December 21st, 2010
  • For the Winter Solstice - Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire December 20th, 2008
  • For the Winter Solstice – Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire (revisited) December 18th, 2009
  • Foraging for wild eats in Tsukuba- Akebi (again) October 3rd, 2010
  • Free Scoop Night @ Baskin Robbins tonight May 9th, 2008
  • From the Deep Waters Off Ibaraki, a Winter Delicacy: ANKO NABE December 14th, 2008
  • Fruit Picking and Mysterious Rock Carvings Near Tsukuba (Chiyoda Town) September 24th, 2008
  • FUGU (pufferfish)- safe and reasonably priced- but still TO DIE FOR! February 6th, 2010
  • Getting Deeper Into O-Shogatsu (New Year's) Preparations December 28th, 2008
  • Getting Ready For Ibaraki`s Unique Hatsu-Uma (初午) Celebrations ( Feb. 8th)- By Cleaning up Inari Shrines, and making SUMITSUKARI (スミツカリ) February 6th, 2011
  • Getting Ready for O-Shogatsu December 27th, 2008
  • Getting to the Root of the Matter- Digging Up Bamboo Shoots (Take no Ko Hori) May 2nd, 2010
  • HANABIRAMOCHI ( 花びら餅 )- a Japanese sweet for January ( especially for HATSUGAMA- the First Tea Ceremony of the Year) which has roots in an ancient court ceremony- again January 18th, 2012
  • HANABIRAMOCHI ( 花びら餅 )- a Japanese sweet for January which has roots in an ancient court ceremony January 19th, 2010
  • Heads or Tails? The Tai-Yaki ( 鯛焼き)-Eaters Dillema: A closer look at one of Japan`s favorite snacks January 7th, 2011
  • Hina Matsuri- Tsukubans In No Rush To Put Away Hina Dolls ( revisited) March 3rd, 2010
  • How to Make (and eat) Salted Cherry Blossoms- Sakura no Hana no Shiozuke (桜の花の塩漬) May 7th, 2011
  • Ibaraki`s Famous Plum ( Ume) Season Sweets, and some thoughts they elicit on Japanese culture March 16th, 2010
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting October 8th, 2009
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting ( and a bit on the history of SOBA in Japan) September 30th, 2011
  • Ibaraki`s Rolling Fields of Buckwheat ( 蕎麦畑) Almost Ready For Harvesting (again) October 18th, 2010
  • Ibaraki`s Unique HATSU UMA (初午) Celebrations- this year on the same day as Setsubun ( February 3, 2012) February 3rd, 2012
  • Ibaraki`s Winter Delicacy-Anko Nabe- あんこう鍋 (monkfish stew) November 13th, 2010
  • In Late June Its Raining YAMAMOMO (under Tsukuba`s YAMAMOMO trees) June 27th, 2009
  • In Line with The Far Side- Three days before the equinox days, O-Higan (お彼岸) begins in Japan September 20th, 2011
  • In the Tsukuba Area MISOPI ( roasted peanuts in miso paste) is NOT Just a Snack! January 24th, 2012
  • Its Raining Yamamomo 山桃　(yumberries) in Tsukuba yet again! July 8th, 2011
  • Japan Turns Yellow As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape April 20th, 2009
  • Japan Turns Yellow, as NANOHANA (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape ( revisited ) April 19th, 2011
  • Japan Turns Yellow, As Nanohana (Rapeseed Flowers) Take Over The Spring Landscape ( revisited ) April 21st, 2010
  • Japanese Farmers Let Their DAIKON RADISH (大根) Chill Out in The Soil- the colder, the sweeter! January 12th, 2011
  • Japan`s Great Winter Delicacy-FUGU (河豚): Now Safe and Reasonably Priced- but still TO DIE FOR! (again) December 18th, 2010
  • Japan`s Prehistoric Staple Food - The Chestnut ( KURI, 栗), Is One of Tsukuba`s Most Outstanding (and dangerous!) Features September 12th, 2009
  • Japan`s Prehistoric Staple Food – The Chestnut ( KURI, 栗), Is One of Tsukuba`s Most Outstanding (and dangerous!) Features- revisited September 22nd, 2010
  • Japan`s Pretty little HEBI-ICHIGO ( literally snake strawberries) Are NOT Eaten By Snakes, NOT Poisonous and NOT Very Tasty, But Some Old-Timers Believe They Have Medicinal Powers May 29th, 2009
  • KAGAMI BIRAKI (鏡開き)- Breaking Open the Mirrors- a closer look at how and why the Japanese break open and eat the New Year`s Kagami Mochi rice cakes on January 11th January 10th, 2011
  • Kaki (persimon) is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan ( yet again) October 12th, 2011
  • Kaki (persimon) is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan (again) October 11th, 2010
  • Kaki is the Color (and Flavor) of Fall in Rural Japan November 9th, 2008
  • Karin' For Your Sore Throat December 8th, 2008
  • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts opens today December 14th, 2006
  • Little Cakes From Akita Prefecture`s Kakunodate Pack a Tasty Surprise- If You dont Know They are Called KINKAN MANJU ( 金柑まんじゅう) April 18th, 2010
  • Local Produce March 20th, 2007
  • Locusts (INAGO 稲子)- Once very popular as a food in Japan, can still be found at stores- and occassionally at the table! November 16th, 2010
  • Margarine-Free Bakery August 25th, 2008
  • Men Facing Tough Choices as WHITE DAY Draws Near March 13th, 2009
  • Mikan Picking on Mt. Tsukuba November 1st, 2007
  • Mito`s Special UME-FLAVORED Sweets Greatly Enhance Plum Blossom Viewing- and are great any time of year! March 4th, 2011
  • MORE Food for Autumn Foragers in Tsukuba September 23rd, 2008
  • More on this season`s ubiquitous fruit- YUZU (again)- a simple recipe December 15th, 2010
  • More on Tsukuba`s Ubiquitous Winter Citrus Fruit- The YUZU ( 柚子) December 19th, 2009
  • More on Tsukuba`s Ubiquitous Winter Citrus Fruit- The YUZU ( 柚子) December 13th, 2011
  • More wild fruit picking in Japan- YAMABOSHI (山法師)- the fruit of the kousa dogwood tree! October 4th, 2010
  • Myoga (茗荷)- One of Japan`s Distinctive Flavors, from summer through autumn October 30th, 2010
  • Natto, the hidden way July 11th, 2007
  • Negi (Welsh onion) helps keep Japan green and fragrant in winter January 19th, 2011
  • Negi 葱 ( welsh onions)- Keeping Tsukuba`s fields Green and fragrant through the winter January 9th, 2010
  • New Store Opens in Hitachi no Ushiku December 12th, 2006
  • O-Chugen (お中元)- Summer Gifts FOR THE LIVING! A deeper look at the custom July 11th, 2011
  • O-Sechi (御節)- A Deeper Look at Japan`s Traditional New Year`s Dishes January 5th, 2010
  • OHAGI- special snacks and offerings for the Equinox weeks (and the question of what to call them) March 23rd, 2010
  • Okonomiyaki shop review October 2nd, 2007
  • On January 15th, some will eat AZUKI-GAYU　(小豆粥) while others will wait for next month`s FULL MOON to celebrate Koshogatsu (小正月)- Most, however, will do　nothing at all ! January 14th, 2011
  • On January the 7th -the Seven Herbs Of Spring (春の七草) in Rice Porridge　(revisited) January 6th, 2011
  • One of Japanese Summer`s Representative Veggies, NASU (eggplant) Is Versatile,Tasty, Culturally Significant, AND Has Beautiful Flowers July 16th, 2009
  • One of the More Popular of Japan's Traditional Festivals -- KURISUMASU December 25th, 2008
  • Picking Wild MUKAGO (零余子)- again October 24th, 2010
  • Put On Your Gloves and Get Out Your Chopsticks! There are still GINGKO NUTS to be gathered! October 26th, 2010
  • Renge So ( Chinese milk vetch), Probably the Most Beautiful of Japan`s Commonly Used FERTILIZERS! May 11th, 2010
  • Restaurant Review: MaMaYa November 21st, 2007
  • Sipahhs on sale at Mos Burger July 8th, 2007
  • So you think you can "food fight" July 23rd, 2007
  • Some Prefer Nettles- No-Azami (野薊), The First Thistles Of The Year- Beautiful AND (as most thistles are- ) Edible ! May 25th, 2011
  • Sports Day in Japan Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games- Why is it in October? ( and a bit about the Tsukuba University Festival) October 10th, 2010
  • Still More Fall Foraging In Tsukuba -- Akebi October 17th, 2008
  • Tai-Yaki Eaters' Dilemma -- Is It Heads or Tails? February 23rd, 2009
  • Taking in the Autumn Leaves- LITERALLY! - with Momiji no Tempura ( もみじの天ぷら, maple leaves deep-fried in batter) Snacks October 4th, 2011
  • Tara No Me ( タラの芽), the King of Wild Vegetables, Growing Right Under My Nose All these Years! April 23rd, 2010
  • The Colder, the Sweeter: Farmers Let Their Daikon Radish Chill Out in the Soil March 5th, 2009
  • The Fascinating Evolution of Children`s Day ( Kodomo no Hi) in a year (2010) in which the rain has kept Ibaraki`s awesome CARP STREAMERS ( koi nobori) mostly out of sight April 29th, 2010
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th January 6th, 2009
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th　( revisited) January 6th, 2010
  • The Shape Of Watermelons to Come August 2nd, 2008
  • Their Long Hard Run Is Over - Ibaraki`s Salmon ( and salmon in Japanese culture) November 19th, 2011
  • There are asparagus, and then there are ASPARAGUS- like those on Ryuichi Someya`s farm ! They are IN SEASON now! May 5th, 2011
  • There is asparagus, and then there is ASAPARAGUS- like those lovingly grown in Tsukuba at Ryuichi Someya`s Farm June 1st, 2010
  • To Eat the Leaf or Not to Eat the Leaf ?- That is the Question (when eating traditional Japanese sweets) April 11th, 2011
  • To Eat the Leaf or Not to Eat the Leaf, That is the Question April 12th, 2008
  • To Help Students Pass Entrance Exams- Prayers, Amulets, and a Clever Array of LUCKY CHARMS (合格祈願) February 1st, 2011
  • Tokyo Eats August 25th, 2007
  • Tokyo-quality Italian food, right here in Tsukuba! November 2nd, 2007
  • Toshikoshi-Soba (年越しそば)- Why? December 29th, 2009
  • Tsuchiura Curry Festival November 21st, 2007
  • Tsukuba Becomes A WATERWORLD As Rice Transplantation ( Taue) Gets Underway May 2nd, 2009
  • Tsukuba Farmers Give This Year's Rice Crop a Big Thumbs Up! September 11th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Gingko Nut Nuts Putting Their Gloves On! September 16th, 2008
  • Tsukuba`s Very Own (?) Nebuta Parade- At this weekend`s Matsuri Tsukuba Festival August 26th, 2010
  • Tunisian Cooking Class August 28th, 2007
  • Using Ki no Me (木の芽), the young leaves of the SANSHO ( Japanese Pepper) Tree to Make Distinctively Savory and Aromatic pastes (木の芽和え) May 8th, 2011
  • Vegetable Ice Cream: Worth Driving Out For! September 18th, 2008
  • Westernized Calendar Makes New Year`s Joya No Kane (year-end-bells) and Futsuka-Mode a Frosty ordeal- Bundle up ( revisited!) December 31st, 2009
  • What's SHUN (旬) in June? June 19th, 2008
  • What’s SHUN (旬) in Summer? June 25th, 2010
  • Whats The Deal With All This Eating Of Eel (UNAGI)- A More Comprehensive Look at Japan`s DOYO NO USHI (土用の丑) July 19th, 2009
  • Whats The Deal With All This Eating Of Eel (UNAGI)- A More Comprehensive Look at Japan`s DOYO NO USHI (土用の丑) -again July 26th, 2010
  • What`s IN SEASON in Summer in Japan (again) June 24th, 2011
  • Where did all the butter go? June 26th, 2008
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! June 1st, 2009
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! revisited June 7th, 2010
  • Zakuro (Pomegranates) and The Goddess of Fertility and Easy Delivery - Kishibojin November 21st, 2008
  • Zakuro (pomegranates) in Japanese Culture- and on Tsukuba`s trees in this season October 29th, 2010
  • Category: Bakeries
    • Around Mitsukaido Station, Its Not Arigato- Its OBRIGADO ! August 7th, 2009
    • Baking Ingredients June 19th, 2007
    • Charming Family Bakery: David Pain September 1st, 2007
    • Daily Victuals - Online German Bread Shop October 15th, 2008
    • German Bakery in Tsukuba: Backerei Brõtzeit February 7th, 2008
    • Heads or Tails? The Tai-Yaki ( 鯛焼き)-Eaters Dillema: A closer look at one of Japan`s favorite snacks January 7th, 2011
    • Little Cakes From Akita Prefecture`s Kakunodate Pack a Tasty Surprise- If You dont Know They are Called KINKAN MANJU ( 金柑まんじゅう) April 18th, 2010
  • Category: Recipes
    • An Old Recipe for Yuzu Jam from the Foot of Mt. Tsukuba December 22nd, 2011
    • And Still More Food For Autumn Foraging In Tsukuba: MUKAGO (or NUKAGO) October 28th, 2008
    • Autumn mackerel (fresh, juicy and tasty!) October 2nd, 2007
    • Daikon Radish Rolls- a traditional New Year`s Treat from the foot of Mt. Tsukuba December 30th, 2011
    • Encountering Home-Made Mie (Prefecture)-Style Oden, Right Here in Tsukuba November 20th, 2010
    • How to Make (and eat) Salted Cherry Blossoms- Sakura no Hana no Shiozuke (桜の花の塩漬) May 7th, 2011
    • In the Tsukuba Area MISOPI ( roasted peanuts in miso paste) is NOT Just a Snack! January 24th, 2012
    • Japanese Pancake! June 9th, 2007
    • Locusts (INAGO 稲子)- Once very popular as a food in Japan, can still be found at stores- and occassionally at the table! November 16th, 2010
    • More on Sweet Potatoes November 2nd, 2007
    • More on this season`s ubiquitous fruit- YUZU (again)- a simple recipe December 15th, 2010
    • More on Tsukuba`s Ubiquitous Winter Citrus Fruit- The YUZU ( 柚子) December 13th, 2011
    • Myoga (茗荷)- One of Japan`s Distinctive Flavors, from summer through autumn October 30th, 2010
    • Natto, the hidden way July 11th, 2007
    • Sweet Potatoes on Hand? November 2nd, 2007
    • Using Ki no Me (木の芽), the young leaves of the SANSHO ( Japanese Pepper) Tree to Make Distinctively Savory and Aromatic pastes (木の芽和え) May 8th, 2011
  • Category: Restaurants
    • African Restaurant in Tsukuba: The Hub March 5th, 2009
    • Around Mitsukaido Station, Its Not Arigato- Its OBRIGADO ! August 7th, 2009
    • Breakfast Restaurant February 16th, 2007
    • Cafe Noir Opens Tomorrow April 15th, 2008
    • Curry Shop SRI LANKA Still Spicing Up Life In Tsukuba May 13th, 2011
    • Doho Park Cafe July 26th, 2007
    • Enjoy Japan`s Aromatic Autumn Delicacy- MATSUTAKE MUSHROOMS (松茸)- you dont always have to pay through the nose for them! October 8th, 2010
    • Enjoy Japan`s Aromatic Autumn Delicacy- MATSUTAKE MUSHROOMS (松茸)- you dont always have to pay through the nose for them! (Again) October 17th, 2011
    • Fido-Friendly, Alfresco Dining at Cafe Plus 1 August 7th, 2008
    • For The Delicate Aroma Of Japan's Matsutake Mushrooms You Have To Pay Through The Nose October 25th, 2008
    • From the Deep Waters Off Ibaraki, a Winter Delicacy: ANKO NABE December 14th, 2008
    • FUGU (pufferfish)- safe and reasonably priced- but still TO DIE FOR! February 6th, 2010
    • Japan`s Great Winter Delicacy-FUGU (河豚): Now Safe and Reasonably Priced- but still TO DIE FOR! (again) December 18th, 2010
    • KITA Japanese Dining November 26th, 2007
    • Make Your Next Visa Extension Delicious November 29th, 2006
    • Momoko House August 26th, 2007
    • New Indian Restaurant in the Middle of Tsukuba July 16th, 2008
    • New Thai Restaurant in Tsukuba: Songfungmekon June 13th, 2007
    • Oh! La Vache June 12th, 2007
    • Okinawa Massage and Cuisine in Tsukuba! February 12th, 2007
    • Okonomiyaki shop review October 2nd, 2007
    • Restaurant Review: Ali's Kebab October 2nd, 2007
    • Restaurant Review: Il Cuore March 9th, 2007
    • Restaurant Review: La Vie Provencal January 29th, 2007
    • Restaurant Review: MaMaYa November 21st, 2007
    • Restaurant Review: Tsuruya December 19th, 2006
    • Restaurant: Yellow Leaf July 14th, 2006
    • Restaurants in Tsukuba with Veggies on the Menu February 9th, 2007
    • SUBWAY in Tsukuba! July 19th, 2007
    • Tokyo-quality Italian food, right here in Tsukuba! November 2nd, 2007
    • Toshikoshi-Soba (年越しそば)- Why? December 29th, 2009
    • Tsukuba's Vegetarian Restaurant Ritz'n Celebrates 7th Anniversary September 13th, 2007
• Category: Government
  • A Page Out of History February 3rd, 2009
  • Changes to Traffic Laws May 24th, 2008
  • Clean Tsukuba By-Law November 2nd, 2007
  • Closed for the Holidays December 28th, 2008
  • History Rewrites Itself... November 6th, 2008
  • Ideas about Improving Tsukuba October 9th, 2008
  • Jon Heese Running for City Council October 15th, 2008
  • Jon's Stunning Victory October 28th, 2008
  • Misleading Displays of an Advertisement-Article Placed in the November Issue of NATURE (The Schizophrenia Issue) a Revealing Symptom of Tsukuba`s TWO-SIDED Nature December 10th, 2010
  • New and Improved Tsukuba City Hall August 16th, 2009
  • New Rules for Lost and Found Items December 14th, 2007
  • No Age Restrictions on Job Ads October 30th, 2007
  • Pension Payment Refunds for Returners August 22nd, 2007
  • Pin-Wheels Set Up Around Tsukuba Center Make For a Quaint Art Installation and a Great (inadvertant) Political Satire October 5th, 2010
  • Plans for the New City Hall Building October 15th, 2007
  • Remembering Sho Nemoto ( 根本正)- the Father of Japan`s Drinking Age Laws ( and free universal education!)- on Coming-of-Age Day January 11th, 2010
  • The Destruction of Rare Woods and Covering Up Of Ancient Ruins For Suburban Chicago-Style Development in Tsukuba`s Nakane Konda-Dai (中根金田台) Is Bizarrely Hailed As green development By Officially Sponsored Groups March 28th, 2009
  • The Man Behind Ibaraki Prefecture`s Mascot- Tokugawa Mitsukuni- AKA Mito Komon December 16th, 2011
  • Tsukuba City Hall Newsletter: Oct 2008 October 1st, 2008
  • Tsukuba Statistics May 10th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Non-Turning Windmills-Turned Objets D'Art - Gone With The Wind October 7th, 2008
  • Category: Immigration
    • Foreign = Criminal Suspect? October 5th, 2007
    • MOJ Site for Immigration Procedures August 10th, 2007
    • New Immigration Procedures September 25th, 2007
    • Petition to Abolish Mandatory Fingerprinting in Japan October 31st, 2007
    • Welcome to Japan November 20th, 2007
• Category: Health
  • A fast ( and natural ) way to alleviate DIZZINESS brought on by earthquake aftershocks March 24th, 2011
  • A Gathering Of Blues July 16th, 2008
  • Advisory for smog was issued yesterday May 24th, 2007
  • All-Natural Traditional Japanese Skin Lotion Made from Yuzu (citron) Seeds- how to make it yourself! December 13th, 2010
  • Amazing Turn-Around ! Moxibustion Gets Fetus to Move Out Of The Breech Position and Thus, C-Section is Avoided! March 30th, 2010
  • Bitter Herb an Important Component of Traditional Japanese Spring Sweet- KUSA MOCHI (草餅) March 7th, 2011
  • Bone Marrow Bank in Tsukuba May 13th, 2008
  • Combat 'Natsubate' August 8th, 2007
  • Cries of- SAKURA might be mistaken, but dont let that discourage you from savoring the beauty of Tsukuba`s anzu (apricot) blossoms March 21st, 2009
  • DESTONED at last! Having Emergency Gall Bladder Surgery in Tsukuba, Japan! March 6th, 2011
  • DOKUDAMI- Traditional Herbal CURE-ALL Flourishes In Japan`s Damp and Shadowy Places June 3rd, 2011
  • Don't Get Bitten by the Winter Bug January 6th, 2009
  • Enjoy the Moss, Get Rid of the Mould! (again) June 14th, 2010
  • Enjoy the Moss- Get Rid of the Mould and Mildew (yet again) June 5th, 2011
  • Exposure to Asbestos and Harmful Mold in Tsukuba`s Earthquake Cracked Old Houses Might Pose a More Serious Health Threat Around Here Than the Radiation April 29th, 2011
  • Finding a Doctor in Ibaraki April 5th, 2007
  • For the Winter Solstice - Yuzu Baths, Pumpkin, Konyaku and Walking on Fire December 20th, 2008
  • Good News for Pollen Allergy Sufferers in Tsukuba December 28th, 2006
  • Ichinoya's Garlic Festival Kicks Off Gion Season in Ibaraki July 12th, 2008
  • Japan`s Pretty little HEBI-ICHIGO ( literally snake strawberries) Are NOT Eaten By Snakes, NOT Poisonous and NOT Very Tasty, But Some Old-Timers Believe They Have Medicinal Powers May 29th, 2009
  • KARIN (Japanese quince) Trees Affect Tsukuba`s Autumn Groundscapes as they drop their fruit (KARIN`s place in Japanese history and culture) November 16th, 2011
  • Karin' For Your Sore Throat December 8th, 2008
  • Locals Still Taking in The KOWASHIMIZU Spring Waters At the Foot of The Konda Castle Ruins June 30th, 2009
  • Making Cloth Zori ( nuno-zori, 布草履)- a perfect gift for Respect for the Aged Day, or for anyone who appreciates fine traditional foot-wear! September 19th, 2010
  • Masked Nation March 17th, 2009
  • Masked Nation- The History of the Wearing of Medical Masks (by the general public) in Japan February 23rd, 2011
  • Measles in Japan May 31st, 2007
  • Medical Facilities at Namiki Shopping Center August 30th, 2007
  • MORE Food for Autumn Foragers in Tsukuba September 23rd, 2008
  • More on this season`s ubiquitous fruit- YUZU (again)- a simple recipe December 15th, 2010
  • Namiki Internal Medicine Department Clinic December 12th, 2007
  • Nandian ( NANTEN, 南天) Berries Provide Seasonal Color, Relief to Sore Throats- AND Protection from MISFORTUNE December 25th, 2010
  • Need Vaccinations for Travel? June 4th, 2007
  • Okinawa Massage and Cuisine in Tsukuba! February 12th, 2007
  • Pink Ribbon Festival May 4th, 2008
  • Pollen Count for 2008 January 28th, 2008
  • Put On Your Gloves and Get Out Your Chopsticks! There are still GINGKO NUTS to be gathered! October 26th, 2010
  • Register your Bone Marrow to Help a Fellow Foreigner February 25th, 2008
  • Remembering Sho Nemoto ( 根本正)- the Father of Japan`s Drinking Age Laws ( and free universal education!)- on Coming-of-Age Day January 11th, 2010
  • Residents' Day and "Nenrin-pic" November 9th, 2007
  • Seminar on Medical Translation Assistance in Tsukuba January 28th, 2007
  • Shoes That Fit (Each Foot) Perfectly- Have Custom-Fitted Foot-Wear Made at the Sutou Shoestore in Hojo, Tsukuba October 10th, 2011
  • The Gion Festival Season Gets Underway This Week- with the unique Garlic Festival (Niniku Matsuri),on July 7th, as one of the highlights! July 4th, 2011
  • The Seven Herbs Of Spring (七草) In Rice Porridge On Jan. 7th　( revisited) January 6th, 2010
  • The Shimodate Gion Festival (and the Gion Season)Ends With a SPLASH- and the reason why O-Mikoshi (portable shrines) are often carried into a river or the sea August 1st, 2010
  • There is asparagus, and then there is ASAPARAGUS- like those lovingly grown in Tsukuba at Ryuichi Someya`s Farm June 1st, 2010
  • Time To Go Through The Wringer Again! June 26th, 2008
  • Trouble Explaining Your Condition to Doctors in Japan? August 17th, 2008
  • Tsukuba Pink Ribbon Festival May 11th, 2007
  • Tsukuba's Gingko Nut Nuts Putting Their Gloves On! September 16th, 2008
  • Tsukuba's Smokey Autumn Air - The Gomi Moshi Problem November 2nd, 2008
  • Tsukuba`s Indefatiguable Bird-Chasers are Back Again! This Time in Force ! Come Watch ( and hear) Them in Action, as they help keep our groundscapes clean! August 19th, 2010
  • What do you gargle with? March 30th, 2007
  • Whats The Deal With All This Eating Of Eel (UNAGI)- A More Comprehensive Look at Japan`s DOYO NO USHI (土用の丑) July 19th, 2009
  • Wild Mulberry (kuwa no mi, 桑の実) Pickers Get Caught Red-Handed ! revisited June 7th, 2010
  • Yuzu Bath December 22nd, 2006
  • Category: Exercise
    • Flag Football February 28th, 2007
    • July First Is YAMABIRAKI (山開き) On Mt Fuji – Which Means The Climbing Season Has Begun ! July 1st, 2011
    • Register Now for Tsukuba Marathon September 19th, 2008
    • Tap Dancing Classes in Tsukuba June 26th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Marathon 2008 November 30th, 2008
    • Tsukuba Walk Rally April 25th, 2007
    • Tsukuba Walking and Mountaineering Club Schedule May 8th, 2008
    • Tsukuba Walking and Mountaineering Club: Upcoming Walks November 28th, 2008
    • Walking RinRin Road March 8th, 2007
    • Wanna Box? December 15th, 2006
• Category: History
  • Japan's Traditional Celebrations of Longevity October 25th, 2008
  • Sports Day (Tai iku no Hi, 体育の日). this year on Monday the 10th, Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Why is this holiday in October? AND a little about this weekend`s festival at Tsukuba University (again) October 7th, 2011
  • A Celestial Bridge for the Gods of Mt Tsukuba December 10th, 2008
  • A Climb To The Top Of Tsukuba`s Little Mt. Fuji (23 steps high) Sheds Light On Local Edo Period Dispute Resolution Processes, Folk Beliefs, And The Origin Of The Place Name SENGEN (千現 ) June 11th, 2009
  • A closer look at why eel (unagi) is commonly eaten in Japan in July- especially on certain days called DOYO-NO-USHI (this year July 21st)- again July 18th, 2011
  • A Day At Yasukuni Shrine August 17th, 2008
  • A Deeper Look at Japan`s Shichi-Go-San Celebrations ( which are especially extravagant in Ibaraki Prefecture!) November 8th, 2011
  • A Fine day For Fire-Walking at Mt Kabasan (加波山) ! December 22nd, 2008
  • A History of WHITE DAY in Japan March 13th, 2010
  • A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan October 4th, 2009
  • A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan- Tonight (Sept. 22nd) is the Ju-Go-Ya, while tomorrow night, September 23rd, will be the night of the full moon September 22nd, 2010
  • A Magical Night on Mt Tsukuba at the Omido Temple`s Mando-Sai (大御堂万灯祭) August 19th, 2011
  • A Perfect Day for OPENING THE HARBOUR ( ハーバー開き) at Tsuchiura`s Marina January 10th, 2011
  • A Road Runs Through it- right through the ruins of Tsukuba`s old Hanamuro-Jo (花室城) Fortress, that is! January 26th, 2011
  • A Whole Lotta Lotus- Ibaraki`s Beautiful Lotus Blossoms and the Role of These Plants in Japanese Culture And History (revisited) July 20th, 2010
  • Amabiki Kannon May 8th, 2007
  • Amazing Turn-Around ! Moxibustion Gets Fetus to Move Out Of The Breech Position and Thus, C-Section is Avoided! March 30th, 2010
  • An Encounter with Japan`s Traditional Hunters: the hawkers and falconers January 11th, 2011
  • Ancient Custom Hanging on by a (Silk) Thread March 28th, 2008
  • Another fruit which grows wild in Tsukuba (and other parts of Japan)- MUBE (moo beh むべ) December 11th, 2011
  • Are you ready for the BIG ONE? September 2nd, 2008
  • Around Mitsukaido Station, Its Not Arigato- Its OBRIGADO ! August 7th, 2009
  • Around the Spring Equinox in Japan, All Around Things Start To Stir -- Even the Graveyards! March 20th, 2009
  • Around The Spring Equinox, All things Begin to Stir in Japan- Even The Graveyards! (revisited) March 19th, 2010
  • Around Yasukuni Shrine, New Regulations and Police Tactics Keep Noise and Violence Down During August 15th Demonstrations August 16th, 2010
  • At The Kattate Matsuri (かったて祭り) Help Set Sakuragawa-City`s Mt Gongen-Yama Aglow! (and hopefully keep typhoons at bay!) every year on Aug. 31st August 30th, 2011
  • “Miracle Working” Stone -(a Rare Remnant of Tsukuba`s Old Hanamuro-Jo Fortress) - Still Has Devotees in Tsukuba and Beyond ! A Look at the HANAMURO MIGAWARI AMIDA-ZON (花室の身替り阿弥陀尊) January 23rd, 2011
  • Baiho's Idea a BIG HIT in Tsuchiura October 2nd, 2008
  • Camellias (tsubaki) Create Special Spring Soundscapes And Groundscapes April 16th, 2009
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Onzagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year November 1st, 2010
  • Changing of the Gods- Mt. Tsukuba`s Ozagawari Ritual(御座替祭)- on November 1st and April 1st of each year (revisited) November 3rd, 2011
  • Changing of the Gods: Mt Tsukuba’s Onzawari Ceremony (Every April and November 1st)- revisited March 29th, 2010
  • Chestnut Trees Give Tsukuba Its Distinctive Summer Smell June 7th, 2009
  • Chestnut Trees Give Tsukuba Its Distinctive Summer Smell (once again) June 15th, 2011
  • Choco LOCO -- The Legacy of Lupercalia in Contemporary Japan February 16th, 2009
  • Choco Loco- A Deeper Look at Valentines Day in Japan February 13th, 2010
  • Closer Examination Of My Local Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) Reveals Beautiful Carvings Detailing The Yamata no Orochi (八岐の大蛇) Myth July 23rd, 2010
  • Come Away From Mt. Tsukuba Shrine's Toshikoshi-Sai Festival With Plenty Of Booty! February 10th, 2009
  • Come On Out To Hojo (北条), My New Neighborhood at The Foot of Mt Tsukuba for this Weekends Events August 6th, 2011
  • Coming-of-Age Ceremonies (Seijin Shiki, 成人式) to be held around Japan this holiday weekend (Jan.10th in Tsukuba)- A closer look at the evolution of SE