Despite the prolonged winter-like weather, or rather because of it, the spring flowers have been spectacular in Japan, with rarely seen combinations of blossoms which do not normally bloom at the same time – peach, cherry and azalea, for example- arousing excitement at parks, gardens and  even in front and back yards. 
With the explosion of color and fresh greenery it [...]

Continue reading about Among the Brocade Of Spring Flowers Dont Overlook the Daikon Radish Blossoms (daikon no hanan 大根の花)

For important background material on this article, read my earlier Tsukublog post on visiting Yasukuni Jinja:
http://blog.alientimes.org/2008/08/a-day-at-yasukuni-shrine/
August 15th, 1945  has been called Japan`s Longest Day.  It was on that very date that the Emperor Hirohito (now known as The Showa Emperor) told his subjects, in a voice heard for the first time ever over the radio, that they would have to ACCEPT [...]

Continue reading about Around Yasukuni Shrine, New Regulations and Police Tactics Keep Noise and Violence Down During August 15th Demonstrations

jcohen on November 26th, 2008

Hello Everyone,
Shaney (the wondeful publisher of Tsukublog) and I spoke of offering a rough (emphasis on ROUGH) translation of ‘what’s on’ each month at Nova Hall and Capio. Hopefully, this will be the first installment of what will be a monthly feature. It is a ROUGH translation because, after several experiments, we found the best [...]

Continue reading about December 2008 Tsukuba Cultural Schedule

Andrea on September 3rd, 2008

There will be an emergency drill in Tsukuba on Sept. 28th. Recently there have been a few large earthquakes, landslides, etc, so if you have free time the drill should be interesting to see and you might learn something that can save your life someday!
Here is some information from the Tsukuba International Association:
The scenario is [...]

Continue reading about Disaster & Emergency Drill in Tsukuba

When not exactly sure of where we are in Tsukuba, locals and long time residents, always look for Mt Tsukuba`s familiar, semi-crushed M shape. When we spot it, we immediately gain our bearings.
When it is too cloudy, or hazy ( as it often is in summer) to spot the  familiar mountain, there is another landmark, which Tsukubans have turned [...]

Continue reading about HIGH PROFILE Tsukuba Landmark To Be Dismantled !