Author Archives: Eryk Salvaggio

On Forgetting Your Umbrella in Japan

When the weather changes, so does your life.

Posted in Culture Shock, Shinto, Tradition | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

On Condescending Expats in Japan

Written as a counterpoint to my recent post about being condescended as a foreigner in Japan, I wrote a snarky column rant for Fukuoka Now! magazine this month about being condescended by foreigners in Japan. You can find it in English here … Continue reading

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On Law (and Order) in Japan

When I look at the Japanese justice system, I see it through the eyes of Law and Order. I imagine a Law and Order: Kabukicho edition, with one episode focusing on a university student who downloads an AKB48 album.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized, Weird | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

On Writing About Rain in Japan

It’s tsuyu, rainy season, a designation determined by a group of experts without regard to actual rainfall. It rained once on the day after they had declared the end of rainy season, and that rain was designated non-rainy season rain. … Continue reading

Posted in language, Shinto, Zen | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

On Answering Stupid Questions in Japan

Imagine small, square dishes spread out on the black lacquer table, their white porcelain framing the slimy greens and reds of the usual Japanese delicacies. You’ve folded your legs, seiza-style, on cushions of gold-and-blue flowers. Your co-workers grab chopsticks and, … Continue reading

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On Being Alone in a Room in Japan

I once saw a man staring at a handheld television set on a train, eyes swelling with tears, looking at what might have been video footage of a woman gazing back at him, her eyes wet with empathy and openness. … Continue reading

Posted in Culture Shock, Thinking | Tagged | 11 Comments