adekun’s japan blog

Enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of first-time parenthood. Progress on the organic vegetable garden and other ramblings of a gaijin in Japan’s least populous prefecture.

Archive for September, 2008

Sports Day

Written by: adekun on 30 September, 2008 7:59 am - Filed under: blog4 Comments »

Imbuing a few more ounces of gambarimasu

Not to be confused with Sports Day, a public holiday in October, schools have been hosting their sports day throughout September. The districts are already divided into communities with a leader to manage the many differing day to day aspects. These communities within the catchment area form the teams and people of all ages compete, regardless of their own ties to the school. (continue reading…)

Ethnically homogeneous

Written by: adekun on 28 September, 2008 3:54 pm - Filed under: blog4 Comments »

It has been just four days since Taro Aso and his new cabinet have taken up the chalice. The new PM welcomed the USS George Washington, whilst the masses of protesters were welcomed by riot police. The newly appointed Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has already overstepped the mark and has stepped down.
In addition to stating “Japanese do not like foreigners” and that the country is “ethnically homogeneous”; the former minister for education described the Japan Teachers Union “as a cancer for Japan’s education system” and vowed to destroy the group. (continue reading…)

Rice harvest

Written by: adekun on 24 September, 2008 1:43 pm - Filed under: blog5 Comments »

Rice harvesting

Shigeki-san sporty a straw Stetson

Juggling people’s work commitments and the weather, meant it took a public holiday to harvest the rice. It was Autumnal Equinox Day and very overcast too. Shigeki-san had already harvested one of the smaller fields. This left the two large fields, one of which had a smaller adjoining counterpart. With a late morning start and the threat of rain, Shigeki spent most of the time at the controls. I was porter. (continue reading…)

Taro Aso to be Japan’s latest PM

Written by: adekun on 22 September, 2008 3:37 pm - Filed under: blog6 Comments »

As expected the LDP have chosen ultra right wing/conservative/nationalist Taro Aso to lead them. He achieved two/thirds of the vote. Famous for his “one nation, one civilization, one language, one culture and one race.” speech and love of Manga, he is certain to become the next Prime Minister.
Why does the ruling party get to choose the Premier and not the public? It’s not just a one off in this case. (continue reading…)

Tree of Happiness Award

Written by: adekun on 20 September, 2008 7:19 am - Filed under: blog7 Comments »

Tree of Happiness Award

Thank you to Top Veg for bestowing upon me the Tree of Happiness Award. It is my turn to choose six things that make me happy. As the entries have been a bit light on the garden that will be my focus:

  • Spotting the first seedlings to emerge
  • Finishing a harvest
  • Eating and giving the produce
  • Observing, experimenting
  • Changing things around regularly
  • Watching my wife do some weeding :P :oops:

(continue reading…)

Tainted Rice

Written by: adekun on 19 September, 2008 1:39 pm - Filed under: blog4 Comments »

Recently stories have been surfacing over tainted rice that has ended up in the food chain. Unsurprisingly, this did not happen by accident, but in the name of profit (as is the custom). The rice is said to have been imported from China and Vietnam amongst others. Contaminated with pesticides and a toxic mould, the rice was destined for industrial use. Instead an increasing trail of hundreds of companies has emerged; covering brewing, food stuffs, the elderly and schoolchildren. (continue reading…)

How to grow garlic

Written by: adekun on 18 September, 2008 10:31 pm - Filed under: herbs8 Comments »

Elephant garlic

Elephant garlic ready for splitting

Garlic is an undemanding herb to grow. Sticking a few cloves in the ground and waiting should suffice. In spite of this, the title of this entry is perhaps equally a question. I wanted to jot down a few thoughts for reference; to clarify or simplify. My objective is to be self sufficient in garlic. Japanese grown garlic sells for ¥400 a head, it makes a valuable commodity. (continue reading…)


adekun’s japan blog is proudly powered by WordPress | Entries and Comments | Contact | Sitemap

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License | Copyright © 2008 adekun.com