Measuring my wedding ring. I already forgot what size it is; ring sizes are the same as shoe sizes – there’s a bunch of different systems. They really should standardize…

Courtesy of the G-man, who declares, “I LUV OSAKA.” ($100/hour fine for unauthorized parking)

A garbage can we found in the parking lot of a town hall/ancient waterfall way out in the sticks. The marking indicates it’s for disposing of leftover soup?!?

We walked up to the top of Hatsuo dam and found the newest levee, a massive concrete wall currently only controlling a trickle of water. The harsh whiteness of the…

Traditional Japanese tricycle used by warabi mochi vendors. I think this was taken in front of the guy’s house! The trike was just parked on the street in front of…

I was shocked to see they are building a new ferris wheel at the Awaji parking area close to the big bridge. That’s just what this island needs! A new…

The skinniest fugu in the world, seen in the fish tank of a Chinese restaurant in Tenri.

Cleaning out Nam’s locker at Osaka U. 7 years of notes and papers!

This is like the coolest invention of the month – a disposable cigarette lighter with a battery-powered LED lamp embedded in the bottom for use as a small flashlight. The…

This seedling, which my mom smuggled all the way from Thailand wrapped in wet toilet paper, is not happy. It was covered in two inches of snow yesterday and is…

A can of apricot juice laced with “12mg of iron!” Tasted absolutely asstastic!