Marci’s Musings

Over the 25+ years of living here in Japan, I almost always get asked the same 5 questions whenever I meet someone for the first time. We might have a short conversation at the cash register or a longer version of it while soaking at a hot springs. Fortunately, I love hot springs, and sitting…

I’ve been living in Japan for 20+ years and I still get asked the same questions over and over again. Can you guess what they are? 1. How tall are you? It’s easy to understand why people ask this question and if you have met me in person, you would understand, too. I’ve been taller…

I’m really fortunate. Yep, I’ve got a roof over my head and food for my belly but that’s not why I feel fortunate and thrilled to be playing this game. After a great morning start I crashed into a pit of irritation and morose self-pity when plans went awry. The details are really not important.…

Today the city is masked with snow. It’s falling quietly and I watch the rooftops turn white from my perch on the 11th floor. Both Mt. Takao in the forefront and Mt. Fuji behind are hidden today. I know they are there. I know the park only a 20-minute walk away is there and yet…

This summer has been so unusual. I spent most of June and July in Hiroshima and I have many stories to share about a happy dog, a protective spider, a giant fish and more. I plan to spend the rest of August in Michigan visiting my sister (and yes, attending her wedding!) Today, however, I…

Did you know there is a hair salon in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo? Perhaps it is common to embassies all over the world but it was news to me. I had the unique opportunity of getting my haircut there last week! I was there to help with a series of videos the Embassy has…