Author Archives: MThomas

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About MThomas

Long ago, I gave up my high school dreams of becoming the next Carl Sagan and instead wound up working (in order) at McDonald's, a '60s-themed restaurant, a video rental store, a used bookstore, a computer seller, Kinko's, a Jewish newspaper company, and an HR firm. I eventually became a teacher of intercultural communication in Kyoto, where I vainly attempt to apply quantum mechanics to language teaching, practice martial arts and Zen Buddhism, and always keep one eye on the sky. And yes, I know my profile photo's backward. I just think it looks better this way.

Man with kids: News at 11

Posted on May 11, 2010 by MThomas

Yesterday, the evening NHK news announced that judo Olympic star Ryoko Tani (also known in Japan as “Yawara-chan,” because she reminds people of a comic book hero by that name) would be running in the upcoming Upper House election. News … Continue reading →

Posted in gender roles, parenting, politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

ER Japan – Part Two

Posted on May 8, 2010 by MThomas

(Note: This is the second of two parts. The first described events leading up to my daughter’s hospital stay. The second examines more details of problems with Japanese pediatrics and the public hospital care system. Yes, this story is a … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, hospitalization, sickness | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ER Japan – Part One

Posted on May 1, 2010 by MThomas

(Note: This is the first of two parts. The first will describe events leading up to my daughter’s hospital stay. The second will examine more details of problems with Japanese pediatrics and public hospital care system. At least from my … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, hospitalization, sickness | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments