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.

Kaiten Zushi Magic

Posted on January 15, 2017 by MThomas

Last week, my youngest daughter turned 5. Because three of us (both daughters and myself) were recovering from the mumps, we cancelled her birthday party and rescheduled it for the 14th. As a reward to both girls for their hard … Continue reading →

Posted in eating, family outings, food, Japan, Japanese, Japanese culture, parenting, party | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Daddy-daughter vacation (kind of)

Posted on August 29, 2016 by MThomas

Friday, my two daughters (aged 7 and 4) and I set off on a four-hour bullet train (Shinkansen) ride without my wife. She did see us off at the Shin-Osaka bullet train station, but since she had a week-long business … Continue reading →

Posted in family outings, holidays, Japan, Japanese, Japanese culture, parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Self-reliance starts young

Posted on April 12, 2016 by MThomas

Two weeks ago, my daughter graduated nursery school. Last week, my grandmother passed away (my daughter’s great-grandmother). Today, my daughter walked to elementary school for the first time. And the cycle continues… This is cherry blossom (sakura) season in Japan, … Continue reading →

Posted in child safety, education, Japan, Japanese culture, parenting, school | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment