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High-Speed Rail, Japan & the Midwest

Posted on February 23, 2014     Leave a Comment

The list of things I miss (and don’t miss) about Japan is long and complicated. But without a doubt, the efficiency and thoroughness of Japan’s high-speed rail system is high on the list of things I wish existed in the Midwest.  I explore this issue in my latest “Letters from Japan” series at Gapers Block. 

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Train Stories #7: The Woman in the Black Hat

Posted on May 12, 2012     1 Comment

Recently I have been worrying a lot about getting older and the ending of my youth. I turned 28 in March, and of course I have so much more to look forward to in life. I feel too young to be worrying about mortgage payments, changing diapers and other more serious life decisions. I’m happy to be free […]

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Train Stories # 6: The Fallen Glove

Posted on April 6, 2012     1 Comment

Japanese people are some of the most courteous people I have ever met. Customer service here is a way life and the standard compares to no other country I have visited. This ideal extends beyond stores, too. Rarely have I met a Japanese person who won’t go out of his or her way to help […]

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Train Stories #4: The Woman with the Flowing Skirt

Posted on January 8, 2012     2 Comments

Japanese train stations are some of the most modern and efficient places I have ever seen, but here in the countryside, life moves at a slower pace.  Our trains are still generally on time and used by the masses for work and leisure, but many inaka train stations here are rustic and barren, minus the waiting […]

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