April is the season of cherry blossoms, and in Japan it marks the beginning of a new school year. During this time, I often reflect on the meaning of Japanese culture. Although I now live in the United States, this time of year still makes me feel ready for a fresh start. Having lived outside Japan for over a decade,…
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Konnichiwa! I’m Takako Watanabe Elting. I’m a kimono and tea specialist in Portland, Oregon USA. Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised on a small island called Shodoshima, in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Kagawa is part of Shikoku, located in the southern region of Japan. In 2007, I was an intern at a Japanese immersion school in Portland. During…
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