Jonelle Patrick's Blog, page 14
October 9, 2020
Entertainingly altered missionary signs elevate cats to their rightful place
Twitter user Derek Wessman is a genius to have spotted (and appropriately translated) these brilliantly vandalized Japanese missionary signs that change the word “god” into the word “cat” by removing a few small strokes.
“The kingdom of Cat is close at hand”
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[image error]The character for “god”（神）appeared on the original signs, but the world’s most meticulous vandal has erased a few of the strokes to turn them into the word for “cat,” spelled in the Japanese phonetic alphabet（ネコ）
And they just get better!
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“Both earth and man are Cat’s”
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“Cat doth watch thee in thy private life”
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“Cat doth punish sin”
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“Fear and honor thy Cat”
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“The day of the righteous judgement of Cat is close at hand”
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These dire warnings appear on buildings throughout Japan, put there by American missionaries of the grim “scare people straight” ilk. I only put a few here—there are many more funny ones in Derek Wessman‘s Twitter feed, and Mutantfrog has an excellent history of this odd attempt at proselytizing, if you want to explore in more depth.
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And if you’d love some fresh escapist reading, you can pre-order The Last Tea Bowl Thief today and get it hot off the press on October 20th!
“An immersive page-turner, meticulously researched and perfectly plotted. Without question, the best book I have read all year.” —Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori mysteries and CLIMB
[image error]For three hundred years, a stolen relic passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, altering the lives of all who possess it.. .read more
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
October 1, 2020
A town full of tricksters, strange Japanese beauty goals, and humble fall flowers that become spectacular in numbers
As we slide into fall, how are you doing? I hope you’re not in the path of any of the disasters that have been coming at us from all directions. You may be feeling that NOTHING could surprise you at this point, but maybe you’ll crack a smile as we visit a town full of tricksters, shake our heads at odd Japanese beauty goals, and enjoy how the small and humble can come together to become mighty.
Links to the SEPTEMBER 2020 Japanagram features:
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WHY, JAPAN, WHY?
Japanese beauty goals: Tall noses, small faces, and big feet
To Western ears, compliments in Japan often sound like anything but. Standards of beauty differ all over the world, but none are as quirky as Japan’s odd love of…read more
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BEYOND TOKYO
Tanuki Town: Let’s go to Shigaraki and meet all manner of tricksters
This month we’re going to an ancient hamlet that’s deep in the mountains near Kyoto, where Japan’s most legendary trickster is born. Come with me as we wander through the town, and let’s see if we can spot all the ways local artists are teaching the old prankster new tricks…read more
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SEASONAL SECRET FOR SEPTEMBER
When the small and humble come together to become magnificent and mighty
When I started thinking about what’s so special about September in Japan, the first things that came to mind were three obscure flowers that are nobody’s favorite. By themselves, they’re utterly small and forgettable. You might even be a little insulted to receive a bouquet of them on your birthday…read more
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JAPANESE HOME COOKING
Japanese Summer Rice Bowl
This dish of harmonious flavor bombs can be made in less time than it takes to cook the rice! No-mess, no-smell, poached salmon with spicy miso topping teams up with chilled snow peas in soy-lemon dressing and peppery marinated mushrooms to make the perfect late summer meal…read more
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All subscribers get a free downloadable copy of It Was You, so if you’re not signed up yet, click on the cover photo or scroll down to the Get Japanagram button to get yours!
And in OCTOBER…
September 27, 2020
Amazing scenes emerge as you use this notepad
The Japanese design firm Triad just released one of the most Japanese products ever: the Hogwarts Castle notepad.
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Wait, that’s not Japanese!
But…it is.
[image error]The latest design in a series of notepads that reveal 3-D scenes as each piece of paper is peeled away happens to be Hogwarts Castle, but the idea of creating three dimensional models from sheets of paper, the meticulous and precise craftsmanship needed to pull it off, and the firm belief that people will pay $180 USD for a notepad is about as Japanese as you can get.
Obviously, people who just need to jot down their grocery lists aren’t going to shell out nearly two hundred bucks. This is about buying an experience, paying for the delight of revealing the hidden scene.
The fact that it can only be experienced once perfectly captures the Japanese aesthetic that also explains why cherry blossoms are so beloved: they’re spectacular for a few days, then they’re gone. You have to appreciate them 100% in the moment, because you can’t do it again for another year. The fact that the experience is rare and fleeting adds to the enjoyment.
[image error]It comes with a clear protective case to preserve it once you’ve revealed the castle, but—like cherry blossom photos—it’s merely a reminder of a sublime experience, not the experience itself.
And if you’re not a huge Harry Potter fan, you’ll be happy to know that Triad’s Omoshiroi online store also carries more traditional Japanese versions of this same idea:
[image error]Like this block of colored paper that transforms into…
[image error]…the famous Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto
[image error]There’s one that reveals the Arashiyama bamboo grove
[image error]And a couple that turn into quintessentially traditional street scenes…
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The 150-sheet Hogwarts Castle design is the newest and most expensive, but their other 150-sheet design (Kiyomizudera) can be had in three different colors for $90 USD, the 40-sheet bamboo grove and street scenes come in at a comparatively reasonable $53 USD…
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[image error]feel like a real bargain at $17 USD
[image error]The street scenes can be preserved and hung on a wall, which is kind of cool and makes the investment seem more reasonable
Thanks to Japan Today for the Hogwarts Castle notepad photos and for putting this on my radar
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And if you’d love some fresh escapist reading, you can pre-order The Last Tea Bowl Thief today and get it hot off the press on October 20th!
“A wonderful blend of history and mystery.” —Laura Joh Rowland, author of The Iris Fan
[image error] For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, altering the lives of all who possess it… read more
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
September 21, 2020
How lucky is YOUR name?
When your parents agonized over the perfect name for you, I hope they avoided all the usual pitfalls—initials that accidentally spell swear words, traumatizing nicknames, monikers that belong to disgraced celebrities or lame people they knew growing up—but if they aren’t Japanese, I bet they didn’t think about the numbers.
Wait, what? Numbers? What numbers?
The Japanese believe that the number of strokes in the characters making up your name not only predict your future, they can influence your level of success, your health, and even your personality.
Ahahahaha, crazy, right? (But…now you’re dying to know, aren’t you? I know I was!)
How to find your number:
The numbers are based on how many strokes are used to write the characters in your name (that goes for Western names, as well as Japanese).
A Japanese name usually has two characters in the family (last) name and two characters in the first name.
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Each character (or letter) is made up of strokes, and each time the pen lifts from the paper, it’s counted as a separate stroke.
Now let’s adapt the system for names that aren’t in Japanese. First, we’ll count the strokes used to write each letter. Some can be written more than one way, so if you’ve got one of those letters in your name, you can choose which number (and fortune) you like better!
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Now write your name and get out your calculator. Here’s how you calculate the luckiness associated with your name:
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OK, got your Overall Fortune number? Now scroll through the Japanese fortune telling reference below, find your number, and check what kind of future and level of luck YOUR name predicts!
Note: Like all fortunetelling, this is meant to be a glimpse of what might happen, not what will happen. And the Fortune Level is independent of the traits predicted by the number—for example, a description that’s quite positive but comes with a fortune level that’s moderately unlucky means the person will probably have a great life, but shouldn’t count on luck to lend much of a hand.
The numbers and what they mean:
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1
大吉
The number one is where all luck begins, but there’s no prediction connected to the number one, since nobody has a name that’s just a single stroke!
2
動揺
Dōyō
Stop and Start
If the strokes in a name add up to two, it predicts being stuck between activity and suspension. Twos have difficulty integrating and reconciling themselves with a situation. They often experience the hardship of repeatedly moving forward, then stopping. Health problems may also arise, due to stubbornness and disturbances at home. These tendencies can be countered by keeping calm and not being in a hurry. Twos should beware of running from problems, because it’s easy to run the wrong direction and be ruined. Fortune level: Unlucky
3
希望
Kibō
Heavenly Hope
This is one of the luckiest name numbers, because it’s the “heavenly number”: the sum of the first two yin (even) and yang (odd) numbers (one plus two). This number is the one from which all change proceeds. If the strokes in a name add up to the number three, it predicts great success due to possessing a good personality and the trust of others. Fortune level: Lucky
4
困苦
Konku
Hardship
If the strokes in a name add up to four, it predicts danger ahead. Fours may experience many disturbances in health and home. Important periods must be approached with great care, or dreams will go unfufilled. There is a chance of health problems, especially in childhood, along with a disturbed home environment. Success may come at an early stage, but without patience and endurance, it’s difficult to sustain it. Fortune level: Unlucky
5
福寿運
Fukujū
Good Fortune
A sum of 5 strokes is the first harmonic number, and one of the luckiest combinations to have in a name. Five strokes predicts an excellent balance of mind and body, coupled with a tendency to be serious and hard-working. Fives are trusted by others, have a good family, and a wide group of friends and allies. They must take care not to just sit back and enjoy their good luck, however, because even good fortune has a limit. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
6
天徳
Tentoku
Respect
If the strokes in a name add up to six, it predicts diligence and caution. Sixes hold firm inner beliefs, and their hopes and dreams tend to be realized through patience and tenacity. Others trust them because they are sincere, kind to others, and promote cooperation. They become respected for these virtues. Fortune level: Lucky
7
孤立
Koritsu
Alone at the top
If the strokes in a name add up to seven, it predicts the holding of strong intentions and beliefs. Sevens’ powerful vitality and their willingness to take action will break through obstacles. Even though they’re not inhumane, they can be stubborn and inflexible, which tends to isolate them. They can earn trust of others by paying attention to conflicts and cultivating tolerance. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
8
根気
Konki
Perseverance
If the strokes in a name add up to eight, it predicts a quiet and hardworking temperament, and an aversion to fighting. Eights will achieve slow and steady progress through persistent and tireless effort. They should be careful in dating relationships, and remember that moderation is important in all things. Those with eight stroke names tend to be much luckier than others. Fortune level: Lucky
9
逆境
Gyakkyō
Adversity
If the strokes in a name add up to nine, it predicts sharpened abilities, strong intuition, and clear brain that can be hampered by nervousness. Worrying about the future will hurt the ability to achieve goals in the present, and fretting about adversity can cause mental distress and confusion that impacts family and health. Fortune level: Unlucky
10
極端
Kyokutan
From one extreme to another
If the strokes in a name add up to ten, it predicts a life spent running from one extreme to another, and a tendency to make changes too hastily, with or without a goal. Tens sometimes forget to think before speaking and acting—especially after experiencing a stroke of good luck—so job changes and relocations can be frequent. This lack of stability can lead to problems with family and physical/mental health. Fortune level: Unlucky
11
迎春
Geishun
Steady success
If the strokes in a name add up to eleven, it predicts a steady move forward, step by step. Elevens’ hard work is rewarded by support from others. They often end up having a serious obligation to support their families, but can easily do that because they are also successful and beloved by their superiors. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
12
挫折
Zasetsu
Frustration
If the strokes in a name add up to twelve, it predicts talent in the arts and an excellent aesthetic sense, but a weak spiritual life and a tendency to be lonely. This combination can lead to frustration. Men with twelve stroke names tend to be lonely and have few friends who are women. Women with twelve stroke names tend to be have a strong sense of fashion and many female friends, but insubstantial relationships with men. Fortune level: Moderately unlucky
13
人気
Ninki
Popular
Thirteen is a lucky number of strokes to have in a name, predicting a happy home and plenty of money. Those with thirteen strokes tend to hold responsible positions and enjoy having people rely on them. Fortune level: Lucky
14
不如
Funyō
Unreasonable
If the strokes in a name add up to fourteen, it predicts being very opinionated. Fourteens work hard to satisfy personal desires, and don’t care if others find their goals a bit strange. They’re particular about things, with a strong desire for money and a lot of luck getting it. They can end up alone, however, because of being so opinionated and this loneliness can impact their health. Fortune level: Unlucky
15
徳望
Tokubō
Destiny
If the strokes in a name add up to fifteen, it predicts a calm and peaceful demeanor that prefers to shun conflict. Fifteens become ideal leaders quietly, without actively pushing against adversity, and are usually trusted by others. Disliking conflict and being kindly attentive to others may be perceived as weak, but fifteens usually achieve their purposes and enjoy good luck while doing it. Fortune level: Lucky
16
衆望
Shūbō
Celebrity
If the strokes in a name add up to sixteen, it predicts the power to create something from nothing. Sixteens can be a little pushy and annoying, but they make great progress with the help of their superiors. As leaders, they have an innate ability to survive, despite attracting criticism. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
17
権威
Keni
Authority
If the strokes in a name add up to seventeen, it predicts a tendency to be humane, with a strong sense of duty. Strong beliefs and hard work bring satisfying results to seventeens. Honest to a fault, they can be a little too straightforward and impatient with others, so the most successful are attentive to the surroundings and listen to others’ opinions. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
18
剛気
Gōki
Bravery
If the strokes in a name add up to eighteen, it predicts a mild and gentle temper, and a leadership style that gains trust and respect. Eighteens are often blessed with honor and money, so they can afford to be generous. Strong self-control is required, however, so as not to take good fortune for granted and begin taking foolish risks. Fortune level: Lucky
19
障害
Shōgai
Obstacles
If the strokes in a name add up to nineteen, it predicts a life where luck can’t be expected, despite the fact that nineteens have clear minds, keen insight, and natural aesthetic sensibility. Those with nineteen strokes have a nervous and impatient side they must always be aware of, because this tendency can easily damage their health and family. Fortune level: Very unlucky
20
災厄
Saiyaku
Instability
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty, it predicts having strong desires, plagued by alternating periods of steady success and the inability to move forward when turbulence strikes. Twenties can swing from extreme to extreme, causing many physical, social, and family problems, and because of this, family connections tend to be weak. Stubbornness can make things worse. Fortune level: Unlucky
21
指導
Shidō
Leadership
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-one, it predicts intelligence rewarded by good luck. Twenty-ones work hard, take their beliefs seriously, and expect the same high standards from others as from themselves. By cultivating harmony and cooperation, they can fulfill the goals set by themselves and others, and achieve a high level of success. Fortune level: Lucky
22
薄弱
Hakujyaku
Weakness
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-two, it predicts being active in fields that require aesthetics and artistry. Twenty-twos can be lonely because they march to their own drummer, despite being unusually attractive to the opposite sex. They can’t expect luck to help them overcome hardships, and must rely on themselves instead. Some are overly sensitive, and must wrestle with their spiritual side as well as their artistic side. Fortune level: Moderately unlucky
23
頭領
Dōryō
Commander-in-chief
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-three, it predicts an ability to skillfully seize small opportunities and gain incredible status and honor in one lifetime. Twenty-threes can take powerful leaps over hardships to achieve a goal, but sometimes bear a heavy burden or loss in exchange for success. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
24
興産
Kōsan
Productive
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-four, it predicts cooperation, kindness, calmness, and a sense of stability throughout life. Twenty-fours have the power to read situations and other people skillfully, with imagination and sensitivity. Many will earn a living through their artistry and skills. By avoiding extremes, they grow polished over time, and face adversity with courage and calm behavior. Fortune level: Lucky
25
鋭敏
Eibun
Acute sensibility
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-five, it predicts self-reliance, activism and uncomplicated strength. Many twenty-fives are successful in business and sales, because their refreshing personalities make a good impression. They should avoid stepping over the line and saying or doing things too aggressively, however, so as not to annoy others. Inspiring colleagues to cooperate is a more successful strategy. Twenty-fives need to be especially careful when lending money. Fortune level: Lucky
26
波乱
Haran
Turbulence
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-six, it predicts success through strong beliefs, seriousness and effort, but also an ever-present danger of giving in to greed and causing turmoil instead. Maintaining an upbeat attitude brings more rewards than stubbornness. Twenty-sixes need to take plenty of time to consider their words and actions before plunging ahead, so they don’t alienate their friends and family. Fortune level: Unlucky
27
半吉
Koritsu
Intuition
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-seven, it predicts a strong reliance on intuition, resulting in the ability to make quick decisions. Twenty-sevens’ strong sense of judgment gives them a pioneering spirit. They have a strong desire to live independently, and the mental power to successfully confront whatever happens to them. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
28
遭難
Sōnan
Disaster-prone
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-eight, it predicts natural genius, but a tendency to rely on that instead of assessing the situation and environment. Hardships that arise can thus become a danger to work, personal relationships, love and marriage. Twenty-eights have an especially difficult time when bad luck sweeps their feet out from under them, but the danger usually comes from outside, not from inner obstacles. Fortune level: Unlucky
29
知謀
Chibō
Ingenuity
If the strokes in a name add up to twenty-nine, it predicts clear thinking and the ability to make decisions quickly. Twenty-nines tend to think things through while being mild and unobtrusive. They are patient, compassionate and cooperative, with good judgment from making acute observations. Fortune level: Lucky
30
波乱
Haran
Flexible
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty, it predicts a bright and caring personality, and the ability to make the best of their circumstances, whether good or bad. Thirties are calm, smart and tenacious. They tend to be good at what they do, and succeed by working diligently, even when immature. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
31
頭領
Dōryō
Boss material
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-one, it predicts firm convictions and a generous tolerance for human failure. Thirty-ones often serve as leaders in both the public and their families, with wisdom, courage and elegance. They aren’t without worries, but usually prosper in terms of status, honor, and financial luck. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
32
暁光
Akatsuki
Ray of light
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-two, it predicts being blessed with many opportunities and the ability to make something from nothing. This can also bring changes and turbulence, however, and the tendency to hurry and rush to a conclusion can cause turmoil among friends and family. Thirty-twos have an extraordinary amount of luck in all they do, but must take care in their relationships with the opposite sex. They may be accident-prone and have more health crises than others. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
33
頭領
Dōryō
Winning
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-three, it predicts a hatred of losing and the strength to challenge any situation. Honor, advancement and power are obtained by expressing thoughts honestly and moving forward with confidence. Thirty-threes attract a lot of assistance from others around them, making them natural leaders. Fortune level: Lucky
34
変転
Henten
Transfiguration
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-four, it predicts strong beliefs, imagination and a mysterious charm. Thirty-fours show determination from an early age, and achieve successful independence by standing on the shoulders of others. A rebellious spirit and strong self-esteem must be tempered with efforts at cooperation and preparation, so as not to cause trouble in relationships and situations. They achieve status and honor, advancing through harmony with others and solid abilities. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
35
技芸
Gigei
Accomplishment
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-five, it predicts wisdom and obedience. Seriousness, patience, and tenacity are hidden behind a quiet demeanor, and success is achieved by moving ahead quietly and steadily, with courage and confidence. Thirty-fives are blessed with artistic talent and problem-solving ability, but can be held back by their uncompetitive natures, and an unwillingness to put themselves forward to fight for their ideas. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
36
英雄
Eiyū
Hero material
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-six, it predicts a clear, intuitive, and foresighted nature. Thirty-sixes are smart and self-reliant, but can be a little nervous, so are most successful when backed by a team. They tend to make good judgements, listening to other people’s opinions and proceeding in a cooperative manner. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
37
独立
Dokuritsu
Self-reliance
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-seven, it predicts a strong sense of responsibility, a high level of adaptability, and an ability to pass on what they know skillfully. Thirty-sevens are characterized by patience, loyalty, and outstanding situational judgment. They tend to make a good impression, because they are modest. With luck and help from others, thirty-sevens often rise to great heights in the world. Fortune level: Lucky
38
技学
Gigaku
Technological talent
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-eight, it predicts a gentle and sincere nature, a rich sensibility and a talent for technical work. Thirty-eights can overcome their anxiety by being consistently straightforward and kind, and steadily building their abilities to become masters of their art. Those around them usually help them and give them credit for their achievements, boosting them to the top of their chosen field. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
39
頭領
Dōryō
Strong leadership
If the strokes in a name add up to thirty-nine, it predicts thoughtfulness, a calm nature and an unwillingness to compromise. Thirty-nines are sincere, serious and confident, often achieving leadership positions through their sociability, nobility and ability. They create a refreshing and lively atmosphere, and benefit from not narrowing their focus. Fortune level: Lucky
40
波乱
Haran
Twists and turns
If the strokes in a name add up to forty, it predicts a future characterized by big swings in every direction. Forties are stubborn and tenacious, but may suffer from a lack of coordination in their efforts to get ahead. They tend to look great and show themselves well, and their quick minds give them an advantage over others because they think and act quickly. They can counteract some of their natural state of upheaval by making steady effort and remembering that humility is important. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
41
実力
Jitsuryoku
Flexibility
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-one, it predicts patience, happiness, and a life filled with hope, no matter what hardships are encountered. Forty-ones have the strength to survive and achieve their goals by paying attention to their situation and moving ahead with a flexible attitude. If they take care not to become isolated while running stubbornly toward their goals, it will eventually pay off. Fortune level: Extremely lucky
42
多芸
Tadei
Versatile
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-two, it predicts a nature that avoids conflict and always does what’s best for others. Forty-twos can appear weak and reluctant, but they have a hidden spirit that is gentle and kind. They can attract an amazing amount of luck by identifying one goal and devoting themselves to achieving it. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
43
独立
Dokuritsu
Independence
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-three, it predicts independence, a strong will that tolerates being second to none, and an ability to make use of the efforts of those around them. Forty-threes attain independence at an unexpectedly early age, gaining fame, status, and honor. Their downfall can be their stubbornness, but it can be avoided by making an effort to coordinate with others and listen to their opinions. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
44
遅咲
Osoza
Late bloomer
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-four, it predicts a nature that is gentle and serious, a steady, hard worker. Forty-fours can be frustrated with how long it takes to achieve their goals, but their steady and sober approach will eventually yield extraordinary opportunities and success. Fortune level: Lucky
45
順風
Junpū
Favorable Wind
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-five, it predicts confidence and a strong will. Forty-fives can gather strength from any situation and use other peoples’ desires to gain leadership, both publicly and privately. They tend to be smart, but can make difficult things more difficult, and although a strong will is an advantage, they must remember not to stubbornly cling to their own ideas, but also listen to others. Fortune level: Lucky
46
破船
Hasen
Danger ahead
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-six, it predicts a future in which it’s always necessary to be on the lookout for danger ahead. By paying attention to details and being precise, forty-sixes can avoid running aground on situations that might sink them. Fortune level: Unlucky
47
開花
Kaika
Flowering
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-seven, it predicts flexibility, the ability to achieve harmony with others and abundant blooming. Forty-sevens achieve success without opposing others, having faith that creating a quiet and calm environment will result in personal growth and achievement for all. Their inclusive leadership is appreciated and recognized by others, and efforts at larger goals tend to be rewarded with great success. Fortune level: Lucky
48
軍師
Gunshi
Strategist
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-eight, it predicts a natural sense of balance, wisdom and a strong moral character. Forty-eights are courageous in problem-solving and do it in an orderly way. Once they decide on a goal, they achieve it by being patient and persistent. They are beloved by others, and luck usually smiles on them. Fortune level: Lucky
49
変転
Henten
Transfiguration
If the strokes in a name add up to forty-nine, it predicts tenacity and an ability to take advantage of opportunities. Forty-nines can usually turn a situation around in a good way because they attract a lot of help from their superiors, and people are always glad to do them a favor. They also have an uncanny ability to take advantage of rising luck. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
50
衰退
Suitai
Precariousness
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty, it predicts a precarious future that will shake their firmly held beliefs. When everything is going well, something can mysteriously go wrong, and fifties seldom get a break when everything is going badly. Unexpected opportunities can come their way, however, if they maintain solid effort and refrain from negligence. Fortune level: Unlucky
51
注意
Chūi
Attentiveness
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-one, it predicts a serious attitude and luck that steadily improves throughout life. Fifty-ones achieve success by never overdoing it or rushing, and don’t need to stand out in a crowd. They may experience the occasional reversal, which overwhelms them emotionally or results in a financial loss, but if they avoid panic and continue with steady effort, they will get past it without permanent damage. Fortune level: Lucky
52
高利
Kōri
The rich get richer
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-two, it predicts the kind of good judgment and foresight that lead to wealth, status and honor. Fifty-twos are able to face difficulties through courage and positive behavior, and are helped by being lucky. If they take care of themselves while climbing the ladder, they will enjoy good health for the rest of their lives. Fortune level: Lucky
53
表裏
Hyōri
Paying attention
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-three, it predicts a gentle and diligent nature. Fifty-threes tend to be loved by everyone for their gentle steadiness and straightforwardness, and their careers are advanced by the high evaluations given by others. They are attentive to changes in the social environment and always learning new things, so they are able to take advantage of opportunities and are always surrounded by supportive friends and family. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
54
破兆
Yabachō
Zealot
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-four, it predicts extraordinary intuition and an uncanny ability to read people and situations. Fifty-fours have a sharp eye for opportunity, but if they don’t pay attention to frictions around them, they can get into deep trouble by moving ahead too enthusiastically. Fortune level: Unlucky
55
機会
Kikai
Seizing opportunity
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-five, it predicts a mercurial personality and a sense of superiority. Fifty-fives tend to act quickly and decisively, but if they forget to consider right and wrong, can end up with disaster. Their fickle personalities and unstable luck require they make an extra effort to embrace tolerance and patience. Fortune level: Unlucky
56
消極
Shōkyoku
Passive
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-six, it predicts a selfish nature and a future plagued with many situations that backfire. Fifty-sixes have a hard time developing positive ambitions, because they tend to be unlucky and their prospects of recovery are few. Fortune level: Unlucky
57
再起
Saiki
Through the fire unscathed
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-seven, it predicts a life characterized by making it through tough situations unscathed. A fifty-seven’s fortunes may rise and fall, but their innate strength will get them past difficulties every time. If they continue to value solidity without allowing it to turn to stubbornness, their financial luck, status, and family will steadily increase, despite the disastrous situations they may encounter. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
58
再起
Saiki
Learn from mistakes
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-eight, it predicts an ability to learn from mistakes and turn struggles into success. Fifty-eights will have their share of difficulties, but each one brings greater wisdom and an increase in luck, health, wealth, family, and friends. If they pay attention to the lessons to be learned, they will be rewarded. Fortune level: Moderately lucky
59
停滞
Teitai
Stagnation
If the strokes in a name add up to fifty-nine, it predicts impatience and a lack of ambition. Fifty-nines are not naturally not good at possessing the diligence and endurance it takes to achieve a goal, so their challenge is to proceed with the courage to break through and cultivate a comeback, when necessary. Fortune level: Unlucky
60
暗黒
Ankoku
Darkness
If the strokes in a name add up to sixty, it predicts a nature that easily strays off the path and becomes lost. Sixties need to pay special attention to not being distracted from their goals, and cultivate the ability to recognize when they are being led astray. Fortune level: Unlucky
But there’s more!
Naturally, your name’s numbers can predict all kinds of other things too. For example:
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Remember, these are just for fun, so don’t be too depressed if your fortune isn’t the most auspicious—unless your parents are Japanese, they can’t really be blamed for not knowing that baby naming ought to be done with a calculator in hand! Thank them instead for not naming you after a character in Game of Thrones who turned out to be less than admirable.
By the way, I’m a 27. What are you?
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I translated these onomancy predictions from the Japanese website
堺虹元の姓名判断
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And if you’d like to get lucky with a little escapist reading, The Last Tea Bowl Thief is up for pre-order now!
[image error] For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, altering the lives of all who possess it… read more
If you order now, that lucky package will arrive on your doorstep (or Kindle) October 20th!
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
September 12, 2020
Hilarious haiku ask those burning questions about modern life
The talented artist known as y_haiku on Twitter and Instagram does it again!
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Why is it that…
Movie hackers
always commit their crimes
in dark rooms?
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Why is it that…
I don’t need that discarded manual
until it’s time
to find the right charger?
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Why is it that…
I can never make it look
like I remembered to take the photo
before my first bite?
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Why is it that…
When I use my phone to fall asleep
it always
wakes me up?
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Why is it that…
They always wait to score a goal
until I’m
in the toilet?
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Why is it that…
On a day I can’t drink
I see so many
places to drink?
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Why is it that…
No one can resist
secretly licking
the empty syrup packet?
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Why is it that…
Someone always
tries to draw
Doraemon?
•
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Why is it that…
At the restaurant soda bar
there’s always one guy
who mixes them?
•
If you aren’t yet following y_haiku on Twitter and Instagram, don’t you think you should be?
•
And if you’re desperate for a little fresh escapist reading, I’m giving away ten more signed paperback copies of this all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short this month!
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If you become a subscriber to Japanagram (my free monthly newsletter) before October 1st, 2020 you’ll get a free downloadable ebook of the new It Was You Only In Tokyo Short (79 pp) and ten lucky winners will get a signed paperback copy!
Click on the Get Japanagram button, sign up, (don’t worry, it’s free!) and the September Japanagram will deliver your very own It Was You ebook, an announcement of the paperback winners, and, of course, all the quirky Japan-centric feature stories you’ll only see in Japanagram.
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When you join, you’ll be automatically entered to win the monthly book giveaway, get directions to a fabulous Beyond Tokyo destination, learn to make a Japanese home cooking dish & more!
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•
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
September 8, 2020
Surrounded by a waterfall, what to serve for Japanese dessert, and how to get the all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short for free
Are you still hanging in there, as we continue our wild ride through the Wonka tunnel and (hopefully soon!) pop out the other side? In a quest to make it all a little more bearable, the August Japanagram dished up a chance to win a signed paperback copy of the all-new, not-for-sale Only In Tokyo Short, a Japanese place you don’t have to visit to enjoy, and a solution for that perpetual puzzler, the Japanese dessert.
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All subscribers get a free downloadable copy of It Was You, (in addition to the chance to win one of the ten signed paperback copies) so if you’re not yet signed up, click on the cover photo or scroll down to the Get Japanagram button to get yours!
Links to the AUGUST 2020 Japanagram features:
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BEYOND TOKYO
Let’s visit the most refreshing waterfall in the world
Just looking at pictures of this astonishing waterfall is enough to beat the summer heat, but being surrounded by its 180° music is one of life’s truly sublime moments. Come with me now, and experience it for yourself!…read more
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JAPANESE HOME COOKING
Kuromitsu Dessert Sauce
Dessert is the hardest thing to decide on for a Japanese meal, because most Japanese “desserts”are kind of disappointing, especially when compared to, say, chocolate. Which is why I’m delighted to show you how to make Okinawan Brown Sugar Sauce—a very Japanese delight that can top anything from ice cream to…read more
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BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY
Claws of the Cat & CLIMB
This month I gave away books to TWO lucky winners! Claws of the Cat is the first mystery in Susan Spann’s delightful series featuring Jesuit priest Father Mateo, and Hiro Hattori, the shinobi who’s been ordered to protect him. And CLIMB is her brand new memoir, a wry and moving account of her quest to climb a hundred Japanese peaks in a year. Reviews of these two great books are here
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EXCLUSIVELY FOR JAPANAGRAM SUBSCRIBERS
You can’t buy this book…but you can get it for FREE
In September, I’m giving away ten MORE signed paperback copies of It Was You, the all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short! All Japanagram subscribers will be entered to win, and also get a link to download the ebook for free. If you’re at all interested in snagging this for yourself, scroll down to the Get Japanagram button and subscribe! Here’s a taste of what’s inside…
And in SEPTEMBER…
August 31, 2020
The Sweet Virtual Hereafter
The Japanese way of death is changing fast. With drastically fewer kids being born, there are fewer surviving relatives (or none) to take care of family graves, and some people don’t even have enough relatives surviving to bury them when they’re gone, not to mention pay the yearly fees that maintining a family plot requires. Many people are rethinking spending the kind of money that was once routinely lavished on death duties.
But all is not lost! In a bid to hang onto the lucrative business of ushering souls to the hereafter, more and more temples are introducing virtual gravesites.
[image error]Instead of being interred in a dedicated bricks-and-morter crypt, those wishing to pay their respects come to this spic & span suite of visitation rooms…
[image error]…and the temple staff calls up stored images of the dearly departed on the video screens. Flowers can be left, incense can be offered, prayers said, and DONE. The actual urn of ashes is stored somewhere out of sight. This option is a much more affordable $4,800
[image error]If that’s all a little too virtual for you, a halfway solution is having your urn stashed in a crypt with countless others. Relatives can offer flowers, incense and prayers at the place where you’re actually stored, but not have to pay the steep price of a dedicated gravesite. This one is an initial payment of $4000, then $2800 per person thereafter
(Sorry for the wiggly pictures – I saw this billboard advertising gravesite options outside a temple, and the snapshots leave something to be desired!)
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If you love a good read, you might enjoy The Last Tea Bowl Thief too
“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
[image error]For three hundred years, a missing masterpiece passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, indelibly altering the lives of all who possess it… read more
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August 22, 2020
Potter, Poet, Warrior, Thief
For three hundred years, a stolen masterpiece passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, indelibly altering the lives of all who possess it...
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Woo hoo! I’m so excited that I can finally give you a sneak peek into The Last Tea Bowl Thief!
It’s a two-timeline tale, with one thread taking place in the samurai era, and the other unspooling in modern-day Tokyo, where two women from opposite sides of the globe discover that both their futures depend on possessing a cultural treasure that’s been missing since before they were born.
Read on, for the jacket description and (shhhh!) an excerpt that nobody else will be able to see before publication day…
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From The Last Tea Bowl Thief back cover:
Robin Swann’s fairytale life in Tokyo has sputtered to a stop. She’s stuck in a dead-end job testing antiquities for an auction house, but her true love is poetry, not pottery. Her stalled dissertation sits on her laptop, unopened in months, and she has no one to confide in but her goldfish.
On the other side of town, Nori Okuda sells rice bowls and tea cups to Tokyo restaurants, as her family has done for generations. But with her grandmother in the hospital, the family business is foundering. Nori knows if her luck doesn’t change soon, she’ll lose what little she has left.
With nothing in common, Nori and Robin suddenly find their futures inextricably linked to an ancient, elusive tea bowl. Glimpses of the past set the stage as they hunt for the lost masterpiece, uncovering long-buried secrets in their wake. As they get closer to the truth—and the tea bowl—the women must choose between seizing their dreams or righting the terrible wrong that has poisoned its legacy for centuries.
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So…is it any good?
[image error]WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ALL MY CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL
Okay, hmm, I might not be the most objective person to answer that. But some far more trustworthy people are saying:
“A wonderful blend of history and mystery.” —Laura Joh Rowland, author of The Iris Fan.
“I don’t know when I’ve been more caught up in a story. Jonelle Patrick handles the fascinating, centuries-old tale of the tea bowl with elegance and verve. Her descriptions are flawless and reveal her deep understanding of Japanese culture. A masterful achievement.” —Terry Shames, award-winning author of An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock
“An immersive page-turner, meticulously researched and perfectly plotted. Patrick has crafted a subtle, layered mystery filled with intriguing characters and masterful twists. Without question, the best book I have read all year.” —Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori mysteries and CLIMB
“Patrick’s keen eye for the telling detail reveals her great love for and knowledge of Japan. A great read!” —Liza Dalby, anthropologist and author of Geisha and The Tale of Murasaki
“Absolute page-turner…the different storylines slowly converge in a profoundly satisfying away, like the flawless bow on a Japanese gift. What a marvelous ride.”—Katherine Catmull, author of Summer and Bird
“A suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing while at the same time whisking you away to another time and place with enviable ease…a pleasure to read.” —Mary Mackey, New York Times bestselling author of The Year The Horses Came
“Hauntingly beautiful, an instant immersion into feudal, wartime and modern Japan.” —Melissa MacGregor, author of The Curious Steambox Affair
“The brilliance of this novel sneaks up on you as the pieces of its puzzle come together.” —Mac Salman, founder of Maction Planet, editor-in-chief at Tokyo Authority
“…an engaging read of choices—and second chances—that cross the centuries.” —Mandy Bartok, Japan specialist at Uncovering Japan
The Last Tea Bowl Thief will be out on October 10, 2020, but it’s up for pre-order today!
[image error]Beloved reader: If you think you might like this book, I will be insanely grateful if you pre-order it—publication day rankings are silly important in the publishing world, so I will be blowing kisses in your direction (safe ones, from behind my cat mask!) if you order it sooner rather than later
If you’re still not sure, here’s a little sample, so you can decide for yourself…
Excerpt from The Last Tea Bowl Thief
Print Length: 316 pages
Publisher: Seventh Street Books (October 20, 2020)
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Sold by: Simon & Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Present-day Japan
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
Tokyo
Art Authentication Specialist Robin Swann shoves her front door shut with her hip, dumping the mail and her handbag atop the shoe cupboard with a sigh of relief. Why is it that no matter how big her purse is, the stuff inside expands to fill it? Rubbing her aching shoulder, she scuffs her feet into the fluffy pink slippers waiting beyond the edge of the entry tiles and trudges down the hall toward the kitchen. Detouring to the pocket-sized bedroom on the way, she trades her pantyhose and suit for sweatpants and a t-shirt, zips a faded college hoodie over the top. Then she grabs a shapeless sweater and pulls it over her bush of blond hair, because it’s still two-sweatshirt weather in her apartment. People have been posting bursting blossoms online for weeks now, but anyone who has read the haiku masters and lived in Japan for eight years knows that’s just an invitation for a late dump of snow.
Ugh, has it really been eight years? She takes off her glasses and rubs her tired eyes. She’s over thirty, still living year-to-year on a precarious academic visa that has to be renewed every April, and has had a longer relationship with her goldfish than with any man since she arrived. Speaking of which . . . she crosses the room to the clear glass bowl and peers in. The orange fish lurks near the bottom, not moving, but not belly-up either. She taps in a few flakes of foul-smelling food, and it waves its feeble fins, rising slowly to the surface to nibble.
At first, she’d kept the unwanted pet in a pickle jar, expecting it to move on to goldfish heaven within the week. Instead, it was her romance with the Japanese chef who’d won it for her at a shrine festival that died a quick death, while the stubborn orange fish lived on. After being ghosted by two more prospective boyfriends—neither of whom had been able to deal with her being taller and heavier than they were, even at her skinniest and in flats—she’d reluctantly bought the fish a clear bowl with a fluted blue rim, sprinkled some colored gravel on the bottom, and given it a name.
Fishface is now two—no, three—years old. Surely that’s some kind of record for a festival goldfish. She keys a search into her phone. Nope, apparently, she and Fishface would have to live here thirty-eight more years to challenge that one. The very idea makes her want to . . . what? Scream? Drink wine straight from the bottle? Eat a whole carton of green tea ice cream?
She tucks the canister of fish food back behind the framed photo of her solid Middle American parents, flanking a beaming, longer-haired Robin who’s squinting into the sun and clutching the diploma proclaiming her a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies. She’d been so excited that day, a week shy of stepping onto a plane to begin her graduate program in Kyoto. So many shining roads had stretched before her, and on that sunny afternoon she still had no idea that the one she’d chosen would lead her further and further from the Japanese poetry master who was her passion, and turn her into a reluctant expert on Yoshi Takamatsu’s tea bowls instead.
The truth is, her fairytale life in Japan is slowly grinding to a halt. She has a dead-end job authenticating antique ceramics, a month-to-month studio apartment near an inconvenient train station, and a marked-up fourth draft of her PhD dissertation languishing on her laptop, the file unopened since mid-December.
That reminds her, she still hasn’t gotten the letter from her thesis advisor that’s key to renewing her visa for another year. If she doesn’t submit her application next week, she’ll be in deep trouble. Retracing her steps, she scoops up the wedge of mostly pizza flyers and utility bills, shuffling through it until she spots a fat envelope with her academic advisor’s return address in the corner. Whew. If she makes the dreaded pilgrimage to the immigration office next week, her visa renewal should nip in under the deadline.
Abandoning the junk mail, she returns to the kitchenette and tugs on the overhead light’s grubby string pull. The fluorescent UFO overhead stutters to life as she opens the refrigerator. There’s a gap where the wine bottle usually stands. She groans, remembering that the last of her California chardonnay had contributed to last night’s vow to get out more, meet new people, maybe even sign up for a matchmaking service. As if.
Turning to the cupboard, she discovers that her wine supply has dwindled to a single bottle of pinot and the dusty bottle of champagne she’d received when she finished her master’s degree. She twists the top off the red and pours some into the glass that never quite makes it back into the cupboard from the dish drainer. A nightly glass of wine is her one indulgence, and although American wine is more expensive than French in Tokyo, she considers drinking California chardonnay and Oregon pinot among her few remaining acts of patriotism.
She takes a sip and plops down at her low table with the envelope from her advisor. Slits it open, to make sure everything has been signed and sealed.
It has. But a note is paper-clipped to the renewal form, and her smile fades as she reads. The professor, who supervised her research establishing that the tea bowl discovered in the Jakkō-in convent’s treasure house had indeed been made in the 1700s by Yoshi Takamatsu, regrets to inform her that if she doesn’t submit her doctoral dissertation within the coming academic year, he’ll be unable to sponsor her visa again.
Robin’s heart sinks. If she fails to finish her dissertation, she can’t stay in Japan. And if she can’t stay, where will she go? Certainly not home.
[image error] You can order The Last Tea Bowl Thief in either paperback or Kindle editions
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•
And if you’re desperate for some fresh escapist reading sooner than October 20, I’m giving away copies of this all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short now!
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Japanagram is my free monthly newsletter, and if you become a subscriber before September 1st, 2020 you’ll get a free downloadable ebook of the new It Was You Only In Tokyo Short (79 pp) and ten lucky winners will get a signed paperback copy!
Click on the Get Japanagram button, sign up, (don’t worry, it’s free!) and the September Japanagram will deliver your very own It Was You ebook, an announcement of the paperback winners, and, of course, all the quirky Japan-centric feature stories you’ll only see in Japanagram.
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When you join, you’ll be automatically entered to win the monthly book giveaway, get directions to a fabulous Beyond Tokyo destination, learn to make a Japanese home cooking dish & more!
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•
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
August 21, 2020
When you wish upon a…monk?
I don’t know about you, but this year has given me a lot more respect for luck than I used to have.
If 2020 had a spirit animal
In Japan, people are a lot more comfortable with acknowledging that stuff we can’t control—aka Fate—plays a huge part in determining the course of our lives. But, of course, they still try to influence it.
And the easiest way to get your heart’s desire is to wish on a sixth-century monk.
[image error]Yes, these roly-poly Daruma wishing figures are actually based on a real guy—”Daruma” is short for “Bodhidharma”—the monk who brought Zen Buddhism to China.
The real Daruma was apparently a fairly irascible fellow (with a legendary beard), and the reason Daruma figures look the way they do is because his impressive feats of spiritual practice include meditating for nine years in a cave (so his limbs finally just dropped off from disuse), and being so annoyed with himself for falling asleep for a few hours of those nine years that he cut off his eyelids (seems a tad severe, but that does explain the scary staring eyeballs Daruma figures always have).
Despite this slightly gruesome history, Daruma figures are all about hoping GOOD things will happen, so a more cheerful feature is that they’re weighted, so they can’t be tipped over. Daruma might get knocked down, but he never fails to pop right back up.
[image error]Wishing Darumas start with blank eyes (these were being given away by the Cuzco company at an auto show)…
[image error]…and the way you ask Daruma for help is to color in one of his eyes after wishing for what you want…
[image error]…then, when your dream comes true, you color in the other one.
[image error]He’s so recognizable as a wish-granter that you can buy them everywhere, in all shapes and sizes and colors. This one is sold during cherry blossom season and is still pretty traditional…
[image error]But the variations on the Daruma theme at the legendary Setagaya Boroichi flea market include everything from fruit to Goth to cats…
[image error]There’s a rockabilly Daruma
[image error]A drunken Daruma
[image error]A grand, golden, city mascot Daruma
[image error]A slightly creepy Micky Mouse X Daruma
[image error]A Softbank phone company shiba-Daruma
[image error]And my favorites, the Monchhichi monkey Darumas
[image error]They’re sold everywhere, even in vending machines (OK, I admit I’m totally lusting after that tanuki Daruma in the upper right!)
[image error]And you can even guarantee yourself lucky dreams when you sleep beneath this Daruma-bedizened quilt!
[image error]They are sacred figures, though, and can’t just be thrown away after your wish is granted. This sign prohibits them from being cremated at a new year’s shrine bonfire (which makes sense, when you know that shrines are Shinto, and Daruma is a Buddhist saint)—they have to be honorably disposed of at a Buddhist funerary ceremony
Daruma isn’t the only way to put a thumb on the balance scale of Fate, though—you can also tie a rope around Saint Bondage or visit the Jizo figure that only grants wishes that are one word long.
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And if you’re desperate for a little fresh escapist reading, I’m giving away copies of this all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short!
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Japanagram is my free monthly newsletter, and if you become a subscriber before September 1st, 2020 you’ll get a free downloadable ebook of the new It Was You Only In Tokyo Short (79 pp) and ten lucky winners will get a signed paperback copy!
Click on the Get Japanagram button, sign up, (don’t worry, it’s free!) and the September Japanagram will deliver your very own It Was You ebook, an announcement of the paperback winners, and, of course, all the quirky Japan-centric feature stories you’ll only see in Japanagram.
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When you join, you’ll be automatically entered to win the monthly book giveaway, get directions to a fabulous Beyond Tokyo destination, learn to make a Japanese home cooking dish & more!
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
August 15, 2020
Weird Japanese Popsicles
Nothing sounds better on a steamy summer day than a freezy-cold popsicle, but if you’re in Japan, look out, because the flavor choices go WAY beyond red, purple and orange!
[image error]Okay, a cola-flavored popsicle might redline your junk food-o-meter, but it isn’t actually THAT weird…
[image error]But how about an ice lolly that tastes like a cream puff?
[image error]Or (I bet you’ve been craving this all your life) a frozen shot of…canned vending machine coffee?
[image error]They even have popsicles that can be pressed into service as tools of the military-industrial complex: workers flagging mid-afternoon in the summer heat can recharge with this one, which is basically Japan’s version of a frozen Red Bull
Of course, there are also flavors that utterly defy description and/or purpose:
[image error]The spaghetti-flavored popsicle. I actually took one for the team on this one and tried it. Yes, it’s even more horrible than it sounds. Not least because the spaghetti in it is Japan’s beloved “Napolitan” flavor, meaning that the sauce is made with (wait for it) ketchup. #abomination
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And because that which does not kill us makes us stronger, I’m still here to give you a free copy of this all-new, not-for-sale Yumi & Kenji short!
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If you become a Japanagram subscriber before September 1st, 2020 you’ll get a free downloadable ebook of the new It Was You Only In Tokyo Short (79 pp) and ten lucky winners will get a signed paperback copy!
Click on the Get Japanagram button, sign up, (don’t worry, it’s free!) and the September Japanagram will deliver your very own It Was You ebook, an announcement of the paperback winners, and, of course, all the quirky Japan-centric feature stories you’ll only see in Japanagram.
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Japanagram is my new monthly newsletter, and when you join, you’ll be automatically entered to win the monthly book giveaway, get directions to a fabulous Beyond Tokyo destination, learn to make a Japanese home cooking dish & more!
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
