Kitsu returned an hour later, carrying a fat plant. He spat it at Mitsu’s feet and licked his chops with a grimace. “Now we just need to make that into a red bean cake.” He looked Mitsu up and down and sniffed. “Humph. Looks like you didn’t do anything while I was gone.” Mitsu nudged…
The Fisherman and the Moon Maiden
Pearly and lustrous white, like a cloud in the far-off blue sky, seemed the floating figure of the moon maiden, as she flew to earth. She was one of the fifteen glistening virgins that wait attendant upon the moon in her chambers in the sky. Looking down from her high home to the earth, she…
Income Inequality in Japan
Income inequality has become a common concern. Income inequality is the gap in income different segments of a population. Economists argue about how much, or even if, income inequality helps or damages an economy. Some inequality is healthy for an economy. Social status drives some people to found businesses and work harder, both with rippling…
What if Anime Wasn’t Japanese?
“What if” questions usually fall into speculation and aren’t that helpful. What if anime wasn’t Japanese? The question likely isn’t that helpful because Japan has stamped its culture on animation as we think of it. Anime has influenced how animation is done throughout the world, perhaps even more than Disney has influenced animation in recent…
The Fox Brothers and Old Tanuki’s Trick Chapter 1
To celebrate 10 years of blogging I will post a chapter my novella “The Fox Brothers and Old Tanuki’s Trick” on the first Sunday of each month until the story is complete. “Come on, Mitsu. Just one time.” Kitsu’s two tails bobbed as he danced in place. “How many times do I need to say…
You Won’t Read This Post
Online reading differs from reading on paper. You won’t read much beyond the first paragraph of this article if you follow the usual online reading pattern. In fact, I’ve violated all the tenants of online post-forging. I’ve forgone headings, images, and even small paragraphs to illustrate my point. Screen reading requires more complex reading skills…