JULY 2019 (VOL.143)

Lois Ann Caldwell

What inspired you to like Japan?

My interest in Japan and the culture began when I was a child and my parents had friends from many cultures including Japan, so I always have been interested especially in the people of Japan. I still have some items that my mother collected during the 1940s. She taught me to appreciate the fine workmanship and the artistic designs in pottery and fine china that are still being made there.

Tell us about your trip to Japan.

In about 1999 I met a young man from Japan that needed to rent a room and lucky for me I had one to rent….. so that is how my visits (3) to Japan started. He invited me to a Christmas party that his work was having and toward the end he won 2 round trip tickets to Japan, and again, lucky me, he asked would I like to go???

That was in 1999. I stayed with his family, met his grandmother, brothers, and got to really appreciate the lifestyle and some important customs, and a few words…. It is a very difficult language for an American born person. Then I went back 2 more times for the weddings of his 2 brothers.

Anything you are deeply in love with?

I love tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, noodles, and sake on a few occasions. The food is great, and good for you. Green tea is very delicious. I love Taiko drums and wish I had energy to do it. I love “Sakura” cherry blossom time. But what I love the best, is the Japanese family that “adopted” me and accepted me into their family! Thank you Mori family! The 1000 cranes that you made for me still hangs in my home.

Not cool about Japan?

The only thing that I sometimes had a problem with was the millions, and millions of stairs. The subway, the shrines, temples and just about everywhere.

My hope is to return one more time, to visit the Peace Memorial……..