The first non-Japanese Shinto priest recognized by an official association talks about the past, present and future of his spiritual journey — and some of his favorite foods. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/10/24/our-lives/florian-wiltschko-shinto-priest/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #shinto #shintoism #expats #mieprefecture #spirituality #hayaomiyazaki

After a life on the streets, Jimena is learning to adapt to her new environment and appreciates having a feline friend to help her through. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/10/22/our-lives/adoption-cats-jimena/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption

Nagoya radio host Chris Glenn will make history this month as the first non-Japanese to play Oda Nobunaga in the city’s annual samurai parade. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/10/17/our-lives/chris-glenn-oda-nobunaga/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #odanobunaga #shogun #samurai #nagoya #expats

An Indian woman in Japan is blazing trails in the workplace and on the cricket field, pursuing her passions and finding her balance. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/10/09/our-lives/shrunali-ranade-cricket-engineering/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #expats #indiancommunity #engineering #engineers #cricket #womenssports

Ten-year-old Thales, named after a Greek philosopher, is decidedly unserious and will make an energetic companion for the right household. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/10/07/our-lives/adoption-dogs-thales/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #dogsforadoption

Believed to be around 3 years old, Kashata is a shy fellow in need of some love and attention. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/30/our-lives/adoption-cats-kashata/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption

After a long career in preschool education, Australian Linda Joyce is now taking up sustainable tourism as a bilingual concierge in rural Tochigi Prefecture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/25/our-lives/linda-joyce-tochigi-tourism/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #expats #tochigiprefecture #tourism #overtourism #sustainabletourism #hotels #rurallife

Three-year-old Bronte has remained a happy-go-lucky fellow despite the adverse conditions of his upbringing. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/24/our-lives/adoption-dogs-bronte/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #dogsforadoption

She left Lima with a Japanese surname, but in Japan she was still treated as a foreigner. Sandra Takayama’s journey captures the challenges — and resilience — of the Peruvian Nikkei community. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/22/our-lives/japan-peru-history-immigration/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #peru #wwii #nikkei #perujapanrelations

History, housing, harmonies: Tokyo-based artist Melos Han-Tani draws inspiration from the everyday for his games, music and writing. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/12/our-lives/melos-han-tani-game-designer/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #expats #videogames #gaming #composer #music

A little patience will go a long way with 5-year-old Cymbal, a shy cat with distinctive markings that was rescued earlier this year. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/09/our-lives/adoption-cats-cymbal/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption

Meet Jon Heese, the Saskatchewan native who has remained staunchly independent throughout his career in Japanese domestic politics. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/09/08/our-lives/jon-heese-ibaraki-politician/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #expats #ibaraki #localgovernment #canada

“The shadows tell the story”: Shadow puppetry company Mochinosha has crafted a unique aesthetic influenced by Japanese tradition, contemporary politics and everyday encounters. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/22/our-lives/mochinosha-puppetry-seri-yanai/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #puppets #performingart #stage #theater #bunraku #anime

Carl J. Green, who opened the Ford Foundation’s Japan office in 1975, dies at 85. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/20/our-lives/carl-j-green-obituary/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #obituary #expats #americancommunity #fordfoundation #washington #dc #georgetown

Lynx, born in 2012, may seem shy at first, but has proven himself to be a sweet cat full of affection. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/20/our-lives/adoption-cats-lynx/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption

This spirited dog is full of sugar and spice for those who treat him nice. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/13/our-lives/adoption-dogs-ginger/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #dogsforadoption

Mark Dytham established Klein Dytham Architecture in 1991, quickly gaining industry recognition and awards for innovative architectural projects https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/07/our-lives/briton-brings-artistic-view-to-japanese-buildings/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives

‘Mad cute’ Scottish fold to brighten your day https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/08/07/our-lives/adoption-cats-wakaba/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption

This inquisitive dog delights in a brisk walk and exploring the outdoors. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/07/31/our-lives/adoption-dogs-chikuwa/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #dogsforadoption

A sweetheart with a big presence, Pupu loves to make her feelings known while enjoying a cozy moment. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/07/24/our-lives/adoption-cats-pupu/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #catsforadoption