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A white, undyed sheet. 2 metres in length, and 0.6 metres in height. A cheap and lightweight cotton fabric. But what value it provided. It was more than a curtain. It was my guardian, my angel. Providing me cover and protection as I reposed in my bunk, sheltering me from the other 7 beds in…

The sirens were initiated. Echoes of gongs and bells bellowed down the elongated corridor. A wave of hot air thrusted against my scarred face. I grasped my wound. Blood rippled through my damaged plate armour. I had been lucky. The samurai’s Nagamaki sword had pierced me above my left rib cage. 10cm higher, and it…

I nodded politely as the waitress cleared my breakfast plate and coffee mug. “Kuidaore” I said [an expression meaning to eat oneself bankrupt, commonly used in Osaka]. The chef and his wife looked at me blankly. “Quee-da-orey” I repeated, this time phonetically. Again, they shared a perplexed look. I got up, nodded to say thank…

I indicated right and continued to drive for a further sixty metres before pulling in to the drive way. With an eager desire to settle in less explored rural Japan, I had flown to the southern most island, Okinawa, eventually driving to the Northern region Motobu. The small subtropical island had been hit by heavy…

I’d spent the week peregrinating around Tokyo. It had been mild and humid with occasional downpours of tepid rain. I stopped to crouch down and tie the laces of my all terrain Scarpa walking shoes. My sleek calves throbbed from the walking I’d endured. My newly made acquaintance used this opportunity to purchase a bottle…