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Showing posts from December, 2022

Japan after the 2019 pandemic

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  Post-pandemic Japan has been a revelation to behold. The system that signposted the country of Japan as a giant in the world’s economy in recent years, might in fact be attributed, almost solely to tourism. Aurora Mizutani guest speaker at Henoko Base protest 2015–2016 The wearing of face masks in Japan, a practice that was already prominent within society, has become the new social norm. If you don’t wear a face mask in Japan, (regardless of the mandatory mandate for wearing a mask having been lifted) you will be frowned upon, told off and possibly ostracized. This face mask hysteria is often propagated by the Japanese media, which never misses an opportunity to constantly convey to the public the dangers of social interactions, whilst advocating vaccines. This standpoint is not entirely exclusive to Japanese society in this time of social upheaval, but Japan takes face mask-wearing strictness to another level. Aurora Mizutani English teacher, Okinawa Japan, 2015–2018 English langua

Japan before the 2019 pandemic

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  Japan is known for many reasons, mostly cultural. There are opportunities for foreigners in teaching jobs, entertainment, recreation, and tourism. However, one of Japan’s most fascinating social norms must be their partiality to wearing face masks. Aurora Mizutani with George Murasaki (紫) from the popular Japanese music band 2017–2018 Face mask-wearing in Japan has always been a mystery to foreigners. It is my understanding that the practice was introduced to encourage polite consideration for fellow nationals, in what is by all accounts an already extensively structured society. Face masks in Japan aim to prevent the spread of influenza and more importantly are worn by those concerned with harmful particles in the air emanating from the nuclear powerplant catastrophe of 2011. So now we know. English language teaching jobs for foreigners in Japan revolve around native English speakers. But job longevity is not guaranteed in Japan, and neither is career advancement. Lack of job securi

Geisha Davis’s Humpty Dumpty

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Many of us will remember the unforgettable performance given by the talented Geisha Davis on Britain’s Got Talent during the 2012 auditions. Geisha Davis’s extraordinary adaptation of the popular children’s rhyme “Humpty Dumpty” was undeniably mesmerising, despite the constant sound of the buzzer being pressed by overzealous judges. Geisha Davis with Boy George A seasoned performer, Geisha’s shows can be traced to the Houses of Parliament , Self.Styled , the BBE awards, and reality TV shows on the BBC, ITV, and SKY. The beautiful artist is an inspired designer whose speciality is live performance . The costumes are her own creation as is the choreography of her shows. Geisha’s costumes are her own creation as is her choreography What is undeniable, is the utter originality of Geisha’s enactments, make up and costume. The adapted lyrics of the children’s rhyme “Humpty Dumpty” were inspired and sung to poetic perfection. Geisha Davis’s message during her performance on Britain’s

London, England in the ’90s

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  London in the 90s was a fun-filled, Godforsaken place for the displaced. The highlights of life in London could be summed up in a few yearly social events and popular landmarks. Namely: The London Notting Hill Carnival , New Year’s Eve in Trafalgar Square, Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th, and one of the best gathering spots in Camden Town , the noteworthy ‘ Compendium Books ’ store. Founded by Diana Gravill, (a direct descendant of Captain John Gravill of the Diana Whaler , and my late mother-in-law), and Nicholas Rochford, Compendium Books was a bookshop frequented by everyone and anyone, from celebrities to hippies. In an era without the internet and the technology that accompanies it, Compendium thrived. Aurora Mizutani’s late uncle Solomon in Camden town, London, 2007 The London Notting Hill Carnival, a location featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie ‘ Notting Hill ’, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, is a yearly phenomenon worth mentioning. Attended by hundreds