Author Archives: tinabot

8Books Review: Essential Japanese Grammar

Posted on November 10, 2015 by tinabot

After having gotten hooked on learning some legit Japanese for my trip to Japan last year, I’ve been rarin’ to continue my Japanese language skills for a future return trip to Kyoto study tea ceremony traditions. Thus, when given the … Continue reading →

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“Into The Badlands” Fight Camp

Posted on November 9, 2015 by tinabot

I once had this really annoying experience while training in boxing. The instructor was trying to show us how to use footwork and core muscles to add more power to our punch, and one guy said “I’ll just pull out … Continue reading →

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Martial Arts TV Series “Into The Badlands”

Posted on November 2, 2015 by tinabot

Set in a post apocalyptic or possibly alternate universe, the story revolves around a man named Sunny who is a Clipper or warrior loyal to a Baron who is a sort of regional warlord. The social structure is totally feudal, … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: McDonald’s in Japan

Posted on October 26, 2015 by tinabot

I suppose it is fitting to talk about McDonald’s in Japan as it was the last stop before we headed back home Stateside, a sort of transition from Japan to America. I have pretty much removed McDonald’s from my dietary … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Kyoto Snowstorm

Posted on October 19, 2015 by tinabot

Before we begin this little journey through a Kyoto winter wonderland, I should start with the disclaimer that I grew up in sunny southern California. I put on a scarf whenever the temp goes under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When I … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Posted on October 12, 2015 by tinabot

It’s quite lovely to experience Kyoto’s preserved machiya neighborhoods and many ancient temples, but equally fun and still historic is the Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Basically, imagine Universal Studios but minus all the big fancy rides and massive studio set … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: New Year’s Festival at Yasaka Shrine

Posted on October 5, 2015 by tinabot

If you watch a lot of anime, you may have noticed that festivals are a big deal in Japanese culture and story telling. Just like there’s usually a onsen hot spa episode, a beach episode, or a class field trip … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Shinbashi Dori in Gion

Posted on September 28, 2015 by tinabot

From various sources, I read that Shinbashi Dori has been called the most beautiful street in Asia. After reading that, I couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to hunt this street of beauty down and check it out. So, with … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Kyoto’s Ninen Zaka & Sannen Zaka

Posted on September 21, 2015 by tinabot

While researching places to go in Kyoto, I have to admit, I was trying to live my Rurouni Kenshin years and wanted to see “old Kyoto” where ever it may still exist, while temples and gardens are key destinations in … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Kiyomizudera

Posted on September 14, 2015 by tinabot

除夜の鐘｜Joya no Kane #kyoto #kiyomizudera #japan #temple #清水寺#京都#日本#寺 A photo posted by 音羽山 清水寺｜Kiyomizu-dera (@feel_kiyomizudera) on Dec 31, 2014 at 9:32am PST The image above is of Kiyomizudera buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, the night I was there. Except I … Continue reading →

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Traveling Japan: Kyoto’s Heian Shrine

Posted on September 7, 2015 by tinabot

The Heian Shrine is one of those major stops in Kyoto. It’s one of the main shinto shrines in the country, and its torii is one of the largest in all of Japan. It’s a symbol of revival for Kyoto … Continue reading →

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Defining American Citizenship: The Story of Wong Kim Ark

Posted on September 3, 2015 by tinabot

As a child growing up in America, I thought of myself as not-American. In America, I was Taiwanese, I was Chinese, I was Asian. Though I pledged my allegiance to the American flag alongside my classmates of various ethnic and … Continue reading →

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