Comments for More Than Tokyo

Comment on Interview by Diane Tincher

Diane Tincher — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:26:00 +0000

In reply to Gerry Tahash. Thank you for the great book recommendations! I will check them out.

Comment on Interview by Gerry Tahash

Gerry Tahash — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:38:46 +0000

Ms. Tincher,
“The Reckoning” by David Halberstam tells of Japan and automotive engineering by Japanese men in a most informative way (and also the Ford Motor Company and the US auto business in a transformative period).
I love what I learned there about Japanese grit and mechanical engineering and capitalism.
“What is Total Quality Control? The Japanese Way” by Kaoru Ishikawa, my hero, tells of the spirit Japanese quality that grew after WWII and the transformation in Japanese thinking by melding with Western industrial mathematical applications. Its not a wonky book, either, its personal and emotional and perfect in its management approach.

Comment on The Incredible Tale of the Elephant Who Had an Audience with the Japanese Emperor by Diane Tincher

Diane Tincher — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:54:00 +0000

In reply to Alfred.

Imagine that! Refusing an elephant! Maybe the shogun had heard how much work it was to take care of one.

There was an elephant brought as a gift to Ashikaga Yoshimochi in 1408, but we don’t know if he actually saw it. He regifted it to the King of Joseon, who pitied it (not knowing how to care for an elephant) and it was shipped back home, and, one hopes, lived happily ever after.

Another elephant was sent as a gift from the Spanish Governor-general of the Philippines to encourage Hideyoshi to resume trade with the Spanish, as you can read here: https://www.morethantokyo.com/christian-martyrs-elephant/
The precursor to the elephant story is tragic, sadly.

And then there was Shiro.

Comment on The Incredible Tale of the Elephant Who Had an Audience with the Japanese Emperor by Alfred

Alfred — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:34:51 +0000

What a wonderful story! Thank you.
I came accross this site when searching for information about the elephant that the Dutch brought to Japan in 1813 as an offer to the Shogun. However the offer was refused! The Dutch had to return the elephant to the ship. It must have been humiliating. I learned this story when i was in Dejima.

Comment on Itadakimasu—a Japanese Expression of Gratitude by Japanese Habits That Feel Strange to Foreigners But Are Normal in Japan

Japanese Habits That Feel Strange to Foreigners But Are Normal in Japan — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:37:15 +0000

[…] eating, many Japanese people say Itadakimasu. It’s a simple expression, or sort of gratitude, before food time. It doesn’t only thank the […]

Comment on Death in Japan by Diane Tincher

Diane Tincher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 22:46:31 +0000

In reply to Sheila Ryan. Thank you, Sheila! I also missed my mother's funeral, but I made it back to the US in time to attend my father's and meet my new stepmother. It was not a long event. I remember a gun salute at Arlington Cemetery and placing a flower on his coffin for my sister who did not attend. I appreciate how death is handled here, and I would love to have such a peaceful death as Hiro did.

Comment on Death in Japan by Diane Tincher

Diane Tincher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 22:42:23 +0000

In reply to Jeff Black. Jeff, thank you for reading and for sharing your interesting perspective. I've never heard of a Buddhist sect that does not believe in samsara, but that's one of the things that makes life an endless adventure — there are always new things to learn. Thank you! Diane

Comment on Death in Japan by Jeff Black

Jeff Black — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:27:14 +0000

Beautiful tribute. I have studied Buddhism for 50 years but I do not believe that any awareness remains after bodily death. Life is difficult enough without having to deal with the perils and challenges, after death, that are mentioned in this article. Once the body/brain dies, that is the end. Life and an afterlife should not be so terribly difficult. I am so happy that my ex wife and I did not have children so they wouldn’t have to go through the tragi/comedy called life even as life can, at times, be so beautiful. Just walking, just driving, just being. Yes when the mind stops and one simply is, it’s wonderful but it doesn’t last. Let body and mind drop off……..even for a moment.

Most sincerely, Jeff Black

Comment on The Three-Legged Crow—Unforgettable Guardian of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage by Korean Sources – Comparative Mythology Around the World

Korean Sources – Comparative Mythology Around the World — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:43:00 +0000

[…] 3-legged crow: https://www.morethantokyo.com/three-legged-crow/ […]

Comment on Komorebi—A Beautiful Japanese Word that English Needs by Weeknotes: May 2-8, 2026 – Tracy Durnell's Mind Garden

Weeknotes: May 2-8, 2026 – Tracy Durnell's Mind Garden — Sat, 09 May 2026 01:54:06 +0000

[…] komorebi (via) — more on usage […]