--The Journal--

The Journal is published by AFWJ six times per year, and consists of informative articles, short stories, poetry, artwork, personal experiences and other contributions by our members. It is available exclusively for members. The following articles have been featured in past issues.

I Don't Want to Be a Good Japanese Mom!
Being a good mom according to Japanese cultural norms is so much differerent from how I see myself as a mom. Based on my own observations, being a good Japanese mom means completely giving up oneself, one's identity, one's dreams, one' s goals, and one's sexuality for one's children and husband. It's often hard to think of my future dreams and goals when I hear and see messages all around me to fit in and be a "good Japanese mom...."
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The American High School Option
Have you ever intimated that kids might be having more fun and far less stress back in your home country?

I confess to having mouthed off for years, so I should not have been surprised when I asked my twins what high school they wanted to try for and one said,"It is time to be an American boy. Free education with no tests." The other guy said, "I signed up for the rugby team. I don't like tests either and it is close so I can ride my bike and cheap so papa will be happy." So now I have identical twins answering to different nationalities....
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Shopping in the Days of Yore
As much as I like country living and coming home to the smell of cows when I turn off the highway, I look forward going into the heart of Tokyo every season for a morning at Who-Ga, an upscale beauty salon, and an afternoon of surprises in the city. Jenny and I began this ritual a few years ago. We meet at the far end of the Tozai line, and transfer to the Chiyoda about the time we have covered gardening, teaching , parenting, housekeeping, and cooking topics that make up our world in Chiba. As we settle onto the Chiyoda line...
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