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This month in the Japan Times, I talk about setsuden (cutting down on electricity consumption) and suzumi (keeping cool).

About myouga, the shallot-shaped, gingery flower bud that's a ubiquitous garnish on, or with, many Japanese summertime dishes.

This is a follow up to my previous post about above-safety limits levels of radioactive elements (namely, cesium) found on tea grown in Kanagawa prefecture. There seems to be some confusion over how tea is tested, due to some misleading news reports. (Note: I have updated this post several times to reflect new events.)

This month's Japan Times article by me is about organic and natural farmers and retailers in the Kanto region of Japan (that's the area that includes Tokyo), including the thorny subject of how they are dealing with radioactive substance contamination on their crops. Because of space constraints I had to leave a lot out of course (that's the nature of newspaper articles) so here are some supplemental things.

I've talked about the awesomeness of konbini, or Japanese convenience stores, before. Actually, almost everyone who has been to Japan raves about the awesomeness of konbini.

Regarding the radiation contamination detected on tea leaves grown in Kanagawa prefecture.

A new article in the Japan Times about spring mountain vegetables, plus a bit more about vegetables.

There is an ongoing crisis of confidence regarding the safety of vegetables from a farming area that mainly serves the Tokyo metropolitan area. I went to my favorite produce seller in Yokohama to see how they are dealing with it.

I'm writing to you from my mother's home in Yokohama, Japan, where I've been since Tuesday. It was another lovely early spring day today. The weather was warm enough to go outside without a coat. Kids were playing outside all day, since schools don't start until next week. Their shrill voices waft all the way up to my mom's 8th floor apartment. Normally I'd be a bit annoyed, but not now.

Update, how to donate.