Alice Gordenker - The Japan Times

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Alice Gordenker

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Alice Gordenker

Alice Gordenker writes the "So, What the Heck is That?" column, providing in-depth, carefully researched explanations of the things foreigners find so puzzling about Japan. Her work has been modified as a textbook for Japanese university students called "Surprising Japan" (Shohakusha, 2012).

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Feb 19, 2009

Dear Alice, Recently I toured a beautiful traditional garden in Kyoto with a Japanese friend. At a fork in the path, I was about to turn to the right when my friend stopped me and said we were not supposed to go that way. I did as she said, but couldn't understand how she knew. She'd never been there...

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jan 22, 2009

Dear Alice,My husband attended a business dinner late last year at a very fancy traditional Japanese restaurant. At the end of the evening, as he was heading out the door, the kimono-clad proprietress presented him with a gift of a single piece of fruit. It was like a large orange but with a weird pear...

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Dec 16, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Nov 18, 2008

Kokuwa (monkey pear)

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Oct 21, 2008

Dear Alice, Until recently I lived in Tokyo and commuted on the JR Chuo Sobu Line from Kameido Station. I made it a practice to ride in the last compartment of the train, just so I could enjoy the spectacle of the driver making those sincere hand gestures at each and every station. I've seen the same...

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Sep 30, 2008

Jitensha odantai

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jul 15, 2008

Tanuki genitals

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jun 17, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

May 20, 2008

Anti-crime color balls

Dear Alice, I've spotted pairs of plastic Day-Glo orange baseballs sitting in polystyrene containers behind the counter at banks and convenience stores. My friend reckons they have them in police stations too. Can you please tell us what the heck they are?

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Apr 15, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Mar 18, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Feb 19, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jan 15, 2008

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Dec 18, 2007

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Nov 20, 2007

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Oct 16, 2007

Sake barrels at shrines

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Sep 18, 2007

'Fierce scowl' stickers

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Aug 21, 2007

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jul 17, 2007

Wide-bottomed noh costumes

Japan Times

Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT

Jun 19, 2007

Small statue in Azabu Juban

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