Finishing Japan, Best of KPIJ

Due to my recent article on Matador Study (58,000 hits and counting in just over 24 hours), I think it's time to show these readers what KPIJ is all about. Some of what I consider to be the best entries in terms of writing and substance from my time in Japan, which is slowly drawing to its natural conclusion.

November 2006
An Epidemic - bullying in Japanese schools.

December 2006
Take My 腎, Please - organ donation in Japan.
I Gotta Be Me - tackling the language barrier.

February 2007
Talking with a Naked Yakuza - my experience in one of Beppu's finest hot springs, and an exercise in humility.

March 2007
Not entirely sure this is legal - the discovery of a racially discriminating sign at a club in Hiroshima.

April 2007
Safety in Japan - pretty self-explanatory.

May 2007
Ikkoku Mairi - hiking through the mountains of Shikoku following in the footsteps of Buddhist monks.

June 2007
Quarter of a Century Gone by - short, but sweet; my birthday in Japan compared with that a year prior in the states.

July 2007
The Truth About AEON - a seven-part series covering all aspects of teaching English at this major eikaiwa.

August 2007
Call to Arms - taking action against fingerprinting foreign residents of Japan.

September 2007
More than Sulfur, a Peaceful Getaway - my first excursion to one of the smaller islands south of Kyushu, Ioujima.

October 2007
Nibble Nibble - a most unusual hot springs featuring flesh-eating fish.

November 2007
Nakanoshima: Listening to Moonlight - adventures on one of the smaller islands in the Tokara chain, featuring wild horses, an observatory, and great hot springs.
Running in Fear - news spoof article about gaijin card checks and the Tokyo Marathon.

December 2007
Adoption in Japan - spending Christmas with some children at an orphanage.

January 2008
Only Human - a stream of thought following my wrist injury.

February 2008
Health Insurance and Pensions in Japan - a comprehensive guide.
Being Admitted to a Japanese Hospital - the practical, fun, and ugly details inside the belly of the beast.

March 2008
In the Pale Moonlight - a sociological study of pale skin in Japan.

April 2008
Cutting Off Heads - I was nearly decapitated... ask me how!

May 2008
10 Japanese Customs You Must Know Before A Trip to Japan - technically not on KPIJ, but you can't argue with numbers.