“...I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so” (David Fenton 1980) So, why the picture? · If nothing else, it’s lovely! And the link with opening quotation? · Wisteria (pictured flower) is a popular symbol in Japanese culture, representing love, longevity, and resilience. And what’s so special about Japan? · For the Japanese, I am sure the answer is, “a lot”. Speaking personally, for reasons that will become apparent, that country has been (positively!) on my mind a fair bit, in recent weeks. In common with many previous posts, this concerns some recent events. First I have just started reading the latest book, by a Japanese writer, who is rather a favorite of mine – Haruki Murakami. Given its reviews and what I have read so far, I have a genuine belief that it will be (to me at leas...