Joseph Kelley

@joseph.kelley

I have spent over half of my life here in Japan (20+ years); needless to say I truly enjoy living in the land of the rising sun.

I especially take pleasure in experiencing traditional Japanese culture and have been a vivid student of the Japanese martial arts (Aikido and Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu) for over 19 years. In addition to martial arts I am a fan of Japanese drumming (Wa-Daiko) and began studying Wa-Daiko four years ago with the group Odawara Houjou Taiko no Kai.

I am also heavily involved with the Special Olympics Nippon Kanagawa Track and Field, Swimming and Ski teams and truly like coaching and mentoring the young athletes.

I currently live with my wife and two sons (Kota 17 and Allen 14) in the culturally rich city of Odawara in Southern Kanagawa prefecture. Our house is only two blocks away from the historic Sakawa River which is depicted in the famous ukiyo-e woodcut prints (The Fifty-three Stations of Tokaido) as the Odawara (9th) station. Our home is only a 10 minute drive from Odawara Castle and on clear days we are able to partake in a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from our front door.

All this makes living in Japan a real pleasure and I look forward to sharing these experiences with the English speaking community and will strive to unveil Japan's many wonders to readers.