I was graciously hosted (by Keri :)) to give an engaging talk on “Packaging and Place: Omiyage as Gastrodiplomacy,” as part of the NTU Food Studies Seminar series. Drawing on my current research as a…
Posts By Keri and Kelsi
Exploring Kyoto, Japan spring 2025
Kyoto is such a special traditional city in Japan. Beautiful in every way! Highlights from our time: Fushimi Inari Torii Gates, Arashiyama Bamboo forests, Gion district, shrines and temples, tofu, bakeries, and strawberries. We walked…
Presentation for Tokyo Sustainability Research Seminar: Singapore and Japan Alternative Protein
We were delighted to give a presentation for the Sustainability Research Open Seminar 3: Food and Agriculture in the World, hosted by the West Tokyo Joint Center for Sustainability Research and Implementation on March 15,…
Nagoya City Half Marathon 2025
One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot—so why not run it? 😊 On March 9, 2025, we laced up for the Nagoya City Half Marathon, kicking off at Vantelin…
Exploring Tokyo’s Historic Landmarks: Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace
Tokyo is a city where history and modernity blend, and nowhere is this more evident than in its iconic landmarks. On a recent visit with colleagues from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, we explored…
Japanese Calligraphy and Nohgaku performing art
I was able to participate in a Japanese calligraphy session and a Nohgaku performing art workshop during my stay at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology as a visiting professor Fulbright Scholar. Shu-ren, a professional…
Yokohama Marathon 2024
We ran the Yokohama Marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195 kilometers) on October 27, 2024, making it our sixth marathon. There were over 27,000 runners, including only 343 international participants—my sister and I among them. The…
Exploring Tokyo- Asakusa and Ueno districts
We had a fantastic family trip exploring Tokyo. We stayed in Asakusa, so we got to enjoy the Sumida River, the Tokyo Skytree, the historic Senso-ji Temple, and Ueno Park. Our Airbnb was tucked in…
Hiking in Arizona! Grand Canyon, Sedona, Prescott, Phoenix
With Kelsi living and working the past year in Arizona, we enjoyed exploring the beautiful sunny state. Here is a collection of our hikes in the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Sedona, and Prescott. Grand Canyon National…
Interview, BBC Food Chain “How to Read a Menu”
How do you read a menu? Top down? Zoom in on the boxed listings? Decide by price? Whether there are photos? Or how they are described? All these are factors to how we read a…