Back to School, all you Backers!

Well, at least me anyway. Class in session (for adults) and it's time to harvest what brain cells are left.

Speaking of harvest, it's that magical season in Japan again when that most humble - and crucial - of grains is collected and consumed: rice. And wearing the crown is the Niigata-native "koshihikari", but how did it get to the top? Where did the name come from? Who stepped in to provide the TLC? And why is a strapping rugby player in a commercial for it now??

The answer to these questions and more await! Grab yourself an rice ball and prepare to get educated, Back-style (BTW no homework).

Thank you for your attendance 🎒 📚 📘

Josh

Hey you sunburnt Backers!

The weather may be hot, but there's nothing hotter than a steamy bowl of gyūdon (beef bowl) in the summer.

Well, almost...

FUJI ROCK, BABY! Every year, a gaggle of artists make their way to Niigata to perform their hearts out, and we have none other than iconoclastic founder, Masahiro Hidaka, to thank. So, this week we trace Fuji Rock's humble roots (actually near Mt. Fuji) to its current home in the Back of Japan.

Stay hydrated, check out the event's wrap up video here and get your hands on a beef-bowl, for Back's sake! As promised: Cho Co Pa Co Cho Co Quin Quin

Laterrr, Beach Bums 🌞😎

Josh

Raising a glass today for Dear Ol' Dad, and the family that have to put up with him. To all ye who've sown seed (consciously or not), hope you had a great one!

Speaking of fathers, today we take a look at the extraordinary life of Maejima Hisoka. Born in Joetsu, Niigata, he's known as the father of the Japanese postal system, but digging deeper, we find that he was much more than that. From attacking the use of kanji, building railways and rubbing shoulders with modern Japan's early elite, this guy did it all.

Slip on your bathrobe and settle into your easy chair for a celebration of one of Japan's top pops!

References:

-https://www.japanpost.jp/corporate/milestone/founder/

-https://www.touken-world.jp/history/history-important-word/maejimahisoka/

-https://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/site/museum/maejimahisoka.html

-Kanji abolishing letter: http://bungeikan.jp/domestic/detail/675/

Thanks for listening and see you next time (give your 👨🏻 a call...),

👨‍💼Josh