The latest issue of the TRAM (Toyama’s Random-Ass Magazine, a.k.a. that indie zine I work on in Japan) is out, so you should totally give it a read.
This is actually my last TRAM issue as co-editor, and probably the last edition of my Let’s Talk About Japan Books! column where I write about the novels of Natsume Soseki, Japan’s most well-known novelist. That’s because I left Toyama and the JET Program a few months ago, and the TRAM zine is very much a project for current JETs. So, as difficult as it is, it’s time to move on…
This might also be the last TRAM issue ever, because COVID-related delays to incoming JET members have led to a shortage of people interested in taking over the magazine. However, all is not lost, and I’ve been in contact with some people back in Toyama willing to help with the transition.
All that aside, this might also be our best issue ever: the lead story is Josh Mueda’s interview with Nathan Odom, winner of the 2015 MasterChef Junior series that aired on the FOX network. Odom was apprenticing at a Michelin-star restaurant in Toyama at the time, and graciously took time out for the interview back in the spring. I was really excited to run it, both because it features a TV personality a lot of people watched, and because I wanted to feature more stories about foreigners in Toyama doing cool stuff.
There’s also an inspiring article about tackling social justice issues in the Japanese workplace that Americans will no doubt find relevant, a piece on the indie makeup movement, an incredibly thoughtful article about damaging environmental narratives, plus tons of artwork, fiction, and poetry by current and former JETs.
I also want to give a shout-out to my co-editor Tiana for all her hard work and for sticking with the TRAM even after returning to the States, and Elaine Yuan, who came out of TRAM retirement and saved the day with her amazing layout—you’re both awesome. Also a shoutout to all of our contributors for their hard work and INCREDIBLE patience, plus a second thanks to Josh Mueda for his awesome cover art—you can see the whole thing if you click any of the links :-)
Anyway, I’ll cut this short so you can go read the issue—like I said, it’s a great one!