Robert Lunday on Moving from Houston to the Japanese Countryside, Global Disappearances, the Borderlands and Belonging, Japanese Culture

Moving Along

What if the tapestry of your life was woven through constant change and cultural encounters? Join us for an insightful conversation with writer and poet Robert Lunday, who shares his journey of growing up as a military dependent and his impending move from Houston to the serene landscapes of Kyushu, Japan. Robert opens up about how his early experiences of frequent relocations fostered a deep curiosity and understanding of diverse cultures—skills that will surely aid him as he embraces a new beginning in Japan.

Together, we navigate the sensitive subject of global disappearances, focusing on countries like Mexico, Japan, and the United States and the disappearance in 1982 of Robert’s stepfather. Our discussion highlights the courage of grassroots efforts, often led by families, to find missing loved ones when official avenues fall short. From poignant artistic memorials by a Mexican shoemaker to the haunting tales of Indigenous communities, these stories underline the power of collective action and the profound impact of “missingness” on identity and community.

As Robert prepares for his new, expat life in Japan, the conversation shifts to themes of cultural integration and adaptation. We explore the intriguing opportunities presented by Japan's abandoned homes and the unique challenges faced by expatriates in preserving these relics of rural history. Through the story of Robert’s wife, Yukiko, and her equestrian pursuits, Robert reflects on the blend of tradition and innovation that defines life in rural Japan. Whether discussing societal norms or language barriers, Robert's insights promise to enrich your understanding of what it means to truly belong in a new place.

Robert Lunday: https://robertlunday.com/

Disequilibria: Meditations on Missingness by Robert Lunday
University of New Mexico Press, 2023

You can order Robert’s latest book directly from his website: https://robertlunday.com/books/

Chapters

(00:03) Moving Along With Robert Lunday
Robert Lunday's childhood as a military dependent shaped his worldview, finding solace in libraries and adapting to new environments.

(15:19) Studying Global Disappearances and Responses
Exploring disappearances in Mexico, Canada, Japan and the U.S., including law enforcement's role, grassroots efforts and the impact on Indigenous and Black communities.

(22:07) Global Disappearances and Collective Action
Indigenous experiences, personal journeys, and collective support in navigating the complexities of missing loved ones.

(27:46) Navigating Missing Persons Cases and Support
Social media's impact on missing persons, personal experiences, verification, global research, and ambiguous loss.

(42:19) Cultural Integration and New Beginnings
Adapting to new environments, diversity in Houston classrooms, challenges of immigration, and the role of writing in processing experiences.

(48:07) Exploring Japanese Culture and Language
Exploring Japanese culture and language, adapting as a foreigner, and considering societal norms and demographics with Robert's Japanese wife, Yukiko.

(55:43) Japanese Abandoned Homes and Expatriate Life
Abandoned homes in rural Japan are being purchased by non-Japanese for vacation purposes, while cultural practices like horse sashimi and waste disposal are also discussed.

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [e-mail]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

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