
After a whirlwind 10 months in Japan, I’m finally back in Georgia, reconnecting with old friends and revisiting familiar places. The charm of returning to my old fishing spot was exactly what I needed to ease into my time back home.

I met up with Masaki, my long-time friend!

We’re aiming for Flathead Catfish, Bass, or Striper!

Put a bell on the rod.

At the next spot I did a little cast

Sam did the dam thing!!

He let me hold it!

The fishing was a success. Sam caught a catfish, and generously handed it over to me. I couldn’t wait to put it to good use. With the fresh catfish in hand, I decided to make a simple yet delicious dish—nitsuke, a classic Japanese braised fish dish.

This is the finished product.


The nitsuke turned out great, bringing a taste of Japan right to Georgia. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar created a perfectly balanced flavor that complemented the catfish beautifully. It was a nostalgic and satisfying meal, bridging the gap between my recent Japanese adventure and my roots here in Georgia.

My cheffin up cup

Reconnecting with friends, enjoying a successful fishing trip, and savoring a homemade dish—these moments reminded me of the joys of being back home. Here’s to more reunions, fresh catches, and great food!

On a related note, if you’re interested in learning Japanese, I’m offering one-on-one lessons! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, these personalized sessions can help you achieve your language goals. Click here Japanese With Mark