Well, my dear readers, it’s time for me to take another break from blogging here. Also, my column “Examining Light Novels” on Beneath the Tangles will be put on hold for the time being; though, I intend to write one article for their “Twelve Days of Christmas” series. It’s a shame that this hiatus comes before the end of National Blog Posting Month, but so be it. Medieval Otaku will return at some point in January. In the meantime, I might write some articles on my two other blogs which I have neglected in favor of this one in order to keep the writing muscles in shape.
Saraba ja or Saraba da is an antiquated Japanese term for good-bye which I learned recently. The closest expression in English is “Godspeed!” and the Spanish “Adios!” might be even closer in meaning. Apparently, the samurai used to wish each other good-bye with Saraba ja, and, if blogs are to be believed, it’s Buddhist in derivation and wishes “eternal wisdom” on the addressee. (Kodansha’s Essential Kanji Dictionary gives the kanji in the valediction two meanings “yes” for zen pronunciation and “nature” for nen, but I am certain this is not exhaustive.)
Happy Thanksgiving and saraba ja!
Anime: Because where else can you get a massage from two monkeys in a hot spring? 
Medieval Otaku 