About Author

JEFFREY B. JOHNSTON
“You learn more from failure than from success.
Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.”

I entered this world in Phoenix, Arizona and spent my early childhood in the Southwest before my family relocated to the Houston, Texas area. We eventually settled in Alvin, Texas, where I lived for six formative years. Alvin’s blend of rural, suburban, and urban life offered a unique environment—one that encouraged exploration, independence, and curiosity. Those years shaped my easygoing nature and gave me an early sense of comfort in engaging with others.

That period was also marked by frequent moves between schools. While I had experienced relocation before, repeatedly forming connections only to leave them behind proved challenging. Over time, this instability taught me a lasting lesson: that change is inevitable, and learning to appreciate moments as they happen is essential. This realization became a quiet foundation for how I approach life.

At the age of twelve, my family moved to Hillsborough, New Jersey. My initial impression of the neatly structured suburbs was skeptical, but as time passed, I grew to appreciate the opportunities and perspectives the area provided. Though it lacked the warmth and familiarity of my earlier environment, the move gave me a much-needed sense of realism and expanded my worldview.

The transition brought a period of cultural and social adjustment, particularly at school. I found myself surrounded by peers who were diverse in background, ambition, and interests. The competitive atmosphere initially felt intimidating, but it ultimately pushed me to grow. I had long identified myself as “the creative one,” but being among equally capable students challenged that perception and encouraged me to redefine success on broader terms.

That environment fostered resilience, determination, and adaptability. I benefited greatly from strong role models—teachers, peers, and mentors—who helped me recognize and develop my potential. Stepping outside my comfort zone was not easy, but it was essential. The close-knit circles I once knew expanded into a rich mix of friendships and perspectives, preparing me for greater diversity later in life.

My life has been defined by movement and transition. The environments that shaped me—open, adventurous Texas and ambitious, structured New Jersey—are equally integral to who I am. I learned to take responsibility for my outlook, adapt to change, and make meaning from each experience. Through this process, change itself became a defining constant, and I emerged better prepared to navigate life with confidence, openness, and intention.

Those who know me would describe me as honest, thoughtful, intelligent, hardworking, and ambitious—driven and self-motivated, yet grounded and approachable. I value integrity and maintain a strong work ethic while also recognizing the importance of balance between professional and personal life. My career provides a sense of purpose, confidence, and accomplishment, and I believe meaningful work is essential to overall well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy social gatherings, shared experiences with friends, and maintaining a strong sense of humor. My interests include watching films, exploring future adventures, and photography as a creative outlet.

I lived in Hillsborough, New Jersey from March 1986 to November 1991; I went to Hillsborough High School and at the end of 1989, I enlisted into the U.S. Army’s Delayed Entry Program. The summer of 1990, between my Junior & Senior year, I attended eight week Basic Combat Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Upon completion of Basic Training, I returned for my Senior year where I graduated and obtained a High School Diploma in General Studies “Class of 1991”. Soon after I graduated in 1991, I was back off to Fort McClellan, Alabama to attend Advanced Individual Training, where I completed the Basic Military Police Course. I moved to Canton, Mississipi till Aug 94 where I worked as a Facility Access Control Specialist for the Vicksburg District – Corps of Engineers while concurently assigned to the 112th Military Police Battalion, Misissippi Army National Guard.

During my time in the 112th Military Police Battalion, I was able to attend Unit Field Sanitation Course where I learned the key factors in maniatining health and hygine while in a tactical field enviroment. In early 1994 I attended and graduated the Primary Leadership Course at Camp Shelby NCO Academy.

I have always been driven by a desire to explore and challenge myself, which led me to enter Active Duty in September 1994. I began my military career at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being assigned to the Eighth U.S. Army in South Korea. From 1994 to 1995, while stationed at Camp Page and CP Casey with the 2nd Infantry Division, I had the opportunity to learn basic Korean and acclimate to a new culture and environment.

Following my tour in Korea, I was assigned to the 978th Military Police Company at Fort Bliss, Texas. In 1996, our unit deployed to Fort Clayton, Panama, in support of contingency operations, providing security and assisting with the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment. Upon returning to the United States, I re-enlisted and extended my service for four additional years with a guaranteed assignment to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. From 1997 to 1999, I served as a Natural Resources Officer, managing hunting and fishing activities across training areas.

My next assignment returned me to South Korea, this time at the Eighth U.S. Army Confinement Facility at Camp Humphreys. From 1999 to 2001, I served first as a facility guard and then in a liaison role, coordinating with off-base police stations regarding U.S. service members in detention. This role required precision, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.

In 2001, I was assigned to the 10th Military Police Battalion (Provost) at Fort Drum, New York, serving as the unit’s Schools/Training NCO while also prepared to fill in as a Rear Battle NCO in the event of deployment. Following the September 11 attacks, I was deployed within 45 days to Afghanistan, assisting in the establishment of what would become Bagram Airfield, the central base for coalition operations. In 2003, I returned to Fort Drum to stand up the Military Customs Inspection Program, ensuring the smooth redeployment of units back to their home stations.

Later in 2003, I returned to South Korea to serve with the U.S. Forces Korea Provost Marshal’s Office in the Customs & Black Marketing Section. I was responsible for ensuring service members complied with South Korean customs regulations and preventing unauthorized purchase or sale of tax-free goods.

After a distinguished 12-year career marked by multiple deployments, leadership roles, and cross-cultural experiences, I concluded my military service in 2006 with an Honorable Discharge. My time in the Army instilled in me adaptability, leadership, and a strong work ethic—qualities that continue to guide me in my professional life.

$22.50

Tales from Asia:
Land of the Rising Sun

by Jeffrey B. Johnston

This book peels back the polished surface of Japan to reveal the lives, rituals, and unspoken rules that most visitors never see. Through candid observation and cultural storytelling, Japan Exposed takes a dive into Japan’s hidden subcultures and everyday mysteries—from the passionate world of otaku, where devotion to anime, idols, and collectibles becomes a way of life, to the rigid routines of the salaryman & office lady (OL), whose identities are bound to long hours, social obligation, and after-work drinking rituals. It explores what happens when the trains stop running for the night, leaving workers stranded in internet cafés, capsule hotels, or on park benches—an ordinary consequence of an extraordinary work culture.

OTHER BOOKS BY JEFFREY B. JOHNSTON:

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UPCOMING EVENTS

10 March 2017

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“Stone restaurant”
15 Yellow Av. New York

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17 May 2017

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“Stone restaurant”
15 Yellow Av. New York

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23 October 2017

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“Chilli bar”
145 Red Av. Los Angeles

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Discover the Exiting World of Asia

With Jeffrey B. Johnston’s
Tales from Asia books!