First time commenter here.

I first off have to say that I thoroughly enjoy this story!  I just found it, quite by accident, about a week ago.  I read through all of the ... posts? up to today's (Thank Offering) more or less back-to-back.  I tell ya, it interfered with my work quite a bit!  But it was well worth the distraction.

For criticism, I don't have a lot.  Basically, the only thing I can think to "criticize" is repetition.  This is probably an issue with format/medium.  If this story is being written as the first draft of a published novel or novella, then it's great.  If, however, this is intended to be a serial, or a series of short pieces, then there is too much repetition.  Especially considering that people have to wait to get the next installment, it's not so enjoyable when things happen again and again with little or nothing added to the main story line.  An example: Akiko is on the bus; the bus breaks.  Akiko is on another bus; the bus breaks.  Akiko's mom calls and asks about marriage; then Akiko's mom calls and asks about marrige in virtually the same tone/way.  In other words, sometimes one installation reads just like a previous installation, and *as* installations, it's not nice.  If it's back to back as a chapter in a book, then it's not so noticeable.

Also, sometimes you jump from one scene to another and it's not clear that we've done so.  Although, usually by the end of the episode, it has become clear. 

Other than that little bit, I can't find any fault.  

I really like how the dream-scenes aren't readily, immediately apparent that they're dreams; I like how Akiko is reacting as any of my friends from my time in Japan would react, as opposed to a superhero; I like how Tamao has moods; I like how you've used actual Shinto terms and tried to distinguish a bit between Japanese Buddhism and Shinto (something a lot of my Japanese friends didn't understand well); I like that you tell us when everyone bows.

There are a lot more things that I like, but I think that will do nicely for now. 

One thing I really, seriously dislike is the fact that I have to wait!  I'm not a terribly patient person, but I only get little drips and drops every day.  I would like to sit down and devour it all at once, but what can you do?

Last note, keep it up!  I love this story!!!