[ozkai]

I lived in Japan for six years.

I left from Sydney to Japan and had never previously been.

I arrived at Kansai airport at midnight and was met by my wife. the first thing I noticed was that it was bloody freezing in winter, even more so with shorts on.

On the train to Kyoto station, I could not see a thing out the window so I jsut enjoyed the train.

When I arrived at my apartment where my wife was living, I was simply amazed. The floor felt very flat, the doorways and ceilings very low, and multiple doors, living room, bedroom, corridor and that Tatami mat was certainly different.

Next morning my eyes were at the ready to stand on my balcony and look.

Look I did for a long time as it was certainly different to anything I had seen before.

The first month was exciting, then came the down part of not understanding the unwillingness of people to say hello, how are you and stop for a chat.

One year became very stressful, and I think it took me two to start to understand, ignore and enjoy.

I picked up the English teaching thing and became an expert with teaching kids.

After those two years, I could demand my own money from any school as I was good at what I did and they all wanted me which made things very easy.

For the next four years, I travelled well both inside and abroad, and I have to say I really enjoyed Japan making many friends, once again, both foreign and local.

I always thought that foreigners who live in Nihon, can either crack it or cannot. Some just have to get out, whilst other's thrive.

I do believe an outgoing personality work's absolute wonders for your feelings.

How about you?

Do you live in Japan?

How long for?

What were your experiences?


Inspired by the "Live In Japan" thread, this will be interesting.