[Sangetsu]

My first trip to Japan was on a whim. My girlfriend had been transfered to Tokyo on a temporary assignment with her company, and I decided that it would be nice to visit her and see Japan for the first time.

The travel time from Miami to Japan was 18 hours, and I am not the kind of person who can easily sit still for such a long period of time. My first view of Japan was thrilling partly because it was my first time to visit, and partly because I was looking forward so much to finally getting off the damn plane.

My first impressions were at the airport, which was surprisingly quiet despite its size and the number of people there. Immigration and customs were professional and polite, 180 degrees different than immigratikn and customs in America.

The commute from the airport was also interesting, the scenery from the Narita Express was colorful in the countryside, and busy in the cities. It was during this commute that I first entertained the idea of moving to Japan. Further experiences during my stay also impressed me, and when it was time for me to return home, I rather regretted leaving.

On my return to America, I found that the flight I was on offered in-flight internet service. During the flight I planned, booked, and paid for my second trip to Japan 6 months later. During this time, my girlfriend's temporary position became permanent, and I considered more seriously the idea of moving to Japan.

Now that I live in Japan, things are a bit different. When I arrived here to live and work, the experience was not so different from my first visit, but in time I have adjusted, and Japan seems to be more just a place, and is no longer as "special" as it once was. Japan has its bad points just as any any other country has, ans these become rather obvious after the "honeymoon" phase ends. Still, am happy to be here, and I have no regrets about moving.