10 Years in Japan & 500 Posts
Just passed 10 years in Japan. It sure has been an interesting experience and I am really glad to have had the chance to spend so much time here in Japan.
Originally I was just planning to come for one year – I did a couple of papers on Asian Politics at university and I came to Japan because I was curious to see what life here was really like. Just studying something at university doesn’t really give one much of an impression of what things are really like on the ground.
I never really experienced culture shock here – I think because I had prepared myself for living in Japan by not preparing myself, so there wasn’t much that I was expecting. Before I came I had an image of the hi-tech Japan – the Japan of Sony and Panasonic mixed up with an image of traditional Japan – the world of samurai and ninja’s and gracious manners. What I found was a country that was both at the same time as being neither. In many ways the people of Japan are a lot like New Zealanders – a little shy at first but strong friends in the end.
Some of the highlights:
Meeting Chooch
Visiting Tokyo’s Islands
Snowboarding in Hokkaido
Using the Seishin-18kippu to travel to Wakayama and Hiroshima
Climbing Japan’s lowest natural mountain
Seeing my students from 10 years ago at their Coming of Age Ceremony
Passing the 2kyu Japanese Language Test
Swimming in Aomori
Little boat rides
Shinjuku at night
and many many more.
Oh and this is the 500th post for Blizzardboy!
Think I might have a beer and enjoy the view of Mt Fuji…
9 Comments, Comment or Ping
harvestbird
Congratulations on both counts!
Jul 19th, 2009
Simon
cheers harvestbird:)
Jul 19th, 2009
Levent
Congratulations!!!
Jul 20th, 2009
putico
Wow! 10 years! Congratulations!
And I’m impressed, You passed the 2kyu Japanese Language Test!
Of course I know! your Japanease is better than When I met you for the first time. That’s Fantastic!
Jul 20th, 2009
Bryan
Congratulations on 10 years! I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it. Perhaps 10 years more, eh?
Jul 21st, 2009
Kiwi On The Looose
Wow 10 years after, they were a good band, and now you can join them. There is no doubt in my mind about the value of living in another culture, not just for understanding where you are BUT also undertstanding the culture that nurtured you. This is huge to be 10 years away from home and familiarity. AND 500 posts. You are a legend blizzardboy, and inspiration to me. Loved the sumo video.
Aug 18th, 2009
dimaks
Wow gratz! 10 years in Japan must be a life-worth treasure. And your 500 blog posts is just an amazing accomplishment.
Oct 16th, 2009
elizabeth
just wanted to say thanks for your posts! i came across your blog a couple years ago before i went to japan and found it really interesting and insightful. i was in japan for a year and a half and enjoyed every minute of it before returning to the states so i’ll continue to read this on occasion if you’re still updating. thanks
May 20th, 2010
Simon
Thanks Elizabeth.
May 30th, 2010
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