You may be asking, “what is the point” of this Blog. Let me try to make a long story – short;
As a kid i always had some curiosity about other cultures, especially Japan. But it wasn’t until I was an adult, around the age of 25, that I took my first Japanese language class on a whim (at SBCC), and really enjoyed it. I ended up making few language partners who became life-long friends and further engaged my interest in the language and culture.
Then the trail kind of goes cold for a while. I had quit my job in technology, and went back to school for audio & video, and chased the dream of a career in the music industry. After going on to help make many amazing records, and still being quite broke – i met my future wife, who at the time had been living in the US for about 5 years.
Fast forward a few years, and we we’re married, with me in marketing as my primary career, with plenty of time spent with her amazing family in both the US and Japan.
Fast forward a few more years – Ive got two kids, and my Japanese language skills are still basic. But with a few Japan trips under my belt and a love for the Japanese countryside, the people, and the culture – the decision was made to move. Will my language skills ever be passable? Will my kids grow up truly bilingual? When will they pass me up? There are many questions .
The decision to move;
Seeing my son as a toddler enjoying the pristine countryside on a Japan trip, rather than having to prevent him from touching everything (like on a walk through Los Angeles) was certainly thought provoking. Yes – having a support system of family, rather than always “going it lone” in LA was a factor. But the “Aha!” moment was probably when seeing our son play at a Japanese pre-school, and how happy, and healthy he looked – It really got our brains working.
As humans we’re always looking for “what’s next” or the next challenge to overcome. Knowing that raising two kids in Los Angeles was not what we wanted for their younger years, we’ve opted for something different. Selling it all and starting over. The rest is details. But like everything – it all starts with making the decision.
I hope that you follow along with our experience.
West Coast to Far East 
Nice to meet you, thanks for checking out my blog. I’ve also been fascinated by Japanese culture and life since my first anime as a child. All the best with building your life there!
Thank you for reading, and sharing your mutual love of the culture.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments over on my blog! 🙂 I am so happy to meet another Japan culture adventurer. I see you tagged your post Hida. What a beautiful region of Japan. I enjoyed the onsen in Takayama one winter. Soaking in the warm water with snow falling on me was magical. Jessy
Oh wow! Yes, Hida Takayama. So great that you’ve been there. I have been several times now. The countryside is quite magical, and people so very sweet. The move feels something like a dream, which will of course be amazing in some ways, and a huge culture shock in others. Being so burnt-out on Los Angeles culture… i know I’ve maybe built it up the change a little much. But the change is just something that mentally… even physically…(when i think of health, and stress) that I’ve been waiting for.
What an exciting adventure! I’ve considered permanently relocating to Japan a number of times, and even visited some condos on the market. But, every time I consider the logistics of what would actually be involved, I shy away from it. I’m only 26, so hopefully my path isn’t set in stone yet. You’re an inspiration haha! I still hope that one day I will have the guts to do it, and that the right opportunity will present itself. I’m looking forward to following along on your journey!
We’ll see how permanent it is, but a couple years at least. Thank you for your kind words! You are young, you can do anything… but time flies fast, and big change only gets more difficult. heheh. (especially with kids) We are selling everything right now, so it’s crazy seeing all possessions disappear, and the house emptying. Hard to let go of a few things, but mostly it just feels good to lighten the load. A few boxes will stay with family. Fresh start.
I’ve been living in Japan five years this March and will be here for at least a few more. Glad that you are taking the steps to follow your dream. Moving across the world is a fun and exciting adventure. All the best with your next journey!
That’s great, i’m excited and anxious and nervous all at once. Certain it is the right move, but know that a year of challenges lay ahead. 🙂
Any insights you have regarding the transition are welcome.