11 Veterans Tell How to Make the Most of Your Stay in Japan – January Japan Matsuri

Posted by Bill Belew on January 22nd, 2009 in Japanese | No Comments

This month’s Japan Matsuri, in keeping with the New Year and resolutions and such, has the theme -

“How I Resolve to Make the Most of My Stay in Japan.”

11 veterans and rookies weighed in.

1. Erik says, to “look beyond the eccentric zeitgeist of youthful Harajuku, and the bulletpoint must-see tourist spots of old Kyoto.” He pledges. “I cannot hope to truly understand what awaits me in my new chosen country of residence until I’ve breathed its air, savored its food, and met its people.”

2. Rick says, “Learn, Speak, Read, Write Japanese.” He has learned, “improving my Japanese skills will open more proverbial doors for me.”

3. Deas says, ” I’ll make the most of my time in Japan by getting out of Japan as often as possible.” He goes on, “Most of Asia is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.” Indeed! Indeed! Don’t forget Siberia, Deas!

4. Carly says, “I resolve to have more “conversational” conversations.” Hooking up with “flight attendant guy” or others like him are good motivation, eh?

5. Ibarguren says, “travel, eat and learn.” And gives a very long list of things to do to prevent you from traveling, eating and learning!

6. Chris says, “Avoid using English, dive head-first into new situations and, make better use of the excellent free resources available online and join more conversations on forums and elsewhere.”

7. Ryan says, “consider the pure daily adventure of living in Tokyo..because…Tokyo will feed you until you are on the floor naked while throwing your guts up!”

8. Brett says, “go with an open mind, understand your motivation, prepare yourself for differences, and embrace the culture.”

9. Bill (that’s me) says, “3,000 word cards” = learn the language and the culture. And check out what my dad has to say about excuses for not being able to do anything, including learn the language.

10. Shane says, there are great resources for those wanting to plan a highly personalized trip in Cut & Paste Japan Trip Planning.

11. Nick (the recreator of the Japan Matsuri) says, to be a good parent and further my ability to provide for my family. Indeed, ‘life’ is life in Japan, too, especially for the veteran. For the newcomer – “be courteous to the natives, respect Japanese customs, learn as much of the language as you can, and then completely let yourself go!”

So, what about you? Ever lived in another country? How’d you make the most of it? What would you recommend to the newbie?

Let us know.

Deas at RockingInHakata will host the next Japan Matsuri.