Kanagy - Moon Living Abroad Japan

lively Osaka street

That ramen noodle shops have distinctive flavors in each region.

The Astro Boy melody from the 60s at Takada-no-baba station in Tokyo, which signals the closing train doors.

Trains arriving on timeand during rush hour, conductors helping to push people on.

Food carts on long-distance trains, which offer coffee, boxed lunches, and frozen mikan (mandarin oranges) in summer.

That political campaigns last only two weeksby law.

Omoiyaripeople who put the welfare of others before their own comfort.

The hearty Irasshaimase and Arigatoo gozaimasu by the entire staff to welcome customers in banks, stores, restaurants, and hotels.

Quiet gardens and parks where grandparents walk with their grandchildren.

Sinking into an outdoor onsen (hot spring) and gazing up at snow-covered mountains.

Sipping matcha (powdered green tea) and nibbling on a sweet in a Japanese garden.

That konbini (convenience stores) are truly convenient, with 10 kinds of salads, 20 kinds of onigiri (rice balls), and 30 kinds of entres.

Vending machines everywhere with hot and cold drinks, corn soup, sake, and beer.

Half-off sushi, sashimi, and deli items, 30 minutes before closing at supermarkets.

Temple bells ringing in the New Year with 108 gongs, along with sweet amazake (a slightly fermented rice drink).

The appeal of living in a different countryas opposed to being a touristis that you can go beyond fascination with cultural differences and perceived mystique. Although some Japanese people you meet may befriend you because of your exotic allure or because they want to practice English, many have traveled or lived abroad and are internationally minded.

An American woman who spent a year in Japan says, I went to Japan because I wanted to live abroad and was interested in the country. It seemed like an easy transitionfrom the West to the Westernized Eastand in some ways it was. I also was attracted to Japans safety, as I took my then-two-year-old with me. I taught in two international preschools. Unfortunately, I didnt have much time to study Japaneseplus I wasnt truly immersed, being surrounded by people who wanted me to speak English with them!