English

Anecdotes and humorous views on Japan from an incredulous westerner who can't believe he is seeing what he is seeing.

Account of an Englishman who, having taken a break from the rat-race in London, is living and working as an English teacher in Japan. Effectively deaf, dumb and illiterate with no Japanese language skills or teaching experience to speak of, he is expected to thrive in one of the most bizarre and interesting countries on Earth.

Finding the resources you need in Japan can be daunting at times, especially if you haven't quite mastered the language yet. Seemingly simple tasks such as using the ATM, getting a package redelivered, or asking for a haircut can seem nearly impossible. On this blog you'll find resources and ideas about making life in Japan easier for people who are new to Japan, still learning Japanese, or even those that have lived in Japan for some time. This is not a blog about etiquette, where to find a job or apartment, or a list of how to prepare for life here (though there may be some ideas concerning that here and there). The internet holds plenty of information, as do various books about living in Japan and other basics, but I felt it important to compile a list of things I had to learn on my own, or that weren't reiterated in the various websites and books I read before arriving.