Nihon-(Let's)-Go

Life has felt crazy recently. I've found myself so frequently at the mercy of the whirlwind of circumstance with seemingly so little in my control. Somehow still, I returned to a place that I've been fantasizing about for some time–Japan.

Wandering through Asakusa, Tokyo

Why I Returned to Japan After Two Years

Maybe it wasn't a pure stroke of fortune that I am back here now–no I do have unfinished business. I promised myself in December 2022 when I visited for the first time, that I would come back to learn Japanese, so this is the necessary fulfillment of that wish. For me the language thing is something I put my heart into, so when it comes to Japanese, I knew the best decision to increase my level quickly was to come here and stay for awhile. As of writing this, I am but a week in and plan on staying for about three months. It has been a refreshing, but already challenging period of trying to stabilize myself working wise while also getting into a high level routine with my studying. Right now it's about 3 hours a day! Let's go, I'm so excited!!

Reuniting with My Former Students

Reuniting with my Former ESL Students

After teaching ESL for just over a year in San Diego (2023-2024) I gained friends from all over the world. I think this was something I had craved for years being someone who loved traveling and to have that type of experience on a daily basis (to interact with different cultures) in my own city was incredible. Interestingly, there were a ton of Japanese students that I had the pleasure to become good friends with, who (pictured right), I was able to visit soon after arriving this month in Tokyo. It's been about six months since I quite teaching and also since I've seen their warm faces, so this moment catching up with them was exceptional and I'm looking forward to many more like it.

Larger Thoughts

I've had a variety of travel experiences in these last eight years or so. From dynamic backpacking expeditions visiting multiple countries, to exploring the interior of just one region with friends. I'd say this trip now is one that is focused and with a clear goal in sight. I'm here to learn Japanese, but no one said I can't have a bit of fun along the way. Whether it's a cute Japanese girl that may grace my presence during my stay, or excursions to currently unknown regions to try new things (ie snowboarding/skiing I hope haha!), I'm open to what's ahead. This one is going to be fun.

Watashi no tomodachi, mata ne