Who is planning or has studied/lived in Japan?

[Chekira]

I might be planning a trip there so I was wondering if anyone else is interested in studying or living in Japan? Or even if you've already gone there. I was just wondering what people had to say

whee

[Roseflare]

I live here(Japan) now. confused

[i know nothing.]

I live here, and probably will spend the rest of my life here. neutral

[An Unknown Kunoichi]

i know nothing.

I live here, and probably will spend the rest of my life here. neutral

Fun. cheese_whine

And why is that? o.O;''

[Delightful Hypocrisy]

I want to travel there, but do not want to live there.

[i know nothing.]

An Unknown Kunoichi

i know nothing.

I live here, and probably will spend the rest of my life here. neutral

Fun. cheese_whine

And why is that? o.O;''

I originally intended to stay here for two to three years to get my proficiency high enough in Japanese to get into a graduate program in America, then proceed to teach at the high-school level closer to home. However, life has a way of turning things upside down. I got married, which is a happy event for me, but the status of foreigners in this country leaves a little more to be desired. I also worry about how the system will handle my half-Japanese children when they eventually go to school, and hopefully they won't be tormented for not being fully Japanese.

[fayebelly]

i know nothing.

An Unknown Kunoichi

i know nothing.

I live here, and probably will spend the rest of my life here. neutral

Fun. cheese_whine

And why is that? o.O;''

I originally intended to stay here for two to three years to get my proficiency high enough in Japanese to get into a graduate program in America, then proceed to teach at the high-school level closer to home. However, life has a way of turning things upside down. I got married, which is a happy event for me, but the status of foreigners in this country leaves a little more to be desired. I also worry about how the system will handle my half-Japanese children when they eventually go to school, and hopefully they won't be tormented for not being fully Japanese.

I wouldn't worry too much, from what I can tell half-Japanese kids only find it hard if they stress about it. I have a half Japanese friend who finds it hilarious when Japanese people keep telling her that her Japanese is really good in a paronising way, so she enjoys it. But I've met some kids who seem so utterly depressed and whenever anyone mentions their half-ness, they get all sulky. It's all attitude, I think.

Anyway, to answer the main question... I've lived in Japan for nine months... And once I've got a degree and JLPT 1 I want to move there... And I want to move there because being in Japan was the happiest time of my life... Speaking Japanese gives me goosebumps... And Japanese culture gives me goosebumps... And, in all honesty, I can never see myself settling down to have a family with anyone who isn't Japanese... Japanese men just have such a way about them that I feel impossibly drawn to them... Even halfway accross the world I'm still obsessed with my hairdresser who flirted with me. =/

[Roseflare]

i know nothing.

An Unknown Kunoichi

i know nothing.

I live here, and probably will spend the rest of my life here. neutral

Fun. cheese_whine

And why is that? o.O;''

I originally intended to stay here for two to three years to get my proficiency high enough in Japanese to get into a graduate program in America, then proceed to teach at the high-school level closer to home. However, life has a way of turning things upside down. I got married, which is a happy event for me, but the status of foreigners in this country leaves a little more to be desired. I also worry about how the system will handle my half-Japanese children when they eventually go to school, and hopefully they won't be tormented for not being fully Japanese.

Wow, your married? I take it your husband is Japanese? How is life for you? My boyfriend is also Japanese and we plan to get married after I graduate. Or at least get the marriage papers and license done with before I graduate. He is actually coming with me to the US this summer to ask my parents permission. (Not that he needs to be all serious about it, my parents love him as their own son already. xp )

[i know nothing.]

fayebelly

I wouldn't worry too much, from what I can tell half-Japanese kids only find it hard if they stress about it. I have a half Japanese friend who finds it hilarious when Japanese people keep telling her that her Japanese is really good in a paronising way, so she enjoys it. But I've met some kids who seem so utterly depressed and whenever anyone mentions their half-ness, they get all sulky. It's all attitude, I think.

Anyway, to answer the main question... I've lived in Japan for nine months... And once I've got a degree and JLPT 1 I want to move there... And I want to move there because being in Japan was the happiest time of my life... Speaking Japanese gives me goosebumps... And Japanese culture gives me goosebumps... And, in all honesty, I can never see myself settling down to have a family with anyone who isn't Japanese... Japanese men just have such a way about them that I feel impossibly drawn to them... Even halfway accross the world I'm still obsessed with my hairdresser who flirted with me. =/

Some of the children I worked with were brutal to the children who weren't fully Japanese as well as some of the educators at the school treated them in a manner which more often than not helped isolate the children, which is why I worry. Attitude can account for part of the equation, but a person is also heavily shaped by their experiences. I hope that things improve, or I'll find a way to get my future children in an international school.

[fayebelly]

i know nothing.

fayebelly

I wouldn't worry too much, from what I can tell half-Japanese kids only find it hard if they stress about it. I have a half Japanese friend who finds it hilarious when Japanese people keep telling her that her Japanese is really good in a paronising way, so she enjoys it. But I've met some kids who seem so utterly depressed and whenever anyone mentions their half-ness, they get all sulky. It's all attitude, I think.

Anyway, to answer the main question... I've lived in Japan for nine months... And once I've got a degree and JLPT 1 I want to move there... And I want to move there because being in Japan was the happiest time of my life... Speaking Japanese gives me goosebumps... And Japanese culture gives me goosebumps... And, in all honesty, I can never see myself settling down to have a family with anyone who isn't Japanese... Japanese men just have such a way about them that I feel impossibly drawn to them... Even halfway accross the world I'm still obsessed with my hairdresser who flirted with me. =/

Some of the children I worked with were brutal to the children who weren't fully Japanese as well as some of the educators at the school treated them in a manner which more often than not helped isolate the children, which is why I worry. Attitude can account for part of the equation, but a person is also heavily shaped by their experiences. I hope that things improve, or I'll find a way to get my future children in an international school.

I think it depends greatly upon the school as well... =/ I saw all sorts of schools when I was working there (hotel made for school trips)... And we saw quite a few half Japanese kids... The bigger closer to Tokyo schools tended to be worse than the smaller rural schools...
Kids are going to get bullied wherever they go for any multitude of reasons, but I'm sure your kids will be fine 'cause you're obviously gonna give it a lot of thought and care... ^^

[i know nothing.]

Roseflare

Wow, your married? I take it your husband is Japanese? How is life for you? My boyfriend is also Japanese and we plan to get married after I graduate. Or at least get the marriage papers and license done with before I graduate. He is actually coming with me to the US this summer to ask my parents permission. (Not that he needs to be all serious about it, my parents love him as their own son already. xp )

Yes, my husband is Japanese. He's an absolute sweetheart. heart I had the paperwork done for the marriage since the beginning of July, but the ceremony was delayed to next month because of various problems here and in America. This will be the first time for him to meet most of my family in person, but we've skyped plenty of times with everyone. Life is otherwise going well, though my job hunt has hit a series of dead ends. Most places aren't willing to accommodate the time necessary to have our ceremony overseas. I'll eventually find something worthwhile once I get back. Being a housewife is driving me insane. gonk

The marriage papers here in Japan are really easy to get, surprisingly. I would have thought that the government would further complicate the matter for a foreigner and Japanese national to marry, but the blocks designed to prevent fake marriages are really in the Dependent of Japanese National visa application. That was an absolute bear to write out--- detailed history of your relationship, photos from dates, copies of letters and emails, etc. Luckily I won't have to do that again for three years.


I think it's lovely that your boyfriend is asking for permission to marry you. biggrin It shows how much he values being accepted as part of your family.

[Roseflare]

i know nothing.

Roseflare

Wow, your married? I take it your husband is Japanese? How is life for you? My boyfriend is also Japanese and we plan to get married after I graduate. Or at least get the marriage papers and license done with before I graduate. He is actually coming with me to the US this summer to ask my parents permission. (Not that he needs to be all serious about it, my parents love him as their own son already. xp )

Yes, my husband is Japanese. He's an absolute sweetheart. heart I had the paperwork done for the marriage since the beginning of July, but the ceremony was delayed to next month because of various problems here and in America. This will be the first time for him to meet most of my family in person, but we've skyped plenty of times with everyone. Life is otherwise going well, though my job hunt has hit a series of dead ends. Most places aren't willing to accommodate the time necessary to have our ceremony overseas. I'll eventually find something worthwhile once I get back. Being a housewife is driving me insane. gonk

The marriage papers here in Japan are really easy to get, surprisingly. I would have thought that the government would further complicate the matter for a foreigner and Japanese national to marry, but the blocks designed to prevent fake marriages are really in the Dependent of Japanese National visa application. That was an absolute bear to write out--- detailed history of your relationship, photos from dates, copies of letters and emails, etc. Luckily I won't have to do that again for three years.


I think it's lovely that your boyfriend is asking for permission to marry you. biggrin It shows how much he values being accepted as part of your family.

My boyfriend knew my family from when we first met. He used to be my Japanese tutor, and then we started dating after I graduate from High school. That's about 3 years or so ago. And then we've been living together in Japan for 2. Fun stuff. Nothing like living with someone to decide to live with them for the rest of your life... or least that they won't drive you up the walls. xd

Wait, so did you change your citizenship to Japanese? I thought the marriage papers required some random paper work from the US or something? I only read a little bit online, but haven't really bothered to do any deep reading on the matter as I still have another 2 years of university crud left. xp

Also have you met his parents? Also does he speak English so he can communicate with your family?

Sorry for all the questions. I just like doing this sort of "girl talk" with other foreigners married to Japanese husbands. You see more Japanese women with foreign men than you see foreign women with Japanese men. xp

[batousai2560]

oh thats cool man very cool.

[i know nothing.]

Roseflare

My boyfriend knew my family from when we first met. He used to be my Japanese tutor, and then we started dating after I graduate from High school. That's about 3 years or so ago. And then we've been living together in Japan for 2. Fun stuff. Nothing like living with someone to decide to live with them for the rest of your life... or least that they won't drive you up the walls. xd

Wait, so did you change your citizenship to Japanese? I thought the marriage papers required some random paper work from the US or something? I only read a little bit online, but haven't really bothered to do any deep reading on the matter as I still have another 2 years of university crud left. xp

Also have you met his parents? Also does he speak English so he can communicate with your family?

Sorry for all the questions. I just like doing this sort of "girl talk" with other foreigners married to Japanese husbands. You see more Japanese women with foreign men than you see foreign women with Japanese men. xp

Oh, I agree with you. I like having girl talk like this. It's not really the same to talk to foreign men married to Japanese women because the relationship dynamics are different.


I'm still a US citizen, but I had to get a new visa since my previous one for work was expiring. The document from the US embassy/ consulate necessary to marry in Japan is an affidavit affirming that you are single and eligible to marry. I can't recall how much it cost, but it wasn't very difficult to get. Present, sign in front of the registrar, get the stamp and you're good to go. smile Best to time your visit when the yen is strong versus the dollar, it'll be even cheaper then.


I've met my parents-in-law--- they're really lovely people, always making sure that we are doing alright, sending presents, etc. His sister and brother are also really cool as well. My husband and his sister are able to speak English well, so they will be able to talk to my family; however, the rest of his family isn't able to speak English. I guess that means more practice with "interpretation" again when everyone meets. ^^;

[i know nothing.]

fayebelly

i know nothing.

Some of the children I worked with were brutal to the children who weren't fully Japanese as well as some of the educators at the school treated them in a manner which more often than not helped isolate the children, which is why I worry. Attitude can account for part of the equation, but a person is also heavily shaped by their experiences. I hope that things improve, or I'll find a way to get my future children in an international school.

I think it depends greatly upon the school as well... =/ I saw all sorts of schools when I was working there (hotel made for school trips)... And we saw quite a few half Japanese kids... The bigger closer to Tokyo schools tended to be worse than the smaller rural schools...
Kids are going to get bullied wherever they go for any multitude of reasons, but I'm sure your kids will be fine 'cause you're obviously gonna give it a lot of thought and care... ^^

Thanks for the kind thoughts. I really do hope that things work out.

I live in Tokyo, so hearing your stories about the larger schools from the metropolis is helpful. I'll keep this in mind.