thoughs 今の気持ち

震災から早くも２週間。状況が多少なりに良くなっていると信じたいけれど、毎日ニュースを見るたびに心が痛む。特に不安なのが原発の状況。どうなっちゃうんだろうと常に不安がよぎる。早く問題が収まって、復興に１００％エネルギーを注ぐ事が出来るようになるといいんだけど…

悲しいニュースも多い反面、日本人で良かった。日本人ってすごい、と嬉しくなるようなニュースも。友達に「よく他の国では災害時に暴動とかおきるけど、日本ではそんなことなくお互い助け合っててすごいね。」と言われたよ。嬉しかったし、誇らしかった… 日本のみんなはもちろんの事、海外にいる日本人も一丸になって、しっかり現実を受け止め少ない中にも出来る事を見つけて前進しようとしている姿勢がすごい。

さらに世界中の人々が募金したりして応援している姿を見ると、嬉しくなる。なんでも赤十字に集まった義援金は記録的とか…?　感謝の気持ちを忘れずに、こうしてみんなが助け合って前進するしかないんだよね。

Two weeks have past since the 9.0 M quake and tsunami hit and wiped out East side of Japan. It is still hard to digest what happened and what's still going on over here. I am still nervous to see news, especially about the unstable condition of the nuclear plant in Sendai, Japan.

What's going to happen? I really hope that the radiation will be soon under control, so everyone can focus 100% of rebuilding.

While there are overwhelming amount of sad news pours in, there are some good news which make me be proud and happy to be Japanese. A friend told me that he was impressed that there was no looting unlike some other countries, but instead everyone seems to help each others and trying to rebuild Japan together. Not only people in Japan, but people all over the world are trying to help those survivors and affected ones by doing something they can do and it's such an awesome thing to see.

Unfortunately, the damage is done. Now all we can do is to move forward by helping each others, even a small step forward is more important and meaningful while being thankful to others and what you have.

頑張れ日本!! Help Japan!! #3

More ways to help people in Japan...

:: Threadless.com ::
100% of net proceeds from the sale of this tee will go to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund.

:: Comfort for Kids ::
"Bright Horizons will match dollar for dollar, pound for pound, euro for euro, all contributions (e.g. individual, center/nursery fundraiser, etc.) up to $25,000."

:: World Market ::
"Cost Plus World Market will donate 100% of its net proceeds of sales of all products produced in Japan to Direct Relief International, to aid in the relief and humanitarian efforts currently underway in response to the country's recent earthquake and tsunami."

-------------------------

:: Events around DC area ::
**All proceeds from the same will go to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund.
[Thursday, March 24 ]

Walk with Japan by Japan-America Society
from 6;30P.M,
@ Washington Monument （15th St SW Washington, DC 20050）

Charity concert by Hilary Hahn
7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m).
@St. John's of Baltimore Church
2640 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218

[Friday March 25 & Saturaday, March 26]

Yard Sale Fri 3-5:30P.M. / Sat 10:30A.M.-2:30P.M.
@Japanese Christian Community Center/Washington International Japanese
Church
1099 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md 20852 saigo@wajc.org

[Saturday March 26, 2011]

Charity Yard Sale ** (rain or shine)
From 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. -- free (Early Birds 8-9 A.M. $5/person)
US HRK​ 4447-A Brookfield Corp Dr. Chantilly, VA 20151
Cash or personal check only

Charity Yard Sale and Sushi Sale by MOMS club of Muddy Branch & North Potomac**
From 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.
481 Phelps Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (Lakelands）

Charity Bake Sale and Obento-goods Sale by Himawari no Kai ** (Japanese kindergarten)
from 11 A.M.
St. Marks Montessori School
5800 Backlick Road., Springfield, VA 22150

Japanese Earthquake Disaster Relief - Save the Children
7 to 9 P.M. (doors open at 6 P.M.)
The Park at Fourteenth (21+only)
920 14th St. NW, Washington, DC

Fee(donation): $15(student $10) online.
Please bring checks or donate online. If you donate online, please bring the copy of the receipt

Charity Bake and Yard Sale
10 A.M. - 1 P.M.
@ Christ Episcopal Church
6800 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia, MD 21045
(Intersection of Oakland Mills Rd. and Dobbin Rd.)

[Sunday March 27, 2011]

Charity Yard Sale
9 A.M. to 3 P.M.
@ Clareybrook park
12808 Rannoch Forest Circle, Bristow VA

[Saturday April 2, 2011]

Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party by Baltimore Canon, Japanese Classical
music group
11 A.M. - 7 P.M.
910 Ellsworth Drive, Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

[Sunday April 3, 2011]

Charity Yard Sale
8A.M. - 2 P.M.
14605 Cedar Knoll Dr. Centreville, VA

[Saturday April 23, 2011]

Charity Yard Sale
Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road Bethesda, MD 20816

頑張れ日本!! Help Japan!! #2

Here is another item brought to my attention (Thanks Melissa!)...
このノートの売上金が東日本震災の義援金として寄付されます。

"Scout Books has released this three-pack of blank books, fea­tur­ing a sim­ple red heart on the cover. 100% of the pro­ceeds will go directly to Mercy Corps and their relief efforts."

Here's the original article on DesignWorkLife.com

頑張れ日本!! Help Japan!!

東日本大震災により，被災された皆様に謹んでお見舞い申し上げます。また、行方不明になっている方のご無事と早期救出を心よりお祈り致します。

毎日ニュースを見るたびに胸が痛む。一瞬にして何もかも飲み込んで行った津波の怖さ。余震の続く中、次から次へと問題の出ている原発炉。（妹家族が栃木県に住んでいるので、内陸向きの風が心配…）日本はこの先どうなってしまうんだろうとの不安がこみ上げて来る…　日本にいる家族や友達、又は被災した方々に対してなにも出来ない自分が歯がゆい。

Praying and hoping for the best Japanese who were affected by this terrible disaster...

However it is nerve-wrecking to see those videos and photos pouring everyday from there, and it's very overwhelming to see tsunami that swallowed everything in no time. The tremors are still continue while the nuclear plants keep having scary problems one after other. (I am really scared and worried about my sister and her family who live in the adjacent prefecture to Fukushima. Just hoping that wind won't blow inland toward where there live...) Overwhelming concerns for Japan's future occupies my mind while I feel powerless and wish I could help out my family and friends as well as the disaster victims over there.

看護士の友達は避難所に派遣されるとか。実際に援助できるスキルがある人が羨ましくおもえる。妊婦じゃなければ、現地でボランティアでもしたい気持ちだが、今の私にせめて出来るのは義援金募集くらい。少しでも助けになればと、先日私も募金しました。

これから募金を考えている方に、赤十字以外にもいろいろな募金・援助方法があるので紹介したいです。

One of my friends who is nurse is supposedly sent out to the affected area to help out the victims. I envy her for having such useful skill to contribute. If I weren't pregnant, I almost want to go over there to help out, but for now only thing I can do is to donate.

For those who are planning to donate and help, here are some other organizations and methods, other than Red Cross. Every bit count!!

【赤十字以外の募金サイト • Other donation sites】

• Canpan Fields (Japanese NPO)
• Save the Children
• Non-Believers Giving Aid (scroll down the page for Japan earthquake relief)
• NGO Jen (in English and Japanese)
• International Medical Corps
• Association of Medical Doctors in Asia
• Donate via Paypal

• Donate lifesaving supplies via ShelterBox

【応援グッズ。収益は全て義援金として寄付される様です。All proceeds will be donated.】

From W+F Studio: Help Japan Poster

From Lady Gaga: Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband

仮に状況が落ち着いたとしても、復興までにはかなりの時間がかかるはず…　残念ながら今回の震災に直接関係のない人々は、時間が経つにつれメディアが取り上げない限り、いつかは震災のダメージの酷さやまだ援助の必要な被災者のことを忘れ始めるかもしれない。そうならないためにも、Tシャツなどは今回の震災を忘れず、復興するまで常に応援しつづけてもらうのには良いのかも。

Even if the situation calms down and things get under control (hopefully soon...), it will take a long time for the affected areas to recover. Unfortunately, the more time passes, the less media will cover. Then eventually people start to go on with their lives and pay less attentions to those who still need help. For the reasons, perhaps, these items are helpful to remind of this awful disaster and the affected people...

【募金ではないけれども、日本との連絡に関する情報】

• 今なら日本へのSkypeが無料。To use Skype Access to Japan is free.
  
• 今月一杯AT&T, Verizon, Sprintを通じで日本への連絡が無料。Contact Japan for free via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and more (update).
  

PLEASE HELP!: earthquake and tsunami in Japan

My thoughts and prayers go out to people in Japan who were affected by this overwhelmingly terrifying earthquakes and tsunami. Hope your family and friends in Japan are safe.

Here's how you can help people affected by this. The American Red Cross has already set up an online donation site to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 for an automatic $10 donation (the amount will be taken off your phone bill). A little can go a long way. So please donate what you can....

While my family and friends were affected by this terrible disaster, luckily all of them are safe and no injury. I am glad that my brother no longer lives Sendai, Fukushima where damages are huge. Also I know some of my friends who were at work had to stay over night not being able to go home, but thankfully they are all seemed to be okay.

いりなかの縁日 / Farmers Market

あっという間に春を通り過ぎて、初夏にような天気になってきました。もうちょっと長く薄手のジャケット着たかったなぁ…　

今月からまた、ファーマーズ・マーケットが始まったけれど、時期的に野菜は少なく、他の商品もハーブの苗やチーズや蜂蜜ぐらいしか売っていなく残念だった…　それに比べると、友達に連れていってもらった初めての日本のマーケット（？）はまだまだ寒い２月でもいろいろあって楽しかった〜　広いお寺の敷地内で月二回開かれるらしく、漬け物や焼き芋、鬼まんじゅうと、考えただけでヨダレが…　大根やみかんの安さにもビックリ。写真処理はまだまだ溜っているけれど、どうにか一部だけは終了したので、アップしました〜☆　↓　２ヶ月遅れだから、嫌になる〜　

I wish the spring weather lasted a little longer. It got warm a little quickly and I didn't get to wear spring jackets at all... The plus side of the warmer weather is that the farmers market started this month. I love going to the farmers market. I had a chance to go one in Japan, in the city where my friend lives, near Nagoya. It was a quite different from ones in the US; this is held only twice a month at the complex of this huge Buddhist temple. Of course they sell different kinds of things :)

from the window / 窓から

正直言って見飽きてきた、机から見える風景。独りって楽しくない・・・　冷たい雨の降る寒い冬はなおさら。

美味しいシュークリームたべたいなぁ。全然関係ないけど・・・　苦笑

Honestly seeing the same view from the window front of my table almost everyday is getting boring... Everything is gray especially on a cold rainy day in the winter.

I want some cream puffs all the sudden... not sure why ;)

trying too hard / カッコつけ過ぎ

日本の会社のホームページの検索が多い今日この頃。一つ気になることが・・・　タイポ（誤字）がやたらと多い！人のことがトヤカク言える程、英語力が完璧ではない私だが、メールで教えてあげようかと思う今日この頃。「外国語がかっこいい」との観念を持っている人が多いからなのは、わかるんだけど、使うからにはある程度チェックしてよ〜　苦笑

●某カフェ。「遅い朝食」(brunch)としたかったのが、なぜか「枝」の（branch)に。しかも、時間も１５時からのメニューなので、「３時のおやつ」にちかく、結局ブランチじゃないし。

●某デザイン事務所。「monthly project」（月一回のプロジェクト）が「monthry project」になっていた。コレは単に勘違いじゃなくって、辞書でチェック入れていない証拠。

●某広告代理店。「mobil manufacture」はさすがに分からなく和文を読んで初めて、言いたいことを理解。「automotive/automobile manufacture」（自動車メーカー）と言いたかったみたい。そもそも「mobil」は誤字で「mobile」が正しく、英国は知らないけど、米国じゃ「mobile」といって最初に思いつくのは、携帯電話。

メールで教えてあげても、どうせ「余計なおせっかい」で終わりそうだが、気になる・・・

もちろん、アメリカでも似た様な頃はもちろんある。

●大学時代のこと。知り合いの男子生徒に、ネットって調べて訳した日本語が正しいかチェックしたいと頼まれる。見せられたのは、彼の背中に既に入った刺青。「間違っているよ」と冗談を言いたいのを我慢し,大丈夫だと教える。

●日本語がある程度読める彼の以前のバイト先でのこと。明らかにデタラメで意味の分からない日本語の刺青をした客が来店。知らん顔で刺青の意味を訪ねた彼に、客は「私の○○って名前を日本語で入れたものなのよ〜」と嬉しそうに答えたそうな・・・　「知らぬが仏」とはまさにこの事。

Being in Japan, I've been surfing Japanese sites more often than ever. What I've been noticing is that too many typos of English words. I guess English is used often since many think it's cooler to use foreign languages... I know my English isn't perfect but it's been bothering me quite often. Here are what I've seen so far...

* on the web site for a cafe:
Instead of "brunch", it was spelled out "branch". Also it turned out that it wasn't brunch at all since it was served between lunch and dinner!

* on the web site for a design firm:
Instead of "monthly project", it was spelled out as "monthry project". Obviously someone was too lazy to spell check.

* on the web site for an ad agency:
I had a hard time what they are trying to say with "mobil manufacture". After reading it in Japanese, I realized that they wanted to say "automotive/automobile manufacture"... I thought of cell phones instead of cars at first. :)

I have been wondering if I should email these places to point out their typos. :-/

Well, on other hand I have seen the incidents that are other way around as well.

* Back in college, a guy asked me to make sure his name is spelled correctly in Japanese. What he showed me was already finished tattoo on his back! Even though I had an urge to be mean and tell him that it was incorrect to freak him out, I told him the truth. What a lucky guy!

* When Beejay used to work retail, one customer who had a tattoo of random Japanese character came in to the store. Pretending that he couldn't read Japanese at all, he asked the meaning of that tattoo. She replied with a huge smile on her face, "it's my name in Japanese"... "Ignorance is a bliss"

delicious experience / 美味しい経験

今日は友達が通っているお料理教室で、体験レッスンを受けさせてもらってきました〜　レシピは比較的簡単だったけど、美味しく作るコツみたいのを教わって、美味しくできました。今日のメニューはサラダとココナッツカレー。カフェ風でお皿も自分でえらべて、おもしろかった。是非、家でも作ってみたいなあ。ここのスタジオすっごくオシャレで可愛い☆　ここをデザインした人、見事にターゲット層を理解しているなぁ〜♥

Today my friend took me to the cooking class she is taking. The menu was coconut curry and salad. It was fairly easy recipe but the instructor taught us a few cooking tips that will help to improve my skill. It was a very delicious experience for sure. I'd love to take more lessens if I live in Japan. They also offered bread making and baking lessons! Yummm... The interior of the studio was really cute and colorful. Whoever designed it did a great job hitting the target audience...



おまけの新バージョンの「にこにこぷん」キャラマグ。なんか妙だわ〜　「じゃじゃまる」と「ぴっころ」の顔が似ているけど、微妙に違う…

Coffee cups with the newer version of the characters based on the old kid's TV show which I grew up watching... Looks a little odd... :(


知り合って今年で、２７年目の幼なじみの友達と久しぶりにゆっくりと話せて、とても楽しい一日でした。

It was quite nice to get to spend time with my old friend whom I've know for 27 years...

satisfied curiosity / ずっと気になっていた…

初のスープカレー！流行っていた頃から気にはなっていたけど、今まで全く食べる機会に恵まれなかったのデス。が、一人でも入りやすそうなお店を地元で発見。折角の機会だから、行って来たセンター北の IRiE IRiE ☆ 実は、情けないことに、ファストフードならまだしも、今まで独りで普通のレストランで食事したのは数えられる程度。ちょっとドキドキもんでした。…実際、比較的コジンマリとした店内で話相手がいなく、目線のやり場に困ったけど　苦笑

問題のスープカレーはというと、おいしかったあ♥ インドのカレーのように、スパイスがしっかり効いた複雑な味で、とてもコクがありました。でもなぜか大根下ろしの味がしたのは、気のせいかなあ？今度、家でも是非挑戦したいけど、いっぱい野菜・果物、スパイスが必要そうなので、時間のある日じゃないと無理かも…

I finally had a chance to had "soup curry" at last. I guess technically it's "curry flavored soup", a dish that was pretty popular in Japan several years ago. I have been curious about this dish. Luckily I found a restaurant within the walking distance (30 min. walk) who serves "soup curry", IRiE IRiE. It was pretty spicy but the soup had such a complex flavor from different kinds of spices and veggies. I will definitely try to make this dish at home when I have time since it seems like a long process to make it from scratch.

日本は美味しいと連発気味の私ですが、ちゃんと調節は心がけていたり。今回のカレー屋さんは地下鉄で２つ目の駅なんだけど、しっかり徒歩で行った。コレでカロリー的に食べなかったことに…とは都合良くいかないのが悲しい現実。だけど、驚いたことに、ダイエット根性丸出しで長〜い駅の階段登っているのって、私ぐらい。なのに日本の皆さん細すぎ…　ズルイ！　汗

Well from all eating I have been doing, I don't want to put some pounds. So I have been walking as much as possible. On the way to the restaurant, I passed two subway stations with really long stairs. To my surprise, I was only person who was going up the stairs, but everyone was using the escalator. I guess I'm the only person who is worried about diet?! Then again, how those ladies manage to stay so skinny without exercises? I know that they also eat at McDonald's!?

歩いた証拠　Evidences of my walking　↓↓↓

#$@%!!!??

コレが日本の現実かと思うと、胃がキリキリっと痛くなる様な感覚に教われた。求人募集を検索中、「あっ,おもしろそう！」という会社の求人募集を見つけた。指定書式履歴書のひな形をダウンロードし、開けてみると…　


なにこれ！？


すでに、性別のとろこには「男」が、配偶者と配偶者の扶養義務の「無」ところにがしっかり○がしてあるのはなんで？！要するに、未婚の男性以外はダメって意味になる。

無言ではあるが、イキナリ差別を受けた気分…　年齢制限があるのは知っていたけれど、これはひどいよ〜。間違いであってほしいが、意図的なものだとしたらかなり許せないかも。年齢・性別・結婚は仕事とは関係くない？

やっぱそういう点では日本はまだまだ「平等」というものが行き届いていないんだなあと思う。これ向こうだったら、完璧に裁判で訴えられても不思議ではないなぁ〜、と思う私が単にアメリカナイズされているのか。

全ての求人がこうではないにしても、コレが悲しい日本の現実か。「あたりまえ」で片付けられそうなのが怖い。泣きそ〜

I felt sick to my stomach after realizing what is still considered as the norm in Japan. Today, upon finding an opening at an interesting design firm, I downloaded the form to fill out to apply for the job. Some part of the PDF form was already pre-filled... "male" for the gender, and "single" for the martial status were already checked (regularly it is required to attach a passport sized photo, and indicate your gender and marital status on a resume in Japan)!!

Unbelievable. I knew about the age limitation (30 to 35 yo for a graphic designer) in Japan but this was a little unexpected. This will be definitively ingredients for a lawsuit in the US. Sadly enough, this is the sad reality in Japan, and people just accept as the way how things are. :: sigh ::

Needless to say, 14 years living in the US made me react differently from my fellow Japanese. I have been experiencing similar cultural shocks since I've been here. :(

two strawberries. two cultures.

なんかズルい。It's just not fair...



なぜ日本のイチゴはこんなに甘いのか？

なぜアメリカのイチゴはあそこまで甘くないのか？

これも文化の違いに帰するものなのかな？

つくづく思うのが、日本文化って重箱の隅をつつくというか、些細なことでも「完璧」を目指し、改善を重ねるのを苦としないところがあるなぁ。平和ボケの結果でもあり得なさそうな…　逆にアメリカは、他にする大きな問題があり過ぎて、些細なことまでには気が回らないんだろうなあ…　と憶測。

それとも、単に日本人は食べるのが好きで、より美味しい物をと求めた結果なのか…　

他の土地のイチゴはどのくらい甘いのかな。世界で一番甘いイチゴの産地はどこなろう、と気になってしまった。

I wonder why these strawberries in Japan are so sweet, and why strawberries sold on other side of the world are never this sweet?

Is this due to the cultural differences? One culture is more focused on perfecting little things, but other culture is more focused on the basics and bigger issues. I think many things can be contributed to how people think differently due to the cultures.

Now I wonder how sweet strawberries in other countries are...
Who produces the world's sweetest strawberries?

ホッとする瞬間

お茶とみかん。

熱いお風呂。

夕方に新聞配達のスクーターの音。




ホッとする。落ち着くなぁと思う瞬間。



人生の半分程が日本。今年で残りの半分がアメリカになる。

ときどき「日本人でもアメリカ人でもない」どっちつかずの自分に焦りを感じたりもする。

レーベルのいらない強い人間にならなければと、自分に言い聞かせたりもするけれど。




でも、やっぱり原点は日本なのかなあと思える瞬間。ちょっとうれしい…

red. orange. carrots!!

日本で購入した、小さくてカワイイ、赤いピアス。気に入ってる☆
Cute little red ear rings are my new favorite!

常に花粉症に悩まされている私が、藁にもすがる思いで飲み始めたのが「にんじん茶」。雑誌で読んだんだけど、花粉症の症状が和らぐそうな…　薄切りにした人参を天日干しして、煎ったもでお茶をいれるんだけど、これで紅茶色のお茶が！

I've been making carrot tea after I read somewhere that it will help allergy to ease the symptoms... I sliced up carrots and let them dry for a few days under the sun; then toasted them. Pour hot water on them to drink... It does taste sweet like carrots!!

Crossing my fingers that this helps!!

妹と with my sister

早速、週末に妹と渋谷のハチ公前で待ち合わせ。１年ぶりの再会なんだけど、お互いあまり変化なしかな？おかしかったのが、待ち合わせ場所はいつものごとく込み合っていて、パッと見回しても妹の姿は見当たらず…　仕方なしにまだ不慣れな携帯を片手に、四苦八苦しながらメールを製作中にフト顔を上げると、真横に同じく携帯を片手に私にメール中の彼女と目があう。結局、ひと一人間にはさんで立ち止まったものの、間に立っていた人が退くまでお互いに気がつかなかったみたい。でもまさか、お互いよりに寄ってまったく同じ場所に立つとは…　笑える瞬間でした…

好み・発想が意外と一緒と確信したもう一つの出来事が、カメラ。購入したカメラケースが偶然にも全く同じと知ったのが２年前のこと。私の新しいカメラを見せるため、鞄から取り出すとともに、彼女の表情が固まる。なんと３日前に、同じモノを買ったそう…　偶然すぎでこわいかも。なんだかんだで、今回は仲良く色違いの新しいカメラケースを購入する事になりました〜

ブラついた後は、オーガニック・カフェ「Bio Cafe」で休憩。かわいいカフェでした。ちなみに私は「イカスミのシュークリーム」、妹は「イタリア塩のシュークリーム」。文字道理少し塩気があるんだけど、甘すぎずユニークな味がおいしかった。

I met up with my sister front of the Shibuya Hachi-ko this past weekend. As expected, the place was packed with people who were also waiting for others, and I wasn't able to spot her out from the crowd. As I lifted my head while I was texting to my sister, I noticed a set of eyes looking at me. It was my sister who was also about to text me. We were actually standing side by side but didn't notice each other until a person standing between us walked away. It was funny to realize we both decided to stand at the same spot to text each other... I guess we are related after all...

Another incident of thinking in the same way is that it turned out that we both just bought the same camera, too. Also it was only 2 years ago that we found out that we both have the exactly same camera case... What a coincidence!

The photos are from Bio Cafe, an organic cafe, in Shibuya. The cream puff I had had squid ink (in the puff, it's not chocolate.) and the one she had was named "cream puff with Italian salt". It indeed had a hint of salt, but very delicious!

departure day @DWT

As I sit at the corner of DWT, I finally started to feel nervous as the reality sets in. It reminds me of how I felt when I left Japan to move to the US almost 14 years ago. Not knowing what to expect in the new environment is such a scary thing. The ironic part of is that I'm going back to my home country where I was born and grown up. I should be more excited than being nervous and scared, especially since it's is my own decision unlike when I moved to the US.

People are surprised when I tell them that I feel more comfortable moving to a new city in the US than moving back to Japan. However, the reality is that I was just a kid when I left home and the longest I stayed there was only 3 weeks. Also I know how to live my own in the US, but not in Japan. In the recent years, I haven't been speaking Japanese on the regular base neither since I work and live with English natives. So my Japanese are getting rusty.

Knowing that I didn't speak English at all nor liked studying it, it's somewhat funny to me that now I have easier time with English than my native language. The time is such a powerful thing. As matter of the fact, this past Thanksgiving I caught myself talking to my father in English when I was a half sleep when I was taking a nap at their house. I wonder how my father felt about his daughter speaking English instead of Japanese at the subconscious level.

I guess it will be an interesting how things will be in Japan since I'm a Japanese, but not really... too Americanized. I'm expecting many reversed cultural shocks..