It looks like Arlene and I may have a chance to relocate to Tokyo. For those that have spent a lot of time there either travelling or living; I would like to get your feedback on how it was to be in Tokyo. Was it easy to adjust to the culture? Was it a good place to work? If only one of you had a job going over, was the other spouse able to find a job? Was Tokyo a good location from which to explore Japan, Korea, and the rest of East Asia? Would you do it again? How long did you stay? How long is too long to stay? If it is a mistake you would never want to repeat again; please tell us.

thanks,

Wow Marc! That'd be a very big move from Florida.

My first husband lived in Toyko in 1965-67. He loved it there, but, he was 22, single and in the Navy. He was able to come and go as he pleased since he was a Hospital Corpsman. The language was an issue and he did not like the crowds. That was long enough ago that it wouldn't be much help for me to ask now.

So getting back to Marc's original post - has anyone been to Tokyo??? and can answer the questions??? I was looking forward to responses - -hoping it would be a Rick Steves moment for Marc - Joanna ...editing to say I called Rick by wrong last name - sorry - I do have have his books a senior moment - Joanna

All,
Well, David has been to Tokyo something like 25 times. I've been once to our sons wedding. Mariko our daughter in law is Japanese, so of course their wedding was there. We loved it. I must say, we were there on the best circumstances ever, so it was great. David from a business perspective could offer more, and I will ask him to post on this. He worked for Japanese companies for years, and to the best of my knowledge enjoyed his time there. Marc, I will definately ask him (when he hits town again!!) and ask him to address your questions. All of which by the way I think are very valid concerns. Huge culture differnce. We LOVE our daughter in law, but are amazed at the things SHE finds amazing here!!!

Cindy, thanks!

Marc - hard for me to comment since I'm an American/Japanese hybrid - born in Japan to Japanese parents, speak/read the language like a native (and can sort of write), but raised in America with all the cultural influences. I would find it hard to live in Japan. I have gone back and lived there for 2-3 months at a time (mostly during my college years) and while I enjoyed it for what it was worth, would have found it difficult to have stayed for longer. The Japanese culture is one that values uniformity - it is difficult to be outside of the culture and not feel somewhat isolated. Since I am Japanese, the societal expectations are higher for me than for pure Americans. As a "gaijin", allowances will be made for your lapses. Some Americans adjust very easily - others do not. The ones that become more Japanese as time goes on have an easier time of it, I think.

Sorry, getting awfully philosophical.

As an American, if you have no other skills to offer, you will always be able to teach English so you never need to worry about not having a job. :)

Korea/Hong Kong are a short hop away from Narita. I would think that it would be easy to explore Asia from Japan.

If nothing else, it will be a truly unique experience - a life/society that is very different from the one that you know now.

Masaki

Masaki, thanks. As we would have to make at least a two year commitment, that tradeoff (potential of feeling isolated vs the unique experience) is the critical one. However, if there is a strong expat community, that could mitigate some of the isolationism.

Again, thanks!

Marc - don't know the answer to your question but perhaps you should post this to the Japan Forum on Flyertalk ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=509 ). All I can say is that make sure you get commitment for housing in writing - both location and all the specifics (size, bedrooms, bathrooms etc).

Marc,
I have friends that lived in Tokyo on and off for several years (he works for Disney and helped build the Disneyland there). They loved living there! I'm out of town right now but will get their phone number to you. NICE COUPLE that can answer any of your concerns.

I spent 5 weeks in Tokyo living with an American family there but it was many years ago so I'm no help.

Marc, my brother-in-law has lived and worked in Tokyo for years. He met a Japanese girl in Sweden, they married, and moved to Tokyo. I have e-mailed your questions to him and if he responds, I'll forward the information on to you.

Dena

Cindy, from your picture, you don't look old enough to have a married son!!! :eek:

WOW Marc, that sure is a big departure from Florida! What an adventure that will/would be!!! You could meet the WC-ers for dinner during their stops in port!! :D

All, thanks for the information, contacts, and leads. Arlene and I decided to pursue the opportunity; as we don't know when we would have another chance to work and live overseas. First interview is Friday, hopefully it will go well.

Again, thanks!

Good Luck Marc! We're all rooting for you!

The very best of luck to you, Marc! I hope that this opportunity becomes a reality for you and Arlene!

All the best Marc!

Best of luck, Marc!

Best of luck to you!

Nancy

Congrats on the decision, Marc! How soon would the move be when/if it happens?

Masaki

Way to go, Marc. Glad you are pursuing this opportunity.

You go boy!

Make sure you get plenty of guest rooms! :banana:

Masaki, November.

Suzanne, with housing prices in Tokyo, :eek: there ain't going to be any guest rooms!

Marc, how exciting! You and Arlene will be in for quite the adventure.

Marc,

Have AeroBed, can cook, will invade <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

You & Arlene have such great spirit - that spirit will give you wonderful adventures in your expat life. All the best, Marc & Arlene, in pursuing this opportunity. - :) Michele & Don

Wishing you both the very best in your new adventure!

My only time in Tokyo was 1970 and it was overwhelming with the population density then; certainly made ATL look like a village! I'm sure living there is a whole different experience than being a tourist and what wondefrful travel opportunities you would have!

I'm sure if you get the job, it will be a wonderful adventure for the two of you. I get the feeling you and Arlene would adapt and enjoy anyplace.

Wow, that's soon!! On the plus side, you'll be in Japan when I'm there next year on the Osaka-Hong Kong cruise. :D Might have to come visit you! (I promise not to impose and insist on staying over, LOL)

Masaki

Marc - how exciting! Plugging into the expat community is a great first start. We've had friends on two year assignments who both loved & hated it. Question in my mind is how easily Arlene could find employment if that is the plan.

Cheers, Anne

Marc & Arlene, Good luck! I knew you two would be up for this :app: You'll need some LCT and ROAR company bearing gifts (JWBlue?)

Whoaboy!

Can you even imagine how pricey JWBlue would be in Japan? I know how much cantalopes go for!

Good luck
I wish that we had been able to do something like that in our younger days.I have always been too involved with my business.

Good luck with the interviews. It should be a great opportunity - you guys are adventurous and would make the most of exploring Asia while you are there.

Again, thanks for all the well wishes.

Step 1 complete, step 2 sometime in next week.

If we go, we will be in Japan by 15 Oct with work starting on 1 Nov.

I found out that customs allows only three 750 ml bottles to be brought into the country; I sure hope Arlene doesn't want to use her allotment for wine!
:D

Marc, this won't mess up ROAR2 for you, will it?

(you can see where my thoughts always go)

And you can still be in touch with us here, right?

Pam, that is a topic of conversation this weekend. So far, we both agree that FJORDS is a go (need to make sure I can get time off). We haven't figured out anything beyond that.

As for being in touch here, no problem!

Contrary to what Marc said, we will ALWAYS have a guest room ready and waiting for you (Suzanne) and any other LCTer. (First come, first serve, so get in line!!!!) I will probably be so homesick I will be begging for anyone to visit from "back home"

As for me... we are not sure. I will probably look at teaching english, although you never know if there will be any opportunities with any US companies over there.

Pam - did you catch that we have already discussed our cruise / vacation plans, though we have not even begun to figure out all the move logistics, etc.!

This has all come up so fast. A year or more ago, we had talked about it a bit, but decided that we'd rather hold out for a possiblility of Europe. We have since found that the chances of that (in Marc's line of work) are almost nil. So... when this came up again last week we decided to go for it. We thought the interview today was a beginning of the process, but after it, it now seems ALMOST for sure. We had thought maybe mid to end of November and now it looks like it could be as early as mid October. It seems like if this does happen, it is going to happen quick. There are litterally hundreds of things to do.. almost overwhelming. I think Marc and I are going to take the weekend and just let it "all sink in" :eek:

Best wishes for an exciting adventure for both of you - please share all your Tokyo planning with us. I hope to see you on Fjords!! Joanna

A lot to digest, Arlene and Marc. But, so exciting for you both! The outcome of today's interview will be a positive one, for sure! Please keep us posted on the developments.

I hope you are still able to make the D.C. gathering, but understand if you're getting into crunch time mode at that time.

Marc and Arlene--good luck on your new adventure--it sounds like a fabulous opportunity. I know Masaki mentioned coming to visit you before he gets on the Mariner in Osaka next fall, but there will be a few of us already on the ship and others joining in Osaka. If you are in Japan, you might consider coming to Osaka while the ship is there--we could have a nice LCT party there the night before the ship heads off. For the purposes of your calendar--that would be Sept. 25-26, 2007. The main downside is that the ship gets into Osaka on a Tuesday and departs on a Wednesday--both work days. But put it in your pile of things to think about.

What an exciting adventure....I have always said that life is ment to be lived. Hope it all works out the way you want. Good luck

Doris