JET Program?

Well, my application is in the mail for the December 4th deadline.

I'll keep ya'll informed...

one week in Hawaii, then eight months in Japan

I can't wait. Spring semester here in San Diego, teaching community college English and probably some substitute high school classes, and then I'm out of here. Then I'm a gaijin in Japan. I can't wait.

Japanese flags

Japanese money

trained flies?

toilets and television

I don't understand these game shows

turning Japanese

free music download: Turning Japanese by the Vapors

junior colleges in Fukuoka

Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University
"...established in 1964. It is dedicated solely to the learning of English for International Communication. The academic goal is to promote communication skills with emphasis on the practical use of English."

and many more

"inu" is Japanese for "dog" and "spy"

I plan to be there for about eight months and during that time, my parents have graciously agreed to care for my dog Vegas. If I decide to stay in Japan, I'll have to bring my dog out to live with me. If I return, I may acquire a dog in Japan (maybe named after a Japanese city). Either way, I need to find a lot more infomation. I posted this question to the
Yahoo Q&A.

Flying a dog from Japan to America, or vice versa, what are the quarantine laws?

Here's the answer that Chetco gave:
Your vet will know exactly what your dog needs, as he performs the required vet checks for travel often. Usually he will quarantine your dog in your home for 2-3 weeks. All shots have to be current. The papers for me to send my dogs to other countries usually costs about $30 (US). You might go online and search "Shiba Inu" or "Akita" breeders in your area. They are commonly imported here, from Japan , and would know exactly what you need. Call the airline you are using, and ask what their requirements are.

I've been a dog breeder since 1968. I found this site that tells all: USDA.gov. Also, a good tip is to use shredded paper toweling for the bottom of the crate. Use an entire roll. Your dog will love it, and stay dry. I also use a piece of that thin rubber bumpy stuff that you put under rugs to keep them from sliding. Put it down first. It holds the towling in place, and keeps the pup from skidding around. Be sure to tape your leash on top, so your pup can be let out if needed.

studying hard in Japanese 101

I am two weeks into my Japanese class. I can say a few greetings, count to 100, tell time, and write most of the hiragana characters. This is not easy, but I'm enjoying it. My teacher is a very nice lady from Japan and she is very entertaining. Now I'm even more excited about going to Japan to teach and live, but I still haven't decided what age and where.

cool map website

where I am now, and where I want to be

big check list

VISA
resume
photo
passport page
copy of diploma
TESOL certificate
copy of transcript
letter of introduction
letters of recommendation
international driver's license
statement of views on teaching
5-10 minute video of actual teaching

silly superficiality

In California, I know how to juggle professional appearance with my own version of what I think is cool and what I think women think is cool. I don't know what Japanese think.

I want to look professional in Japan, but
I also want to look good for the ladies.

What is expected and respected in Japan?
Do I need to wear a suit to school?
Should I grow my hair back?
Should I shave my beard?

I'm not worried about this,
but it's on my mind.

Answers or comments
are always welcomed.

good art from Fukuoka/Hakata

This is my favorite piece from the online gallery at
W-Gate Ink. Only found two tattoo shops online in Fukuoka, the other is
Peek A Boo.

a brief internet look at Kyushu

There are several things I'm looking for in a new city: good history, good nightlife, attractive young women, and quality tattoo art. Japan-guide.com: "Kyushu is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of the main island Honshu. An early center of Japanese civilization,
Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty." Of the Kysushu cities noted, ranked as the "best of Japan" is Nagasaki ("Attractive port city with a moved history") while ranked as "outstanding" are Fukuoka ("Kyushu's largest and most vibrant city."), Dazaifu ("Kyushu's administrative center during the Heian Period"), Kumamoto ("Modern city most famous for its castle"), Kagoshima ("Southernmost of Kyushu's major cities"), and Beppu ("One of Japan's most famous hot spring resports").

my current ideas

After a good conversation with David, I like the way Kyushu sounds. On the island of Kyushu, he recommended Hakata, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. He said it's warmer there, and I do plan to be there during the winter so I'll avoid the cold of northern areas.

David also told me that teaching children could offer 50% more pay than teaching adults, because there is a higher demand for teaching children. I can teach kids.

where to go

I just had some drinks with David, probably my first friend that I'm not related to. He gave me some helpful advice as to where I might want to go, but I'm still open to suggestions.

my basic plan

I'll be 30 years old on January 25th, 2006. Another week or two then college classes start. I am enrolled in Japanese, and I am awaiting word as to any English classes which I can teach. I'm also looking into National University's six-month certification program on teaching English as a second language. I want to be here in San Diego for the next nine months and enjoy the summer of 2006, then I want to go to Japan and teach English there. I'll spend eight months in Japan and return home to San Diego for the summer of 2007.

information gathering

I was born in upstate New York but my family moved out west the summer before I was in kindergarten - San Diego is my home, and the farthest away I've ever lived is Orange County. I'm emotionally ready for the move to Japan, but I know I have a lot to learn and do before then. If this site has somehow found it's way onto your screen and you happen to know anything about this, please bestow me with some advice. Really, right now I'm seeking any advice from anyone.