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Seibu
Joined: 29 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
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 Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:50 am Post subject: |
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I'd have to admit that the years I spent in Japan (1997-2005) were probably some of the best of my life. Decent money, good standard of living, lots of single friends, nice girls, colorful ex-pat community, fantastic nightlife, etc.
I've visited Tokyo every year since I've left and, oddly enough, don't really feel a strong urge to return. Thought I would want to run right back but I can't say I miss it.
Granted, a few years here in the States and a few teaching in Central America and I'll probably come crawling back to T-town. |
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GambateBingBangBOOM
Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Posts: 2021
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:10 am Post subject: |
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| Seibu wrote: |
I'd have to admit that the years I spent in Japan (1997-2005) were probably some of the best of my life. Decent money, good standard of living, lots of single friends, nice girls, colorful ex-pat community, fantastic nightlife, etc.
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Thought I would want to run right back but I can't say I miss it.
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This describes just about every foreigner that I've known in Japan who has left. |
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Seibu
Joined: 29 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:39 am Post subject: |
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You're probably right.
I've only been away now for two years but visited alot of my old drinking spots/favorite restaurants, etc...this past April.
I was amazed at all the people that were still there....sitting in the same seats, sucking on the same beers, singing the same songs.
It was sort of like visiting your old high school......only everyone was still there. |
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gaijinalways
Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Zzonkmiles wrote: |
I lived in Japan from 2003-2007 and generally loved it. ..........
The thing I miss the most is the pace of life there. Even though I am working the same number of hours here, I feel like I have far less free time. ..... |
Uh Zzonk, it's still 2007 for some of us. 
I'm wondering how you missed the pace? Any large city is fast paced, so I am not sure that would be one of the things I would miss when I leave Japan.
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Seibu wrote:
I'd have to admit that the years I spent in Japan (1997-2005) were probably some of the best of my life. Decent money, good standard of living, lots of single friends, nice girls, colorful ex-pat community, fantastic nightlife, etc. ...
Thought I would want to run right back but I can't say I miss it.
This describes just about every foreigner that I've known in Japan who has left. |
Hmm, not quite, but I haven't left yet, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.  |
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gaijin4life
Joined: 23 Sep 2006
Posts: 150
Location: Westside of the Eastside, Japan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:53 pm Post subject: Re: Does anyone, like their job, living situation, etc. in J |
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| Mike S. wrote: |
| Does anyone on this forum, like their job, living situation, etc. in Japan? |
I do, now, at the moment.  Its been up and down though, with good situations and unfortunately a couple of sucky situations. - Which I guess is just the nature of ESL work in Japan (and probably in many countries.)
However, for me now, its about a good time not a long time and Im coming to the end of my "fascination with / interest in Japan' phase.
Its been good overall. Ive met many awesome people and its a privilege to live and work in another country. Hope you enjoy ... |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject: |
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Interesting at how much people grumble about Japan when they are here, but then after they leave, they talk about how much they miss it.
Why do you think this is? Human nature or more common to Japan than elsewhere. I can safely say I don't miss Korea. |
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Mothy
Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Posts: 99
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:08 am Post subject: |
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| Gordon wrote: |
Interesting at how much people grumble about Japan when they are here, but then after they leave, they talk about how much they miss it.
Why do you think this is? Human nature or more common to Japan than elsewhere. I can safely say I don't miss Korea. |
I think it's just human nature everywhere. People always compain. If the place wasn't really that bad they'll probably have fond memories of it once it's gone. But if the place was really terrible for them then they won't miss it- probably like you with Korea. But I haven't noticed an increase in complaining since I've come to Japan. It's different complaints but the same amount. |
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Miyazaki
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 635
Location: My Father's Yacht
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| Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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I don't miss Vancouver.
I don't miss Brisbane.
I don't miss Seoul.
I don't miss Taipei.
I miss Tokyo.
Over the last 10 years, Tokyo has been the most lucrative, interesting, and funnest city in which I've lived and worked.
For me, no other city compares. |
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bornslippy1981
Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 271
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:46 am Post subject: |
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| Gordon wrote: |
Interesting at how much people grumble about Japan when they are here, but then after they leave, they talk about how much they miss it.
Why do you think this is? Human nature or more common to Japan than elsewhere. I can safely say I don't miss Korea. |
I think part of it might be due to returning and finding things to be similar to when you left. Of course, life is going to go on without you, but during your time away you felt it would change like you did.
That said, I never complained about Japan. It's been about 5 months since I've been back home, but one thing will strike a memory of Japan, and it'll stir up happy memories.
Probably human nature as you said, and also the lack of change at home compared to what we all experienced. It is fun though to talk about it with friends, and describe the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings during the time there. |
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Sherri
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Posts: 749
Location: The Big Island, Hawaii
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:18 am Post subject: |
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I have been back in the US for 3 years now. While I would say that I have happy memories of Japan (Tokyo), I do not ever want to live there again. That time in my life is over. Time now for new things and I have not been disappointed.
Sherri |
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