Adrian is an Englishman who lives with his family in Yonago, Japan: a place that stimulates his adventurous spirit, and which he believes is the ideal environment for raising a child. There are several challenges that he has encountered as an expat there, but he is eager to overcome them. Learn about what Adrian sees as the good, the bad, and the ugly -- and more -- about living in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Adrian Thomas

December 21 2006 

-Where were you born?
Bury St Edmunds, England

-In which country and city are you living now?
Yonago, Japan

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I’m living with my wife, Ritsue, baby son Kento. Mother, father and sister-in-law.

-How long have you been living in Japan?
It’s my third time here. My first trip was a couple of years ago, on my return from New Zealand, where I met Ritsue. I moved here in February of this year.

-What is your age?
Twenty-seven

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Japan?
I wanted to provide some financial security for my family. Despite my best efforts in the past, I have learnt this is mostly governed by others. I’m hopeful that by coming here I might avoid some of the burdens of the UK. In addition, I felt Japan would be the best place to raise a child. I quite like adventures too.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
It was a welcome change to find the officers at the immigration department very helpful.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
I got some insurance arranged shortly after settling here. For me, it was just a case of signing a few forms and supplying bank details.

-How do you make your living in Japan? Do you have any type of income generated?
I’m working on it. It would appear all the English teachers around here have their placements arranged for them before arriving. I did expect it to take a while but not this long. I have started a vegetable garden in an attempt to keep me from going stir crazy.

-Do you speak Japanese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Of late, I am becoming increasingly frustrated. I can generally understand the gist of a conversation but most of it is guesswork. I don’t think I’ve put my foot in it as yet? I’ve taken a fairly relaxed approach to study, akin to most tasks at present. For me, I believe it is fundamental to speak the local language. I suppose it depends on if you want to fit in. I’m keen to participate. Being foreign here affords you the luxury of being forgiven when it comes to local customs or the odd faux pas. There are things that perhaps are not.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I do miss my family. Leisure pursuits are on hold at the moment. Next year I would like to get a motorbike, having gone through the rigmarole of exchanging my licence. A few beehives would be nice. In the meantime I might look to make my snowboarding/skiing debut this winter.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to getting back over to Europe soon. Beyond that I would like to get a place of our own. I don’t aim to make a full-time career out of teaching English. Always looking for new opportunities.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
A one-bedroom apartment costs around ¥50,000 per month.

-What is the cost of living in Japan?
Probably the same as the more affluent countries of Europe. It depends what you do, I live a frugal life. I do find apples are expensive; conversely, Scotch is cheaper.

-What do you think about the Japanese, and how they treat foreigners?
Foreigners are a rarity around these parts. Dour expressions from old people are not. However, most people are friendly if a little curious. The Japanese people are welcoming, polite and sincere.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Japan?
The Good:
People, food, culture, landscape, toilets
The everyday dichotomies
The Sunday afternoon Chuck Norris film

The Bad:
Climate control, the buses, trains and shops are so hot. If it were that hot in the summer, they’d be chilling the place down.
My witticisms being met by blank faces
The lack of sarcasm
Baths around 45°C

And the Ugly:
Expensive, mediocre beer, alongside legislation that forbids home-brewing
Kentucky Christmas
Toilets (again)

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Japan?
Do a little research first. The effort beforehand can make a big difference when being received or navigating the subway. Be mindful of bicycles. The riders follow their own rules and are a little spontaneous. Expect to be considered foreign above everything else.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Japan?
http://blog.adekun.com my blog
http://www.adekun.com and website
http://www.ntv.co.jp/dash/village the super DASH! Village
http://www.jpopasia.com/play/584/bakuten-razor-ramon-hg some family TV with Razor Ramon HG
http://www.japanbloggers.com/ Japan Bloggers Webring