Respecting the local culture and yet maintaining his own values are parts of American expat Chris' overall attitude about living in Japan, where he also runs a language school. Adjusting to small-city life in Yanai posed some challenges, being so different physically and mentally from his beloved Hawaii. Still, he does all he can to enjoy his expat experience and advises others to do the same.	Chris Ballard

-Where were you born?
Born in Boston and raised in Hawaii, USA.

-In which country and city are you living now?
Japan, a small city called Yanai.

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am living with my wife.

-How long have you been living in Japan?
Off and on for about 4 years.

-What is your age?
I'm 29

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Japan?
My mother in-law got sick so my wife had to return to Japan.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No, it was very easy getting a spouse visa (3 years).

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, it was easier and cheaper than in America.

-How do you make your living in Japan? Do you have any type of income generated?
I worked for a private language school in the beginning. The job was arranged while I was still in Hawaii. I became totally fed up with the whole experience as most schools treat their students as a pure commodity. I returned to Hawaii for a year and decided I should try to open my own school. I opened in 2005 and now have around 90 students.

-Do you speak Japanese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I do not speak Japanese and have been doing just fine. Gestures will get you a LONG way!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss Hawaii all the time, especially in the winter. In Hawaii, I took it for granted that every day was a beach day. The summer seems very short in Yamaguchi prefecture.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I will eventually return to Hawaii and open a home-stay program for Japanese students of English.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I own a home in Hawaii and my wife’s family owns a few here in Japan.

-What is the cost of living in Japan?
The cities are very expensive but the countryside not so much. (Same as most any other country).

-What do you think about the Japanese?
The Oba'sans (old women) are the most racist and impolite people I have ever met (countryside version). The younger generation is much more open-minded and plugged-in to the world community.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Japan?
+'s: the food, the beer and the ease with which one can open a small business is excellent.

-'s: The racism is very deep towards anything or anyone who is not Japanese. (Again...this is much more obvious in the countryside and may not even be noticeable in the cities).

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Japan?
Respect the culture and traditions but never compromise yourself or your values when doing so. If you feel you have or are being disrespected make sure you point it out as some people do not do it on purpose and you would be helping them by correcting them. Get an internet connection so that you can keep touch with your hometown/friends etc. Above all… enjoy the experience as much as you can.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Japan?
www.waikiki2yanai.blogspot.com: My blog