New Friends.

I decided if I was going to live in Japan, I should make an effort to learn the language. I did a lot of research to find the situation that would best fit my learning style and scheduling needs. I chose the Japanese Teacher's Association. This is my instructor, Noriko Hatano. Hatano-san is very patient with me. She makes learning Japanese very casual and fun. I am not really a very good gakusei (student) but she never makes me feel guilty. Instead she encourages me to work harder and learn more.


We only meet once a week but The few sessions we have had are already paying off. I am understanding more of what's going on around me in my world. Although I struggle with speaking, I am beginning to recognize some vocabulary and sentence structure.

I'm even learning to write... ok, well a little. This is where I really need to concentrate.


This is Hiro-san. He is the bartender at at a pub around the corner from my apartment. I met him one night and he invited me to come back last weekend to his birthday party. They had 5 bands play that night and everyone was very good. By the end of the night, the bands began to mix and they had a real lively jam session. They played some of the best blues I have heard in a long time. Hiro-san played the flute in one of the bands.



He is very good. He taught me to play it... Well, not really but he showed me how to make some noise with it. It is very difficult.


Everyone had a good time and really got into the music.

It is easy to make friends in Japan. Everyone wants to practice their English.

Kampi! (Cheers!)


These are the three bartenders. Miuki-san, Miuko-san and Hiro-san.

Until next time!