* As you can gather from the photos, I'm an Asian-American, and more specifically, a full-blooded, real-life fourth-generation Japanese-American. My great-grandparents were from western Honshu (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Kyoto), and they immigrated to Hawaii almost a century ago. I didn't speak or understand a lick of Japanese before I first came here in 1998 -- if you don't count words like sushi etc. I didn't study Japanese in school (Russian in high school, and German at university -- jawohl, mein Herr), and my university studies weren't Japan-related, either. (I got a double degree in Psychology and in International Studies at the University of Washington.) But, thanks to living here in Toyooka, with Japanese classes offered at the city hall, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals and to participate in community activities and such, I've learned quite a bit these three years (although my speaking ability is still awful!!)
* I don't know what your background is, and what your Japanese ability is, but if you can't speak Japanese, don't stress out too much. Although there aren't too many people here who can speak English, it's not impossible to get around Toyooka with zero- to limited-Japanese abilities ... I'm a testament to that! Before I arrived, I was a bit concerned about how I`d get by, but take it from me, it can be done!
* But, enough about me! On to bigger and better things! ....
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