In case you were wondering

I love Japan blogs, from the snarky pop culture titans to the splashy news sites to the mundane ramblings of a JET teacher. However, for a long time I wished there was a blog which I could actually relate to. Because in terms of blogs, there are few written by women I know like me. The average Japan blogger seems to be quiet, musing, male, at least level 2 JLPT proficient, and very well-versed in Japanese culture. As I stated before, I have no problem with this sort of blog–and actually enjoy learning about different prefectures and odd Japan trivia– but I feel like my fellow sisters need a voice.

Who are we? We are twenty and thirtysomething women here to have fun in Japan. We aren`t looking for marriage, we have an end date in mind, we are interested but not obsessed in all things Japan, and can speak Japanese at varying levels. We came here to expand ourselves, gain work experience, take a break from the rat race or life itself, and, most importantly, have a memorable experience.

My statistics: 24 years old, American, happy with my relationship status, and employed in a non-unique job for foreigners in Japan. My Japanese is functional, but I have never taken a class. My interests include shopping, clubbing, traveling, eating, going to bars, going to coffeeshops, and doing the Sunday crossword in the Japan Times.

I have seen one anime in my life,  but I do like Japanese authors, as their books tend to be cheaper than most foreign books over here. My personal favorite is the enfant terrible (well, in 1960) Ryo Murakami. I don`t like the other Murakami, but he is readable, and I can find his books for under 1500 yen.

I am not a vegetarian, but was one until college (my mom was terrible at cooking meat so I just assumed all meat was disgusting) so can understand the lifestyle. I adore fish, but draw the line when it has eyes. I can eat most Japanese food, but I don`t so much favor the occasional odd body parts used and the excessive dashi. Kanimiso is my nemesis (if you don`t know what it is, be glad). I do actually like natto, but umeboshi is too sour for me. At home, I cook exclusively Western food, and badly.

I love traveling in Japan, although I am more likely to stay at a cheap business hotel (love the Toyoko Inn) than dish out the money for a Ryokan/onsen. When I travel, I spend my days sightseeing and my nights partying it up.

Can you relate to me? If so I hope you enjoy what I have to write, and if you can`t, as I said in my profile, read and learn.

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