What is it about Japan…

…that drives you crazy while you are here, but makes you miss it when you leave?

The other day, my friend wrote about his recent return visit to Japan, where he worked for a couple years as a JET high school teacher:

So now what? I can’t even think about Taiwan right now. As for Seattle, well, I’m still set on heading back for a few years, but I’m feeling pretty strongly now that I’m going to be looking into a way of getting back to Japan as soon as I can (note: what I consider “soon” is often an eternity for most people. But when you’re as patient as I am, time is trivial.), or at least some way for me to consistently shuttle between Seattle and Japan.

Craziness. I couldn’t wait to leave Japan when I was living there, and after vowing never to return, I’ve gone back twice. I haven’t made it more than 10 months before returning for a visit. But then again, visiting a place and living there are not the same.

The thing is, I can totally identify with his feelings. I can’t begin to count the number of times I wanted to grab my passport and run…but then an hour later, I would find something new that made me glad I was here. The truth is, Japan is a wonderful place, when you’re not working. (Hmm…isn’t that true anywhere?) The problem is, in the US, you have more options for work. Here, your options are much more limited.

Still, this is the most important point. No matter how annoying the inconveniences of work and cultural differences might be, living abroad can be a truly satisfying and educational experience. Before I came to Japan, I volunteered and participated in many cultural activities, and I will continue to do so after I go home.

Reflecting on the lives that I have touched, and all the people I have met, I realize that you can always go home, but some part of you will always remain…