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Claudia Befu's avatar

Reading this with a mix of fascination and dread. Perhaps my tea ceremony training taught me to notice aspects of Japan others don’t see at first sight. I understand your love-hate relationship so much.

At the same time, the cultural shock I experienced in my first and only visit to Japan in 2019 has faded away and I’m again excited to get back there. This time without the pink glasses.

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

Yes, I know it won't be easy all the time. I intend to continue with tea ceremony lessons as well. With its aging population, I think Japan should be much more open to foreigners looking to stay. Maybe there will be changes in the future...

Anyway, let me know when you visit again. It'd be fun to meet up!

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Claudia Befu's avatar

I'm looking forward to your newsletters from Japan! I'll let you know about any upcoming visit to Tokyo.

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

This is beyond exciting! You absolutely MUST post your impressions and all things about Japan. I so want to go to Japan one day... until I do, I will come here. I started learning a bit of Japanese with DUO but it's only a few words :)

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

Aw thanks, I absolutely will!

The good thing about learning Japanese is, as long as you're awful, people will compliment you on your good Japanese & be very nice to you. Once you're actually halfway decent, you'll be expected to know everything & act maybe not like a local but almost. Trust me, you're in a good spot with just こんにちは & ありがとうございます. :P

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

My kanji is weak, learn much I must.

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

Feel free to reach out with any questions! I've been known to tutor beginner students (although not as patient as Yoda).

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

I learned my first words of Japanese from the TV series Shogun, the one with Richard Chamberlain and Toshirô Mifune 😂 Fun fact: they had to fight for the show not to be subtitled when they speak Japanese, arguing that the audience will have a more immersive experience that way.

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

Ooh, I didn't know Shogun was made into a TV series. Sounds great, especially if it was to convey that some of the characters didn't understand Japanese. (And I definitely picked up some Korean from watching too many K-dramas...)

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

I bought the DVD special edition box set. That is to say I really like that series :)

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Oh wow, congrats, so excited for you! I love Japan, but have only spent 10 days there myself, between Tokyo and Kyoto. I fell in love with Kyoto on first sight. I could live there. Be immersed in the history and the buildings.

Please do write from any and all inspiration/creativity that it brings 😍

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

Thank you! Kyoto is definitely one of the main places I'm excited to visit. Osaka too, with its funky & carefree image. And I'll try & write as much as I can!

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Andres's avatar

I love Japan. Only stayed there as a tourist but would love to go back someday. Tokyo is fascinaring. I’m not saying anything new, but just wanted to say it! 😅

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Vanessa Glau's avatar

I hope you can go back one day! Just think of all the record stores & Japanese edition vinyls to explore...

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Andres's avatar

Absolutely!!! Can’t wait 😊

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