minivans on the opposite side of the road; where
brand names rule the world of fashion and handbags;
where you can tell time as accurately as an atomic
clock by the way the trains run; where the city stretch-
es out into infinity and is lit by the glow of vending
machines; when daytime becomes night time at six
o'clock in the peak of a hot and humid summer - why
not come and check it out, or maybe, why? And why
write about this, now?

There's probably a lot of you out there wondering
what it's like to come and do it. The way the economy
is now in Japan, you are the target. There are a lot of
companies out there looking for people just like you -
Canadians, with degrees in hand and no jobs to go to,
and the situation of a failing system that produces stu-

dents with massive debts with not a lot of hope of
ever getting out of. The value of the yen is now lower
than the US dollar, but it is still a good deal against
the Canadian dollar. And they know that you know it.
Of course, money is a prime motivator, but don’t get
too caught up in the dollars.

My final suggestion: no matter what you choose, or
how you choose to do it, do it for the experience. It's
a year of your life, then maybe more, but only if you
make that life liveable. Remember that the companies
and sponsors have to make living comparable to, if
not better than what you are used to because you are
the one that's making the move. If your standard of
living is less than what you left behind, then complain.
Phrases such as “my morale is low” or “I'm thinking
of quitting” makes them listen because they are
investing in you. But you've got to want to have that
life abroad. Otherwise, you won't last the year.

T. Jerry Anzai wrote this from an email cafe in
Machida, March 19, 2007.

Congratulations to all grads of 2001,
Have a great show!

Review > by Tf. J. Anzai >

photos by lan Walker

ii

@
minivans on the opposite side of the road; where
brand names rule the world of fashion and handbags,
where you can tell time as accurately as an atomic
clock by the way the trains run; where the city stretch-
€s out into infinity and is lit by the glow of vending.
machines; when daytime becomes night time at six
‘o'clock in the peak of a hot arid humid summer - why
not come and check it out, or maybe, why? And why
write about this, now?

I There's probably a lot of you out there wondering

what it’s like to come and do it. The way the economy
is now in Japan, you are the target. There are a lot of
‘companies out there looking for people just lke you -
Canadians, with degrees in hand and no jobs to go to,
and the situation of a failing system that produces stu-

Review > by T. J.

=
5

dents with massive debts with not a lot of hope of
ever getting out of. The value of the yen is now lower
than the US dollar, butit is stil a good deal against
the Canadian dollar. And they know that you know it.
Of course, money is a prime motivator, but don’t get
too caught up in the dollars.

‘My final suggestion: no matter what you choose, or
how you choose to do it, do it for the experience. It's
a year of your life, then maybe more, but only if you
make that life liveable. Remember that the companies
and sponsors have to make living comparable to, if
not better than what you are used to because you are
the one that's making the move. If your standard of
living is less than what you left behind, then complain.
Phrases such as “my morale is low" or “I'm thinking
of quitting” makes them listen because they are
investing in you. But you've got to want to have that
life abroad. Otherwise, you won't last the year.

T. Jerry Anzai wrote this from an email cafe in S
Machida, March 19, 2001.

Congratulations to all grads of 2001,
Have a great show!

11 @