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Two weeks into the new year, my message on this website and in my book remains the same: It's up to you. I still meet people here in Tokyo who seem completely unaware of other job opportunities that they are most likely suitable for, such as voiceovers, editing, commercial/model work, magazine/newspaper writing. It's not a big mystery, folks; it's all there waiting for you if you want to take the time to explore the options. So, again, FIT offers all the information you need to hit the ground running in Tokyo, and if you don't want to read the book, at least check out the Helpful Websites section to see the myriad ways you can interact with this wild 'n crazy city, make your presence known and get going.

Is it that time yet? I'm afraid it is. Another year is nearing an end. It's been a rough one for many of us, with the 3/11 earthquake defining almost every step we've taken since. For those of you who are in Tokyo, it may seem as if nothing at all happened. Everyone still seems to be rushing around, wrapped up in their own private worlds, jabbing at their phones, oblivious to all other realities except the glowing screen in front of their faces.

We are fast approaching the end of the year. Everything seems to be speeding up. I don't know if that's because we have built-in clocks telling us to get with the program or if it the sense of urgency has been created by advertising companies. My point is this:

I have lived in Japan for 18 years. I have done my best to adapt to all customs, traditions, foods, manners, etc. But there is one thing that I will not give up, which is Thanksgiving Day. I am an American, and, for me at least, Thanksgiving meant family and food, shared in the loving atmosphere of my parents' home.  

If you are a foreigner living and working in Tokyo (no matter whether you call yourself a gaijin, a gaikokujin, a foreigner, or a non-Japanese), you will most likely, at some point, feel a sense of isolation or loneliness or some great desire to connect with something comforting or familiar. The solution to this, in brief, is to connect to and support the foreign community.

There are any number of ways to do this, whether it be patronizing restaurants, enjoying performances, or participating in classes that are run by members of the foreign community. This is not to suggest that you therefore shut the door on your Japanese life. I encourage you to bring your Japanese spouses or friends with you to any of the aforementioned places. These are simple ways of expanding your network, making new friends, learning more about what's available to you in our incredible town and a way to stay connected, because, again, it's easy to become isolated here, and there's no good reason to allow that to happen. 

It's been a long time, I know. Where do we start?

Well, how about this: I've been busy doing everything I wrote about in my book. After a long dry spell, I have been rewarded (can't think of a better word) with almost too much work. But the way I've done that is to keep saying "yes."  

It's been a long time -- I know.  I would apologize, but as I was told by my writing coach: "Don't apologize, don't beg." That advice makes me rethink almost everything I do. So, no apologies, but explanations:

Culture clashes. You've heard of them; have you experienced them? In our situation, we specifically refer to the Western experience in Japan. The picture above is a great example. On the left we have McDonald's, which established itself in Japan over 30 years ago. On the right, we have tables of squid drying in the hot summer sun. They seem to be existing peacefully side-by-side. But are they?

Despite the picture of summer sweetness, there are certain harsh realities that any foreigner freelancing in Tokyo needs to be aware of.  Specifically: getting paid an appropriate amount and in a timely manner for certain entertainment-related jobs. 

It is easy to forget that you, the hungry foreigner, looking for a great freelancing job, actually have negotiating power. You need a job, someone offers it, you take it, end of story.