Of Reemergence

I do occasionally feel disillusioned, even dysthymic about my life in Japan. Most of my old friends have gone and living in a foreign culture is never particularly easy. Despite the general conveniences of living in Osaka, there are cultural elements that do sometimes wear on my patience. Stable employment can be something of a challenge and this past winter I was sick more often than not.

Of course, my complaints are just that, and next to nothing in the face of the challenges faced by Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11th. While, thankfully, Osaka is far from the area directly affected and life, for the most part, goes on as it always has, there can be little doubt of the scale of the tragedy this country has, and continues, to suffer. Making matters worse, of course, is the ongoing nuclear situation in Fukushima. There can be little doubt that Japan will need time to heal, and I hope we can all do what we can to be a part of that process.

With the arrival of spring, however, my hope is renewed. I see the city, a glorious concrete and neon highlighted jungle teeming with life. As the weather improves, my health and mood seem to as well. I’ve been unemployed the last couple months and while I might be rightly accused of squandering that time in some ways, I was also able to rest, to spend time with my wonderful wife, and gain some additional insight into myself and the world around me (i.e. my life). I begin teaching in junior high schools again next week and continue looking forward to what each day brings, despite the inevitable challenges.   I encourage all of you to do the same.

With Hope,
Joseph