16 Comments
Aug 16Liked by Margaret Bennett

Ha! What an eventful trip! My son wants to teach English in Japan. I wonder how much times have changed.

Expand full comment
author

It was one of the best decisions I ever made Wendy. I’d strongly recommend he did it.

Expand full comment
Aug 25Liked by Margaret Bennett

Dang, that's good writing

Expand full comment
Aug 20Liked by Margaret Bennett

Fun read. I spent 4 years teaching ESL as part of the JET Program in the late 90s. It was such a transformative experience and one I never regret. I found myself gravitating toward the kids who didn't fit into the Japanese system--the artists and musicians. The nails standing up that refused to be pounded down and conform to the wood.

I've been a high school special ed teacher ever since and attribute my choice to get a grad degree in special education and teach kids with learning challenges to those beautiful students I supported in Nihon. Thanks again for your post and for bringing me back to that strange and wonderful island country.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for reading. I was very lucky with most of my students. Sangenjaya had lots of artists and musicians too and I made many creative friends. I also worked in all girls high school which wasn’t quite as much fun.

A great time though. It holds a special place in my heart.

Congratulations on your career path.

Expand full comment
Aug 18Liked by Margaret Bennett

This is once again hilarious and brilliant, I never knew about the proposal, truly bizarre xx

Expand full comment
Aug 17Liked by Margaret Bennett

Love this Margaret…looking forward to more from your time in Japan. Thank you xxx

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for reading Val x

Expand full comment
Aug 16Liked by Margaret Bennett

This was hilarious! Also, very envious of those cheekbones on your Gaijin card.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for reading Sarah. Glad you found it funny.

Expand full comment
Aug 16Liked by Margaret Bennett

still laughing my head off! how do I not know this story??? I hope you never had to teach him again!!! x

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for reading. This happened just before I met you. X

Expand full comment
Aug 16Liked by Margaret Bennett

Your Japan stories make me want to go even more! x

Expand full comment
author

I need a commission from the Japanese Tourist Board.

Expand full comment
Aug 16Liked by Margaret Bennett

Not been on a plane for 2 years but will do it to go there! x

Expand full comment

We should all post license pics. And Patsy was born to shag Liam.

Expand full comment