NC86 wrote:
> > I don't do it because I feel it is important, nor do I measure the
> > strangeness of my actions by the standard of the Average Japanese person. I
> > do it because I enjoy it, pure and simple. I'm American and one of my most
> > memorable vacations was a 6 week driving tour of the United States that my
> > wife and I did about 4 years ago. And the fact that you may have no interest
> > in seeing Japan, Australia or wherever gives me no distress whatsoever.
>
> And yet you choose to live in Tokyo for the 46 weeks a year that you
> aren't on holidays. There's nothing wrong with wanting to spend 4 weeks
> there on my limited budget.
>
> I need to focus on daily life, I can't afford to be touring around any
> country for 6 weeks.

In all honesty this is the best argument for going to, say, Kansai to
study; more bang for the buck. No measurable difference in quality of
life, lots more to see in what free time you have.

But I went to Tokyo for my first major trip as well, so I totally
understand your desire to go there. Within six weeks in Japan I decided
Tokyo just wasn't for me; many people decide the opposite.

John W.