はじめまして(Hajimemashite)! My name is Marcel and I have been handed the reins for the Japanese Language Blog. I have been writing a lot to family and friends about my life in Japan, so it’s a good next step to take what I’ve learned and seen to a more public stage. With Erika, my wife, I hope to bring everyone some interesting facts and news about Japan, while also introducing some basic Japanese. Erika may contribute as well using much more advanced Japanese, likely about current events as well as views on Japan and the western world through the eyes of a Japanese person.

First, a little information about myself: I was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Looking for something new and exciting, I decided to try teaching English in a foreign country. I had always been interested in Japan’s mix of tradition and pop-culture, so I took the plunge and was on my way to the 関西 (Kansai) region of 日本 (Japan), which is the area surrounding 大阪 (Osaka).

Initially, I lived in 神戸 (Kobe city), in 兵庫県 (Hyogo prefecture), about 30 minutes by express train outside of 大阪. While I loved 神戸, most of my friends lived in 大阪 itself, so after a year I moved to 大阪. Being centered in 大阪 is great if you are interested in historical 日本. You are just a quick train ride away from dozens of important cultural sites in 神戸, 奈良 (Nara) and of course 京都 (Kyoto). While I lived there, I did my best to visit as many different places as I could.

Sakurajima looms over Kagoshima City

In my first year, I met Erika on New Year’s Eve (so it’s easy for me to remember!) We hit it off and have been together ever since. Born in 鹿児島 (Kagoshima), the southernmost city of Japan’s main islands, she was living in 兵庫 (Hyogo) as well. After we got married, we decided it would be nice to move closer to her family. We now live in a suburb of 鹿児島, and have been here a year and a half. While far from the major city centers of Japan, Kagoshima has lots of interesting things to see and do, the most notable being the active volcano 桜島 (Sakurajima), which I will of course report on!

That’s all for now, so I leave you with some idea of the topics I have in mind for the next few weeks: Kagoshima, Volcanoes, New Year’s celebrations, and Weddings!

よろしくおねがいします(yoroshiku onegaishimasu)！