I would first like to thank the academy for this award. I am humbled and honored to have been both nominated and chosen for ...
... Wait, what? This is not the ... dammit!
Let the fun begin.
A big Aree Ga Toe (thank you) goes out to RileyQ for starting this fun, no longer little, challenge (Look at that growing list at the bottom). And a hearty Arigatou Gozaimasu (same meaning for the most part as above) to the crusader Steven aka vengefulseven for passing the baton.
Now I have to be honest with you before moving on. Originally, had I been chosen, my first inclination, drop the baton and say no!
I am not one to do these kinds of things and prefer to remain somewhat anonymous and behind the scenes.
As the challenge progressed and I started reading the intimate details of some of the members that I have already gotten to know, I thought just maybe this might be interesting to participate in.
The clincher was looking at the over 120 plus blog posts I have written on COIL. I was hardly behind the scenes and anonymous. I have been putting my ass out there nearly everyday for almost six months. Who was I fooling? That's just downright delusional.
Without further adieu I answer these questions as put forth by the vengeful007 and crusader for health, care.
1.) What made you leave the United States for Japan? Did you have issues with the US, or was it simply a love of Japanese culture.
This is a great question and one I have been asked many times, but not in this way.
The answer is both plus one. Before moving to Japan, Georgie Bush Jr. was president, the US was involved in the Iraq war, I had experienced 9/11 and the mood was hyper-patriotic fueled by the delusional mainstream media and the antics of the Bush war marketing machine taking to the airwaves and exploiting the mood. It was everywhere and I didn't like it. I was finishing my International Relations undergrad degree at the University of Minnesota with an emphasis on the Middle East and Japanese language. An odd combo I know.
It was witnessing 9/11 firsthand that influenced my choice to focus on the Middle East. I wanted to know the US historical involvement that led up to that fateful day. I took a very different tact and a road less traveled in my final research paper. It was during all the research and writing that I came to the conclusion that I did not want to live in a country that promotes war as an answer. On top of that, Bush had been reelected for another term.
I had already been interested in Japanese culture while living in NYC. Not pop culture, rather I was introduced to Buddhism, specifically Soto Zen with a focus on meditation. This opened the doors to other areas of Japanese culture and trips to Japan. It was during those first few trips that I thought maybe this could be my new home someday.
Fast forward I met my now wife (Japanese) while I was finishing up my International Relations degree. We long distance dated (Tokyo <> Minneapolis) for two years. Then we decided that I move to Japan.
The short answer – A self-imposed political refugee during the Bush era presidency. Interest in Japanese culture. And love.
2.) What aspects of Japanese culture do you believe Americans could benefit from adopting, and vice versa.
Wow another great question and one I have been spending over two years writing about in my yet-to-be-released book titled, (Insert shameless plug now) “10,000 Lakes to the Rising Sun.” (10KLRS)
Having lived in Japan for over twelve years I have had to confront, and in many cases transcend a myriad of personal and cultural issues. Everything from my own narcissism, a trait of every American, whether they admit it or not, to child rearing expectations. I could write a book about it right here, wait I am, so I will choose one that stands out and that many I hope can relate to.
The American myth of “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” Rugged individualism,” and “I can be anything I want to be,” plagues just about every aspect of culture. From foreign policy decisions down to to the individual and everything in-between.
In Japan, it is the polar opposite. This is a group mentality society and an inherent foundation in all aspects of the culture. It is what makes the country “Civilized.” Everyone takes care of everyone else. Doing a good job matters. Go to any restaurant and you get top service and no tipping. Service is not predicated on a tip. Doing a good job for the sake of one another is what matters.
Leave a wallet or purse on the train, chances are it will either be waiting for you at the next station or you might get a call from someone telling you they found it. Low crime, no guns and you can walk anywhere at night without having to worry. Health care is socialized and available for all, just to name a few of the many traits that make a civilization civilized.
Now that mentality is not without its issues. They are slow to make decisions and change. Nobody wants to speak out. Critical thinking is a rarity. And leadership is minimal at best.
I think from living in both cultures, if there were a country that had some middle ground between these two countries it would be utopia.
For now, I prefer Japan to be home.
3.) When we first spoke a long ways back, you mentioned you were in the process of editing a book. What inspired you to take on the daunting task of writing a full book?
Inspiration came from high ocular eye pressure and one sentence.
For over six years I have had high ocular pressure in my right eye. The doctor had been keeping it at bay with eye drops. They stopped working and the pressure increased. If it continued, I would either go blind or have limited sight. The doc recommended surgery. Weighing the options, blindess or not, it was a no-brainer, no-eyer actually.
The last and only surgery I had was thirty plus years ago on my knee, and that was in the US. Surgery in Japan had me a little worried. Not that they lack top notch healthcare, what had me worried is the second word in healthcare – care. In Japan they care about your well-being. Consequently, they want to make sure everything is alright. What does this mean you might ask? Well for just about any form of surgery, except the big ones, you are required to remain in the hospital for a week. Eye surgery a week. Knee surgery, a week. Giving birth, a week.
I freaked out. Not by the surgery, rather by remaining motionless in a hospital bed for a week. I am not the idle type of guy. What the hell am I going to do? The answer came from a friend. Explaining my dilmena, he replied in “the” one sentence, “Why don't you do something you have always wanted to do and have not done yet.” Racking my brain, the only thing I came up with initially was to ride my bike from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Can't do that in a hospital bed now can I? Then one night before falling asleep it hit me! “Write.” I have always loved to write. My Father was a writer. I wrote a screenplay. I wrote a hell of a lot of research papers, both undergrad and graduate.
After the surgery, a success by the way, the following day lying in my hospital bed in a room shared with three others, (Curtains provided privacy) I took out my computer, opened up Microsoft word and began to write. The first topic (write from experience and knowledge) was the experience leading up to the surgery, and life in the hospital titled, “General Hospital Life.” I spent the next few days writing that story, editing and re-editing until it felt right, which coincidentally was timed with my early discharge. (4 days not 7).
Once home, I wanted someone to read the story so I sent it to my former acting teacher now teaching in Beverly Hills. I always trusted her opinions on my acting, why not writing. I emailed it and her reply, “I will read it and get back to you.” A few days passed and she sent me a long text basically saying, “This is so great. I was laughing all the way throughout. You remind me of so and so the playwright ...” I was taken back by such praise. I had no idea what to expect, but this was enough for me to keep on writing and I did. I continued to write stories about my life experiences. Then something happened, I got in what I call the “River of Creativity,” and have been riding it ever since.
Nearly two years, turns out I had a lot inside to get out and say, which culminated in 100,000 plus words. Edited by my editor I am nearly halfway done with revisions.
The COIL and CBC community members will be the first to know when the book is ready for public viewing and published. Stay tuned!
4.) I saw a few posts about your family and your son recently (beautiful family, by the way). As parents, we always want to impart whatever lessons we can before our time comes. What is the one thing you hope your son learns from you above all else?
Think of others along with himself (the middle way).
Thank you for reading. It was a joy to answer such thought-provoking questions from Mr. Vengefulseven.
If you are unfamiliar with the Challenge here are the rules.
I would like to pass the torch on to none other than, drum roll ...
MACROPOLO!
If you so choose to accept this mission, here are your four questions.
1.) Your COIL handle is Macropolo a play on Marco Polo. Where is the one place you would like to travel to and why?
2.) A number of posts on COIL are about gaming. Describe your ultimate game that has yet to be made.
3.) You posted a blog titled “Would you keep a promise if it meant losing power?” If you were prime minister how would you answer this question?
4.) You have run the gamut of very interesting topics having written about politics, sharing economy and media to name a few. Clearly you think a lot about the what is going in the world. (As do I) How do you realistically envision the future?
The following are Coil Bloggers that have participated in the challenge!
Riley Q.
Patricia C.
Adam Waring – Aussie Ninja
Patricia B.
Dani Torres
NickelNDime
Seth Stanley
XRPtheStandardProductions
Michael B.
Randal C – Crypto Pilot
Ramon Ramentol – Moncho
Niels
Srdan Vocanec
Michele Lancia
Sandra Scala – The Mind, Untangled.
Christian Rizea – @dr_chris10
VengefulSeven
Tokyoliving – Allen
Sayonara CBC (it’s not you, it’s me)
