A little off topic, but just the kind of subject matter I enjoy. My story
differs a bit.
I took five semesters of Japanese in high school and wanted nothing more
than to go to Japan and teach English (b/c I'm such a video game/anime
fanboy). I got rejected to JET, but finally had a chance to go over about a
year later for my job.
I found my skills were just barely enough to read a menu and ask directions
(though often I couldn't completely understand the response). Anyways, I
was only supposed to be there for two weeks, which was perfect. By the end
of two weeks, I decided that Japan wasn't for me. I love the place, and I
want to visit again, but it's just a bit too cramped and busy for my living
tastes. (and the language barrier/culture shock may have had a bit to do
with at the time as well) My language skills have deteriorated even further,
but I WILL visit again at some point.
The irony is that I have since moved to Los Angeles, which aside from the
major cultural points, differs little from Tokyo-Yokohama. (well, culture