Last night I had another Japanese lesson, which was interesting. It was this morning I realised it would really great if I could study Japanese full time. Although a lot more logical than English and other European languages most of the time, it still is a difficult language to learn. However, I certainly find it a lot more interesting.

The whole problem with doing this full time is the slight issue of real life getting in the way. The need for money to support oneself and the missus. Work is pretty interesting, but I always get that nagging feeling that studying Japanese would be even more fun. Of course, I remember when I was a student (back in 1995-1998!!!) that I was always thinking …. “This is quite interesting, but I cant wait to start work”. Knowing me, if I did study Japanese full time, I would want to start working again :) I guess I’m just impossible to please.

Here in Japan, yesterday, it was the 10th Anniversary of the Kobe (or Great Hanshin) earthquake. Its certainly strange that the recent Tsunami almost coincided with this other great disaster anniversary. The BBC have some pictures as well.

Finally, the last couple of days, I’ve been on some pretty busy trains. I’ve experienced a few busy trains while I’ve been here. In the hot weather, they certainly were most uncomfortable. If you ask me, they are also a pretty big health and safety risk. Would you want to take your young children on a train like that.
But I console myself, when I realise that I haven’t been a train so packed that have to do this (see the video at this site) !

EDIT: Added Link to Dominic’s Journal as well. Dominic was a collegue of mine where I worked in the UK.