30 things I will miss about Japan

It's time for a bit of balanced reflection on my time here in Japan, and so, in no particular order, here are the things that I love about Japan...

1. Karaoke - no explanation needed, I just love it!
2. The taiko game, the drum-kit game, and the dj game - a great way to waste a few hundred yen!
3. Bacon & asparagus yakitori
4. Wearing slippers at school!...nice to have comfy shoes on all day!
5. J-fashion. I don't wear it, but I love seeing it, and being amazed by the combination of colours, fabrics, layers etc etc
6. Ton-katsu at Ton-Ton
7. Purikura - im praying that it will make it to the UK one day!
8. Mister donut (double choc pon de ring)
9. People who take pride in their jobs – 7/11, road workers - so polite, professional, and great service
10. Being so near the sea…the train ride between yanai and miyajima is beautiful!
11. Yakiniku
12. My apartment - a sauna and an ice-box, but it's mine, and I love it.
13. Muji - we've got it in the UK, but it's not as good!
14. Rice! I never ever thought I would say that, but it's true. I often crave Japanese rice, and so am going to have to get a regular fix when I'm back home.
15. Lime Hi-Chu sweeties
16. The trains!!! They're on time, they're a cool oasis in summer, and cozy, warm place in winter. I love them!
17. The scenery…where I live…the mountains…seeing stars!
18. Getting paid in cash every month...it's just so satisfying!
19. Exploring new places at the weekends
20. My kotatsu in winter. I never used it the first winter, but this year it was a godsend, and I spent many a nice evening snuggled under there
21. 100yen shops - you go in for some stickers, and somehow come out with a big bag of other 'stuff'..great!
22. The generosity of Japanese people
23. Driving around and just enjoying the beauty of the rice fields, mountains, the sea, and the little road-side toriis and temples.
24. Feeling liked by my students, and hearing my name called out when I'm in town...sometimes this gets a bit tiring, but on the whole, I know I'm going to miss it!
25. National holidays - lots and lots of days off to relax or explore
26. Being able to walk to work
27. Cute characters that it is ok, and acceptable to like, and adorn your bag, keitai etc with ; rilakuma, Kitty-chan, tarepanda...
28. Festivals - a chance to mingle with the locals, eat yummy food, watch fireworks, and have fun!
29. My students!
30. Yanai