Mighty Hok Chronicles | Summer 2024

Looking Ahead

Getting to Beginner Japanese

I am currently level 0 so my goal is to become a beginner. It's pretty critical for integrating to life in Japan. It's also very challenging. The first step for me is learning hiragana (the most foundational of the three writing systems of Japanese). I will start small and aim to 'do' instead of overthinking because otherwise I will feel overwhelmed and lose motivation. I'd like to be able to greet the mail delivery person instead of being super awkward making gestures.

Being Open to New Things

Overall, I would like to integrate more and be open to change. Moving to Japan has made me aware of areas where my mindset is fixed. I have found it easier to isolate than to make too many mistakes so I avoid having to talk to people when I cannot express myself. The challenge I have for myself is to embrace an attitude of curiosity. It's the only way to really start meeting new people and finding a sense of belonging.

Finding an Apartment

I will start looking for an apartment soon so that I can leave this temporary housing unit. I'm hoping to move early-mid September. Finding a place in Tokyo isn't easy because people don't typically like renting to foreigners. There are also many upfront fees that you need to pay (like a key fee) that end up being several months of your rent. I'm going to use the company housing support which means that my work will actually sign the lease and deduct the rent from my salary. This makes them my guarantor, which is a requirement for signing a lease. The downside is that my housing will be tightly coupled with my work. But given that my visa is tied to my work, I'd have to leave the countryif I lost my job anyway so I might as well make my life easier and let them handle the paperwork.

Koto 10k

I signed up for a 10k run in my ward. The event is called the Koto Seaside Marathon. Despite the name there is actually no marathon distance, it's a half marathon and 10k race. I think it could be fun. It's not until November and I'm not guaranteed an entry so we'll see just how popular the running scene is here.

Until Next Time

Cute things everywhere!