アメリカへ行ってよかった。

I got back from America 5 days ago.

As some of you might know, I went back to Portland to see my friends and attend a college year-end event called Renn Fayre. It’s a three day event that can’t accurately be described. On the outside it looks like a big party. Something akin to Burning Man or a Full Moon party, but that hardly does it justice. Since Renn Fayre is smaller, consists of the Reed community, and is entirely created // funded by students, it’s very personal and intimate. For three days we create a paradise for ourselves. And since it’s tailor-made for us, we’re usually the only ones that get it.

It’s hard to describe. The only downside to Renn Fayre is that, like most things, it has an expiration date. As more and more friends graduate, and as less and less come back, it loses the personal element. You go to celebrate your friendships (I know, I know, that sounds really cheesy, but it’s absolutely the case). And if those friends aren’t there, there isn’t any reason to go.

This was my 6th Renn Fayre. It was also probably my best Renn Fayre (though nothing beats your senior year). Will it be my last? I really hope not. We’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.

While at Renn Fayre I had the opportunity to install a light project and DJ on three different nights. I had a blast all three times, and on two of them I got to work with very large crowds. One night was in Kaul auditorium, which was filled to capacity (I opened for Girl Talk, the headlining DJ). It got me thinking that I might get serious about DJ work. I’ve done a few parties in Japan, but nothing too impressive. If I bought some gear and practiced over the summer, I’m sure I could have some opportunities. It wouldn’t be a bad side project.

Regarding Japan, I’ve narrowed down my choices to two options:

(1) Move to Osaka.
(2) Move to Fukuoka.

If I move to Osaka, I’ll probably find a full time job right off the bat. I’d take 1-on-1 Japanese lessons three times a week, and I’d dedicate most of my free time to the music scene. I’d also save save a bunch of money for post-Japan. And I’d be able to see Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and many other places on the weekend. It’s absolutely the best location in Japan.

If I move to Fukuoka, I’d start by taking a 10 week Japanese course. After that I’d transition to full time work. This option would dramatically improve my Japanese in a relatively short period of time, but I’d also have to spend an awful lot of money. Then again, if my Japanese improves enough, I can probably find a non-teaching job.

I’ll probably end up in Osaka. I’m a bit worried about spending so much money on a language course, especially because I’m at a point in my studies where I should really just be exposing myself to media. Rather than working on grammar and memorizing words, I really just need to start pursing my interests in Japanese. I’ll learn a lot more that way. Exploring the movies made by the Ghibli studio team is much more exciting and worthwhile than chapter 1 of some new textbook.

I’ve got 2-3 more months in Japan. After that I’ll be in America for 7-8 weeks. And then it’s back to Japan.

My current plan is the following: 2 weeks in the Boston area -> 3 weeks in New York -> 1 week in Denver -> 1-2 more weeks in the Boston area before shipping back to Japan. I think that’s more than enough time. It will be just enough time to see friends and family..

I guess that’s enough. I’ll update again before the end of the month.