Hello everyone, I'm Jim...

What's going on, everyone? I'm a 24 year old American who has been living in Japan for the past year and a half. I'm in Japan via the military, where I serve on a Naval ship out of Yokosuka. Contrary to popular belief, we're not all rude and ignorant. I never intended, or wanted, to come to Japan, but I was just sort of told to go. At first it was awkward, as nobody spoke English, but I've been learning enough Nihongo to survive. I joined this site primarily to meet new friends. I'm not a typical guy, completely enamored by Japanese-everything ("Wapanese"), so I'm looking for new friends in anyone. My goal is to make sure the time I spend is Japan is memorable, educational, and helps to broaden my horizons. Hopefully this is the place to start.

Thanks,
Jim

Welcome new person! I wish you a good stay at Jref!

A big hello to you, good sir gaiJIM - pleasure to see you here!

I'm also a relative newcomer at this site, but have already been touched by the friendly welcome i've received, and by the many nice people i' met and chatted to so far, I hope you'll have just as good of an experience

Also, thanks for the decent introduction you gave us all. It really helps to know a little bit about new members, where they're coming from and such. I've chatted to a few ex-servicemen from the US here (no ladies yet alas!) and some of them even served at that same base, though a few years ago. Still, it's interesting for me, and i'm sure doubly-so for you, and you could probably get some great tips from those guys

One thread I read recently was by Pachipro about his experiences when he first came to Japan, you really must check that one out. Really well-written - I spent an afternoon the other week reading his story...

Sorry, i'm wittering on, will stop right there for now.

All the best to you Jim, hope you find many friends here, both within Japan and without!

Found it! The first part of Pachipro's great writing is here:

Crash Course In Japanese Culture (Part 1)

Hello and welcome, new person. Welcome to the site and enjoy your stay at Jref.

Welcome enjoy!