Life of an exchange student at a Japanese university
The very first day in Japan at my host family's home

By Nora Roberts 

I can't believe this is only my second day; it feels as though I have been here for weeks (although I don't REALLY know how to get anywhere yet!!). Catching the train will be an adventure. There are about a thousand umbrellas in this house, thank God, because it always seems to be raining. The house itself is around 80 years old, and the room I am staying in is large with beautiful and warm blankets on the bed. I have a million drawers and a closet to keep my many clothes in. There is a desk to work on, paper doors, and two mirrors. I am able to use my host sister's bike to get around. She is leaving for the Gold Coast on the same day that I start classes (the 10th of April). I have written about 20 pages in my diary. So much has happened! Yesterday we took Cookie (the gorgeous doggy) for a half hour walk past the castle, library, art gallery and through the streets of our neighborhood. There is a playground area just across the road from my house. The family seems very well off, there is an absolutely breathtaking shrine to the Girl's Day (3rd March) in the genkan (entrance). And yes, I do have to take my shoes off before I come inside. I want to help around the house, but I think I should gradually move from "guest" status to "boarder/family member" first. This make take a few days. The host mother evidently takes care of the house and everyone in it, including her mother- and father- in law. She makes breakfast and dinner, and washes clothes every day. I have been invited to leave my clothes to be washed, but I think at this stage I would be more comfortable doing my washing once a week as I do at home. I haven't yet met my host father but I've noticed that his shoes are the same size as mine. My spoken Japanese is improving at an 100% per day rate. I am happy to report that I have been picking up Kansai dialect as well. I have been using predominantly Japanese, though when we visited the Adelaide family (The Gibsons) this morning, the whole conversation was in English. We ate small snacks made from sweet potato sake and drank green tea. I can tell that I will miss Chikako (my host sister, who is 22) terribly when she goes. She will work as a tour guide for Japanese tourists on the Gold Coast. Her boyfriend (Australian named Mike) lives in Brisbane. It makes sense that her mother would want someone to fill the gap while her children are both overseas. Her son has been in America for a year, and will remain for a further three years to finish his degree. Having regular access to the computer means I can send lots of photos, as well as work on my university assignments and articles. Related articles:  Settling down in Japan     Orientation day at Japanese school