Hi Earth T, Thank you for your thoughts. I see I have pricked a nerve from the tone of your response. My response previous, and now, does not carry such vehemence. I treat the author with respect as his article deserves.

Did 'she' give it a go? I don't know her, do you? My response pointed out that many who try to take on life in Japan or in any country/society want it to be in the image they create and blame it when it does not transpire as such. (An example is the mental stress many Japanese travelers experience when they arrive in Paris and find it to be not the romanticized version they hold in their minds.)

At no point do I use the term 'language'. Accepting and working within a culture/society is more than merely about language skills. The author's Japanese skills are beyond mine, I see that in his article.

The author did not judge her, therefore my kudos to him as stated twice in my response.

Expensive? Yes in some ways it is, but rents in other cities far exceed Tokyo. In the past fifteen years I have lived in Vancouver, Calgary, Copenhagen, London, NY, Barcelona all with higher rental averages. Commodities to income purchasing power? Try using the kroner to buy a schnegal (sp) pastry in Denmark - five times more than a taiyaki pastry in Japan. A coffee in Vancouver three times that of Japan even in a kissaten.

Sexist, yes granted Japan is that, but it is not alone. The affliction of gender inequality is being addressed globally; ie VP Harris, PMs in New Zealand and Finland, however the highly competent female Mayor of Tokyo oversees more souls than NZ and Finland combined. Old guard sexist comments routinely see politicians booted out of office (recent Olympic officials) Admittance and expression of shame rather than guilt is still a particular culture aspect in Japan.

As my response states it is not about comparing what one is accustomed to at 'home' and insisting it be changed to be like 'home. It is after all, 'Their country -their way.'

The younger generations of Japan are changing rapidly, opening to other cultures and ideals faster than the old guard who are mired in their ways, their traditions, their speed.

As I say, ' It is about. acceptance and appreciation not criticism and dismissal.'

Condescension. I wrote my response to enlighten from my experience of living in Japan and around the world. I respected the author's words and will reiterate it is an interesting article. I apologize if while reading my response in your voice the veins began to explode. That is/was not my intention.

To paraphrase. I am merely the finger pointing at the moon, not the palm swatting it into suppression. Thanks for your time, dialogue is everything. K