Gary J. Wolff
(in Tokyo, Japan)

Vinny 1

My intent is to continue in the same vein as before, sharing my uniquely American perspective of Japan's absolutely fascinating and exciting culture in a way that I hope others might find humorous or even insightful, including seasonal photographic and video updates of Japan's stunningly beautiful scenery.

Why Japan?

As a resident in Tokyo now for a remarkable quarter-century, I'm often asked by my stateside family and friends, "Gary, when are you moving back home?" Or "Why do you like Japan so much?"

My answer to the latter is easy, and for several reasons. 

Here's my Top Ten List on why I like living in Japan:

1) The friendly Japanese people (who always laugh at my old man's gag jokes)

2) The beautiful Japanese mountains (70% of the country). Over the past 27 years I've had the pleasure of scaling all of the nation's 29 highest peaks and in 2012 published a book entitled The View from the Top of Japan chronicling my many mountain climbing expeditions to Japan's spectacular alpine country. And after Mt. Fuji was named a World Heritage Site in 2013, I wrote my 2nd mountain climbing book, Climbing Mt. Fuji: Tips, Q&A, and Climber Stories.

And I'd be remiss not to mention the absolutely stunning cherry blossoms and brilliant fall colors, neither of which we have much of in my home state of Texas.

3) A clean, safe, and efficient transport network 2nd to none (thus, no need to own a car). As a former professional traffic engineer, I never cease to be amazed and totally impressed with Tokyo's punctual train and subway system, safely transporting millions and millions of commuters across the metroplex every single day.

4) Excellent Japanese food. Ever heard of "negima yakitori" (grilled chicken & onion kebobs)? It's my favorite, and always reminds me of Dad's Texas BBQ, for which he was quite famous.

5) National health insurance. It doesn't come cheap, and Obamacare it is NOT, and the service is sometimes frustratingly slow and inadequate, but it is definitely nice to have, especially after you've crossed the half-century landmark.

6) Relatively speaking, a very safe and honest country (almost zero guns). I can't count the number of times I've lost/left briefcases, shopping bags, coats, a wallet (even w/ cash & credit cards), and even a newly purchased business suit on the trains, and they've ALL been turned in to lost-and-found offices.

7) Over 2000 onsen (hot springs), YAY!

8) Many people speak at least a little English (well, in the big cities, anyways). There's English TV, radio, movies, newspapers, signs, train station announcements, etc. All students study English 3 years in junior high and 3 years in high school (and most students well into their college years), and recently started studying it in elementary school as well.

9) The karaoke culture (I LOVE singing.)

This wild man needs a WHOLE lot more practice!!
(If the video player above is not visible, you can view the video here.)

10) A convenient launching pad for visiting other exotic Pacific island travel destinations in Asia like Cebu, Philippines, Koh Samui, Thailand, Palau, Guam, Saipan, Langkawi, Malaysia, Phuket, Thailand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Boracay, Philippines, Ao Nang, Thailand, and Pattaya, Thailand.

Please come back again soon as you find time to see what's new (my blog page) and to check up on how the site's coming along in the weeks and months ahead.

Take care and thanks again for visiting,
Gary J. Wolff

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