I’ve postponed writing this post because it would force me to deal with the crushing reality of actually leaving the country. I’ve begrudgingly been back in America for almost 6 months now and I guess its finally time for reflection.

For most of my blog, I tried to remain as objective as possible (don’t think that really worked). I wanted to be merely a reporter of the experiences of the Asiatic Black Man. I never wanted to make things too personal or delve too deeply into my own feelings, opinions, and thoughts. Things done changed (c) the Notorious.

First, I would like to acknowledge everyone who made my time in Japan the adventure that it was. To all of my friends, thank you.

Second, I would like to address growth and change. Throwing yourself into a foreign country is a difficult task for anyone. You learn things about yourself that you never noticed and change in ways you can’t imagine. Some people play cultural chameleon and completely lose themselves in the mental commotion of a new land. They toss all preconceived notions, nurtured behaviors, and learned cautions to the wayside and treat wherever they are as a temporary playground of zero-consequences. This is a game I played for a while.

Then there are people who find themselves while abroad. People whose new perspectives allowed them to view their lives with a more critical eye. People who were able to develop new goals, acknowledge the things and people they truly value, and, overall, change the way they interact with the world for the better. I was honored to interact with friends who were able to do just that. 

Put simply, whether you desire an adventure, recognition, or fulfillment, it is impossible to tell how your world will change when you decide to live in another country, even if its only for a few months. 

Third, I would like to address the bright future. 

Having just graduated with a degree in English and a fistful of dreams, the possibilities are quite limited. My best bet is to apply for graduate school and get a Master’s degree in composition and potentially live the life of a professional academic. While this is, in general, a plan I would like to stick to, I’m not too keen on jumping right back into academic life. This fall I will be applying to the JET Programme and a variety of other English Schools in hopes of returning to Japan to teach English. Hopefully I will be able to get a position in northern Japan so I can spend my spare time volunteering with the relief effort. 

As far as this blog goes, the future is less certain. I am no longer a black guy in Tokyo, nor will I be one when I return to Japan. Furthermore, posts since my return to the US have been much less than frequent (this is one of the first in 5 months). That being said… meh. Thanks for reading.