Lately, I've been feeling more and more 'homesick'. Sort of. Homesick for America, even though I consider Japan my home now, and have for a long time. I suppose that every expat goes through this, and I've been through it before, but lately I have a strong yearning for the way of life in America, as opposed to the way of life here. I suppose that a lot of it is being tired- Tired of struggling for understanding of language and actions, tired of the lack of familiar and beloved foods, tired of the lack of diversity of races, tired of everyone being so much smaller and petite and cute which I would give quite a bit to be, tired of not knowing how to get the things that I take for granted in America. The kinds of things that you learn as you grow up-- like where are the swimming pools and libraries are hiding, and where to go to look for this or that. It's been 2 1/2 years and I'm still learning this huge city. But, though I am craving things that America has, I couldn't bear to leave Japan forever. I was serious when I decided to make it my home after my first year here was up. It's not the things that I can get here, the people, or the society. No.. honestly? It's my job. I want to work here in the manga industry. And while America has one of their own, which occasionally turns up real gems, it's not the same. It's not the same challenge, either, as trying to publish in a largely homegenous culture where I'm an outside, in a foreign language, for an audience that does not share my background. But I love the challenge. I have so many dear friends in America, whom I think about often lately. But I have a lot of dear friends here as well, whom are a large part of my life also. People whom are important to me and I love, so that is something that I have in both places. In Japan there are things that I can't get in America easily, and in America there are things that I can't get easily from Japan, so they're pretty much matched. I stand out a lot in Japan, which I alternately like and dislike, which isn't as much of a problem in America. But I want to stay here. I love it here. I've had to adjust my life a LOT, but I'm still not done. I think that the things that I dislike about Japan will eventually be fixed, just as the things in America are starting (they both have the same issues for me, mostly). And eventually, hopefully, the feelings of homesickness just won't come anymore.
Last Thursday, I bought this doujinshi, just because it had the BEST back cover ever. Come on. I mean.. <3 And it's HitsuGin, which I am a big fan of. Unfortunately, it's not as good as the outside cover makes it look, but it's good enough. ^^ I also bought this, because of the picture. If could have been anything, and I would have succumbed to the temptation, but bath perfumes are good. ^^;;
By the way, last week's Bleach episode = LOVE. Finally, FINALLY, the best part of the manga was animated!! And of course I'm talking about this scene. MatsuHime for the win. <3<3<3<3<3 I love the mangaka, by the way. Kubo-sensei is my biggest hero for obviously shipping the same pair that I have slashed since Matsumoto first sloshed her way drunkenly into the scene. ^-^ Back then, some people would tell me that I was crazy since Matsumoto and Orihime had never even spoken to each other. But I know destiny when I see it. ^.~ MatsuHime luv! ^o^ Have I ever said how much I love Orihime? She only gets more awesome from here on in! *cheers*
PSS: I almost forgot. I hated, HATED the Honey and Clover anime and the manga. Actually, I really liked the idea/setup. When the anime first started airing, I was living in a place that was very similar to the boarding house in the anime. Same setup basically. But Hagu. Ech. I usually like the cute, annoying girls, but Hagu's annoying childish stupid ways were just too much. I felt like she was a disgrace to womankind. But I watched the live-action movie on a whim the other day. And I LOVED it. I think it's easily one of the best movies that I've seen come out of Japan in a while! Certainly one of the best manga adaptations!! I completely fell in love with Hagu, and as an artist myself I really identified with the cast and situations. It was amazing. It's really strange what a good actress can do, or rather, what an annoying animated character can do for what is otherwise a really great story. ^^; I want to get the DVD.
PPSS: Did you hear about the doujinshi artist who got in trouble for not filing her taxes? Why? Oh, because she made 200 million yen (that's roughly 2 million dollars!!) in three years. From making Prince of Tennis doujinshi. WHOA. I mean.. just.. I.. my mind boggles.. WOW. Lucrative much? Wow! I used the bold tag a lot today.. I think it's because I'm tired, and I have a really busy day tomorrow. And I'm going to watch Blood and Chocolate before bed. Maybe..
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