My name is Simon. I was born in Wales, UK. When I was 18, I emigrated to Australia with my family. In Australia I studied Physics at university. I first became interested in Japan when I started teaching English at a Japanese church in Melbourne while I was looking for a job. During that time I made lots of Japanese friends. After doing that for 6 months I went to Japan and did a working holiday for 18 months.

While in Japan I taught part-time at Nova. I also gave English lessons at an OMF church. I lived in Saitama-ken near Urawa. For 10 months of my stay I did homestay with a Japanese family. I enjoyed my time in Japan very much and didn't want to leave when my visa expired.

When I returned to Australia I worked in Sydney with Macquarie University doing research into lasers for three and half years. After that I returned to Japan and spent a year at Chiba University doing laser research.

I'm currently working for a company in Shinjuku checking the English of scientific papers. When I'm not working, I enjoy going bushwalking, playing the violin, studying Japanese and taking photos.

Things I like about Japan:

• Going to karaoke.

• Eating Japanese food, especially sushi and sashimi.

• Going to cherry blossom parties.

• Having a Japanese style bath and going to onsens.

• Heated toilet seats!

Things I'm not so keen about in Japan:

• Crowded trains

• Eating natto!
  
   

 Last modified: 14th January 2004