Japan is an island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula.

It has a variable climate that varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north. It's natural features include many dormant and some active volcanoes, as well as tsunamis and typhoons infrequently.

The capitol of Japan is Tokyo and the current system of government is a Constitutional Monarchy under the reign of Emperor Akihito with a parliamentary government.

Links to Learn About Japan
Web Japan Japanese Information Gateway
	JapaneseOnline.com Come and learn about the Japanese language.
About.com: Japanese Recipes Recipes and instructions for cooking Japanese cuisine.
	Japanese Myths and Folklore My favorite myths and legends from Japan
Japanese Holidays A brief introduction to holidays celebrated in Japan
	Japanese Cuisine An introduction to types of Japanese cuisine.
Japanese Animation An introduction to my favorite relaxing activity, watching various anime.

 

I had the opportunity to visit Japan in summer of 2003 on business while working for Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Inc. The Japanese culture and language have been of interest to me since childhood. So many things about this culture are beautiful and so deserving of respect.
	I am an avid anime fan, which is the source of much amusement for my former work associates from my time at Kyowa. I also very much enjoy Japanese cuisine, not just the American versions of it, but every authentic culinary experience I had the pleasure of experiencing in Japan. I studied Japanese for three semesters in college, and find myself taking any opportunity I can to pracitice in a losing battle to retain what I'd learned. I do my best.
Here are the children of a former coworker during their 7-5-3 ceremony, dressed in traditional Japanese kimono.
These children are preparing for a matsuri, a festival.

 

During my business trip to Japan, my coworkers at the time were very conscientious about showing us the sights around Tokyo. It was an incredible trip in which I learned many things, not only about Japan but also about business and professionality.

Below was a business reception. After serious affairs were addressed, there was time to relax and socialize with coworkers and Japanese counterparts, as well as counterparts from the UK office.

In the evenings after a hard and long days work, we were shown that working hard should be rewarded with playing hard. Our Japanese coworkers always took the time to take us out for dinner and show us the fun aspects of Tokyo, such as karaoke and lovely restaurants.

Over the weekend, our Japanese coworkers took out private time to take us sight seeing around the Hakone area. We experienced soba noodles and black eggs, the peaceful shrine and the interesting volcanic area, as well as the elegant Venetian Glass museum and historic Checkpoint area.

Hope to visit Japan again someday soon and revisit the many friends I made while there, and also while working for Kyowa.