Traveling anywhere for 9 months is exciting. But Japan,it carries a mystique with it. I think people can feel it too, the combination of traditionalism and emphasis on history while embracing obscurity and modernism. It’s the possibility that you could see something you have never seen in your life and it could be any combination of beautiful, weird, functional, and culturally relevant.
Japan shut it’s borders to any foreign diplomacy between about 1603 and 1868 (aside from a small artificial island for Dutch traders). This means Japan and it’s society were isolated from any European or any other influence for 265 years. During that time revolutions in America, France, Canada, Mexico, China, and India came and went. Japan during this time experienced a period of relative stability and cultural diversity directed by strict social guidelines. So, in a simplified view, not only did the Japanese isolationism protect their culture, it sculpted it. Perhaps this is the origin of the Japanese Mystique .
If I had lived in another time it would not have even been possible to set foot on Japanese land, the ability to be welcomed now is a humbling thought.
Delaware to Japan:
Driving Through 10 States: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan
Total Driving: 1,400 Miles
3 Flights:
Florida to Chicago: 1,331 Miles
Chicago to Los Angeles: 2,014 Miles
Los Angeles to Tokyo: 5,471 Miles
Total: 10,216 Miles
The circumference of the Earth is some 25,000 miles around so making this trip 2.5 times would take me around the world.
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So there we are, I received a nice smile and a pleasant “I hope you enjoy Japan” from my Japanese ticket agent. And I think I will, I think I will.
We’re going places
These would later be taken at the airport due to a packing error on my part. No PEANUT BUTTER!
I look a little scared, tired, and overwhelmed
Will not fit in my wallet!
Jon In Japan 
Jon….I will be following your adventure! You are so creative with your BLOG it is excellent tom d
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY and you’re only into Day 1. Directionally challenged – not so!! Great job and congratulations!! So proud of you Jon-san – sayonara!
Do you remember some years ago I said to you, “I have absolutely no doubts about your achievements in life.” I was right then and am right now. It’s in your genes baby! Love the video of Lady Gaga. 🙂
Couldn’t do it without the Pizzi blood. She is the “lady gaga of Japan apparently. Her face is on many many billboards
Will be following you on your fabulous blog. Stay well and safe. Love you. Auntie D-
Holy smokes. Just enjoyed the tour of your apartment. Your final photo really shows the gravity of how little a space you are living in. You can’t even get away from yourself! Certainly a lot of functionality is going on in that little space. I would probably get wedged in between the doorway of that shower, never to return. And I’d starve, chop sticks and all.