My Japanese is getting better, but I still prefer to go out with Shizuka than by myself, cos obviously she is fluent. I haven't started learning how to read or write yet - I've just been concentrating on speaking and listening - but I really think I need to start studying the script! Most things are written in Japanese and I'm getting a bit tired of depending on Shizuka for everything. And I can't expect the Japanese to start writing things in English just for me.....

At least I can get English-language newspapers here.

Unlike our relationship with the doona, Shizuka and I don't fight over the paper in the morning cos Shizuka reads the Japanese paper and I read the English one!

Unfotunately most of the news in the English-language paper is about America, and I don't know anything about America, so I really will have to learn how to read Japanese cos I am sick to death of reading about US politics..............how dull....!

Shizuka and I went to karaoke the other day. What you do is hire a sound-proof booth for an hour and belt out your favourite toons to your heart's content! It was really cool. Shizuka sang some Japanese pop songs (terribly if you ask me, but don't tell her I said that), and I crooned away to Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and I'm ashamed to admit, a bit of Shania Twain.Next time I might go by myself so I don't have to endure Shizuka's wailing. Ooh, better log off quick, I can hear her little pug footsteps.......