When I began writing this column, I thought it would be a one-year gig. My editors thought so too. But things went well, and for nearly four years now I've reported in this space about my children's experiences in Japanese school.

I've penned more than 60 columns on topics ranging from grading to gargling. And now December has come around again. The end of the year. The natural time for wrapping things up. And so, with mixed emotions, I wrap up this column today. It's been wonderful writing for you, but I'd like to do something new.

Over the years, readers have posed various questions: How long will you keep your children in Japanese school? What do you like about the Japanese education system? Has the experience been good for your children? I'd like to answer some of those questions in this final column.