In Sunday's column, I told readers why I will be leaving Japan while, appropriately, explaining what is required for foreigners to get married in Japan, which is what we did. I also said I would explain what would replace this column. Actually, I can't do that. It is up to you. I know there are a lot of talented writers among our readers and here is a chance to propose a column to replace this one. You must be able to show how you can continue it over a long period of time. I would suggest a question and answer format; it is helpful to have feedback from your readers. It should include information on what is happening in Japan and new services/opportunities. Write two or three to show your way of writing and the topics you could cover. Decide on a length and stay with it. Mine run close to 3,558 characters without spaces.

When I started, it was very difficult to find products, foods, clothes or just about anything that was like what people had become accustomed to back home. This was not especially interesting to me, nor I presume to my readers, until I started exploring the history and culture that surrounded the differences, and I have enjoyed my work tremendously ever since. There had been a Q&A column running in the Japan Times for several years. A few days after I arrived in Japan, it was announced that the writer was leaving. Someone else had already been hired, but when she left, I had a phone call from the paper -- by then I knew several of the people who worked there -- and my first column appeared three days later. I only missed one deadline in the next 36 years. I was overseas and the mail was delayed. Now our communications are electronic. Some days I never leave my desk. You should realize that writing is a demanding responsibility that always comes first. That's how it is.

In my first column, I asked for questions, comments and discoveries that could ease, lighten or entertain all the gaijin or Nihonjin who are at home, more or less, in always busy, often baffling Japan. I noted that I had been reading the column since I came and now that it was mine, I couldn't be happier. That has never changed.

Don't send your material to me. I will be away until early July when we will return for the inevitable sorting and packing. I hope to keep writing until our departure in mid-July. I could almost wish that I were just starting. The years ahead are sure to be as exciting as any we have known before. My best wishes go to whoever claims the next byline. These have been wonderful years and it would be all but impossible to leave if I didn't have such a bright new future to look forward to.

Send your application to Yoshikazu Ishizuka, Managing Editor, The Japan Times, 4-5-4 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023. Keep a copy because the material will not be returned. And as I sit here wondering how to fill the rest of this column, I go back to the first one I quoted above and I know it proved to be true. I have never been happier than during these years of Getting Things Done, and I would wish the same for whoever comes next.

Here is some information for readers in Okayama Prefecture. A new program for foreigners has recently been established and all are invited to join. It will be disseminated through e-mail. Each month subscribers will be sent information about various events taking place in the prefecture as well as outstanding sightseeing spots. You in turn will be asked to send in your impressions and views of the prefecture. If you would like to be put on the list, create a form showing your name, gender, nationality, address, preferred language (Japanese, English, Chinese or Korean) and your e-mail address. You do not need to live in Okayama Prefecture to be a subscriber. Address your form to International Affairs Division, Okayama Prefectural Government, 2-4-6 Uchisange, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, or send by e-mail to [email protected]

If you have questions, phone (086) 226-7283 or fax (086) 223-3615. The city of Okayama has Koraku-en, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and an impressive black-walled castle. Nearby is Bizen with its museums and kilns, and pottery in earthy browns that are the essence of unadorned perfection. Nearby you can sometimes watch swords being forged. There is the Inland Sea and well-preserved Kurashiki. If you aren't lucky enough to live there, plan a visit.