They say that languages bring people closer together and bridge distances. So, too, does the Internet. A Krakow-born Pole, Karina Jancewicz-Ota, 34, met her future husband via the Internet when she was studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Polish city.

While searching for information on Japanese art and seeking a pen pal to talk about haiku, she became acquainted with Masaki Ota, 33, who was living in Osaka. He was majoring in English at a university in Tokyo.

Their long-distance relationship continued, and after receiving her diploma, Karina left Poland and came to Japan, where she eventually settled down and married Masaki. Together with their 4-year-old son, Emil, they now live in Adachi Ward.