I was pleased to see Mariko Kato's interview with Thomas Dillon in the July 14 Who's Who article, "Wit, humor help longtime columnist come to grips with life in Japan." Having always enjoyed Dillon's gentle style of wit in his regular column, it was interesting to read more about him.
Dillon's take on life as a foreigner in this country is something that others would do well to take note of. While voicing his opinion about Japanese society, he neither waxes lyrical about what a paradise it is nor rants unduly about issues beyond his power to change. And he serves it all up with a healthy dose of self-depreciating humor.
I have lived in Japan since I was 20 years old and am now raising three school-aged children with my Japanese partner. For better or worse, we are here for the long haul and any vague plans about "going home one day" have not materialized. It is reassuring to read about how another long-termer like Dillon has built a satisfying life here.