I am going to be teaching in an English pre-school in the Japanese city of Shizuoka. The excitement hasn't exactly hit me yet as I don't leave for another 5 days (but initially I was leaving tomorrow, don't ask).
Here's all the answers to your questions...

Shikuoka which is in the centre of Japan on the coast which is a 5 hour train ride from Tokyo. Temperature is very like Adelaide's except it rains more, no snow. It's known for it's green tea production, responsible for half of that coming from Japan. Population is approximately 700,000.
Why Japan?
Why not? Japan has always interested me but was never the number one on my 'must do' list. Two of my co-workers, the lovely H. and R., have taught in Japan through the schools I am teaching for so there's a certain level of comfort. I am getting lots of advice and H is already hooking me up (via Facebook) with some of her friends still in Shizuoka. I wouldn't be brave enough had H not continued to tell me stories about her time at the school and in Japan.
Why I am going?
Well two months ago I was a 28 year old with no passport. Question answered. The last two years have stressful professionally and had begun to take it's toll on my health and sanity. After surgery this month, I figure why not? I want to see the world.
Teaching
I will be teaching a class of fifteen five year olds. They will be getting taught the fantastic tradition of ABCs and mathematics in English. I am unbelievably excited as I have been teaching upper primary/lower secondary (10-13 year olds) for the past few years and I look forward to teaching little ones like in my first year teaching.
How long?
I leave January 11th and will be there for the year. If I like it, I may stay longer.
What about your blogging?

I have started a blog for all my Japanese adventures and there aren't any topic boundaries on that one. I will be posting my preparation for Japan, my trips, teaching ideas (and failures), cultural revelations and everything in between. Follow me if you will :)
A big hearty thank you to all those that have expressed well wishes for my new adventure. Never fear, I don't plan to be abandoning YOU or Twitter any time soon.
9 comments:
I am so excited for you and will be sure to live vicariously through you! I hope it goes well and that you have FUN!
This sounds really exiting,I hope you'll have a wonderful year in Japan!
Wow that is so awesome! Japan is such a fascinating country. Best of luck with the move!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO awesome! I will also be moving to Japan, but not until April. I'll be in Okizawa.
I personally have my kindle ready so I can easily buy ebooks while I am there.
I'll be psychedly following your Japanese travels!!!!
As I've already said, best of luck and I hope you have a fantastic year there!
I'm following your Japan blog :)
That is too cool that you're going to Japan!! Teaching ESL there is one of my dreams and I hope to do it after I graduate from university. I will most definitely follow you Japan blog to see what it's like. Best of you luck to you! :)
I love Japan! Tokyo is my favorite city! Enjoy!
I've always wanted to visit Japan. I'm sure you will have a blast!
Wow, what an exciting new venture!
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