Tokyo Tom Interview

Today I would like to introduce you to a fellow Japan blogger, Thomas of tokyo-tom.blogspot.com

1 Tell jDonuts readers a little bit about yourself.

I came to Japan 5 years ago. After being graduating and working in an ad agency for 2 years, my best friend from high school told me that I should get over here. I had studied in Osaka for a time during college and had always wanted to come back. When I first came to Japan I worked in a "big three" eikaiwa, moved on to computer programming, and now I'm working in an international school and studying for my masters in elementary education.


2 Why did you start blogging about Japan?

Blogging is a way for me to keep a journal. When I first came here I had the idea of keeping my friends informed of what I was doing through a blog since form emails clog up inboxes and require people to read them right away. Whereas a blog is something people can read when they have time. My current blog, Hello Mother, Hello Father was made for my parents.

3 Why have you continued blogging about Japan?

Blogging has gotten me interested in graphic arts and photography. Besides, my parents like reading about what I am doing.

4 What Anime character are you most like and why?

I'm not into anime so it took me a while to think of an answer to this one, but I'll choose Nana. It's always been a fantasy of mine to be a rock star. I'm not a Japanese girl, but I've always wanted to be a rock star.

5 If you only had one day in Japan and ￥10,000 what would you do and why?

I'd go and hang out in Ueno. There is so much to do in that area and it's cheap. I would go to a museum after looking around Ueno Park, go to Ueno Ichiba--my favorite izakaya there, hang out in Ameyoko, and walk around Yakata. I'd probably keep the izakaya for last since 10,000 yen goes fast there.

6 What are two of your favorite posts (on your own blog) and why?

How to Eat Sushi
I posted one of the funniest videos I have ever seen here. (this is also my favorite. C.)

and

Around Sendai
This post has some interesting pictures of the new city I live in, and has a great comment from my mom.

7 What are two of your favorite posts (on other Japan blogs) and why?

Only 2? (Yes, only two. C.)

Disgusting Attitudes Towards Japanese People
This post and especially comments were interesting to me because it shows some truth, many stereotypes, and a whole lot of misconceptions all in one.

and

Harrased by Old Man on Train
This kind of thing has happened to me as well. For a long time I had thought it was just me.


8 Go crazy after this, say anything you like! (but please keep child safe)
I recently started a widget called "Blogs on Japan" to give more exposure to these kinds of blogs. It displays a random 125x125 banner. There is no point system like some other banner exchanges--it's completely random.

If you have a blog about Japan and would like to be added, please contact me at tokyotom [at] tokyo.com with a like to your site so I can review and add it.


9 Who would you like to see interviewed next? (Max 3)
Mike @ www.japanisdoomed.com
Tobias @ www.observingjapan.com
Lulu @ www.cherryblossomadventures.com

And there you have it, my 2nd Japan Blogger interview with Thomas of tokyo-tom.blogspot.com