Recording summary · May 2018
Things I Miss About England
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Overview
Daniel has resided in Japan for nearly eight months following his relocation from England; although he intends to stay with his wife, he encounters language barriers and longs for aspects of life in England.
Living in Japan highlights contrasts with England, including the absence of British wholegrain sandwiches and meat pies, the harsh presence of crows over English rural birdlife, and colder retail customer interactions alongside poor treatment of shop workers.
Language difficulties cause Daniel to depend on his wife for administrative issues and emergencies, while physical separation from his parents, sister, and cats brings emotional distress.
Themes
Language barriers and Daniel's reliance on his wife for managing emergencies and administrative duties.
Dietary differences between England and Japan, specifically involving sandwiches and savory meat pies.
Environmental differences between English rural wildlife sounds and the behavior of crows in Japan.
Contrasting customer behavior and retail employee treatment across England and Japan.
Daniel's family, pets, and memories of domestic life and past neighbor relations in England.
Developments
Daniel moved to Japan in September of the previous year.
Daniel worked at an English petrol station for nine months and subsequently at a Tokyo convenience store for four months.
A ceiling water leak occurred in Daniel's apartment, prompting his wife to take time off work to reach the apartment manager and fire department.
Jackie gifted Daniel a swing set for his birthday, after which Daniel's mother had a falling out with Jackie.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether Daniel's ailing cat Toffee will survive past the current year.
The reason people in Japan do not eat savory pies.