good luck [ e ]

Gregg, you don't know me, but I've been reading your blog for the past 4 years, maybe 5. I'm fascinated by all things Japanese, but I live in Los Angeles. Your writings give me a chance to keep in touch with what's going on there between the few times that I managed to make a trip over there. I also would like to thank you for letting strangers like me to have a peek in some facets of your personal life.

I hope you will keep writing after you move back to the States, although the selfish part of me is sad that you won't be talking about Japan anymore, I wish you the best of luck in your next steps in life!

Cheers,
RC

posted by rcJanuary 2, 2007 at 0:40

[ e ]

Sounds like you really loved Toyko/Japan. I loved London/UK as much and found it hard to leave - but financially I was negative and physically dead from the nightlife + commuting. Good decision in the end. And yes, you should start your own company with all your experience.

posted by NelsonJanuary 2, 2007 at 2:58

Gonna miss the J-related posts [ e ]

I've been reading the blog since 2002ish and I loved every post related to Japan. Having spent a decade overseas, myself, I know a little of what you're talking about when it comes to opportunities.

It's a double-edged sword. You're damned if you do and might be damned if you don't seize the day.

Sadly, I will (selfishly) miss your musings about Japan from "the inside."

Nevertheless, you accomplished A LOT, personally, from your time there. If you don't feel that way - you will. Just be careful when the pangs to return to Japan slowly work their way back once the luster of the United Snakes (where I returned to) wears off. It's a depressing experience.

Good luck.

posted by SadaboutthisJanuary 2, 2007 at 3:29

[ e ]

I've been a reader for some time.  Nothing like loving what you do in an atmosphere that loves you back!

I really enjoy this blog and hope that you'll continue and maybe document your readjustment to the states.

posted by labratJanuary 2, 2007 at 5:45

[ e ]

been reading your blog for at least three years.  I´m gonna miss the japan-side posts, but I´m sure the dev-style posts will keep me entertained.

It´s strange, I always thought you would stay in japan "forever".  After all the effort, learning japanese and so on... it must have been a tough one.  It felt strange reading your post.

I´ve learned a lot by reading your blog.  I´m a game dev too, and have considered moving to japan a few times.  I don´t know if I´ll ever take the step, but if it happens, at least I will have great insight into what living in japan means.  Thanks to you!

So, thank you again, and good luck on your new venture.

posted by pupuJanuary 2, 2007 at 9:28

Sad... [ e ]

I'm really sad you are leaving.  I was looking forward to living in Japan someday and I enjoyed your pointers.  I hope you find luck in the future in San Francisco.  Thanks for the pointers!

-skyclaw441

posted by skyclaw441January 2, 2007 at 13:02

good luck [ e ]

Good luck man

maybe home is where the heart is

I ve been reading for about a year now I m such a dino I did not even know this  was a blog but stumbled across the blog when checking out some hotel info

You ll meet a nice Japanese girl between now and the time you leave I m betting on it

domo arigato gozaimashita!

posted by 42ongoJanuary 2, 2007 at 17:11

[ e ]

Wow, never expected to see that you would be coming back to the States.  Although I remember you talking about how you were having rough times every now and then a while back.  Hope everything works out for you back in the US, I will definitely miss reading about Japan from your perspective.  Good LUCK!

posted by sammyjojoJanuary 2, 2007 at 21:13

good luck [ e ]

moving on is a good thing! think of it as a new adventure in life. and about girls, you'll meet the one when you least expect it... just keep those receptacles open. good luck!

posted by moomooJanuary 3, 2007 at 12:38

Good Luck in the USA [ e ]

Just as some of the other commenters, do I also read your blog for several years already. Living as a gaijin in Tokyo, I could understand many of your entries very well. I am not a game developer nor working in the software industry, so your comments about that were revealing to me. I wish you all the best in the USA.

posted by JJanuary 3, 2007 at 22:21

Later Greggman! [ e ]

Hey Greggman! Good luck back in the states. Sorry it happened so suddenly! I might not get to see you before you're gone! Keep in touch, and if I'm ever randomly in SF we can catch up!

Nothing to feel bad about going though, you've left your mark here in a big way that most gaijin can't claim!

Later

- Harvey

posted by HarveyJanuary 4, 2007 at 16:25

Good luck in SF [ e ]

Hi Gregg,

We met in Tokyo in february 2005 while I came to visit Xenn Studios.

It was very nice to meet you and some of your friends in Nakameguro.

So you are now turning a big page in your life bikurishita!!!

I'm sure you will met a nihon gf in SF and you will travel back many times in Japan. Maybe you will met her in a language exchange meeting or any japanese cultural event (like I did in my hometown in Canada ;))

I wanted to move to Tokyo but I finally did not when I learned about the salaries for a 3D artist... even lower than game programmers. So i started learning finance by myself and maybe one day I'll get there! but I will never stop travelling to Japan hopefully every year. I'm coming in next march.

Good luck in your next life!

posted by StrobJanuary 5, 2007 at 13:34

[ e ]

Duuuuude, noooooo!!!! :^)

Who will show me all the cool hidden restaurants of Tokyo??? Man, this is really disappointing. You were one of my expat heroes. But realistically, you're coming back to the States (for gaming) at exactly the right time. The hills are filled with gold and the tech boom is back, so I expect to see you kick much arse in silicon valley. Congrats!

Still, I'll miss GMan's Tokyo... Damn gaijin! (inside joke) ;^)

posted by AdarioJanuary 5, 2007 at 16:08

I wish you the best, Greggman [ e ]

Dear Greggman -

    I've been a visitor to your site, off and on, for a little while.  Very informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking.  There are many, many people who appreciate the time and energy that you put into your site.  You're a bright, talented guy (somewhat shy and self-effacing) with a lot on the ball.  I sincerely wish you all the best.

    Regards,

    Fnu Lnu

posted by FnuLnuJanuary 5, 2007 at 16:13

[ e ]

Welcome back to the Bay Area. Well, I've read and enjoyed your blog for the last few years. Thanks for posting it, hope to see you continue it and/or the dev blog.

posted by LeoJanuary 5, 2007 at 18:28

Thanks [ e ]

Hi Gregg, thanks a lot for sharing with us your "japan experience" for all this time! You did what I often dreamed of doing, making games in japan! I really love making games and the japanese culture but I never had the courage to leave everything and move there, so I really appreciated your stories, they made me feel as I was there too. Wish you all the best, and thanks again!

posted by foxJanuary 6, 2007 at 9:47

尊重 [ e ]

グレッグさんの決意をわかります。まあ、僕があなたの立場だ
ったら同じ事をするでしょ。でも日本に来て良かったなという
感じが強くて良きかな？

それじゃ、次回までげんきでね。

posted by jamesJanuary 6, 2007 at 16:10

グレッグさん、あなたが日本を去るのがとても淋しいです [ e ]

グレッグさん、私はあなたのサイトのファンです。　私（日本
人）は、あなたのような才能にも恵まれずにアメリカに住んで
いますが、最近あなたと同じような気持ちで暮らしています。
　あなたのサイトを時々訪ねては、外国人のあなたがこんなに
も日本のことを理解してくれていると思い、私の心が癒されま
した。　そのあなたが、日本を去る決心をしたというニュース
を聞いて、とても淋しい気持ちでいっぱいです。　どうぞアメ
リカに帰っても、なんらかの形で日本と、つながりのあるサイ
トを継続してください。　長いあいだ、日本と外国の文化の橋
渡しをしてくれて、本当にありがとう。　私も’北国の春’に
ある歌詞、”あの～故郷に帰ろかな～、帰ろ～かな～”の心境
の今日この頃です。（でもこの年では、日本に帰れないだろう
なぁ～）　　グレッグさん、本当にありがとう、そしてあなた
のご多幸をお祈りしています。

posted by kaiJanuary 7, 2007 at 4:57

知らなかった！ [ e ]

そうなんだ〜...淋しくなるね。でも自分のためになるのな
ら仕方がないね。
帰る前に、ぜひ会いたいのでまたJun
の店にでも顔だしてね!
今は家で働いているので連絡して
ね〜

posted by yasukoJanuary 7, 2007 at 9:09

[ e ]

wrong decision greggman. stay stay stay. do not chicken out. there is still time. never give up.

posted by eddieJanuary 7, 2007 at 18:56

Gregg~!!! Sayonara to iwanaide !!!!!!!!! (*^*;) [ e ]

Gregg!!!!!  Minna ga anata o hitsuyou to shiteimasu !!!                   Anata ga Amerika ni kaette shimattara minna ga kanashiku narimasu・・・・・・。　Onegaidakara sayonara to iwanaide~~~~!!!!!!

posted by GreggsfanJanuary 7, 2007 at 21:12

[ e ]

Get an arranged married with some rich Japanese women :D

posted by PCPJanuary 7, 2007 at 22:15

I felt the same [ e ]

Hi greg,
I agree with you, that japanese company does not
pay enough to the developers for game. Japnese
company does not know the value of good programmer.
They just think any one can do it. But, recently this trend
is changing. If you really want to make money you should leave
game and try for other software jobs.

posted by rashomonJanuary 9, 2007 at 21:31

Sounds rough. Sorry to hear it. [ e ]

At first I was reading your "leaving Japan" article, and I thought you were justbeing a whiny b*tch.  That's because you seemed to be focusing on "no Japanese girlfriend" as a big reason for leaving.

But when I think about it, its actually easy to understand.  If you're in Japan, you gotta either have a Japanese girlfriend, or pretty much no girlfriend at all.

There've been thousands and thousands of songs written about a man's longing for a woman to be with.  All of them are sad songs.  I'm sorry you've been sitting there for several years, without the kind of love all people need.  If you can't find it there, then I guess S.F. might be the place.

I suppose you've tried various "Meet a foreigner" types of events (like various "Friends of the USA" or "Friends of Europe" clubs at various universities and in larger cities.  I mean, you gotta look where "white-guy-lovin' Japanese ladies" are gonna be, right?)

Keep tryin' man.  There's somebody good out there.  If not in Japan, then maybe in S.F.    ... heh, maybe in S.F., there's a sweet and kind Japanese girl, who is about to leave back to Tokyo soon, because she's feeling lovelorn, too.  You never know.  Could be a perfect match.

Keep on keepin' on, and don't give up on love!

 Jeff

BTW:  I dig your screensaver BIGTIME.  Took a few settings tweaks to get my dual display to play nice, but it rocks!

posted by mehJanuary 12, 2007 at 9:17

[ e ]

re the GF thing.  It's not too late, stop by Yasuko's place and see what happens.


I've been running into your web page so long I thought you were a Japan oldtimer.  6 years is of course pretty long but I had almost 6 years in myself before I left and I have friends who are measuring their time in decades now.

Anyway good luck to you.  I suppose if you're into game development S.F. is the place to be but you do realize, don't you, that you're going to one of the few places in the U.S. where housing costs much more than in Tokyo.

posted by MellieMelJanuary 12, 2007 at 20:35

[ e ]

I'm not saying I'm leaving Japan because I didn't meet a woman, rather there is no woman to give me some reason to stay. I met lots of women, just none that things worked out with.

Anyway, my main point is I loved my experience in Japan and about the only thing I wish I had done was have a Japanese girl friend because I know I would have learned far more than I did. I decided to leave though, so basically that's the past. I'm looking forward to the future

As for housing costs, yea, S.F. is expensive. I'm not sure it's more expensive compared to Tokyo for the size of the apartment I'll have but I suppose even though the apartments in Tokyo are much smaller the average rent paid is higher in S.F. Of course the salaries are also much higher, at least in games

posted by greggmanJanuary 13, 2007 at 9:49

Oh, I get it. [ e ]

I get it.  Just generally getting tired of the place, but a woman *could* possibly keep you there, if she was the right woman.  Yeah.  I can see that.

Either way, I hope ya find a woman in SF that's rock your socks off.

[I'm with you all the way!   Go Gregg go!!!]

And you are right about SF cost of living vs. earning power.  I'm looking into it myself.  If it weren't for the higher pay rate, the pricing would be riDONKulous!  But there's potential gold in them thar hills.  I guess I can find a nice little cell -er-um- apartment, if I bargain hunt.

posted by mehJanuary 13, 2007 at 13:20

good luck man [ e ]

I found your site while searching for some Japanese information and really enjoyed your journals and forums: Japan related or otherwise. 

Change is good and I wish you well with the new endeavor.  San Francisco is a nice city with good flights to Japan so you'll never be too far away.

I do have one bit of unsolicited advice: live near the Bart if you can.  The muni light rail and buses pale in comparison.  The J line is the best of the lot, the N is the worst.

posted by benJanuary 15, 2007 at 14:56

Hi and Bye [ e ]

I've been checking out your blog for a couple of years now and have found it really interesting - Thank-you for sharing.
Good Luck in S.F and I hope you will continue your observations of S.F life in your Blog.
Binc.

posted by bincJanuary 16, 2007 at 4:25

[ e ]

Hey Greg,

We met many years ago at the cafeteria on the 17th floor at you know where, alongside with James and a few others.

I understand well the feeling of leaving but also wanting to stay, and most of all, not having experienced as much as one could have...

I returned to UK after 1.5years over there, with my wife (non Japanese). I still look back and regret a bit having done so, but at the same time, I look back harder and see that it was a better decision than staying...

Don't forget you always have a chance of going back to Japan for Holidays (and who knows, business too).

posted by ReturnedtoLondonJanuary 16, 2007 at 11:52

[ e ]

returned to london, what made you think it was a better decision to leave than to stay ? am thinking about whether to move there ...

thanks !!!

posted by ddJanuary 16, 2007 at 16:23

Please try 'Japanese Omiai'（お見合い） before you leave Japan. [ e ]

Dear Gregg,

I know that you don't have much time in Japan now.  But I would like to recommend you to try 'Japanese Omiai' (お見合い） before you leave Japan. 

Omiai is a common way for someone who find future wife/husband in Japan.  First, you need to go to the stationer's shop to buy 'Rirekisho form'（履歴書）. Then, you need to fill in your profile on the 'Rirekisho form' such as your age, education, occupation, salary, hobby, etc. with your photo.  Socond, you need to ask your Japanese friends' parents that you are looking for your future wife (e.g. college grad, good cook, considerate woman, etc.). Then, you hand out them a Rirekisho form.

Some Japanese people like to be matchmaker.  They will ask their old friends, neighbors, relatives, collegues, etc. if someone knows a nice girl. For first date, you have to meet a woman with matchmaker who introduces each other for 30 minutes. Then, it will be your own date.

Generally, if she is not your type after third date, you need tell a matchmaker that umfortunately she is not your type and stop dating.  If you are intrested in her, you may propose to her after 3 months or 6 months.  Omiai is a rational way to find someone's future partner. Good luck Gregg !  I'm sorry, that my English is not good enough.

posted by anonymousjmanJanuary 17, 2007 at 5:45

Silly Boy [ e ]

Silly boy, don't you know that you could get a Japanese girlfriend out of a coin-op machine?  I've seen you make such a huge investment of energy in preparation for Japan but in the end, the video game business is such a mercenary job that it can be seen as a move to the next company.  I hope you become a Wii developer and make big bucks!

posted by gruboutJanuary 19, 2007 at 19:25

Good luck! [ e ]

I've been reading your blog for a long time now. As a game programmer myself it was really interesting reading about your experiences in Japan - especially since I'm "into" Japan myself.. So in a sense you were living my dream :)

I'm gonna miss your Japan entries but I'm sure you will have lots of interesting stuff to share from the states as well!

PS: I used some of my winter vacation to finish Loco Roco! Damn fine game! Almost every - if not all - level introduced some new cool stuff. You and your team should be really proud of this game! But I guess you already are! :)

Good luck! Go code some cool stuff!

posted by JonJanuary 25, 2007 at 15:02

Money... [ e ]

Well, nobody can argue with money...
Americans your age with a stellar "programming carreer" can look forward to (well they probably already did)buying a house, luxury car, lease a second "vacation house" and maybe your friends in they states did just that.

But! Never forget how much you enjoy life is the sum of what you experience every single day, not what you buy.
Probably your friends in the states never enjoyed "brain stimulation" as you did in Tokyo, (nor you will in SF) and OUTSIDE of work they are as apalled as it gets (and i would like to stress that "OUTSIDE").
That's the reason many Tokyo expats regret their decision of going back.
(generally around 2 years after returning).
Still, finding love would be the perfect cure in SF (nothing beats that) so good luck!

posted by DaxJanuary 31, 2007 at 3:02

So, you did it [ e ]

I am here for almost 9 years and I so many times have I considered leaving...
Now that I gave myself a time limit (year 2010), I just found a Japanese GF, who might be too much of a stop to leave.
But I hate it here and I'll leave soon, no matter what.

I think you made a right decision, Greggman, Good Luck!

posted by KalinFebruary 3, 2007 at 6:17

memories and vacations create smoke and mirrors [ e ]

People who have lived abroad for the first time (even for 10 years) always think that going back is a mandatory thing, that will solve everything.
They base this on memories and the time spent on vacation there every year.
What they discover after acouple of years from going back is that memories are no more and that vacation is vacation and living is another thing.
Reverse culture shock is a bad thing an most people never recover...

posted by DaxFebruary 5, 2007 at 3:53

Update your blog [ e ]

Updae your blog and let us know what it's like to be back in the bay area.  Go have some pho, and let me know if the food at the House of Nanking is still any good (it used to be the best).

posted by anonnananaFebruary 5, 2007 at 11:12

Back to USA [ e ]

I have visited your site for some years now - first when I too was living in Tokyo, but from time to time back here in North America as well.

Hope your re-adjustment goes well.

posted by ichienFebruary 18, 2007 at 1:06

gud luck [ e ]

wel  wish u great  luck in the future hopefully ul find nice japaneese gal some time chowwww

posted by johannaApril 12, 2007 at 7:42

[ e ]

heh, the parallels between you and me are pretty spooky. I worked a bit with Silicon & Synapse down in Costa Mesa, also near Baltimore MD for a summer gig. Lived in Tokyo for 7+ years . . . Mizunoguchi for a year, Takadanobaba for 2, worked in VR (company had a keiretsu thing first with Sega & then Sony for a while), relocated from Tokyo to the Bay Area, where I am now.

I miss Tokyo terribly, but we always forget the bad stuff and remember the good. Bay Area does kinda suck tho.

posted by anonymousTroyMay 5, 2007 at 2:13

Missing you・・・・・・・. [ e ]

もしも願いが叶うなら　吐息を白いバラに変えて　　逢えない
日には部屋じゅうに　　飾りましょう　あなたを想いながら　
　Darling, I want you 逢いたくて　　ときめく恋に　駆け出しそうなの　　迷子のよ
うに　立ちすくむ　私をすぐに　届けたくて　ダイヤル回して
　手をとめた　I'm just a woman  Fall in love

If my wishes can be true  Will you change my sighs  to roses, whiter roses  decorate them for you  Thinki' 'bout you every night  and find out where I am  I am not livin' in your heart    Darling, I need you  どうしても　口に出せない　願いがあるのよ　　土曜の夜と　
日曜の　あなたがいつも　欲しいから　　ダイヤル回して　手
を止めた　　I'm just a woman   Fall in love

posted by anonymousakikoOctober 25, 2007 at 3:25

Tomorrow is another day. [ e ]

good bye my love この町角で　　　　　good bye my love 歩いてゆきましょう

あなたは右に　私は左に　　　　　　　　　　　ふりむいたら
　負けよ

good bye my love も一度抱いて       good bye my love 私の涙を

あなたの頬で　ふいているのよ　　　　　　　泣きまねじゃな
いの

忘れないわ　あなたの声　　　　　　　　　　 優しい仕草　手のぬくもり

忘れないわ　くちづけの時　　　　　　　　　 そうよあなたの　あなたの名前

good bye my love

I'll never forget you

and please,  oh please say

you'll never forget me

We can meet again someday

good bye my love 二人の恋が　　　　good bey my love 真実ならば

いつかは逢える　これが本当の　　　　　　さよならじゃ ないの

忘れないわ　あなたの声　　　　　　　　　　優しい仕草　手
のぬくもり

忘れないわ　くちづけの時　　　　　　　　　そうよあなたの
　あなたの名前

もちろんあなたの　あなたの名前

posted by anonymouskeikoApril 28, 2008 at 1:35