When I went to Japan in 2006, I also kept a journal. It ought to be a bit more interesting than this one so far, but I stopped keeping it about a week into my second homestay. I guess I just burned out and got overwhelmed, but I promise not to do that again.

It was originally posted on Livejournal, but I don't think I ever posted the last few entries there. I'm reposting it here so that the entries will be easier to navigate.

The entries are divided into "chapters," designated by when I managed to get online to post them. You can reach the next entry by clicking on the "Newer Post" link on the bottom of the page.

The first entry is here:

Live From Japan #1


And the rest:

Shikari, Shikari... #1
You know you're in Japan when... #1
Always say "Please" and "Thank you", #1
Slurrrrp! #1

The last few entries never got posted online on LJ:

Two Years Late #1

This is a map of some of the places I've been to. It's not comprehensive (in particular there's some stuff I did in 2006 that I don't know the locations to), but I tried my best. You can click through some of the locations to see the entries for when I was there. I'll always be adding new things to this, so check back every once in a while. If the embedded version doesn't work for you, you can use Google Maps site directly.

Enjoy!

Right-click and "Save As" to download these files.

Intern (2008-2009):

  • The album I show at each Labo Party. I have sort of a rehearsed narration of it, so the comments are rarely read at parties. I change it every now and then, but this is what I have as of this update. PDF
  • This is a one-page introduction letter that was passed out at districts before I arrived. I made it last summer. PDF
  • This is a one-page printout that I made after I arrived at Nagoya. I understand it's given to parties before I visit, to give both an introduction and a background of where I'm from. PDF

Discover Japan Program (2006):
  • The album I made to show my host families and friends. I made two of them, and gave them as gifts to each family. PDF


Some of these files are available in higher resolution with WAY higher file sizes. Let me know if you'd like one.

My cell phone number from within Japan is 090-1254-8800. To call me from the US, dial:

011-81-90-1254-8800

If you can find a cheap long distance service (skype?), or if you're in Japan too, I'd love to hear from you! At the right times (i.e., you can't talk on cell phones on trains, and I spend quite a bit of time on them), it may be faster to email me. My cell phone email is:

justme8800 at ezweb.ne.jp

and my regular email address is:

justme8800 at gmail.com

My mailing address is:

Cordell Newmiller
Labo International Exchange Foundation
Nishi-Shinjuku Mitsui Bldg. #16F
6-24-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 JAPAN


Mail through this address is forwarded to me, so it's not very fast. If it's a hurry, email me and I can send you my current homestay address.

If it's an emergency (for example, a huge earthquake in my area) and you cannot get ahold of me, the Labo center in Tokyo can be reached at:

(03) 5324-3430

Ask for Ariel, my coordinator. If she's not available, Hirano-san, my director, also speaks a bit of English. I believe their hours are technically 9:30 to 5:30 Tokyo time, although from what I understand those are flexible.

はじめまして!

私の名まえは コーデルです。20さいです。
アメリカのカリフォルニア からきました。
私はラボのインターンです。

私のきいろい ぼうしが好きです。

よろしくおねがいします!