Oct. 21 - Over the years, I have met many Japanese men who separate temporarily from their families due to a job transfer. The most typical case seems to be for one parent, usually the mother, to remain at the family home so the children can continue their education. I have always felt sympathetic towards these people but never really understood how difficult it was for a couple to be separated - until this summer.

My wife Ann and I have been married for 23 years. During that time our farthest separation was when Ann studied Japanese at the State Department's Japanese language school in Yokohama while I worked in Tokyo. I would leave for Yokohama almost every Friday night and return on Monday morning to my job at the U.S. Embassy. During the week, Ann and I spoke every night, and sometimes I would help Ann with her Japanese homework over the telephone.

Last July, Ann departed Tokyo for her new job as the Senior Public Affairs Adviser to the State Department's Special Envoy for Global Women's Issues. It is not so bad during the week, as I am quite busy with work, but on weekends our home seems especially lonely.

For that reason I was delighted to be able to attend a conference in Washington, D.C. last month. I arrived early to spend the weekend with Ann. Most of the time we spent doing housework and other chores together. But even the mundane tasks seemed strangely exciting as we talked and enjoyed each other's company.

I have gained an appreciation for the challenges faced by Japanese couples separated due to job considerations.

Until next time,

Jim