In the 15 years — on and off — that I’ve been studying the Japanese language, I’ve never been to Japan. I’ve gotten pretty good at it too, if I do say so myself, and I can carry a decent enough conversation with my Japanese friends. What’s more, I’m actally making money out of translating legal documents, company profiles, brochures, etc. But I’ve never been able to realize my linguistic potential.

This lack was emphasized when I attended a week-long conference of Asian students of Nihongo held in Taiwan in 2005. Almost 40 delegates from 11 Asian countries participated, everybody speaking only in Nihongo. That experience got my blood running lava-hot. It inspired me to continue my advanced studies. But then, it also drove this point: you’re not maximizing your talent.

"Japayuki" is pidgin for "going to Japan". And is this the way to maximize, to hie off to Japan? Well, plenty of opportunities for a guy like me, I’m sure. But… what about all my talk about brain drain?

I actually have a good chance coming, and a huge part of me has a hard-on for the new and unexplored. What a sweet dilemma I’m in! However, I’m not in the habit of infidelity towards my true love: Davao — my hometown that has nurtured me and taught me many facts of the world around.

If I do leave, it would be purely for financial gain, in spite of all my bluster that the main objective is to further my linguistic abilities. This bothers me, because I know that any endeavor without a deeper sense of fulfilment will leave me with hollowness.

Out-of-place idealism in these difficult times, isn’t it?

Maa ii ya…

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