Interview with Neil Duckett

admin | 10 01 2008

Blogs on Japan is interviewing different bloggers who blog about Japan. If you would like to be interviewed, please contact me! Also if you are looking for some interesting blogs on Japan, take a look at the previous interviews. Today Neil Duckett is here to talk to us about his blog.

When did you start blogging about Japan and why did you start?

I actually started a blog in the first instance as a way of keeping in touch with friends back home in Australia. I was easier than an email which often promotes responses and more work. I liked the idea of getting out a story and some pictures at the press of a button. Living in Japan my writing obviously had a Japanese flavor to it, after a few months i realized what an interest many people had in Japan and what an interesting place it was to live and write about. I then decided to broadcast my blog a little more and get it out into the greater public. I like the idea of seeing and doing things on the weekend to then later post a story about it. The desire to write interesting stories often gets me out and about on the weekend rather than staying at home which is another big bonus.

Describe your blog in one word.

If you could introduce one of your posts to new readers which one would it be and why?

I personally like my story on Nampa, it’s an interesting topic and a fascinating thing to watch and participate in.

What blogs do you read?

I read a lot of blogs, too many to mention, narrowing it down to Japanese blogs though - some that stand out as daily reads for me are;

What is your favorite place you have been to in Japan and why?

So far one of my favorite places would be Kobe. It had a very cool mix between modern society and centuries old culture. I only spent a short time there while on a holiday to Osaka. I would like to go back and see more of Kobe.

How long have/did you live in Japan?

I first came to Japan for work in 2002 for a week, i then returned in 2003 for a week and said to myself one day i will live in Japan. I got restless and decided to move here and landed September 2006.

The best thing about Japan is…

There are many things i like about Japan, although the language makes things difficult at times i find Japan an easy place to live. I can live a simple hassle free life with fewer expectations in Japan.

The worst thing about Japan is…

At times the routine of it all. Japan is a very repetitive place and it’s easy to get into routine.

Who is your favorite Japanese celebrity?

I have a few but the 2 main ones would be …

Aki Hoshino, she’s just so damn Cute.
Yoshio Kojima, i never tire of that dance.

One thing about Japanese culture that I will never understand is….

The interaction between single guys and girls, it’s so far from what I’m used to in Australia it’s not funny!

What is the most delicious food you have had in Japan?

Akanko Ramen in Hon-Atsugi if i had to pick one thing off the menu

What is the most disgusting food you have had in Japan?

Nato

What is the coolest gadget you have used or seen in Japan?

I am very happy with my Sony Living Room PC Set-up. It makes blogging very easy and comfortable.

OK, I think that about does it for the questions. Any last words?

Thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed Evan. I have some interesting things in store which I’ll be rolling out towards the end of January which will be great for both readers in and outside of Japan, i can’t announce specifics until just yet but i expect to have it live on the site by February 1st at the latest.

I will also be running more competitions this year, the Canon Camera competition i ran last year was a huge success and was a great way of increasing my readership. Be sure to visit my site and subscribe by e-mail and RSS so you get all the site and competition details.