Update March 2020 - Moving to Japan

My wife, daughter and I are moving back to Niseko, Japan in May this year (As long as the coronavrius allows us to!). We’ve lived and worked there in the past, and we decided it’s the best place for our little girl to grow up. There’s a great outdoor lifetsyle, the best powder in the world for winter skiing and a beautiful peaceful warm summer. It’s also a good place for me as a carpenter/ski instructor to do business.

I have one problem with my right shoulder arthritis. It’s about as bad as it can get before requiring a replacement joint. I injured my shoulders in my early twenties playing rugby, and one has never appreciated manual labour. I will try to slow down and employ some staff once we set up again in Japan. I should avoid heavy manual work at all costs and so the business may take change of direction. I’m not sure what I will do personally, but if I can build a small business that can support my family, where I’m not lifting a lot all day, that'll do for me. We can build holiday accommodation, or maybe even a furniture workshop/cafe. I may offer some sort of classes too if there’s the demand. The options are great over there for me. Ski instructing in winter too may offer a rest for my upper body. I can go to the hot springs regularly too and say it’s part of my pain relief plan! I’m obviously a bit gutted to have this problem but I will use it as an opportunity to learn to teach staff and work on the business side of things.

I will have a lot more time to work on the website, and so I may do more regular blog posts if they are of interest to anyone. Thanks for reading, stay safe out there!

Louis