Before I went to Japan, I thought I was a bit of a perfectionist. But during my first summer in Kyoto, when my conversation partner pulled out her agenda to pencil in our next session in minuscule handwriting that only a mouse could read, I realized I had a long way to go. 

You might know that in Japan people always remove their shoes before entering a home or certain other buildings (including primary and secondary schools).  But did you know that this one cultural practice had a huge impact on the development (or lack thereof) of furniture design in traditional Japan?

To be honest, until very recently I didn't quite understand the obsessive need to remove your shoes every time you enter your house.  Yes, in theory it makes sense to keep the house clean.  But I think many foreigners in Japan can relate to the frustration of having to unlace and re-lace your shoes every time you forget one thing before heading out (I started using my sneakers as slip-ons...).  I didn't really get what the big deal was - why can't you just clean the floor more often?

Well, it's official!  I'll soon be moving to Fukuoka, Japan.  After a couple of years of working towards this goal, I was finally successful and had the amazing fortune to receive a research scholarship from the Japanese government.  When people ask me why I became interested in Japan and learning the language, my answer is always, "Japanese design."  It's kind of a fun story actually...