What’s happening on the Japan-related web & Why I think your Japan-related site has a responsiblity to all Japan-enthusiasts

On October 18, 2007 in On the J-web

I’m thinking about ways to bring Japan-related websites together and help more Japan-enthusiasts find their content (in new innovative ways).

This blog is not so much about Japan as it is about reporting on the Japan-related web.

I want to know, and make known to all of the interested Japan-enthusiasts out there: what is happening on the Japan-related web, who is making it happen, when it is happening, where it is happening, why and how.

A lot of sites talk about Japan, but maybe it is time for a site to talk about those sites (I admit, it sounds a little silly put like that ).

Maybe it is time for a greater degree of community among J-sites and with it greater communication, collaboration, and service for the benefit of all Japan-enthusiasts!

Maybe it is time to come together and figure out how to really make the web a better place for those looking for insight into Japan.

Remember back to that time when you first set foot in Japan (for those who have been). If you were like me you were lost and mesmerised. Everything was new. Some things were exciting, others bewildering. And you wanted to know about them all. Like a baby, you had a million questions…

We can provide those answers. No, let me take that back. It is almost our duty to provide those answers.

I know that no one can provide all of those answers. And I know that sometimes half of the fun (and satisfaction) comes from stumbling around lost until you figure it out yourself. But I think that we have the opportunity to help these poor lost newbies (and everyone else with an interest in Japan) in very real ways.

Whether they’re just on vacation, studying abroad, or working in Japan they are starting on what may be one of the most memorable adventures of their lives! Doesn’t the fact that they come to us for help and info about such an important experience mean we have a responsibility? We have the experience, resources and abilities to help them. And we can do so more and more if we collaborate.

So I offer my support to any one who wants to help Japan-enthusiasts (so contact me). I want to collaborate. I want to innovate. Let’s see how we can work together.

And add your own ideas and feedback below.

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