Well I started work Thursday. I have to say it is a nice change being in a high tech sector again. I have not started doing anything yet besides getting familiar with documentation and lay out, and due to NDAs, all I can say is that I am doing provisioning for the worlds largest provider of IP, VPN and MPLS networks.
For the technical side, I am working the managed network services from layer2 to layer3 delivery at the the customer premises (usually the router.) Frame Relay and ATM circuit build outs and testing. What this means for everyone else, when the internet leaves your office, I made that!
I used to hate MCI and Sprint when I had to deal with them to fix circuit problems…now I am one of those monkeys!
Anyways, my team is the only gaijin team and kind of diverse. Hong Kong, Batangas (Pinos x3!), 2 Indian or Pakistani guys, a guy from Myanmar (Burma) and your’s truly. The guys are really laid back and the environment is interesting. We are the 11th floor with about 60 or so other japanese people. I am pretty sure I am the only american, I have had a steady flow of people coming to talk to me (mainly women.) But most of the people that interact with my group on a friendly basis are women for some reason. I guess we are so intimidating.
It’s nice that I have been to the Philippines and Myanmar, it gave me a good in with the guys, plus I have some lumpia coming.. Can’t beat that.
I feel at a loss right now. My japanese is the worst of everyone. I can understand about 40% of what is going on in the basic conversation. The business is no problem though. But everyone loves the hiroshima dialect I know and love to use now..
I am getting settled into my apartment. It is nice having hot and cold water that comes out of the same sink, and insulated windows, and a walk in closet.. a nice sunny apartment.. quite neighorhood.. new apartment. 
Now if I just had money for food.