Moving on to Japan...

You REALLY want
 to take it  slow

Before leaving Korea, just one more suggestion: join Global Cyworld. The biggest social networking in Korea that is launching (for the second time) to world wide users. Don't let the cute cartoons and k-pop images fool you, there's some serious formatting, setting-up, "clubbing", posting and networking going on inside once you register. It has an international ambiance, offering options in several languages. And yes!, I did open a club in there, too. Click here and sign up to Fusionlatinasia Cy World club in the most popular social networking site in Korea.

I wonder if any of my tips is actually helping my dear reader in her Asian-boyfriend search? If not, well, I bet she's getting to know people around the world.

Moving on to Japan... it truly is a breeze to search for the networking options, including the local ones. Here's just two that are closer to me:

• The Japan America Society of San Antonio (JASSA): site that the International Relations office kindly referred to me. Here I found cultural and educational opportunities through the society. The sister city agreement (San Antonio/Kumamoto City) is celebrating it's 25th anniversary, and JASSA will be promoting the events. It has a membership fee if you want some other benefits like discounts on events and language classes. I'll be joining soon, but first in my list is the Asian Festival by the end of this month. 
• The Japan Society: a 40 year old society created to promote US and Japan relations. They have a paid membership, as well, but you can browse at no cost for information regarding social and cultural events, seminars, or even view mini language lessons on videos. These come very handy for nosy beginners like me. Remember, language is a must when assimilating a new culture (and a boyfriend).

Look up for the Japanese community near you, most likely they offer interesting programs. For sure, you'll find well organized and accessible information. This a good way to meet Japanese people genuinely interested in sharing about their culture.

I also thought about creating a group in some of Japan's best social networking, for example: Mixi, but it's not available in English, (my Japanaese is limited to hi & bye). Besides, the #1 preference is mobile networking apparently due to the anonymity, so Twitter is dominating, too. Another site is eGenki, but the group's discussions are very (very) slow. Sorry, but I'm not willing to sit there and wait, like in Visit Korea. 

According to Ad Age Digital, "just 28% of Japanese internet users visit social-media sites on a monthly basis". Specifically, "Only 13% of online Japanese adults visit Facebook on a monthly basis". I wonder what's the percentage of adults randomly searching for blogs? *cricket chirp*.

Clearly, the internet is not the best option to make a connection with a Japanese, nonetheless, establish a relationship. Unless you REALLY want to take it slow. So get up and join an Asian community, the American born are more accessible and happy to personally meet us. 

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