Recently, I had the pleasure of guiding my parents through Japan. And by pleasure I mean the pain in the ass of having my mother stop in every single shop that we walked in front of, and my father's ''professional analysis'' of my alcoholism (simply because I occasionally find it necessary to take advantage of the legality of open containers in public). I suppose like all tourists who are in a new place, every detail holds some ounce of curiosity.

Living in Kansai, there are limitless opportunities for cultural day trips and traditional Japanese ''experiences'' away from the concrete jungle that comprise these cities. But I found, I have long since become desensitized to some of the most fascinating elements about this country; it is literally a completely different world.

Of course, I had to explain the obvious fashion differences to my California parents. That the guy sporting tight jeans, a pink Mickey Mouse top, make up, and feathered hair was not a homosexual; but in fact, he is probably getting laid a lot more than I am (I may have used a different euphemism in relaying that idea to my parents). The teenage girls with matching Hello Kitty outfits are actually 30 year old women. Why that elementary aged boy's mother didn't mind him wearing a shirt saying ''Too drunk to fuck'' (I want that shirt).

The captivating beauty of the famous temples, shrines and castles has faded from novelty and drifted into the background. But it was brought back to the forefront by the constant gawking and eager photo snapping from my painfully obvious tourist family.

However, what amazed me the most, were the seemingly simple questions that I couldn't explain. ''Why is everybody so nice?'' my mother said (which, yes, is a flaky question, but give her a break). I wasn't sure how to respond. What do you say to that? ''I'm not sure Mom...'' I paused for a second, ''but if you want to see assholes, you can either wait until you go home, or try getting on the train at 6pm.''

My mother and father made countless observations regarding the overwhelming sense of warmth and hospitality that I'm sure we are all too familiar with. Bombarded with gifts and dinner invitations from my friends and coworkers, I was jealous at how popular my parents had become in such a short time. But that jealousy sparked the memory of why I had chosen to stay in Japan after my initial contract.

It was so refreshing (as well as frustrating) to have somebody point out all the forgotten details about the world I live in and the life I lead. Many of us find life here to hold a sense of excitement, laced with periodic difficulties. That is perfectly natural. But don't let this time fly past you too quickly, and don't forget to take the time to look around, and remember what it is that makes Japan so special to each of us.

For me, it was explaining that the smiling tanukis are not standing on four legs, but are quite possibly standing on two while simultaneously resting on their giant balls.