One of the more interesting aspects of my relationship with Wakana is this concept of love. I have known western women who become concerned if the husband does not speak of love. This is apparently an alien concept in Japan.

Yet young couples come to Guam for wedding ceremonies. It is a huge industry here. They meet an agent in Japan, map out the whole thing, come to Guam where they are decked out in formal wedding clothing (western style), the woman receives a complete beauty package, there is a ceremony in a lovely chapel overlooking the sea, they travel in a limousine to the Hagatna cathedral where photos are taken (outside with the cathedral in the background), more photos at Two Lovers Point, etc. The whole thing is videotaped. There is a live singer in the chapel. It's all very special.

Yet, after it's all over they go back to Japan where he goes to work early in the morning and returns late at night reeking of booze and cigarette smoke, drops into bed, sleeps to do it all over again the next day. He gets her pregnant and she raises the children.

That's assuming they actually marry. In Japan there are "love hotels" which rent out rooms by the hour. We laugh about such places in the States but there it is an accepted place to meet with a lover. Some are themed hotels with special decor and service.

It looks to me on the outside as if they are skirting around the idea of love without actually getting involved. I know the number of happy LOOKING Japanese wives I've seen in Japan and here could probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. The happiest looking women I see here are those traveling with another woman (friend or relative).

I'm not sure what all this means. And none of it touches on what Wakana calls my 'homework' assignment. The Japanese consul only wants my interpretation of 'I love you'.