They won’t be coming home for Christmas

WITH immigration levels once again mirroring those of the 1980s, a new generation of Irish people has been forced to seek employment overseas. This Christmas, less than half of them will get to come home and celebrate the festive season.

Living in Hiroshima, Stuart Parsons from Limerick first discovered Japan when he lived there as a student. “I feel really fortunate that my choice to emigrate was not because I had to but because I wanted to. I work as an assistant language teacher in elementary and junior high schools. It’s really enjoyable. The students are great and no one day is the same.

“Homesickness really kicks in around Christmas but I’m trying to deal with it as best I can. Skype has been great for keeping in touch with people, but you’d miss the little things like Mom’s Sunday roast. The food in Japan is great of course, but sometimes all you want is a bag of Tayto!