My girlfriend just got a job in the province of Shikoku from Aug 08- July 09. It's a great opportunity for her, but I am left asking myself, "what the hell am I going to do for a year." I am an experienced timber framer, carpenter, project manager, but I'm worried that the language barrier will be too much to get any kind of job. So I'm looking for any opportunity to learn and work with wood. It seems like Japan would be the perfect place for that, but again the language has got me really worried. Does anyone out there know anyone over there or would have any advice for me. Any, and I mean any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am easy to work with and love to learn new things. Thank you for your time.

Scott