Dating in Hawaii

One of the advantages of living in Hawaii is that there are so many great places to go on a date: amazing beaches, beautiful mountain views, 5 star resorts, delicious restaurants, and a great nightlife scene. It almost seems like there are too many choices of where to go!

When planning a date you should keep in mind what kind of atmosphere you think would be best for you and her. If it is a first date, and you are trying to get to know each other, it should be a light and fun date where the two of you have an opportunity to interact, talk and just have a good time.

Try to avoid choosing a first date that is not going to give you a chance to talk and interact. For example, going to a movie on a first date is not a very good idea. Do you think sitting in the dark while you both stare at a screen for two hours or more will give you each a chance to talk and get to know each other? Probably, not.

A better choice would be some kind of activity where you both are doing something together or going to a place where the two of you can both enjoy the surroundings and each other’s company. In Hawaii, because of the beauty of the islands it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of effort to find a beautiful place to take a walk and watch a sunset for example.

Hiking a trail together while talking and joking along the way is a simple and fun way to become more closely acquainted. Follow that up with drinks and dinner afterwards (after all you earned it after that long hike!) and you can see the advantages to this type of date rather than sitting silently in a crowded theater in the dark together.

If you want to go for a fun but challenging hike try Koko Head distric park in Honolulu. It is definitely worth a try even if you do not make it to the top. This kind of date can be fun only if the two of you are game enough to try it. Even if you don’t make it to the top it is still fun and there are breathtaking views along the way. After the hike, refresh yourselves, laugh and unwind over some microbrews at the Kona Brewing Company!

If surfing is more appealing than a hike, a great date would be to enjoy a day of surfing at Waikiki Beach. Afterwards, you and her can walk straight from the beach to the Moana Surfrider Hotel. The bar there has a lush ambiance, makes great cocktails and often has live music. Enjoy time together at the bar and trade stories about the best wave each of you rode that day or laugh about your wipeouts!

If hiking or surfing is not your thing, not to worry. The island lifestyle is all about kickback and chill. Walking along the beach or catching a sunset in Hawaii is amazing all by itself. If you want to take her to see one of the best views on Oahu without breaking a sweat, take a pleasant drive to the Tantalus and Round Top Drive. From there you both will enjoy views of Diamond Head, Punch Bowl crater and downtown Honolulu. Drive up to catch the sunset from this vista point and the two of you will share one of the most beautiful sunsets on earth together. After the sun goes down, the view from there is incredibly romantic with the city lights glimmering below.

Where to go on a date in Hawaii? There are so many choices! Find the best activity that suits you and her and go from there. The great thing is that there is something for everyone in Hawaii. Enjoy dating in Hawaii!

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker. 
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EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815 
Phone: (808) 926-0101 
Email: info@emclub.jp

Surviving the alien fiance visa process

The process of obtaining an immigrant alien fiance visa is not as daunting a task as you may think.  The process is fairly straightforward and there are a number of very good online websites that provide in depth step-by-step information from beginning to end.  

The official United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides very useful information www.uscis.gov , and there are also a number of unofficial websites that provide detailed “how to” information like www.k1approved.com.  Of course, if you feel uncomfortable with the DIY approach it is always advisable to consult or obtain professional legal advice from an immigration attorney.

What I would like to discuss in this blog segment is not the entire alien fiance visa process, but rather a specific part of the process that requires that you provide documentation to prove you and your fiance’s relationship is legitimate and not a ruse to obtain a green card.

 

To begin the petition for alien fiance visa you will need to complete and file Form I-129F with the USCIS.   This form requires that documents proving your relationship be attached. This requirement is crucial to a successful petition.

This process can be time consuming and emotionally draining. From my own experience I found myself with shifting emotions between anger one moment at having to prove our relationship (“How dare they doubt our love!”), to elation as the pieces began to come together (“Wow, we really have a great relationship!”).  

My recommendation is to stay calm through the process, maintain a positive attitude and go step-by-step in collecting the items needed.  Organization will be the key to being able to easily complete the task of compiling the documents needed. Organize the timelines that you are working with, and make a schedule of where you hope to be at a certain point in the process.

Begin collecting the information early by knowing what types of documents USCIS are looking for.  There are very good samples of the types of documents that will be needed to prove the relationship on the USCIS website. Make a checklist of items that you can use. For example, photographs of the two of you together that prove that the two of you have met.  Also copies of airplane tickets from her trip to Hawaii to meet you or your trip to Japan. Knowing beforehand that you will need these will make things much easier.  There is no worse feeling than finding out the ticket stubs that you had for your trip to Japan were thrown in the trash because you didn’t think to keep them. So, organize early and know what kinds of things the USCIS will be asking for so you can plan ahead.

Secondly, the photographs that you submit will need to be labeled identifying who is in the photographs.  Although “selfies” are all the rage these days, it is better if you have photographs that show more than just you and her together.  Photographs with friends, coworkers or family members go to show that the two of you have actually introduced each other to important people in your lives and you have a real relationship. Being aware that these things will be useful in the future to prove your relationship makes it much easier to think of taking these photos as the two of you are spending time together.

Again, I defer to the many great websites out there that go into far greater detail about this process.  From my own experience, I recommend that you stay organized, research ahead of time what documents USCIS will want, and be very methodical in collecting them.  Keep a positive attitude, and if you find yourself getting exhausted in the process, remember that the two of you are getting closer to fulfilling your dreams of being married to each other.  

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker. 

Try EM CLUB Today! 
EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815 
Phone: (808) 926-0101 
Email: info@emclub.jp

Do your want your wife to stay home or work?

There was a time when it was a given that a wife would stay home to care for the kids and household while their husbands went to work. Today this is not always the case. From a financial standpoint most couples find it easier to have a double income in today’s economy. Professionally, both men and women are finding their careers take most of their time and many women find great personal satisfaction in their work lives.

The question as to whether you want a wife that works of stays home is one that arises more often when a couple is planning on having children. This is particularly true when the child is still in its preschool years. If it is financially feasible to have your wife stay home to raise the children many couples would prefer that situation rather than have a stranger raise their kids. 

But before you and your wife come to this point in your relationship, the discussion over whether you want a stay at home wife or a working wife is a useful conversation to have. For many couples it will depend on practical reasons in terms of income. For other couples it will come down to personal values in regard to work and family.

Many women today have highly successful professional lives that they worked hard to achieve. It is not something that they may want to let go of so easily. Along those lines, many men today also want a woman who is working and independent. It is difficult for some men to relate to women who are not also working or have a life of their own. For many men a woman who is a
go getter and capable in her career is an attractive and interesting woman.

The decision is one the two of you need to make together. It should be something that the both of you discuss rather than an ultimatum. If she is truly going to be unhappy not engaging in her career you need to take her feelings into consideration. On the other hand, you may be the type who wants her to work and may have a different feeling if she is the one who wants to stay at home. Again, it is a discussion that the two of you can share. What it really comes down to is what is necessary for you and your spouse to lead a happy, fulfilling and satisfying life. For some staying home to care for you and the home is what is most important. For others, her career and family are both equally important for her personal growth and happiness.

The advantage of a working spouse is that there will be a second income, there is a break in the monotony of the day to day by going to work, she will have the chance for more social interaction. The advantages of having a stay at home spouse is that she can pursue personal interests on her own time, raise the kids if you have them, she can take care of the home while you are at work and she can devote all her time to family responsibilities. If you both are lucky enough to not have to work and live happily retired lives together in Hawaii, my hat is off to you! I think that would be a dream come true for most people!

For some women being a stay at home spouse would be ideal, for others not so much. The bottom line is discuss what will make both of you happy, respect each other’s choices and go from there.

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker. 

Try EM CLUB Today! 

EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815 

Phone: (808) 926-0101 

Email: info@emclub.jp

Japanese women prefer older men for marriage

For many Japanese women marrying someone who is younger than them is not desirable. Older men generally have had more life experience, have proven themselves in their careers, are more confident and comfortable to be around.

What this means to a Japanese woman seeking marriage is that an older man is more confident, more interesting and has the maturity to know what he wants out of life. Japanese women find it attractive when a man knows how to give good advice or handle a difficult situation gracefully. A man with life experience knows how to treat people well and how to act in social situations skillfully. Mature men are more reliable and dependable.

Men who are calm in stressful situations usually are those who have some experience on their side. This is an attractive quality to many Japanese women. To be comfortable in a difficult situation and to find a way to discuss with your partner possible solutions in a rational way shows experience and confidence.

Grown men with a sense of humor or who are passionate about things they enjoy are very endearing to Japanese women. To be able to bring out the youthful passion that they still love about their favorite hobbies or interests is a quality that Japanese women love to see in their men because it shows that despite their maturity they are still boys at heart when it comes to the things they love.

Mature men have experience in more real life situations and know what is called for in each setting. Japanese women love men who are comfortable in shorts and flip-flops, but who also know how to dress to impress when the event calls for it. T-shirts and jeans, or suit and tie, a grown man who knows how to look great in both is very attractive.

Men with more experience are more attentive and have a more sophisticated and mature outlook on life than younger men.  Because they have had more relationship experience they are usually better listeners, more caring and also have the ability to communicate better. Japanese women find a man's experience attractive, and it gives her more confidence in their relationship. He is someone she can depend on through good and bad times. She knows that his decision to be with her is his own, and that he has the maturity to build a life together with her.

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker.  
Try EM CLUB Today! 
EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815 
Phone: (808) 926-0101 
Email: info@emclub.jp

Where to get married: Hawaii or Japan?

         You met and the chemistry was spot on. You’ve gotten to know each other and love blossomed. You have popped the question and maybe even met her parents and asked for their blessing. Now the time to plan the wedding is here and the question becomes where to tie the knot? Do we get married in Hawaii or in Japan?

         Peruse any “top list of wedding destinations” and the islands of Hawaii will pop up on almost every list. The reasons to have a wedding in Hawaii are plentiful. The very setting of the islands is romantic. The sunsets, the beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rainbow and abundant tropical flora. Not to mention the yearlong mild climate, aloha spirit and slower island style pace.

         As one of the most popular wedding destinations, the islands of Hawaii are well equipped and ready to accommodate almost any and all wedding requests. If you want a beach wedding, no problem. There are many venues to choose from and assistance from a wedding planner at the resorts or a private planner are easy to find. If you want a wedding inside many of the exquisite hotels in Hawaii, that too can easily be arranged. If your tastes are more for a simple ceremony, no problem.

         While Japan may not be the first choice on many mainstream “top lists for wedding destinations” it should not be overlooked. In some ways the fact that it does not make these types of lists makes it all the more attractive. Not everyone has the opportunity to get married in Japan, so if you have the chance to be married there you would have a wedding to remember that many Americans can only dream about actually doing. 

         Japan can offer a wedding venue and style that can only be accomplished in Japan. Imagine your bride in a traditional wedding kimono and yourself as well. The photographs from these weddings are always spectacular as you feel as if you are transported to another era. Very romantic, very beautiful, and a deep cultural experience. 

         There are many historic temples or shrines that are popular wedding venues in Japan. Some of these are centuries old and rich and beautiful in history, tradition and culture. The serene beauty and settings of these shrines and temples are unique in all the world. While dressing in traditional Japanese wedding attire is an attractive option, some opt for western wedding apparel as well. It all depends on the bride and groom’s preference.

         Planning the time of year to marry in Japan should be taken into account. Unlike the year long mild weather in Hawaii, Japan has some extreme weather seasons. December through January is the dry season, September through October is the rainy season and August is very hot and humid. Be sure to discuss the best time of year for your wedding prior to picking the date for your big day.

         There are many online sites for planning weddings in Japan. Many shinto shrines and buddhist temples also offer wedding package deals. It is best to compare several and do some research into where you want to have the ceremony. The temples in Kyoto are very popular and it is common to see weddings performed there. Some temples in Kyoto are very accustomed to having non-Japanese/Japanese couples and can perform the ceremony entirely in English if desired. Just be sure to do your research.

It very well may be your fiance will already have a temple or shrine she wants to get married at because she has some connection with it either through family memories or because she’s always wanted to get married at that particular place. It may also be her preference to have her relatives there at the wedding and it may be easier to do it in Japan out of concern for her family and friends. On the other hand, your family and friends may also want to have the wedding in Hawaii for the same reasons. The good news is that a flight to Japan from Hawaii and vice-versa is much shorter than a flight to the mainland!

         When getting married in Japan as a non-Japanese citizen, be sure to check and have the proper paperwork to have the marriage performed there. You can check the requirements with your local U.S. embassy.

         In the final analysis, both Hawaii and Japan are dream wedding destinations. Equally beautiful and romantic, each with rich history and beautiful surroundings. Decide which is best for you by discussing it with your bride to be. Either way, it will no doubt be wonderful.

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker.  
Try EM CLUB Today! 
EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815 
Phone: (808) 926-0101 
Email: info@emclub.jp

Why you should visit Japan before you get married

         If you have the opportunity to visit Japan before you get married you should absolutely take advantage of it. Even if you have visited Japan previously alone, experiencing Japan again with her will be like seeing Japan with fresh eyes because you will see Japan that she knows and lives in. Just like visiting Hawaii is best with a local to show you around, the same holds true for visiting Japan.

         Experiencing Japan with her will give you a front row seat into her lifestyle and personal history. She can take you to places where she grew up or where she used to frequent during her formative years. It’s an opportunity to know more about her and her stories. This is a great way to build closeness and strengthen your relationship. By doing this you will know first hand about the references she makes to places where she grew up because you have been there.

         Even though Japan has been featured on almost every major travel show, daily life in Japan is something best experienced by being there. Simply taking you on the train she takes daily to work will give you an understanding of her day to day life. Something which would seem mundane to her, like a train ride to her office, may be fascinating to an American. When I visited Japan with my wife before we married, the sights and sounds of so many people hustling and bustling through a busy Tokyo train station yet still being courteous, orderly and polite was refreshing and gave me a better understanding of the Japanese culture.

         Going to some of her favorite places is another great thing about visiting Japan with her. There will obviously be places that she enjoys going to that are also popular tourist attractions. You should by all means visit these places. However, one thing that is highly recommended is that you visit the places that she likes to go to regularly that are not in any tour book. Where does she like to go for a coffee? Does she have a favorite bookstore? Is there a park where she likes to go and just sit and think? A favorite place to take a walk? A place where she likes to unwind with friends? We all have our favorite places we go to get away from the daily grind even just for a moment. Having her show you her favorite places is a great way to understand her more and build a closer relationship.

         Being in Japan with her will also give you an opportunity to possibly meet her coworkers, or if she is the owner of her business you will have a chance to meet her employees and see her company first hand. This is important for you because you will be able to know who the people are that she talks about when she explains stories to you about her job and also it will give you a chance to see the professional working side of her personality first hand. Our careers often take up a lot of our time and energy. To see first hand what her working life is like will give you a greater appreciation and insight into her life.

         Aside from coworkers, you will also be able to meet her friends and family if the opportunity arises. It’s always a lot of fun to meet with friends at an izakaya and enjoy good food, drinks, conversation and laughs. Be ready to hear some great stories about her that only her friends can share, and also be prepared to be asked a lot of good natured questions! Japanese are very hospitable and friendly, they will most likely go out of their way to make sure you are having an enjoyable time.

         Shared experiences together in Japan will be priceless for the both of you. The opportunity to build memories together in Japan is one that should not be missed. Some of the best memories I have with my wife prior to us getting married were going to places in Japan together. Even though she had already been to most of the places we visited, they became new experiences for her because now they were our experiences. These shared memories will forever be a part of our story.

Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker. 
Try EM CLUB Today!
EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 926-0101
Email: info@emclub.jp