I'm from Canada, in my early 40s, and have been living in Japan for a long time. I work as an independent software developer (web, games). I've hung around on a few politically-oriented discussion boards for the past few years, debating with right-wingers. I got tired of it and somehow ended up finding this place (can't remember the route!) This looks like a board I can relax at, and I hope to be able to contribute as well as receive.