About

Olwen and me in Bruges (Belgium) in 2016

My name is Stephen, and I’m a 60-something Brit living in Nagoya, Japan and Maidenhead, UK.

Prior to that I lived in Belgium for 30 years. I’ve also lived in the US, Germany and Italy and worked in Denmark (a lot – lovely country!) and elsewhere.

I’ve been married to Olwen for over 45 years, and we have 4 daughters – all married to wonderful men – and eight grandchildren.

In September 2016, I retired from my job at the European Commission, and we moved to Nagoya, Japan for six months.

During those six months, Olwen – a TEFL/TESOL-qualified teacher with over 20 years experience – taught English to Japanese ladies there using the Bible and other Christian books as texts, while I provided logistical support (otherwise known as food shopping and cooking!) She had done this in Brussels for about 14 years (see her web site) and it was Japanese ladies returning to Japan who first invited her to go there and do the same. At first this didn’t seem possible, but God made it clear that it was not just their invitation but His too, so we went!

At the end of the six months, we returned to Belgium, cleared and sold our house there, and returned to Japan for at least three years in September 2017. This is what we believe our Father called us to. It’s His dream for us, and we’re excited to be part of it!

In June 2020 we obtained a three-year extension to our residence permit for Japan, taking us up to September 2023.

Footnote: in 2016 I qualified as a TEFL/TESOL teacher, too, and I’m also a musician (bass and drums).

Updated November 2021

Social media

• Facebook
• Twitter

• Instagram – quotes and thoughts
• My best photos on Instagram
  • My pictures on Photocrowd
• Encouraging verses (Instagram)
• Our life in Japan on Instagram

Our teaching groups in Japan

• Nagoya Friendship Groups
• Tokyo Friendship Groups
• Online groups