If all the great new features of GlobalGAM.com haven't convinced you to sign up, I hope this personal account will help you make your decision.

In September of 2010, Japanese-American singer-songwriter Danny Katz contacted Scott, the founder of GlobalGAM.com (then SFGAM.com) and asked if one of its contributers could review his then recently released album "Japanese Satellites." I had been writing music-themed articles for SFGAM.com for some time, so I was approached with the offer. Upon doing some research on Danny, I discovered that he had moved to Tokyo fairly recently. Then, a month after the article was published, my husband informed me that we were moving to Tokyo in three weeks time. With such short notice, I had no idea where to begin, and I desperately needed information on life in Japan. I immediately remembered Danny and sent him an email asking for any advice he might have. Not only did he reply, he also provided me with a detailed self-prepared survival guide to get me familiar with many aspects of daily living.

When I arrived in Tokyo in December, I finally met Danny in person. He struck me as an energetic person with a great sense of humour. He was very easy to talk to and we got along well. We began to meet regularly to work on music. Through Danny, I eventually went on to meet several local musicians and perform live for the first time, solo, in a new country, something I never imagined I would do. Having spent the last few years in Canada with my own band in a supporting role, it was both exhilarating and frightening to be on a stage by myself, singing songs that had never been performed before.

Throughout the rest of my time in Japan, I continued to support Danny, as well as other local musicians, at various venues around Tokyo. By the time I had held my sayonara party, I realized most of the new friends I had made were also musicians.

The experience of living and making friends in Japan has been nothing short of rewarding and fulfilling, and I have not only Danny to thank for helping me to join this great musical community, I also owe much to Scott and everyone at GlobalGAM.com, without whom none of this would have been possible. As I prepare for my upcoming move to Shanghai, I’m sure GlobalGAM.com will continue to play an important role in connecting me with many more friends around the world.