[AdvantageEnglish]

I'm Australian and married to a Japanese woman.
I'm a Japanese and English language teacher; I've lived in Japan for 6 years and I love everything about Japan. I wouldn't call this Otaku and it's not a passing obsession any more than a person obsessed with football may find their perfect match at the footy. It doesn't always happen that way, but if it did, it's not all bad. Once the couple grow out of football, their love for eachother will have moved way beyond that one common interest.

My love for Japan means that we have alot in common. If my perfect match had been caucasion, she would have had to share my love for Asia, Japanese culture and lifestyle and be interested in spending time in Japan....

Mixed relationships based solely on the colour of a person's skin - such as Japanese girls who have white boyfriends because they think they're cute with their blue eyes and blonde hair (yet they cannot communicate with eachother) are not necessarily going to be long lasting.

If you communicate with eachother, have common interests, enjoy similar lifestyles and make eachother happy - that's the recipe for success no matter what your culture may be.

Having said that... there are external influences at play which may be beyond your control.

1. Parents and grandparent : If they don't support your mixed relationship it can make for awkward family gatherings - or none at all. This could be a burden.

2. Religious differences : If you have differences in religion and culture - discuss them and ensure that they won't interfere with your future happiness - this is especially important when considering future children... Will they be say, Buddhist, Catholic or Jewish...or will you teach them about both.

3. Where will you live ? Japan ? Australia ? How long will that last ? Will one partner want to go home in 10 years time ? What will you do ?

and I'm sure there are plenty of other things to consider but it's 4am...so goodnight and good luck !