The June 26 Counterpoint article by Roger Pulvers, titled ¡±¡± prompted me to write. I was in Japan between 1946 and 1954, and have continued to be at home here since 1980.

I remain for practical reasons. I can get around quickly and easily, and meet all of my needs on a bicycle.

Thanks to a teaching credential and many years in Japan, I continue to enjoy employment.

Affordable national health insurance ¡ª criticized in my home country, the United States ¡ª is available to foreigners.

That I continue to be useful to students is also a significant reason for living here. My only regret is that many whom I knew in childhood are gone. Still, the young faces at their desks keep me optimistic and alive.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer¡¯s own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

michael g. driver