[sak9645]

Many American families living abroad manage to adopt. It can be a little difficult, mainly because of all the U.S. documents you need to gather, but it is far from impossible.

Some agencies make it difficult for Americans living abroad to adopt U.S. children, but you certainly can check it out if you think you might want to adopt domestically.

As to adoption from the country in which you reside -- which will be Japan, in your case -- you can choose to work with a U.S. agency or try to adopt on your own. Very few U.S. agencies have Japan programs, but some of those that do not will still be willing to help you if you identify a child on your own. You might find their help useful, to be sure that you are doing everything right, so that your child can become a U.S. citizen, come back to the U.S. with you if you return home someday, etc.

You can also adopt from another country. Right now, China won't work for you, as it is no longer accepting single people. Taiwan may or may not accept you, depending on the program you pursue. But you don't have to limit yourself to countries that share your heritage. Right now, many singles are adopting from Ethiopia and other countries outside Asia, even when they do not look like or share the heritage of the children from that country.

In short, you have options, and the country you choose will ultimately be a matter of personal preference. Personally, if I were living in Japan, I think I'd try to adopt there. There are plenty of children in orphanages, although not all of them will be made eligible for adoption, for cultural and other reasons.

Sharon