Fluent...unfortunately not! But I understand a lot more than I can express. (For example, I sometimes translate doujinshi...usually nsfw ones.
Can take some time though.)
I've been in Japan for almost 9 months now - and I'll be here for at least another 4-ish years, but likely much longer.
By background, do you mean my ethnicity or nationality? Well, either way.. I'm from America originally and I'm a european mutt. xD
And no problem at all! ^^
I'm happy to answer any questions people might have.
&&&& thanks for the welcome!