As I prepared for my school’s study abroad program in Japan, I was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Visiting Japan had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, so when the opportunity finally came, it was almost unbelievable.
I first fell in love with Japanese culture through anime when I was in middle school. Since then, I’ve become even more fascinated, exploring everything from the delicious range of Japanese food to the beautiful music that touches the soul. This trip wasn’t just about visiting a new place – it was a chance to delve deeper into a passion that has shaped much of my life.
A different world
Japan met and surpassed my expectations in ways I hadn’t even considered. My journey took place in three unique cities: Nagoya, Tokyo and Kyoto.
Arriving a few days before the official start SJMC Japan, my first stop in Japan was Nagoya, a city that balanced bustling streets with a cozy, familiar feel. Unlike Tokyo’s fast pace, Nagoya welcomed me with its blend of new and old. It felt like a second home, comforting and easy to explore.
One of my favorite memories was discovering a quiet beach in a small town just an hour south of Nagoya. The beach was secluded with soft sand underfoot and the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore. The air smelled salty and fresh, mixed with the faint scent of nearby pine trees. We were the only customers inside a nearby cafe, enjoying the peacefulness as we sipped on hot tea. If I close my eyes now, I can still remember how the sunlight danced through the windows. It was as if the world was still for a moment. It was a time of calmness and beauty, etched into my memories of Japan.
Tokyo, in contrast, was a whirlwind of activity and excitement. The city was full of bright neon lights, busy streets and endless things to do. I loved walking through the alleys of Akihabara, the best place for anime and manga fans. I spent hours exploring the shops there.
However, Tokyo’s highlight was the animal cafés and pet stores. We visited a cat cafe where I played with many friendly cats while sipping a hot drink. Another day, we went to a cat and dog cafe, which was such a unique experience.
The city’s fast pace and energy were unlike anything I had ever seen, and I enjoyed every moment.
One evening, my friends and I enjoyed noodles with locals in a small ramen shop in Shibuya. This unplanned meal, filled with laughter and simple Japanese conversations, perfectly captured the unexpected moments that made this trip unforgettable.
Kyoto was a peaceful change from Tokyo’s busy life. It was more traditional and quiet but still had so much to offer. One of the best parts was visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine. The thousands of bright red torii gates creating a path up the mountain were incredible. Walking through the endless tunnel of gates felt peaceful and memorable.
At the base of the shrine were many food stands offering a variety of tempting treats. I couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything, and although I ate more than I should have, the food was too delicious to pass up. Climbing the hills and stairs at the shrine probably helped burn off most of those extra calories!
Kyoto’s calm and historical feel made it a great place to relax and think, making it a special part of my trip.
I’m grateful to have experienced various parts of Japan because each place is distinct, with its own special qualities that make it unique. It’s important for people to recognize and appreciate these differences.
Lifelong lessons
Academically, this trip provided a rich, unforgettable learning experience that no classroom could replicate. I initially hesitated about taking feature writing because writing isn’t my favorite activity. However, with the guidance of supportive faculty members, I grew significantly as a writer. They helped me improve my skills and gain confidence in expressing myself through writing.
I felt completely in my element in the mobile storytelling class. It was like catching a glimpse of my future, and I couldn’t help but feel excited. This experience reassured me that my dreams are within reach. I learned skills, including mastering social media posts and understanding algorithms, which will be crucial in my future career.
One of the most important things I learned was how Japanese people treat others with respect and consideration. They are always polite and well-mannered in daily life, whether they bow when they greet someone or use public transportation in a calm and organized way.
It was inspiring to see how deeply this respect is in Japanese culture, affecting everything from business to everyday social interactions. This is different from some parts of American society, where individualism is more important than working together.
I remember thinking about how much Americans value freedom, sometimes leading to actions that unintentionally prioritize selfishness.
On a personal level, the trip was a journey of self-discovery and growth. Navigating a foreign country, even with a group, required independence and adaptability I hadn’t fully developed before. I learned to be more confident and resourceful, whether figuring out the Tokyo subway system or communicating my needs despite language barriers.
The experience also fostered a more profound sense of empathy and global awareness. Interacting with Japanese students and locals, I realized the importance of cross-cultural understanding and the value of diverse perspectives.
Additionally, I came to appreciate certain aspects of life back home in the United States. I now value the availability and normalization of women’s health care more deeply.
While Japan is remarkable in many ways, I noticed that women’s health care is not as widely accessible or normalized as it is in America. This realization made me grateful for the progress we’ve made in this area and highlighted the importance of continuing to advocate for women’s health and rights globally.
When arriving back home, one of the immediate differences I noticed was the need for more privacy in our restrooms compared to those in Japan. Japanese restrooms are designed with a high level of privacy and consideration, from floor-to-ceiling doors to the availability of sound-masking devices. This contrast made me more aware of the simple yet significant ways cultures can prioritize comfort and respect for individuals.
What’s next
Now that the trip is complete and I’m nearing the end of the program, I reflect on what this experience has meant to me. It was an academic requirement and a life-changing adventure that broadened my horizons.
This program has sparked a desire to continue exploring and learning about different cultures, which I plan to do for the rest of my life. I am deeply grateful for this experience.
I realize that it was a privilege to have an experience like this, and I appreciate every part of this program and every memory I have made.
Professionally, this experience has reinforced my aspiration to work in a global context., I am now more determined to build a career that bridges cultures and fosters mutual understanding. This trip was the first step in what I hope will be a lifelong learning journey and connecting with the world.
If we all take the time to learn about each other’s cultures and grow our understanding, we can make a big difference.
It’s not just about political change but social change, too. By moving beyond our lives and appreciating the world’s rich diversity, we can build bridges of empathy and respect. This trip has shown me that fostering these connections is crucial for creating a more understanding and connected world.
