Although this blog post will contain a little bit about what I have been learning in Japan, I wanted to use this space to contemplate about what Japan has been like. I came here in August with the mindset that I would look forward to the entire experience even if I was afraid of upcoming challenges. It had only been a year since I started college, let alone started studying Japanese. There was no way I could be ready for something like this. But now, I honestly feel like I have settled down quite abruptly. The blue skies in Tokyo and random walks to nowhere specific strangely give me reminiscent feelings from when I would do this at home. Maybe this could work out in the future and I can live here one day.
However, I have learned a lot about what trying to live in Japan is like and it does not sound promising. From what I learned in my Japan and International Relations class, it is extremely hard for anyone who is not a Japanese citizen to get housing and a stable job in Japan. As my professor had explained, she said it was due to the conservative ideologies of many older Japanese people and how they value the consistency of keeping the Japanese identity strong. This new information made me discouraged that I may potentially never live in Japan, but I will never know for sure unless I look into it more.
One of the most surprising things I have heard about Japanese families is how their mother figure does essentially all the chores in the household. This struck me as strange since I come from a family where my mother works long hours, so she is usually out of the house. She is out of town for work for days on end since she travels for work. Another thing that I found different from my own cultural background is how some of my Japanese friends do not strive too hard to get a driver’s license. Back in America, I felt like every teenager tried to get their driver’s license before college, so this difference in Japan was surprising. However, the public transportation system in Japan is much more efficient than America’s which makes me better understand why my Japanese friends would not want a license.
Ending my blog on the latest high point, I went to a Japanese festival (祭り, ma-tsu-ree, the tsu is pronounced like tsk but with an u sound) for the first time. One of the biggest highlights was getting to dress up in traditional Japanese clothes to carry the portable shrine (お神輿, o-mee-ko-shee). Everyone put on the robes and headbands and we looked awesome as we did traditional chants marching down the streets. This festival is often done to celebrate the coming of a god (神, ka-mee) and then we spread its spirit throughout the city in the form of the portable shrine. It was fun getting to be a part of this experience, but that was not even the best part yet. After we all finished carrying the shrine throughout the city spreading the god’s spirit (this promotes well-being and good health for everyone), we were able to go into the actual festival at the Nezu Shinto Shrine. There was amazing food from takoyaki (dough balls filled with bits of octopus) to kaarage (super crispy fried chicken that is not greasy). I hope I can one day experience another festival. See you next time!
Studying In Japan 