I wasn’t in Japan for very long, so how long can my reflection even be? My trip was jam-packed with so many things to do that I didn’t have much time to think about it or find more insight during the trip. Looking back now, I do have pieces of memories or moments where I had a ding! of realization.
Planning for the Trip:
I put a lot of time into planning for the trip, researching not only the tourist landmarks but also the cultural significance of them. I had done that with the hope that visiting these places would feel so much more important than if I just went to see how cool it looks. And looking back… it totally worked. My wish absolutely came true. Going to tourist landmarks with all this historical significance was a lot more fun than without. There was an actual purpose for the structures to be there, it wasn’t just for aesthetics. I had a greater appreciation for the landmark when I visited it — just because I read a Wikipedia page or two about it.
Planning for the trip included not only booking hotels and working at the itinerary, I had to learn about the cultural norms too. I had learned a bit of Japanese and learned about societal expectations, familiarity and ranking in Japan. Simple things like not stabbing your chopsticks into the rice, staying on the left, and not tipping were simple things to learn but I found that etiquette was hard to practice in real life. I’m so relieved to know at least the bare minimum though, it’s important when visiting someone else’s country that I don’t disrespect or offend them because of ignorance. Things like non-verbal communication and polite declination is incredibly important in Japan and I had to learn to respect those social norms.
the Trip
I’m not sure how to write the little things I’ve learned while in Japan, because they’re honestly things I should/could have learned in Canada.
- Be kind and respectful
Well obviously. But the respectfulness that the Japanese people have shown were different. They weren’t polite whenever they felt like others have deserved it, or because they felt obligated to. It was as if they did it because of the mutual respect that everyone had for each other. The consciousness wasn’t about self, it was about those around as well. An example of this would be to let others off the train first. Of course, it would be expected that the same would be done for you, but letting others off first indicates the respect that their space and time is as important as yours. There was the understanding that other people exist. Something as simple as letting others go first could be applied to situations at home, too. More importantly, assumptions and judgement shouldn’t be made on others, regardless of what their appearance or demeanor is, everyone has their own tastes, their own life (like… different strokes for different folks… if I’m using that right) People should be treated all the same. In other words, mind your own business.
I’m not sure if this was explained properly, it’s hard to omit things and keep in others without making it sound pretentious or too dumbed down.
Thank you for reading.
As for future plans, I plan on continuing to learn Japanese and wish to explore more cultures in the future. I wish to have more ding! moments and will do my best to share them more and in a better way. Okay, bye!
Ivy In Japan 