Its a Saturday morning and I wake up at 9 am from my futon that I laid down last night. It's the finally the weekend and I can choose either to go out or stay in all day. Sometimes I go out, but I stay in I decide to either study or do nothing at all. Both are really important. Finally today on my day off, I'll tell my perspective on being a foreigner in Japan. Not only a foreigner, but also a foreign student in high school.
My Japan journey began last April, when I went to Kyoto and Tokyo and other places for a week or two (you can see my posts here) . I went for two home-stays as well as sightseeing and it was a dream come true for me. I have been waiting for the day that I would be able to go to Japan since I was a child. Although this was only for two weeks and more tourism, I did get an idea of the culture before coming for a longer stay. Keep in mind that I have already been studying Japanese for about a year and a half (casually) and been interested in the modern and traditional culture for years.
Now, I am staying in Japan for 6 months as an exchange student in high school. I don't really have to take tests or do any assignments because I am only here for a term. I came here to study Japanese and get a hold of the culture and understand what it means to live in Japan as compared to my home country, Canada. Also, my dream in life is to be fashion stylist; and to my goal along the way is hopefully going to Bunka Fashion College in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Staying here since August has taught me some things about Japan, travelling/studying abroad and mostly, about myself. Here are some of the things I've learned:
1. No matter how much you think you know, you don't know it all.
Going to a foreign country alone is scary, lonely, and amazing. Living in a country in which you speak a certain amount of the language as well as coming from a country which has completely different kinds of manners and customs. Remember that you don't know everything and its better to admit you don't than say you do and make a fool out of yourself. The people around you for the most part will understand that you are foreign and understand that you don't yet know this custom yet and will understand. Although saying that, try to do as much research on your part to avoid making mistakes and definitely learn from the mistakes you make. Its okay to be embarrassed but remember to always make it right!
2. You will miss home.
I don't really get homesick often. I can go weeks without seeing my own bed or my family, but its different when you're in a different country alone. You start talking about your best friends and family a lot and constantly look at photos of that coffee shop you frequent in your home town. It seems like its sometimes hopeless and lonely but remember to live in the moment and have a positive attitude about the current situation. "They miss you too, but you came to Japan for a reason. Japan will become your home one day too." That's what I keep telling myself.
3. You learn to cherish the things you once took for granted.
This is probably what I've learned the most. I miss the small things I wouldn't even think about. Understanding the barista at Starbucks, breaking rules, midnight McDonald's run, and many, many more things I realized I am in great need of more than before. Mostly, my freedom (this is something that is mostly from being an exchange student) is what I miss the most. Back in Canada, I have my own license, job and I mainly do everything by myself. I've come accustomed to that kind of life and I really like it that way. The main things I miss are spicy food, getting drunk with my girlfriends, sleeping in late almost every single day and driving around my city at night with Metric playing out the windows. I will miss things from Japan the same, vending machines everywhere, the amazing shopping, over-politeness and delicious and cheap food you can get pretty much everywhere, as well as great transportation system (compared to my home town). After living in Japan for awhile, you'll savour every bite of quality cheese.
4. Customs and Manners
Sometimes these differ and sometimes they are the same. Canadians are stereotyped as being super polite and it is for the most part true; although I find that Japanese are far more polite. In fact, as a Canadian I am getting annoyed with how much they apologize for simple things that weren't their fault in the first place. Please, learn these manners before you come here as it will immensely help you in the long run.
5. Dating and Social Dynamics
Dating is a big question I had when i came here. As a foreigner, its seems a lot harder to date in a different country, and it is. Although, i won't be dating this time round while i stay in Japan; but I won't be opposed if I come here for college. Dating really differs from country to country and what is acceptable in one country isn't in another. As North American, I feel as though dating is very free when I'm from. In Japan people really hide their feelings and don't show physical affection in public (like, ever). Also, Japanese boys are very shy, so don't expect that you'll be showered with compliments from attractive Japanese boys. In most cases. dating happens when your introduced by friend to each other. It isn't easy to have that romantic coffee shop situation where your hand accidentally touches his while you go for the cream. Also, if you don't speak a lot of Japanese, they will be less likely to make you theirs. Foreign guys on the other hand is the complete opposite case. Many Japanese girls look for foreign boyfriends because their idea of western men is that they are handsome and romantic and spontaneous; the opposite of Japanese men (sorry girls!). Now of course, you cannot put everyone into the same box, so this isn't always the case, but from my experience it is mostly true. Who knows! Maybe I'll find the love of my life at a coffee shop by reaching for the cream!
7. Hard work is a must.
I am a lazy person by nature. My perfect day is sleeping in, going for brunch with my friends and lounging around at my friends house. To make yourself seen however, i have to be the opposite. I need to work hard to complete my dreams and achieve my future dream of being a fashion stylist and having a cute apartment, dog, and closet full of all kinds of clothes as well as the other things i day dream about. This is the case with
8. Being Honest
This means to always say how you feel and never say yes to something you cannot do. It seems simple but I still struggle with never saying no or telling someone when something is too much. As well if you do something you know was wrong; to fix it an apologize. If you are honest with yourself and others, everyone will be happy.
There are many things I am learning on this trip and to be able to list every single thing would take too much time and effort. I am having the time of my life and sometimes I miss Canada and other times I don't ever want to leave Japan. Keep in mind that this is my experience. This may not be the case for you and your experiences in Japan; so if you plan on going to Japan for awhile, keep these in mind but make your own list of thing you've learned.
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