*food coma*

Nikko Trip

Kiki for a night!

"Purikura" during my homestay weekend

Would you live in Japan Forever?

The idea that I could live in Japan forever can become true or not at all. The reason is because I am very open to change, and living in Japan can either be a good thing or bad thing-depending on who you ask. The fact that I am young increases my chances to living my future days in Japan. However, I am currently in a relationship which means it also shapes the decisions I make in life. I am not saying that this relationship is crushing any of my chances with living in such a rich culture because both our goals deal with the possibility that “our” future can go in such a way that we both end up living in this country (or anywhere else really). At the end of the day, it is my decision to make such a change which is why I say that I cannot be certain I would ever decide such a thing.

I'm not going to lie, living in Japan sounds so amazing, but of course, you can’t have everything. What I mean is that while living in Japan can help me gain so much more experience and knowledge, I also leave behind particular aspects that has made me who I am today. I’m not only an American, but a Chicana as well. In case for those who do not know this, it means of Mexican origin or descent. Both my parents were born in Mexico but of course, made their way to the States before I was born.

I was born in Los Angeles, California and now reside outside of L.A. but still within county range.  I grew up with people who were very much like me, so the area alone is inspired by Mexican culture. The food, the people, the parties, and other characteristics that make up my Mexican heritage have already been left behind once. Moving to Minnesota, particularly in a rural area made it difficult for me to even adjust to life there. I have been able to manage well but nonetheless, I always seem to find myself missing home. This is important for me to inform you because while I made a change in moving away so far away from home, I also believe that I can’t imagine living my whole life away from home as well.

Therefore, what I have come to conclude about the idea of me living in Japan forever is that I can see myself living here but not forever. Sure I would love to have a job here and be able to incorporate myself within the intercultural-communication relationship with others but I cannot allow myself to lose my roots. Having a life in Japan will limit my ability to express my Mexican heritage in any way. I can honestly say that finding Mexican food to buy at restaurants is either impossible to do or “offense.” Their style of Mexican food is an American version of Mexican food. Horrible right? Not to mention that if you plan to consider cooking Mexican food on your own, just know that there probably won’t be much left in your wallet; it is just so expensive to find the ingredients you need. There are some Catholic/Christian churches around but mass is told in English. For me, I only happen to know my prayers in Spanish; I am very proud of that. In the end, even though I am open to change I am just not open to “forever.”

HERE

SO, I know it’s been a while but here I am!

I guess the first thing I should probably cover is how my week of classes went (and so on). To be honest, it’s been really nice. The reason is because a fair amount of what my classes actually consists of are field trips. Which I really think is great because it gives us a chance to learn more about the culture and history at a hands-on experience. For instance, we have visited a shrine near where my dormitory is located for my Shinto and Buddhism class. Not to mention that this weekend my study abroad group will be participating in a huge and important festival for that particular shrine and will involve anyone who lives within that town. From what I have been told, it’s going to hurt a lot but it will be very worry it. So I can’t wait! (You’ll hear about what I t is soon.) Another trip we did, which was for my Social Development class was taking a trip all throughout three very old towns that have opened up many local, and small businesses that have kept that community strong. They are also a very popular towns where tourist can go and support the people’s businesses by purchasing items such as pottery, eating at small-town restaurants and cafes, as well as purchasing great souvenirs that come with great Japanese history. 

We also take a course called “Life in Japan” that helps us understand the people of Japan by researching many different things Japanese people do that is part of their “everyday” life. For instance, our professor gave us a project that involves going to certain places like Disneyland, or doing something like having a fake wedding. The fake wedding by the way is for us to experience what Japanese people have to go through when it comes to getting married, you’d be surprised how different they do things. As for the Disneyland experiment, that helps us understand Japanese youth and what they’re into even though a lot of what they do has become a lot more modernized with western perspective. And course, to top it off, I am taking a Japanese language class at a second level rate. That class only has three people, including me, but I couldn’t be any happier just because I get to have a lot more attention and personal interaction then I would if there were 8 other people in it.

Although, the only class I actually have every day is that Japanese class. Other than that, all my other classes (depending on which one) is pretty much once a week-maybe twice. Not to mention that each class I have is actually one hour and a half, no matter what day it is. 

Other than school, I try to go out and explore as much as I can because before you know it, time will fly by before I even get to eat another bowl of beef and rice. (It’s very cheap and very popular here by the way!) But I think if you do plan to travel abroad, specifically in Japan, don’t feel the need to try everything in one week. There will be plenty of time, and many field trips to do that will you let you explore so much just within those 4 months that you’re here. 

So, until next time!

Have a great morning/afternoon/night!

Akihabara