Big cities, massive crowds, reserved people, and a world that was modern but very much so tied to the past. These were just a few of the things that came to my mind when I thought about Japan. If you asked me what Japan was like a year ago I would probably tell you about what I have learned in my various classes and talk about the people by telling stories about my friends. But if you were to ask me now, I’m not sure I would know how to answer. Family and friends ask me, “So what’s japan like? Is it a lot like an anime? Are the people as crazy as they are portrayed in game shows?” and it's hard to answer these questions when I first got here (back in August) because it’s hard to paint an accurate picture of this/any country.
If I had to describe japan in one short statement I would say that it is it organized chaos. It can be overwhelming, and the cities might seem a bit hectic at first, but once you get your footing, japan isn’t too intimidating.
Japan is definitely NOT just like an anime, although anime characters are everywhere you go and are usually being promoted on many products. So I would say that anime has been integrated with Japan and it’s undeniably prominent. But people don’t go out of their way to talk to you about it. I’ve even found that Japanese students get upset when anime is the subject for too long.
And the people are not just a bunch of freaks running around in crazy costumes acting silly. From my point of view, the people of Japan are hardworking, kind and they can be really reserved. I’ll never fully understand them because I am not Japanese. Even now, after months of living here, I’m still never 100% sure if my actions are appropriate or not. Japan is a culture full of subtle complexities that only a native would fully understand. But Japan is also a country that is full of people who can be quiet but are very kind. And I want to spend the rest of my time here trying to understand Japan and it’s people a little more.
