Although this is the 2. time I live in Japan, I always find something new and interesting things or events in Japan, which I did not know about from before.
My fall semester in Kansai has been rich of experiences and good for my future way of thinking.
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| China Town in Kobe |
The thing which really fascinates me, is that where you live in a country, can make a big difference. Although this is my second time in Japan, the feeling I have about living here now is totally different from last year. The feelings I had last year were filled with depression, and the realization that I never wanted to go back to Japan ever again. I really did not like the area I lived in, and neither the people- as I had some difficulties with finding friends in Tokyo area.
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| A Japanese person taking pictures of Autumn leaves. |
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Now my feelings have totally changed. I can imagine living in Kansai area for several years, if I had the possibility. The Japanese people here are warm hearted and interested in meeting you, and listening to your stories. I can really feel the difference between Kansai and Kanto area. It is so strange that there is such a big difference between two areas in the same country.
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| Osaka |
I've also learned that all the things people say about Japanese people is not necessarily truth. I do see people kissing and holding hands here, although that it's not very common. Also people do talk a lot about their feelings- which is said to not be very Japanese. It might also be the fact that Japanese students at Kansai Gaidai gets influenced by the foreign students, and changes a little from the general Japanese people.
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| Capsule Hotel in Osaka |
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It is very hard to come to think of how my impressions of Japan has changed, as I take every thing of Japan in to my heart and accept it, and don't think much about it. I do love Japan more than I ever did before. And from being a horrible experience, I now feel that Japan is a wonderful place on earth- with it's irritating rules and way of thinking. But that is what makes Japan to Japan.
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| Wasabi ice cream. |
A nice conclusion to the assignment, but somehow I feel it is hardly a conclusion to your exploration of Japan. I am glad (and understand why!) you had good experiences in the Kansai area. Overall I think your blog showed that Japan is a place, similar and different from others in no particularly unique way and certainly not so alien. Thank you for your efforts.
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