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It is always hard to leave behind something you love, so it is with mixed emotions that I approach the end to my time here in Japan. I always knew I would eventually leave Japan one day, however now that my days here are quickly coming to an end, I find myself wanting to slow things down in order to be able to enjoy many of the things Japan has to offer for one last time.
Having spent two and a half years living in Tokyo, I have had the opportunity to experience many distinctly Japanese moments. From the “irrasshaimase” (welcome), being called out whenever I enter a bar or walk past a shop, to the built in “modesty protectors” in many lavatory facilities. (Modesty protectors are the flushing sound of the toilet, which saves you from the embarrassment of others hearing you). Nobody will ever be able to challenge the notion that Japan is indeed a unique country.
I will miss, of course, the food here in Japan. The world’s freshest and most beautifully presented sushi and sashimi dishes will be one of the hardest things to leave behind. Having to reacquaint myself with all kinds of foreign oriented weird and wonderful sushi varieties such as teriyaki chicken and California roll will take a bit of adjustment too.
Having spent my time here working in a very traditional Japanese work environment, communicating only in Japanese day in day out, I think too, that adjusting back to an English work environment may be a little challenging at first. It will be interesting to see just how many of the habits and customs I have absorbed from my surroundings.
Living in Tokyo, there are many reminders of how transient life can be in this city. Having to say goodbye to close friends, and go in search of new ones can be hard. It is through these friends however, that one gets to experience more of what Japan has to offer. I will always be grateful for having been able to meet these people and have my life enriched in various ways by the experience.
Naturally, saying goodbye to all these things will be difficult. I am spending my final three weeks here in a whirl of finishing up at work, saying goodbye to friends and colleagues and doing all of my favourite Japan-related activities for “one last time”. No one can deny that the Japan experience is a profound one. At present my imminent departure still feels very surreal, and I know that it probably won’t feel real until I head through the departure gates at the airport. One thing though is for certain, when the plane takes off from Narita, I know I will be leaving a certain part of me behind. Hopefully one day I will return.
Sayonara
It is always hard to leave behind something you love, so it is with mixed emotions that I approach the end to my time here in Japan. I always knew I would eventually leave Japan one day, however now that my days here are quickly coming to an end, I find myself wanting to slow things down in order to be able to enjoy many of the things Japan has to offer for one last time.
Having spent two and a half years living in Tokyo, I have had the opportunity to experience many distinctly Japanese moments. From the “irrasshaimase” (welcome), being called out whenever I enter a bar or walk past a shop, to the built in “modesty protectors” in many lavatory facilities. (Modesty protectors are the flushing sound of the toilet, which saves you from the embarrassment of others hearing you). Nobody will ever be able to challenge the notion that Japan is indeed a unique country.
I will miss, of course, the food here in Japan. The world’s freshest and most beautifully presented sushi and sashimi dishes will be one of the hardest things to leave behind. Having to reacquaint myself with all kinds of foreign oriented weird and wonderful sushi varieties such as teriyaki chicken and California roll will take a bit of adjustment too.
Having spent my time here working in a very traditional Japanese work environment, communicating only in Japanese day in day out, I think too, that adjusting back to an English work environment may be a little challenging at first. It will be interesting to see just how many of the habits and customs I have absorbed from my surroundings.
Living in Tokyo, there are many reminders of how transient life can be in this city. Having to say goodbye to close friends, and go in search of new ones can be hard. It is through these friends however, that one gets to experience more of what Japan has to offer. I will always be grateful for having been able to meet these people and have my life enriched in various ways by the experience.
Naturally, saying goodbye to all these things will be difficult. I am spending my final three weeks here in a whirl of finishing up at work, saying goodbye to friends and colleagues and doing all of my favourite Japan-related activities for “one last time”. No one can deny that the Japan experience is a profound one. At present my imminent departure still feels very surreal, and I know that it probably won’t feel real until I head through the departure gates at the airport. One thing though is for certain, when the plane takes off from Narita, I know I will be leaving a certain part of me behind. Hopefully one day I will return.
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LIVING IN JAPAN