5 BIG Things I Miss About Living In Japan
I had never imagined I would ever be living in Japan – but then I never thought at the time Donald Trump would become the President of the United States and well there we were, both living our best lives. When I got the opportunity to take up a job in Tokyo, I jumped at it – because life is short and I am all about experiences. Arriving in Japan, fresh out of a separation from my husband at the time and with no friends or the native language to back me up, I had one thing - a job and there was some sort of “security” in that, that made the decision that more easier.
2020 has been a WTF kind of year. I don’t think life has panned out for any of us the way we had imagined or hoped (unless you are Jeff Bezos and bathing in dollars). You see, I was supposed to be travelling, experiencing and living my best life - not stuck on Day 144 of lockdown in South Africa, living in my track pants (which have become my go to outfit of choice) and my couch my now new best friend… all this sans alcohol I will have you know (Thanks Cyril). But as crazy as it has been, it has also been good because it has allowed me to reflect and grow in the most uncomfortable ways and if I know anything it is that growth equals happiness and happiness is success.
Returning back to South Africa was in itself bittersweet. There was reverse culture shock. I had read about people that suffer this when they return back home after living anywhere longer than a year. It became hard to not compare South Africa with that of my former host country and at times I have suffered profound nostalgia for that what once was now sets in.
While almost 3 years of living in Japan was tough, it was beautiful all at the same time. There were days when I was in “expat survival mode” and just trying to adjust to life (especially in the beginning) and then there were days that I truly felt like I was living my best life (and I was). My experience now when I reflect back, has reminded me that as humans we have an uncanny way of not appreciating certain things (in this case, the obvious things) because it just becomes your new way of living. So, while the period of readjustment fades and I settle back in to what will be home for a while, I am reminded about what I miss about Tokyo in my now current everyday surroundings.
1. Safety – when I arrived in Japan, my inner South African was with me. I travelled with my mace everywhere & even on my runs in the amazing Yoyogi Park or venturing on trundles through Setagaya Park and the area where I lived. I was “waiting” for someone to jump out the and attack me. This is not being over dramatic – this is just how I personally lived in South Africa and if you currently live or have lived here, you know it’s a real thing. Despite all the things I had read about Japan being safe prior to me arriving, I was still skeptical. It took a while to ease into what became such a safe and normal way of living. I have now realized since being back home how I miss going for runs, travelling solo, being on public transport late at night, walking home from an eatery or a night out at 2am and not fearing for my safety or the safety of people I know and love.
2. Customer Service – Japan is unique. I have travelled to so many amazing places in the world but nothing tops service in Japan, this even when you can’t speak the language. I was always amazed that I never had to leave a tip (specifically when dining out, heading to a bar or having my hair or a massage done). The Japanese believe that you are already paying for good service so there is no need to pay extra (hello can we bring this concept here). From convenience stores, fast food restaurants and eateries you will generally be met with courteous servers and store clerks and the regular loud shouts of “Irasshaimase”. While rules and protocol can be a royal pain in the ass, they do create an environment of efficiency, courtesy and hospitality and I say amen to that.
3. Public Transport – Its reliable, on time, clean and pretty comfortable, unless you on the train in the peak travel hours and are reminded that Oshiya really do exist (yup, a job to push and cram as many people as possible onto the train). Just to give you some context how good the transport is, the Shinkansen (AKA Bullet Train) travels at 320km/hr or 199mp/h. That’s pretty fast, meaning you get where you need to pretty quickly. There is something special about taking your seat on the Shinkansen with the ever-beautiful Mount Fuji views that would sometimes pass you by while you travel to explore other amazing parts of Japan. I used to look forward to my “wine in a cup, a good book, bento box and the adventure that waits on the other side. Plus I always knew I would generally be on time….like proper time, not African time.
4. Convenience – Ah, the Convenience of the Japanese convenience stores (Konbinis). These were generally open 24 hours. Yes, you read correct. You can get all necessary daily products plus amazing food (like woolies amazing )and alcohol (read that again Cyril). I could pay for my bills, purchase tickets for events, make photo copies if I needed and head down and get a tub of Ben and Jerrys at 2am when the munchies came – this all in one store. Convenience is missed. The availability of fully stocked vending machines (Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita – like one machine for every 23 people), the frequency and efficiency of public transport (as above) and just ease of everyday things all on the corner of nearly every street in the big cities is something I miss – lots.
5. The people I met – There is something special that binds people together by shared experiences. If you have ever travelled, this makes the place you go even more magical when you meet and connect with some good human beings all “going through” something similar. I have met some amazing people during my time in Tokyo and I am so grateful our paths crossed. I doubt the majority of them even realize the impact that they had on me (so if you are reading this – thank you). When there were dark days (and there were, specifically when you are not on your home continent and in a very foreign environment) they were pillars of strength for me, they were my sanity but most of all they were my friends and people that I shared, laughed, and cried with.
You see, Japan was and still is an intoxicating place for me and while right now I settle back in to a South African way of living I reflect back fondly to the life I experienced in Tokyo and will never forget the sense of wonder every day brought to me.
If Corona has taught me anything, it is that life is for living now. While I wait for the borders to open and the country to let the dogs out so that I can soak up every bit of life experience this world has to offer, this is my rallying cry to anyone who reads this – if you get an opportunity to do the insane, to do something that scares you, to get out your comfort zone. Jump Right in. And if you decide to go on a once in a life time trip (when the borders open again), I can promise you, you will find paradise in the streets of Japan.
** Cyril has been referenced often. He is the President of South Africa and has placed some of the worlds most stringiest lockdown regulations. Until he brings back Alcohol and save the millions of jobs lost, he can sit in the naughty corner (Now you know)
