Short Takes: A New Language Is A New Life

Posted on 01/05/2021 Last updated on 02/15/2021

Even with a new year underway, it can be easy to feel held down by the problems of the previous one. Right now, the world is still in the grips of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and things we used to enjoy with ease now seem difficult if not impossible. In times like these, we can reflect on the beauty in life, and the things that do bring us joy. Here’s one such story from Sean on his experience in Japan:

Have you ever wanted to a life of peace and happiness? Have you sought a culture that is based on the principles of humanity, respect, and honor? Well then, welcome to Japan!

There is a saying, 新しい言語は、新たな人生の始まり or “A new language is a new life”. For those who pursue learning another other language, they’re opening up a door to what feels like a new world. In truth though, it’s just another part of the world we live in now, but one that learning a new language makes more accessible. No matter where you’re from, you’ve probably felt that at some point in life.

For me, that language was Japanese. And the world it let me step into was one I never want to leave. I love living in Japan, and here’s just three of the many reasons why:

The Land

Photo by Casia Charlie on Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-taking-picture-near-lake-with-view-of-mount-fuji-2451040/

There are so many places around Japan to see. From great cities to small towns, ancient shrines and temples to high-end hotels. Mountains, rivers and valleys. Even a ‘desert’ or two! Traveling to these places is easy and convenient with Japan’s great transportation system. Some of my favorite ways to travel are the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Japanese airlines such as ANA and JAL.

Some personal recommendations of places to visit include the majestic, beautiful, and historic castles in each prefecture; the Tenmangu shrines throughout Japan during the Fire Festival in the summer; and large cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Hiroshima, each with their own eclectic and exciting nightlife.

The Lifestyle

The Japanese lifestyle is one built on the ideas of peace and harmony. While a homogenous country for many years, the nation has long been opening up its doors to the international friendship and melting pot aesthetics of the global community.

We’re lucky to live in an era where we can now experience the Japanese lifestyle for ourselves. I have enjoyed learning the language with the locals, exploring the simple pleasures of day-to-day life, and making friends wherever I go. Life in Japan is many things, and yes, it can be a lot of work. But in my experience, the satisfaction is always worth the effort.

The Culture

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For me, one of the best parts of living in Japan is being able to learn about the culture firsthand. Overseas we can get bits and pieces of it, but the sensation of experiencing Japanese culture in its homeland is indescribable. And it all starts with the Japanese people themselves, who have taught me so much through even the most basic of interactions.

Japan has maintained many cultural traditions passed down through generations while also adding new ones. Japan now is different from the one of 10, 20, 50 or 100 years ago, and yet there are many things that have remained. Culture is everywhere, and it’s something anyone can experience if they look for it.

In Summary

Right now, it’s hard to know when the world will be able to reopen its doors. International travel is still largely shut down. But it will return some day, and your chance to come to Japan will arrive.

And when you do, please visit the southern parts of Hoshu and learn about the ways of Bushido and Samurai culture. Please visit Iga, where Ninjutsu originated from. Please visit the Hokkaido Island and enjoy the Sopparo winter festival with beautiful designed ice sculptures. Please visit the relaxing Okinawa and enjoy the “Hawaiian atmosphere” environment there. At last, please visit Tokyo, the capital of Japan (from personal experience, I recommend the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Disneyland!)

Find peace at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Try new foods and sample new sweets, even if you’re not sure what they are (within reason, of course!) Get lost in the city or the countryside and make an adventure out of finding your way back. Make new friends. Learn new things. And above all, keep an open mind.

Please enjoy your new adventure and new life in Japan! It has been my honor so far, and I feel I have found peace and happiness living here! Japan is a truly amazing place and it is such a joy to be a part of it. So if you’re learning Japanese or thinking of trying it, I say go for it. It’s your key to opening up a door to a new life.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: oadtz on Pixabay

1 – Casia Charlie on Pexels

2 – AKANE ZEN on Pexels