Our “Japanniversary”- a year in reflection
Thinking back to the day we arrived in Tokyo, I had no idea what to expect. So much had impacted the world since 2020 began. While this year had not been quite the year we expected or dreamed about living abroad; I am thankful for the opportunity to be living in a country where mutual respect, consideration for others, humbleness, cleanliness, and non verbal gestures are appreciated and displayed daily as part of a everyday life.
Most people want to visit Tokyo because of the breathtaking beauty of old and new, to experience the vibrant food culture, to experience the hustle and bustle of organized chaos at train stations, subways, trains, and street crossings. I love it all and we have experienced much of what Tokyo offers. After living here a year, I have started to appreciate the little things about this country that makes it amazing.
I recently listened to the audio book Ikigai- The Japanese secret for a long and happy life. The term Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means a “reason for being”. The books goes into how the Japanese culture and way of life provides purpose or direction on making one’s life worthwhile. One concept the authors discuss is the term Flow. Flow is finding something so simple that you enjoy, that time flies when you do it. It also brings joy to you and others. Each day as I walk Xena, we have our normal route, which is to our neighborhood park a block away. Every morning, I see the retired folks sweeping leaves off the sidewalk and they do it with such pride and joy. They are keeping our neighborhood park tidy, socially gathering, and saying “ohayo gozaimasu” to everyone who walks by. I take time to noticed people in everyday life taking pride in their job and their contributions to society.
Living here has taught us to be kind, patient, and enjoy the gift of little things in life. I find myself constantly bowing to people. Instead of saying “hi” or “thanks”, people just bow, even a small bow. It means you are thanking the other person to let you in when they open the door, it means thanks when you cross the street and the cars actually wait for pedestrians to cross, even taxi drivers stop. When you go into an elevator or train, there is a protocol; always stand on the sides to let people out BEFORE you enter. Our boys had to learn this. When we first came, they would charge right into an elevator or train before waiting. Now, they naturally wait. It is a culture of consideration. And before COVID19, people would wear mask if they are feeling ill. The Japanese are considerate and don’t want to spread their germs to others. It’s the simple gestures that show we care about our community and others. Those who have visited Japan know that you don’t eat/ drink and walk. It is quite rude. The culture is take time to sit and enjoy your food or drink. No rushing around eating on the go. There are no garbage cans anywhere. People take their trash home to dispose, even doggie poop bags. We bring them back and dispose in our community trash bins. Over the past year, we have slowed down to enjoy the simple things in life. I feel the world slowed down with COVID19. Everywhere, people are appreciating the gift of family, friends, simple pleasures like toilet paper, food, masks, hand sanitizers. Japan seemed ahead of the world in appreciating the simple pleasures and respecting the community, and it is nice to see that the world is appreciating our communities and others.
Over the past year and a couple of prior trips, we have been able to explore different parts of Tokyo and Japan. One goal would be to visit all 47 prefectures. A friend of mine who recently moved back to the US had visited with her family all 47 prefectures during their time here. So far, I think we have been to 15 prefectures. We may have travelled through a few more, but I want to visit each of them to find out what is special about the region. Anyone want to join us when traveling can resume? Here are some highlights over the year.
In September I start my one on one Japanese lessons. Let’s see if it will help me develop some Japanese speaking capabilities. I have enjoyed group lessons with a couple of friends, it has been very fun and social. I will reflect at year 2 if I was able to learn some Nihongo. Such a difficult language to learn as an adult.
We hope things improve by next year and we would love to host more visitors. We were lucky to have a few visitors this past year. With Alex heading off to college soon, we will have two guest rooms! He did write in his yearbook, “mom and dad, I hope you won’t miss me too much, because I want to go everywhere and do everything”. We will miss him dearly and at the same time we are so thrilled for him to want to study abroad and experience life to the fullest. To all our family and friends all over the world, please stay safe and we hope to see you all soon. Come and visit me! Take care! hugs!