A year in review

It is wild to think that just over a year ago, my journey began when I started typing up my thoughts, feelings, and experiences in blog form. August 4th marks the anniversary of my first year in Japan, and it still feels surreal to me. I once truly believed I would never step foot in Japan and would likely die without ever leaving my retail job. As I reflect on where the year has gone, it feels like I have been here much longer, and I sometimes wonder where the line is drawn between appreciation and taking things for granted.

Over the past year, I have travelled to 17 of Japan’s prefectures, experienced beautiful scenery, visited historical points of interest, and enjoyed a wide variety of local foods. I have adapted to daily life here, and despite some challenges with my school placements, I have come to understand my role and the expectations placed upon me. I have grown particularly fond of one of my schools and enjoy talking with my fellow colleagues.

I have also become accustomed to life in Saga, including the bus system, convenience stores, restaurants, and the people. It is in Saga that I have experienced the most kindness from locals, from local Obasans gifting me origami and expressing their happiness to speak with me, to others approaching me to ask if I am lost or need help. While these acts of kindness do happen in other places as well, my experiences in Saga stand out. The anime Zombieland Saga has a saying: "All you need can be found in Saga," and there are times when I can truly understand the sentiment behind that motto.

Some of my highlights from my first year include a trip to Hokkaido, even though it resulted in an 11-hour shinkansen ride due to a blizzard. I also enjoyed a memorable visit to South Korea, where I ate a whole native bird in a warehouse in Cheongju. Another highlight was indulging in all-you-can-eat Saga beef at a restaurant in Sasebo.

I had a wonderful time at Bungo no Mori seeing the tribute to Suzume, I enjoyed more cultural moments too, I practiced shodo (calligraphy) with my students and played the Koto. I visited Gunkanjima, experienced my first summer BBQ on the beach in Karatsu, and took a rural train back from Mount Aso. Walking across the Ariake Sea and visiting Kashima Shrine were also remarkable experiences.

There are many more memories, but these stand out to me. I have witnessed beautiful shooting stars and explored amazing planetariums and science museums. I enjoyed incredible festivals, such as Karatsu Kunchi, among many other experiences.

However, it’s important to note that my first year in Japan hasn’t been entirely positive; I have faced some extreme lows as well. Moving to a new country was never going to be easy it came with challenges that I never even considered. Health is one thing not only were existing issues affected but new ones to that I would never have known about if I had never moved. I ended up with a rash across parts of my body and after moments of trying just usual creams, changing shampoos etc it spread further so I fumbled a trip to the Doctor. I learnt there was a fungus in Japan that had irritated my skin and caused the rash. It could happen to anyone and will continue to be an issue in extreme hot weather and if I sweat…which for those who know anything about Japanese summers may see the problem. The rash is under control for now but its another example of prepare for anything and everything.

Growing use to an array of new flavours is also one that can take time and be hard on your low days when you want a taste of familiarity. The work culture and social expectations are different and can cause pressure and stress when trying to make no mistakes.

I’ve been dealing with various issues at home, managing time zones, and accepting the feeling of powerlessness while being so far away. I also made the decision to take redundancy at the company I had been with for ten years. A lot has happened across the pond whilst being here in saga. The heat in Japan is constant, and I often return home feeling lethargic and unable to do anything. Additionally, the challenge of feeling isolated is something many face when they start anew in a foreign country, away from everything familiar.

I have renewed my contract for another year, but I’m also looking ahead. What can I do next, and where will the next chapters take me? I have considered teaching in South Korea, as I truly enjoyed my time there. I've also thought about moving to Europe, but there are still many unknowns. I have yet to find a path that feels right for me or a place that has the qualities of a true home. I acknowledge that this is okay.

I hope that those who have followed my blog and channel continue to enjoy my content. By sharing a balanced experience, I aspire to help others make informed decisions about whether this program is right for them. and hope that sharing more balanced takes that others who are also struggling can feel like they are not alone in their experiences. It can be hard to seemingly be the only struggling in a situation when you are surrounded by so many positive takes. You question why you are not having the same experiences. But I want people to know that there are hardships and there will be times when you want to cry into a pillow or in the shower after finding the tenth bug bite. And life in Japan is forever itchy.

 Thank you for your support over the past year, and I look forward to the next chapters being exciting and filled with positives.