Changing Impressions

You can feel a change in the atmosphere in my Seminar House. When people aren't stressing about tests, they are more lively and friendly, smiling and taking photos with friends while they still can. People are beginning to realize that in less than two weeks, the dream land that is our Japan study abroad will be coming to an end.

I feel that through living here, I can live almost anywhere. I have gone through the experience of adjusting to a foreign culture, making friends, and trying new things. In short, I've taken something outside my comfort zone and placed it inside. But how has my impression of Japan itself changed?

I've learned so much, in class and out. One of the big changes I see is my understanding of Japanese cultural assimilation. You can't go far without seeing foreign influence in Japan, from McDonald's signs to extensive English words in the form of katakana. But since the time I arrived, I understand now that these things are uniquely Japanese. McDonald's has a specialized menu with things like Shaka Shaka Chicken and the a shrimp burger with a black sesame seed bun (ごまえび), and katakana words like バイキング (viking) and マンション (mansion) actually mean all-you-can-eat buffet and large apartment, respectively. I can appreciate now how they can take something foreign and make it their own. I first worried they were losing their culture, but in fact they're just creating it anew.

I'm also desensitized to a lot of things thanks to Japan. Weird flavors of candy, bad English, and cartoon characters on garbage trucks all seem perfectly normal to me. After 4 months of being bombarded with crazy things, I have just come to accept them as everyday life. Going back home will be a bit of a disappointment, I think; No custard-flavored Kit Kats or Cola Mentos, maple waffle-flavored koala chocolates or red-bean Pepsi either. But at least there will be Dr. Pepper! How I miss it, so.

 Sweet-potato flavored ice cream, and chili pepper flavored kit kat.

But what about the people, arguably the most important part of one's Japan experience? I have come to many realizations. First of all, Japanese come in every shape and size, and they most certainly do not "all look alike." I have seen more variation in Japanese faces than I have back home, almost. It is striking, the variety of noses, lips, and eyes they possess. I'm especially fascinated by eyebrows. They're so variegated here!

I feel like I've just gotten really used to Japan. It's hard for me to pinpoint lots of things specifically. I feel that seeing my home country will bring all of the differences to light, as well as the similarities.


Tyler