It’s been a minute! Sorry for the long wait. However, it has been a crazy couple of months – in all the best ways possible. I finally made my move to Japan!!! ⋆𓂃𖡼.*ﾟ⏜ ۫ .Here is a little back story on my first month here:)
It has been about 1 month since my arrival in Japan. The first week was spent with my dad, who so kindly came with me for support while I navigate not only a new country but moving into my own apartment for the first time. Man… when people warned me about the summer heat in Japan I was prepared for it to be hot but not THIS hot. Japan heat is no joke. But to be honest I wasn’t really bothered by it because I was just so grateful to be in Japan.
We spent a few days getting settled with my apartment, buying furniture necessities and going back and forth to the Toshima ward office for my residence card and health insurance. I was really enjoying my time spent with my dad as I don’t truly know the next time I will see him again. That week I also surprised my dad with a boat ride in Tokyo Bay, while experiencing a traditional Japanese 14 course meal.
It was truly a magical experience. Just one thing missing – my mom being with us! I know she would have loved this as well.
After that week, my dad and I parted ways and I left the airport by myself. It slowly sank in that I was not just on some vacation anymore. It probably took about another week or two until I was like wait I’m definitely not on a vacation, I live here.
The following weeks were spent at school orientation and meeting up with new people. I decided before I even moved that I would put my best foot forward in trying to make new friends and be open to as many experiences as possible. 2 years sounds like a long time in the moment, but I know it will go by in the blink of an eye. Considering this month has already gone by so fast.
I have met so many people, tried so many new foods, and been to so many new places! I feel like I am really thriving here and I’m so grateful for the choices I’ve made that have led me here.
My school, Rikkyo University, is probably one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever been to! It’s filled with greenery with both historic and modernized buildings. The people in program are from places all around the world – Indonesia, Thailand, China, Nigeria, Russa, Ukraine, Taiwan, etc. The list of countries goes on for all the other exchange and international students – France, Netherlands, Germany, other Americans, Canada. I mean… THIS is exactly what I was yearning for. A culturally diverse environment. And to add everyone is so so kind and welcoming here.
I am starting to become more comfortable with my daily life in Japan and I am excited to see what more opportunities and experiences will arise as I continue to move through life. Within the first month I can really see just how big the world really is and how much of a bubble I was within in America. I will continue these blog posts to document my life here in Japan as a way to appreciate and slow down to really soak it all in.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Anna⟡𖧷
