JAPAN - TOKYO

Visiting Japan and having the chance to study there has always been a dream of mine, and now that dream has become a reality. Before starting my first month, I already knew a lot about Japanese culture and customs but experiencing it firsthand has been eye opening in many ways. There are countless fascinating aspects of life in Japan I could talk about, but one thing that struck me the most in my first month was the train ride experience.

 I had heard stories and seen videos about train rides in Japan but experiencing it firsthand was entirely different. The convenience of the train system is remarkable; you can simply swipe your Suica card to enter and trains arrive every 5 to 10 minutes, making missing a train a not an issue. This efficiency is something that I admire and appreciate, especially coming from a place where public transportation is not as frequent.

 Every day my first class starts at 9 am, so to make it on time comfortably I need to be at the train station by around 8 am. The rush hour train rides were something I found very new and initially quite uncomfortable. The train I take almost every morning is as packed as the pictures you've probably seen. Despite Japanese people being very polite, the scene changes dramatically when entering a train. People push their way in, regardless of how full the train already is. This was a big contrast to what I was used to.

 In the beginning, I had to adapt to being so close to so many strangers, which seemed completely normal to everyone else. At times, there was hardly any space to move or even breathe. I remember one morning when I was squeezed between two people, unable to even lift my arm to scratch my nose. It felt like an eternity until I could finally get off the train. But as time went on, I got used to it and learned where to stand when the train gets busy. I found that standing near the doors, although risky because you might have to move frequently to let people out, provided a bit more room to move and breathe.

 Another interesting aspect is the silence. Despite the trains carrying hundreds of people, almost no one talks or makes any noise. You don’t hear music or conversations; everyone is minding their own business. This silence is weird but also quite peaceful. There are even signs prohibiting phone calls on the train. This is quite different from Liechtenstein, where buses tend to be loud when full. Back home, public transportation is often filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional phone call. Here, the silence is respected and maintained despite the big crowd.

 This level of respect and consideration extends beyond just silence. When it’s time to get off the train, everyone makes space for those who need to exit, showcasing their cooperative and polite nature once again. This level of civility and respect for others is something I deeply admire and has made me reflect on my own culture and values. It made me start to appreciate the trains and buses back home even more because they are never as packed and no one presses their whole body against you for the entirety of the ride. However, the experience in Japan has also made me more patient and tolerant. I've learned to navigate crowded spaces with more ease and less frustration.

After a month of experiencing this new sensation, I started to behave like the locals. In this short time, I’ve encountered so many new things, and I’m sure there will be much more to uncover and learn. The train rides have become a time for reflection and observation, a unique window into the daily lives of the Japanese people.

This experience has been more than just a lesson in patience and tolerance it has been a cultural immersion. It has shown me the importance of adaptability and respect for local customs. I am excited about my future experiences in Japan and look forward to discovering more about this unique culture. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, and I am grateful for every moment.