Things I noticed in Japan

As someone from Taiwan, our family often goes to Japan for vacations, whether it’s for skiing or for shopping, and each time I notice different things about the nation that I hadn’t before. 

Language Improvement

Since I was small, I would go to japan, but it would be hard to communicate with people such as the taxi drivers or the waiters. However, I noticed a drastic improvement on their language abilities ever since the Olympics occurred. In Japan, especially in Tokyo and the heart of the city, their English has improved immensely. Before, it would be hard to communicate with others about things when we are shopping or ordering food. Now, they understand us perfectly and can reply in perfect English. This makes me feel more welcomed into the country and not feel as lost as I was before. 

Package with Care

In Japan, they love to focus on details that would make the consumers feel more loved. At the cashier, each person would check out your items with care even if there is a huge line after me. They would tape up the bag and hand fold the wrapping with such precision. This makes me feel like the line was more worth it and when I’m unpacking, there is a greater sense of excitement when unwrapping. 

Different Street Settings

In Japan, you can tell where different social classes, or age groups would hang around just by looking at the city streets. Generally, the Japanese streets would be spotless even if there are countless people roaming around the streets. However, when you get to areas such as Shibuya, the streets would be much dirtier and there would often be trash laying around on the floor that other districts such as Ginza would not have. There would also be trash bags that would have bottles of beer or sake in it and it showed the culture of that district. 

The street cleanliness difference between Shibuya and Ginza. There are more trash on the sidewalk in Shibuya.

Being a country so close to Japan and sharing similar cultures is what makes details so noticeable and it is a wonderful experience to be able to tell how people from different cultures would act around you. Japan holds a special place in my heart, as I have made numerous memories there.

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