A Compilation of Random Thoughts from My Five Months in Japan
What’s the first thing comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Japan’? Sushi, vending machines, shrines, bullet trains, anime, weird yet brilliant inventions — the list goes on. I think most of you would agree that Japan is a land of contradictions where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. It sure can be a baffling place but that is exactly why Japan is in a league of its own. I write this as I reminiscence my five-month experience living in Japan as an exchange student. So here are some random thoughts that I had while I was there.
- The Japanese are one of the most cash-loving people in the advanced world.
Despite its reputation as a technologically savvy futuristic nation, Japan still remains a heavily cash-based society. While cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods are becoming more and more prevalent, 80% of Japanese retail sales are in cash so having cash with you all the time is pretty much an essential. This might confuse some tourists and foreign residents since its Asian neighbors, South Korea and China are rushing toward a cashless society. One of the reasons I can come up with for this phenomenon in my time living in Japan is due to its low crime rate so people feel safe carrying cash. People taking out a wallet loaded with cash and searching for coins in front of a cashier is pretty much an everyday scene here. Another reason is probably because of its ageing population. It seems that Japan does want to go cashless but the elderly people aren’t so keen on the idea.
- Everyone effortlessly looks stylish in everyday life
The fashion trend in Japan definitely has shifted from their loud and super colorful Harajuku fashion to a minimalist and clean look. I feel like they are aiming for a sophisticated look by wearing basic pieces in colors that are much easier on the eyes. Even most people straight up look like they just walked out from Uniqlo fitting room not paying for their clothes, do not mean it in a bad way though. This new aesthetic of minimalism might be a lot harder to combine than you think. Despite being basic, it’s far from plain. I am no fashion expert so I don’t quite know how to explain it but everyone just looks so neat and put together that makes you feel like you don’t belong there.
- They use so much plastic
Japan has the world’s second highest rate of plastic packaging waste per capita in the world. Even though it has a solid system for waste management and recycling, its biggest flaw is the wrapping system. Everything, fruits, and vegetables in particular, is meticulously wrapped, rewrapped, and bagged in multiple layers of plastic, and on top of that they will tape the bag for no absolute reason.「袋いらないです」“Fukuro iranai desu” is probably one of must-learn Japanese phrases which means “I don’t need a plastic bag” if you are planning to go to Japan.
- Karaoke is fun
I know this is such a weird thing to say but before coming to Japan, the last time I went to a karaoke bar is probably when I was in high school. However, for some reason when I was in Japan I felt like I could go karaoke every week. Karaoke is just so fun and inexpensive here.
