I realized after living abroad that there is no country as easy for foreigners to live in as Japan.
I lived in the Philippines for two months. Manila’s airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. I felt a level of tension there that is unimaginable in Japan.
My family lived in Makati, a city where many foreigners live, rather than in Manila.Because there were many facilities for foreigners and quite a few guards, where many embassies are located, I felt safer than in Manila.
However, at night, many street children appeared at the edge of the city, creating a strange atmosphere.
It was a sight I would never see in Japan, and I was a little shocked when I saw it for the first time.
They are poor, but compared to the Japanese, I felt they had a very strong will to survive.The ability to survive strongly in any situation, which is lacking in Japanese people.
Many foreigners often say that their impression of Japanese people is that they are very hardworking, quiet, and obedient.
Also, in Japanese society, it is thought to be important to refrain from emphasizing individuality, so there are many modest people.
What I was made to think about in the Philippines, although it was for a short period.
It was that I strongly felt the necessity of crisis management skills and the ability to survive in any environment.If I had never left Japan, I don’t think I would have ever felt these things.
I’m really glad I have so much international experience now.
These experiences completely changed me.
My perspective has broadened considerably, as I’ve seen not only the world from Japan’s perspective, but also Japan from the world’s perspective.
However, it’s true that this overseas experience makes me feel suffocated in Japan.
For example, Japanese society is very strict about rules and time.
From childhood, we are bound by school rules and strictly guided.
Also, punctuality is common sense.Many people get angry even if trains or buses are just a few minutes behind schedule.
I think Japan is the complete opposite of many foreign rules and situations.
Abroad, delays are common, and people don’t get angry like the Japanese do.
I felt that people overseas have a much more relaxed attitude compared to the Japanese.
I decided to follow the example of people overseas and become a more open-minded person.
