One of the defining characteristics of U.S. culture is the concept of consumerism, a complex cultural phenomenon that encompasses behaviors, habits, attitudes, and values. At its core, consumerism places a significant emphasis on the acquisition of goods and services as markers of individual success and happiness. It permeates every aspect of American life, from the…
Category: Japan: Kansai Gaidai
Blog Prompt 1: Letters To America “Japan”
The United States has many freedoms, one being able to congregate in local parks and recreation areas without permits. These activities may include barbecues, sports events, music events, swimming in local lakes, beach activities and picnics. Our freedom to come and go without restrictions as Americans is the most precious aspect of our culture. Most…
Letters to America: Launch to Japan in T-4 days
It feels a bit surreal to say, “I am leaving, in less than a week, to live in Japan for four months.” A myriad of coincidences and life events have brought me to realize this expedition has been an unconscious dream of mine, now turned into a conscious reality. I say this to remind you,…
Pre-Study Abroad
One of the first aspects of US culture that comes to mind is individuality. Although this value may lead to conflicts it also creates allowance for diversity and bringing together ideas outside of the norm. Some examples of individualistic ideology in the US include self-sufficiency, autonomy, the ability to have self-expression, and thinking for oneself…
Small-Big Confidences in Japan
Approximately one and a half weeks after arriving in Japan, I fumbled a step while going down a set of stairs and strained my foot and ankle badly. I then waited 3 and a half weeks before going to the hospital for it—partially because it was improving every day that I took it easy, and…
Reflections before Japan
Edit: Wow, first post for Kansai Gaidai since 2020! Before departing for Japan, reflecting on cultural differences or the cultural values that I was raised in feels inevitable. Here in America, one of our large cultural values is individualism. We value the individual’s complete freedom to make choices as they wish, even at the expense…
Final Blog Post
Coming home early from my study abroad in Japan was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever had to do. In the short time I was there I met really amazing people that I was looking forward to becoming friends with. While some of those friendships will stay, there are so many I…
Final Blog Post about studying abroad in Japan
One week after returning from Japan, I started to think about how my perceptions changed after this exciting living experience. Before I came to Japan, I already learned that there were certain implicit rules in Japanese society such as no phone calls, eating or drinking in public. However, when I actually came to Japan, I…
Third Post: Living in Japan
This week, I went to Tokyo to visit my Aunt. I left early and went shopping near the train station. Before I came to Japan, I already knew that the Japanese society was heavily cash-based so I brought lots of cash with me to Japan. I went to about 5 stores and only 3 of…
Second Post: Studying Abroad in Japan
I went to Osaka last weekend and found out the street was full of people wearing masks. In drug stores, masks were usually all sold out. Due to the coronavirus that had spread widely recently, people rose the awareness of protecting themselves from being infected, as well as being responsible for other people’s wellness. As…