4 months in Japan: A review

I can't believe we've been in Japan for 4 months already! Time sure goes by quickly when you live in another country, especially when it's a place as exciting and beautiful as Kyoto.

We've had plenty of ups and a few downs. Overall, our time here has changed us in deep and meaningful ways. We've learned a lot, had a lot of laughs, made really great friends, and encountered experiences we will never forget. Our daily life has taught us a lot about different ways of living.

We really appreciate the thoughtfulness, sincerity, and humility of Japanese culture. Everyone is extremely considerate of those around them. It is so nice to be immersed in a culture where people constantly think about the well-being of the whole, rather than only themselves. Also, it's nice to be in a secular country. The differences are subtle, but it's nice to not have a religion constantly asserted as straight-up fact.

In the US, I wish more people would think about others. In the US, people take up the whole width of the escalator (blocking the way for anyone who is in a hurry), talk extremely loudly (no, I don't CARE about your phone conversation), and will literally throw trash onto the ground (disgusting). It has been refreshing to be in a culture that isn't filled with I'll-do-as-I-will-damn-well-please types of folks who only think about themselves, even if it comes to the detriment of those around them. I find that the US is the tragedy of the commons at its finest.

Honestly, I don't miss US culture at all. But actually, I notice this no matter which country I visit. I see an immediate difference when going to a bar, for example. In the US, there is always a TV on, and the music is so loud it's hard to think straight. It is no place for a proper conversation.

In Japan, specifically Kyoto, the whole place is designed around human-to-human interaction. The roads are filled with people walking, rather than driving. Almost no restaurant or cafe has a parking space, and the atmosphere is quiet and thoughtful. Every aspect of the items arranged around the table is placed to have conversations or sit alone and think deeply about whatever one might think about. This isn't necessarily true for malls and large shopping centers, but those are easy to avoid.

I've been enjoying learning about the philosophy behind various cultural practices. My favorite is the acceptance of the imperfect. Life isn't perfect. It will always have flaws, so it's best to appreciate them and even acknowledge them as beautiful. My western upbringing centered on erasing "sin" and focusing on purity. Because this mindset isn't realistic, it has been the source of anxiety for myself and possibly others, although I can't speak for them. It's nice to explore a culture that approaches mistakes and imperfections completely differently. I find myself sitting quietly in our tiny garden, sipping tea and simply feeling regret. It's not bad-- maybe uncomfortable, but ultimately harmless. Ultimately, I hope to find peace this way.

I think that's what I love the most about Japan so far. In Kyoto, I can get away from the commercialism, the religious judgment, the noise... the constant need to FILL the empty space, and the constant need to JUSTIFY every thought. Life is complicated. Feelings don't make any sense. Thoughts are full of contradictions. Japan reminds me that this is all normal and okay. Life is just... like that.

I thought it could be fun to list the pros and cons of life in Kyoto. I like lists, and I enjoy organizing things into categories.

Pros:

FOOD-- literally everything is delicious. There's not a single thing I've had that I hated. At worst, I find some food mediocre (I thought Japanese curry was pretty meh compared to the various Thai curries).
Everyone is always outside walking-- It's nice to see your neighbors! I like seeing so many faces every day. I feel like I'm actually in a town or a city. Walking everywhere and taking public transit makes me feel more anti-car than ever. Imagine if the US was like this!
Shrines-- They are so beautiful and around every corner.
Very old buildings-- I feel like I'm transported into the past!
Friendly and polite residents-- What a difference.
Plenty of places to visit-- An adventure around every corner!
Walking around is always fun-- Therefore, every day is fun!

Cons:

It's called a BIKE LANE-- Apparently, none of the bikes like to use it. You're always having to didge bikes.
Paperwork-- Good luck if you ever want to apply for a My Number card. No seriously, you'll need it. Japan is absolutely obsessed with paperwork and red tape.
Mail deliveries-- They don't like leaving an envelope or package at the door. If you're not home, they'll usually leave a ticket so you can reschedule a time for them to come back (when you're home of course). Not convenient!