The idea of travelling abroad alone has always intrigued me, because I believe I could discover so much about the country and myself with tremendous amount of flexibility. Japan seems like the perfect place for female solo travelers, given its safety, convenience, and culinary satisfactions. Nevertheless, I have to admit that the only knowledge I had of Japan was obtained from a couple of Pokémon episodes I watched during my childhood, if that qualifies as part of Japanese culture. Therefore, I embarked on my 10-day-journey to Japan on November 1st with a backpack, a pair of hiking shoes, curiosity, and an open-mind. 

Now I am back home reminiscing about my time spent in Japan; I am already planning a potential trip back. Japan is a multifaceted country, dominated by Zen culture and Confucianism; such uniqueness is displayed in the ramifications of politeness that impressed me, and will certainly shape how I carry myself in the future. 

When I first landed in Narita airport and ventured into the most crowded areas in Tokyo at night, I was overwhelmed by its labyrinthine yet organized public transportation system. Although it took me several mistakes to get used to the navigation, I unexpectedly discovered many deserted areas in both Tokyo and Kyoto. 

In addition, Japan defines retro-futurism. In Tokyo, I was exposed to different kinds of advanced technology, such as robotic animals and virtual reality glasses. 

I was surprised at how much ancient culture the country has preserved, especially in the city of Kyoto. I visited several temples, hiked two mountains, devoured undisclosed amounts of sushi and noodles, and met very interesting travellers from all over the world. Yet, what is most unique about Japan is its people, and they are the driving force that attracts many tourists - and I - to fall in love with the country. 

I stayed in Gojo Guest House in Kyoto for four days, and was greeted by the nicest staff, Kaji. Due to my lack of knowledge in the Japanese language, or maybe because of my terrible memorization, I somehow thought his name was Haki. Haki could carry out a decent conversation in English. I frequently chatted with him and asked many questions pertaining to what I observed in Kyoto. On the third day I stayed in Gojo Guest House, I eavesdropped on a conversation Haki had with two British travellers. The conversation went like this: “what’s your name again?” said the traveller. “My name is Kaji” said Haki, I mean Kaji!! I felt terribly embarrassed and immediately apologized “Your name is Kaji?! I have been calling you Haki for two days, I am so sorry!” Kaji smiled, as always, and kindly responded, “Yes you have, Lin, but it is okay.” I contemplated a lot on this embarrassing incident that night while lying down on a tatami in this 100-year-old hostel house. He could have corrected me earlier, but he chose not to. After reading several articles about Japanese culture, I finally understood the reasoning behind his action. Unlike the U.S, when individualism and open-discussion are highly promoted, in Japan, people tend to avoid conflict, and, instead, praise politeness. I could not wrap my head around it, because how could Japan invent so much innovative technology if conflict in conversation is avoided? I hope to find clarity from my next trip to Japan. 

Interacting with local Japanese reminded me of what I learned from my trip to Israel, where I observed many Israelis and Palestinians coexisting harmoniously under two countries’ long-standing political conflict. Although the conflict between China and Japan is not as severe as that of Israel and Palestine, there are still citizens who hold grudges against the other because of historical and geopolitical conflict. Being a patriotic Chinese, I was self-conscious when I stepped foot in Japan. However, the hospitality and kindness Japanese people showed me when I was lost in the city, embarrassed by calling the staff a wrong name for two days, being confused with Japanese currencies in 7-11, reminded me that citizens of two countries with opposing self-interest could live harmoniously because after all we are just citizens of this global village, and our self-interest is simply seeking peace, mutual understanding, and love. 

Lin Yuhan is the Culture and Politics Editor at Wandering Educators.

All photos courtesy and copyright Lin Yuhan