I always been interested in Japanese culture since I was young and my interested only grew as I grew older. I believe as many others my interested started with Anime, Manga and Robots but after a while I became more intrigue by the history of Japan for example Samurai culture and the Edo period. So you understand my excitement when I found out that it was a possibility to do an exchange program here in Japan.
This dream of me going to Japan was supposed to happen in 2019 but due to Covid I was not able to go. And as I found out I was not the only one. I even started to give up on the idea and after a long hard and difficult period I was finally able to make this dream a reality in 2022. And even after that there was complications that made my move difficult and instead of moving in April, I actually arrive in June. So you could see how much I actually had to go to through for coming to Japan and now that I am here, the question is if I had to go through all of this again. Would I? and the answer is YES. Without a doubt yes. And I will explain "why" below and my experience in Japan.
When I made the decision to do my exchange program here in Japan, I had to choose a school. My knowledge of Japan was mostly of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. And I had little to no knowledge of the northeastern part of Japan. Unfortunately our options where limited to how many schools we could choose but in the end I choose Fukushima and I can honestly say I am happy with the decision. When I choose Fukushima the only thing I knew was about the earthquake and tsunami and unfourtnely the nuclear disaster that happened around 11 years ago, because when it came to the outside of Japan or online research, that what was being shown and told and it's not fair as I came to find out that Fukushima is more than that.
Fukushima has everything Japan is famous for, including relaxing Onsen, Sake, Cherry blossoms, big mountains, beautiful nature and a wide variety of special local food products. Now Fukushima is no Tokyo and you won't find much of the Anime/Manga Culture here, especially compare to Akibahara in Tokyo. But I don't believe there is another city or prefecture where the Samurai culture and history is as strong. And the same could be said about the nature and beautiful mountains.
My first day in Fukushima I actually went and climbed a mountain and words cannot describe how amazing the view and the experience was. Being here I felt like I became one with nature. I did a lot since arriving here and I don't think I will be able to say it all but I certainly enjoy my stay. I went to many festivals and I enjoy them all, the food, the vibe and the entertainment where all very amazing to experience. Going to an Onsen is so relaxing and fun. Visiting Aizu and the castles and the Samurai schools and learning the history is something I will never forget.
I stayed at The university dormitory with other international students and as someone who has difficulty interacting with others, they were very welcoming and I had a great time with these people. But the most surprising thing for me was the humbleness and kindness of the people of Fukushima. Japanese people believe in harmony and respect and as I came to learn it is actually embedded in their culture. Everyone treated me with kindness and respect, this is something I never expected and I have travelled a lot in my life and I never experience this kind of thing before. Now the teachers at Fukushima University were just amazing and I wish them all the best. I cannot thank them enough. If they didn't help me through all of this experience I don't think this would have been possible.
Now Fukushima is not all rainbows and sunshine. For example having a little bit of knowledge and at least basic level of Japanese would have been from my experience not necessary needed but can make your experience in Fukushima much better and easier. Many locals do not speak English and most things are written in Japanese there are trains and busses that can take you everywhere but they are in Japanese. Google translate can help when it comes to written things but it doesn't help when speaking with locals and can make it difficult to communicate but not impossible. And if you if you enjoy the nightlife you won't find it here but at the other end, travelling around 30 minutes via Shinkansen (Japan high fast train) to Sendai can be a substitution if this is what you desire. Sendai is lively and is perfect for shopping and experiencing what you would have experience, if you visited Tokyo but on a smaller scale.
Let me end this by saying: Fukushima is beautiful and I am glad I was here in Japan. And there were many cities or prefecture that I visited and I enjoy them, all were unique and had something to offer no matter who you are and what you like. But I can genuinely say this will not be my last time I visit Japan and it will not be my last time I visit Fukushima. I don't know when but Fukushima has become a special place in my heart and will be an experience I will never forget.
福島大学への留学案内・年間スケジュール
