When I was about to leave Fukushima, and Japan, I had to say a lot of goodbyes. For a whole week, me and my friends from Europe that would leave with me, had planned brunches and dinners and drinks with people we had to say goodbye to. Never in my life had I cried so many tears in one week, but they were happy tears too, because they meant what a good time had been spent together. I felt so much gratefulness for all the amazing people I met (and with whom I am still in contact at least weekly). Having to say so many goodbyes is really a terrible side effect of studying abroad, but all the encounters you'll have are a 100 percent worth it in my opinion.
Upon really leaving though, a lot of these people would remind me of the big culture shock that would be awaiting me back in the Netherlands. When they'd mention it, I would shake my head and laugh it off - what were they saying? I'd lived in the Netherlands all my life, of course I wouldn't be surprised by the culture, only because I'd been away for five big months. But oh, was I wrong...
Here are some observations I now make at least daily that make me appreciate Japan even more.
First of all, I became very aware of how positive the Japanese seem to be about life. Now, they may disagree with me when I would tell them this, but now that I am back in the Netherlands, I can't conclude anything else than that the Dutch have a way more negative outlook on life. They complain all the time and are annoyed or irritated by the slightest obstacle. When I was younger, I always thought that's just how people work; something unpredicted happens, and then you're upset. But the Japanese taught me it doesn't have to be like that. You can also just accept the situation; not let it get to your mood and then try to work with it. I really like that mindset.
Then there's this thing the Dutch have against rules. They view them as highly unpleasant. Where the Japanese just obediently follow them, the Dutch try everything and anything not to. The streetlights red, but no cars coming? They're already crossing. No cycling zone, but no officers around? They proudly ride their bike. Even in the time of Covid, lots would refuse to wear masks in crowded places, where the Japanese don't even hesitate to wear one to protect their environment from their own cold. It's frustrating to see all these ignoring the rules back here at home, now that I've seen how obedient people can be, but しょうがないーit is what it is...
What I really noticed the most during my semester in Japan, and specifically in Fukushima, is how kind and helpful the Japanese are. They will do anything for you, and always put others first, where the Dutch really value their own wishes and ways most. I heard stories from other international friends where Japanese people rode all the way with them on the train to Fukushima instead of to their own destinations, when they had just arrived in Japan and immediately gotten lost. When my mom visited me in Japan, she was mostly surprised by how the store employees would point out the due dates of products we bought to us, how they always showed us carefully how much money we paid and what we got back, and how every time we just stood still on a road just to admire something, there would always be someone that walked up to us and asked if we were lost and needed some help. Living there truly felt like being in such a warm, safe and supportive environment. I really made some mental notes then and there that I would try to create the same for everyone around me back home.
Speaking of environment, the Japanese are also very clean people. Apart from some neighbourhoods in Tokyo, I've never seen any litter anywhere. The most magnificent thing about this is that trash bins are nowhere to be found. Everyone just carries a plastic back with them in which the litter is being carried home. It's amazing. In the Netherlands people don't even bother throwing their trash in the bins that are literally everywhere. Too inconvenient...
Lastly, what I really admire about the Japanese is their lifestyle. Of course that's something I had to mention, coming from my work field in nutrition (J), but already within one week in Fukushima/Japan, I found it truly remarkable. As soon as I'd wake up and open the curtains, I would already be able to see people running along the river, sometimes even doing some dynamic stretches before or after. And not just some people, but pretty old citizens too! Honestly, almost everyone I met seemed to be engaging at least in some way in an active lifestyle. Food also played a big role in this, with the Japanese consuming a lot of veggies, rice, miso soup and other fermented foods, and less sugar, fat and dairy than the average European. This inspired me so much - I hope to one day be able to bring a bit more of this healthy lifestyle to Europe, to combat the lifestyle diseases we have here so much a bit.
Right, now I didn't mean to put the Netherlands in a bad light (although I can see I still did a bit, oops...) - I just wanted to show how much Japan has taught me, about lifestyle, mindset, the way to engage in life and how to behave towards others and my environment. Of course, Japan can learn a bit from the Netherlands too, for example when it comes to the pressure she puts on her people or her sometimes still very conservative role division - but overall, I think she can teach ús more... I am very grateful I got this opportunity to experience such a different culture and have my perspective on life broadened a bit, and I would honestly recommend everyone else coming from Europe or wherever else to consider staying in Japan for a while too. 
福島大学への留学案内・年間スケジュール
