Living in the Present
It has been six months since I came to Japan. Japan has been quite challenging for me, as there are no Indonesian translations at train stations or on the streets. First of all, the subway system is too complicated for me to understand, and even when I ask station attendants, they don’t understand Indonesian at all. Moreover, there are very few English speakers. I thought Japanese people could speak English, but that’s not the case. The differences in politeness levels and manners, like keigo (respectful language), are still difficult for me. However, there are also differing opinions, with some saying, “Japan is quite convenient.” I’ve heard many voices saying, “I received help from Japanese friends.” If you see a foreigner in trouble on the streets, please consider approaching them actively. By doing so, I believe Japanese people will be seen as kinder. Furthermore, I have encountered various cultural and lifestyle challenges in Japan. Initially, I wondered who would help me. The Japanese people around me, mainly my schoolmates, were the ones who stood by my side. As the seasons changed one by one—spring with cherry blossoms, summer with fireworks, autumn with colorful leaves, and winter with snow—it brought joy but also challenges. Many international students fall ill during the changing seasons. The significant temperature differences between day and night put a considerable amount of stress on the body. Environmental changes can be a significant source of stress for one’s mental health. I have felt unwell during these seasonal transitions, and it has been a year and a half already. Thanks to the warm guidance of my teachers, I have been able to navigate each season successfully. While there have been disagreements and conflicts at times, I carry those days in my heart. After graduating from the Kobe International Japanese Language School, I hope to fulfill my dreams and make them useful for my future. Thank you so much for the past year and a half.