Before coming to Japan, I had the impression that “Japanese people seem very busy. Can I keep up with the pace of the Japanese?” This was because, in Vietnam, I saw on TV Japanese people hurriedly walking through crowds.
However, upon arriving in Itami City, I was surprised to find such a quiet town in Japan. Moreover, the people of this town were always relaxed, which greatly differed from the image of Japan I had in mind. Perhaps what I had seen was of Tokyo or Osaka.
Another difference from my preconceived notions about Japan concerned tests. In Vietnam, there are many tests, and homework could take about three hours to complete. Having read Japanese manga in Vietnam, where it was written that there are not many tests in Japanese schools, I was inwardly looking forward to being freed from tests in Japan. However, upon arrival, perhaps because I was a student preparing for exams, I was surprised by the number of tests.
Conversely, I was also shocked by the image Japanese people have of Vietnamese. When I began to speak a little Japanese, everyone asked me questions like, “Does Vietnam have trains?” or “Has Chuong ever been to an amusement park?” Each time, I would angrily respond, “Of course.” I was saddened to realize that Japanese people still held the image of Vietnam as a very poor country.
Indeed, some parts are still undeveloped, but overall, it is developing rapidly every day. Not to mention Saigon and Da Nang, people in smaller cities live a life not much different from that of the Japanese. These are misunderstandings that began with each side seeing only one aspect of the other, believing it to represent the entirety of the country.
However, something did match my image: Japanese people are very polite. In Japan, I saw people bowing everywhere. They even bow on the phone. Furthermore, Japanese people often apologize even when they are not at fault.
For example, I couldn’t understand why, in volleyball, if the opponent failed to receive the ball, the person who hit it would put their hands together and say “sorry.” But then I realized that “sorry” is not only “I’m SORRY” in English but also means “EXCUSE ME,” and I finally understood. “Sorry” is a wonderful word that serves as a lubricant in human relationships.
My image of Japan has changed since coming here. From now on, I also want to have many conversations with Japanese people to improve their image of Vietnam.