I came to Japan in 2003 after getting married because of my husband’s job. Since then, I have been living back and forth between Korea and Japan. Looking back now, I think I have lived in Japan for about 10 years. During these years, I have met various Japanese people and created many memories. Today, I want to talk about the Japanese character traits that I admire while reflecting on those good experiences.
The trait I admire the most in Japanese people is their kindness and gentleness. Most Japanese people always greet with a smile and speak in a gentle voice. If they see someone in trouble on the street, they offer help.
I remember an incident from about five years ago when my family went to a camping site. My husband started having stomach pains at night but endured it alone since we were out. However, the pain worsened, and we eventually went to a nearby hospital. The doctor there quickly examined him and said in surprise, ‘It’s peritonitis, you need to go to a larger hospital immediately.’ At that time, with small children and not knowing the area well, I felt lost. Seeing this, the doctor accompanied us in his car to a nearby prefectural hospital. This experience remains a warm memory I will never forget. If it weren’t for that doctor’s kindness, I don’t know what would have happened to my husband. This experience made me love the kind and gentle nature of Japanese people even more.
The second trait I admire in Japanese people is their calm and quiet demeanor. As I get older, I find it harder to stay calm and envy the Japanese’s quiet attitude. When people can think calmly, they usually make better decisions for themselves, their surroundings, and society.
I remember the big earthquake ten years ago. I was living in Shibuya, Tokyo, and was picking up my child from kindergarten when the earthquake struck. It was an ordinary day, but suddenly everything changed. The subway stopped, and we couldn’t make phone calls, creating a state of panic. However, everyone acted calmly and didn’t behave irrationally. Carrying my sleeping child on my back while crossing the Shibuya overpass, I worried someone might do something dangerous. But everyone walked calmly without pushing or shouting. At that moment, I was so moved that I got goosebumps. Despite human beings being such vulnerable creatures, they have such strength. I was touched by the Japanese’s calm and polite character and even shed a few tears.
Besides these, there are many more Japanese character traits that I admire. I cannot write them all in this short essay, but I will continue to enjoy my life in Japan while discovering more traits that I love about Japanese people. Thank you all.