When I first came to Japan, I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t find the words. I whispered to myself, “Is this really not a dream?” It was only natural, as coming to Japan was my dream. Even before coming to Japan, I had many memories.
I studied Japanese in Indonesia, and though it was a short time, I made many friends. Unfortunately, not all of those friends could go to the same school. Most of the students enrolled in schools in Osaka. Some went to universities in Kobe, Nagoya, or Kanazawa.
When I came to Japan, there were many things I had to learn, like Japanese customs. The most troublesome thing for me was sorting out the trash. In Indonesia, we don’t separate trash; we simply throw it away. Also, I follow Islam, and wherever I go, I always wear a hijab (a cloth to cover the hair). Perhaps because I stand out wherever I am, I feel like Japanese people are always looking at me. Once, while on my way to the supermarket, an older lady asked me, “Aren’t you hot wearing that (pointing to the hijab) in this heat?” I replied, “Of course, it’s very hot.” Indeed, in the summer, wearing a hijab can be unbearably hot. While Japan has hot summers, it also has very cold winters. In my country, there are only two seasons: half a year of summer, and when summer ends, the rainy season comes. So, coming to Japan was my first experience with winter.
Additionally, being a Muslim, the most important thing for me is food. Islam has specific rules about what we can and cannot eat. Muslims cannot eat pork, and even with chicken or beef, the animal must be prayed over before it’s slaughtered, or else it cannot be eaten. This was the most challenging aspect of living in Japan. I could only eat vegetables, fish, and eggs.
But life in Japan is not all bad; there are many good things too. In Japan, there are trains everywhere you go, especially in Osaka, where there are various train lines. It’s very convenient. However, because of this convenience, there are times when it gets confusing.
Looking back, I might be standing in a place I couldn’t have imagined five years ago. I want to be someone my family can be proud of. It may seem easy, but in reality, it’s very challenging. So, needless to say, this is the most important stage for me right now. I want to fulfill my dreams in Japan. I have become able to seriously think about my dreams thanks to coming to Japan. And I want to express my gratitude to my teachers. Thank you, teachers. And thank you, Japan. From now on, I want to move forward freely. I want to continue living in Japan. Thank you…