Why I Love Japan (and What We Can Learn From It)
90-Day Challenge: Day 4 of 90
I love Japan. It's a simple thing to say, but it means a lot to me. I feel really connected to this place and its people. I've been blessed enough to visit many times – twice in 2023, three times already in 2024, and I've even spent my last three birthdays there! There's something really special about Japan that keeps drawing me back.
Why? Well, it's a combination of things: the kindness of the people, the amazing food, the cool mix of old and new culture, and the fact that there's always something new to discover.
The People: Kindness is Key ("Omotenashi")
The Japanese people are some of the nicest people I've ever met. It's really rare to find anyone rude. They have a special way of serving others called omotenashi. It's not just about doing a good job; it's about really caring for people, anticipating what they need, and going the extra mile without expecting anything back. I have a great example of this from a trip to Kyoto. It rained really hard, and our hotel room on the ground floor got flooded. Even though it wasn't their fault at all, the hotel staff were so apologetic. They helped us find a new hotel (a nicer one!), paid for everything, including the extra nights, and even arranged our move. They were so helpful and kind, it made a stressful situation so much easier.
Sidenote: My friend David introduced this Japanese word to me in 2018 and we used it as one of our Core Values in our agency business. It was just a concept then, now it's something I experience whenever I'm in Japan.
The Food: So Much Deliciousness (and Healthy Too!)
Japanese food is amazing! There are so many choices in restaurants, stores, and markets. From tempura and ramen to teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, yakitori, and sashimi...I could go on and on! And the best part is, most of it is healthy. Even the grocery stores are full of great options, like fresh fruits (I love the strawberries!) and all kinds of breads and pastries. It's a food paradise.
The Culture: Old Meets New in a Cool Way
Japanese culture is a neat mix of old and new. They've become modern and global but haven't forgotten their traditions. I especially love visiting the small towns. The buildings are so beautiful and detailed, the history is fascinating, and the nature is just stunning. They're really good at taking care of their resources, which is probably why Japan is such a successful country.
The Country: Always Something New to See
Japan's tourism slogan, "Endless Discovery," is totally true. Every time I go, even if I visit the same area, I find new things to see and do. From the "snow monsters" in the Zao mountains and the old Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata to the bamboo forest in Kyoto and the beautiful Shiraito Falls in Karuizawa, there's always something new to explore. And like I said, there are always new restaurants to try. I just can't get enough!
Mindset Monday Takeaway
I love Japan because of the way people treat each other, the amazing food, the cool mix of old and new, and the fact that there's always something new to discover. These are things I want to focus on in my own life. This week, let's all try to be a little kinder, appreciate what we have, respect our traditions while being open to new things, and always be curious.
What do you like most about Japanese culture? Share your thoughts below!
Peace.✌️ Love you all.😍
The best culture I've ever known but, of course, second only to my own country, Philippines.