Five years ago today, I moved to Japan.
I cannot believe it's been that long, as it seems like I boarded that plane yesterday. I remember what I was wearing (a navy sweater dress and black tights), what I ate on the plane (a meal featuring a side of
satoimo -taro root- which became one of my favourite foods), how I felt at the time (terrified, excited, sad, hopeful), my first few weeks spent living in that tatami room in Nagoya, staying out too late at karaoke and eating conbini sushi, and forging friendships that would help shape my experience in Japan.
Fast forward to five years later, things are completely different. Japan is home, I've built a career here, I met incredible people who make me feel like family. I've had wonderful opportunities here in Japan, perhaps the kind I would never have come across had I stayed in Canada. I traveled all over the island, tried so many foods and activities, and I somehow grew into a different person- or rather, came back to my roots.
Truth is, it was an unstable (how many times did I move?!), stressful (hello, paperwork and missing visas) and lonely journey (so, so incredibly lonely at times), but it was all worth it. I could never have imagined just how amazing it turned out to be, and how lucky I am today. I just feel so thankful and I try to remind myself daily of all the goodness Japan sent my way- especially at those times when I feel like I'm done, it pulls me back in.
I remember how torn I felt deciding whether or not to go to Japan, before I left; my heart was saying yes but my mind knew it was a risky leap, especially at my age (in my late twenties), which meant abandoning a career, a home, and leaving my family and friends behind. Little did I know my career would instead thrive (with lots of hard work and horrible jobs in between), material possessions do not matter at all in the end, and I would never, ever feel regrets about leaving- no matter how bad things got in Japan at times.
I would like to say, if you dream of doing something similar,
go for it!!! You will never regret it. I often get emails from readers who ask me for advice about living abroad and making the move, and it makes me so happy, because I know just how fulfilling it will be and I fully encourage them to pursue it. It's never too late, really. Being away from your family and missing your friends' weddings is one of the most difficult parts, but home will always be home. I miss home every day, but no matter where I decide to live, I think that I'll always miss one or the other.
And thank you for reading my (somewhat random) musings about daily life in Japan, I appreciate every message and comment so much (even if I'm not always so good at replying quickly).
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circa 2009- I wear less makeup now... |