Day Five

Tokyo- Day Five

Sunset

Today I’d like to write about my experiences with the Japanese people. At first, if you happen to get a glimpse of a Tokyoite, you’d probably think that they are indifferent towards all and unfriendly. But once you get to know them, interact with them, eat with them, you’d realise that they are much more forthcoming and amiable than imagined.

The City

A simple bow is almost instinctual to the Japanese and the habit is easy to catch! Wherever you go, they always (and I really mean always) bow and greet you. Konicchiwa- hello- is something you hear quite often whereas Arigato Gozaimas- thank you- follows, as the conversation comes to an end.

Hostel Building

Even at the Central Youth Hostel where we stay, the staff as well as our Japanese roommates, are always up for a chat even though they lack good English speaking skills. The Japanese are very warm and friendly and don’t hesitate to talk about what they feel. So far, the roommates that I’ve had include a former Professor, a Doctor, a young culinary student and many more. They were all simple, grounded people, in spite of having designations of high esteem. One even invited me to his hometown if I were to visit Japan again, even though we had talked only for a short while. The students and Professors at Waseda University are no different and always have a smile on their face. They love asking us about India, our cultural diversity and how we have liked Japan so far.

A Street- Day

A Street- Night

Although at first I was apprehensive about living in a hostel, I have really enjoyed my stay here. I’ve made friends with people from different countries and nationalities; I’ve eaten food that I thought I’d never eat; I’ve travelled this city unlike any other.

The City_2

The learning experience is huge when you come to a city such as Tokyo. Just navigating yourself in such a big city can be a big obstacle. But thanks to the well-planned and perfectly detailed Tokyo Metro, travel is as easy as buying a cup of coffee. All routes and Subway lines are detailed to precision. They have names, numbers, colours, and even the time needed to reach your destination, all provided in an easy to read and visual format. The electronic ticketing system is also user friendly and the Subway staff is always at hand in case of any queries. Unlike in our Metros in India, the Japanese here form a perfect line while waiting to get in the Subway car. They make sure that they don’t enter unless all those who are supposed to come out have already done so.

The City_3

One of the most remarkable aspects of Japan that I’ve noticed is that they don’t really have dustbins. “How is that remarkable?” you might ask. Well, it’s remarkable because even though they don’t have dustbins, their streets, Subways and parks are all clean as a whistle! Not a hint of garbage or even a chocolate wrapper can be seen anywhere. Everything looks brand new, as if the whole city was made just yesterday. It’s amazing how well the Japanese have maintained their city. If there’s anything that we Indians need to learn from the Japanese then it’s their commitment to their environment and surrounding.

- Shubhankar Shah