How it is to experience Japan as an expat, as well as a student
As a student and executive assistant for Protocol International in Osaka, I can be assured that my life is never boring. One day I am meeting business partners after my diplomacy classes; on another I take the Shinkansen (high-speed bullet train) to ski in the Japanese Alps. This has given means to see Japan as it truly is. And in working and travelling I have come across the following.
Food: Japanese will always ask you about your favourite Japanese food. You can go anywhere in Japan and be close to a local authentic restaurant or eating experience. Unlike my home country the Netherlands, it is possible to eat out any moment of the day to experience the best Japan has to offer.
Travel in Japan is amazing! You can send your luggage to any hotel in advance, meaning I never have to think about it myself. I can buy unreserved tickets for the Shinkansen and hop onto a train any day to visit Tokyo after my business meetings or classes end. Every city is accessible whenever I want.
On a different note, travelling and living in Japan can be challenging due to the language barrier. I can speak and write some Japanese, but others might not be so lucky. Fortunately, for me, translation apps exist and it means I can communicate with everyone. However, some Japanese are not so fond of these apps and may reject to service you at bars or restaurants. However, in the city hall, banks and other institutions they are more than willing to help.
Overall, Japan is a country that prides itself on its service orientated culture. This ranges from walking into a store and being greeted all the way to giving your colleagues snacks as souvenirs from your travels around the country. This is called omiyage and is practiced by everyone. For instance, when I walk into my local Kendo dojo after visiting Hiroshima, I will bring omiyage and receive it the next time some of my peers travel. This omiyage can be found at any store or train station in Japan, and I recommend this tradition to anyone.
If you love retro technology, Japan is great, but if you have to navigate it on a daily basis, not so much. Japan is still focussed on cash instead of cards, even when all the young students can pay with their iPhone. Also living as an expat means handing in paperwork after paperwork. Even my health insurance is a manual task where I have to find a convenience store and pay there with my health insurance card. As a tourist, most paperwork won’t bother you all that much, but as an expat or student the paperwork and stamps are a part of life.
So far, my life as an executive assistant for Protocol International has been rather pleasant in Japan. My experiences with studying abroad in Korea and Japan, combined with my international relations orientated studies, have prepared me well. The opportunities that Protocol International have offered me, fit well in my international dynamic way of life. I am looking forward to the first iteration of our three-day open subscription training course in Osaka next week. And with EXPO 2025 opening its doors in exactly one month from now, more opportunities lie ahead in the period to come!
