Souvenirs, but the life-lesson kind

Waste not, want not

Although I wrote about my distaste for Japan’s small portions, it really made me realize how big of an issue food waste is. In the United States, I never thought twice about wasting because I was able to bring my leftovers home.

In Japan, to-go boxes after a meal are not a thing. This fact and smaller portions ensure that customers don’t waste.

Not to mention recycling, which is a huge thing in Japan. I saw many people organizing trash by what could be recycled. They definitely take it more seriously in Japan and it is something I wish the U.S. was more serious about.

Intentionality

Japan is very intentional, from the way their buildings are set up to the sidewalks to the subway schedules.

Their sidewalks are accessible by wheelchair, and by citizens who might be visually impaired. The yellow lines that run through each sidewalk are not for show. Instead, they serve as a guide to residents who might need a path to follow.

The subway schedules (and Shinkansen schedules as well) are almost always matched with punctuality. Their promptness is a promise to riders and it exudes dedication to their consumers.

Respect and Diversity

There’s something for everyone. This is a lesson I learned at UNT, but studying abroad in Japan really brought it home (no cliché intended).

Regardless of what you like, someone else will like it too, and even if you can’t find someone to connect with over it, you will find many people who accept your interests. There are so many shops that are dedicated to things I have never heard of, but there were still people in the store.

Even if you don’t understand someone’s interest in something, Japan reminded me to respect others and their niche likes.