In my first week abroad, I love experiencing the distinct culture of Japan. Japan is clean and orderly, and there is high emphasis on respect, precision, and social harmony. This is exhibited through practices such as bowing, removing shoes before entering indoor spaces, and speaking softly. In business, I’ve observed that appearance, etiquette, and detailed processes matter greatly- tasks take longer here because they are completed with thoroughness and to a high standard.
There are many differences I am noticing between the states and Japan. The U.S. promotes individualism and a more, “do-your-own-thing” approach to life and work, while Japan values collectivism, tradition, and maintaining harmony within society. Japan is also more culturally homogeneous, which influences shared values, expectations, and behaviors. In contrast, the U.S. is more diverse—ethnically, ideologically, and socially—which leads to greater variation in norms and fewer rigid societal customs.
Through this experience, I want to keep learning from other cultures and ways of life. The U.S. isn’t the center of the world, and I don’t want to live like it is. I desire to see how other people live, think, and work and take pieces of that with me. There’s much insight in the way people do life outside of what I’m accustomed to. I hope this trip helps me grow in perspective, humility, and openness—both personally and professionally.
