The Reasons I Like Japan, 1

I've been told that when I'm feeling down in Japan, missing home, or feeling the culture shock, it's good to have a list of things I like about Japan to keep me going. I haven't actually made such a list yet, so I decided to make it here, and share it with the world! (Don't you feel special?).

Once I leave Japan, I know of many things I'll miss, just from the top of my head. Mochi, curry bread, and awesome dollar stores finds are all things I'll end up craving from time to time in Canada, but I think the things to remember about Japan that will remind that I love it here are the aspects that hit home a little deeper. So that this post isn't overly long, I'm going to break it up, and start with number 1.

1. Emphasis on Community. First and foremost, I love the atmosphere of friendliness and peacefulness. People here always think of the community before themselves, which is why such a large campaign has been set and continues to flourish for the recent earthquake victims (がんばろ日本 ！）And, to a lesser extent, is why the streets are never full of litter and why ad campaigns are full of "let's be friends!"-esque slogans instead of the more "buy this or you'll be sorry you didn't" feel I get from North American advertising.

2. Politeness and Respect. Granted, this point has it's ups and downs. On one hand, it feels great to walk into a convenience store and be treated with the same politeness as in a high-end mall, to have everyone welcome you and look you in the eye with a smile even if it's clear that they're run off their feet. However, I believe that this level of politeness creates distance and even social barriers that I won't get into here. Despite this, I've personally come to like the fact that I'm treated like a respectful person even when I know I look like a crazy foreigner.

That's it for now!