My connection to Japan began in an unexpected place: playing soccer in Louisiana. Two summers ago, while playing for a semi-professional team, I met two Japanese players who would have a profound impact on my future path. I have played soccer for my whole life, and while we bonded through the sport, what struck me most was their professional demeanor both on and off the field. They demonstrated an admirable work ethic, always arriving early for practice and training with intense focus. Yet after matches, regardless of how competitive the game had been, they were the most amiable teammates. This duality left a lasting impression on me and offered a first-hand glimpse into Japanese culture.

My interest in Japan had actually begun earlier, thanks to my cousin. Together, we would watch anime series like Naruto and Dragon Ball, which gave me a taste of aspects of Japanese popular culture. This initial curiosity was further nurtured in high school, where I became friends with some students of mixed Japanese heritage. Although they didn’t speak Japanese themselves, their stories about visiting Japan and experiencing the culture firsthand added another layer to my growing fascination with the country.

The Japanese players on my soccer team, despite not being entirely confident in English, taught me some basic Japanese phrases. Our shared passion for soccer further bridged the language gap, allowing us to communicate through a mix of English, basic Japanese, and the universal language of sport. These interactions helped me understand how sports could transcend cultural barriers, a lesson that would later prove valuable in my life at AGU.

The path that led me to AGU was somewhat serendipitous. At my home university, Centenary College of Louisiana, studying abroad is a graduation requirement, as each student is required to have international experience. During my third year, an AGU brochure caught my eye on campus, and I began noticing that some AGU students from Japan would be on our campus during summer terms. This piqued my interest further regarding the connections between our institutions.

The decision to apply to AGU through the Methodist International Student Exchange Network (MISEN) agreement was something completely new. As the first student from my university to participate in this exchange program, the application process required significant initiative and research. My advisor and I worked together to understand the process, and in the end it worked out to allow me to go. The prospect of studying in Japan kept me motivated throughout the process, and even if I couldn’t go through MISEN, I would have found another way to come to AGU.

My preparation for Japan was relatively brief but focused. In the three months leading up to my departure, I challenged myself to learn the basics of the Japanese language—memorizing hiragana and katakana and learning my first kanji characters. While I knew my language abilities would be limited upon arrival, I did not want to let this become a barrier to making the most of my experience.

Having parents from Trinidad, they always emphasized the importance of respect and proper conduct. I found that certain aspects of Japanese culture resonated with values I had been raised with. This cultural alignment gave me confidence that, despite the language barrier, I could adapt to life in Japan. The similarities between the countryside of Trinidad and areas I would later visit in Japan, such as rural Niigata, also created an unexpected sense of familiarity in my new surroundings.

Upon arriving at AGU, I made a conscious decision to immerse myself fully in campus life. Initially planning to stay for just one semester, I wanted to ensure every moment counted. While I ended up extending my stay for another semester, this mindset led me to become involved in multiple clubs and circles, each offering unique opportunities for connection and growth.

My journey into campus activities began through my tutor, who introduced me to VIRGO, a futsal circle. Though I was the only international member, I experienced firsthand how sports was a universal language. While there was initial hesitation from Japanese students about speaking English, my attempts to communicate in Japanese helped break down these barriers. A memorable experience with VIRGO was our weekend retreat to Niigata, which had a beautiful rural landscape.

This initial experience opened doors to other communities, and I soon joined Sonickers and Savor Youth AGU Authorized Intercultural Exchange Group , international exchange clubs that bring together students from diverse backgrounds. Sonickers organizes casual outings to places like Round 1 (an indoor multi-leisure facility offering activities like bowling, karaoke, and arcade games) and outdoor picnics, while Savor Youth tends to arrange more formal gatherings centered around cuisine. These diverse social contexts have helped me experience different aspects of Japanese culture and meet a broad range of people.

Academics at AGU have represented a significant change from my background in mathematics and mechanical engineering at my home university. This shift from numerical problem-solving to courses emphasizing discussion and writing has pushed me to develop new skills and perspectives.

The Negotiation Communication [in English] class has been particularly enlightening, offering opportunities for groupwork with students from countries like Thailand, Romania, and Japan. These interactions have exposed me to different approaches to problem-solving and communication, broadening my understanding of how cultural backgrounds influence thinking patterns. International diversity within classes has given me insights into Asian perspectives on topics, something that was underrepresented at my home institution.

Perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding experience has been the Introduction to Asian Politics [in English] class. As someone with limited prior knowledge of Asian political systems, the course’s extensive reading and writing requirements initially seemed daunting. However, this challenge has piqued a newfound interest in politics, leading me to enroll in an American Politics class (Issues in Contemporary American Society [in English]) to examine my home country’s political system from a Japanese perspective. The distance from home has allowed for a more objective analysis of American political issues, free from the emotional charge these topics often carry in the U.S.

The Japanese university system itself has required me to adapt as well, particularly the schedule of meeting once per week rather than the three times I was used to back in the States. This adjustment has taught me about independent study and time management, and also encouraged me to learn from friends who are accustomed to this academic rhythm. The new library is also a great environment if I need a quiet study area to work in.

Living in Japan has challenged and transformed some preconceptions I had about the country. Before arriving, I had often seen images of a somewhat uniform place where most people dress conservatively and maintain reserved demeanors. The reality I’ve discovered, especially in the vibrant area around AGU, is far more diverse and dynamic. The fashion scene in particular has surprised me, with students expressing their individuality through unique styles and a thriving thrifting culture.

My exploration of Tokyo is sometimes unplanned, involving choosing random spots on the map and walking around the nearest station to discover the area. Living in neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture has given me the opportunity to explore beyond central Tokyo, and I’ve found myself drawn to areas like Mizonokuchi, where daily life unfolds away from the tourist spots. This approach has led to numerous discoveries, from hidden thrift shops to unique neighborhoods. One particularly memorable find was an American-style clothing shop in Chofu, discovered while heading to my work as a volunteer soccer coach.

Teaching soccer to young students while incorporating English instruction has been another rewarding aspect of my time in Japan. Working with children up to 12 years old, I’ve found joy in combining my passion for soccer with language education. These teaching experiences, along with my role as a Chat Leader, have helped me develop new skills while contributing to the communities I am a part of. It’s particularly meaningful to me that I can pass on my love for soccer to the next generation, like my Japanese teammates in Louisiana shared their culture with me.

The experience of daily life in Japan has been surprisingly comfortable for me, perhaps partly due to my cultural upbringing. My Trinidadian parents emphasized respect and manners, which helped prepare me for aspects of Japanese social norms. Still, there have been amusing learning experiences, like mastering the unspoken rules of escalator etiquette.

What’s impressed me about life in Japan is the attention to detail in every aspect of daily life, from the exceptional customer service to the efficient public transportation system. Having heard about Japan’s reputation for safety and cleanliness before arriving, I have witnessed firsthand how these qualities are maintained through careful attention and consideration.