Harper Irwin

12 hours of flying and scrambling through Hong Kong Airport I’ve finally arrived in Tokyo, with little to no food due to my food allergies as soon as I got to my accommodation I went straight to FamilyMart. I genuinely stood in that poor FamilyMart for so long in genuine awe of all the options available. Once I finally picked out my onigiri and went to the counter, repeating in my head what to say and how to pronounce it, I go over to the counter and say: “Konbanwa” to the FamilyMart cashier while handing my food, I see him glance over at me and start speaking English. This came as a surprise to me, I didn’t think that workers would speak English. Upon reflection, it does make sense since I’m staying in a tourist-populated area but I didn’t go in purely expecting them to speak English to me, I am in their country so I should speak their language. However, it is very kind and thoughtful how he noticed I looked like a foreigner and spoke English to make the interaction more easier for myself, when he didn’t have to do that. I’ve noticed most of Japanese people are so thoughtful and kind knowing basic English or even pulling out their phone to translate to help visitors, which I am beyond grateful for. So far I only know a few phrases in Japanese, However whenever I do use them, I think most Japanese retail workers do appreciate it as it shows how I’m trying to speak Japanese (even if my pronunciation isn’t very good) and sometimes they’ll smile or do a slight nod of appreciation. Some habit adjustments I’ve learned and implemented so far is only eating and drinking while sitting not on-the-go and only walking on cross-walks when the light is green or safe to do so (I saw this one tourist get fined for not abiding).

Japan has always been number 1 on my travel bucket list, so to say I’m excited for this program is an understatement. I’m beyond thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to not only have the privilege of learning Japanese culture and the language within Japan but to also get an internship placement overseas is such an amazing opportunity, this weirdly makes me believe in the metaphor closed doors lead to better or more suitable doors (opportunities) as I was meant to go to Japan on a holiday earlier this year which didn’t go through which led to me applying for this opportunity which is way better having academic and work experience benefits.

Some expectations I have towards this study tour is learning more about Japanese culture, enhancing my Japanese speaking skills and gaining more leadership through work experience within a more global scale (working within Japan in addition to Australia). Additionally, I hope to enhance my reflective writing skills since within my field of study reflective writing isn’t common and learning more about the Japanese cultural traditions and nature in general as I’ve always had an admiration and respect towards the Japanese culture from a young age. I think this opportunity to visit Japan has a personal impact on me as well. As someone who is half Asian, it feels meaningful to finally be able to visit an Asian country even if the country isn’t apart of my background (My mum is Burmese, however visiting Myanmar isn’t possible nor safe).

Within this opportunity I will be representing myself as well as ECU and Australia in general, I will ensure to have a respectful and polite manner to suit Japanese societal standards, ensuring successful networking and professional relationships with Tokyo City University staff, volunteers, internship management, internship placement staff and more.

During my time in Japan I’d enjoy observing how their technology industry differs to the current technology industry within Australia. What cool advantages and features does Japan have over Australia which should be implemented at home? This comparison between the technology industry between Japan and home is important to keep-note as I’d like to develop an international understanding of the industry, and how the industry is outside of Australia. Additionally, I like to keep an open mind towards my future career, I can potentially see myself moving abroad for a work opportunity (if it best suits of course) as the technology industry provides much more advanced opportunities beyond Perth, making this comparison ideal to comprehend and understand.

I hope myself coming home next month has advanced my Japanese speaking abilities and enhance my current admiration for Japanese culture and standards through learning about their culture and traditions first-hand. I’d like to have enhance my leadership and communication in general within the work-force through my internship placement but I also hoped to have gained more connections with TCU staff and be-friend the TCU volunteers. While balancing all of this I hope to also stay in the moment creating lots of memories and photos.