Today, I'll write about my life in Japan as a South African and how this experience has changed me forever. 

I began working in Japan in March, 2022 as an English teacher for the local government of my prefecture. My move to Japan took longer than expected due to the Covid-19 pandemic and I was initially set to leave in 2020. Essentially, I waited two years to move to Japan. The patience and resilience changed me for the better and I learned a lot about myself during that waiting period. 

When I first moved to Japan, my Japanese level was very low, the culture was strikingly new and there were many things that I didn't expect. Despite learning extensively about the culture before moving, both through research and interacting with students on this platform. I felt like every single day I learned something new and interesting about Japan. In Japan, I tried out most of the foods and fell in love with Japanese traditional culture. I even had the opportunity to volunteer and spent my weekends making lunchboxes at a local childrens kitchen. I visited over 23 prefectures and I was amazed at how different each place was and the unique and cute mascots of each town. I had the opportunity to meet many, many wonderful people who have become lifelong friends. 

Now, although Japan and South Africa are not only culturally different but also geographically far apart, there were some similarities that I observed during my time. Our cultures share a love of respect, quality time, harmony and kindness. I was amazed at how similar gift-giving culture was too. For me, overall it wasn't difficult to adjust to Japanese culture. Surprisingly, I was able to transition completely to a Japanese diet and my love of miso soup and umami flavours grew. Now, as I sit writing this, I crave the taste of Kanazawa oden and my favourite 'kaiten sushi' at Hamasushi. 

My first lap in Japan taught me so much. I learned strength, as most of the time I had only myself to rely on. I learned patience in communicating with my co-workers and students and slowly adjusting to a new country. I learned trust, as I had to surrender and ask others for help. I learned to improve my communication skills, both in English and Japanese as survival depended on it. I learned the value of silence and peace, something that became all familiar, as I navigated life in a quiet inaka town. 

I have learned many lessons and I don't regret a single day. I showed up every single day, trying my best to represent my country and trying to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and it showed. As I write this, I feel content and excited as soon, I will return and continue my next chapter. 

My life between Japan and South Africa; halfway across the world. "Leaving home to go home. Leaving friends to see friends. Switching languages to still speak my own. Missing one place while still arriving home."