Japanese Introductions

After a 13 hour plane ride, all I could think about was curling up in bed and sleeping the night away. However, once the bus (taking the other NEU students and I to the hotel) started driving through the city, it finally began to hit me. I was in Japan. I WAS IN JAPAN. The entire ride consisted of me looking outside the window at all the buildings, cars, and people. The first thing I noticed was how similar Tokyo was to New York City due to the many tall buildings and the plethora of people. The entire city consists of bumps/patterns on the sidewalks used to guide the blind. The streets are mostly unlabeled but can be identified by the stores that adorn it. A majority of people in Tokyo (or at least where I was staying in Jimbocho) are noticeably dressed in business formal attire which is normal due to the large number of interviews during this time of the year.

The first day after arriving in Tokyo was the orientation or the welcome reception taking place at Meiji University. We were greeted by staff of the Political Science office who gave us helpful tips on “surviving Japan” as well as a little goodie bag consisting of wifi passwords, schedules, and more. We were then led to a separate building where the reception took place. The view of Tokyo from the room was just breathtaking. Buildings as far as the eye can see. The reception started with a welcome speech by Professor D’Agati (Northeastern University) and Professor Powers (Meiji University) then we were left to mingle with the Meiji supporters (Meiji students who volunteer to help us during our stay in Japan). We introduced one another while munching on snacks and drinks provided. In the beginning, it was awkward because Northeastern students stayed together with Northeastern students while Meiji students stuck together with other Meiji students. However, as time passed, both groups eventually merged and it became a joyful exchange between the two.

All in all, I am extremely excited (as well as jetlagged) for Japan!