15 Things I will miss about Japan

So you read yesterday how it's not all good, living in Japan? Then let me now tell you why it is still super awesome and definitely something I would recommend. Here are the things I liked a lot. The things I freaking loved. The things I wish I had wherever I lived. The things I will definitely miss about Japan.

1. Japanese Baths
So Japanese baths are super comfy and space efficient; smaller but a lot deeper than most of us are used to. Nothing feels as good as submerging your entire body in a hot bath to heat your body up right  before bed. That one moment where my inner nudist could celebrate, as I wouldn't need 27 layers of clothing to keep me warm inside my house.

2. How helpful everybody is Yes, the language barrier sucks but that doesn't stop people to go above and beyond to help you out. Looking lost? Big chance someone will offer guidance and even walk you all the way there. Trying to buy something but don't understand how? They will help you through all the steps. Don’t understand what they are saying? Smartphone or (digital) dictionary to the rescue! This is like the exact opposite of my experience in a place like Russia; where there is also a significant language barrier but where you get a rejection, no help and a stern NYET to whatever you are asking.

3. Dogs in outfits
They might not treat their animals the best, but they sure know how to dress 'em. From the dachshund who is donning a glittery skirt, to the shiba inu in the homemade kimono, to the chihuahua with the knitted sweater matching to its owner; I love em all.

Give me all of your dogs in outfits.

stalking doggies all day erryday 

4. Konbinis. Konbinis everywhere.

So convenience stores -aka konbinis in Japanese- are awesome in itself. This is actually a close to unknown concept in The Netherlands; we have either full on supermarkets with limited opening hours or shady night marts that sell mostly booze and snacks. Convenience stores are something in the middle of that, and they are literally everywhere and have good opening hours. The quality of their products is also actually good and they serve for trustworthy toilet breaks and ATMs. There is always a 7eleven, Lawson's, Family Mart or Circle K around the corner.

5. The show Stardraft/ スタードラフト To me, most Japanese television shows seemed hilarious. With the forever present reaction windows  in the corner of the screen and big bold words screaming at you, it's television in it's loudest form. One random show I particularly remember is Stardraft. Just another talent show basically where ALL talents are welcomed. But I like how easily impressed the judges and public is and how there is not so much bitching and 'being mean because it's good for ratings' going on.

The talent of eh clay. And yes, that is a big man on the left. 

6. The toilets

A phobia for public toilets isn’t hard to develop. Dutch student housing with toilets that come close to being a biohazard. Namibian long drop toilets where you can feel excited flies buzzing around your ass. Kenyan bushes that function as a toilet for both you, the rest of the village and the wildlife. Chinese toilets that have no doors and have shit literally everywhere... I’ve had my share and have been disgusted by toilets since for ever. NO MORE. Not only were a lot of Japanese toilets freaking high tech with heated seats and sounds, fragrances and water as much as you desire, but they were also almost always clean! If it wasn't for the lack of WiFi I would probably still be sitting on one right now.

Still not sure what the difference is between shower and bidet hmm.

7. The politeness

I loved all the bowing and being nice and polite. The words I, and I think most people, used most were some basic greetings, sumimasen (excuse me) and arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) and I feel that it shows a good society if those are the most commonly used words. I also like how it is considered polite to be as quiet as possible on public transport. No annoying teenagers blasting music, people having loud conversations or phone calls going on. ZENNNN.

8. My Japanese phone
It was pretty, I bedazzled it, it had a cute Mt. Fuji hanger and unlimited emailing for only ¥300 a month. But best of it all; it was a flip phone. Bring back the 00's where I could furiously close it to hang up whenever I was upset and act all sassy when I get a call.

....Hiiii

9. Feeling safe

I'm not just talking about feeling safe in my house or in the streets because there is a low crime rate, but even more so about not being harassed in the streets. Sexual intimidation in companies and public transport is a big problem but fortunately I have not experienced that. In fact, I seriously have not experienced anything that made me feel scared. No hollering, no secret touching, no cat calling, not being called a whore or a slut based on how I dress, walking alone at night without problems. This alone is a reason why I would move to Japan again in a second.

Hey gurl, come live the dream in Japan

10. Photowalks

This is nothing Japanese but has been an awesome experience for me that I associate with Japan. Photowalks are gatherings or walking tours that somebody organizes with the main purpose of taking photos. A plus is that you meet a ton of cool, different, international people along the way too. I might have to dedicate a full post on this..

Photowalkers taking photo's of a photowalk organizer on a photowalk.... 

11. Lingerie stores The lingerie stores are beautiful and the service a lot better than what I'm used to in Holland. If there is one country where they have mastered the art of pretty (push up) bras for small boobs, it's Japan. And they are cute. And they fit awesomely. And they are cheap. Only downside is they come with a pair of underpants that you can’t choose the size or style of. Full on old school knickers in a size too small it is.
12. Gender stereotype fuckery Even though there is sexism on a lot of levels, I love how gender stereotypes are not as pushed when it comes to looks as in the west. Whatever would be considered too feminine or 'gay' to wear for straight dudes in our society, is toootally fine in Japan. Dudes wearing pink, animals print and tight clothing; no biggie. Dying/ bleaching/ styling their hair and investing in skincare, encouraged. Having a notebook with baby bunnies on it and a mickey mouse handbag, all good. Owning a glitter phone case and a rilakkuma phone hanger, awesooome. I've also never seen as many trans* people in the streets or on tv as here.

13. ERRYTHANG kawaii
In Japan, there is no reason to have anything boring or dull; literally everything is available in a cuter version. Here is a photo of some last minute things I bought the night before I left.

Yes, I will be turning 25 this year. Why?

14. Compliment heaven

It’s easy to feel cool in Japan. Not a day went by (unless I stayed inside all day) where I wouldn’t hear someone tell me how I/ my hair/ my clothes/ my whatever were either kawaiii (cute), kireiiiiii (pretty) or sugoiiii (cool). This went along with lotsa giggling and taking photos with me and me taking photos of them etc. And the best part of it: they were always girls!

15. All the shrines, temples, gardens and castles
After a while you kinda get the feeling like 'seen one, seen em all', but there is no denying the beauty of the traditional architecture in Japan. Especially living in the Kyoto area seems to be some never ending adventure of finding shrines in places you would never imagine. I loved the contrast between modern building and beautiful, old places of worship right next to each other.

Random little shrine and garden around the corner of my room in Uji

Seriously though, I could go on and on and on.
How the atmosphere is just so warm and how friendly the people are. How lively it still is at night and how stores have good opening hours. How you can get almost anything you want and how the public transport is awesome.  How the traditional and modern go hand in hand and how amazing the drugstores are. How okay it is to look outrageous and how fun karaoke is. How there is a lot of nature to enjoy and how every night is party night if you want to. How the food is of high quality and a healthy lifestyle is encouraged. And let's not forget the purikura. It's all cool and they're all reasons to visit or live in Japan.

Come enjoy it for yourself!