At home in Japan

I might be born in Singapore, but I think I’ve felt most at home in Japan.

Hands down.

I visited Japan four times now, and every time confirms it:

• A reserved culture, a nation of introverts. I’ve never felt the need for small talk or chit chat in Japan. No “Hey how’s your day?” from cashiers, or anyone. At all. I don’t even feel as at ease in Singapore where small talk is not really huge (but exists).
• People aim to not inconvenience others. Social graciousness is high. This can’t be overstated enough. Social graciousness truly is the mark of a civilised society. I’ve always tried to live that way in Singapore, and it rubs me the wrong way when it’s not reciprocated… and it happens pretty often. There’s just an element of selfishness and not caring for others to the level that Japanese do that seems culturally ingrained in Singapore.
• Attention to detail, a love for craft. Always loved how Japan blends tradition and modern. As we cycled past a group of youth at a public park who were practising dance moves. I half expected they would be doing hip hop or some stupid sexy dance to lame pop music, but no… they were practising traditional dance moves, probably for some local cultural festival. Respect.
• Weather is perfect. I’m built for slightly colder climes, but not dead cold like in Northern Europe or Canada. I’ve never adapted to the tropical humidity and temps of Singapore, despite being born there. And being able to live with the seasons in Japan just feels… different… more alive.
• Delightful customer service and product design that just works. You can really sense the thoughtfulness in their design. All the tiny features and intricate details that screams “we care about you”. But sadly, their digital design had not caught up. Their screens are like stuck in the 80s or 90s. It’s a really odd juxtaposition. Cute as an observer, frustrating as an actual user (yeah I bought the wrong train tickets because of that).
• Safe to go around even at night. That’s on par with Singapore, and I expect no less for any place that I would call home. I’m probably gonna piss off many people from other countries here, but if my son or daughter cannot walk around safely on the streets at night, it’s not liveable. #sorrynotsorry

One day, I will live here in Japan as my home.

One day…