Japan Trip, Fall 2004, by Chancy

From MemoryArchive

Who: Chancy
What: Trip to Japan
When: Spring 2004
Where: Osaka, Japan

One of my more unique experiences has to be my trip to Japan. I was sent over there for business and traveled on my own. I have been to Europe with my husband, and hiked the Grand Canyon on my own, but going to Japan where the words are not decipherable is definitely a crazy situation. Apparently, Tokyo is somewhat westernized, but my travels took me to Osaka where the only familiar glimpses of my world were the Golden Arches and a Starbucks logo.

I arrived in Osaka in the afternoon local time and had to find my way to my hotel on my own; as I was not scheduled to meet with my business associates until the next morning. Even though I stuck out like a sore thumb, I felt safe. Door to door I traveled for 24 hours. I was 14 hours a head of EST, my usual time zone. The time difference was a bizarre concept. When I called my husband in the morning, it was yesterday evening for him!

Once I met up with my hosts for business activities, they were wonderful. The Japanese people are very kind and gracious hosts. They did not speak much English so communication was difficult when the interpreter was not around. I was told later that they probably understood a lot of what I was saying, they are just such a proud people that they don’t speak English that much if they can not speak it well. I was very busy and did not get to do much site seeing, but I did get to see a local hospital, grocery store, mall, and museum. The women dress very trendy. I visited a pharmaceutical plant as well where all of the employees wear uniforms to work (even those who work in the offices).

Overall it was a great experience. If you ever get a chance to travel there, I would highly recommend it. It is enriching to experience such a different culture.

---

External Links:

Japanese Tourism

Official Website of Osaka

McDonald's Japan