Some of the things I realized in Japan

Now that I'm back to this not so rich but wonderful country, I will try to share some realizations I had while I was in Japan. I may not be able to accurately highlight everything here, but I'll try my best to recall my experiences. For now, I'll start with 3 things.

1. Values are contagious.

In Japan, when people reserve tables in canteens or restaurants they just leave their phones (mostly iphone6), bags, or other valuables to indicate that the seat is taken. Now that I'm back in the Philippines, I have to constantly remind myself that I can't leave my things unattended unless I want to gift them to strangers.

People are also extremely polite and kind in Japan. I cannot think of an experience that can fully depict this, but I remember one instance on a train with my friend. Unlike here where people rush to get the seats when train doors start to open; in japan, people would even insist that you take the seat when you offer them an available seat. Most of the times, they won't stop insisting on declining your offer to the point that you reach the next stop and another person eventually takes the seat. 

In one instance, there was an old man who lost his balance and almost fell.  My friend decided to offer his seat out of concern for the old man. But he got pushed back to his seat by the old man, forcefully declining while thanking my friend. That picture led me to think why they have a very strong sense of maintaining their social values.

I noticed that when people around you do certain things, you will most likely do the same. Values are contagious.
 
Who we watch, who we admire, who we befriend, and who we allow to enter in our lives will greatly influence our values and decisions in life.

2. Treat your work as a craft. Do your best even in small things.

Counting your notes
In Japan, notes are adorned with portraits on one side. The cashier will hold out the notes with these portraits facing you and the notes will be parallel to a wall as opposed to the floor. Using two hands, the amount will be counted out verbally as they flick through each note.
Handing over your notes
The notes will then be handed to you in a neat stack with the largest one on the bottom. When you put them in your wallet, your notes will now be in order from lowest to highest, making it more convenient for you when it comes to paying for your next transaction.
Handing over your coins and receipt
Next, the cashier will fold your receipt if it’s particularly long, and then place the coins neatly on top. By doing this, the receipt will protect the palm of your hand from coming into contact with any coins. You’ll then be able to slide the small change easily into your coin compartment and either return the receipt into the special box that’s often provided on the counter or slide it into your wallet. Cue graceful bow and you’re on your way!  
(retrieved from: http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/04/27/the-remarkable-art-of-giving-and-receiving-change-in-japan/)
 

This is just one example of how they treat seemingly mundane tasks as an avenue to showcase their excellence. While Japan has achieved great milestones in different industries, it's amazing how they still value excellence in small things.

I am sure not all cashiers like doing their job, yet they continue to provide outstanding service. Most people say that in order to be good in what you do, you have to love what you do. Although loving your craft is important, it does not excuse us from being mediocre in the things we don't like doing. 

I believe that the latter attitude is essential to being a progressive nation or even at being a successful individual. We have to strive on giving our best not only to achieve a bigger goal but also simply for the sake of maintaining excellence in seemingly small and irrelevant tasks.

3.Humans speak the same language.

I now appreciate the importance and wonder of linguistics more than ever. Foreign language is both isolating and emancipating. It connects people as well as seclude them. When I first came to Japan, I knew zero Japanese words. At first, it was so difficult to interact with people whom I don't share any common language. But after months of staying in an international environment, I discovered something remarkable about people and language.

Language wasn't the only barrier of interaction. My classmates were from different culture. There was certainly a number of observable differences in how we act, talk, and think. Nevertheless, after a couple of months, I realized that I was able to relate and connect to people, even to those who don't speak english well.

It's amazing how God designed us to speak human.

Smiles and laughter are just some of my favorite forms of human language. It's sometimes even more powerful than the content of a spoken message. I never imagined how effective they were in connecting with people. I remember the first few weeks I was struggling with my inept Japanese skills, of how a smile started several friendships and how laughter was enough to sustain an enjoyable conversation.

Out of the fullness of our hearts the mouth speak. Regardless of how different people are or their language, the contents of our heart will always somehow leak outwardly. If we fill our hearts with joy, peace, and love, then people around us will soon start to notice their manifestations.