Nihon is home.

Do you like manga or anime?

When I was a kid, I enjoyed watching Magic Knight Ray Earth, Doraemon, Mojacko, Ghost Fighter, Slam Dunk, Lupin III, Zenki, Flame of Recca, etc. I watched these Tagalog-dubbed anime, but, I did not become a super anime fan despite having watched all of the above-mentioned animes.

Some people are exposed to anime, manga, and the like, so they were also more exposed to the Japanese language, known as Nihongo. There are others who even pursue a degree in Japanese culture and arts "just because" of their experience in watching anime. When I was in college, I knew of a certain person who really likes J-rock. At first, I did not understand what's the fuss about it, because it's like singing without understanding what you're singing about. I did not get it at all. Sadly, I was too close-minded during those times.

I admit that I do not belong to this kind of "people". But, why did I apply for a scholarship in a place that is unfamiliar to me, with a language that is understandable because it's completely different from my own language?

Coming to Japan, I know I needed to have a connection to its popular and sometimes "quirky" culture.

But I have none...

So, why did I still pursue the scholarship? Well, let me tell you about my first experience visiting Japan in 2017.

In October of 2017, I came to Kobe, Japan to attend and present a paper at an educational conference. I was with 2 co-workers who also presented their research paper. It was a 4-day conference, but we were given the chance to stay here for a couple of days more.

To maximize our experience, what we did was to attend the conference, and during our free time, went to different tourist spots around the Kansai region, particularly in these prefectures: Hyogo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara.

What was unforgettable for me were two places - the Himeji Castle and Nara Park. I was really awestruck at how the Himeji Castle was preserved and taken care of. It's beauty is so calming and comforting for me, like, I can just stay there and look at its beauty. I was also able to climb the very same stairs until the viewdeck on the 7th floor. I heard that the story of Sadako in The Ring movie was inspired by the well that is found in the castle grounds. Creepy, but it was surely interesting.

The second place that was unforgettable for me was Nara, Japan. Although it was raining when we arrive, we were able to enjoy shopping and meeting the deers. The deers are also amazing to see and majestic as they bow down to you and you bow to them as well.

So, when I was interviewed, they asked me why do I want to study in Japan. I think I had an atypical reply. I told them that I lack knowledge in terms of language and also interest in the Japan's pop culture and its history, etc. The main reason why I wanted to stay here is to mesmerize its beauty and meet Japanese people who are known as kind and good-natured. Another important thing that I noted was the feeling of safety and security, that in this place, generally, I will feel safe and cared for even when other people don't know me.

Today, I have counted my 7th month of living in Japan. Surely, sometimes I feel homesick and I miss my loved ones, but whenever I reflect on certain days, I will sometimes pinch myself and say aloud that "I am really here." Who would have thought that in the future I can tell my kids, I've lived in Japan as a scholar of the Japanese government, I've lived in Japan and experience going to different temples to get the stamp (lol), visiting beautiful places, learning Nihongo, and meeting new friends.

Now, I can say, Nihon is home. And when I'm no longer living here, it will always be home to me. :)