carpe diem

To fulfill my promise to myself about writing regularly for the blog, here's the story of a year experiencing new life in Japan. 

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Half of 2017 and 2018 have been the greatest ups and downs of my life so far. At some point, that particular period of my life felt like another bubble which coexist with my 'normal' life but shouldn't be mixed up. There were lots of changes, trials and errors, getting to know new people then separated by distance.
It all started in early 2017 when I received an email from my university about exchange application to Kwansei Gakuin University, Nishinomiya. Though I was supposed to be in my final year that moment, I find it interesting and challenging for me to try and see how far can I go through this kind of competition. Considering that I have more or less connection to Japan after my first trip back in 2016, I feel like moving abroad is something I kinda need to escape the identity crisis I experienced at that moment. The good amount of scholarship that will be sufficient for my living cost also added more good reason to go. After a long consideration and whatnot, I ended up applying for the program and chose to take the full year program (Fall-Spring semester, which is 10 months). Great. I could keep my sanity and focus on building networking while also doing a bit of research for my undergraduate thesis, keep every single opportunity tight.
I submitted all the documents needed and waited for nothing to lose. And I was finally able to pass all the documents screening, motivation letter screening, grades, and face-to-face interview and have to be ready for the further process. I was thrilled, before the actual battle begun. April 2017 was the beginning of all the preparation process so I give it all. At the same time, misfortunate conspiracy happened a month away from my departure, that I was rejected for the scholarship with the current condition that I have paid all the pre-program administration so I couldn't step back. That was the down turn. My impulsive and ambitious decision took all the consequences even to the closest people. I have to survive and take responsibilities for what I decide. Escaping reality is never gonna be the best idea. It was just a bridge to get into another trouble and what's left is the option to hustle. So hustle it is. 

One gorgeous side of the campus

Regular view on my walk to school

Orientation week for exchange students

First month of living in Japan was though. I was filled with anxiety of making new friends and also thinking about how I ended up being a bitch for my impulsive mind. The introvert side of my dominating the whole orientation week, so I only managed to befriended with just a few both at school and at the dorm. My routines was walking to school alone, get into classes and stay silent, sleep in the library or reading once in awhile, then go home and lock myself in my bedroom. That was all for two weeks straight. I went out with some Japanese friends on weekends, the rest was just a boring life. By the end of the orientation period, I was able to make one more friend who ended up become my BFF for the whole year. One suck month saved gracefully. I started to gain confidence to get to know people and was able to engage more in class' discussion. That's when people really remember my name and listen to how am I doing that day. We had group breakfast, did stuff together, took day trips, cooked yummy foods, midnight movie marathon, while also managed to do group works in between. All the fun dorm life that I dreamt for has finally came true. 

Friends from EASE 2015, first people I hang out with in Japan

My circle grew a little bigger with these girls

My very first proper hiking to Mount Rokko

Second month went smoothly, thanks to my new BFF! While also thinking about how to get another scholarship and part-time jobs, I was able to enjoy studying so much compare to when I was home. I even got to choose a topic for my undergraduate thesis about minority group in Japan. Super fun. Decision to seize the day and enjoy every moment of it was helped, again, by the universe that I could experience the whole new study atmosphere with student from all over the world. Most classes was an eye-opening, some because of the actual material, some other because of the fruitful discussion with various perspectives. Not only at school, dinner chit-chat at the dorm was very deep and meaningful. We discussed about literally everything, even the most fundamental issue like transcendental matters. Arguments were common, but everyone of us took it easy and be cool afterwards. My miserable life was somehow getting better and better. Though I hadn't been able to control myself for some things like buying food until the third month, but I kinda get my life together. November was a little bit gloomy because it was my first autumn in my life that my feeling was kinda washed away with all the falling leaves. Homesickness started to hit me somedays, especially with Indonesian food craving. But I freaking love being a first-timer for autumn and survive the coldness. Even for me, the weather  was just perfect to walk around everywhere without sweating. I also got to experience the actual halloween, only I wasn't really in the mood to put on fancy costume like other people.

Halloween Party!

Best Christmas Eve dinner. Ever.

December! Fourth month was jolly and full of festivities. With mostly European and American surrounds me, I could feel the Christmas vibes from the beginning of the month and it was warm. Even though Japanese themselves don't particularly celebrate Christmas, people at my dorm made it feels like the real Christmas. Cakes, wines, secret Santa gifts, and many more. It was also my first time to have a proper Christmas Eve dinner and get together. One of the unforgettable moment of my life. Oh yeah, I almost forget to mention that I did celebrate Christmas in Japanese way, which was by pre-ordering KFC bucket and had it for the night after.

Japanese cooking class for school project

School Field trip to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Year changes. Crap! January seems like time was drained so quickly. After the whole festivities, I was bumped with the fact that some people who stayed for one semester started leaving and the dorm got empty. Winter break was coming too so some people went out for couple days. With the limited amount of money that I have, I couldn't get around Japan so much. But luckily after a couple saving months I was able to book a 3-days trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, one of my favorite destination in Japan! That winter break was the first time I experienced snow after forever and it felt sooo nice. I enjoyed every single part of the plan, forgetting all the coldness through my bones. At the end, winter break wasn't that bad because I could get out for a bit, even got to know my friends even better after the trip.

Our regular nights with regular people

Indonesian food night!

February to April was the winter semester period for all one year exchange students. We got busy with another short courses. Nothing was extraordinary since university felt so empty. However,  some good news appeared during that period to. I was so desperate that I couldn't continue my life in Japan because of cash-issue but cupid sent me love in an extraordinary form. After a long wait, I was able to get information about one scholarship that I might get the chance to accept. While preparing for winter semester, I was busy collecting informations about the scholarship also the requirements. Some people involved in that process were the actual angel who helped me despite the phone and text terrors I gave. So it was basically it.

These people made the trip even better!

How to end the semester right: go clubbing

Long story short, I was finally able to get scholarship for my second semester. It was such a relieve to study without having the burden to think about money. Some new students moved in to the dorm and it got packed again finally. I was able to get to know some new students who then became my other good friend, while also hangout with the same folks from the previous semester. Fall and Spring semester felt so different with so many changes that happened in a short time. The people, the season, dorm, and especially my own state of mind got to experience a whole new level. During the second semester I was able to take some classes which were even more useful for my research. I met some people who then became my source of information. I was also able to catch up visiting places I couldn't visit the semester before. I could see cherry blossoms in real life, even did the picnic as typical Japanese do during Spring. What was even more special, some natural disasters happened couple times during that period. Typhoon, flood, earthquake and heatwaves happened week after week closer to the end of the semester. Hence, I managed to see all the good and bad of life so I should be grateful for everything.

Our favorite Sensei!

Casual drinking night with Mabuchi Sensei (the guy on the right)

Changes and encounters have changed me then. Ten months was not too long, but long enough for me to create a different life pattern than the one I had at home. Special occasions every month were celebrated not in the way I used to do it, but that was a pleasant experience for sure. A lot of people come and go, some I keep in touch with, some acquaintances I keep the networking, the rest was just people I'm grateful to know. Every single experiences and knowledges gave even the littlest perspective and really improve my arguments. It makes me learn how to be less reactive, to think more before I actually say words. Even in the social life among Japanese in the neighborhood, I gained a lot of insights that are useful for my character building. I might be missing another year of university, but I obviously gained way more than what have lost.

My regular running view

Months and months after, I still miss my exchange life. I would say it there was more laughters even if tears drop in between those laughters. I miss living few steps away from my friend, I miss the beautiful library with comfy chair to sleep, I miss having lunch box by the university lawn, I miss late-night shenanigans and train catch-ups, I miss my usual afternoon run by the riverbanks, I miss Timmy the Turtle, I miss all of it. Japan was, is and always be in my heart.

It was on a winter break that I finally have a little time (and willingness) to romanticize a trip I did to Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. I got a lot of blast because it was my first actual trip outside Kansai area after the whole semester studying abroad and my first decent snow experience which make me overly excited, since the city I lived wasn't snowing so much. I never dreamt about traveling with friends to a complete strange place which I only saw the pictures from Instagram. Never did I really plan about this trip which eventually became one of the best memories I made in Japan. Everything feels pretty surreal and magical.

It was me and five other friends on the bus headed to Kanazawa. It took us 6 hours by a night bus from Osaka to Kanazawa station. Early in the morning we were welcomed by snow falling the whole day. I did expect the snow, but never really think how cold would it be to walk all day under the snow, and I figured out that I will not do it ever again, especially without a proper winter boots. With the basic knowledge of the city and some help from the hostel staff, we started our trip walking (literally) around the city. It wasn't that bad to walk from one place to another since most touristy destination we chose were mostly located in the city centre. We got to see the central traditional market, the charm of Kenroku Garden which were fully covered with snow, warmed up ourselves at 21th Century Museum of Modern Art, and found a little old Japanese town which was kind of dead due to the snowstorm.

The landmark of Kanazawa city JR Station. You can access the city by JR train or bus. For me, I chose night bus from Osaka and got of at the bus stop just beside this train station and it cost me 4,000 yen one way.

Kanazawa Omicho Market is the central and the biggest traditional market in Kanazawa. As the typical Japanese traditional market, you will easily find fresh seafood around that you should try. Any types of fish, scallops, sea urchin, octopus, and many other seafood you can find starting from 500 yen. One speciality from the market is surprisingly oden, a kind of steamed seafood skewers which is very warm and nice to eat during winter. You can get each piece for around 200 yen.



Kenroku Garden is one most recommended place to visit for the charm it has in every season. So if you plan to visit Kanazawa anytime soon, don't need to worry if the garden won't be as good as it is in a different season. The garden is located in the centre of the city, right beside the castle so it is not really hard to find.

To be able to get into the garden, you are required to pay for around 330 yen and walk around this part.

From my personal observation towards Japanese, museums and art museums are a thing if you are traveling to other cities. They have such an attachment to educate themselves while spending their leisure time. No wonder 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is very famous, also for its iconic 'underwater' exhibition room. As can be predicted from its name, this museum exhibits mostly modern art 2Ds and 3Ds, and always changed every 3-4 months.

Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art costs me around 800 yen to get inside and explore  some part of the exhibition. We should pay more for other special exhibition. If you don't want to pay, you can still enjoy few installation outside the museum.

With a little exhaustion left from the first day, we went to Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture to spend the day exploring the area. We took a day bus which take us there after nearly 2 hours drive. Thanks to the heavy snow from the previous day, we got to see the best view of the traditional Japanese folk house made of wood and straw with a little breeze but no snow which makes it even more perfect, even if we couldn't get to the observatory deck. The whole village was just white and beautiful, but slippery too. Regardless, we still did a little hike to see the view from atop and it was kinda worth it. For me personally, it was the best moment I had in my life so far because I've been dreaming to visit this place for a very long time and it finally happened.

There are many other alternatives to reach Shirakawa-go. I paid 1,750 yen one way for the bus from Kanazawa. You can also go from Takayama or rather stay overnight in Shirakawa-go itself.

Last day was sunny and a little warmer that we went to the old town district or known as Higashi Chaya District with those Japanese old style building and lots of shrines. Also, we went to small local brewery across the street which I recommend to enjoy a chill day in the city. We wrapped up the trip by going to an onsen inside APA hotel, just beside Kanazawa station. 

Kanazawa Oriental Brewing. They serve varieties of tap beer from stouts to IPAs. My personal preference was the IPA because it wasn't too stiff yet not too plain either. It costs me 700 yen per glass, normal price to get a glass of craft beer in Japan.

After all, what I love the most from the city is that the less touristy and quiet atmosphere that makes it very comfortable to enjoy. We don't have to struggle a lot to take pictures without being photobombed (despite the fact that I was too excited on the first day and my phone screen broke). You can also find many accommodation options from cheap bunk-bed hostels to the fancy five-starred hotel. For me, I stayed in Blue Hour hostel, 6 minutes walk from the station, and I paid for 2,500 yen per night which is very decent for the cleanliness and hospitality. If I was given a second chance to visit Kanazawa, I would visit the samurai house which used to be the real samurai house in the past time.  Nonetheless, I would say that Kanazawa is my most favorite city in Japan, so far. 

Is it the same or is there any other sun which will shine on the other day? As far as I know, there is only one sun exist in the solar system, but somehow it brings different colors and vibes everyday. It's been the 15th day of 2018 and my 5th month of living temporarily in Japan. A lot of life-changing experiences happened during these past few months which were exciting and draining at the same time. It feels like the hell of a ride, sometimes, but I do enjoy it eventually. Everything changes very quickly that I vaguely remember every single details of it, it just happened one day and a complete different thing happened on the other day.

In this stage of life, I started to reckon how many changes I made and how far do I grow to be a person, whether every decision I made for the past years has its significance towards my future goals. I do make plans in life, but I feel like 2017 was actually far beyond my planning, not even in my imagination, especially the living in Japan part. I never expected to live my own life, not yet. I was supposed to struggle with my bachelor thesis, do a lot of research and write a bunch of shit so that I can graduate as soon as possible. Well, impulsive decisions make you a little more alive, somehow and I realized that decisions you make every day will guide you to a different stage of your life, whether or not you expect it to be. My ambition to come to Japan as an exchange student give me a longer time to finally realize what I really want to do in the future. I can finalized my targets for the upcoming post-graduation year and details everything I need to prepare for that. Though at some point it became a burden for my parents, some family member and even for myself, I notice that right after I come back to my safe-zone, I knew that I've grown a lot more that I wanted.

Living here, meeting many people teach me how to cherish the moment and make every second of it worthwhile. You have no chance to replay or even rewind the moment. You have rights to choose your priority, which activities you want to do, which people you want to hang out. I realized that I can't just say yes to every options, but I have to decide, be precise and firm to your own stance in order to be attractive and interesting. Meanwhile, I also need to let go of things easily. Don't over impose things beyond your control to be happened because once you don't have access to it, you can't control it. It might just not meant to be yours or not meant to be the part of your experience. Just go with the flow, you are allowed to make targets but just let it be a guidance. Don't overthink to much.

I compare myself to people I met and I realize I need to keep up with them, in terms of hobbies, interest towards one specific things, knowledge, perspective, and fundamental of life. 2018 has to be another turning point of my whole life, determinant to my goals while enjoying the ride without any barriers or expectations. The sun I see today might be the same as the one I saw yesterday and the one I will see tomorrow, but who I am today will be better than who I was then and will be improved tomorrow.

Matsuri 祭り(Japanese word for festival) is one best activity to enjoy Japan every time you have a chance to visit the country. Since I am pretty late for summer festival and not yet into winter festival, I feel glad that my dorm manager invited me to see a festival held in Kishiwada city, Osaka. I found out that this festival is the biggest and the most famous Danjiri Matsuri among other similar festival which held all over Japan. Many people even from other prefecture come to Kishiwada to see the Danjiri from many groups of neighborhood area. Generally, this festival becomes a symbol of gratitude from the people towards the Shinto Gods as they get blessings through the harvesting season. Several groups of people will gather as one group representing their district and walk along the street while pulling the danjiri or portable shrine which has been build for several years ago with a really huge cost. Every houses in one district should at least appointed one family member to contribute this event,  regardless age and gender. It means that one danjiri group will contained at least 50 people working together to represent their district with pride. I didn't count exactly how many danjiri was at the festival, but I think it was more than 15 groups.

My dorm manager was very excited that some students managed to see this festival with him because he has been participating in this festival for more than 50 times since he was a little boy living in one neighborhood at Kishiwada City. He proudly depicted his hard work when he was assigned to pull the robe, and continuously upgrading his role as he gets older every year, until he could be in the centre possition of the danjiri. Despite the fact that I only saw the practice session of the groups, I felt very lucky because I can get accompanied by a person who was indeed a participant of the festival. Moreover, my friends and I could freely move all around the city because there were less people there. So we could see the attraction from several different spot, which was amazing. I don't think I can experience such thing if I went there by myself. However, the fact that it was just a practice didn't undermine people's excitement to came over and watch the whole session from 1 pm to 5 pm that day. 

To see people really hustling in order to make the danjiri move astonished me that much. I can really see the value of hard work of Japanese people through this festival. I mean, come on, no one will condemn you when you don't want to participate into this event. Then people were still able to be involve into the festival and let themselves became super exhausted after the whole festival finished. People's participation also proves that Japanese people have a high community-based society. Most of them, not to be stereotyping some people who don't, are really attached into their community and willing to give any kinds of participation to increase the neighborhood's pride. I saw some students, young adults, grandfathers, moms with their babies, even the district leader participating into this festival and make sure that every component of the festival works well. Some people even challenge their defiance by standing, jumping and dancing on top of the danjiri while it was being pulled along the road. It was beyond crazy and dangerous but they let it be. Danjiri festival is also cost expensive, from the making process to the execution, even the post-event when some accident unfortunately happened, for instance a danjiri crashed the electricity pole of crashed someone's house whereupon the district should pay for the penalty. 

As I came to Japan not just merely as an exchange student (or traveller to be exact :P), I also have additional responsibility to complete at least my thesis proposal in order to graduate on time. That's why I am very delighted and grateful at the same time because I can literally observe the cultural and social value from Japanese people, which then processed as their common identity. One other good point to be highlighted is no matter how old and smart you are, if you don't contribute even just a single drop of your sweat to the society, it will definitely means nothing.