6 Things to Love About Japan

There are many things to love about Japan. From the beautiful temples and castles to the bustling cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Hye Jin, shares 6 things she loves about Japan.

This is a guest post from Hye Jin, the owner and blogger behind Wander with Jin. Her blog is all about Korea – mostly travel guides, life experiences, and as well as Korean drama filming locations. She’s a mom and a part-time multicultural educator teaching Filipino culture to children. Connect with Hye Jin on her Instagram or Facebook.

When I was young, I am fonder of Japan than other countries. Did you know that I’ve heard more about Japan than Korea? That’s why I’ve been dreaming to visit Japan, trying their famous tempura and ramen as well as witnessing their beautiful Sakura. Hopefully one day I am able to visit my first love, Japan. But for now, I will share with you the things that I love about this country. Keep reading, Tomodachi!

Anime

I do love Korean dramas but I grew up with Japanese anime. I still remember Inuyasha – the half-dog-demon and half-human who met a 15-year-old girl named Kagome. Detective Conan is also one of my favorite anime now, the high school student who became a kid when he was forced to take an experimental drug.

I am also a fan of DragonballZ and can’t even remember now how many times I have seen this anime when I was in the Philippines. There are many on the list like One Piece, Naruto, and Hunter X Hunter.

I also love Pikachu, the yellow short, chubby rodent Pokémon which is gaining popularity here in Korea since the collectible stickers came back after how many years.

Lastly, how can forget the cute cat robot Doraemon? I’ve been rushing home after school just to watch Doraemon and Nobita. This was the cutest animation that I have seen and wished to be friends with Doraemon.

Sailor Moon is my number one favorite. If I am not mistaken, I was an elementary student when this animation was aired in my country. My classmates and I used to say those lines “Ako si Sailor Moon tagpagtanggol ng pag-ibig at katarungan, sa ngalan nang kapangyarihan ng buwan, ‘parurusahan kita!” In English, “In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you.” Along with Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura is on my list too.

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty is on the list of things to love about Japan. It is my favorite kawaii stuff. Way back, I used to collect Hello kitty stuff that looks useful to me. I am enough with 2 to 3 dolls the rest are pieces of jewelry, notebooks and pens, a mouse, a keyboard and mouse pad, and many more. Now, I still love Hello Kitty but due to adulting I now prefer minimalism.

Sakura Festival (Cherry Blossoms)

I’m sorry for my ignorance but the truth is Japan was the first country that I have known that has cherry blossoms. After my Japanese boss (when I was working as a freelancer) told me that cherry blossoms were in bloom, I searched the internet for photos and have seen how magnificent it was. Especially the view of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto in cherry blossom season. I also wanted to try their Kimono. I find it cute and unique.

After that day, I was dreaming and hoped to visit Japan someday. Although Korea has cherry blossoms I still want to see how these flowers bloom in Japan. You don’t want to miss these things to love about Japan.

Tempura and Ramen

Tempura and Ramen are my favorite Japanese dish. I have tasted some here but I think the taste and authenticity are better in Japan. Hopefully, one day I able to visit Japan and eat my favorite Japanese foods. The place where I am now is not too far, it’s just the schedule, pandemic and budget are the hindrances.

Politeness and Friendliness

Politeness and friendliness are Japanese traits I love. I used to work as a virtual assistant and data encoder for a Japanese company. There was no language barrier at all because my bosses speak English well.

Even though they always offer the lowest rate when it comes to payment, they are the most considerate and understanding bosses that I’ve worked with in my entire freelancing days. They also send gifts on Christmas and bonuses to show how much they appreciate your hard work. Even my last boss came to visit the Philippines for a vacation.

Cultural Values

I also admire Japanese people with their cultural values. They always give respect to others. They also apply harmony and self-development in their everyday lives.

Sharing is Caring

---

Would you visit Japan? What did you think about these things to love about Japan?

There are so many things I love about Japan aside from what I have mentioned above. Japan has also many beautiful places that I wanted to see. I will consider this list of places in Japan whenever I had the chance to travel there. On top of that, I also wanted to experience their culture and traditions. Lastly, the cute kawaii stuff that you can only see in Japan.

If you also wanted to visit Korea, you can also check my top favorite destinations. And if you are a first-time traveler, here’s a travel guide for you.

What can you add to these things to love about Japan?