Natural disasters are incredibly common in Japan. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods are all a significant part of the country due to its geographical location and climate. While we learned of Japan’s preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis, one area that truly fascinated me during my time in Japan was the country’s approach to flood prevention. Flooding is a serious concern in many parts of Japan, especially during the rainy season and typhoon months. We learned in lectures that the combination of dense urban development, low-lying areas, and heavy rainfall can quickly lead to devastating outcomes. During our stay in Tokyo, we had the opportunity to visit a water intake facility that plays a major role in the city’s flood management system. What we learned there gave me a whole new appreciation for the scale and sophistication of Japan’s infrastructure. 

Our visit to the water intake facility began with demonstrations that helped us visualize how quickly flooding can occur and how overwhelming it can be when not managed properly. Seeing simulations of heavy rainfall and rising water levels made it easier to understand just how rapidly water can accumulate in urban areas. Equally fascinating were the models that showed how the system diverts water away from high-risk zones. These visual presentations were engaging and informative, but nothing could compare to actually seeing the system in person. The most impactful part of the visit was when we were taken forty meters underground to explore the massive tunnels where flood water is diverted. We had just learned about the size and scale of these tunnels, but nothing prepared me for what it felt like to stand inside them. I was dumfounded by the magnitude of these tunnels. This hands-on experience allowed me to grasp the immense effort Japan puts into disaster preparedness. I was grateful that it hadn’t rained that day, which meant we were able to safely enter the tunnels. Had there been rainfall, the tunnels would have been off-limits due to their real-time flood management functions. 

Visiting the flood prevention facility was not only educational but sincerely impressive. It was a reminder of how essential infrastructure is in protecting communities from natural disasters such as flooding. It was fascinating to learn how Japan has engineered infrastructures to better protect their communities from natural disasters. A monumental takeaway from my time in Japan was that their predisposition to natural disasters was significantly combatted by these measures.

One of the most exciting and memorable parts of being in Japan was without a doubt the different types of food. Food is a vital part of any culture as it reflects integral parts of history and tradition. Trying new foods was more than just a fun experience, it was a meaningful way to connect with the culture and communities we encountered. 

From the start of the trip, I made it a personal goal to try a little bit of everything. When we were offered a traditional Japanese breakfast, I made sure to sample every dish, even the ones that seemed unfamiliar or intimidating at first. Miso soup, grilled fish, natto (fermented soybeans), and pickled vegetables are very different from the traditional Western breakfasts that I’m used to, but trying each of these dishes was a fascinating introduction into Japanese food and culture. 

During our travel week, I made it a mission to try the signature dish of each city we visited. In Toyama, I had the chance to enjoy fresh fish and sushi. In Hiroshima I was introduced to okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with noodles, cabbage, and egg. And in Sendai, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried gyutan, grilled beef tongue. I was admittedly nervous, but it ended up being one of my favorite meals in Japan. We had it both grilled and in a soup. Alth ough both were delicious, I preferred the meat in the soup. It was tender and flavorful, proving that trying new things can lead to some surprising new favorites. Of all the meals I tried, the one that stands out the most is a Japanese curry we were served during a visit to a nursing home. It was warm, hearty, and reminded me of some of the Indian dishes I grew up eating which I found fascinating as well. That simple yet flavorful curry quickly became one of my go-to meals during the trip, and I now hope to recreate it at home as a way to hold onto that memory. 

One thing I noticed during our meals was that portion sizes in Japan are significantly smaller than in the United States. Yet, I never felt unsatisfied. Japanese meals are nutrient-dense, well-balanced, and leave you feeling comfortably full rather than overly stuffed. I appreciated this change and learned a lot about the culture of eating in Japan.  Exploring Japan through its food taught me not only about the ingredients and flavors that define the cuisine, but also about the values and traditions that were reflected in each meal. 

Okonomiyaki

Gyutan

Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was one of the most impactful and emotionally profound experiences of my trip to Japan. As someone who was taught history in the United States, I thought I understood the history of World War II and the atomic bombings that ultimately led to its end. American school systems teach that the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a tragic but necessary step to force Japan’s surrender and bring World War II to an end. However, walking through the museum and seeing the firsthand accounts from survivors and their loved ones offered a completely different perspective that challenged everything I thought I knew. 

The museum presents a narrative grounded in firsthand accounts, historical documents and artifacts, and the lived experiences of survivors. It carefully and compassionately displays the devastation caused by the bomb. Burned clothing, melted personal items, and photographs of children who never made it home are artifacts that unveiled the devastating consequences of nuclear weaponry. One of the most powerful moments during the visit was hearing from a storyteller whose mother had lived through the bombing. She was filled with emotion as she recounted the trauma, pain, and loss her family endured. It was a stark reminder that history is not just a series of events, but it is lived by real people with names, families, and futures that were forever altered or erased. 

What struck me the most was learning that Japan was already on the verge of surrender before the bombs were dropped. According to the museum, the United States’ decision to use nuclear weapons was driven not only by the desire to end the war but also by a strategic aim to demonstrate military power over the Soviet Union. This perspective was completely absent from the version of history I had been taught in American classrooms. Equally disturbing was learning how the U.S. selected the bombing sites based on the potential for maximum destruction, with little regard for the massive civilian casualties that would occur as a result. The blatant disregard for human life, by choosing targets based on strategic impact rather than minimizing harm, was deeply unsettling. It revealed a level of cruelty that left me feeling sickened and heartbroken. 

After visiting the museum, I was left with a deep sense of sorrow, but also a sense of responsibility. It is easy to accept the version of history we are given, especially when it aligns with what we are taught from a young age. But true understanding requires us to listen to other perspectives, especially those who have lived through the consequences. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum encourages empathy, reflection, and ultimately peace. For these reasons, I believe everyone should visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park if they have the chance.