In my study abroad in Japan I was constantly comparing different aspects and culture to that back home in the U.S. One of the biggest differences that I became aware of was that of waste culture and waste management. One of the most prominent things in public spaces is the lack of both litter as well as trash cans. This was strange to me as an American as I believed that a lack of public trash cans would lead to litter being prevalent in spaces such as train stations, this however is not the case. This state of cleanliness of public stations stems from Japanese culture and values of cleanliness. Many Japanese beliefs from Buddhism and Shintoism value and prioritize cleanliness and these values are passed down both in the home and at school. This cleanliness was shocking to me as a foreigner. Nearly every product sold in convenience stores comes wrapped in plastic and as such I would expect waste bins to be made available, however many Japanese citizens are expected to carry their trash until they are back home. This concept was often annoying to our travel group as we desperately searched for trash cans wherever we went. When we did find a trash can we were often met with a confusing and foreign sorting system.

This waste sorting system was difficult to comprehend at first to many in our group as it separated waste into different bins, often separating combustibles, noncombustible, bottles, and cans. We learned more about this waste sorting system and the waste disposal of Japan when we traveled to the Suginami Incineration Plant.

Here we learned how Tokyo stays clean and how waste is managed and dealt with in an efficient manner. We learned and got to witness how waste collection trucks pick up waste and bring it to the plant. From here the waste is collected and later burned in the incinerator. Through various filtration processes this burning does not cause a significant amount of contamination and fumes are cleaned and are prevented from causing odor. The size of this facility was truly impressive as giant claw machines distribute the trash evenly and are used to move the waste to the incinerator. The most impressive aspect of the facility was the electricity generated. Through a generator within the incineration plant electrical energy can be created from the burned trash and this electricity is collected to power the plant. All additional energy is then sold off to power the surrounding neighborhoods.

By viewing the waste management system of Japan I was able to connect how this personal responsibility of waste management affects public health. When individuals are tasked with sorting their own waste in meticulous collection bins you can understand how individual responsibilities are highlighted in Japanese culture and how this can affect many different institutions including business and public health throughout the country.

It was truly interesting to see a waste management system that is so incredible but entirely different than that of the United States.

During the second week of the Japan study abroad trip we had the experience of visiting the city of Hiroshima during a particularly interesting time. While visiting Hiroshima itself was impactful it was especially so as the G7 summit occurred the same time we were visiting. This mix of a historically significant city was heightened as world leaders from around the world gathered to discuss economic and global issues in a cooperative manner. Due to G7, Hiroshima had a different tone as police officers lined every street and security measures were at an all time high. This led to an interesting experience as we were approached by multiple reporters wanting to hear our perspectives as Americans on both the bombing of Hiroshima as well as the presence of the U.S. president in Japan and Hiroshima itself. 

During this trip we were able to explore much of Hiroshima such as historic sites, cultural hubs, museums and monuments, as well as the city streets itself. While physically Hiroshima has moved past the devastation caused, many of the effects can still be felt emotionally and psychologically as those who experienced it are still alive to this day. We had the opportunity to hear some of the accounts and stories in both the Hiroshima museum as well as our privilege of listening to the personal accounts of a story teller. 

During our free time within the city we were able to explore the city and view cultural and historic monuments such as Hiroshima Castle. This castle was fascinating as we learned about the ancient history of Japan and Hiroshima before the modern age.  

The main reason for our trip to Hiroshima was learning more about the city that was affected from the first nuclear bomb. In order to learn about this we explored historical monuments within the city as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This experience allowed us to see the history of World War II and the destruction of war from Hiroshima’s perspective. This was a sobering experience as we read personal accounts of victims and the suffering they endured. Through various written first hand reports we saw the destruction in a new light and saw it as something that happened to real people rather than something that happened in history. 

As well as the museum we listened to the personal account of the bombing by a survivor story teller. Through these personal accounts we learned more about the human perspective of the bombs that would otherwise be impossible to learn from textbooks. We learned about the tragedies of lost loved ones, the personal pain of victims, and the arduous healing process of those who survived. We learned of the pain and guilt of those who survived and how instead of anger and hate, these survivors truly only want a better future where such tragedies never happen again. 

After the museum we had the pleasure of a guided tour of the various monuments of Hiroshima by local high school students. This was very fun and engaging as we communicated with them as well as eating lunch with them. We learned more about them, Japanese pop culture as well as the high school system and universities of Japan. 

This trip and experience to Hiroshima was a truly altering experience as we learned more about a pivotal moment in human history from a different perspective. The city of Hiroshima is truly a beautiful city with a rich and cultured past. This history of the city helped deliver the message that we should learn from past tragedies and continually work towards a better and brighter future.

For my STEP project for the 2023 year I chose to embark on a study abroad trip in Japan. This trip was very impactful for me as it was my first time abroad and my first real experience with a completely different culture. The shock of being in Japan was immediate as the alien culture and environment attacked my senses. While I was unaccustomed to this new experience I began to realize more and more similarities between the deep cultural aspects of Japan and the more familiar aspects of American culture. 

This was an important trip and experience for me to undertake as one can only truly reflect on their own culture and country with the experience and perspective of another. I was quickly able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences when meeting and interacting with the wonderful people and places of Japan. 

In our first 10 days of the trip we were able to interact with and explore Tokyo with the help of Japanese university students from both University of Tokyo and Azabu University. These interactions were wonderful and met with joy and interest among everyone. I immensely thank the students of both universities as they allowed us to see a side of Tokyo and Japan from a native perspective. They showed us how they enjoy their free time and their favorite food spots. They truly made us feel welcome. These students showed us the true side of Japan and Tokyo as they took us to immensely popular and flashy touristy hot spots as well as quiet hole in the wall gems. 

This trip also allowed us to explore some of the health and environmental issues of Japan and gave us perspective on our own health issues within the United States and lessons and solutions we can take from their experiences. We learned and were able to experience both the not so distant history of issues such as the bombing of Hiroshima, the pollution diseases such as Itai-itai and Minamata. We also learned about the more recent and continuous disasters such as earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. 

During this trip we had the ability to see these events from unique perspectives as we toured museums as well as hear personal accounts from storytellers. These personal perspectives offered unique insights that we would not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. Listening to these storytellers was truly impactful as they lent us their insight and experience from dealing with tragedies such as Minamata disease or the bombing of Hiroshima. These storytellers were able to show us these events and explain their experiences living through them or watching family members suffer the effects. Through these personal accounts we were able to learn more about these times than from reading any article or textbook. 

Through various other trips we were able to explore and learn from various facilities and sights that focused on both flood prevention, energy generation, and waste management. These facilities greatly differed from those in the US and allowed us to brainstorm potential solutions for similar problems we face. By engaging and practicing in real simulations we learned how citizens, especially children must prepare for various natural disasters. Living within Japan can be scary when it comes to the threat of earthquakes and tsunamis but by engaging and promoting educational programs, such as the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center, people can learn how to prepare themselves in a fun and engaging way. Such preparation is made evidently necessary as we experienced a minor earthquake early within our trip. 

While it was extremely informative and interesting to learn from these experiences, the most impactful moments of the trip were the ones delving in the rich and storied culture of Japan. We were allowed time to explore Tokyo and used this time to visit historic and cultural sites. By going to these sites such as the island of Miyajima we were able to practice cultural practices in a respectful and real way. By learning the worship practices, as well as the values of practicing Buddhist and Shinto worshippers, the cultural value and traditions of Japan became clearer. Such worship practices bleed into everyday life as values of cleanliness keep the streets of Tokyo free of litter and lessons on a quiet demeanor bring an air of respect on the public subway systems. 

While I was sad to leave Tokyo I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to see the wider countryside and prefectures of Japan. I believe it is important to see many different aspects of a culture and understand regional differences within a culture. 

I am beyond appreciative of this experience to study abroad in Japan and learn both about the differences and similarities within our two cultures but also the issues and solutions of Japan’s public health and safety system and services. This trip has shifted not only my views of the world abroad but also of my views of my own home. I am more appreciative of aspects of my own culture as well as more inquisitive of the challenges and changes that should be made. I have learned an immense deal from this trip and it is one that I would recommend to any student within the public health or adjacent fields. Such a deep understanding can only be acquired from personal and real experience and has shaped personal goals for the future.