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While being in Japan, I noticed a major shift in the pace of all the various forms of life around me. Being in the United States often things can feel as if everything is a rush and that there is always another deadline to meet or meals need to be eaten at a certain time and if you fall out of that norm then you are doing something work, this was not my reality in Japan though. Having arrived in Nakano City a few days before the program started, I saw Nakano as a place to be explored with so much to offer. A small city within one of the largest prefectures in the world yet the pace was leisurely and slow. I saw older people on bikes riding around visiting their friends, children walking home from school singing songs, fathers walking with their children to pick up vegetables; my immediate question was “Why is no one in a rush?” I wondered this and found myself often moving faster than many people around me during my first few days in Japan, but it took going out to the countryside to really grasp the concept of taking one’s time and enjoying doing so. A few days after being in Nakano, we decided to head to a villa in Futo, Ito. In Futo, the pace of life seemed to get much slower but somehow every

View from a lookout in Futo of a housing community and the water.

one seemed even happier, so I thought, “why not give it a try.” During my time in Futo, I decided to slow down and take in the greenery that infiltrated every manufactured concrete block, and it helped me to recognize the intention of doing so. Futo was not slow and green just because, but it was a reflection of the local community’s relationship with nature. They decided to live in harmony with nature and their quality of life shifted as well. Not only were people in Futo happier but they moved at a different pace with a smile of gratitude on their face. Upon staying in the harmony of all that Futo is, we decided to head back into Tokyo for the program to start but what I did not realize is that I had not simply run into isolated incidents of solitude, but that Japan was a place of

Deer on Miyajima with spiritual leaders as they are leaving the temple for the day.

beauty and nature inspired serenity. Throughout the program we went to many different locations and many communities across Japan. Every time we stopped at a new place, I noticed a new flower and found myself asking Noda Sensei and Ibaraki Sensei what kind of tree we were standing under as I had never observed such beauty in nature so close. A highlight of the trip for me was visiting the island of Miyajima and observing the harmony created between animals, humans and nature. Upon landing in Miyajima, we were met with deer who were so relaxed even around the bustle of tourists coming in and out, spiritual leaders’ prayers and the waves of the beach washing ashore. I found this to be beautiful because I felt that the deer had to have a trust in the people who lived there to not harm them but also for nature to continue to provide for them. The deer would go up

Deer sunbathing under a tree near the water.

to all kinds of people in search for food but would also be found sleeping in a patch along the water. The pace of the deer blended with the natural beauty of Miyajima reminded me much of Nakano and Futo and the relationships that the residents of those places shared with the built environments around them. This harmony of man with nature is something that I have only observed in Japan, and I found it to be very beautiful as it called me to not only question my lost relationship with nature in America but also the ways to build one anew in a foreign land.

The Okawa elementary school disaster was as a result of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan but specifically Ishinomaki prefecture very aggressively. The strength of the tsunami and presence of a close river delta caused flooding of the nearby elementary school resulting in the death of 74 students and teachers. Visting Okawa elementary school will be an experience that sticks with me for the rest of my life not only because of the disaster that took place but because of how preventable this disaster was. It showed the importance of having proper protocol and also giving students

Pictured: Okawa Elementary School play area from the place of elevation.

the ability to explore their autonomy in certain situations. It also poses an important question of “how obedient should school children be when faced with an emergency?” Knowing that many students ran up the hill but were called back down by the head of the school it is only painful to think about what could have happened if they only disobeyed and stayed up there to give themselves a chance. These were the thoughts that raced through my mind as I listened to our speaker who lost his daughter in this disaster. He took us to where she was found holding onto her fellow classmates in a bit to escape the high flooding waters but was not able to make it to safety. As we walked around the site, I couldn’t stop myself from looking back and imagining what the young students had to have

Pictured: Speaker guide in front of Okawa Elementary School 

been going through in those moments and how a lack of action costs all of them their lives. Seeing the preserved remnants of Okawa elementary school with chalk still on the chalk board, papers still hung up on the walls and the lost echoes of children’s laughs on the playground; it was hard to feel anything but sadness. Another striking reality that set in at Okawa was that many of the students

that lost their lives that day would be similar in age to myself and fellow classmates visiting the site. I think Okawa stands a testament to why preventative measures need to be put in place for natural disasters as it is grave public health risk if they are not and will only cost more lives with inaction. I am very grateful to our speaker for sharing his story amidst the pain of the realities of what occurred that day for he and his family at Okawa elementary

Pictured: Children’s recess toys that were found in the rubble of the disaster.

school and I wish peace to all of the victims of the disaster. I hope that as people continue to visit Okawa, they are able to take away the grave importance of proper disaster prevention and listening to one’s community no matter how big or small the voice may be.

One of the biggest worries I had before going to Japan was the food. Even though I’d heard amazing things about Japanese cuisine, I was still nervous mainly because I eat halal, and I knew pork is a major part of the cuisine. After spending three weeks in Japan, I can confidently say that worry was unnecessary. I found myself constantly eating and trying new foods especially snacks. I found it amazing how clean and organized every food place was, from small food stalls to restaurants. I recognize and appreciate how unique every restaurant was, you can feel how much effort and energy is put into it.

A couple of classmates and I visited 2 food markets once at the beginning of the trip and once at the end. First, we explored Tsukiji Fish Market before the program officially started. We got a small taste of what the food scene was like. I tried food I never thought I would, like squid and raw tuna. At the end of the trip I visited Kyoto and explored Nishiki market to indulge one more time before heading home.

Food Stall at Tsukiji Market

One reason I was worried about the food in Japan was due to the fact that I eat halal which includes not eating food with pork or gelation. I was aware that pork is a main cuisine and was worried about my options. Despite this there was quite a number of halal food spots that I was able to take advantage of. I visited a few and they turned out to be my favorite spots throughout the trip. Even though I still had to check labels and ask question about ingredients especially at convenience stores I never felt like I was missing out. During my stay I even tried Malaysian and Thai food which I’d never had before.

Trying Halal Wagyu Ramen

Halal Wagyu Ramen

Something I noticed was that each city we visited had a dish that they were known or famous for, something that was a specialty to that city. In Hiroshima it was Okinamiyaki which is a pancake like dish layered with noodles, eggs, cabbage and additional toppings. In Sendai it was grilled beef tongue. In Kyoto it was matcha. Although Kyoto is said to be the matcha capital of the world, matcha was something I had in every city we visited. While we had the opportunity to try a variety of food i’d say my favorite Japanese foods that I tried had to be Japanese curry and for desert Daifuku.

One of the biggest highlights of my trip to Japan was the new friendships I made, not just with classmates from OSU, but also with students from the Japanese universities we visited. I especially loved the university visits as they gave us a chance to interact with local students and to participate in a culture exchange. We visited three universities during the program, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Azabu University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture.

First dinner with students from Tokyo University of Technology and Agrictulture

Before the first visit, I was really nervous especially when I found out we’d be meeting over 20 students. Within ten minutes of the first meeting my nerves faded. Everyone from the students to the staff was extremely welcoming. We started with icebreaker games that helped us all get comfortable and eased us into conversing with the students. Although our time at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology was short, it was extremely memorable and left a strong first impression.

Meiji Shrine Visit

We next visited Azabu University which we spent the most time and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. I really enjoyed this one we did several activities and lectures. After we did practice presentations the students from Azabu had also prepared presentation of their own for us. Each presentation focused on different topics like from Azabu university cheer squad called the Samurai boys, to Japanese cuisine, and wild animals in japan and more. Through lectures we learned about the meat industry, diseases in fish and even dissected a fish which was a first for me. You could really see the effort they put into making us feel welcome and giving us an opportunity to learn. Outside of the classroom, some Azabu students took time to show us around. Through them, I experienced karaoke for the first time and visited Meiji Shrine with a few classmates.

Our final university visit was to Tokyo University of Agriculture. Although we didn’t spend as much time there, I found impactful. We attended a presentation on trees and the relationship between nature and health. I didn’t expect to be as interested as I was, but learning about the therapeutic benefits of nature and how it connects to well-being left me with some things to think about Career wise. Even though the program was short, all the activities helped bring our group closer together and allowed us to connect with one another. The friendships and connections I made during this experience are ones I’ll truly cherish.

Japanese food is really unique and full of variety, and trying it was definitely an experience I won’t forget. While I didn’t love everything I tasted, it gave me a new appreciation for how much effort and tradition go into the cuisine. One dish I didn’t enjoy was this raw crab I tried—it had a strange texture and a really strong flavor that just didn’t sit right with me. I know that raw seafood is a big part of Japanese food culture, and a lot of people enjoy it for its freshness and taste, but it just wasn’t for me. Still, I’m glad I tried it because it helped me step out of my comfort zone and experience something different.

On the flip side, I absolutely loved the sushi. It was fresh, flavorful, and carefully prepared. Whether it was a simple piece of salmon nigiri or a roll with spicy tuna and avocado, every bite felt balanced and satisfying. You could tell that a lot of skill went into making it, and it really opened my eyes to how sushi is about more than just raw fish—it’s about the texture of the rice, the freshness of the ingredients, and even how it’s presented. I can see why sushi is such a popular dish around the world.

Another dish that stood out to me was ramen. I had a bowl with a savory pork broth, soft-boiled egg, slices of pork, and perfectly chewy noodles. It was the kind of meal that feels comforting and filling without being too heavy. I didn’t realize how many types of ramen there are and how each one has its own unique flavor and style. It made me want to try more and learn about the differences between them.

What I found most interesting about Japanese food overall was the attention to detail. Every dish, even the ones I didn’t like, was clearly made with care. Even though I didn’t enjoy everything I tried, I really respect the culture behind it. I’m definitely excited to explore more Japanese food in the future—and maybe even give that raw crab another chance. Japanese food is really unique and full of variety, and trying it was definitely an experience I won’t forget. While I didn’t love everything I tasted, it gave me a new appreciation for how much effort and tradition goes into the cuisine. I’m glad I tried it because it helped me step out of my comfort zone and experience something different.

Visiting Hiroshima was one of the most moving and eye-opening experiences I’ve had so far. As a college student, I’ve read about World War II and the atomic bomb in history classes, but actually being there made everything feel so much more real. Walking through the city, knowing what had happened there almost 80 years ago, gave me a sense of heaviness I wasn’t expecting. The most powerful part of the trip was visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and exploring the Peace Memorial Park nearby. It wasn’t just educational—it was emotional, personal, and something I think everyone should experience at least once.

Inside the museum, the exhibits were intense and often heartbreaking. There were photos, burned clothes, melted objects, and personal stories from the victims. One section showed the belongings of children who were at school when the bomb dropped, and seeing their names and faces made it all hit even harder. What stood out to me was how the museum didn’t feel like it was trying to blame anyone. Instead, it focused on the devastating impact of the bomb and the importance of peace. There were also explanations about the history leading up to the bombing and what life was like in Hiroshima before and after the attack. The part that stuck with me the most was reading the handwritten letters and diaries of survivors. It made me realize how recent this history really is, and how many people are still affected by it.

After the museum, I walked through the Peace Memorial Park, which was calm and beautiful in a way that made it hard to imagine the destruction that once took place there. I visited several monuments, like the Children’s Peace Monument, where thousands of paper cranes had been placed as symbols of peace and remembrance. Learning about Sadako Sasaki and her story made the monument even more meaningful. I also saw the Atomic Bomb Dome, which has been left standing as a reminder of what happened. It was haunting, but also powerful in its symbolism of survival and resilience.

Overall, visiting Hiroshima changed the way I think about war, peace, and history. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a lesson in empathy and the importance of remembering the past so we don’t repeat it. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for life and a stronger belief in the need for peace in the world.

Visiting the site of Okawa Elementary School was one of the most emotional and sobering experiences I’ve ever had. Before going, I had read about the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, but standing there in person made the tragedy feel much more real. The school building, partially preserved in its damaged state, serves as a haunting reminder of how quickly life can change. It’s hard to believe that a place meant to be safe and full of learning became the site of such devastating loss.

The most heartbreaking part was learning about the students and teachers who were lost. Out of 108 students, 74 died, along with 10 teachers and staff. It was painful to hear how they had time to evacuate, but confusion and miscommunication led them to make the wrong decision. Instead of heading to higher ground, they stayed near the river, and the tsunami hit. There are markers around the area showing how high the water reached, and seeing those in person was overwhelming. It made me think about how fragile and unpredictable nature can be, and how even prepared communities can suffer unimaginable tragedy.

Walking through the site, I felt a deep sense of sadness, but also a strong respect for the families who chose to preserve the school as a memorial. The silence around the area was heavy. There were flowers and paper cranes left behind, and I saw messages from visitors all over the world. It was clear that this wasn’t just a place of loss. I was especially moved by the efforts of the parents who pushed for the truth to be acknowledged and for the site to be preserved so others could learn from what happened.

What struck me most was how much the community still lives with the impact of that day. The memorials, the stories, and the emotions are all still present, even over a decade later. Visiting Okawa Elementary made me think about how we remember disasters—not just in numbers or headlines, but in individual lives and stories. It reminded me how important it is to listen, to learn, and to care. This visit didn’t just teach me about a tragedy. And I think that’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time. Seeing the remains of the school also made me reflect on how disaster education and emergency planning are critical, especially in schools. It raised questions for me about responsibility, communication, and how decisions are made in high-pressure situations. The visit not only touched my emotions but also challenged my thinking in unexpected ways.

Our day started bright and early at 7:30 am when we got on our bus and headed over to Kadanowaki Elementary School. After about an hour’s bus ride we arrived, and when I looked up at the building, I was shocked. The building was in the state it was left in after the tsunami, with windows ripped out and pieces of the cement missing. While the outside of the building was in bad condition, the inside of the building was a true shock. Being able to see all the damage that occurred within the school in the exact condition it was left in was truly eye opening. The tsunami caused a fire so we saw a completely devastated school. Burnt chalkboards, desks with only the metal left, debris completely covering the floor, and even a children’s scooter. After our tour through the school ruins, we were given a tour of their exhibition hall and were able to hear stories of the student’s and teacher’s escape to safety. Luckily, everyone in this elementary school was able to evacuate to the mountains behind for safety. 

Remains of one of the classrooms. 

We then left Kadonowaki Elementary School and headed over to the Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital where we learned about their disaster preparedness and how they help those in need during these environmental disasters, which was very informative. After our time at the hospital, we headed over to Okawa Elementary School.

We took a bus into a hilly area near a river, where we arrived at Okawa Elementary School. When we got off the bus, we were immediately greeted by the storyteller, who had lost his daughter to the tsunami at Okawa Elementary school. The building was also preserved as it was after the tsunami, with a bridge crumbled to the ground and ceilings and walls ripped apart and left in ruin. Seeing the way the tsunami destroyed the building was emotional, but hearing firsthand the storyteller’s story about searching for his daughter in the ruins was truly devastating. He stated that their evacuation plan was flawed, leading to the death of 74 students and 10 teachers. It was heartbreaking hearing how when he was finally able to reach the school and search for his daughter, he found students left in their last moments holding hands and hugging each other and eventually, he found his daughter among the rubble. In the memorial hall we were able to see some of the student’s belongings and a clock that was stuck at 3:37pm, the exact time the tsunami hit the school. 

 Being the same age as some of the students in 2011 made me extremely emotional because I couldn’t imagine going through what they did at such a young age or what they were thinking and how afraid they were in their last moments. My time at Okawa Elementary School was also especially eye opening seeing how close they were to safety on the hill behind their school. This experience really highlighted the importance of proper disaster preparedness because all of the students and teachers could have been safe if they had properly prepared for this disaster.

Belongings of one of the students who was lost to the tsunami.

The cuisine throughout Japan is unique and incredibly diverse, from different fruits and vegetables to beef tongue, squid sushi and chicken gizzard, and I had the opportunity to try all of it. I think one way to truly appreciate a culture and learn more about it is to try all the different foods they have to offer, which is why I made sure to have an open mind and to try everything I could. 

On my second day in Japan, before our program started, a few other group members and I decided to go to Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. I was amazed as we walked through the streets of the market. Each street was filled with storefronts that had all kinds of snacks: crab, fresh sashimi, wagyu and kobe beef, unagi skewers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and daifuku lined each street. At our last stop at the market, we decided to try daifuku. I ate one that was filled with pastry cream and had a fresh strawberry on top and Olivia tried one with red bean paste filling. This daifuku was fantastic. The mochi had a chewy texture, the pastry cream was perfectly sweet, and the strawberry was as if it was picked straight off the vine and placed on the daifuku. In fact, these daifuku were so good that immediately after eating them, Olivia and I hopped right back in line and got another one to share. 

Olivia and my daifuku at Tsukiji Fish Market.

Another meal I had in Japan that I will never forget were the shumai shrimp and pork dumplings and a pork bao bun I had in the basement of a department store near Shinjuku station. One day after we finished our program activities, we were looking for somewhere to eat. Noda Sensei told us that the basement floor of the department store connected to the train station had a whole food hall with different gourmet food, grocery items, and sweets. A few group members and I decided we were going to go and the second we stepped inside, I was in awe. There were so many kiosks filled with picture perfect desserts, people making fresh dumplings, fresh fish and meat, and fruits and vegetables that were so perfect I almost thought they were fake. I almost couldn’t choose where to get food from, but when I saw a line out the door for the dumpling kiosk, I knew I had to try them. We ordered a pork bao bun and shrimp and pork shumai dumplings. The pork bao bun was light and fluffy with the perfect amount of flavorful pork inside. The best part of the meal was by far the shrimp and pork dumplings. Although the shumai dumplings were small, they were packed with flavor and were truly some of the best dumplings I’ve ever had. 

An expensive delicacy, a perfect mango.

With much of Japan’s population being comprised of citizens over the age of 50 there is not only a big push to increase the birthrate of the country, but a new issue has arisen. The rising challenge is how to provide jobs and care for a rapidly aging population. During our trip we visited the Grundtvig in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture which provides in-home long-term for residents with a focus of ensuring independence and a life of normalcy.

Pictured: Fujisawa Prefecture from Grundtvig patio.

I had never seen an innovation like Grundtvig to battle such an issue. As we explored the grounds, we came to learn that many of the residents living there had various disabilities related to aging but were met with care that encouraged a continued quality of life through community. Grundtvig achieved this by having it be a live and work community for younger Japanese citizens where they would care for the older patients and in return receive compensation. Not only does this help both the long-term residents of the community but it also helps to provide affordable housing for the younger

Presentation on Grundtvig and in home care model.

population as well. Another net benefit is the increase in community that is established between the two generations living and working with each other. When visiting one of the caretakers shared a story with us about a resident who had recently passed but how she had created an extremely close bond with the young man and his child and how they mourned her loss not only because she was a resident there but because she became a friend and even more importantly, family. For many of these families and residents Grundtvig became more than place where one works and helps take care of their neighbor, it has become a home. Our first stop at the site was to a town center where there were spaces for kids to relax and for sweet treats to be purchased by both young and old alike! I got churro and then we walked inside of the processing building which is where all of the claims from the residents for healthcare are processed and taken care of. The interesting thing about this particular building was that it also serviced younger community members whether it be counseling,

View of Mount Fuji from in home care facility at Grundtvig.

health needs or a helping hand, the staff were always on deck to help out in whatever way they could. A little later into the tour we were allowed to go upstairs into a housing unit that saw patients for care. On our way up we were taken aback by the incredible view of Fuji that this particular part of Fujisawa prefecture had. Once we took in the view we headed in where there was a waiting room and also the places where residents can go for a checkup if needed. This lay out was revolutionary as it brought care to the residents instead of the other way around. I enjoyed Grundtvig because I found it to be innovation that I had not seen before and knowing the struggles the older US population has with loneliness, I saw Grundtvig as a first step in the right direction that could possibly utilized here at home one day!