Japan Public Health Perspectives

I went on the Public Health Perspectives: Japan education abroad trip. On the trip we visited Tokyo, Hiroshima, Minamata, Fukushima and Ishinomaki. At these places we learned about many major environmental public health events.

I learned that the country that we live in may not always do things the best way possible. There were many great things about Japan and both countries can learn a lot from each other. It was also easier to understand why they do certain things such as wear surgical masks in public. It was nice to see that a student halfway around the world lives relatively the same as the students here which was not what I assumed. One thing I think that we could take from their culture is the respect they show for others especially elders, and the respect they show to the Earth.

I believe I now have a deeper appreciation for thinking and problem solving out of the box. Further it was told that you should not judge by preconceived notions, especially if you don’t have all the facts. I learned that there are so many unfortunate disasters that have happened in the world and there are many things to learn from each of these. I am aware of the peace that we see in our country and I value it much more. I also value the way that our community is very open, excited and expressive when talking about everything we stand for. Finally, I have a greater appreciation for the diversity in our community.

Some of the relationships that I valued the most after visiting Japan are with the University of Tokyo students. We got to attend class with them as well as eat dinner and go to karaoke. Through conversations we got to learn all about a normal student life in Japan and it really wasn’t much different than at Ohio State. They studied and hung out with friends. They also went out and were involved in activities. One interesting difference we discussed was the typical living situation and transportation. Many Japanese students live at home and commute to university on public transportation. I think these differences are minimal and prove how similar things can really be.

One experience that really led to a transformation of my thoughts was visiting Hiroshima and the memorial, peace park and museum. I thought that I would feel weird as an American going to the site of the atomic bomb dropped by Americans. However, they are very accepting of visitors and want to educate others about the effects of the bombing and promote peace throughout the world. These experiences lead me really appreciate that I have not experienced war in my lifetime and makes me want to instill peace around the world. It also is very impressive that the country has little resentment towards America.

After visiting so many devastating circumstances that caused disease that was discovered and understood by out of the box thinking, I think no idea should go undermined and should be explored when trying to solve a problem. Many of the doctors’ findings were not popular ideas. Further many of the victims of one of the diseases we studied, Minamata disease, were severely ostracized by people who didn’t know what was wrong with them. This leads me to be more aware of prejudices especially towards the sick.

I have used this experience for my capstone class. Not only did I make some friends that I will be able to talk about this trip with forever, I also have have a good relationship with a professor who could help in my future. These are two ways that this trip really helped my academic career. I got to further my learning to outside of Columbus and expand my way of learning while exploring new place.

This experience really provided me with a better view of the world. I think it allowed me to explore emotions, opportunities and relationships that I wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise. In the future I hope that I can use all of the things that I have learned in my career especially in problem solving and in having professional relationships.