What it's like to study abroad in Japan: from tranquil mountains to colour coordinated train platforms

I studied illustration at the|University of Brighton where there are only two exchange programs to America or Japan, so I thought the chances of me going on either were slim. However, by some small miracle I was chosen to participate in the 6 month long exchange to Nagoya University of Arts in Japan.

Nagoya is an industrial city about 4 hours south of Tokyo and 2 hours from Kyoto. There aren't many reasons to visit as a tourist, but the city became my home and I loved it. There are many stereotypes surrounding Japanese culture and daily life, which I feel are far too narrow for the many ways of living I experienced. I was living in the suburbs of the city, which gave me more insight into how the locals live. Before arriving, I expected everything to be chaotic, neon and K-pop but I was greeted instead by a tranquility and patience that was almost serene.

There are mountains running through the centre of Japan that you can see from most places, which appear purple in the horizon. This seemed to add to the sense of calm that pervades outside the city center. There are also allotments everywhere - from in between houses to beside electricity pylons, they can seemingly be found in any available space with a wizened older person working in it. Everyone I met was extremely polite and gentle, and would go out of their way to help if found myself lost or in need of assistance. I think this is a result of their strong “hosting” culture; for example, I was taken to dinner by my landlords and to karaoke by students who barely knew me.

As I studied Spatial Design, all my subjects were practical and I found the language barrier was less of an issue. Their design education is largely craft based and I found all the traditional techniques amazing. In my experience it was rare to hear the locals speak fluent English (especially among the older generations), but I was made to feel like a valid member of all my classes. Everyone was very interested in what I had to contribute, even if I barley spoke a word of Japanese!

The transport in Japan is excellent, particularly the trains stations which use colour coordinated platforms. The only thing I found difficult was navigating them - most were connected to enormous shopping centres, so finding my way out was the most difficult part of my journey! I managed to travel around the rest of Japan quite frequently, which was amazing, albeit expensive due to the high price of the bullet train for residents. Luckily there are also very efficient buses and local trains which are more cost-effective, and still get you around. Tokyo is absolutely huge and there is such a variety of things to see there that you can spend an entire week exploring the city.

There is a lot of really amazing food to eat; everything in the university canteen was made fresh to order. The sushi at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo was the best I have ever tasted. I also found a few strange interpretations of Western food which were hilarious to try.

I loved my time in Japan; it has so much more to offer than just Shibuya Station crossing. I would recommend anyone to study there if they get the chance.

Georgia Cottington graduated in 2016 from Brighton University where she studied illustration.