Many changes have occurred in Japan after the big earthquake here this year, also known as the “2011 Tohoku Earthquake” or as the “Great East Japan Earthquake”. Because I came here a month after it happened I was very concerned if Tokyo would be very different and unsafe. I thought that my study abroad experience would not be the same and that I would not be able to gain the full experience; however, I was wrong. My study abroad experience was amazing, even though traumatic events occurred here.

Although I had a wonderful study abroad, there were some noticeable changes. When I first arrived at Narita airport not all of the lights were on, so they could save energy. Also, because it was May when I arrived it was not too cold, but it was not too hot so they did not need to use the air conditioning. When it started to get really humid and hot many places did not have the air conditioning on very high. At school we have to keep the air conditioning on at 28 degrees Celsius to save energy. Every around Japan there are signs that tell us to save energy.

After the big earthquake, everyone knew the word ‘setsuden’, which means to save energy. This is a very useful word to know when you come to Japan, so try to remember it before you get here! We are constantly reminded to save energy, even at the dorms. I really recommend everyone to try to save energy even though Japan is not our home country, but since you are living in Japan for awhile it becomes your second home.
You can always have fun, no matter where you are, but the times you struggle, overcome, and help others become your strongest memories. Maybe if you are every free in your spare time you can try to volunteer in Tohoku and help the people there who suffered the most from the earthquake. Even just helping for a few days would make a huge difference for the people there.
Hachioji was not too affected by the earthquake, but there are times where it is apparent that there was an earthquake. Let’s do our best to help the Japanese, and the world!

While you are on study abroad you are not only able to study the language, but you are also able to travel and understand the country’s culture. At Soka University of Japan there are many opportunities to go on trips planned through them. The International Center coordinates these trips specifically for the study abroad students.
If you want to travel, I definitely recommend going on some of trips planned by the University because they have an itinerary planned and they take you to many places that you probably would not be able to go if you went on your own. Also, it is much cheaper to travel through them.
Some of the places that were offered this semester while I was here was a trip to Yokohama and Tokyo Disneyland. It is a little difficult to find out about these trips because the teachers do not tell you; therefore, if you are interested on going on these trips ask the staff at the international center. They can help you with any question you have.

If you plan on going on the trip tell the international center staff and they will give you a form that you need to fill out. Also, you need to pay for the trip, but to do that you need to go to A building. A building is in the middle of campus and to purchase your trip ticket you use the machines on the left side once you enter on the first floor. On the form it should tell you which buttons you need to push, otherwise it would be very confusing. After you purchase your ticket you must bring it back to the international center and hand it to the staff. This reserves your spot for the trip.
The trip to Yokohama was 2,000 yen, which included: transportation, a boat ride, a drink, and a snack. If you were to go on your own all of this would probably cost more than 3,000 yen. You will definitely save money if you go on trips planned by the international center.
Here is what our trip consisted of when I went to Yokohama: We took a van from Soka University of Japan and first went to China town. We were given three hours to shop and see many things in China Town. We had to purchase our own lunch there. Afterwards, we all walked over to Soka Peace Memorial Hall and toured the museum. Then, we took a boat and we were able to see many different parts of Yokohama. The last two to three hours we were given free time in downtown Yokohama. There is a large shopping mall, a mini theme park, and some street performers.

Depending on how much you want to spend, I would recommend bringing about 10,000 yen on the trip for gifts, food, and shopping. There are many shops for gifts and clothes.
One point that is not too great about going on the trips with Soka University of Japan is that I felt like we did not have enough time. They would give us a few hours in each location; however, it still was not enough. We were in Yokohama for about 5 ½ hours in total, which went by so fast because there are so many things to do. But, because I went with them I now know where visit in Yokohama and what do. Thus, if I plan on going to visit the city again I will have some knowledge of the location, which is a big benefit.
The other trip, Tokyo Disneyland, I was not able to go on because I went traveling. However, I know that it was only 5,000 yen with Soka University of Japan and tickets normally cost 6,000 yen. The trip with Soka University of Japan also includes transportation, so you would save a lot of money.
If you have the opportunity I highly recommend going on trips through Soka University. Not only do you save money, but you get to meet other people from your program. This allows you to create friendships outside of the classroom, with people from different countries who you might have not normally talked to!