Day 2

Today was our official first day of class. After a quick orientation, we went on a 3-hour walking tour that focused on Japan’s history and cultural foundations. We learned about the Edo period, a time when society was highly structured and group harmony was deeply valued. This era of isolation helped Japan shape a unique identity—something that still influences daily life today.

The tour also touched on Japan’s post-WWII recovery. After the war, companies often offered lifetime employment to men as part of rebuilding efforts. While that system isn’t as widespread anymore, the emphasis on loyalty and long-term commitment still plays a role in Japanese work culture.

Our guide shared stories about the samurai and their legacy. Although they no longer exist, many of their values—like honor, respect, and hierarchy—still shape modern customs. For example, we learned that if you go out for drinks with a manager, there are specific rules to follow to show respect. It’s small details like these that show how deeply tradition is woven into everyday interactions.

We visited Kanda Myoujin Shrine, where we took part in a cleansing ritual before entering. The shrine was beautiful but the tour guide did tell us that due to earthquakes it is not the original building. He said Kyoto has a lot of original structures so I will probably make a trip over there one day. 

After the tour, I met up with my brother, who’s also visiting Japan. We ended up getting lost on the train system and somehow wound up about 40 minutes north of Tokyo. It took some navigating, but I finally made it back to the hostel around 11:30 PM.