Misconceptions
I came to Japan with an open mind. Of course I’d researched the culture – both sides, good and bad (and plenty in-between) – and what to expect, but didn’t dwell on any of it too long, wanting to form my own opinions when I got here. I’ve discovered that my greatest misconception has nothing to do with Japan, but with me. Being told I’d be paid for 30 work hours per week, I envisioned having more time than I knew what to do with – time to start writing again, to draw, read and TRAVEL. I imagined staring out my window and contemplating the meaning of life while rain lavished the adjacent rice paddy. I imagined asceticism and simplicity. In my desire to lead a simpler life I was a bit overeager, I guess, and failed to realize that Japan is just as, if not more, materialistic than the US, and that 30 paid work hours do not equal 30 working hours. I go in to work around noon and typically don’t get home until 10 PM. My ‘break’ hours are spent frantically preparing lessons. I went in early today to try and gain a foothold on my sanity, but instead, the manager asked me to give a private lesson. It was a conversational lesson (we talked about art mostly), so it didn’t require any preparation, but it pushed me even further into the chaotic whirlwind I can’t seem to escape. That’s not to say I’m not partially responsible for my own lack of time. (When have I ever used my time wisely?) Like now, for instance: I wanted to do some reading tonight, but instead I’m writing this post. By the way, this is my tenth post. (Ten is my lucky number.) Thank you for reading my ramblings.
I really do want to read a bit tonight, so I’ll wrap this up. Here are two pictures that represent the rift between my expectations of and the reality of Japan.
Japan imagined (courtesy of Webshots).
Japan realized (taken in Omiya).
